Jack Can Really Ring A Bell!

It’s that time of year! The holiday season is in full swing! Entertaining, baking, decorating, shopping…we love it all! And just as synonymous with the holidays as candy canes and Christmas carols, there is the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign. I’m sure that on one of your trips to the shopping mall, you’ve seen a red kettle stationed outside the door. Hopefully you’ve been able to drop in some change or a few dollars to help those in need, given a smile to the frozen, red-nosed volunteer who is cheerfully ringing their bell and been on your merry way. But this year, we’ve all been given the chance to do just a little more!

Your local Salvation Army is looking for volunteers to man their red kettles during the 2012 campaign which kicked off the week before Thanksgiving and runs through December 24^th. Now in its 122nd year, this campaign has an incredible, grassroots history. In 1891, Salvation Army Captain Joseph McFee was distraught because so many poor individuals in San Francisco were going hungry. During the holiday season, he resolved to provide a free Christmas dinner for the destitute and poverty-stricken. He only had one major hurdle to overcome — funding the project. He remembered his days as a sailor in Liverpool, England and at Stage Landing where the boats came in, there was a large, iron kettle called “Simpson’s Pot” into which passers-by tossed a coin or two to help the poor. The next day Captain McFee placed a similar pot at the Oakland Ferry Landing at the foot of Market Street. Beside the pot, he placed a sign that read, “Keep the Pot Boiling.” He soon had the money to see that the needy people were properly fed at Christmas. Today in the U.S., The Salvation Army assists more than four-and-a-half million people during the Thanksgiving and Christmas time periods. Captain McFee’s kettle idea launched a tradition that has spread not only throughout the United States, but all across the world. Kettles are now used in such distant lands as Korea, Japan, Chile and many European countries. Everywhere, public contributions to Salvation Army kettles enable the organization to continue its year-round efforts at helping those who would otherwise be forgotten.

When I heard about this opportunity, we were eager to volunteer. Not only to be a part of the rich history of such a worthy organization but two hours at the mall with my husband and toddler sounded like a great date night to me! From beginning to end, it was one of the easiest, most enjoyable volunteer experiences we’ve had. 

Step 1: Call your local Salvation Army to sign up. The Salvation Army’s website (www.salvationarmyusa.org) can help you find the location closest to you. We called the West Chester Corps (610-696-8746) where Donna Copeland, Program Director, was happy to help assign us a shift. With four red kettle locations in Exton and two in West Chester, it was easy to find a date and time that worked with our schedule. 

Step 2: Show up for your shift. We even received a phone call that morning to confirm our time slot. We arrived a few minutes before we were scheduled to begin, met the friendly volunteer working before us (who volunteers 12 hours a day, all 31 days of the campaign…now that’s dedication!) to hand off the bell, apron and candy canes.

Step 3: Ring the bell. We chose to work at the Exton Mall Food Court which was a very family-friendly place to be. Jack had so much fun entertaining the crowd as he rang the bell and danced around. And when it was toddler break-time, my husband and I took turns keeping watch of the kettle. The two hours went by in a flash. We worked the last slot of the day which made me a little nervous because we had to make sure the kettle was picked up by the staff before we could go home. But right on time, an official Salvation Army van pulled up and in swat team fashion, the staff members jumped out and quickly broke down our station and we were ready to head home. 

And now for the question you’ve been wanting to ask the entire time you’ve been reading our blog (and the question almost every single person we met during our bell ringing experience asked us)…weren’t we cold?!?! Of course! It’s winter in PA! And we just happened to choose an evening shift over the Thanksgiving weekend where the high temperature that day was a balmy 40 degrees. But being outside for our short two hours made me think about the over half a million homeless people in the United States who are living in the cold this time of year. And why it’s so important to help organizations like the Salvation Army, especially during the holidays, who are providing things such as shelter, food and the basic needs that so many of us can easily take for granted. So just bundle up, keep a hot beverage of choice in hand and enjoy the warm and fuzzy feeling you’ll get knowing you’re helping provide comfort and hope to those in need. 

(Red Kettle Campaign history provided by the Salvation Army’s website http://www.salvationarmyusa.org)

Jen is a local, organic, stay-at-home mom who is teaching her son Jack the importance of giving back to their community. To read more about Jen and Jack, head over to Fishies of Hope or Jack Gives Back.

Walk 4 Hearing

On Sunday, September 23 at Ridley Creek State Park a Walk4Hearing will be held. Chester County Intermediate Unit has a team that will be walking to honor Adriana Sophia. Adriana Sophia was born with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. She has been wearing hearing aids since four months old and will continue to wear them for the rest of her life. Adriana will need the continued support of therapists, audiologists and medical staff to ensure she can overcome life’s obstacles. We are asking our family and friends to pledge in support of our lovely daughter. Proceeds will go directly to the support staff helping her along the way. Checks can be made payable to the Hearing Loss of America.  Any contribution is welcome.

