Back to the Table

Tonight I returned to my favorite place to be on Thanksgiving Eve, the table of toothbrushes.


Last year the Westside Thanksgiving served over 2,500 people. In addition to a hearty Thanksgiving meal, guests receive immunizations, clothing, shoes, hygiene kits, haircuts, games, live entertainment, and basic medical consultation. 


Tomorrow, they will do it all over again.


Hundreds of volunteers gathered tonight at the Santa Monica Civic Center in preparation for the Thanksgiving celebration. My favorite place: the table of toothbrushes. As a part of the hygiene kit human assembly line, I stand at the table of toothbrushes and pass out toothbrushes to the individuals compiling the kits. As they pass me they go on to collect soap, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothpaste, socks, and washcloths. And, person by person, I hear snippits of inspiration, one toothbrush at a time.


Tonight, we started with instructions. The kind woman who organizes the hygiene kit supply collection and compilation gathered the group and said a number of important things. She reminded us all:

• The goal is not to go through the line as quickly as possible and stuff them as much as you can. The goal of tonight is to make a bag with care for each guest tomorrow. 
• We aren't trying to stuff them with all the "good stuff," we're trying to make as many hygiene kits as possible. Take 1 big toothpaste or two small toothpastes, one big bar of soap or two small bars of soap. 
• Make them fair. 
• We want everyone to leave tomorrow with a kit that will be meaningful to them.

With that, hygiene kit assembly commenced.


As I handed out toothbrush by toothbrush, I smiled, I was thankful, I was inspired.

• A majority of participants tonight were local high school students. Hundreds of high schoolers took the time to come with friends to make hygiene kits for tomorrow's guests. 
• A group of elementary school girls circled the assembly line multiple times. Every time they got a toothbrush they were in awe... "That's such a cute toothbrush" they said with smiles on their faces, "they are lucky to get those!" thinking of other kids who might be so lucky to get such cool toothbrushes tomorrow.
• A woman who I'd established an agreement with... every time she came by, she'd receive at least 2+ toothbrushes per bag. About halfway through the hygiene kit assembly it was evident that there were far more toothbrushes than other supplies. We both acknowledged this fact and started putting more toothbrushes in her bags. "Put more toothbrushes in," she said, "they're important." Every time she passed by she'd say, "back for those toothbrushes" and would receive as many as she asked for. Tomorrow at least half the bags with multiple toothbrushes thanks to her. They are important.

Tomorrow, over 2,000 guests will sit at a table, be a valued part of the community, and celebrate Thanksgiving. We have a lot to be thankful for.

Toothpaste donated from schools and community members

And soap!

Messages for tomorrow's guests.

And encouragement from a child. 

With this, my friends, I am humbled to celebrate a full 365 Days of Service. Exactly a year ago I started off with a goal of blogging an act of kindness, service, highlighting an organization or a person who is doing good for every single day of the year. Now, a year later, mission accomplished. There is a post for each of the past 365 days.

Many thanks to everyone who has encouraged, supported, celebrated this effort along the way. Thanks to everyone who sent in stories of service - my mother, sister, father, uncle, cousin, teacher, friend, after friend, after friend, after friend who shared the good going on in this world. 

I've been inspired by each organization, each individual, and every story. And, most of all, I've learned that if you look for service, you will see it around you every single day. It can be as simple as a Snuggie or as strong as standing up for a survivor. It can be something huge someone does around the world or it can be in your neighborhood or in your good thoughts. You can help save the planet or sing. Use your passion to make a difference.

If you look for it, if you listen for it, service is all around you.

Most of all, the greatest form of service is being kind to one another. If we are all good to our neighbor, good to a stranger, and treat everyone with care, this kindness - and service - happens everyday, everywhere. 

And service will continue! While 365 Days of Service will not post every day, we still celebrate service all around us. Please continue to see service around you, send in stories, and 365 will post acts of kindness and service to share. 

Go, serve!

FUN with PUN!

PUN (right) with our good friend Scott.

If Webster had a place for "Man of Service" in the dictionary, it would be defined as this: PUN.


As we close out a year of service, 365 Days of Service is proud to showcase PUN as a man who lives service every single day of the year.


