Charitable Living

Support the Ronald McDonald House Charities

2007-02-27T17:37:00.000-08:00

Recently, McDonald's has been running a charitable campaign for the Ronald McDonald House Charities. If you don't know, the RMHC provides housing for children and their families when they are seeking medical care for a serious illness in a city that's far away from home. They also furnish Family Rooms in the pediatric wards of hospitals and Care Mobile Units, which provide vaccinations and other preventative care measures.

I'm not sure if the promotion is over or not, but lately, customers have been able to make donations at local McDonald's restuarants. If it's over, you can always Donate Online or Volunteer.

Technorati tags: mcdonald's, charitable giving, charities, ronald mcdonald house charities, charity, giving, compassion, kindness, children, philanthropy, corporate giving

Darfur

2007-02-01T20:20:00.000-08:00

My friend Jordana posted on her MySpace blog about the dire situation in the Darfur region of Sudan. She provides links and inspiration on ways to help the people there. Check it out by clicking here.

Cold Weather Compassion and Knitting for Charity

2007-01-31T20:30:00.000-08:00

As winter settles in, help out the less fortunate by making sure they are warm. Donate blankets, coats and cold weather accessories to your local homeless shelter or rescue mission.

If you're a knitter, check out this list of ways you can knit for charity.

The Fray and Save a Life Campaign

2007-01-22T12:01:00.000-08:00

A little over one year ago, on January 20, 2006, Colin Fahrenkamp, a 19 year old from St. Louis, died in a car accident. His blood alcohol level was above the legal limit.

The last music download on his computer before his death was "How to Save a Life" by the fray. In his memory, Fahrenkamp's family has created a foundation based on the name of the song. The Save a Life Campaign encourages people to have the moral courage to make the right decisions including finding designated drivers and bucklings seatbelts. (Fahrenkamp had his seat belt buckled the night of his death, but it wasn't enough).

For more information, visit SaveALifeCampaign.com

Join Charitable Living's MyBlogLog Community

2007-01-19T19:13:00.000-08:00

We now have a community on MyBlogLog.

It's super easy to sign up. Once you do, join the Charitable Living community.

Charitable News 1-19-06

2007-01-19T15:32:00.000-08:00

NHL Digest is reporting that some retired players are teaming together to raise money for Alzheimer's research.

Club Jade informs us of an auction by Lucasfilm benefiting the AIDS Emergency Fund.

Empathy tells us that Kevin Bacon is putting his six degrees of separation to good use.

Yarn Works encourages knitters to donate creations to charity for auctions and fundraising.

Neatorama highlights The Little Red Wagon Foundation.

Wishes... 8 of them

2007-01-19T09:39:00.000-08:00

10,000 miles. That is a long way; about half-way around the earth. Now imagine riding a bicycle 10,000 miles! Ouch! Paul Sanchez's short film, Solo Ride documents his ride around the US perimeter and his 8 wishes, all for children with learning disabilities and dyslexia.

In 2004, I set out on a 10,000 mile bike ride around the perimeter of the United States to make a difference in the lives of children with dyslexia and learning differences. During my trip, I met 13 children around the country who are chasing their dreams despite their learning differences, and I want every child to have the same opportunity. I have suffered from dyslexia and ADD my entire life, and it held me back for too many years.

One of Paul's wishes is to be on 88 blogs or websites. Have a blog? Help Paul out! Know people on the Oprah show? Help him out even more! He has 8 wishes, and as of today, only one has been granted. Find out more information at: www.8wishes.com!

Link Love

2007-01-18T19:01:00.000-08:00

I work in search engine optimization which means I know a few things about how to get web sites ranked well with search engines like Google.

One of the ways to rank well is to have lots of links to your site.

You can help charity sites out by giving them a link on your blog, MySpace page or other web site. But there's a trick - don't just put the name of the organization as the text that gets highlighted (something my industry calls "anchor text"). Use words that describe that organization.

If it's an educational organization - use the word education. If it's an animal shelter, well, you get the idea.

Harris Teeter's Together in Education (TIE)

2007-01-17T11:58:00.000-08:00

Harris Teeter, like most grocery stores, has a bonus card program that allows customers to save money on select items each week. Their card is called the VIC Card, but there is a charitable option that can accompany it.

VIC customers can link their card up with an educational organization through the Togetherin Education program. Then, each time the VIC Card is used for a Harris Teeter brand product, a small contribution is made to the selected organization, most of which are schools.

Charitable Chocolate

2007-01-11T09:20:00.000-08:00

Looking for a way to celebrate charity & chocolate? Look no further than the Carolina Chocolate Festival over in Morehead City from February 2 - 4, 2007. This year is their 5th annual festival where all proceeds are donated to several Carteret County, NC charities. In the past 4 years they have raised over $120,000!

