From the category archives:

Giving Back

Hugs for Heroes

by Stacy on August 28, 2010

On Saturday August 14th, children around the world gave smiles, hugs and heart-shaped cards. They gathered in groups to clean up streets, parks and beaches and to tend community gardens. They made and sold cookies, brownies and lemonade to raise money for various causes, from local animal shelters to global nonprofits. They delivered treats and thank you messages to public servants, from firefighters to librarians to elected officials. They did kind deeds for seniors, military families (here’s where we come in), the homeless, the hospitalized, for family members, friends and strangers.

Handing out Balloons to kids & cold water to the soldiers on this HOT, HOT day

{Conquering the shyness factor & doling out hugs & High Fives for Heroes}

Held on the second Saturday in August for the last three years, The Great Kindness Challenge is one day where kids around the world do acts of kindness. This year the challenge managed to reach all 50 states and many places around the world! Super proud we got to be a part of it this year & we can’t wait to do it again next year!

What we’ll remember about today: I asked Happy what he learned during our Great Kindness Challenge & he told me, “It’s easy to make friends when you have balloons!” On a brighter note, when we went grocery shopping this week he still high-fived all the men & women in uniform and thanked the retirees. I’d say the Challenge was a smashing success in Texas!

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6 Ways To Help Endangered Species

by Stacy on May 21, 2010

Today is Endangered Species Day.

A day that I would like each of you to take a moment of your time and think on things that are happening in not just the world around us, but right in our own backyards.

1,324 – The # of species listed as endangered in the United States alone! [750 plants, 574 animals]
Source: (www.nwf.org/esday)

Did you know all species of sea turtles are either endangered or threatened? Yeah, me neither
Source: (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_turtle)

How about this scary tidbit of information: Within the next 30 years, almost 1/4 of the World’s Mammals will be at risk for extinction … Wow! That’s something I just can’t stand for.

I don’t even want to think about the chance that my grandchildren or great grandchildren might never have the opportunity to see a panda, tiger, dolphin or whale. I just won’t do it.

Luckily, since the Endangered Species Act was passed in 1973, there have been hundreds of success stories.

Bald Eagle – Recovered and delisted
Peregrine Falcon – Recovered and Delisted
Grizzly Bear – Proposed for delisting.
Gray Wolf – Populations are rebounding under ESA protections

And even more species are recovering as we speak. Whew, at least that’s good news.

OK, now that I have scared us all into action, let’s talk about some of the things we can do to make a difference.

1. Raise Awareness – Spread the word in your communities about local threatened species. Educate your children about endangered species, children are the future and well, sadly, EXTINCT is forever.

Tell everyone you know, Farmers can get tax deductions for endangered species on their property.
Source: (http://bit.ly/bruC9G)

2. Clean up a Wildlife Refuge – Volunteer your time to help clean debris and weeds from a nearby designated wildlife habitat.

3. Support Zoos, Aquariums & even Sea World – I know there are a lot of folks out there who don’t agree with zoos or animals being kept in captivity for the enjoyment of humans. I urge you to reconsider your view point in these circumstances. It is because of zoos, aquariums and even places like Sea World that we have been able to learn about many species, boost populations and physically connect children (and adults too) to all types of wildlife that would have otherwise been impossible. (Ignorance is bliss but knowledge is power and seeing is believing – folks are more likely to get involved when they’ve experienced something firsthand) Without these places, many of the accomplishments we have made would not have been possible. Your contributions and patronage to these locations helps ensure future endeavors and possibilities for generations to come.

4. Take a stroll through a Garden – You might not think of plants when you think of endangered species but plants are declining at a rate as rapidly as animals without as many advocates coming to their defense. Your nearest Botanical Garden is a treasure trove of information and a huge player in keeping endangered plants on the map.

5. Be Respectful to Mother Earth – Pesticides, landfills, off shore drilling. These are all reasons species are becoming endangered to begin with. Find alternative methods, reduce your carbon footprint and recycle as much of your waste as possible. By doing your part, you are lightening a heavy load our nation is resting on the shoulders of our great planet.

6. Spread the Word – Click on over to the Conservation Action Network and speak out for wildlife everywhere.

Thank you for your time.

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I believe in Christmas Miracles

by Stacy on December 22, 2009

Benson_Claire

Benson and Claire were born with a rare genetic disease which effects their liver and causes their body to destroy itself. Claire, the youngest sibling, has had kidney failure since she was 2 months old and been on almost constant {up to 15 hrs a day} dialysis since she was 3 months old. Their parents started a blog chronicling their journey and raising money for the transplants BOTH of their children will eventually need. Claire has been on the waiting list for a combined kidney/liver transplant and I have been following her story:

Give Hope to Benson and Claire

It’s only been a few weeks since I first found their website, but I was deeply touched by the strength of these parents and amazing children impressed me to the point I felt I had to do something, anything to make their life a little easier.

I try to keep up with their story but since I had family coming to town, I missed a few days of blogging. Imagine my surprise when I visited their site this weekend and found out Claire has had major surgery ~ a double transplant (kidney & liver). She’s still recovering, but doing quite well. Talk about a Christmas Miracle. God Bless this family, I wish them Peace and Joy and a wonderful Christmas with both of their children.