PUN volunteers at camp. He volunteers at all of our programs. PUN volunteers every weekend and he spends multiple nights at camp every summer session. He's done this since camp opened in 2004 and will continue to do this for a long time coming. 


And we're not the only program PUN volunteers for. He's an active volunteer with our program, Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times, Padres Contra El Cancer, an on-call support to families in times of emergency, and visits every children's hospital in the LA area. And those are just a part of his list. 


PUN not only spends his time actively volunteering at each program, he spends time creatively thinking about each program. He develops games for children to play, he thinks of positive suggestions to help make programs better, he does magic, creates children's game shows. He has an endless list of PUNs to pull out at any given second - an active list stored in his head and a growing list that he comes up with on the spot (test him, I challenge you, he'll have a PUN for anything you say). Always dressed with his bucket hat covered in non-profit organization pins and a coat that holds ropes for rope tricks to plungers for his "Harry Potty" act, PUN is always prepared. He works wonders by giving children a 12-inch piece of rope and teaching them to tie a knot with one hand. What do children do with their PUN-taught trick? Children learn a new trick, they perform their trick and shine on stage during Stage Night, they are proud to show their trick to their family and friends, and the teach their rope trick to another child. The PUN effect has immeasurable positive outcomes. 


At camp, children and families come to see PUN. He knows every camper's name. He connects with every child and family member individually. When a child is having a rough time, PUN is the person who is called to provide support. Kids and families come to hear his jokes, see his magic shows, and delight in the way he makes them feel. With PUN, children shine. 


PUN is a teacher, a comedian, a leader, a motivator, an inspiration, an expert on children, a man with endless tools in his toolbox, a coach, a counselor, a mentor, a cheerleader, and a friend. Parents trust him, young adults admire him, children adore him. 


PUN is a man that lives service every single day of the year. Thank you, PUN, for your dedication to make a difference. You're PUN-in-a-million!

Girls!

Girls Weeken 2009!

Now I couldn't blog about service without including a feature about these two wonderful women.


Let me introduce you to two women who define friendship: Kimmy and Bridget.


Our friendship together dates back to 2004, our first of 3 fun-filled summers working together. Hermoine, Penelope, and Ginger threw tea parties and so much more.


And to celebrate our friendship we started a tradition... Girls' Weekend! 


It all started when we enjoyed some of the most relaxing time off in a wonderful place called CenterPeace. We were kindly invited by our loving host, Sarah, who knew we could use some quality quiet and relaxing fun. While with Sarah at CenterPeace we cooked, ate, drank, laughed, took a tour of the pictures on her wall, heard fun stories, were inspired to friendship greatness, and listened to vinyl records. A good time indeed. And every year we create an equally good time in a different city. 



2011 marked our 5th anniversary. At first we thought celebrating a birthday was the best reason to start this get together and it has now become a tradition that we'll continue for a very long time. What goes into Girls' Weekend? Select a date, select a city, purchase tickets, make a GW soundtrack (Bridgie's best!), and hopefully find a t-shirt to commemorate. Cities we've hit? New Haven, Las Vegas, Cleveland, St. Louis, and Los Angeles. Smyrna, Delaware, watch out... we're coming! 


And, yes, the cities we visit are fun and we do fun things together. But the best part is that we're together. These ladies are forever friends. We love the time we spend together and we know it. They are funny, caring, compassionate, loving, more funny, fun, thoughtful, creative, talented, wonders of this world. 


Whether it's tallying small dogs and monkey backpacks or eating Mystic Pizza, Girls' Weekens always rock. 


Cheers to Girls' Weekends, the service of friendship, and the love and happiness friends provide!

Meera Bonbonerie!

365 Days of Service takes today to salute Meera Bonbonerie!


Her legal name is Meera, however, after a surprise package arrived to our office door from The Bonbonerie with an address tag labeled "Meera Bonbonerie" at the top, her official name in California was changed to Meera Bonbonerie to better represent her actions!


Meera is a great friend and a thoughtful, dedicated, generous woman of service!


And now, a list of the Top 5 Meera Bonbonerie facts!


