School Supplies

Every year in July, the stores roll out notebooks, backpacks, markers, and all of the other things a young mind needs to learn. Most of us remember how exciting it was to start out a new school year with fresh boxes of crayons and a new lunchbox with the latest Hollywood star. The best thing about this suggestion is that it only takes a backpack filled with under twenty dollars worth of school supplies to get a young person excited about learning.

A quick internet search provided a lot of options.  You can choose whether you want your donation to benefit an individual student or if you want to donate to an entire classroom.  You can also donate your used supplies when you buy new ones.  Many stores even have bins set out to collect supplies.  In Hutchinson, the mall is collecting supplies.  They are collecting supplies for the Salvation Army.

Today the average teacher spends over $350 out of their own pocket on supplies for their classroom.  We all know that teachers can't afford to do this but they see the benefits everyday in their classroom.  The teachers who teach in the lowest socio-economic schools have the lowest classroom budgets and few options for acquiring supplies.  They desperately need help to do their jobs.  If you know a teacher, offer to help.  If you don't know any teachers, there are websites that can connect you to those in need.  One website,  Donors Choose, allows you to peruse the wishlists in teachers of all subjects from across the United States.  Teachers post details about their lessons and include a request for the materials that are required.  Donors Choose collects donations in any amount and keeps track of how much has been collected.  When a teacher hits their goal amount, the supplies are delivered to the classroom.  You choose the amount, it can be as little as $1 if you want to spread your dollars out.  And you choose the recipient.  Those who donate more than fifty dollars receive thank you notes.

I gave because I have a friend who is teaching art at a Navajo Reservation.  When she arrived for her first day, she found out that the art room had no supplies and there was no budget to purchase any.  Imagine an art class where the students only have pencils and paper.  How can you teach about color or texture or any of the other concepts in art?  My friend is one of the most creative teachers I know but even a great teacher is stymied when there are no supplies.  The supplies I sent were not much, but they can offer some variety and give young elementary students the lessons they deserve.

http://www.donorschoose.org/

Donate Your Hair

Why?

People who have cancer or other conditions such as alopecia areata, or burns that cause their hair to fall out often use wigs.  Wigs can be expensive and those made with synthetic hair can look too fake to make the person feel less insecure about their hair loss.  Also, wigs are made for adults and rarely fit children correctly.  Growing out your hair might be something you are doing anyway.  If you are thinking about cutting it, consider donating your hair to someone whose self-esteem will be boosted by your beauty and kindness.

How?

There are many charities that collect hair donations.  Do some research and find out which charities you feel best about giving to.  One of the most prominent is Locks of Love.  The organization was started by a woman whose young daughter suffered from alopecia areata.  Their mission is to provide hairpieces for children under 21 who cannot afford them.  The cost of each hairpiece is determined with a sliding fee based on income.  Their website includes a list of guidelines for hair donations.  You can also download a form and send it to the address provided.  If you want things to be even easier, Locks of Love works with many salons, including Great Clips.

My Experience

My hair had gotten long, down past my chest.  When hair gets that long it requires a lot of maintenance.  I was spending a lot more on shampoo, conditioner, and other hair care products.  It took forever for my hair to dry after showering or swimming.  And I felt that with long hair, there was a limited number of ways that I could style my hair.  When I realized that I was wearing my hair in a ponytail or bun almost everyday, I decided it was time for a shorter hairstyle.  You can cut your hair at home but I wanted to make sure that I loved my hair after it was cut.  It is also easier for a professional to keep track of all of the guidelines for donating your hair.  I found a hairstylist that I really like at the local Great Clips.  I discussed my plan with her and she knew exactly what I wanted.  The stylist brushed my hair into four ponytails.  She gave me one last chance to change my mind and then began cutting.  When she was done I had two ponytails that were about 14 inches long and two that were 11 inches long.  And I felt a lot lighter.  My new hairstyle is a layered bob that is stacked in the back and I love it!!!

http://www.locksoflove.org/donate.html
http://www.greatclips.com/about-us/charities/locks-of-love

Write to a Serviceperson

Today there are 2.1 million Americans serving in the United States military. Many of these dedicated soldiers are serving in remote parts of the world where they are not only cut off from their family and friends, but also from the culture they are defending. This means they do not have access to many of the items we use everyday. It also means that they are more susceptible to homesickness. Although they can be very busy at times, there is also a lot of downtime. The remote areas where soldiers are needed most do not provide entertainment. Your gift can help soldiers relax during their downtime, can provide them with a piece of home, and most importantly, it will let them know that we care about them and appreciate what they do.

