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- One Child's Death Is One Too Many- Preventing Backovers In America's Driveways
Vehicle backover injuries and deaths occur when someone, without a driver's knowledge or awareness, is positioned behind a vehicle as the driver is backing out of a driveway or other parking spot. Most victims of backovers are children and the elderly. To add to the tragedy of backover injuries and deaths, the driver is often a relative or neighbor-or even the mother or father of the victim.
Since most of these heartbreaking incidents occur in private driveways rather than on the road, they are not typically included in traffic-crash fatality data. Therefore, experts often don't agree on the exact number of children and others injured or killed in backover incidents each year. But even one child who dies from a backover incident is one too many. Awareness and understanding of the problem are the first steps toward reducing the risk of backover deaths. - Charity Auction Hits Timely Note For Musicians
Thanks to the efforts of two award-winning musicians and the support of an internationally known maker of fine time-pieces, a symphony of support has been created for the musicians of New Orleans.
Shortly after witnessing the devastation caused in New Orleans by Hurricane Katrina, Harry Connick, Jr. and Branford Marsalis created an organization called the New Orleans Habitat Musicians' Village. - Congress Urged To Aid Notch Babies
Advocates say more than 100 Members of the U.S. House believe the time has come to correct a disparity in Social Security benefits that affects seniors born from 1917 through 1926.
"The Notch Fairness Act" (H.R. 615) introduced by Representative Ralph Hall (TX), is a bipartisan effort to provide "Notch Babies" a $5,000 lump-sum or improved monthly Social Security benefits. The bill is nearing the highest level of support in well over a decade, says one of the nation's largest seniors organizations. - Online Sale Of Alcohol To Teens Worries Experts
Did you know that millions of children are buying alcohol online or know someone else underage who does? In spite of this dangerous new trend, states are moving to increase online wine sales even as they fail to monitor alcohol Web sites to enforce underage drinking laws. That's the word from experts who say a growing number of teens have credit and debit cards that allow them to point, click and drink alcohol ordered anonymously off the Web.
According to the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information, the Internet can act as a type of general store where computer users including teenagers can purchase almost anything-even beer, wine and liquor-without any age verification. - Office Theft: More Common Than Many Think
The good news: Many workers feel quite at home in the office. The bad news: Some of them feel so much at home, they take the office home with them in ways they shouldn't. In fact, 58 percent of office workers have taken office supplies for their personal use, according to a new survey conducted by Harris Interactive and lawyers.com. These people should know they're putting themselves at risk of being fired and of possible legal consequences for taking home company property, even something as small as a stapler or a pen.
Among those who admit to taking office supplies for personal use, the most commonly stolen office supplies include pens/pencils (77 percent), followed by self-adhesive "sticky" notes (44 percent) and paper clips (40 percent). Two percent of workers even take decorations such as plants, paintings and office furniture. - Volunteers Make A Difference In Their Communities
For extraordinary efforts in serving others through volunteerism, 10 middle and high school students from across the country were named America's top 10 youth volunteers for 2006.
Ranging in age from 11 to 18, the National Honorees in The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards received personal awards of $5,000, plus $5,000 grants for the charities of their choice. Among the winners were: - Artist Offers Support For Dialing 2-1-1
In an effort to focus national attention on the need to develop and fund a consistent three-digit information dialing system nationwide, Louisiana-born artist George Rodrigue created and donated an image of his well-known "Blue Dog" mired in red tape. - Honoring The Day By Working For A Better America
There are many positive ways that Americans can remember 9/11, one tragic day that united the nation.
There are potentially as many positive ways as there are Americans and each of the nation's communities can benefit from them. - Cremation: Creating A Meaningful Funeral
The value of a meaningful funeral cannot be underestimated. Funerals give families and friends an opportunity to come together to celebrate a life, to mourn together but also to reflect together as they share memories of a loved one and look back on times spent together. As funeral service offerings become more diverse, sometimes the choices available become overwhelming or come with questions of their own. One of the rising trends within funeral service is cremation, a practice that is by no means new but increasingly popular.
People who are making end-of- life arrangements have a lot of questions, and surveys show that consumers have a lack of information regarding funeral options and planning. There are still a lot of myths surrounding cremation, chief among them that it is an alternative to a funeral service. Cremation is, in and of itself, a means of preparing human remains for final disposition. Choosing cremation in no way suggests that a memorial service, or even a traditional funeral service, can't or shouldn't take place. - Community Service Helps Combat Peer Pressure
Does community service hold the key to combating peer pressure? A new survey suggests there may be a possible relationship between kids' involvement in community service and being less likely to yield to peer pressure.