Meera Bonbonerie Fact #1: Meera is camp in human form. She LOVES camp. She's volunteered at more camps than I know, she always has camp on her mind. She takes time to volunteer at camp programs around the world - and better yet, she encourages friends and loved ones to volunteer, create, and experience the magic of camp with her. 


Meera Bonbonerie Fact #2: Meera is amazing. She studied overseas to become a doctor and is nearly done with the becoming-a-doctor process (a lot of school, tests, rotations, etc.).


Meera Bonbonerie Fact #3: Meera has a sense of style that she rocks every single day. She is an amazing accessorizer. A combination of fun skirts, beads, bracelets and sparkly headbands always leaves me in awe of her fashion and flare! 


Meera Bonbonerie Fact #4: Meera is an incredible package sender. She sends care packages frequently and has been known to go to great lengths to support baker-hunter endeavors. She's sent cupcakes via jar, cheesecake, and, of course, the mailing that led to the great name, iced butter cookies from The Bonbonerie! Did I mention that she somehow sent these things while studying abroad on an island in the middle of the ocean?


Meera Bonbonerie Fact #5: Meera is a wonderful friend. Time after time Meera and I scheduled weekly and monthly calls. Calls to catch up, calls to plan the next big adventure. When you're around Meera, there's always something big brewing. And when we're not in touch via friendly phone call or email invitiation for the next great event, Meera is sending a care package. One of my favorite gifts? Last year Meera sent me a package of M&Ms, chocolate-coconut kind. It was a gift that was truly Meera - one that showed her thoughtfulness to remember my birthday, a sweet card with a loving message, plus a gift that she knew I would absolutely love. 


Thanks, Meera, for being a friend who shows her thoughtfulness and care in so many different ways. A friend who I always think of in fun-memory form - like the Bubblefest mix I listened to this weekend. You are loved.

Big Sur Half Marathon

Kristin and I conquered the Big Sur Half Marathon!


Congratulations to the over 6,000 competitors who participated in this 13.1 mile run. It was awesome.


And there was no shortage of service all over the course.


First, there were crowds of people cheering us on the entire course. It was early in the morning, rain was in the forecast and the crowds were as determined as the runners to make this a great day. Marines stood at every street corner directing runners and cheering us on. I heard a young one, no older than 3 years, chant "go runners, go runners!" endlessly. There was an awesome man with very large hair on rollerblades with awesome homemade signs and an enthusiasm and humor that I know brought a smile to every single runner. 


Plenty of individuals running for a cause too! As always, there was a good representation of Team in Training runners, adding to the over 1.2 billion dollars raised for cancer research. The Monterey Bay Aquarium had a team of runners with Seafood Watch jerseys to bring awareness to help turn the tide on damaging fishing practices and more. The most visible group - Athletes for Adoption. This team raised money for God's Grace Adoption Ministry, a non-profit dedicated to ease the financial burden to help families overcome the financial burden of adopting children. They place orphaned children around the world in loving homes and families. In addition, part of our run was on a "Rails to Trails" pathway. Rails to Trails is a Washington D.C. based non-profit that strives to create a nationwide of trails from former rail lines and to help build healthier places for healthier people. 


And there was a woman who I trailed for the first 5 miles. Her shirt read, "In memory of Carmen."  Although I didn't know this woman, Carmen, or their story, both inspired me today.


Congratulations to all runners and a 365 shout out to all those who run with a purpose!

Hostess with the mostest!

An amazing Maine morning at the lake.

Our perfect lakeside home.

Hammock and I became good friends.

Ellen Buus is the hostess with the mostest! 


Maine has been on at the top of my list of places to visit for a couple of years now. Always seeming to be on the exact opposite corner of Maine, making a trip there didn't seem the easiest thing to do... until Ellen Buus. 


Ellen is a great colleague. She works at our sister camp in CT, coordinating their hundreds of volunteers annually. She's amazing. During one of our conferences Ellen told us about how she always goes to a lakehouse in Maine. Not only did she invite us to join her, she said she would be the hostess with the mostest - and she was. 


Ellen coordinated everything to be the perfect trip. Lucky trip-goers? Bryan, a California colleague of mine, and Lindsay, a CT colleague of Ellen. All of us - great travel partners and friends. 


