give (3)

Holiday Giving

2013-11-01T00:21:00.000-05:00

Now that Halloween is over Thanksgiving and Christmas will be here before you know it. Attached is an article that lists different ways to give over the holiday season. Huffington Post Giving Ideas
If you have any other ideas or ways you plan on giving this year, please share.

Volunteer Iowa

2013-05-27T20:39:00.003-05:00

Lately I have noticed that sometimes it can be difficult to find volunteer opportunities, or after you hear about them it is too late. Recently I stumbled upon a website that provides volunteer information for the entire state of Iowa. using the search function on the website you can search by zip code, and issue/interest. Tonight I searched within 25 miles of my zip code, and found 11 pages of volunteering opportunities. Check out the website here.

Souper Bowl

2013-02-10T22:05:00.000-06:00

Jaime and I are blessed to be a part of a church that makes huge impact in the community, and around the world. Recently our church (Lutheran Church of Hope) had a food drive called Souper bowl food drive. This all took place over Super Bowl weekend. The goal was to fill all the shelves in the Des Moines area food pantries. First it sounded like a ridiculous stretch goal, but the members of the church flooded the grocery stores. We filled the hallways of the church, and filled the shelves of all the local food pantries.

Jaime and I usually do our grocery shopping every Sunday after church. This particular Sunday Pastor Mike urged the congregation to stop by the store, grab a few items, and bring them back before the big game. I stayed at church to helped out with a few things, and expected Jaime to be back within 45 minutes. After about a hour I called to see what was keeping her so long. She said that the grocery store was filled with people from church buying up all the non-parishables. While I was "patiently" waiting for the next 45 minutes, I watched the line of cars dropping off food. Someone from the church mentioned how fun volunteering for the souper bowl drive is, so I decided to sign up the very next day to help sort food. I was assigned to the soup section. My job was to sort through as many cans I possible could within my 2 hour time slot. I was blown away by how many cans of soup there was to sort. Others that were volunteering sorted though other items like pasta, peanut butter, canned fruits and veggies and so on...

After a few days of volunteers sorting through the food they divided up all the items so each of the 46 food pantries received a variety of food items. The total amount of food collected and distributed around the Des Moines area added up to 150,000 pounds of food. It sure is amazing what a group of people can accomplish together.

A New Year.

2013-01-07T16:48:00.001-06:00

Last year around December I Started this blog to come up with new and creative ways to give time, money, or love. Over the year I was able to be involved with a lot of great things, and I met a lot of great people. I started out last year with a bang. I made giving my new years resolution. Last year began with 30 days of charity. Although I was not able to keep the intensity up throughout the entire year, I definitely achieved my goal of becoming more charitable, and finding unique was of giving. This year I did not make a new years resolution.....unless you count this grueling diet that Jaime and I just started today. I still do plan on actively giving this year, and I do have some plans for a charity event this summer. In the meantime I think I will stick to donating time to places like my church, and local organizations. I would also still like to continue coming up with fun and unique ways to give. If you have any ideas please let me know.

I'm Back

2012-10-03T20:54:00.000-05:00

I’m back.

It has been forever since I have blogged, but now that summer is coming to an end I finally feel like I have time to write about what is going on. Last time I blogged it was leading up to my mobile hunger fight that I held at a school in Redfield Iowa. It was a great experience and the kids seemed to have a great time. After all the preparation and about 2 hours of packing we were finished. We packed over 11,000 meals and as I listened to the kids talk to one another I realized that they got it, they knew that what they did was going to help a lot of people in need.

Packing Line

A lot of the girls decorated the boxes after they heard that children like to use them as beds.

These are the 2 students that donated money during my initial visit. They were the inspiration behind this mobile hunger fight.

More recently I have continued to give however, I decided that I do not want to share about all the giving that I do. After all, you are not suppose to let your left hand know what your right hand is doing…..or something like that. Instead I will share about any charity events, other peoples giving stories, volunteering, or creative ways to give. I want this blog to be more about inspiring others to give, or advertising charities, and events. I also want to use this blog to hopefully get ideas for myself. This blog will still be all about giving time, money, and love, but I am just going to take a slight turn down a different road.

