42: More than just Meals on these Wheels

"Visiting a person who is shut-in can make a positive difference in that person’s life.  February 11th observes National Shut-in Visitation Day, and each year on this day, many people across the nation take the time to make a difference." (http://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-shut-in-visitation-day-february-11/)  In thinking of National Shut-In Day, I wanted to find an organization who cared about the physical and mental health of people isolated by ability or circumstance. The best one I found through the ratings was Meals on Wheels People out of Portland, serving the shut-in and at-risk populations of several counties in Oregon and Washington. They have served over 1.3 million healthy meals annually through staff and thousands of volunteers. Their missions is "No senior will go hungry or experience social isolation." (http://www.mealsonwheelspeople.org/our-story/organization-overview/) I love how Meals on Wheels People values their mission and stakeholders, and I am sure many shut-ins will be made that much happier thanks to Meals on Wheel People today. Aside from donating and volunteering, people can also support Meals on Wheels People buy buying popcorn in a variety of flavors and sizes: http://store.mealsonwheelspeople.org/popcorn/.

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Our email is DonationsByTheDozen@gmail.com.

Thanks and cheers to charity, m

41: Singing the Praises for Voice For Children

I don't know what it would be like not to have a mom. I want every child to have the best of what a mom could give them, to have that support and the confidence it brings, to know there is someone on your team/in your corner. I have foster children on my mind and found Voices for Children in Missouri.  "Voices for Children advocates for abused and neglected children and youth in St. Louis by representing their best interests in court and in the community." (http://voices-stl.org) Voice for Children represents the best interest of the children they support and is the closest thing to the voice of a mother some children will have. It isn't a substitute for a mom, but at least each child has someone on their team with Voices for Children.

You can find the Donations by the Dozen posts here on google,

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Our email is DonationsByTheDozen@gmail.com.

Thanks and cheers to charity, m

40: In Case You Need an Ally in Education: Learning Ally

Education and Awareness are two of the Grace main missions when it comes to philanthropy, so it's always great to promote education philanthropies. Learning Ally helps students with barriers to learning or access to learning find avenues for education with the mission to "Promote personal achievement when access and reading are barriers to learning by advancing the use of accessible and effective educational solutions."  (https://www.learningally.org) Whether it is through the schools or at home, Learning Ally helps students who have dyslexia, visual impairment,  and blindness improve their learning and learning experience through awareness, education, empowerment, and advocacy. 
"IIt all began with Anne T. Macdonald, who envisioned a service for soldiers who had lost their sight in combat. At the time, the newly passed GI Bill of Rights guaranteed a college education to servicemen. Determined to help soldiers who were blind, Mrs. Macdonald led the New York Public Library’s Women’s Auxiliary to record textbooks on vinyl phonograph discs. The organization Recording for the Blind (RFB) was born." Now, for 70 years, Learning Ally has helped bring reading to people of any age who need assistance. I truly think this video of a former student becoming an amazing teacher. shows how important Learning Ally is.

Thank you, Learning Ally. 

You can find the Donations by the Dozen posts here on google,

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or on the Grace Initiative Foundation Tree, LLC's website http://www.graceinit.org/donations-by-the-dozen.html where you can enter your email to subscribe for an email daily dose of Donations by the Dozen.

Our email is DonationsByTheDozen@gmail.com.

Thanks and cheers to charity, m

39: Soaring with the Fly a Kite Foundation

It's National Kite Flying Day, and we are flying high about the Fly a Kite Foundation, "A non-profit organization dedicated to educating, aiding and funding the treatment of DIPG and other forms of pediatric brain cancer." (http://www.flyakitefoundation.org/about-dipg/pediatric-brain-cancer/) The Fly a Kite Foundation website has many statistics and information, but this page with inspirational stories of those directly or indirectly affected by DIPG may be the best place to start finding out more http://www.flyakitefoundation.org/inspiration/.

Thank you, Fly a Kite Foundation.

You can find the Donations by the Dozen posts here on google,

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or on the Grace Initiative Foundation Tree, LLC's website http://www.graceinit.org/donations-by-the-dozen.html where you can enter your email to subscribe for an email daily dose of Donations by the Dozen.

Our email is DonationsByTheDozen@gmail.com.