We journeyed to Hartland, ME. Well, let me take a step back. Actually, Bryan and I were in California and booked on flights to fly in to CT and Boston at the exact time that Hurricane Irene was arriving. Ellen kept us posted on the hurricanes progress and encouraged us to get earlier flights so we could "hunker" down for the hurricane in CT so as soon as Irene passed we could hit the road to Maine. Instead of flying out on Saturday night as planned, at 5:30 pm on Friday Bryan and I were re-booked for flights at 10:30 that evening. The hurricane had nothing on us!


So, Ellen invited us for the hurricane and it was awesome. I'm sure that if we didn't get there before the hurricane we wouldn't have gotten there at all. 


Now, back to Hartland, ME. When we arrived at "camp" (that's what they call the cabins on the lake!) we were all SO excited. The cabin we were staying in was absolutely perfect for us. So cute and cozy, right on the lake, quiet, surrounded by trees. Awesome cabin + good friends = perfection.


Our cabin was on Great Moose Lake. Ellen has been going to the lake since she was a little girl and was so happy to share the lake with us. For 2 days we kayaked, napped, jumped in the lake to cool off, watched the sun rise and set and discovered sun trajectory theories never before understood. We listened to good music, played bartering card games, read, cooked, enjoyed delicious drinks, sun-bathed, laughed, and truly relaxed. Amazing.


After a few days on the lake, Ellen took us to Acadia National Park. We had a limited amount of time in the park, but with Ellen as our tourguide, we were able to conquer it all. She arranged our campgrounds, planned our days to see all the best spots plus eat our meals at the best restaurants. We watched the sunset from Cadillac Mountain, kayaked the sound, drove around the park loop, camped, sat around the campfire, ate popovers and lobster stew, biked the carriage roads, and hiked (accidentally) both bubbles.


Ellen and I were fortunate to return to the cabin for another 3 days and were joined by good friends Lindsay S. and Blaine. For three more days we kayaked, napped, read, cooked, bbq'ed, enjoyed time with Ed and Hazel, laughed, and had so much fun.


The best parts of this trip?


Ellen loves the lake and I loved that she was so happy to share the lake with us. She showed us her family's camp, told us stories, and wanted us to enjoy the lake as much as she's been able to enjoy the lake over the years.


Food! Ellen took us to eat at all the best food places. We enjoyed seafood baskets and blueberry pie at Haraseeket Lunch and Lobster . She coached us to be lobster eating champions at Thurston's. She introduced us to popovers and lobster stew at The Jordan Pond House.


Enjoying the ride...Ellen planned every aspect of our trip. She reserved the cabin on the lake, reserved our campground, recommended activities that we would all enjoy, showed us all of the best spots. We literally were on board for the best ride and our job was to simply enjoy it all. 

Rest and relaxation. After all of us working really hard throughout the summer, to have time and place to rest and relax is the exactly what we NEED. We need to sleep, we need to relax, we need to be away. Ellen provided us the most perfect way to for us to take care of ourselves. And that, in and of itself, is a priceless gift. 

Time. Ellen gave us time. Being at the lake, enjoying Acadia, experiencing the great outdoor adventures... through it all we were able to spend time together. We shared stories, we laughed a lot, we created so many memories. 

And even when days seem to get long nowadays, I remember Maine. 

I am so thankful for Ellen and for giving all of us such an incredible vacation. This was an experiences I know I could have never created on my own. Because of Ellen's generosity, I was able to enjoy the vacation of a lifetime with such good friends in a place that I've been dreaming of visiting for a long time.

Thanks, Ellen. You are the hostest with the mostest!

Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse

First Descents

First Descents offers outdoor adventure programs for young adult cancer fighters and survivors. As First Descents states, they offer the opportunity for young adults to "climb, paddle, and surf beyond their diagnosis, defy their cancer, reclaim their lives and connect with other adults doing the same. 


First Descents programs last from 1 day to 1 week and happen in locations across the country. Participants rock climb in Utah and Colorado, surf in California, or whitewater kayak in Oregon, Montana, Colorado, or North Carolina. 


Learn more about this amazing program!

Hope and Homes for Children

"Every child has the right to grow up in a family and to be cared for and protected from harm or abuse."


