Tag Archives: Donate

Living on a Tight Budget? 6 Creative Ways to Be More Charitable

The holidays often inspire people to give back to those less fortunate. However, if you’re on a tight budget, you may not think that you have the means to do some good. Giving can be done any time of the year. You also don’t need to be a professional athlete or Hollywood actor to make your own mark in this world. Here are 6 creative ways you can be more charitable without breaking your budget.

Offer Your Time

If you’re looking to be more charitable, your time can be a precious gift. If you’re handy and do a good job maintaining your home,  you can volunteer to build houses for those in need. For those who love and adore animals, you may want to foster dogs and cats until they’ve found their forever homes. After work, tutor kids in language, math or reading at an under-privileged group home. During the holidays, offer to serve meals or hand out food at a food bank or soup kitchen.

Save Spare Change

Between work and family, your life may be filled with challenges. Money struggles, going through a divorce or being falsely accused of domestic violence can prove devastating. The struggles can even ruin your reputation and hinder you from getting ahead with your career. However, by becoming more charitable, you’ll be bringing good into your household. With the wide number of groups and organizations that are looking for assistance, you may not have the funds to assist everyone.

If you’re limited on cash and have spare change lying around, put it in a bucket. Every time you pay for groceries, clothes or other necessities, you can put your change into this container. As the money adds up, you’ll have enough coins to put toward charities such as the Salvation Army kettle. There are other small monetary donations that won’t make too much of a dent in your checking account. Popular methods include when the cashier at a retail establishment asks you to donate $1 to help a homeless pet shelter or child with cancer.

Keep Your Eyes Open

Your local supermarket or retail clothing store may offer two-for-one sales or discounts on items. If you get an extra set of freebies, think about donating goods to a homeless shelter. The holiday season is a great time to declutter your home. If your used merchandise is in good condition, your local Goodwill center or thrift store may benefit from the clothes, shoes, coats and housewares. Your old electronics may also be valuable as they can be refurbished and sold to families in need. Eyewear can also be costly. Instead of tossing out your old glasses to make room for new, the Lions Club has a sight program that collects used eyeglasses.

Be Kind to Planet Earth

The Earth has taken a beating in recent years as pollution and other contaminants continue to harm the planet. If you’re looking to protect Mother Nature, adopt eco-friendly habits with the family. If you get the paper or magazines delivered, recycle the material. You can also use cloth bags routinely when grocery shopping or tote a reusable mug when bringing your coffee to work. You may also volunteer for your cities trash cleanup program designed to keep roadways and highways litter free.

Get Moving for a Cause

If you’re looking to become more charitable and stay fit, you can walk or run for a cause. There are a number of organizations such as finding a cure for breast cancer and helping the hungry who use walks and races to raise money. Encourage your friends and family members to get more involved and make a day out of the event. The Internet has a host of offerings, and the money to race is typically minimal.

Focus on Your Family

Some say that charity begins at home, and it actually does. Although you may have plans to save the world, offer your family some love and undivided attention first. Instead of burying your nose in your laptop or cell phone, ditch the electronics and focus on your children, pets and partner. Break out the games or get outside and go for a walk or bike ride.

If you’ve stretched your finances to the brink, it can be challenging monetarily to offer your assistance. But giving back to those who are in need doesn’t always mean reaching for your check book. Using the above strategies, you can become more charitable and still stay on target with your budget.

This is a sponsored guest post that does not necessarily reflect the views or ideals of Mommy Ramblings. 


Leave a Comment

Filed under Christmas, Holiday, Mommy Ramblings, sponsored guest post

Pink Limited Edition Charms- 50% Donated To Help End Breast Cancer #GlamuletPinkOctober

Glamulet the Charms brand jewelry company was founded in 2014 with a mission to offer every woman a new range of trendy, elegant and quality jewelry at affordable prices. They believe that every woman should have the ability to express herself and feel pretty. The gorgeous charms are able to be mixed and matched to allow women to create their own unique and special bracelet. Charms are available in all kinds of styles and designs.

I want to share some very special charms that Glamulet has created. The Pink Limited Edition Charms were created to support the Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign. For every set of charms added to the cart, 50% is donated to a charity organization.