So since it has been a long time since I have blogged, I have plenty that I can write about. I think I will go with the most recent event that I attended.

Stephanie Roy is a friend that I met through Jaime while she was in college. Stephanie seems to really like the idea of Give(3) so she is constantly giving me ideas, which I love. Unfortunately she had so many ideas over the summer that I could not attend due to work and other pre-scheduled summer time activities. The most recent idea that she gave me was to attend this event called 100+ Dudes Who Donate. Stephanie knows about this because she is always volunteering. It seems like she has some place to volunteer almost every week. I believe she heard about it through an organization called 100+ Chicks for Charity. So last month I attended 100+ Dudes Who Donate. It was held at a country club in Des Moines. The meeting started with a cocktail hour where I tried to meet as many people as I could. It wasn’t easy pushing myself into conversations with complete strangers, which was a surprise to me because I am usually pretty good at that. Little did I know this organization was still in a building process, and it was only their second meeting. It was harder to meet people because the 15 or so people who showed up seemed to all know each other. After cocktail hour were the presentations. Anyone who attends the meeting can nominate a charity within the Des Moines metro area. They then pick 3 entries, and those people get up and talk about the organization and all the great things they do. This particular meeting only had one entry. The presenter was Eric Branstad, and he spoke about the Des Moines Playhouse. After the presenters are done, in this case one presenter, everyone votes for one of the three organizations. When a winner is selected all of the meetings attendees, if they choose give a fifty-dollar donation to that organization. All and all it was a good experience and I will attend again in the future. 100+ Dudes Who Donate meet 4 times a year and the next meeting will be held in December. Here is a link to 100+ Dudes Who Donate also you may be interested in 100+ Chicks for Charity and 100+ Men on a Mission.

Mobile Hunger Fight.

2012-03-09T15:48:00.000-06:00

During my visit to a small middle school in Redfield, IA I was trying to inspire some students when I was inspired by them. During my presentation about giving to the 50 some middle school students I was blown away. While I was speaking about my favorite charity, Meals From The Heartland, and explaining how a little money can go a long way two students inspired me. They dug into their pockets and pulled out two crumpled up one dollar bills and an assortment of coins, all adding up to $5.25 and gave it to me. They asked me to donate the money for them. Since then I have been planning on starting a mobile hunger fight at their school. I want them to see how a little time and effort and their $5.25 can feed the starving. I just recently got the okay to go through with my plans, and we will pack meals at their school on April 5th. I will be using the manpower of 200 students to pack as many meals as we possible can. My goal is to pack 10,000 meals. Now the students and I cannot do this by ourselves. We need the financial help of others to purchase the materials for these 10,000 meals. So my goal for the month is to raise $2000. This will be a great cause that will affect thousands of people. It will teach 200 students about giving, it will feed thousands, and it will bring blessings to anyone who helps. Please consider helping our cause with your financial support. Any dollar amount helps, like Mother Teresa said "If you can't feed 100 then feed 1." One meal from Meals From The Heartland cost 20 cents and 1 package of meals cost $1.20.
There are a few ways you can help. You can click on the DONATE button to the right of this blog or you could click HERE to make your tax deductible donation.

30-Day Team Charity Challenge

2012-03-03T21:59:00.003-06:00

This last Wednesday I traveled to Redfield, Iowa to speak to some middle school students. I was invited by their teacher, Jacque Crouch shortly after the Des Moines article about Give(3) was printed. Before my visit I brainstormed different activities that I could share with the students. I came up with three ideas. The first handout asked the students what they would buy with 100 million dollars. It also asked how they would give with 100 million dollars. As you can imagine I got a lot of responses. The students would buy anything from a red Ferrari to a lifetime supply of Twix. Most of the ideas that they came up with for giving included donating money to places like St. Judes, or food banks. Then I asked the students how they would give if they didn’t have even a penny. I thought this exercise was important to show the kids that even if you have no money you can still give, and help others. The class came up with a long list of ways to give, and we recorded them on the blackboard. The second handout asked the students to basically create their own charity. Find a problem, and create a non-profit to solve the problem. The handout asked them what the problem is, how they plan to solve the problem, and why. I created this handout to get ideas from the kids, I also wanted to see what they viewed as problems. Lastly the third handout that I gave the class was a 30-Day Team Charity Challenge. I explained my 30-Day Charity Challenge, and said that they could complete the same challenge as a team. They plan on using the list of ways to give that they came up with during the 30 days. I spoke to two different classes of about 25 students so they will be working on 2 different challenges.