The survey, commissioned by Start Something, a free character education, volunteer service and career exploration program from Target and the Tiger Woods Foundation, revealed that nearly half (42 percent) of kids who participate in community service never or hardly ever feel uncomfortable due to peer pressure. - Reserving A Day To Improve Lives
How can one person with one idea make a difference in one day? By taking part in the nation's largest day of volunteer service, Make A Difference Day, on October 28.
Held annually on the fourth Saturday in October, the event inspires and celebrates neighbors helping neighbors in communities nationwide. Organized by USA WEEKEND magazine and the Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network, the day encourages anyone-including the young and old, individuals and groups-to participate by carrying out a volunteer project. In 2005, Make A Difference Day recruited more than 3 million volunteers who helped an estimated 20 million people. - Good Works Are Expected Of Today's Corporations
A growing number of America's corporations and consumers think it's important for a company to be a good citizen. Experts say corporate social responsibility is on the rise and is expected to increase, given that today's savvy consumers expect companies to give back to the community-and in ways that go beyond merely cutting a check.
According to a survey conducted by Robert Half Management Resources, 76 percent of chief financial officers polled said that social responsibility programs such as volunteer community service are somewhat or very important to their corporation. Executives are finding that there is more to social corporate responsibility than solely donating money. - Katrina Survivor's Story Inspires Contest
One of the country's oldest luggage and leather goods manufacturers is sponsoring a contest. It's looking for compelling stories of interesting events that consumers have experienced with the company's luggage by their side.
The contest, sponsored by Hartmann, Inc., is called Me & My Hartmann. It was conceived as the result of a letter the company received from a customer who was a survivor of Hurricane Katrina. When word of the hurricane hit, he placed his most important documents in his Hartmann hard-sided attaché. In the days that followed, his home was destroyed but everything in the case survived intact. - Vfw: Remember 9/11
Americans must never forget how mad we got as a nation that Tuesday morning of Sept. 11, 2001.
We got mad when cowards killed 3,000 innocent men, women and children in New York City, the Pentagon, and in a Pennsylvania field. We got mad when we learned that our assailants were the product of a radical, ultra-conservative mixture of religious and political ideology that hates democracy, hates a free economy, hates tolerance, and hates every freedom America represents. And we got mad when we learned that this enemy-an enemy that wears no uniform, flies no flag, owns no territory, and swears allegiance to no country-had the audacity, cunning and resources to attack the United States of America. - Global Volunteer Day Gives Back To Communities
A number of companies have made it their business to help employees give back to their communities.
For instance, since 1995 more than 250,000 volunteers have devoted more than 1.4 million hours to complete over 6,000 projects around the globe as part of a corporate campaign. An additional 34,000 volunteers are expected to join their ranks this year, completing about 900 projects in more than 15 countries. - Survey Finds The Nation's Smoothest Men
An organization of women who say they are fed up with guys with scruffy faces and have resolved to stop shaving until their guys do has named the "scruffiest cities" in the U.S.
Following a survey commissioned by NoScruf.org of the shaving habits of 5,000 men in 25 cities, Houston men were named the nation's "smoothest," averaging 4.81 shaves per week. The top five "smooth" cities were Houston, Indianapolis, Fort Worth, St. Paul and Portland. Houston guys are shaving off 36.5 tons of hair each year-that's the equivalent weight of 216 sumo wrestlers. - Commemorating America's 400th Anniversary
From now through 2007, the United States will recognize one of the most unifying experiences in its history-the commemoration of America's 400th Anniversary. In 1607, English entrepreneurs arrived on the shores of the James River, built a settlement they called Jamestown and laid the foundations of our nation. Jamestown, Virginia, the first permanent English settlement in North America, changed the world. Established 13 years before the Pilgrims founded Plymouth in Massachusetts, Jamestown was the site where democracy, free enterprise and a culturally diverse society first took root in America.
