Tag: charity

3 Ways to Help Others during the Holiday Season.

There are many opportunities to help others in need this holiday season, in San Diego and around the world.
There are many ways to help others in need this holiday season, in San Diego and around the world.

Tomorrow is “Giving Tuesday”. This special day, celebrated worldwide, is all about generosity and people coming together to help others who are in need.

There are countless ways to give back during the holiday season. Here are 3 opportunities that you might consider…

The Toys for Tots Program collects toys nationwide for children who could use a happy surprise during the holidays.
The Toys for Tots Program collects toys nationwide for children who could use a happy surprise during the holidays.

Provide a toy for a grateful child through the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots Program. Toys for Tots works with non-profit organizations nationwide. You can find a nearby toy donation drop site or create your own by visiting their website.

The Jeffrey Modell Foundation helps those born with Primary Immunodeficiency. The disease is often fatal.
The Jeffrey Modell Foundation helps those born with Primary Immunodeficiency. The disease is often fatal.

Make a donation to the Jeffrey Modell Foundation, a nonprofit whose mission is to fight Primary Immunodeficiency, a genetic condition that is chronic, serious, and often fatal. Donations help provide early diagnosis, treatment, and hopefully, an eventual cure for this devastating disease. About 1 in 500 people are born with Primary Immunodeficiency.

Donate to the Salvation Army. Or be an angel to a child this Christmas, by dropping off a gift at the Salvation Army's location in San Diego's popular Fashion Valley shopping mall.
Donate to the Salvation Army. Or be an angel to a child this Christmas, by dropping off a gift at the Salvation Army’s location in San Diego’s popular Fashion Valley shopping mall.

Assist others who need a helping hand by donating to the Salvation Army! Even better, create your own online red kettle, and ask friends and family to help spread the word to fill it!

If you live in San Diego and plan to shop at Fashion Valley, you can be an angel to a child by purchasing a present, and dropping it off by December 13 at the mall. Look for the Salvation Army at the center of Fashion Valley near the Christmas tree and gingerbread house!

Bloggers Lifting Others Generously - 500 x 500

Are you a blogger who’d like to help build a better world?

You can learn more about Bloggers Lifting Others Generously by clicking here.

Please join Bloggers Lifting Others Generously!

Bloggers Lifting Others Generously - 500 x 500

I’d like to propose a new informal organization. Anyone can join. It exists in our spirit. It’s called B.L.O.G., which stands for Bloggers Lifting Others Generously.

We bloggers have amazing power. Our presence on the internet is enormous. We have significant and increasing influence in the world. Together we can make a huge positive difference.

So why not flex our muscles and use that growing influence to do good?

My proposal:

To be a self-appointed member of B.L.O.G., one must make a conscious effort to help nonprofits, charities and unselfish individuals who tirelessly work to improve our world.

Bloggers Lifting Others Generously will help these deserving folks by providing them with publicity.

From time to time–when opportunities arise–members of B.L.O.G. will publish posts about charitable efforts.  One might write a post to help publicize an organization’s food drive, or a community’s environmental cleanup, or neighborhood students trying to raise money, or a walk to find a cure…

Every member of B.L.O.G. will use the power of their passionate words to support those who work to improve our world.

Here are some examples.

Will you join me? I even made a big blue B.L.O.G. graphic as you can see at the top of this post! Make your own or use mine if you’d like! It’s all about a spirit of giving and doing things that are meaningful. Isn’t generosity what’s ultimately important in life, anyway?

Let’s make this world (and the internet) a better place!

Please help Stuff the Bus to fight hunger!

Please help Stuff the Bus to fight hunger in San Diego!
Please help Stuff the Bus to fight hunger in San Diego!

San Diego’s Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) is getting ready for their 8th Annual Stuff the Bus Food Drive!

You can help fight hunger in San Diego by collecting non-perishable food and by spreading the word in advance!