The Hearing Loss Association of America’s (HLAA) Walk4Hearing is the largest walk of its kind in the country that raises awareness and helps to eradicate the stigma associated with hearing loss. HLAA’s Walk4Hearing is held in multiple cities across the country. Since 2006, over 26,000 walkers have stepped up and helped raise money for programs and services for people with hearing loss and their families. Money raised is shared between the national organization and local Walk sites.

• To make a Tax-Deductible donation or to join Team CCIU and Adriana Sophia, click here.

Why Walk?
Walk because hearing loss is a public health issue in the United States.

• 36 million people have some form of hearing loss
• 26 million have noise-induced hear loss that could be prevented
• 2 to 3 out of every 1,000 children are born deaf or with a hearing loss
• 60 percent of the people with hearing loss are either in the work force or in educational settings

Most of us give little thought to our ears until we have a problem hearing. The sounds go into our ears and up to the brain and we hear. Unlike our eyes, our ears never close. Hearing is effortless. Many people don’t know where to find the information and support they need to overcome the communication obstacles that hearing loss creates.

Walk4Hearing … It’s Fun!
You can register to walk as an individual, to start a team, or join a team at a Walk site near you by clicking here. If you would like to donate to someone who is walking, please click here. To find out how you can sponsor a local Walk site or to start a Walk in your city, go to our contact us page and send us your inquiry.

For more information about HLAA, please visit www.hearingloss.org.

September Is HUNGER ACTION MONTH — Help Philabundance “Fill a Plate, Give a Meal” this Month!

September is Hunger Action Month, and food banks across the country like Philabundance are issuing a call-to-action mobilizing people in the Delaware Valley to participate in the fight against hunger this September through more than 30 different actions and events. Philabundance, the Delaware Valley’s largest hunger relief organization, launches the “Fill a Plate, Give a Meal” campaign to provide meals to families across the region.

The initiative is an effort to mobilize the public to raise awareness of hunger across the country and in the Delaware Valley. Nationwide, close to one in five Americans struggled to afford food so far in 2012 according to Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index survey. Hunger is not just a national problem, close to 900,000 people are at risk of hunger in the Delaware Valley which is why Philabundance in conjunction with Feeding America, the national network of 202 food banks, is asking everyone to participate in Hunger Action Month this September.

Philabundance is preparing to stock the shelves as the winter months approach and utility bills increase, leaving neighbors in need with little money to feeding their families. In addition to utility bills increasing, this summer’s drought will bring higher grocery bills further straining the resources of people in need and making them choose between heating their home or feeding their families. According to the USDA, food prices are predicted to rise 3% to 4% in 2013, due to lingering effects of the drought.

This year, local celebrities are participating in Hunger Action Month by writing their feelings of hunger on empty paper plates. Participants include Tracy Davidson, consumer reporter at NBC 10 and The Ceres Society co-chair, Tony Luke Jr. of Tony Luke’s Cheesesteaks, Preston and Steve of the Preston and Steve Morning Show on 93.3 WMMR, Kelly and Chica from the Sunny Side Up Show on Sprout and Chef Eric Ripert, executive Chef of 10 Arts at the Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia. Banners can be seen on www.Philabundance.org starting September 1.

Philabundance is offering an opportunity to take a daily stand against hunger by providing a “30 ways in 30 Days” calendar guide of easy and impactful ways to fight hunger in the Delaware Valley. Different ways include “following” Philabundance on Twitter or participating in events and activities that help support Philabundance’s mission of getting food into the hands of those who need it most. Philabundance will also be welcoming monetary donations through www.philabundance.org/HungerActionMonth; a $30 donation will provide 60 meals for people in need in the Delaware Valley.

Individuals who want to learn more are invited to visit Philabundance’s website, www.philabundance.org/HungerActionMonth, and check out the “30 Ways in 30 Days” calendar. Some of the events and programs planned this month include:

Paper Plate Advocacy Project– Through September, Philabundance is asking neighbors across the Delaware Valley to write a message about hunger on an empty paper plate and send it in to Philabundance. The plates will then be sent to Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett in Harrisburg. Participants can also post a photo of themselves with their plate to Philabundance’s Facebook page, Facebook.com/Philabundance. Photos will be printed and sent to Harrisburg.

Mail to:

ATTN: Philabundance Paper Plate Advocacy Project

Philabundance

3616 South Galloway Street

Philadelphia, PA 19148

Second Annual Hunger Symposium– On September 13th, Philabundance is holding the second annual Hunger Symposium: Finding Food to Meet the Need, The Challenges of Food Sourcing, sponsored by FMC Corporation at The Hub at the Cira Center. Attendees will join experts from around the country, as well as supporters and professionals in the field of hunger relief in a dialogue surrounding the many challenges facing food banks today, including issues acquiring enough food for people in need. Learn more at http://www.philabundance.org/hungersymposium.