Your plan of action should start with determining how you can be of service. If you would just like to donate money, the USO will send a care package if you donate between 15-250 dollars. If you have time to donate, you may want to collect items for a care package or contact your local family readiness group to help them collect and pack items to ship. Do research either by browsing websites such as anysoldier.com or thesoldiersfamily.com to find out what items are most commonly requested by soldiers. Some items that are often requested include personal care items such as body wash, toothbrushes, mouthwash, baby wipes, and travel size laundry soap. Soldiers also appreciate phone cards and blank CDs that can be used to communicate with those back home. Some foods that are requested include Pringles chips and beef jerky. Finally, you can provide warmth to those who brave the element by sending hand and foot warmers.

I met up with a group called Operation Write Home that makes cards to send to soldiers overseas.  I found the group using social media.  There was also an article about their goodwill in a local newspaper.  The group meets once a month and makes seasonal, birthday, and greeting cards.  The group even includes an active service member.  The cards are designed by two of the group members, both of whom have won awards for their creations.  Volunteers cut out the squares and shapes using a die cut machine and piece together replicas of the designs.  Cards are made with paper, ribbons, foam, and other accessories.  The only thing that is not used is glitter because it can be seen with night vision and could endanger a soldier.  It was easy work and very enjoyable to sit and visit with others.

 http://operationwritehome.org/anyhero/

Relay for Life

Why to get involved?
There are several reasons why people get involved with Relay for Life.  Almost everyone involved has been affected by cancer.  Many are survivors who walk with their families and loved ones.  Others are caregivers.  Many more come as part of the grieving process for someone who has lost their battle with cancer.  But let me share my reasons since I am one of the minority at Relay for Life who have not been directly impacted by cancer.  First off, one of my favorite features of Relay for Life is that it is a team event.  No one should go through cancer alone and therefore, no one participates in Relay alone.  Being part of a team is a great way to build friendships with people outside of your usual group of friends.  Another reason that I am involved with Relay for Life is that you raise money throughout the year and at the relay.  Team members are encouraged to be creative about fundraising and to be active in their communities.  And finally, the most important reason I have for participating each year in Relay for Life is that it is a way to support those who have survived cancer, are currently battling cancer, have lost loved ones to cancer, or have been caregivers to someone with cancer.

How can you get involved?
First you will need to form a team.  Anyone can be a team leader but you will need leadership and organizational skills.  Once you have a few members, contact your local Relay for Life committee to let them know that you would like to make a commitment.  You can do this as early as the days following the Relay.  You should be ready with your team at least a month or two before the Relay so you have ample time for fundraising and planning.  The second thing you and your team will do is to find ways to raise money year long.  As I said before, be creative and involve your community.  Research on the internet and talk to others in your area to find out how other teams have raised money.  Ask family, friends, or local businesses to support your team with donations.  Buy a luminaria and decorate it.  Attend the Relay with your team and create or sell food to raise more money.

If you do not have a team, you can still support Relay for Life.  You can serve as a committee member or volunteer your time or other talents on the night of Relay.  There is always a need for people to help organize the event, to entertain those who attend, and to perform tasks.  You can donate money to any of your local teams or directly to the American Cancer Society.  You can buy items sold by teams as part of their fundraising efforts.  You can buy luminaria and decorate them.  And, of course, you should attend the Relay for Life to show your support.

What is the experience like?

When the day of the Relay arrives, teams set up campsites  near the walking track.  This gives team members who are not walking a place to rest and recuperate.  It also creates a social atmosphere.  Teams also sell food and other items at their campsites to those who attend the Relay.  Many teams also have activities such as games and raffles to continue their fundraising efforts.  During the day and early evening, the community is encouraged to come out and enjoy the food and games.  Each relay starts with an opening ceremony that includes the Survivor's Lap.  Seeing those people embrace life and recognizing their struggle is always inspiring.  Each team has at least one member walking the track at all times.  Walking around the track at night and seeing all of the luminaria with their messages of support and love is serene and purposeful.  It is also meant to symbolize the battle that faces those diagnosed with cancer.  The night is long and can become  very dark and lonely.  But our friends and loved ones can provide support and be our light along the path.  In the morning, there is a closing ceremony that includes prayers of thanks.

http://www.relayforlife.org/index