Serve Philadelphia

Now that we're into February, I'm sure many out there have already started to let their resolutions for 2011 lapse. But the city of Philadelphia has something to say about that. In a very well-timed move on the part of the city, ads have started to appear promoting their volunteer database, Serve Philadelphia. This site takes the guess work out of finding volunteer opportunities in Philly and surrounding areas. It has a pretty impressive database of available positions you can sort by organization, category, or title. Each listing has a map, a schedule of hours needed, and full contact info along with the description of what you'd be doing. There's even social media integration in case you want to tweet or facebook an opportunity for your tech-savvy civic-minded friends. Check it out today and consider donating some of your time.

25 Days of Giving: Day 25

And on the 25th Day of Giving, I have no organization to highlight. I merely ask that you try and remember others year-round. Christmas is a great reminder to help our fellow man, and for that reason, it is my favorite time of year. But December isn't the only tough month for those struggling in the world. There will still be those in need of your consideration next week and the week after that.

Thank you SO much to all of you who have read along this month, and hopefully found it in your hearts to participate in some of these great causes. Keep up the good work. And Merry Christmas!

25 Days of Giving: Day 24: Plastic Jungle

The big day is almost here! And if your holiday loot includes gift cards this year, this post is meant for you!
Ever wonder what to do with the gift cards you get that you can't use or those that have just a few dollars left on the balance?  This year, you can donate the remainder of those cards through Plastic Jungle.

Plastic Jungle is a site that specializes in buying gift cards, which you can cash in to buy other gift cards or just receive a cash payout. In addition to this service, Plastic Jungle works with many reputable partner agencies, allowing members to donate their card balances to their favorite charity.

Just enter your info and the balance, then select your charity of choice from a list. Organizations include DonorsChoose.org, Autism Speaks, Boys and Girls Club, and many others. Once you've completed your forms, you print out a free shipping label and send those gift cards in!

Happy shopping!

25 Days of Giving: Day 23: A&E for Change

To help make your resolutions for 2011 even more positive, A&E is introducing the Real Life Change campaign. For every change pledged through their site, A&E will donate $1 to the charity of your choice. You can share your goal or choose from a multiple choice list.

Charities to choose from include Big Brothers Big Sisters; DonorsChoose.org; American Heart Association; American Red Cross; and many more.

Only one pledge will be accepted per person, but share this with your friends and family for a fun way to make your resolutions and give a little back.

http://www.aetv.com/real-life-change/

25 Days of Giving: Day 22: Soup Kitchens

Still not sure what your holiday plans are? Consider spending some time helping to feed the needy at a local soup kitchen. This is a very popular volunteer opportunity around the holidays, but most kitchens need help year-round. While donating food or money to shelters and food banks is a great way to give back, actually meeting and serving the people you're helping is sure to give you a warm and fuzzy feeling.

Depending on where you are, you can find resources of your local soup kitchen sites online. If you're in the Philly area, check out this list by zip codes.

25 Days of Giving: Day 21: Macy's Believe

It's not too late to send a letter to Santa, and help make someone's holiday wishes come true. Through Macy's Believe campaign, for every stamped letter to Santa received, $1 will be donated to the Make A Wish foundation, up to $1 million. Just bring your letter to a Macy's store and drop it off in Santa's Mailbox. If you're a teacher, this is a great classroom activity that can raise money for a great organization.

You can find out more, and even download letter templates, on the Macy's site at http://social.macys.com/believe2010/#/make-a-wish

25 Days of Giving: Day 20: Every Little Bottom

If you're a parent, you certainly know how expensive diapers can be. Babies need an average of 6-10 diapers per day and cost up to $75 per month, according to information from Huggies. Unfortunately,  many new parents are struggling to provide dry clean diapers for their little ones and need your help. A study shows 1 in 3 new moms are forced to choose between basic needs like food or buying diapers.

Just as there are food banks and clothing drives all over the country, there are diaper banks, too! Through Huggies' Every Little Bottom campaign, you can help a family in need of this basic supply. Huggies partners with various organizations nationwide to distribute diapers to those that need them most. And the good news is, you can help. You can donate money, send diapers, donate your Huggies rewards points, or just buy specially marked packages of Huggies. Read their website for more.

http://www.huggies.com/en-US/promotions/everylittlebottom/get-involved