#Veterans face a lot of challenges: accessing benefits, services and health care; barriers to employment and education; homelessness and housing; and more. This Veterans Day, you can help in multiple ways, says former Secretary of Veterans Affairs Bob McDonald. You can build awareness among friends and family, support veteran-friendly businesses or hire a #veteran, contact elected officials to advocate for policies that benefit veterans, volunteer your time and help with fundraising events, and #donate to organizations that make a direct impact on veterans such as ClothingDonations.org. #VeteransDay
Author: Jordank
Editorial Coordinator
Understanding Veterans’ Mental Health Needs
Veterans Day offers a chance to #thank #veterans for their service and sacrifice in times of war and peace. Their ages, backgrounds and motivations for service vary, but they all trained to fight on behalf of the nation. Many suffer from the aftereffects of that experience, notes the National Alliance for Mental Illness, experiencing mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, PTSD and traumatic brain injury. You can help by understanding and supporting veterans’ mental health needs, making yourself available to a veteran in crisis, and thanking them for their service. #VeteransDay
Is Halloween America’s Favorite Holiday?
You may have noticed that #Halloween gets a lot more attention in the United States these days. Even when you factor in the truly American penchant for catering to — and monetizing — people’s interests, the #holiday has seen incredible growth in interest and participation.
Much of this growth is thanks to adults. Nearly half (47%) of U.S. adults named Halloween as their favorite holiday of the year, according to a new report from Ferrero Group, makers of Baby Ruth, Butterfinger, Kinder and numerous other chocolate and candy brands.
“Last year, we identified the emerging ‘Adultoween’ trend, and now we’re seeing it evolve into a full cultural movement,’ says Chad Stubbs, CMO of Ferrero North America. “Adults aren’t just participating in Halloween anymore; they’re truly embracing it as their own holiday.”
The phenomenon isn’t limited to candy consumption. In 2005, half (52%) of adults celebrated Halloween, according to the National Retail Federation; today, that share has grown to 73%. That’s a lot of candy, pumpkins, plastic skeletons and fake spiderwebs — and no less than $2 billion worth of costumes.
Add to that the fact that the “spooky season” is promoted with horror-movie marathons, TV premieres, “haunted” attractions and more, and you have a seasonal economic juggernaut of frightening proportions — one that attracts more enthusiasts every day.
Unfortunately for the Halloween shopper, candy prices have jumped 10.2% since last year, CNN reports, with chocolate products leading the increases due to tariffs and cocoa shortage. That’s forcing many families to cut down on trick-or-treat giveaways or try to save money elsewhere.
You can #economize on #costumes and household #decorations by #shopping the #thrift and #secondhand stores supplied by #donations to ClothingDonations.org, of course. You can also #donate any lightly used clothing and extras throughout the year. Keep the candy, though.
Happy Halloween to the many millions of aficionados in America! We at The Organizing Blog hope you have a safe, spooky and fun holiday.
Beat the Holiday Shopping Crowds
With prices rising rapidly and the #holidays on the horizon, you might want to start #shopping early. Stock up on any ingredients you might need for your #fall feasts and baking before the supplies run out, and hit the malls ahead of the crowds. You can #save #money and beat the rush by looking for lightly used cold-weather gear such as sweaters and coats (and maybe a few #gifts) at the local #thrift and #secondhand stores supplied by your generous #donations to ClothingDonations.org now. Resale proceeds go toward the support of valuable #veterans programs nationwide. #FallActivities
Inexpensive and Fun Fall Activities
You don’t have to break the bank to have a little #fall fun. Cheap or free things to do include taking a nature walk; spending a day at the local café or reading a book; having a spooky-seasonal movie night; whipping up a batch of soup, chili or cookies; crafting; or playing a game of touch football. Another great thing to do is overhaul your #clothing closets and dresser drawers to meet the cooler weather efficiently. “It’s a wonderful time of year to #donate clothes to those in need,” says The Every Girl. “Spend a weekend getting recentered for a new season and give back at the same time.” #FallActivities