Hope and Homes for Children is an international charity working to ensure that all children have the chance to grow up in the love of a family. Hopes and Homes for Children are leading experts in closing children's institutions and reforming childcare systems. Hopes and Homes for Children works with children, their families, communities, professionals, NGOs and governments across Central and Eastern Europe and Africa to ensure that every child grows up in a loving, caring home.


The UN estimates that 8 million children are living in child care institutions around the world. 


Hopes and Homes for Children works toward deinstitutionalisation - a complex process of working with governments to close institutions and provide alternative, family-based services to children. 


Learn about what they do and see where they work. 

Meg Got Married!

Absolutely beautiful!

Miwi and Meg celebrating Meg getting married!

Meg got married! Hooray!


I was very fortunate to meet Meg and Miwi during grad school and we spent two wonderful years together. They are incredible friends and we had a lot of good fun. 


Meg and Miwi are Child Life Specialists in Japan. When they returned home after grad school, they were about 11 Child Life Specialists in Japan - and they were two of them! They are true pioneers of good - bringing education, support, and play to children in hospitals. 


And Meg and Miwi are incredible people. 


Meg is an outgoing, social, fun, funny, enthusiastic, intelligent, caring friend. Meg always has an incredible energy about her and gets people excited about everything because she's excited about everything. Anytime we needed a boost of energy, Meg was our girl. She always made us have fun!


Miwi is a wonderful, caring, thoughtful, funny, kind, compassionate friend. She is always there to support anyone. She's a friend to have fun with, she's a friend you can talk to and trust. Miwi's real name is Miwa but when she got one of her cards, they printed her name as Miwi so now she's Miwi. Miwi also only likes to eat her food with wooden utensils. 


Meg, Miwi and other good grad school friends have shared so many wonderful memories together. We'd cook feasts of food and eat it all - sushi, pizza, okonomiyaki (our fav!), YUM! We went out for late night boba tea when we had enough of the books. We worked in preschools and hospitals together. We went on vacation together. We laughed, and laughed, and laughed a lot. 


Meg got married this past weekend. Hooray! She wrote us to tell us that she has a sweetie man and she was going to marry. We weren't able to make it to her wedding celebration so Miwi was so kind to help us all be there. Miwi wrote our grad school group and lovingly put together notes and pictures of us to give to Meg on her wedding day. That way we could all be there together and celebrate with her. And today Miwi sent us pictures of Meg's big day. So, so kind!


I am ALWAYS so thankful for Miwi and Meg. Although we live quite far away, they are always close in heart. They are incredible individuals and loving friends. Life is much richer because they are a part. 


Sending lots of love to you, Miwi and Meg! Go commando! 

Incredible friends and Maui fun!

George Mark House

The George Mark House in Northern California is the first - and only - freestanding children's residential palliative care facility. The beauty of this home is that it provides children with life-limiting illnesses high quality medical care and support services to their parents and siblings. 


At the George Mark House, they allow "kids to be kids and parents to be parents."


Since opening, the George Mark House has cared for over 275 families. Their services are not time limited and many families who children have passed return to George Mark to hold memorial services, remember, and celebrate anniversaries. 


Take a moment to learn more about this incredible program. 

A Team Effort

I hope that others saw the Gabby Giffords special on ABC News tonight. 

This story is amazing, inspirational, powerful.

And it is humbling to see that Gabby Gifford's journey - and resilience - has been an incredible team effort. Gabby's determination and fight, a husband's loyalty, a mother's love, a music therapist's talent, a physical therapist's expertise and compassion, doctor's knowledge, and everything in between. 

She continues to make phenomenal strides daily. And, as one of her doctor's said, "Sometimes it's wise to acknowledge the existence of miracles."

Peanut Butter Pie for Mikey

A food blogger recently lost her husband suddenly to a heart attack. To help with her healing process, she asked other to make peanut butter pie, his favorite, and share it with a loved one. 



Peanut Butter Pie for Mikey from Todd Porter & Diane Cu on Vimeo.

Read how others have supported her.

Shane's Inspiration

Catherine Curry-Williams and Scott Williams lost their son, Shane, a few weeks after he was born. Shane had Spinal Muscular Atrohpy and had he lived, Shane would have required a wheelchair to get around. Had he lived, Shane might not have been able to play on the same playgrounds alongside his peers.