On December 5, between 9 am and 2 pm, MTS buses will be parked in front of Albertsons and VONS stores throughout San Diego County. The objective will be to fill the buses with food to aid the hungry! Your friends, business or organization can collect canned goods and other nonperishables and help stuff a bus, or you can purchase preselected grocery items inside the stores. When the event ends, the food will be transported to the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank, which is the largest hunger-relief organization in San Diego County.

Click here for store locations, the food items needed, and other important details!

Come on San Diego! Let’s jam those buses with love!

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Cool people in San Diego donate to help kids!

Smiling Chargers football players helping to raise money for kids included Sean Lissemore, nose tackle, and Tyreek Burwell, tackle. Everyone was having a great time!
Chargers football players helping to raise money for kids today included Sean Lissemore, nose tackle, and Tyreek Burwell, tackle. Everyone was having a great time!

Today was Union-Tribune Kids’ News Day in San Diego! I can’t believe this is the third year I’ve blogged about the special day. Time flies!

Every October, smiling Chargers football players and cheerleaders, kids and volunteers station themselves at busy intersections around San Diego. Waving at folks in cars, they hold up special edition newspapers, printed just for this day, which motorists eagerly purchase. The proceeds go to help our local Rady Children’s Hospital.

In the morning I happen to walk through one of the key intersections while heading to work, so I had to take a few photos. This year I’d like to say thank you to the San Diego Chargers, Union Tribune and all the volunteers who make this possible. Over many years, millions of dollars have been raised by Kids’ News Day for Rady Children’s Hospital, helping to save thousands of young lives.

Do you want to donate? There’s no better cause. I urge you to click here!

A generous motorist at a Mission Valley intersection donates money for a special edition newspaper containing articles about kids, written by kids!
A generous motorist at a Mission Valley intersection donates money for a special edition newspaper containing articles about kids, written by kids!
Two cool volunteers raise money for Rady Children's Hospital by selling special newspapers during Union-Tribune Kids' News Day in San Diego.
Two cool volunteers raise money for Rady Children’s Hospital by selling special newspapers during Union-Tribune Kids’ News Day in San Diego.

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Foster homes needed for loving San Diego cats!

Nemo is our special needs cat. He has had left and right knee surgeries, and pins removed. He is in rehab. All Donations Appreciated! Thank you!
Nemo is our special needs cat. He has had left and right knee surgeries, and pins removed. He is in rehab. All Donations Appreciated! Thank you!

Do you love animals? Would you like to adopt a rescue cat in San Diego?

I met three nice ladies during my walk through Balboa Park, and they have a cool organization called Guardian Angels Animal Rescue. They work to save homeless cats and kittens in San Diego. The more fosters they have participating in their program, the more lives they can save. Please check out their website and perhaps you can lend a hand!

These super nice ladies are the Guardian Angels Animal Rescue, helping loving cats find new homes.
These super nice ladies are the Guardian Angels Animal Rescue, helping loving cats find new homes.
Nemo and his furry pal are enjoying another beautiful day in Balboa Park. There are many cool cats like this who'd appreciate a nice home!
Nemo and his furry pal are enjoying another beautiful day in San Diego. There are many friendly cats like this who’d appreciate your love!

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Photos of cool pancake fundraiser on the OB Pier!

The Ocean Beach Municipal Pier was the place to eat an awesome pancake breakfast this morning!
The Ocean Beach Municipal Pier was the place to eat an awesome pancake breakfast this morning!

This morning a very cool local event took place. The annual Ocean Beach Pier Pancake Breakfast was held near the end of the long OB pier!

Proceeds from the breakfast are used to fund the OB Food and Toy Drive, which benefits many families in the beach community who could use a helping hand. This tasty event is put on each year by the Ocean Beach Town Council!

Enjoy a few photos!