I was surprised how locked in the students were on what I had to say. I feel like I made a real impact. While I was speaking about my favorite charity, which is Meals From The Heartland, I was amazed by what occurred. I explained that $1.20 can make 6 meals for someone in need. I mentioned that these meals go to people who sometimes go days without eating. Just then 2 different students gave me a total of $5.25. The crumpled up dollar bills, and assortment of change is enough to make a little more than 26 meals. I was amazed that these two students, Deven Kromrie, and Riley Byrns gave me their money to donate; they are much more generous than I was at their age. I have a feeling they will be great leaders during their classes challenge.

I plan on keeping in contact with these students. I had so much fun visiting with them and I hope I can visit more schools in the future. To finish up their 30 days I am planning a mobile hunger fight to take place at their school. I hope to get all 200 students to help pack meals for Meals From The Heartland. Once I get approval from the school I will begin fundraising so the students can pack our goal of 10,000 meals. This will be a fun event that will teach the students that a little time and effort can make a huge difference in the world.

What I Learned In 30 Days

2012-02-23T22:05:00.000-06:00

So now that my 30-Day Charity Challenge is complete I have had some time to reflect on the month. Originally I wanted to become more charitable because it was my way of living a life that is meaningful. When I go to bed at night I wanted to feel like I made a difference in the world. I learned anyone can change the world, and its actually pretty easy. The hardest part of my challenge was coming up with creative ways to give, and finding time to blog. Now that I have completed my challenge I know that I can easily give at least once a week, and that’s what I plan on doing for the rest of the year.

I talked to many of my peers during the thirty days about giving, and the common theme was that everyone wants to be a giving person, but they don't have enough money or enough time. I proved that is just an excuse not to give. I am definitely not a wealthy person, I serve tables, and work in a hog barn....you do the math. I also have very little time. Between two jobs, and school time is not exactly something I have a lot of. In thirty days I donated over $350 and around 20 hours of time. Getting creative is the reason I could donate the amount of money that I did. I usually donated my time late at night or on my day off. Looking back, donating $350 seems like a lot. The funny thing is that the karma and good blessings are real. If you do something like give for all the right reasons you should have no worries. During the month I received a check from an individual who lives in Clive. He wrote a letter that basically said keep up the good work, and enclosed was a check for $100 that I was supposed to use for school. I used the money to buy text books for the social welfare and public policy class that I am currently taking. Also during the month I was contacted by the Iowa Falls Chamber Main Street and was hired to speak at their annual dinner. My giving has been returned to me in many different ways, including the two that I just mentioned. The most important thing that I received was the feeling of worth, and the feeling I got when people told me that what I am doing has actually inspired them to do the same.

In the future I will be trying to acquire more speaking engagements where I can inspire and motivate people to give. I’m very excited to meet some Waukee middle school students next Wednesday. I will talk to the students about my month of charity, and complete some group projects that I came up with. The main project that I will help them complete is a 30-Day Team Charity Challenge. The students and I will come up with a month of giving, and each student can sign up for one day to give. Next week I will share what we came up with. I hope that the students can learn as much in thirty days as I did.

