Thinking about change

With the change in season last week, we've been thinking and talking about change around here.  Many different types of changes - changes in the color of leaves that we see on the drive to school, changes in our children now that they've been back in school a few weeks, and personal changes that we're working on like getting in shape and finding time for what's important.

There's another kind of change that we want to work on this fall as the weather starts to turn: we want to help those without the comforts we have. We're incredibly appreciative of our warm home, nutritious food, clean clothes, loving friends and family, and good health, but we recognize that we're fortunate. Very fortunate. Because there are families just like ours that don't know where their next meal might come from and don't have a cozy place to rest their head at night.

So, what can we do to help?

There are easy things like donating food to our local food bank, church and shelters, taking our unwanted clothes, toys and books to places like the Salvation Army or community places like the Neighborhood House here in Portland, and contacting some of these organizations to find out how we can help even more. Check with your church about opportunities to help at a soup kitchen or pack lunches. Meals on Wheels programs around the country are always in need of drivers.

Every city and community has resources for people in need and they're easy to find - so look them up and call them. We are a country with families in need. They need the extra help right now.

If you're making a difference in your community, we want to hear from you. We know that friends like Michelle Stern at What's Cooking in Northern California is helping address childhood hunger. Louise Ross helps people get quality food on a budget at her site Market to Mouth. Mike Lieberman shares one really simple "green" idea every day that helps us be kind to the earth, and our budgets, at his new blog 365 Ways to go Green. When we can save money with resources like these, we're in a better position to help others.

Corporations are stepping up each day. ConAgra will donate $10 to fight childhood hunger for every new fan on their Facebook page through October 10. Macy's wants all of us to help them provide 10 million meals for Feeding America.And there are many more. 

Need a place to start? Want a few new ideas? Check out Volunteer Match - they make it easy for good people to find a good cause to get involved in.

And don't forget that you can earn a free hotel night when you give just one day of your time. Get these simple details here.

Comments

[Michelle (What's Cooking)]

Thanks so much for mentioning my work to fight childhood hunger in our community. Our newest event is called Soup - the Bowl that Keeps Feeding.

I am partnering with a children's art studio. She is making/glazing bowls with children. I am cooking fresh and seasonal soups with local schools. At our event, guests pay for a ticket and can choose any bowl they like. We fill it with soup and enjoy a meal together. They leave, with their empty bowl, as a reminder that there are hungry kids in our community and that they did something to make a difference. All proceeds go to an emergency family shelter.

I hope other people share their ideas!

[Louise Ross]

Thanks for alerting me, and other readers, to ConAgra's efforts to raise money to combat childhood hunger by donating $10 for every new fan on their FB page. I went straight to there page and became a fan!

And thanks too for the link to my Market to Mouth blog from your post!

Louise Ross

[Gina]

Thanks Louise & Michelle for you comments and sharing your thoughts here. Yes, the ConAgra offer is easy and the payoff is great - $10 for every Facebook fan! I hope many more people take part.