The Annual Ocean Beach Pier Pancake Breakfast raised funds for the Ocean Beach Christmas Food and Toy Drive.
The Annual Ocean Beach Pier Pancake Breakfast raised funds for the Ocean Beach Christmas Food and Toy Drive.
The Ocean Beach Town Council puts on the cool event. Some people bought tickets at the foot of the pier from Team Pancake members!
The Ocean Beach Town Council puts on the cool event. Some people bought tickets at the foot of the pier from Team Pancake members!
Here comes the OB Pier Pancake Breakfast Shuttle!
Here comes the OB Pier Pancake Breakfast Shuttle!
A long line of hungry folks waits near the much-beloved Ocean Beach pier cafe, which has been a cool place to go for many years.
A long line of hungry folks waits near the much-beloved Ocean Beach pier cafe, which has been a cool place to go for many years.
Various tables in front of the WOW Cafe had sumptuous, mouth-watering goodies ready to go.
Various tables in front of the WOW Cafe had sumptuous, mouth-watering goodies ready to eat.
A few people were lucky to enjoy breakfast right at the edge of the pier. This might be one of the most scenic dining spots in San Diego!
A few people were lucky to enjoy breakfast right at the edge of the pier. This might be one of the most scenic dining spots in San Diego!
These hungry guys have their hands full of super yummy pancakes, eggs and sausage!
These hungry guys have their hands full of super yummy pancakes, eggs and sausage!
There was even live music just outside the pier's unique cafe high over the Pacific Ocean.
There was even live music just outside the pier’s unique cafe high over the Pacific Ocean.
Tables were arranged near the end of the pier for the special, super popular annual event.
Tables were arranged near the end of the pier for the special, super popular annual event.
I tried not to stare drooling at the food as I walked nonchalantly by.
I tried not to stare drooling at the food as I walked nonchalantly by.
Speaker of the California State Assembly Toni Atkins is a powerful politician, but here she's speaking to a Queen! Toni said she's happy to be back in San Diego, where it's cooler than Sacramento.
Speaker of the California State Assembly Toni Atkins is a powerful politician, but she’s addressing a Queen! Toni said she’s happy to be back in San Diego, where it’s cooler than Sacramento.
Unfortunately, I had already eaten breakfast. Looks delicious!
Unfortunately, I had already eaten breakfast. Looks delicious!

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Free books for teachers, schools, hospitals and prisons.

San Diego Book Project promotes literacy both locally and worldwide. They were present at TwainFest in Old Town.
San Diego Book Project promotes literacy both locally and worldwide. They were present at TwainFest in Old Town.

The San Diego Book Project promotes literacy both locally and worldwide. It’s an effort I strongly support. So when I happened to see these folks with a table full of books at TwainFest this weekend, I instantly decided to provide a hand with my blog.

The San Diego Book Project has given away nearly a million donated books! They’re sent to teachers, schools, classrooms and students who might not have the resources to buy their own material. Beyond San Diego’s more disadvantaged neighborhoods, schools in South Africa, India, Peru and the Philippines have also received free books. Life-changing books are also sent to hospitals and prisons, and any not-for-profit organization that actively encourages literacy.

Do you need some free books? Would you like to donate or volunteer? Check out their website.

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is a work of classic literature sure to interest new readers.
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is a work of classic literature sure to interest new readers.
Good books open minds, promote education. An exciting journey with the written word makes life richer and more meaningful.
Good books open minds, promote education. An exciting journey with the written word makes life richer and more meaningful.

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Ocean Beach Public Library needs activism and help!

The Ocean Beach Public Library needs your activism and help!
The Ocean Beach Public Library needs your activism and help!

I wasn’t expecting to write this blog. But I have to.

During this morning’s Ocean Beach Street Fair, I took a few photos of a smiling lady in a Dr. Seuss Cat in the Hat hat. My senses were so dazzled by all the cool sights and activity round about me that I didn’t really notice the important purpose of her booth.