Day 25-31 of 30-Day Charity Challenge

2012-02-05T22:53:00.000-06:00

Okay, so day 25 through 31 I decided to change bad habits into good ones. Everyday I commute from Waukee to Iowa Falls, a total of three hours a day. I always stop by a convenience store along the way and either buy soda, coffee, and a snack. Why is this a bad habit? I consider it a bad habit because I have noticed a few added pounds around the ol belly, and I spend an average of 3 to 4 dollars every morning. The 25th through 31st I decided to change my habits and rather than spend 3 dollars a day, donate 3 dollars a day. During the 6 days I saved $18, it may not sound like a lot but if I did this every work day for one month I would save a total of $75 per month, and $900 in one year. I decided to donate the $18 to the H.I.K.E Foundation.

Matt Birk's HIKE Foundation was established to provide at-risk children with the educational opportunities needed to excel in the classroom and in life. The HIKE Foundation impacts the lives of at-risk children by providing interactive programs and resources needed to guide a child through the key educational transitions between elementary, middle, high school and college. Click here to learn more.

Day 24 of 30-Day Charity Challenge

2012-01-27T11:48:00.000-06:00

Tuesday Tip Giveaway

Day 24 was Tuesday so that means another Tuesday tip giveaway. This Tuesday I approached a couple about halfway through my shift. When they were finished eating I tried my best to explain Tuesday tip giveaway. I usually get a confused look along with a skeptical comment. I explained that I would like their email so I could prove that I actually donated their tip. The response I got was, we aren’t gonna get blasted with emails or anything right? After further explanation they mentioned they wanted their tip to go towards the American Heart Association. Cheryl and Richard Arnold’s 31 year old daughter had recently suffered from a stroke. The American Heart Association uses funds to research all sorts of heart related health issues. Cheryl and Richard’s daughter has lost some movement on one side of her body, but her outlook is promising. The Arnold’s expect their daughter to make a full recovery. It was also interesting talking to the Arnold’s because Richard is a state legislator. I am very interested in politics so it was fun chatting about this years legislative season. I want to thank the Arnold’s for their generous tip of $20 that will help others that suffer from heart related health issues, and I wish the best for the Arnold’s daughter.

Day 23 of 30-Day Charity Challenge

2012-01-27T11:44:00.000-06:00

Alabama Tornado

I was watching the news on Monday, and saw the devastating tornado that hit Alabama. First it’s shocking to see a tornado this time of year. Secondly it’s shocking because the tornado hit the same spot that was hit last year. I thought of how I could help all the people who are displaced by this tornado. I decided the Red Cross of Alabama would probably be the best choice. The Red Cross was on the scene right away with food, water, and shelter. A few weeks ago I was serving some people from the Red Cross. During their meal a large fire broke out in eastern Iowa. It was interesting to see, and hear the way the team came together to get necessary help to the scene of the fire. I heard them planning everything from shelter to coffee. They worked swiftly, and were very organized in helping the fire victims. I know my financial donation will be used well on the ground in Alabama. To help the Alabama Red Cross click here.

Day 22 of 30-Day Charity Challenge

2012-01-23T10:33:00.000-06:00

Seven Gives, One Purchase

Day 22 I used the list of businesses that I compiled on day 21 to give. ChangeJars is a website that you can use to buy stuff, and a percentage goes to a cause that you choose from 7 different causes. After you choose a jar (cause) you then choose a place to shop. Simply by shopping you will help the cause that you chose. I chose the "common good jar" it helps all 6 causes evenly. I then chose Amazon, and purchased a book that I sent to Jaime's Kindle. As result a percentage of my purchase went to: The United Way, Wildlife Conservation Society, Kiva, Boys & Girls Club, Human Rights Watch, Cancer Research Institute, and I also put a smile on Jaime's face too. There you have it, a simple way to give. Buy a gift for someone, and help 6 other causes. To check out ChangeJars click here.

Day 21 of 30-Day Charity Challenge

2012-01-22T12:26:00.001-06:00

Day 21 I spent a few hours gathering websites that do good. Below are places where you can shop and do good at the same time. I will continue to add to the list as I find new businesses. If you know of any not listed please let me know.

Something for you and something for someone else.

The following is a list of businesses to shop that give back. Many of them our buy one give one businesses.