America's 400th Anniversary tells the story of our nation's early days and serves as a reminder of the shared struggles and achievements of many cultures. But it also encourages Americans to appreciate how far our nation has come. The commemorative events of the country's 400th anniversary not only place a spotlight on Virginia and its unique role in history, but also recognize and honor the contributions of the European, Native American and African cultures that first came together at Jamestown in the early 1600s. - "sole" Searching
Have you been "sole" searching for a way to help make a difference during Breast Cancer Awareness Month? Now you can, while wrapping your feet in some fabulous footwear-at half the manufacturer's suggested retail price.
On Wednesday, October 18, QVC will join forces with the Fashion Footwear Association of New York (FFANY) for a charitable shoe sale for breast cancer research and education. - A Foster Care Call To Action
There are many ways Americans improve the future of children in foster care-and many reasons foster children deserve a better chance at a stable life.
Many people often think of children in foster care as the responsibility of the child welfare system or the government, and as children whose future is bleak due to parental failure, but William C. Bell, an expert and national authority on foster care, would like people to think of these vulnerable youth just like they would their own children. - In October, Pink Is The New Black
Autumn arrives, and with it a harvest of rich golds, rusts, crimsons-and pink? During National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, everything from clothing and accessories to favorite foods and household goods takes on shades of pink to raise money for breast cancer research and support services.
"October has become a hugely important time for educating women and rallying support to fight the disease," said Diane Blum, one of the co-founders of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Executive Director of CancerCare®, a national non-profit organization that provides free counseling and support ser-vices to anyone affected by cancer. - Handmade Olive Branch Wreath Is Gift Of Peace And Helps Eliminate U.s. Hunger
This holiday season, a handmade holiday wreath of olive branches helps eradicate hunger in the U.S. The freshly made wreath can hang on the front door as a welcome to friends and family or festively decorate a holiday dinner table. All profits from the wreath sales go to America's Second Harvest-The Nation's Food Bank Network, the largest domestic hunger-relief organization.
To celebrate the giving program's fifth year, Lindsay Olives has returned to the traditional round wreath. Fresh, green olive branches, universally recognized as a symbol of peace, are handwoven together to create a 20-inch wreath. An elegant 12-inch-long gold metal hanger is included, so the wreath can be easily hung on any door. - American Workers Take Steps To Plan For Their Future
Even as America witnesses the erosion of such social and corporate safety nets as Social Security, pension plans and health care, employees are taking a much more active role in selecting and funding their benefits at work.
According to the MetLife Study of Open Enrollment Benefits Trends, nearly half of workers say their company's open enrollment period for benefits brings feelings of responsibility, more so than being overburdened or worried. In fact, roughly half wish open enrollment came more than once a year. - Tips For Effective Charity Giving
Both Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Domestic Violence Awareness Month occur in October every year. To understand these issues, remember the number three: every three minutes, there is a new diagnosis of breast cancer in the U.S., and around the world, one woman in three is the victim of abuse.
Many caring companies raise funds in October and year-round, to help change these statistics but wise consumers want to be sure their money is being used appropriately, so follow these simple guidelines: - Giving Back, With Grace
Two years ago, 10-year-old Grace Farnan's grandmother passed away peacefully while in the loving care of the Hospice of the North Shore (HNS) in Danvers, Mass. To show her gratitude to the hospice and the people who lovingly cared for her grandmother in her final days, Grace became the youngest ever volunteer at HNS.
Grace tirelessly dedicated herself to HNS, starting programs to collect picture frames and create guest books for clients to keep their nearest and dearest close by. To date, Grace has collected more than 225 picture frames and, with the help of her Girl Scout troop, created 500 handmade guest books. - How About A Little Help For Your Hometown Project?
No matter where you live, chances are your community is trying to raise money for a special project. Maybe your local fire department needs additional funds to train volunteers or your town is looking to revamp the local recreation center. Despite the creative ways communities try to finance their neighborhood initiatives, from new computers for the local middle school to a shiny town clock for Main Street, one fact remains: There is always a need for more money.
Occasionally a benefactor steps forward to lend a helping hand. From now until May 31, 2007, the "My Hometown Helper" grant program, sponsored by Hamburger Helper, is offering grants to qualified community groups across America. - Offering Hope During The Holiday Season
The cards you buy this holiday season can offer a gift of hope-by helping to find a cure for children facing a potentially fatal disease.