 Pink-ribbon-silverPink-ribbon-murano-glass-beadsPink-crystal-ribbon-heart-pendant

Breast Cancer is the 2nd deadliest cause of death for women around the world. By 2050, no woman should die of breast cancer. Check out the new Pink Limited Edition Charms and remember that Glamulet is going to donate 50% of every set of charms you buy to a charity fund for breast cancer. To see the charms and learn more about what Glamulet is doing to help put an end to breast cancer click HERE!


This post is sponsored by Glamulet. As always my words and views are 100% my own.

1 Comment

Filed under cause, jewelry, Life

Join The Mighty Fight Against Childhood Cancer With Auntie Anne’s & Alex’s Lemonade Stand!!!

ALFS-media

As the mother of a cancer survivor, I was 100% on board  when approached to spread the word about Auntie Anne’s Pretzels partnering with Alex’s Lemonade Stand to raise money to fight childhood cancer.  The founder of Alex’s Lemonade Stand was a four-year old girl named Alexandra “Alex” Scott.  She was born to Liz and Jay Scott in Manchester, Connecticut on January 18, 1996, the second of four children. Shortly before her first birthday, Alex was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a type of childhood cancer.

alex-scott

 To date, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation,  has raised more than $80 million toward fulfilling Alex’s dream of finding a cure, funding over 450 pediatric cancer research projects nationally.  Watch the video below to learn how this amazing girl took lemons and made lemonade to raise money and help kids with cancer.

 

The facts are startling. One in every 330 children develops cancer before the age of 20.  Auntie Anne’s is continuing the fight against childhood cancer by teaming up with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation with the goal of funding 10,000 hours of research to find cures for the mini but mighty fighters battling cancer.  Now through  September 15th , Auntie Anne’s will be asking guests to “join in the mighty fight against childhood cancer” by visiting their local store and purchasing an Auntie Anne’s customized pretzel ribbon icon for $1. As a token of appreciation, Auntie Anne’s will provide a coupon for $1 off the next purchase of any pretzel product and drink. One hundred percent of proceeds collected through the in-store campaign will be donated to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation.

This is Auntie Anne’s third annual nationwide fundraising campaign for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. To increase awareness of the mighty fight against childhood cancer, the iconic pretzel brand launched a social fundraising campaign that began July 28th.  Across the country, donors will be able to show their support by donating to the mighty fight online and receiving a coupon for their next visit to Auntie Anne’s.

I would like to introduce you to Elijah, he is the Mini But Mighty Hero Of The Week!  Elijah is from Little Rock, Arkansas and he was diagnosed with stage IV neuroblastoma in August 2005.  After much research, prayer, and careful consideration, the decision was made to travel 1,200 miles from their home in Arkansas to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.  For the past five years, Elijah has been able to receive the help he needs.  He is fighting hard every day!

Elijah_front

 

Auntie Anne’s has been partnering with Alex’s Lemonade Stand since 2011 to find cures for children who are in the mighty fight of their life against cancer. How can you help? By donating, you’re helping Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation fund potentially life-saving cancer research. Here is what your donation could fund:

  • $5: Supports Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation one cup at a time
  • $15: Provides a gas card to help a family drive to a hospital for treatment
  • $25: Funds a half hour of childhood cancer research
  • $50: Funds one hour of childhood cancer research
  • $100: Enables a family to reside at a nearby hotel so they can stay close to their child receiving treatment
  • $400: Funds one day of childhood cancer research

If they reach their goal of $35,000, they will help fund 700 hours of childhood cancer research! In appreciation of your donation, Auntie Anne’s will email all donors a $1 off coupon, valid at participating U.S. stores, within 7-10 days after your contribution. Want to make a donation to The Might Fight?  No donation is too small so just click HERE for the campaign page and show your support today!

Don’t have anything to give? You can still help, all you need to do is click!  For every share of the Mighty Fight campaign, Auntie Anne’s will donate $0.25  towards childhood cancer research. You can find the “Share” button on the  campaign page. 

To keep up to date with Alex’s Lemonade Stand you can follow them on Facebook, Twitter , YouTube and Pinterest!