Three Avocados Coffee - Coffee

Blanket Statements - Blankets

ONEHOPE Wine - Wine

Toms – Shoes/Eyewear

Design The Difference - Clothing

Charity Case Wine - Wine

Sseko Designs - Clothing

World Clothes Line - Clothing

No One Without - Clothing

Common Threadz – Clothing

Shop With Meaning – Various

BoGo Light – Flashlight

One World Futbol Project – Sporting

Baby Teresa – Baby Clothing

Warby Parker – Eyewear

Happy Blankie – Baby Blankets

Whitten Grey – Children Clothing

One Million Lights – Flashlight

Figs – Ties and Bow Ties

Roma Boots – Rain Boots

Proof Eyewear – Eyewear

141 Eyewear - Eyewear

4sight Sunglasses – Eyewear

Change Jars - Various

Blanket America - Blankets

Day 20 of 30-Day Charity Challenge

2012-01-21T20:26:00.000-06:00

Tonight I did not have to work at Biaggis, so Jaime and I went out for dinner during her break. We went to Carlos O Kelly's. Everything was good, the food, and the service. Our waiter, Jay did a great job so I decided to make him part of my day 20 give. When I got the bill I left Jay a generous tip, about 50% of the bill. Jay took our money and I told him I did not need change. Jaime and I sat and talked for a little longer because she didn't have to go back to work yet. You could tell that Jay really appreciated the tip, he came back to the table just to say thanks. Hopefully the generous tip brightened up his evening, as a server I know it does for me.

Day 19 of 30-Day Charity Challenge

2012-01-20T16:14:00.002-06:00

When most think of hungry people they think of third world countries. However, after my Wednesday night class I realized that hunger exists here in America. It exists here and is actually a bigger problem than I ever thought. 1 in 6 Americans struggle with hunger, that means you can say millions of Americans go hungry. I never would have thought that hunger was such an issue here at home. I decided for day 19 to set up a monthly donation to "Feeding America". This organization uses multiple different programs to fight hunger all around America. The monthly donation that I committed is small but will provide 40 meals every month or 480 meals this year. Check out more about Feeding America and see how you can help. Donating only $1 = 8 meals.

Give(3) Feedback

2012-01-19T23:56:00.001-06:00

Today I got my first feedback that Give(3) has inspired someone to give. I got a voicemail from my mother, and she told me how my brother Marty's lunch account was in the negative. Well, my mom works as a lunch lady so she mentioned to her co-workers that she was not going to deposit money into the lunch account until she got paid. This is the part of the voicemail when she starts crying. While she is crying she explains that one of her co-workers was inspired by Give(3) and deposited money into Marty's lunch account. It feels great to hear that someone was inspired by Give(3) because that is exactly what I am trying to accomplish. Thanks to my moms co-worker Bambi, Marty's lunch account is now in the positive.

Day 18 of 30-Day Charity Challenge

2012-01-19T23:40:00.000-06:00

Thanks Mom

Yesterday (day 18) I sent an Ecard to my mom saying thanks. I basically just told her thanks for the values that she showed me as I grew up. The main thing that she showed me was how to work hard. My mom used to be an every form of welfare. Today she has worked her way out of the system. Mom went from working part-time and receiving welfare to now working 52 hours a week with no welfare. I look up to her for working so hard when really she could work less, and be just as well off because the benefits would take the place of the extra cash. Mom is the reason that I work so hard because I know hard work will pay off.

Day 17 of 30-Day Charity Challenge

2012-01-18T15:58:00.002-06:00

An article about Give(3) ran in the Des Moines Register. Initially, I thought the article was just going to be a little blurb. Much to my surprise, the article was on the front page of Iowa Life and the picture of me was about half the page. See the article here.

I got a lot of excellent feedback, and some new ideas. Thanks to everyone for all the comments, and for sharing the links. Also, while I was commuting back from my morning job I was listening to my usual Life 107.1, and they were talking about my 30-Day Charity Challenge. Kind of surreal these past couple days. I’m very grateful for all the publicity Give(3) has gotten these past couple of days, I hope the result of all this is that people will decide to get out and give. Giving is so easy during the Christmas season, but I think it’s important to continue to give throughout the year. The perfect time to start is right now at the beginning of the year. I have a lot of ideas for the future, and after the 30-Day Charity Challenge I plan to give at least once a week.