Now, here’s the part where I tell you what we can do to help this amazing family. I was shocked to hear an organ transplant can cost over $500,000 {and this family needs two of them}!! Thankfully, they have friends who organize auctions raising money for their cause – I’ll start announcing each of these auctions on KSW from now on so we can contribute and score some awesome goodies for ourselves {The next auction will be held from 4 -15 Jan, if you would like to donate an item to be auctioned, contact Shannon from Shannon Makes Stuff at stakeresensations@gmail.com} but you can also make a monetary donation by visiting Benson & Claire’s online donation site.

READ ALL ABOUT THEM HERE AND FOLLOW THEIR STORY HERE

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10 Simple Ways You Can Change Your World

by Stacy on August 11, 2009

We Are What We Do

Today I wanted to do something a little different. I’d like for everyone reading this post to try a little experiment – Pick one item from the list below, and give it a try. KSW guarantees your world & those around you will change for the better (even if it’s just the slightest little bit, it will have been worth it).

1. Take the time to listen – Let me begin by telling you a little secret, consider it a gift from me to you: Listening (Not hearing, but truly listening) is the key to intimacy in any relationship.
Tune in to the things that really matter and tune out from all of the distractions in your life. Put down your laptop, turn off the television, put aside all your grievances with your spouse, forget about the mess in the kitchen and just take a moment to really listen to what they’re saying. Focusing completely on an individual and truly being part of a conversation allows for real connections to be made and strong bonds to form. You’ll find that you answer thoughtfully rather than automatically and everyone involved will have a more pleasant experience.

Find yourself with another issue: No one talking in the house. Well, that can speak volumes all in itself. Seek out your children or your spouse and spend a little quality time reconnecting and doing something you both enjoy. Before you know it, you’ll all be having a good time and with great memories comes great conversation. (A second gift from me to you).

2. Donate to those in need – This one is simple, you have too much stuff! There are others out there who don’t. Give a little and you’ll get a whole lot more {a good feeling, more space in your home, perhaps even room for something new}

3. Smile and Smile Back – Attitudes are contagious, whether good or bad. Make the decision when you leave your house today that you will spread your good attitude as far as it will go. What could be easier than making someone’s day with nothing more than a quick smile! Don’t feel like smiling? Do it anyway, chances are the smiles you get in return will help you feel better too.

4. Spend time with someone from another generation – The greatest part about this challenge is you can either be the teacher or the student. Don’t be surprised if you learn something from a younger generation as well. The most important part of this challenge is to keep an open mind, remember to show respect, and just enjoy yourself. Something wonderful is bound to happen.

5. Read a Story to a child – What better gift can you pass along to a child than the gift of literacy. Take 5, 10, even 20 minutes (depending on the age of the child) to open a child’s mind and let their imaginations run wild. The time you invest in reading will truly last a lifetime (more posts about reading with children and even a great GIVEAWAY~ coming soon!)

6. Give Blood – Just 20 minutes out of your day and you can give someone the Gift of Life. Even better, you get to take some time out of your day to sit down, relax, and you even get a cookie!

7. Seize the moment – The only time you really have is now – this moment. So don’t just seize it, EMBRACE it and ENJOY it! Let your senses guide you and help you to maximize your experience. Make every memory, a vivid memory. The more you begin to focus on your senses {the beauty in the sunset, the smell of your clothes straight form the dryer, the actual taste of what you’re eating}, the more you will begin to enjoy the experience and remember the details.

8. Plant something – Nothing is more life altering than parenthood, apply this philosophy on a smaller level and grow something of your very own. Take pride in your accomplishments and enjoy the fruit of your labor – whether its a gorgeous flower or a tasty vegetable. Think of the money you’ll save and the joy you’ll feel from helping yourself become a little more self-sustainable.

9. Join something – In other words, be a part of something greater than yourself. You’ll gain confidence, maybe even make some new friends, and do something positive for yourself and others.

10. Register as an organ donor – Did you know a healthy organ donor can save or improve the lives of 50 PEOPLE! Do your part and get the process started today, at OrganDonor.gov

If you were moved by this list or want to find a few more simple ways to change your world, check out the online movement We Are What We Do. We Are What We Do, and KSW believe simple actions can make a big difference.

If you’re a List kind of gal, you’ll love the Actions Tracker they’ve set up. You can check off 50 simple ways to change the world. Sign up for the Actions Tracker on the web or even monitor your progress on the super handy Change the World Facebook application, while you’re on Facebook take a moment to befriend the new KSW FB page.

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Don’t forget your FREE stocking stuffers

by Stacy on December 19, 2008

One Day from Brighter Planet

There’s still time to claim these wonderful little stocking stuffers, Brighter Planet, has so graciously bestowed to us. To claim a stocking stuffer, simply click on the image to the left, enter the name of your giftee and your email address. Print out the certificate that goes along with your very green gift and tuck it into the stocking of someone special.

What does this certificate mean exactly? Glad you asked, these certificates are part of the One Day campaign – a wonderful attempt to “make up” for the pollution generated by one person each day. An individual who receives a certificate can rest easy knowing processes are in place to offset the amount of carbon they generated that day.

What’s One Day Worth?

One Day equals 136 pounds

The average American emits 136 pounds of carbon dioxide each day. About 36 pounds come from driving, flying, and other travel. Another 22 pounds come from heating, cooling, and powering our homes. The final 78 pounds come from producing, transporting, and disposing of all the stuff we buy, and from shared services like schools and street lights. 136 pounds would fill 5,000 balloons — imagine releasing that every day.

Think one day doesn’t matter? So far, KSW readers have signed up for 7 One Day gifts – the equivalent of taking 29 cars off of the road for one day. Help us triple these numbers by claiming your FREE gift today.

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