Through Shane's Inspiration, thousands of children in LA play together at the highest level of their ability. Shane's Inspiration is a universally accessible playground at Griffith Park, 2 acres of fully accessible, sensory-rich, and physically challenging equipment. Shane's Inspiration is one of the largest universally accessible playgrounds in the United States. 


And since 1998 when Shane's Inspiration first opened, millions of dollars have been raised to build over 40 universally accessible playgrounds across southern California - and as far away as Sri Lanka. 


Shane's Inspiration is far more than a playground. Shane's Inspiration gives all children, children with disabilities and children without, a chance to play together, to learn from one another, to increase awareness, to increase acceptance, and to have fun.


Check out the Shane's Inspiration playgrounds!   

Rise and Honor

One percent of American men and women have sacrificed to fight in the longest war fought by volunteer force in American history. Rise and Honor asks us, the remaining 99 percent of Americans, to support them. 


All proceeds will benefit these organizations:

• Fisher House Foundation: Providing a "home away from home" for military families to be close to a loved one during hospitalization for illness, disease, or injury.
• Hire Heroes USA: Offers transition assistance, job search assistance, and job placement to those who have served in the military and their spouses.
• Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund: Has provided close to 120 million to families of military personnel lost in service or to military personnel or veterans severely wounded. 
• USO Volunteers of America: Lifts the spirits of America's troops and their families.
• Welcome Back Veterans: Committed to providing treatment of PTSD to veterans and their families.

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Help Transport Dogs to Safe, Loving Homes!

To my Dog/Pet-Loving Friends/Family--

I know a lot of you have expressed interest in helping out with dog rescue, but don't know how you can help. No pressure from me at all. 

A few friends and I have an opportunity to help facilitate the transport of 6 shelter dogs from L.A-area shelters to a rescue in the Seattle-area. So far we have been able to bail out 2 dogs (and another tomorrow) and have reservations on a transport from L.A to Washington. We have such an over-population problem in L.A that getting dogs out of L.A is often the only solution. Originally we were going to just transport these 3--all are dogs that we have been watching for a few weeks at the shelter and finally rescued when they were red-listed. However, this transporter (who was recommended by a well-known rescue in the area) offered us a deal that we couldn't pass up. Instead of paying $50 per dog for the 3 dogs, we could purchase space in a large crate and fit 6 smaller dogs for $200. So that's 3 more dogs that we could save. But this leaves us only a short amount of time to raise the extra funds for the transport as well as the pull fees from the shelter. 

I'm sending out this plea to you all to spread the word. Even $5 would make a difference. Last week we rescued a shelter dog for only $5 (the rescue fee for a fixed dog from the shelter). We need to move quickly because they have a reservation for Friday! Any help you can for networking to help us raise the extra money would be so much appreciated! 

If you feel like donating (no pressure--I swear!) then you can click on the chip-in link below and make a secure payment via PayPal. 

Thanks friends. 

http://emilyvanvoorhis.chipin.com/pulling-and-transporting-zoey-autumn-and-gorda-plus-3-others-to-washington

Dogs without Borders

Dogs without Borders, a LA based foster-dog program, is a non-profit, dog rescue organization that relies on foster homes. Dogs are rescued from overcrowded shelters and strays, and even from outside countries! Every dog that is fostered is one less dog that is put down. Dogs without Borders provides food and asks for a 2-week commitment. 


Learn more!

Mauli Ola Foundation

The Mauli Ola Foundation is amazing. 


The mission of the Mauli Ola Foundation is to " introduce surfing as a natural treatment to people with genetic disorders. Since 2007 we have concentrated on the amazing connection between Surfing and Cystic Fibrosis. We have taken nearly 400 CF Patients Surfing at over 40 MOF Surf Experience Days. In 2011 we look to expand our program to help patients affected with Cancer and Alpha 1 Antitypsin. We appreciate your interest and would love for you to join the Mauli Ola Foundation Ohana by becoming a member and help us with our mission to help people with genetic disorders through Surfing."