Harrison Strickler of Richmond, Va., was 6 years old when his parents, Leslie and Al, heard the words, "Your child has leukemia." The diagnosis sent the family reeling. - Immigration Amnesty Could Hurt Retired Americans
Pending "guest worker" immigration amnesty legislation would impose a steep price on both retired and working legal U.S. citizens, warns one of the nation's largest nonpartisan seniors groups.
"Seniors and disabled people could see cuts to their Social Security checks or Cost-Of-Living Adjustments," states Ralph McCutchen, Chairman of TREA Senior Citizens League (TSCL). "Social Security could become insolvent even sooner than expected," he says, "and legal U.S. workers could see a bigger chunk of their paychecks go to pay Social Security taxes." - Project Cuddle Founder Recognized For Efforts
A woman who has saved over 550 infants from being abandoned by their young, frightened mothers is being recognized for her outstanding efforts.
In 1997, Debbe Magnusen saw a news report about an abandoned baby found in her community. As an adoptive and foster parent to many unwanted children, Debbe was incensed that the infant's mother had chosen to simply abandon the baby when she would have gladly taken him in her home. Suddenly it occurred to Debbe that she needed to create a way to let women know they have another option and her organization, called Project Cuddle, was born. Project Cuddle and its toll-free, 24-hour hotline, 1-888-6-Cuddle, have provided hundreds of women with safe, legal and confidential alternatives to abandoning their baby. - How Old Is Too Old To Drive?
Driving has long been a family affair. Be it family road trips, the infamous "backseat driver" in the family or teaching a teen how to drive, driving is a hot topic for families. What's more, families also play an important role in encouraging safe driving practices among their older loved ones.
"Families nationwide are dealing with the sensitive issue of older driver safety," says Elinor Ginzler, AARP's Director of Livable Communities and an authority on older driver safety. "AARP encourages families to talk openly with loved ones about safe driving practices. Older drivers trust the advice of family-be it spouse or children-when it comes to their well-being." - How Old Is Too Old To Drive?
Driving has long been a family affair. Be it family road trips, the infamous "backseat driver" in the family or teaching a teen how to drive, driving is a hot topic for families. What's more, families also play an important role in encouraging safe driving practices among their older loved ones.
"Families nationwide are dealing with the sensitive issue of older driver safety," says Elinor Ginzler, AARP's Director of Livable Communities and an authority on older driver safety. "AARP encourages families to talk openly with loved ones about safe driving practices. Older drivers trust the advice of family-be it spouse or children-when it comes to their well-being." - School Bus Safety Tips
The next time you see a school bus, you may want to give the drivers, operators, manufacturers, administrators, legislators and everyone in the school transportation industry a wave of thanks.
The American School Bus Council, celebrating its 40th anniversary of School Bus Safety Week, is encouraging school transportation officials and administrators across the country to promote the outstanding safety record of school bus transportation nationwide and reinforce important safety tips for parents and schoolchildren. - Charitable Giving Rewarded
Estimated charitable giving reached a record high in the United States with contributions totaling over $248 billion, according to a Giving USA report. Individual giving represents the single largest source of donations, accounting for three-quarters of the total charitable contributions made.
Though cash and checks re-main the most common method of donation, the use of credit and debit cards for charitable donations is growing. This growth is spurred by the increased use of the Internet and e-mail for solicitations and donations, a new generation of donors who have a preference for electronic payments, as well as recently passed charitable tax reforms that will soon require Americans to keep better record of their donations in order to claim them as a tax deduction. - Putting The Fun Back In School Fundraising
Buried under a seemingly insurmountable mountain of wrapping paper? Have more cookies than you could ever eat? Never want to see another chocolate bar again? Sounds like fundraising season.
Every year, thousands of families participate in drives to raise much-needed funds for their schools. And while the money raised is important, many parents dread the amount of time and work required-and the limited return. Plus, many feel uncomfortable repeatedly asking friends to continue supporting their children's activities. A little creativity, however, can make all the difference. Companies like DIRECTV, Target and Staples have low-maintenance programs to help local schools raise money. - Distinguished Americans Selected As Heinz Award Honorees
A New York physician who is working to transform the nation's system of care for the elderly is among five recipients of the 2006 Heinz Awards.
Dr. William Thomas, founder of the Eden Alternative, a program turning antiseptic assisted-living facilities from lonely, hopeless, tedious institutions into vibrant centers of care and companionship, has been selected to receive the $250,000 award in the category of the Human Condition. - Volunteer Manpower Needed To Rebuild Louisiana And Mississippi
Every day, there's a call for help. Be the answer.
