Tag: Veterans

Make Space for Charity This Holiday Season

Posted on by Jordank

’Tis the season for #giving! But what will you be giving this year?

There’s nothing inherently wrong with amassing a big pile of gifts under the #Christmas tree. It’s what most Americans have grown to expect over the years, and you might be seen as a spoilsport if you buck consumerism entirely. Everyone likes to open a wrapped #gift!

But also consider making room in your budget and schedule for #charitable #donations this holiday season. It’s a way to share your good fortune with the people and causes that you and yours care about, and even a small #donation can make an impact.

This year is fraught with need. #Charitable organizations worldwide are seeing their funding from the U.S. government dry up. Millions of people are facing food and shelter insecurity every day — overseas and down the street.

Dedicate your dollars to a cause close to your heart. It might be a global concern that feeds people in conflict zones or provides medical care, a nationwide #nonprofit protecting civil liberties or the environment, or the local humane society or food bank.

You can also #donate in another person’s name in lieu of giving some gewgaw that’s destined to wind up in in a landfill. Consider the organizations they value, and give; it’s a particularly good option for a last-minute gift or giving from a distance.

Be sure to pick a charity that uses your donations efficiently. At least 75% of the funds should go to the mission rather than administrative costs, according to Consumer Reports. Check the Charity Navigator to research giving options and charity ratings.

The gift of time is just a valuable. Volunteer at the local homeless or animal shelter. Start a fundraiser for a local charity or a drive to stock the local food pantry. Drop a few toys off for the tots to enjoy. Bring a few treats to the local #veterans’ home.

Speaking of #veterans, there’s an easy way to give that also can help you live a more secure, streamlined and uncluttered life. Bag or box up some of the #clothing and #household items you no longer need and #donate them to ClothingDonations.org.

Whatever you choose, give this #holiday season and throughout the year. For your trouble, you’ll get the good feeling of spreading joy. Happy Holidays from ClothingDonations.org!

Giving Thanks Is Good for You

Posted on by Jordank

Thankfulness is ingrained in the #Thanksgiving holiday. Most people consider how lucky they are to enjoy such a bountiful meal; they may also think about the many other things for which they are #thankful — things as simple as having a roof over one’s head, family and friends.

Expressing #gratitude is a healthy habit, according to Harvard Health. Studies show that focusing on the positive aspects of one’s life can improve well-being, strengthen relationships and encourage a sense of optimism.

Mental health encourages physical health, too. Study subjects asked to write down moments of gratitude every week exercised more and had fewer doctor’s visits than those asked to detail their aggravations or annoyances. Gratitude is good for you!

There is no wrong way to give #thanks. You can write down a few things that you are #thankful for at the end of the day, or simply review them in your thoughts. They can be everyday things or big-picture concepts; the trick is to highlight the positives.

Over time, thankfulness creates a mindset of gratitude — “an appreciation for all that life brings, good and bad,” says Tony Robbins. “When you not only have Thanksgiving gratitude but also gratitude for life itself, you’ll find fulfillment in life.”

The Holidays Are Coming in Hot

Posted on by Jordank

It happens every year — no sooner do the leaves start to turn and suddenly, it’s the #holiday season. This year, however, the #holidays are coming in particularly hot, so you can strap in for a wild couple of months of entertaining, socializing and shopping.

If you think that calendar “creep” is getting worse, you aren’t imagining it. “‘Summerween’ became a July phenom, pumpkin spice lattés launched at Starbucks in August, and Hallmark kicked off its Christmas movie hype in September,” says the advertising blog Muse by Clios.

With the economy on shaky ground and inflation on the rise, advertisers are focusing on value. You may have less money, time and energy to spread around during the season, not to mention fewer days to shop after a late Thanksgiving. How will you handle the season without succumbing to stress?

First, manage expectations of yourself, says UC Davis Health. Don’t overschedule. Calendar events and list your responsibilities. Simplify travel plans to reduce the time spent in cars and airports. Take a break when you fell stressed from #shopping, #cooking and #cleaning.

To stay within budget, manage your gift-giving. You don’t have to spend money you don’t have or give every single person you know a gift. You may be able to make some of the gifts you give or #thrift a few items at a discount. Crafting or baking homemade goods might even become a holiday tradition!

Make a list and check it twice, says the American Bankers Association. Note the people for whom you plan to buy, what your price range is and a few ideas for gifts. Look for bargains on the targeted gifts and (try to) resist impulse buying onscreen and in stores.

The holidays are also a season for giving to charity. About 1 million #veterans nationwide rely on SNAP benefits, which were recently interrupted; you can #donate to the local food bank to help solve some of that food insecurity at least temporarily.

You can also schedule a #donation #pickup at ClothingDonations.org to benefit #veterans at any time of year. Your lightly used #clothing and #household goods will be resold to fund programs that target food and housing insecurity, veteran health care, and more.

We’re in the thick of the holiday season already, but don’t stress. Get #organized — sort out what you need to do and tackle those essential tasks one by one. Then, kick back and enjoy!

Visit a Parade or Event on Veterans Day

Posted on by Jordank

Thousands of parades and events will observe #Veterans Day in the days ahead, including the annual observance at Arlington National Cemetery. If you can’t make it to an event in person or via livestream, you can still show your appreciation by writing a letter, visiting a veteran you know, volunteering at a #veterans organization or #donating to a nonprofit that supports veteran health and well-being, says Military.com. Among them is ClothingDonations.org, which resells #donated #clothing and #household goods to benefit veterans programs throughout the country. #VeteransDay

Even Small Gestures of Gratitude Honor Veterans

Posted on by Jordank

Small gestures can make a big impact when you wish to show gratitude to #veterans for their #service and sacrifice. Offer a veteran a ride to an appointment or event, visit with an injured vet at a VA hospital, help out with a few household chores or repairs, bring them a home-cooked meal or batch of cookies, or just spend some time with them. A heartfelt and sincere thank-you “can brighten even a bad day for a veteran, because you acknowledge their service,” says the National Veterans Foundation. “‘Welcome home. Thank you for your service’ can have a huge emotional impact,” especially for Vietnam veterans. #VeteransDay