Yes, it's called hypertonic saline therapy, where the ocean - and surfing - are healing to individuals with cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that leaves individuals with a chronic cough, recurrent lung infections, decreased pulmonary function, poor growth, and digestive problems, among others. CF shortens lifespans.


The Mauli Ola Foundation and surfing, promotes health in kids with CF. By being in the ocean, kids are naturally getting moisture and salt into their lungs. James Dunlop, President of the Foundation says surfing, "helps clear out their nasal passages and airway. That cuts down on infections, hospitalizations, and slows down the rate of permanent lung damage, potentially increasing overall lifespan and health."


Support the Mauli Ola Foundation. Check out an event or donate today!

Invite a Friend to Volunteer

Today I was very encouraged. A friend invited me to find a volunteer opportunity with her and her family.


Our next task? Finding a cool day event for all of us to volunteer! 


Are you volunteering somewhere? Invite a friend to join you!

A Surprise Letter

A friend of mine recently went to volunteer at another camp. When I picked him up from the airport he said, "Oh, I met a friend of yours..." I wasn't sure who my friend was that he met, then he said, "Paige!"


Paige! Now Paige isn't just a friend. She also happens to be one of my personal heroes. He said this "I met a friend of yours" so casually. He didn't tell me he met one of my most favorite friends! 


Here's why Paige is awesome:

• Because she's awesome
• She's always, always positive
• She's very smart 
• She's very funny
• She supports service!
• She always looks out for good in others
• She serves
• She's beautiful
• She leaves others feeling valued, hopeful, and beautiful too
• She's creative
• She's artistic
• She's served people around the world
• She's humble
• She's caring
• She's a good friend
• She's loving
• She's all-around amazing
• Because she's awesome

And, Paige, knowing that my friend Bryan was going to see me when he returned to California, took time to write me this wonderful, love-filled note that I've hung on my wall and that will bring me a daily smile and a daily dose of Paige-filled love!

Thanks, Paige!

Goodwill

Goodwill strives to inspire hope and self-confidence, helping people from all walks of life to feel successful, valuable, and dignified. 


Through a network of 165 independent, community based Goodwills, individuals receive job training, employment placement, and other services to individuals with disabilities or with a lack of education or experience. Through participation in Goodwill programs in 2010, over 2.4 million people benefitted from Goodwill's services. 


One easy way to help? Donate or shop at your local Goodwill. Proceeds from donated items fund the job training programs. You can even shop online at shopgoodwill.com! 

Clean out your closet!

Pretty simple. Clean out your closet and donate to your local donation center!


Donations of clothing, electronic equipment, games, toys, shoes, just about everything, are taken at your local donation center center. When you drop off goods, they'll give you a receipt that you can use as a tax write-off. 


Do good. Donate!

Waterbottles at my doorstep

Every month we receive two 5-gallon water bottles. They usually aren't waiting for me at my doorstep.


Usually, they are outside the front door of the apartment building. This means a series of getting the waterbottle from outside the main door, trying to figure out a way to get the main door to stay open to carry the bottle in the front door, then repeating the challenge with bottle number 2. This means that waterbottles are then at the bottom of the flight of stairs. Walk one bottle up the flight of stairs, place it at top, walk downstairs to get bottle number two, repeat. Two bottles, top of stairs. Phew. Lay one bottle on it's side. Carry bottle number 2. Start kick-rolling the bottle down the long hallway while I carry the other bottle. Adjust about 4 times when bottle starts to hit the hallway wall. Arrive at door. Balance bottle and get key/open door. Carry bottle 1 in. Lift bottle 2 off side, carry in.


This is why I was so pleasantly surprised when I arrived home to waterbottles at my doorstep! Thank you to the anonymous waterbottle carrier!

Story Pirates!

Check out the Story Pirates!,an amazing group of comedians and actors who bring children's word to life. With primary locations in New York and Los Angeles, Sotry Pirates! go into local and not-so-local schools and take childrens' stories to the stage.

Sotry Pirates run creative writing workshops in classrooms and then take the stories and turn them into musical sketches. By doing so, the Story Pirates empower children, teach them elements of storytellig, show them their words are important, and celebrate their creativity.

Learn more!

Wells Bring Hope

Wells Bring Hope is an organization that is "committed to drilling wells to bring safe water and good sanitation to rural villages in Niger, West Africa–saving lives with safe water."