I don't know about you, but involving chocolate and charity together is just as brilliant, if not more, than movies and charity! If only someone would create a Film, Chocolate, and Charity Festival!

Check out more about the chocolate festival over at: www.carolinachocolatefestival.com!

Volunteer with Special Olympics in the New Year

2007-01-11T09:04:00.000-08:00

Make a difference in 2007 by volunteering for the Special Olympics. This can be as involved as coaching a sport to as laid back as cheering on athletes at sporting events. As the saying goes, every penny counts. With Special Olympics, every minute counts.

For example, here in NC, the Special Olympics of North Carolina is having a Basketball and Cheerleading Tournament in Cabarrus County the weekend of February 23-25, 2007. Volunteers are needed for registration, announcing games, guest services, and a myriad of other tasks.

Of course, the Special Olympics also welcomes donations, and contributing monetarily can have advantages. 2006 Stanley Cup Champions Carolina Hurricanes goalie Cam Ward has teamed up with the the Special Olympics of North Carolina for a campaign called Cam's Champs. There are varying levels of sponsorship, and each one includes Carolina Hurricanes memorabilia.

The most important part of donating is the difference you make in the lives of children who are developmentally challenged. A few minutes of your time or a few dollars from your wallet is all it takes to change a life. Don't put it on your to do list - do it today!

[Disclaimer: The search engine optimization company I work for provides pro bono services to the Special Olympics of North Carolina.]

Other Charitable Blogs

2007-01-08T13:05:00.000-08:00

I've added a new feature to the right-hand side of this blog. I'm developing a list of other blogs related to charitable giving. Check back often for new links. Post your suggestions for charitable Blogs in the comments!

DIY film festival for charity

2007-01-04T13:01:00.000-08:00

"Being a film geek can help people" is the rallying cry behind The Movie Blog's Films 4 Food Fest. The Ontario-based entertainment blog hosts the festival on January 20th to collect donations for the The Good Shepherd Centre in Hamilton which is a food bank, but also an emergency family shelter. All proceeds donated during the festival go to the centre.

Don't live in Canada? Not a problem! Imagine being the host of your own Film Fest! Yeah, sounds a bit crazy, but almost everyone loves movies, pull out that pretty flat screen TV and invite some friends over, you have the making of your own DIY Film Fest for Charity.

Write for Charitable Living

2007-01-03T17:53:00.000-08:00

I'm opening this blog up to multiple authors. If you're interested in contributing an article to this blog about once a week, then email me at nathania dot heckert at gmail dot com.

Starbucks and Ethos Water

2006-12-29T19:32:00.000-08:00

Quench your thirst and contribute to clean drinking water for others by purchasing Ethos Water at Starbucks. Starbucks is known for incorporating humanitarian aid into their business plan. With Ethos, part of the proceeds will go to a $10 million campaign over the next five years to help bring clean water to those who don't need it.

Diseases caused by dirty drinking water is a leading cause of death among the world's children. Over 1 billion people live without clean drinking water, a basic necessity. Ethos Water and Starbucks are tackling that need with a water for water concept.

Product (RED)

2006-12-20T12:16:00.000-08:00

The One Campaign has joined with companies to offer a line of products where the proceeds go to fight AIDS and poverty. At the Product (RED) site, you can buy a cell phone, t-shirt, watch, shoes, and iPod sporting a bright red color. And the best part is, your hip new style will also be benefiting the lives of the less fortunate.

The One Campaign is an organization led by U2 frontman Bono and has been supported by several celebrities including Matt Damon, Kate Bosworth, Steve Buscemi, Brad Pitt, Oprah Winfrey, Alicia Keys, Orland Bloom, Antonio Banderas, George Clooney, and Penelope Cruz.

Company Charity Sponsorships and Employee Volunteerism Programs

2006-12-15T12:53:00.000-08:00

Does your company have a charity they sponsor? If so, you might consider getting involved. You could either make a personal donation to the charity or check with human resources to see if your company allows paid time off for volunteerism. Or if the company offers pro bono services, be sure your professional talents contribute to the cause.

For example, the search engine marketing company I work for has a partnership with the Special Olympics of North Carolina.

Shop Online and Help St. Jude Children's Hospital

2006-12-13T19:02:00.000-08:00

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has an online store which sells a bunch of goodies, many holiday-themed just in time for Christmas and Hanukah.

My favorite are these teddy bears, which are $5 each or 3 for $12. What a deal! And the proceeds go to a great cause.

St. Jude Children's Resesarch Hospital is on the forefront of pediatric medicine. They provide remarkable hope in the face of a scary diagnosis.