Tuesday was my 3^rd week of Tuesday Tip Giveaway. I chose the first table to be part of my tip giveaway. My first table was a young couple about 1 or 2 years older than me. We had something in common right away, her father is a pork producer and she works with the Iowa Soybean Association. This is the same type of job I would love to have, just with the pork producers instead. Katie and what I assume was her boyfriend or husband were very easy to talk to and just the type of customers servers love to have. When they were finished eating I decided to approach them about Give(3) and asked them if they would like to be involved. Since the article was published that day, I decided to show them so they knew a little but more about what I was doing. They seemed more than happy to be involved, and they decided they wanted their tip to go to “Special Delivery Homes for Haiti”

The following is from the Office of the Governor:

Today, the living conditions in the Port au Prince area remain mostly grim. Despite an outpouring of international aid, help is still needed. More than 600,000 Haitians are still living under tarps and in tent cities. Poverty and hopelessness are rampant. The SafeTHome, designed by Brett Nelson of Sheffield-‐based Sukup Manufacturing Co., is ideal for Haiti. It measures 18-‐feet wide by 14-‐feet tall and is made entirely of metal, making it resistant to termites and moisture. Each home can sleep 10 or more and features a double-‐roofed system that displaces heat, two windows that can be locked from within and a water collection system. The SafeTHome can also withstand strong winds and is virtually earthquake proof. The cost of each unit is $5,700, has a life expectancy of 75 years and can be assembled on-‐site with simple hand tools.

Katie Holtz and her friends’ generous tip of $22.91 will help provide shelter for those suffering in Haiti. Donate to Home for Haiti here

Day 16 of 30-Day Charity Challenge

2012-01-17T00:26:00.000-06:00

Friends Helping Friends

Today I came up with the idea to do something for a friend who has gone through some tough times. My friend Paul from work recently had to undergo surgery to remove a tumor from his intestines. Everything seemed to go okay, but now he will be stuck at home for weeks to come. I thought to myself; how boring that would be and thought he must need some things to keep him busy. While I was at work tonight, I collected some money from some of Paul's other work friends and purchased some movies and a gift card so he could buy books on his Nook. Paul is a great guy and he would definitely do the same for anyone else. He has a wife and young child at home so I'm sure being out of commission is driving him crazy. Books and movies may be a small gesture, but I hope they can at least keep him busy during his weeks of recovery.

Day 15 of 30-Day Charity Challenge

2012-01-17T00:14:00.000-06:00

Tonight was kind of a random act of kindness that some may not agree with. After work I stopped by a bar and grill that is down the block from my place. I ordered a burger and a couple beers. While I was there I noticed a man who obviously had way too much to drink. It seemed he was just having a rough night; he was mentioning his girlfriend a lot and I figured he was trying to drown some sorrows. When he tried to leave, the bartender would not allow it due to the amount of alcohol he consumed. He was pretty understanding but also upset that he was unable to leave. After speaking to this man, I figured he was just having a bad night and I offered to buy him a cab home. I gave him $30 and told him that I wished him the best, and to have a great night. After he accepted the money and waited for the cab I was surprised when he gave me the money back and thanked me for the nice gesture. He told me to watch the movie called "Pay It Forward" he left the building and said "Thank You" once again. I have never seen the movie but I was actually touched to think I was put through a test of kindness and I passed. I will be finding that movie soon.

Day 14 of 30-Day Charity Challenge

2012-01-15T14:59:00.002-06:00

Winner in My Book

Before yesterdays game between the Denver Broncos, and the New England Patriots I decided I would theme my day 14 give around that game. For every point that Denver scored I would donate $1 to the Tim Tebow Foundation. I know there are a lot of people out there that don't care for Tim Tebow, but I have always been a fan of Denver and will always be a fan of good people. I'm not sure how you could dislike somebody like Tim Tebow or wish failure for him. What's wrong with wanting to do good? What's wrong with spreading your beliefs? What’s wrong with being genuine, and helping others? I only wish I had a platform like Tim does to do good in this world.

