Happiest of New Year's, my friends

I thought that that a great start to the new year would not be to lay out my resolutions (one of which usually includes a post-holiday diet) but rather, I would lay out some charitable organizations that I either have worked with or would like to work with in the future... and vow to volunteer my time or donate as much as possible this year. So here I am sharing where I want to spend some of my extra time and resources this year. I hope you approve ;-)

Susan G. Komen for the Cure

I did the Breast Cancer 3-day a few years ago and have not forgotten what an amazing experience it was to walk 60 miles in the blistering heat (no lie over 100 degrees one day) for a mighty good cause. Please note: I was not being sarcastic. (See previous post about why this is near and dear to my heart). My goal this year is somehow to get involved again, whether it be to walk, volunteer or donate some sweet moola.

ConKerr Cancer

What an amazing cause for a crafty girl to partake in. You basically whip up some pillowcases but these aren't just any pillow cases... these pillow cases go directly to kids suffering from different life changing illnesses. That was my blurb but read the longer (and more inspirational) version here. They give you the tools, and where to get your charitable craftiness on, so I am thinking why not? It would be fun an fulfilling for sure.

The Special Olympics

I have always wanted to volunteer with the Special Olympics and even went as far as to work on planning a trip out to Boise for the Winter Games (unfortunately it was going to be WAY too much work for me at that stage in the game) but this year, I thought if I gave myself a goal of volunteering at one event and then maybe another, I'd get my feet wet and also get a lay of the land, so to speak. I looked up my Massachusetts chapter and already requested to be added to the volunteer database. First step, taken.

Big Brother/ Big Sister

I always him and haw on the morning of my once a month Big Sister opportunity but I ALWAYS feel great after completing that day's activity. I volunteer for the girls on the waiting list for a Big Sister. This is a way for them to get out and socializing while they are waiting to be placed with that special someone. It is a year long, once a week committment and I am honest with myself about not being able to do that. Truthfully though? For the most part, I make a new little friend every time I pick one of them up for skating, self defense courses, the museum of science and so on an so forth. I want to keep this up this year of our lord 2011.

And last but not least...

I need to be better about remembering to always buy something for the food pantry donation while I am at my local grocery store. As easy as it sounds, it's also easy to forget. I mean, they put the bin right there so when you check out, you can throw the canned goods or Rice a Roni right in there... but I always think of it when I see it and by that time, I only have my precious foodstuff collected on that trip. If I made it a point to donate every time I was in there? Do you know how much that would be from just me alone in one short year? A LOT! This will be a work in progress for me but I may start a count on the blog or something, mayhaps to keep myself motivated.

Anyways, I would like to give back as much as possible this year as I feel like I have been blessed with only the smallest of problems and the fortune of a Queen these days. MUSH ALERT: We should be thankful all the time for what we have and share what we have who are less fortunate for sure.