When you see the faces of disaster survivors, or hear about the state of the current recovery effort in the Gulf States, it hits you: That could be my family or my house that was destroyed. It's natural to want to do something for them. Now a new service, www.HelpInDisaster.org, can help you direct your energies where they'll do the most good. There are opportunities everywhere, both in the Gulf States to right here in your own community. The service will help you to connect quickly and efficiently with the volunteer opportunity that matches your interests, abilities and schedule. - Gifts That Give To Children Around The World
Since 1949, many have made sending UNICEF greeting cards that benefit children the world over part of their family's holiday tradition.
The greeting cards have helped to support UNICEF's lifesaving work of providing medicine, vaccination, food, education and emergency relief for millions of children around the world. - Cell Phones For Soldiers
Two years ago, 13-year-old Brittany Bergquist of Norwell, Mass., and her 12-year-old brother, Robbie, started Cell Phones for Soldiers to raise money to buy prepaid calling cards for soldiers serving overseas. They opened their first bank account for the program with just $21 from their piggy banks. - Americans With Disabilities Act: Are Your Rights Protected?
comprehensive declaration of equality for people with disabilities, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), was drastically cut back. But Congress has just stepped in with proposed legislation to restore this promise to millions of Americans who have found themselves with no recourse for what was once considered blatant discrimination.
The ADA makes it illegal for employers to fire or refuse to hire someone based on his or her disability, assuming he or she is qualified to do the job. The law also requires transportation systems and businesses such as hotels and restaurants to be usable by persons with disabilities. However, as a result of recent Supreme Court decisions, workers with disabilities that are "correctable" with medication or devices such as prosthetic limbs or hearing aids generally can no longer benefit from this law. - A Concept Ahead Of Its Time
When political activity is at its peak, most people make decisions based on what matters most-their families. It's hard to remember a time before government provided assistance, a time when resources just simply weren't available.
But not long ago, when a father died early in his life, his wife and children were left to fend for themselves. Unless other family members could take them in, these widows and orphans were often thrown into a volatile situation. - Contest Provides Cancer Survivors
Cancer survivors now have a unique opportunity to thank their cancer coach--the spouse, family member or friend who played a crucial role in helping them through the battle--through a contest sponsored by Amgen® Oncology. Cancer patients can nominate their "cancer coach" at www.ChemoCoach.com by completing and submitting a short essay.
Amgen Oncology is supporting the fight against cancer on multiple fronts, including serving as a major sponsor of the College Hoops Classic benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer. The Classic kicks off the college basketball season and teams Amgen Oncology with the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) to raise funds for the American Cancer Society. The Coaches vs. Cancer program, created by the NABC and American Cancer Society, has raised more than $25 million to support cancer patients since its inception in 1993. - Funding For Your Community Association's Big Ideas
As community associations age, the daily wear and tear on public buildings--from exterior facades to interior common areas--can take their toll, leaving properties in need of major capital improvements. While there may be debates about siding material or interior color schemes, the main question for community associations is: "Do we have the funds to pay for this?"
The community association is responsible for overseeing the public areas and common elements of a housing development, as well as the area's overall appearance. Whether you live in a deed-restricted neighborhood, co-op or condo, the community association sets and enforces guidelines for the upkeep of the community. - Taking Time For Health
It's time to fight a disease that the American Cancer Society says kills more than 40,000 women a year. Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women and is second only to lung cancer in fatalities.
Rado, a Swiss watchmaker known for timepieces of exceptional beauty and strength has partnered with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation to help find a cure. The Time To Fight campaign launched nationwide on October 1, 2005 and will continue to support the cause through October 2007 with a special timepiece. - A Sticky Situation
It was a shining moment in cardstacking history when the first-ever suspended house of cards was unveiled at the 2006 World Series of Poker. Loctite Super Glue commissioned the creation of the 400-pound, 12-by-18-foot structure, which attracted the eyes of poker players and card-playing fanatics at the tournament. Its presence could not help but beg the question: What does super glue have to do with playing cards?