Follow Auntie Anne’s on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube and Instagram!

A donation to The Mighty Fight was made in my name to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation as a thank you for my participation in spreading the word about this worthwhile cause.  All opinions are 100% my own.


1 Comment

Filed under Main Page Post, Mommy Ramblings

Schoola Helps Schools In Need When You Buy or Donate Kid’s Clothes!!! #clothes4schools

schoola logo

Are you back to school shopping for your children?  Maybe going through clothing they have outgrown, wondering what to do with it all?  If you are, you may be interested to know how Schoola can help you and your child’s school.  Schoola is an online shop dedicated to recycling brand-name children’s clothing, with 40% of the proceeds going to schools in need.  The innovative new program – which saves parents money and gives back at the same time – has been heralded by Fox News, the LA Times, Forbes and Parenting Magazine.

Mommy Ramblings was selected to participate in a special campaign called “20 Days of Schoola” Adopt-a-School.  Mommy Ramblings was given of choice of 3 deserving schools and it was hard to choose, but we selected a small school in the Bronx called KIPP Academy.  KIPP Academy has a goal to raise $25,000 to fund a music program. KIPP Academy works hard to support kids who need all the help they can get. Ninety-five percent of its students qualify for free or reduced-cost lunch. More than one in seven receives special education services. Music helps KIPP Academy reach and engage every child who enters its doors. The slogan on the Music Room wall sets the stage—All of Us Will Learn Music.  No matter what backgrounds they come from or what challenges they face, they learn lessons together that will serve them the rest of their lives.For more about Kipp Academy and how Schoola helps schools in need watch the video below.

I was blessed growing up to be able to go to a school that had the funding to offer all kinds of great in school and after school programs for students.  Sadly many schools today cannot offer as much to students and so students are denied the opportunity to participate in art, music and sports programs that can stimulate and nurture natural or learned talent.

My older children were also able to participate in programs like I was and their school years were enriched with music lessons, great art programs, sports programs, extra curricular programs and more.  My younger children who are just entering school are also able to do the same, but many schools have been impacted by lack of funding and have had to cut programs like music, art and sports.

You Can Help

You can shop on Schoola for back-to-school clothing, even clothing new with tags and for every transaction that is processed by going through this link, Schoola will donate $1 to KIPP Academy.  That’s not all, everyone that requests a donation bag through the same link will help too because Schoola will donate $1 for every requested bag to Kipp Academy. Perhaps the best part is, if you send in a donation bag of clothing, you can fill out the name of a school you support and for every $5 in sales, Schoola will donate $2 to the school you selected!!! That’s a real win-win for Kipp Academy and the school of your choice!!!   You can follow Schoola on Twitter and Facebook to keep up to date on all the latest happenings.

This post is brought to you by Schoola, the best place to buy discounted kids clothes all while give back to schools in need.Click here to learn more about Schoola.Click here to see what people are saying.

Leave a Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Help Aflac Kick Cancer’s Butt By Sharing #DuckPrints #Giveaway

Aflac logo cmyk

As the mom of a Hodgkin’s Lymphoma survivor, I find the incidences of cancer diagnosis rising so troubling.  It seems every time I turn around, I hear of another person being diagnosed.  Aflac has a goal is to raise awareness and donations to aid in the fight against childhood cancer via a variety of social media activities using #Duckprints. The ultimate mission of Duckprints is to eradicate childhood cancer.

Aflac will donate $2 to the Aflac Cancer Center for every #Duckprints tweet/retweet on Twitter or post/share on Facebook. They need your help to get the word out! It’s an opportunity to not only help spread awareness, but to contribute to a great cause!

About The Aflac Cancer Center

The Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta is one of the largest childhood cancer centers in the country.

The Aflac Cancer Center is committed to providing childhood cancer patients a brighter future through advanced medical treatment, family-centered care, a child-friendly environment and innovative research.

Aflac is proud to have donated more than $87 million to the Aflac Cancer Center, with the goal of reaching $100 million by the end of 2015.

About Childhood Cancer

According to the National Cancer Institute, the five-year survival rates for all childhood cancers combined increased from 58.1 percent in 1977 to 79.6 percent in 2003.