12,000 more wells are needed.

Why wells?

• One well costs $5,600
• One well provides water to a village of 400-500 people for over 30 years
• 1 in 4 children in areas without clean water dies before their 5th birthday. Wells reduce child mortality by 65%
• Girls are educated instead of travelling to collect water for their village daily
• Water-borne illnesses are virtually eliminated
• Every dollar donated to Wells Bring Hope is matched by World Vision

Wells Bring Hope: Saving lives with safe water in Africa. Learn more.

Halloween Bandit Strikes Again!

Sample Bandit-ry

Decorations supplied by the bandit. Rigging to block office door done by officemates who are funny after original event in question.



Bandit Exhibit A

Prosecution: Your honor, I present to you the case of the Halloween Bandit.

Judge: State your case.

Prosecution: Your honor, at some point between 8 pm on Thursday, October 20th and 7 am on Friday, October 21st, the Halloween Office bandit struck a Santa Monica location.

Judge: Enough. Hasn't this happened before?

Prosecution: Yes, your honor. On record at least since 2009, this Halloween Bandit has spread gouhl-y spirit. It remains an open case, the Bandit has yet to be identified. Detectives believe to have multiple leads to the case but every year it remains a mystery... and then the bandit returns again. Cobwebs, spiders, pumpkins everywhere. Skeletons and trinkets on desk, just to rile up workers in every little way.

Judge: Well I'd say this bandit is good at what he/she does. Isn't this the point of the bandit? To remain unseen?

Prosecution: Why, yes, you may say so, your highness. However, prosecution is baffled by this yearly occurance and continues to seek answers!

Judge: Well who are your suspects?

Prosecution: Two main suspects, sir. One male, one female. Both likely have some part in the act, however both plead innocence.

Judge: And why do you suspect this duo?

Prosecution: After speaking to occupants of office and co-workers of said suspects, these two remain in question. Plus, concrete evidence of bandit-ry follow these individual's patterns.

Judge: How so?

Prosecution: You see, your highness, one office suspect, goes by Jessica, loves the dollar store the most of anyone in the office. All items (seen above) left by the bandit are in line with dollar store purchases.

Judge: And the other?

Prosecution: A male, sir. Blake. Of all officemates, this one has most loyalty to the office chalkboard (exhibit A, above).

Judge: Is this all the evidence you have, prosecution?

Prosecution: Yes, sir. This is all the evidence that the bandit leaves.

Prosecution: If it helps the case, sir, an official office poll taken revealed 8 votes for the male, 3 votes for the female, 5 votes for the male/female team.

Pause... and silence in the courtroom...

Judge: Remind me again why we are spending time on this?

Prosecution: Your honor, without your support and city and county resources designated to this effort, the bandit will strike again.

Judge: Well let the bandit be a bandit! Goul-y cheer among office mates does only good! Prosecution, case closed. Bandit strikes again! Enjoy the cheer, Prosecutor. The Bandit is out to do good!

Shortbread Cookies

One of the highlights every year - for about the past 20 - is shortbread cookie fundraiser time. I remember days of waking up very eary in the morning to go to the Kalama School cafeteria to mix up 100 cups of flour with 100 cups of butter & other ingredients to make these delicious treats. Ten cookies per bag, iron the bag closed, and take them to the streets. Soccer fundraisers, band fundraisers, lots of good reasons to enjoy shortbread cookies.

And the reason I still look forward to shortbread cookie time is because my father, Clyde, without fail, sends me packages of cookies every year. Sweet, right?! I never "expect" the cookies to come, I never hear about it being shortbread cookie time. Every fall they simply arrive at my doorstep as a little piece of home, sent with a lot of love, for me to enjoy.

Most of the time, I enjoy it all by myself. There are few things in life that I won't share with anyone out of pure selfishness. Shortbread cookies from the fundraiser are one of them. They bring such happiness and I appreciate that my good dad sends them just for me! Trust me, he sends me enough to share probably with intentions for me to share. But I'm a big girl and I can make these decisions not to share on my own. 

Thanks, Dad, for always sending me a lot of love, nicely packaged in the form of shortbread cookies!