Project Linus/Jeans for Teens/Giving Blood or Platelets/Bone Marrow Donor/Food Pantry

I am a firm believer in 'giving back' and that if you give, you receive-what do you receive...an incredible feeling that you have done something for someone...most of the time--that you don't even know...
Now I grew up in a home where there was a can on top of the fridge. Whenever my parents had spare change, it went right into the can. When the can was full...it went right to their favorite charity.
Times are a bit tougher right now...and $ is hard to save...but there are so many other ways to give.
I am sharing with you my 5 favorite...but would always love to hear about more. It is impossible to do everything but if we all did A LITTLE...it adds up to A LOT!
Project Linus...here is a quote from their national site
The Project Linus Mission
***Project Linus is comprised of hundreds of local chapters and thousands of volunteers across the United States. Each volunteer and local chapter all work together to help us achieve our mission statement, which states:

First, it is our mission to provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets and afghans, lovingly created by volunteer “blanketeers.”

Second, it is our mission to provide a rewarding and fun service opportunity for interested individuals and groups in local communities, for the benefit of children.

Together we have distributed over two million blankets to children in need since our inception in 1995.
I live in the Boston area and crochet...there is a big need for all blankets...but I focus on ones for teens...my husband and I will deliver batches of blankets when needed...

***Jeans for Teens-found out about this wonderful 'fundraiser' via an email I got from Aeropostle
Here is link

http://www.dosomething.org/teensforjeans/home?cm_mmc=EMAIL-_-090122_T4J-_-Mt-_-MT
Here is quote from their site


Teens for Jeans is a national campaign, launched by Aéropostale and Do Something, empowering YOU to collect jeans for homeless teens.

Just drop off any pair of your gently worn jeans to any Aéropostale store between January 26th and February 22nd and we'll make sure they get donated to a local homeless shelter or charity. To say thanks, Aéropostale will give you an additional 25% off your next pair of jeans.

Last year you helped us collect over 125,000 pairs. This year we're looking to help twice as many teens.

*** Giving blood or platelets...there is ALWAYS a need to do this. And it is a gift you can give that is priceless...need I say more. Call your local Red Cross, Hospital, etc...or check out your paper...there is an ongoing need for this...

***Bone Marrow Donor...call your local hospital. Here in MA is is done through Dana Farber. This is another gift that is priceless. If you qualify (there are several things in terms of your own health), you will be sent a simple swab kit to do at home and then send to the hospital, clinic, etc...if they then need you...they will tell you what they will need you for...and you can save a life!!!
There is a small fee...BUT...many insurance companies cover it...and if you cannot afford it...they will NOT turn you down, as there is funding for people who want to give and who either cannot afford it (I believe it was only $25.00...but don't quote me...lol)...they must do this because of the tremendous costs...but again...noone will be turned down...this is something badly needed...and takes very little of your time.
And lastly...your local food pantry. Find out where your drop off is (ours is at our local library)...and bring food when you can. Hunger is a problem in our world that simply should NOT exist.....there is enough food to go around...we just have to give it...whenever you are shopping pick up one can of something...anything...so often there are great sales...put a small bag in corner of your kitchen.,..and put in what you have...when the bag is full...take the kids to drop it off...
And there are SO many more things...
Life is too short not to be kind...and we must teach our kids by example.
And the best part...is everyone feels good about it...the recipient, you, your family...
Life Is Good!