Ellen's Small Change Campaign

2006-12-12T07:10:00.000-08:00

The Ellen DeGeneres Show has launched its Small Change Campaign. Simply take your spare change and put it in a Coinstar machine, and select an option that allows you to donate your change to America's Second Harvest.

America's Second Harvest helps the down and out in America with their basic needs. In 2005, there were 37 million people living in poverty in the United States.

Charitable Living's Online Red Kettle

2006-12-09T08:47:00.000-08:00

Charitable Living has signed up a Salvation Army Red Kettle. Instead of standing out in front of a store, however, our kettle is virtual.

The goal for this kettle is $100 and the deadline is December 31st. All proceeds go to the Salvation Army.

Check out Charitable Living's online red kettle here.

Local TV Stations Launch Holiday Donation Drives

2006-12-06T14:41:00.000-08:00

During the Christmas season, many local tv stations partner up with charities and encourage their viewers to donate items such as clothing, food, and money to various organizations. Check out the websites of your local stations for more info on this year's charity campaigns.

Charitable Living is based in the Raleigh, NC. Here are the local TV-sponsored drives going on in the Triangle area.

WRAL teams up with Jiffy Lube and Capital Bank for Coats for the Children.
WTVD is teaming up with Kroger, the Central and Eastern Food Bank of North Carolina and Highland Shopping Center in Fayetteville for the Heart of Carolina Food Drive.
NBC 17 has teamed up with the Streets at Southpoint in Durham where you can find Toys for Tots bins. NBC 17 will also be conducting 17 acts of kindness in an effort to "pay it forward" this Christmas.

Target's Charitable Christmas Tree Ornaments

2006-12-05T16:13:00.000-08:00

Last night, while doing a little Christmas shopping, I came across charity oriented Christmas tree ornaments at Target.

10% of the sale of each ornament goes to the cause represented on the ornament.

The great thing about these ornaments, is that they bring awareness when they are hung on your tree. They also make wonderful gifts. You can purchase these charitable ornaments online or at your local Target store.

Breast Cancer Awareness Ornament

Support Our Troops Ornament (Proceeds go to the Family Literacy Foundation)

Animal Rescue Foundation Cat Ornament

Animal Rescue Foundation - Dog Ornament

Walmart and Toys for Tots

2006-12-04T14:59:00.000-08:00

This one is my favorite charitable thing I've done this season.

Walmart has Toys for Tots bins at their stores. So while you're at Walmart, simply pick up a toy and drop it off at the bin on the way out. The other day I got a cute My Little Pony and placed it in the box.

For more toy drop locations, visit the Toys for Tots website.

Toys for Tots is a charity started by the Marines. While many of our Marines are overseas this season, let them know we appreciate their service by contributing to this charity. Let's step in while they step up for our freedom.

Borders and First Book

2006-11-29T15:26:00.000-08:00

On my way out of Borders today, I noticed a gift wrapping table with a sign saying that the proceeds from gift wrapping go to benefit First Book.

First Book provides children from low income families with their very first book to read and to own. The organization was recently recognized by the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship. I hold the Schwab family in high regard for their dedication to education and the differences in learning. Their endorsement of First Book gives me a lot of confidence in the organization.

By the way, I saw alot of GREAT deals at Borders - and many ideas for Christmas gifts. So go get your shopping done - have someone else do the wrapping - and support education!

The Salvation Army Holiday Kettle Campaign

2006-11-28T20:43:00.000-08:00

The Salvation Army's annual holiday red kettle campaign is in full swing. This one is super simple. When you see the bell ringers with the red kettle and Salvation Army stand in front of your local retailer, just drop some coins and/or bills into the kettle.

You can also donate online directly at www.onlineredkettle.org. Both Walmart and Target are teaming up with The Salvation Army for online donations as well.

The Salvation Army provides social services and disaster relief to those in need. They are on the forefront of fighting poverty and are often among the first to respond to large scale disasters such as Hurricane Katrina and the Indian Ocean Tsunami.

Google Checkout Holiday Promotion

2006-11-27T15:16:00.000-08:00

Google has a new holiday charitable promotion going on at http://www.google.com/checkout/holiday/charity.html. For your first donation of $30 or more to one of the organizations listed, Google will add $10 to that donation.

Donate Carefully

2006-11-26T13:53:00.000-08:00

Before you make a charitable contribution of any kind, make sure that the recipient organization of your donation is reputable.

The Federal Trade Commission has laid out some guidelines for your generous intentions. Check out the tips here: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/tmarkg/charity.htm.

Guidestar is another valuable resource. GuideStar provides financial information about charities. Some of the basic data is available for free, such as 990 forms.