When Bryan Berg, the Guinness World Record holder for cardstacking, prepared to create the first permanent card structure from cards, poker chips and dice, the answer was clear. Only with a super glue that provided strength, speed and precise application would Berg be able to complete his re-creation of the "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign by gluing the thin edges of 26,000 playing cards. - Party Etiquette Deciphered: Tips To Survive Any Soiree
No matter the season, there always seems to be a reason to celebrate. In fact, the National Retail Federation estimates that consumers spend over $546 billion planning for different holiday celebrations throughout the year-and that doesn't even include such events as bachelorette parties, football get-togethers and baby showers.
With a plethora of different social gatherings to attend, trying to remember the perfect party etiquette for each occasion can take the fun out of any fiesta. Here are a few hints to help you survive any engagement: - Charities Take Flight
Americans gave more than 260 billion dollars to their favorite causes in one year alone, according to a report by the American Association of Fundraising Counsel-and things continue to look up.
One reason is that churches, schools and charities have found ways to give back to people who give. For instance, a number of not-for-profit groups hold charitable silent auctions. Money raised goes to help a cause, and donors receive items ranging from art to nights on the town. - One Lucky Fan Gets To "rev Up" His Kitchen
It may seem as if cars and kitchens have little in common, but don't tell that to Oliver Baker of White Pigeon, Mich., who just won $50,000 to remodel his kitchen. Baker, an auto-racing fan, who has never won a sweepstakes before, won the Grand Prize in the Sparkle® Paper Towels Rev Up Your Kitchen Sweepstakes.
Baker is the chief of police in White Pigeon, and his fellow officers, on hearing the news of his win, said it couldn't have happened to a nicer guy. Since there are only 1,500 people in White Pigeon, pretty much everyone knows the big news now. Baker is also a huge Jeff Gordon fan, and he attends every race at Michigan International Speedway. - Website Empowers Searchers To Raise Funds For Their Favorite Charities
You can make a difference this holiday season by giving to your favorite charity just by searching the Internet.
This winter, holiday shoppers are expected to spend up to $32 billion online on their holiday gifts, according to a report from Jupiter Research, reporting that the number of shoppers will likely reach 114 million. Between the potential of 114 million holiday shoppers and the 213 million estimated Internet searches that take place a day, consumers can raise thousands of dollars for charities this year! - Volunteer Tips From Hometown Heroes
If you've always wanted to volunteer but don't know where to start, here are some tips inspired by hometown heroes in this year's Volvo for life Awards:
1. Find Your Passion. There are so many worthy causes, but which one is nearest and dearest to you? Are you passionate about the environment? Do you want to help animals or work with kids? When it comes to volunteering, passion equals personal reward. - Bridging The Gap: Foster Children And The Faith-based Community
Two popular biblical sayings, "Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is older, he shall not depart from those ways" and "Honor thy father and mother," found in Proverbs 22:6 and Exodus 20:12 respectively, focus on the importance of child rearing and parent-child relationships. The faith-based community has always encouraged parents to instill morals and values in their children so that they will hold to those teachings as they become adults. In addition, children are warned to show their parents honor and respect. These Scriptures have long served as important principles for many parents and children.
Although these passages have been widely accepted by many parents and children alike, they both assume that parents are in the picture. Now, consider a situation where there are no parents involved...who is there to raise up the child and teach him or her the principles to live the way God desires them to? Who is that child supposed to honor, when there is no one there to respect? For more than 500,000 children across the United States who are in the foster care system as a result of abuse or neglect, they don't have to imagine this because it is their reality. - When Heroes Salute
Each year, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) salutes a man or woman who has made a significant contribution to its mission or to the law enforcement profession as a whole. On October 18, the 2006 Distinguished Service Award was presented to the former President William Jefferson Clinton.
The Distinguished Service Award, the NLEOMF's highest Honor, has been presented in past years to former President George H.W. Bush, former Attorney General Janet Reno, the United States Mint Police and Motorola. - Helping Blinded Vets Of Different Eras Connect
A new program is linking combat veterans of one era with those wounded in more recent conflicts.
The program, called Operation Peer Support, connects combat-blinded veterans of World War II, Korea and Vietnam with newly blinded veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan. - Working Effectively To Find Common Ground
If your community has issues to discuss and is looking for a constructive way to explore them, you may be interested in learning more about a community forum program.
For 25 years, National Issues Forums (NIF), a nonpartisan, nationwide network of locally sponsored public forums, has encouraged people to discuss tough issues and seek common ground. - Honor Dr. King By Serving On His Holiday
The dream Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. had for a better future for all people continues to inspire new generations of Americans.
