03.02.12
Posted in Giving Back, Rambling at 9:53 am by chrissymunder
Neato: Interfaith LGBTQ Toolkit – Resources to empower Michigan faith groups to strengthen their welcoming, advocacy and service on behalf of people who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ)
WHO SHOULD USE THIS TOOLKIT? Religious leaders, people from LGBTQ communities, and organizational representatives will find this Toolkit useful. It provides a broad range of resources for faith groups who seek to become more inclusive and justice driven, for LGBTQ persons looking for resources, and for organizations interested in partnering with faith groups for social change.
Check it out – it’s more than just a Michigan Resource http://www.uujustice.org/LGBTQ_Toolkit_Final_1-12.pdf
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12.15.11
Posted in Giving Back at 2:23 pm by chrissymunder
What a way to share our blessings. I’m not sure how much coverage this is getting across the States, but here in Michigan the joy is spreading as more and more strangers walk into a Kmart, and ask to pay-off someone else’s layaway.
Click HERE to read more:
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12.06.11
Posted in Giving Back at 3:39 pm by chrissymunder
I recently received a request for a link I shared back in December of 2010. I'm so pleased by this I'm reposting the original post as well as all the links. Many thanks to the person who emailed.
Christmas is almost here and gone for those who celebrate. Following that will be the New Year's gaggle of resolutions. Then it's back to a frigid January and a routine, real life. But there are easy ways to keep your holiday spirit through the next year and beyond. Take advantage of this annual period of reflection and choose just one of the following ideas to keep your family's holiday spirit bright.
Start a charity box. Take one of those empty christmas gift boxes and instead of tossing it to the curb (or, hopefully, recycling) put it under your kitchen table. Now, what to do with it?
– You're out at Walmart and see a sale on packaged underwear and socks? Buy a extra package or two and toss it into your box. Knit gloves/magic stretchy gloves are 0.50 cents? Grab a few pair and toss them in as well.
– You're at the bulk store and buy a multipack of toiletries. Break the pack apart and toss one of the extras into the box.
– Anytime you are shopping and the store has a row of sample/travel sizes buy small versions of toothpaste, antiperspirant, shampoo, powder, soap, etc. and toss them into the box.
– Does your dentist still give out free toothbrushes, floss, and toothpaste? Put them into the box.
– Have travel plans for the new year? Instead of tossing out the sample size products from your hotel when you get home, toss them into the box.
Once a quarter donate the contents of your box to a local women's shelter, homeless shelter, or other charitable organization that suits your nature.
Start your holiday crafts. You've seen my posts before. Can you make one scarf a month starting in January and have 11 to donate by the time next Christmas rolls around? Here are some links to various knit/crochet organizations.
– Lion Brand Yarns Charitable Connection. Just enter your city or state and let the charity registry doing the searching for you.
– The Humble Stitch
– Scarves with a Purpose
– Knit Your Bit Campaign – scarves for veterans
After Christmas Sales are a great source of ridicuously discounted ornaments, toys, and many other items you can donate to local children's hospitals, next year's Toys for Tots programs, or service organizations geared toward families in your local area.
Like to bake? Contact nursing homes in your area. See who will accept home-baked goods and gather your friends and family together once a month in the new year. Bake your favorites and donate them to the elderly. Be sure to include sugar-free options for those with diabetes.
Support the troops Contact your local servicemen and women's organizations and see what drives are active in your area. Care packages, letters, and other items are sent out no matter what time of year.
Your time is truly one of the most precious commodities you have. Find an organization that suits your personality and commit to one day a month of charitable service.
Best of all, enjoy the feeling of connecting with those around you.
These are just some of the ways my friends and family keep the spirit throughout the year. What are some of your family's favorite ways?
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11.30.11
Posted in Giving Back at 11:37 am by chrissymunder
Yes, it’s that time of the year again! I’d like to think we support our favorite charitable causes more than just during the holidays, but sometimes a reminder helps. Today I’m offering up a list of the current volunteer opportunities with Soldiers’ Angels. My goal isn’t to push politics – but to offer examples of how we can assist the men and women of our armed forces, not just with financial donations, but with a little time and hands-on effort.
Volunteers with Soldiers’ Angels participate in the following major teams and projects. To get involved, click a link and read more!
If you are a servicemember, veteran or military family member, click each project for more information or request support here.
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07.12.11
Posted in Giving Back at 1:08 pm by chrissymunder
Soldiers’ Angels are committed to providing Wrapped in Holiday Spirit care packages to every Soldier, Sailor, Airman and Marine deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan.
From the website: "This winter, an estimated 100,000 U.S. military personnel will be serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, in combat environments or in support of combat operations. Some will be have been on multiple deployments–spending yet another Holiday away from the loving arms of family and friends. We want them to know that they are remembered, that we are thinking of them during the winter Holiday Season, and that we are grateful for their service. Since we can’t all wrap our arms around them in person to show how much we love and appreciate them, Soldiers’ Angels needs your help to make sure each one of America’s heroes is Wrapped in Holiday Spirit."
How can you help?
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06.29.11
Posted in Giving Back at 8:42 am by chrissymunder
My initial exposure to the amazing world of Soldiers’ Angels was an invite from a friend to join her sewing team. While there are many different sewing team opportunities listed on the website, I’ve always been partial to the Blankets of Hope Project.
Here’s more info from the website: “The Blankets of Hope team creates unique, handmade blankets to send hope, support and gratitude to America’s wounded and veterans. Used on hospital beds, wheelchairs, and transport litters on medevac flights, Blankets of Hope bring the message that each servicemember is loved and not forgotten. They are included in our First Response Backpacks and Vet Packs sent to Combat Support Hospitals in the war zones, major medical facilities in Germany and around the world, and selected military hospitals and veterans centers here at home.”
Why it matters: “Wounded soldiers are quickly evacuated from the battlefield, leaving behind their clothing, personal equipment, and their brothers in arms. During this time of pain and upheaval, the Blanket of Hope provides warmth and comfort for the wounded soldier. Most importantly, it shows the soldier that someone cares about him and is thinking and praying for him at that very moment. This is very powerful for a wounded hero… the knowledge that someone cares. We are very proud of this project and what it has done for those brave wounded heroes.”
To better understand the impact a simple blanket can make, please visit the website to read comments from recipients.
Unable to sew? Consider a Blanket of Hope kit, where the blanket is already sewn and has a white fabric panel in the middle you can write on or decorate with stencils and fabric pens.
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06.23.11
Posted in Giving Back at 12:14 pm by chrissymunder
Sometimes in life we come across people and organizations that give us an opportunity to become a part of something greater. It’s truly impossible to describe how important my real-life affiliation with Soldiers’ Angels is to me, and over the course of the next few months I’m going to share projects and opportunities from the organization here on the blog to give others a chance to explore easy ways to contribute if interested.
What is Soldiers’ Angels you ask?
Soldiers’ Angels is a volunteer-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit with hundreds of thousands of volunteers providing aid and comfort to the men and women of the United States Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, veterans and their families.
Even several months of blog postings won’t be enough to share all the opportunities for service the group offers. Whether it’s a donation of as little as $5.00, or joining one of the project teams, everyone can find a way to participate.
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