Amazon.com and the Today Show Gift Drive

2006-11-25T15:31:00.000-08:00

On Amazon.com, you can find the Today Show Wish List. The Today Show will be giving the gifts to 200 organizations including the Boys and Girls Clubs. With Amazon, you can easily purchase and have the gifts shipped to the address that the Today Show has provided.

Charitable Weddings

2006-11-18T05:33:00.001-08:00

If you are planning a wedding, you can incorporate charity and compassion into your big day!

Charitable gift registries can be created through JustGive.org, the I Do Foundation and WeddingChannel.com. A portion of the proceeds of gift purchases will be donated to charity.

A wedding favor is a charitable effort on behalf of the bride and groom. You can present your guests with printed tent cards announcing that a gift has been made in honor of the wedding guests.

Why not ask guests to bring a non-perishable food item along with a gift to your wedding? Just make sure you have someone who is in charge of collecting the donations and taking them to the food bank, rescue mission or other charity.

Check out these links for more ideas for charitable weddings:
I Do Foundation
JustGive.org Charitable Weddings
Brides Against Breast Cancer
American Diabetes Foundation Wedding Favors
Wedding Channel article on tips for charitable weddings

Bristol Squibb-Meyer and the National AIDS Fund

2006-11-15T17:16:00.000-08:00

A big shout out to Heather, a friend from my days at Gardner-Webb University, for today's suggestion. Heather has been working at an organization associated with the National AIDS Fund, which is the charitiy featured in this post.

This one is super easy, but the benefits are enormous. All you have to do is go to a web site and click on a virtual candle to light it.

For every candle lit at Light to Unite [ http://www.lighttounite.org ], Bristol Squibb Meyer will donate $1, up to $100,000 to the National AIDS Fund.

I just visited and the number was 8,141.

Normally, I would be very wary of click/donate campaigns, but this one comes from a trusted source. And all it "costs" you is a click!

So go click, and then return here and post a comment about which candle number you were!

Macy's and Rwanda Path to Peace Baskets

2006-11-13T05:24:00.000-08:00

Macy's has teamed up with the Rwanda Path to Peace Project to provide income to women who survived the Rwanda genocide.

These women have been making baskets which are for sale at Macys.com. The income generated from these beautiful, handmade baskets helps provide clean water, food, and other basic needs.

These baskets make a great Christmas present!

Walmart and Children's Miracle Network

2006-11-12T06:24:00.000-08:00

Last night at Walmart, I noticed change buckets for the Children's Miracle Network. They are located at the checkout counter and are about the size of a large tub of butter.

I only had a penny since I use my check card most of the time. Then again if everyone who walks through Walmart's doors gave a penny, that would be great news for the Children's Miracle Network.

But there are other ways to support CMN. If you visit their website, you will find more information about donating. Even purchasing from sponsors such as Blockbuster and FTD can help CMN.

The Children's Miracle Network helps fund medical care, research, and preventative education at children's hospitals.

Operation Christmas Child

2006-11-11T14:41:00.000-08:00

Starting November 13, Samaritan's Purse will begin collecting shoeboxes for their annual Operation Christmas Child.

If you are unfamiliar with this project, it's where people fill shoeboxes with toys and toiletries, and then the boxes are sent to children in third world countries for Christmas.

I've noticed that there are alot of shoe sales going on right now, so it could be fun to go out and buy a new pair of dress shoes or sneakers for the winter and then use the money you saved to buy the items for the box.

I also recommend Target for shopping for the items. They have a great $1 section. I'm not trying to skimp out on third world kids - they have Hello Kitty and Mickey Mouse items in this section, as well as yo-yo's and puzzle games.

Then you can head over to the health and beauty section. Look for the travel items which are also about $1 each and you can buy several to fit in the box.

Also, Target donates $2 million weekly to education efforts. So you are doing alot of good when you buy your Operation Christmas Child items there.

You only have until November 20 to drop off your boxes. To find out a drop off location near you, click here - http://www.samaritanspurse.org/OCC_DropOff_Index.asp?zip=%20&radius=100&OCCPath=1.

Holiday Donation Drives at Starbucks

2006-11-10T18:01:00.000-08:00

Today, while in Starbucks, I noticed that they are having a Holiday School Supply drive. I thought this would be the perfect first entry for this blog.

Charitable Living is all about incorporating compassion on a daily basis. It's about focusing more on what we can give instead of what we can get.

So here's the deal, when you go to Starbucks sometime soon, see if they're having a Holiday donation drive. (I think I've seen stores do toy drives at this time of year as well).

If they are, then there are two easy ways to participate. One is to right then and there, find a grocery store or drug store nearby and get the item they're asking for.

Or, if you're a frequent Starbucks customer, just take your donation the next time you go.

This is such an easy way to make a difference in someone else's life. And you can enjoy a latte or frappuccino while you do it!