That is why Congress voted in 1994 to transform the national holiday in Dr. King's honor-which in 2007 takes place on January 15-into a day of community service. - Patient's Birthday Wishes Benefit Shriners Hospitals
Osteogenesis imperfecta are big words, especially for a 6-year-old. But the words are a medical term that Leigh Dittman is not only able to easily say; she knows exactly what it means.
Leigh was registered as a patient at Shriners Hospitals for Children-Tampa before she was even born. Her parents realized their baby would need orthopaedic care when technicians noticed Leigh's legs were shorter than normal during one of Ellen Dittman's sonograms. Doctors were unable to diagnose the problem before Leigh's birth but knew it was orthopaedic-related. Ellen and her husband, David, contacted the Tampa Shriners Hospital. - Banking Program Steps Up To The Plate For Little League
For many young people, participating in Little League is where they learn sportsmanship, teamwork and leadership.
In short, it is where they learn the qualities that can lead to greater accomplishments on the field, in life and in their community. - Sweet'n Low Hits A High Note. International Icon Celebrates 500 Billion Packets!
What is tall enough to scale the Empire State Building 71 million times, weighs more than 91,000 elephants and, if spread out, would cover the surface area of all of New York City? Here's a hint: It's sweet and it's pink. And it can be found on food counters, inside kitchen cupboards and in cups of coffee across the globe. It is Sweet'N Low, and Cumberland Packing Corp., makers of the iconic pink packet, recently celebrated the production of the 500 billionth packet at the company's original facility in Brooklyn, N.Y., the place were it all started.
How many is 500 billion packets of Sweet'N Low, really? Enough to… - Technology To Help Close The Digital Divide
Latinos are the nation's largest minority group, yet relatively few have Internet access: Hispanic households trail white, non-Hispanic households by more than 23 percent. In addition, Hispanics make up 11 percent of the workforce but only represent 3 percent of the science and engineering industry. For those Hispanics who pursue degrees in engineering, math, science and computer science, technology can help to level the playing field and close a 26 percent wage gap among college graduates.
One company, IBM, is committed to sustaining America's competitive advantage and economic security through innovation-driven growth, making building the technology talent pipeline one of its main focus areas. That's why there are programs such as La Familia Technology Week to reach Hispanics in kindergarten through the 12th grade with educational initiatives designed to motivate and inspire students to choose science and technology careers. - Growing Needs Of Veterans Identified
Ingenious ways to honor our troops have been devised by one group of veterans.
They know that veterans are increasingly facing medical problems, unemployment and, in some cases, homelessness, because of shortfalls in the services they were promised when they entered the military. Fortunately, Congress and the federal government can eliminate many of these problems if they implement the recommendations outlined in "Voices for Action: A Focus on the Changing Needs of America's Veterans." - Paying Final Respects: Your Rights When Buying Funeral Goods And Services
When a loved one dies, grieving family members and friends are often confronted with dozens of decisions about the funeral that must be made quickly and often under great emotional stress.
What kind of funeral should it be? What funeral provider should you use? Should you bury or cremate the body, or donate it to science? What are you legally required to buy? What about the availability of environmentally friendly or "green" burials? What other arrangements should you plan? And, practically, how much is it all going to cost? - $6m Investment To Help Rebuild Gulf Coast
A year after Hurricane Katrina ripped through the Gulf Coast, Accor North America is celebrating the reopening of three Motel 6 properties and one Studio 6 property-an important step in revitalizing the region.
"We could not have reopened these properties without having employees who were dedicated to seeing the Gulf Coast area restored, and we were very fortunate that many of our employees were able to return to our hotels," said Lisbeth Ceballos, area manager for Motel 6 in Louisiana and Mississippi. - Gifts That Give Back
If you're having trouble choosing a gift for someone on your list, try getting something for someone else instead.
That's the idea behind charitable giving-or making a gift to charity in someone else's name. It's become an increasingly popular way to celebrate occasions or to just show you care, year-round. - Join The Movement
Every hour, someone is newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. It is the most common neurological disease leading to disability in young adults.