As I left the festival, I popped into the local library to use the restroom. And there, standing behind the front counter, was the Cat in the Hat hat lady!  She greeted me–she was a librarian! She had noticed me taking photos.

They’re for a blog, I said. Help us raise a million dollars, she said. I laughed, promised I’d try!

It wasn’t until this afternoon, as I looked closely at my photographs, that I realized she wasn’t kidding! The Ocean Beach branch of the San Diego Public Library really does need to raise money! Check out the poster which I enlarged!

So now I have to keep a promise.

Please help the Ocean Beach public library raise funds for much needed improvements!

Here is their Facebook page. It contains contact info.

Is this a cause you’d like to support? You might like to help them out! The OB Library is overdue for expansion. Spread the word! Let’s get it done!

Why expand the library? The children's area is crowded and too small! No space for teen and adult activities. The computer area is crowded, unpleasant and outdated!
Why expand the library? The children’s area is crowded and too small! No space for teen and adult activities. The computer area is crowded, unpleasant and outdated!
The library is the creative heart of Ocean Beach.
The library is the creative heart of Ocean Beach!

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Big red shoes help families heal in San Diego!

Volunteer at a Mission Valley intersection lifts a red shoe and gives a thumbs up! She was raising money for Ronald McDonald House today!
Volunteer at a Mission Valley intersection lifts a red shoe and gives a thumbs up! She was raising money for Ronald McDonald House today!

Today was Red Shoe Day in San Diego! Money was being plunked into red Ronald McDonald shoes by generous drivers at busy intersections, to help the Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego. Every year, about 1,500 families stay at Ronald McDonald House as resident guests, while a critically ill child is cared for at any local hospital, including the nearby Rady Children’s Hospital.

You can help keep families together as they go through a very difficult time by donating here!

This guy had two shoes, one in each hand! You, too, can help by clicking and donating online!
This guy had two shoes, one in each hand! You, too, can help by clicking and donating online!

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The Salvation Army celebrates service in San Diego.

The Salvation Army marching band parades around County of San Diego Waterfront Park.
The Salvation Army marching band parades around County of San Diego Waterfront Park.

Almost everyone recognizes their red shield. Most have walked past their holiday season bell ringers. Many have been helped by their programs and services. The Salvation Army, an important part of our community, is 150 years old.

The local branch of the worldwide organization celebrated that history today in the County of San Diego Waterfront Park. I walked there this morning to see what was going on.

What does the Salvation Army do? In San Diego, their Sierra Del Mar Division provides transitional living for homeless mothers and children. They help the unemployed homeless return to a normal, stable, working life. They have disaster response programs, providing emergency food and help. They provide seniors with nutritional assistance. They help people recover from drug and alcohol addiction. They operate the expansive Ray and Joan Kroc Community Corps Center, which features education, recreation and family support programs. They do a whole lot of good. While The Salvation Army is a Christian organization, everybody is welcome. None are turned away.

As I approached the park, I was surprised and pleased to see a dignified parade coming down the sidewalk…

150 years of community service is being celebrated by The Salvation Army.
150 years of community service is being celebrated by The Salvation Army.
Drums, banners, uniforms and kids stepping proudly down the San Diego sidewalk.
Drums, banners, uniforms and kids stepping proudly down the San Diego sidewalk.
The modest parade ends at the waterfront park, where music, fun and fellowship begin.
The modest parade ends in the waterfront park, where music, fun and fellowship begin.
A speech kicks off the event. The Salvation Army helps the homeless, the poor, the suffering around the world.
A speech kicks off the event. The Salvation Army helps the homeless, the poor, the suffering around the world.
Coffee is served from rear of an emergency disaster services vehicle.
Coffee is served from rear of an emergency disaster services vehicle.
This friendly lady provided some info about the popular Christian charitable organization.
This friendly lady provided some info about the popular Christian charitable organization.
A gathering in the park celebrates 150 years of doing the most good.
A gathering in the park celebrates 150 years of doing the most good.

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