Unfortunatly the Broncos had a pretty rough game and lost 45-10. However I still believe the true winners are the Denver Broncos, Tim Tebow, and anyone that the organization helps. Tim, and the Broncos were the most talked about pair in football this year which allowed the word to be spread to millions. As a result millions will benefit from Tim and his teammates big hearts. As I planned I will be donating to the Tim Tebow Foundation which I am confident will go to great causes.

THE TIM TEBOW FOUNDATION EXISTS TO BRING FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE TO THOSE NEEDING A BRIGHTER DAY IN THEIR DARKEST HOUR OF NEED.

The Tim Tebow Foundation was created when Tim was a Florida Gator under the name First in 15. First and 15 allowed Tim to mobilize hundreds of students on campus and UF boosters for a number of important charities. Upon finishing his four years as a collegiate athlete, he immediately launched the Tim Tebow Foundation in January 2010. The foundation has the following primary outreach initiatives.

· The W15H program

· Partnering with CURE on an International Children's Hospital Construction Project

· Timmy’s Playrooms

· Financial Support of Uncle Dick’s Orphanage

Learn more about the foundation here.

Day 13 of 30-Day Charity Challenge

2012-01-14T10:23:00.000-06:00

Mentoring Month

The Des Moines I Have a Dream Foundation informed me that this month is mentoring month and gave me the idea to send a thank you letter to a mentor. My aunt Lori was the first person that came to mind. Even though Lori hasn't directly mentored me in a side by side setting she has inspired me. In fact when I came up with Give(3) one of my Goals was to be more like Lori. She has a big heart and would help anyone in need. She has helped people from the complete stranger on the street, to even helping me pay for my tuition. In the email that I sent to Lori I basically told her that she inspires me and that I strive to be more like her. Currently Lori and Doug are looking into becoming foster parents. Apparently Fort Dodge only has 5 foster families, so Lori and Doug are taking it upon themselves to help these kids in need. She said that the the adoption process is expensive and not everyone can afford to adopt so Iowa Kids Net accepts monetary donations. Click here to learn more about Iowa Kids Net and how you could help local children in need of a good family. Once again thanks to Lori and Doug for being great people. Who in your life reminds you of people like Lori and Doug?

Day 12 of 30-Day Charity Challenge

2012-01-14T09:45:00.000-06:00

Outreach night at Lutheran Church of Hope

Thursday I participated in outreach night at the Lutheran Church of Hope. Every other week they rotate food donations to clothing donations. This Thursday food donation were needed and I decided to drop off some canned veggies and fruit. Check out more about Outreach night here and find out how to help.

Day 11 of 30-Day Charity Challenge

2012-01-11T17:16:00.002-06:00

Planning for a Future Give and Help for Jaime

Today for 30-Day Charity Challenge I spent a few hours sorting through old clothes for a future project. I sorted based on the style of clothing…button up shirts in one pile, polos in another, and pants in a separate pile. You will just have to wait and see what ideas I have. I already gave clothing to Goodwill, but then found a huge stash of clothes I forgot I had while I was visiting my mom the other day. Sorting through everything created quite the disaster zone. Jaime was going to be home any second so I quickly picked up because she definitely would have freaked. Once I finished picking up I decided to just keep going and decided I could GIVE to Jaime today. Not sure if it counts as a Day 11 give but I’m sure if you asked Jaime she would say it definitely counts. Jaime has been dreading putting away Christmas decorations and to tell you the truth we were both getting somewhat embarrassed they were still up. Our neighbors probably think they live next to hillbillies’. So I got all the boxes from the garage and stated packing everything up, now the only problem is I need to haul it all back down to the garage and up in storage.

Outreach night at hope

2012-01-11T16:53:00.002-06:00

Think I know what I will be doing for day 12!

http://vimeo.com/34905680