Because MS is an unpredictable disease often hallmarked by its "silent" symptoms, such as severe fatigue or inability to feel your limbs, you probably know someone with MS, whether or not you are aware of that fact. - Foundation Gives Children In Foster Care A New Beginning
For more than half a million children in the U.S. foster care system, the concept of a "forever family" may no longer be just a dream-thanks to a program supported by a popular restaurant chain that, with its customers, is helping them find permanent, loving homes.
Most children enter the foster care system through no fault of their own, often following abuse or neglect. Robert was one of these children-placed in foster care at the age of 5 after he was deserted by his parents. Robert spent two months on his own, looking after his little brother and sister, and over the next five years moved between foster homes, waiting for a loving family. - Major League Baseball Players Go To Bat For Youth
A national charity and the Major League Baseball Players Trust have launched a national youth initiative to inspire and train the next generation of volunteers.
Administered by Volunteers of America and the Major League Baseball Players Trust, the Action Team initiative was created to encourage young people throughout the United States to volunteer in their communities. - National Charity Seeks Volunteers To Lend A Hand
Many people are surprised to learn how rewarding it is to volunteer. Helping others can be a life-changing experience.
There are many opportunities to make a difference. For example, Volunteers of America, a national charity, is encouraging students and corporate and religious groups to volunteer their time to help rebuild New Orleans and the Gulf Coast. - A Simple Thing You Can Do To Help Save Lives
Have you ever wished you could play in the NBA or rub elbows with Bill Gates? What if you could work with them to do something even more amazing, something that could save millions of lives?
The United Nations Foundation recently launched Nothing But Nets (NothingButNets.net), a grassroots campaign to save lives by preventing malaria in Africa. A $10 donation to the campaign goes directly toward the purchase, distribution, and education about the proper use of an insecticide-treated bed net. The National Basketball Association's NBA Cares, Sports Illustrated, The People of the United Methodist Church, the Mark J. Gordon Foundation, VH1, AOL Black Voices, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation have all answered the call to action. - Charity Works To Make Housing Affordable
A national charity is taking steps to make housing in America more affordable by creating new housing communities, preserving existing properties and providing supportive services.
The organization-Volunteers of America-wants to curb the growing number of low-income seniors, families, and people with disabilities who are unable to afford a decent place to live. - Should Illegal Aliens Earn Benefits?
After repeated refusals, the government has finally released the first public copy of a Social Security Totalization Agreement with Mexico.
This agreement has been pending since June of 2004, and could allow millions of Mexican workers and dependents to become entitled to Social Security benefits that include credits for earnings received while working illegally. - Everyday People Eligible To Join Cal Ripken, Jr. In Hall Of Fame
Cal Ripken, Jr. will soon take his place next to baseball legends when he is formally inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame this summer. It's a great honor for Ripken. He is also the first inductee and spokesman for another Hall of Fame. In the Energizer® Keep Going® Hall of Fame, Ripken stands shoulder to shoulder with everyday people who are honored for their unstoppable energy, determination and never-quit attitude. Now the search is on to find the 2007 winner.
Ripken is announcing a nationwide search for everyday people whose attributes and actions best exemplify the same perseverance, determination and a never-quit attitude as the Energizer Bunny®. - Where Your Charitable Giving Goes
When it comes to charities, it seems Americans are all business. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly four out of every five American adults donated money to a nonprofit organization in just one year alone. But how do charities decide where to use donated funds? Here's a closer look:
The World Stage - Serving The Needs Of Blinded Veterans
Since 1945, a unique organization of American veterans has been working to create a brighter future for one another.
Chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1958, the organization represents the interests of blinded veterans before the legislative and executive branches of government at both the federal and local levels. - Cities And Towns Keep America Running
Hometown America is where most of us live, work and play. But how often do any of us stop and think about the services provided by our cities and towns? We usually remember the police who patrol our streets and the fire personnel who keep us safe. But what about the potholes filled every day and the traffic lights repaired so our commutes are smoother; the many tons of garbage and recyclables picked up every week; the clean water that flows into our homes?
The hard work of 3.5 million municipal employees helps make our communities more livable. They are backed up by the efforts of thousands of local elected leaders who are usually on the job 24/7, responding to their constituents not only in town halls but also in their grocery stores, churches or theaters. - Giving Back To Volunteers
More than 61 million Americans volunteered in 2006, according to a recent study by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That represents over a quarter of the adult population.
These volunteers provided billions of hours of valuable service to hospitals, after-hour school programs, parks and other institutions. - Prog
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