In 2007, approximately 10,400 children age 15 or younger were diagnosed with cancer in the United States. Cancer remains the leading cause of death by illness in the U.S. for people age 15 or younger.

Aflac Duckprints is committed in its mission to eradicate childhood cancer. Thanks to donations made to the research and treatment of this disease, 75 percent of childhood cancers can now be cured.

In honor of Mother’s Day and Aflac’s goal to help support the fight against childhood cancer, Aflac will donate $2 to the Aflac Cancer Center for every post or tweet of former Aflac Cancer Center patient Trisha Henry Gaffney’s inspiring story using #Duckprints.

Trisha Henry Gaffney’s Story

TH photo 2

On Valentine’s Day 1996, 19-year-old Trisha was diagnosed with embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, an aggressive tumor usually found in the head, neck, hands or feet of young children. Trisha’s was the first reported case to occur in the right ureter, the tube connecting the kidney and bladder.

After going through surgery to remove her right kidney, ureter and a portion of her bladder, Trisha spent a year at the Aflac Cancer Center undergoing chemotherapy and radiation.

Following her treatment for this rare form of cancer, Trisha Henry Gaffney was eager to put her health problems behind her. The last thing she wanted to do was dwell on the effects of her illness.

Trying to Get Back to Normal

Trisha was eager to get back to school, and in January 1997, she went back to Illinois ‒ where she was a student and scholarship swimmer at the University of Illinois ‒ to finish the last few months of chemotherapy.

Her treatment ended in April 1997, and she was ready to put her focus on all of the positive forces in her life. During her treatment at the Aflac Cancer Center, Trisha had started dating Andrew Gaffney, a fellow swimmer from high school. She had a big group of friends in Champaign, Ill. she looked forward to seeing again. In addition, she became a journalism major with the goal of focusing her energy on telling others’ inspirational stories of overcoming obstacles.

In 1998, a friend encouraged Trisha to visit the Cancer Survivor Program at the Aflac Cancer Center. The Aflac Cancer Center provides specialized, long-term follow-up care and helps identify and treat problems associated with the effects of cancer treatment to help survivors lead a full life, including school, work and a family of their own. However, the idea of going to even more doctors didn’t sit well with Trisha.

“You don’t want your cancer to define you,” Trisha said, “but as you get older, you realize it plays a much bigger part in your life than you’re willing to admit.”

Hearing More Bad News

After several years of going to general doctors for check-ups, Trisha finally made an appointment with the Cancer Survivor Program at the Aflac Cancer Center.

“After college, I devoted myself to my work and being normal,” Trisha said. “I put cancer behind me. Then it reared its ugly head at 32.”

During her first appointment at the Cancer Survivor Program, Trisha received her health records.  She was able to gain a broad understanding of her entire health history, including her treatments and the issues they could cause, called late effects.

After meeting with the Medical Director, Trisha went to a fertility specialist, who delivered some devastating news. The lab work showed Trisha’s chemotherapy and 23 radiation treatments had wreaked havoc on her body. Only one ovary was functional, and the radiation had damaged her uterus; she was approaching an early menopause, and she would not be able to carry a child.

“It’s devastating when you can’t have a family,” Trisha said. “I froze my eggs that year. I thought, ‘Screw you, cancer! I want my own kid.’”

After her sister’s best friend offered to be a surrogate, Trisha and Andrew, now her husband, became parents to Isabella in April 2013.  Isabella just celebrated her first birthday, and this Mother’s Day will mark Trisha’s second, thanks to the Aflac Cancer Center and its programs.

TH photo 1

The impact of the Aflac Cancer Center isn’t lost on Trisha. Without the intervention of doctors and nurses in her health, her life would be incredibly different. “If I hadn’t had my friend telling me to go to the Cancer Survivor Program at the Aflac Cancer Center,” Trisha said, “I wouldn’t have my daughter.”

How You Can Help

So please tweet and share your little hearts out for this great cause!!!  Now through Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 11), Aflac will donate $2 to the Aflac Cancer Center for every tweet/retweet, or post/share on Twitter or Facebook using the #Duckprints hashtag.