PECO Building Lit for Hunger Action Month- throughout September, the PECO building in Philadelphia will be lit up for Hunger Action Month! Check out the skyline on September 1-3 and again September 23-25.

Harvester of Hope Award– Philabundance will recognize an individual and an organization that go above and beyond in the fight against hunger. The recipients will be recognized at the Hunger Symposium reception at 10 Arts Bistro and Lounge on September 12 th.

Hunger Strike Bike Tour– Johnny Mac’s Chopper House will be touring the Hunger Strike Bike at various Tony Luke’s Cheesesteaks locations throughout September. A $10 raffle ticket will give you a chance to win this custom motorcycle and provide 10 meals for families in need. Tickets can be purchased online at PhillyHungerStrike.com.

10Arts Tasting Menu– 10 Arts Bistro and Lounge in the Ritz-Carlton have a special tasting menu where $1 of the cost directly benefits Philabundance.

Corporate Beet Down– Corporate Beet Down is a year-long competition between companies to sort, pack and volunteer for Philabundance. Winners for the 2011-2012 Beet Down will be announced on September 12, 2012. Visit Philabundance.org now to register for the 2012-2013, Corporate Beet Down competition.

Share the Harvest– Drop-off your extra fruits and veggies through Sept. 22 at designated locations that can be found at www.philabundance.org/ShareTheHarvest.

Shire’s The Great Food Fight Registration– A region wide food drive competition between high schools. Last year, 21 schools participated raising 71 tons of food. Shire Pharmaceuticals awarded $10,000 to Owen J. Roberts High School of Chester County for collecting the most food and awarded Holy Ghost Preparatory School of Bucks County with $5,000 for raising the most pounds of food per student. Email thegreatfoodfight@shire.com for more information.

Throughout Hunger Action Month, participants can visit www.philabundance.org or call 215-339-0900 to learn more about how to help people struggling with hunger in the Delaware Valley. If you, or someone you know is in need of food please call Philabundance’s Food Helpline 800-319-Food (3663).

About Philabundance
Philabundance reduces hunger and food insecurity in the Delaware Valley by providing food access to people in need in partnership with organizations and individuals. Philabundance provides a full plate of services through direct service programs and a network of close to 500 member agencies in 9 counties. Philabundance serves approximately 65,000 people per week at a cost of 50 cents per meal. There are more than 900,000 people in the Delaware Valley who are at risk for chronic hunger and malnutrition. In 2011, Philabundance distributed 21 million pounds of food. For more information about Philabundance, visit www.philabundance.org or call 215-339-0900. Visit us on Facebook, Facebook.com/Philabundance and follow us on Twitter, Twitter.com/Philabundance. If you or someone you know is in need of food assistance, please call Philabundance’s Food Help Line, 800-319-Food (3663).

Soma Bra Dontation – Giving is Beautiful

Donate your new or gently used Bra today!

I’m notorious for hoarding bras that just do not fit anymore. I have bras from 20 lbs ago (in either direction), in between bras during pregnancy, nursing bras.. you name it. My bras that do not fit but are still in my drawer outnumber the ones that I actually wear on a day-to-day basis. Sure, there is reason to hold on to the little black dress bra, or the “I’m not leaving the house for days” bra, but the others? The others can definitely be slimmed down some.

I was completely unaware the “bras are the most needed yet least donated item for women”. Whoa. I always think of those old business suites, or clothes that I just am not fond of any longer as great items to donate, but… bras? They have never crossed my mind really.

So ladies, now is the time to start clearing out that intimate drawer and donating to a great cause by ‘supporting’ women in need. Get those new or gently used bras and bring them to any Soma Intimates boutique between July 7th and August 14th (there is a store finder on the website). You can also mail your donations to the address via the Soma Intimates site.

There is also a fun contest you can enter for a chance to win a $500 gift card.

Several states are impacted by the massive flooding in the south

The news about the current flooding in the South as well as the oil spill along the Gulf Coast is heartbreaking. The flooding has effected several states in the southern part of the US, but Tennessee has been particularly hard hit. In Nashville, news outlets are reporting that 10 deaths are attributed to the storm there and predict that clean-up efforts may take months.

To see what the Red Cross is doing to assist in the storm ravaged southern states, they have compiled this information on their website.

You can also make a donation on this verified page of the American Red Cross’ website.

For a quick and easy way to donate immediately, Text “REDCROSS” to 90999on your phone to donate $10 to flood relief (this is a verified donation method as described on the American Red Cross’ website.)

Even if you can not make a monetary donation, perhaps you would consider volunteering some time or even donating some blood to the American Red Cross so that they can keep their support being funneled where it is most needed.

Do you know of any relief efforts taking place on a local level? Are there any schools, organizations or other groups that may be collecting donations for the people effected by the floods or supplies for the relief workers? Let us know, we’d love to write a post to highlight people who make a difference in the community and give back!