Thanks and cheers to charity, m

38: ACS: All Cancer Sucks? Yes, but I I Meant American Cancer Society

My family's doctor has always been amazing, patient and kind as has his staff. Since this year has already been pretty long for my family, I asked him to pick today's charity for Donations by the Dozen, and it is the American Cancer Society (ACS) whose  "mission is to save lives, celebrate lives, and lead the fight for a world without cancer.The ACS website offers a large expanse of resources and information, so I thought we could focus on the Stories of Hope, including this story and the included video by Sophia Anagnostou diagnosed with Leukemia at the end of her sixth grade year: https://www.cancer.org/latest-news/childhood-leukemia-survivor-finds-beauty-in-life.html. Though renowned for research and information, some of the programs you may not have heard of include TLC Hair Loss and Mastectomy Products,  Breast Cancer Support,  Hope Lodge® Lodging,  Rides to Treatment, and Online Support Communities. I am the kind of person who likes as much information as possible from every angle, but I completely understand wanting only the best information or only getting it from your own resources. Regardless of which kind of person you are, the American Cancer Society has help if you or someone you know needs it. Thank, doc and ACS - here's hoping for good news, progress, and hope.

You can find the Donations by the Dozen posts here on google,

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or on the Grace Initiative Foundation Tree, LLC's website http://www.graceinit.org/donations-by-the-dozen.html where you can enter your email to subscribe for an email daily dose of Donations by the Dozen.

Our email is DonationsByTheDozen@gmail.com.

Thanks and cheers to charity, m

37/365 We All Were Born This Way -Whatever Way We Are

Even though I had it slated for a future date, I can hardly not choose the Born This Way Foundation  after last night's exquisite halftime performance by Lady Gaga. Usually I clean or cook during halftime, but after seeing the behind the scenes video I linked here, I knew I had to watch this amazing halftime show, and I am overawed with her thoughtful talent and production. Every moment was purely enjoyable. "Born This Way Foundation is committed to supporting the wellness of young people and empowering them to create a kinder and braver world. We achieve this by shining a light on real people, quality research, and authentic partnerships." (https://bornthisway.foundation/about-the-foundation/)  Three main areas of Born This Way Foundation are Mental Wellness, Positive School Climate, and Kindness.Born This Way has declared 2017 a Year of Kindness, and kindness is one of the easiest ways we can all make the world a better place. Being kind costs us nothing, so why not take today to start being even more kind. Here is a blog post from Maya Enista Smith, the Executive Director of Born This Way Foundation, about a simple kindness https://bornthisway.foundation/front-row-seat-kindness/. and here is a link to the kindness section of the foundation's site: https://bornthisway.foundation/kindness/. I kind of hope you'll throw an extra kindness someone's way today (pun thoroughly intended).

Thank You Lady Gaga and Born This Way Foundation - you fill my heart with love and hopes of more kindnesss.

You can find the Donations by the Dozen posts here on google,

on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/graceinitiative/,

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Our email is DonationsByTheDozen@gmail.com.

Thanks and cheers to charity, m

36/365 Let's Keep it Safe Out There Today

I still don't who I want to win the Super Bowl today, but I do know I want all the players to be safe from injury. The Concussion Legacy Foundation "believes we all have a responsibility to ensure athletes can reach their full potential on and off the field. We are committed to protecting athletes and families through research, policy, and education." (http://concussionfoundation.org) Having spent months with my son moving home from a severe concussion, I have witnessed the effects brain trauma can have, and it wasn't fun for anyone - it was scary. I know a few NFL players and worry about their brain trauma every time I see them play. I love foot ball, but I am so thankful the concussion issue is being addressed by groups like the Concussion Legacy Foundation. For safety's sake, I included the image about what to do if you think you are suffering from a concussion, but I recommend look at the other programs and services the Concussion Legacy foundation offers. Thank you CLF, and let's hope for a great Super Bowl with no injuries.

You can find the Donations by the Dozen posts here on google,

on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/graceinitiative/,

on twitter https://twitter.com/MarciGoLightly,

or on the Grace Initiative Foundation Tree, LLC's website http://www.graceinit.org/donations-by-the-dozen.html where you can enter your email to subscribe for an email daily dose of Donations by the Dozen.

Our email is DonationsByTheDozen@gmail.com.

Thanks and cheers to charity, m