You can also stay up on all the latest by following Aflac on Facebook and Twitter!

Giveaway Details

Enter our giveaway to win a $50 Restaurant.com Gift Card.

Continue reading


Leave a Comment

Filed under Giveaway, Health, Main Page Post, Mommy Ramblings, Uncategorized

Master Lock “Protecting All That You Love and Care About” Sweepstakes” To Benefit American Red Cross!!! #MasterLockProtects 3

Master Lock Logo Thin

Recently, I was thinking about what the American Red Cross means to me.  When I think of the American Red Cross, I think about a warm blanket being placed on the shoulders of a disaster victim.  That simple gesture is what the American Red Cross embodies; caring, compassion, relief and assistance for those in need.

The Red Cross is there to help Americans affected by disasters, support members of the military and their families, to facilitate  collection, processing and distribution of life saving blood, provided health and safety education and development and to provide international relief and development.  My daughter started volunteering  in high school  for the Red Cross blood drives in our community.   She enjoyed working with them so much that it ignited a spark for community service she has to this day.

American Red Cross Helping Victims

The American Red Cross is one of the nation’s premier humanitarian organizations that was started by Clara Barton in 1881.  Clara Barton led the Red Cross for 23 years.  After disasters like hurricanes, tornadoes or earthquakes, I always see the Red Cross responding immediately to provide victims with their basic needs. The efforts of this organization helps to give those affected  a bit of security, comfort and care while  always treating them with the dignity they deserve in the wake of unspeakable loss.  Just the Red Cross symbol alone is a vision of hope, a symbol of love and  commitment to relieve suffering to those in need.

As a parent, I know the protection of my family is paramount in my thoughts and actions every day.  It gives me security knowing that companies like Master Lock  have been providing individuals the most innovative security solutions for homes, autos, bikes, storage security and more since 1921.  I remember my first experience with Master Lock was the combination lock on my gym locker.  I used that lock from elementary through high school and that made an impression even then about the quality of their products.

Tough-under-fire2

 Master Lock is the recognized leader in padlock and security industries and is always setting the bar higher and producing the best products to help families live as safely and securely as we can.  In an uncertain world Master Lock helps us keep our belongings safe and secure with products that we can put our trust in.

Master-Lock-Love-Sweeps-Logo

Master Lock has a “Protecting All That You Love and Care About” Sweepstakes: Master Lock is helping consumers protect all that they love and care about in 2014, whether a precious pet, certain someone or prized possession.

Master Lock is kicking off a year-long initiative by asking consumers to tweet what they most want to protect using the hashtag #MasterLockProtects in exchange for a $1 donation to the American Red Cross and entry into their sweepstakes for the chance to win one of 28 great prize packs!

Master Lock will make an initial $10,000 donation to the American Red Cross and will donate up to $10,000 in additional funds based on consumers participation in the sweepstakes.

Master Lock’s generous donation will support the urgent needs of the American Red Cross mission, whether it is responding to a disaster, collecting lifesaving blood, teaching skills to save a life, or assisting military members and their families during emergencies.

I would like to invite you to join me at a Twitter party, kicking off the campaign on Tuesday, February 18th.   If you would like to attend, click HERE!

Sweepstakes period: February 17th – February 28th

See the Sweepstakes Rules HERE!

Sweepstakes Prizes Include:

3   Grand Prize Winners: 

$100 Visa Gift Card

Master Lock 5422D Portable Key Safe

1547DCM Backpack Lock

5900D SafeSpace

Red Cross Emergency Preparedness Kit

25   First Prize Winners: 25

$50 Visa Gift Card

Master Lock 5422D Portable Key Safe

1547DCM Backpack Lock

5900D SafeSpace

Red Cross Emergency Preparedness Kit

 So please share a tweet to raise money for the American Red Cross and let Master Lock know what you most want to protect using the hashtag #MasterLockProtects. You just may be a winner in the sweepstakes for doing your part to help such a great organization!!!

 This is a sponsored post on behalf of Master Lock but as always the opinions expressed are 100% my own.

Leave a Comment

Filed under Uncategorized