Prom Time: Donating Dresses - Becca's Closet

Donate a dress today!

"Little things can make a big difference....."


This was the phrase that served as the driving force behind the beautiful life and caring actions of 16-year-old Rebecca Kirtman. Becca, a cheerleader, honor student, and caring young woman, passed away in a tragic automobile accident on August 20, 2003. Today, her family and friends not only remember Becca for her great love and friendship, but also for her contributions to the community.
As prom is almost here for many students of Broward and Dade County, an organization, Becca's Closet, has been very busy collecting prom dresses for young girls that would otherwise not have an opportunity to have one.

Becca's Closet mission:
Becca's Closet was created as a legacy to Rebecca Kirtman and the project she started. Becca's Closet provides formal attire to high school students who otherwise would not be able to attend their prom/homecoming. Our mission is to continue her vision and dream of helping others. In Becca's memory, scholarships are awarded to deserving high school students to advance their education.

Speaking to Channel 7 WSVN, Kirtman's father, Jake Kirtman, urged the South Florida community to donate. "If you wore your prom dress one time or twice, you know, and it's currently in style or the latest style and fashion and gently worn, please come out to Florida National College and make a donation, and we would really appreciate it," he said.

Are you in South Florida and need a dress?  Click here.
Do you have a dress to donate?  Click here.
Do you want to start a chapter in your area?  Click here.

Little things can make a big difference, especially when the community gets involved.  Pay it forward today and don't forget to hug your child and simply say those three words. "I love you."

Learn more about Becca's Closet.

Must watch video of Becca's Closet.
 

Holiday Community Service: Inspirational Teen, Jason O'Neill Gives to Needy Children

Many readers have written me about my Inspiring Teen articles – it is all about good news and how the next generation is making a difference in today’s world.  Jason O’Neill has had a busy year with his first book releasing and his expanding business of Pencil Bugs, but that doesn’t stop him from putting the needs of others first.  Especially children!  Read his note below and please help by donating a Teddy Bear!
Happy Holidays!!!!

Time is running out.  December 4th is the deadline to donate to give teddy bears to kids at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego, CA this Christmas.

Last year, with the help of people around the world, I raised $5,130 which enabled me to buy 1800 teddy bears for the kids.
I was hoping to top that amount this year but we have a long way to go in a short amount of time.  If you are able to donate, every dollar counts.  100% of the money raised goes toward buying the bears.  I use my own money for shipping, PayPal transaction fees, and any other miscellaneous expenses.

With any amount donated, your name will be added to my website fundraiser page.  Thank you to those who helped last year and who have already donated this year.  Everything is appreciated.

Thank you,
Jason O’Neill
15-year-old Entrepreneur, Speaker, and Author

Learn more click here.

Support our Troops: Donate Your Halloween Candy

As many are on candy overload this morning, there is a positive direction you can take from this sugar uptake - Krantz Dental Care will pay $2 for each pound of candy brought in ($1 goes to the Feed a Needy Neighbor (FANN) program and $1 goes to the child).

The candy will then be donated to our troops serving overseas.  As the holiday season is officially taking off, start it off by giving back!  Encourage your children and teens to get involved and donate a portion, if not all of their candy to a good cause.

So, bring in your candy and receive GREAT PRIZES:

• $1 for every pound of candy
• Free Kids meal from The Red Elephant Pizza and Grill
• Free entree from Aw Shucks
• Free exam and x-rays from Krantz Dental Care

Krantz Dental Care will also donate $1 for every pound of candy to the Feed a Needy Neighbor - FANN - program.

Children can also bring in notes with personal messages to the U.S. troops that we will include in the shipment.

Make a difference in your community today!

For more information and dropoff info, contact Krantz Dental Care:

12058 San Jose Blvd
Suite 102
Jacksonville, FL 32223
(904) 880-3131

Ending Halloween on a positive note, and teaching your kids and teens about being a part of their community.

Read more.

Sue Scheff: Ellen DeGeneres Broadens 10 year-old Boy's Dream to Feed Homeless Pets

As many Floridians are facing foreclosures, losing their homes and struggling to feed their own families, there is one 10 year-old boy that is helping our four legged friends through his dedication and devotion to not let them go hungry.

Zach Wilson, at 9 years-old, decided he would make that difference.  Today the now 10 year-old has received the attention of comedian Ellen DeGeneres as her and her show, Ellen, arrived at Universal Studios in Orlando recently.

The Animal Pantry, along with the community sponsors and volunteers, provides pet food, supplies and low cost services to pet owners so that they’ll be able to keep their pets without financial burden.

Halo, Purely for Pets, a producer of holistic pet-care products, is donating 5,000 meals of its Spot’s Stew to the Central Florida Animal Pantry, courtesy of Warner Bros. and Ellen DeGeneres on behalf of WESH-Channel 2.

This donation is part of Halo’s and Ellen’s initiative to donate 1 million meals in 2010 to shelter pets and raise awareness of the need for pet adoption.

Watch video of 10 year-old Zach Wilson. He is an inspiration!  Thank you Ellen, for giving so generously! Read more.

Sue Scheff: Walk With Me Broward - Walk for a Good Cause

As many celebrate this Easter season, there are many people that suffer with disabilities and have silently suffer. The mission of Easter Seals South Florida  is to provide exceptional services to ensure that all children and adults with disabilities or special needs and their families have equal opportunities to live, learn, work and play in their communities.

Easter Seals has many events to raise money and awareness to those with disabilities. Coming soon is Walk With Me Broward 2010! This is a great experience for the entire family. On April 24th, 2010 at Markum Park in Weston, there will be a 5K Family Fun Walk.

Registration begins at 8:00am and the walk begins at 9:00am.

Money raised through Easter Seals Walk With Me will support a variety of local services in South Florida including: Children's Therapy Services; programs for children with autism spectrum disorder; Child Development Center; Culinary Arts High School program; Adult Day Care for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and memory loss; and in-home respite care.

For more information contact Paula Mejia at 305.547.4713 or pmejia@sfl.easterseals.com .

If you are located in Dade County, keep May 15th, 2010 open for Easter Seals Walk With Me Miami 2010.

Read more - click here.

Sue Scheff: Care Calendar - Learning to Help Those in Need

Going through difficult times can be stressful and overwhelming, especially if you are raising children. Whether a crisis hits your family or you are in need of assistance with elderly people, there is an organization that reaches out and give you inspiration to receive a helping hand.

Lotsa Helping Hands was created to support family caregivers and volunteers by empowering their circles of community who are eager to help those in need. Many people don't realize there are many others in their community that are there for them if they are struggling.

Lotsa Helping Hand's mission is to provide the communication resources facilitating a world where caregivers feel empowered to ask for help, and in so doing, improve their own health and quality-of-life; volunteers can become part of the solution when family, friends, neighbors or colleagues are in need of help, and community becomes a recognized way to find meaning in both giving and receiving.

Many have experienced the crisis of a friend or loved that was suddenly not able to provide for their family or themselves. Perhaps it's an illness or post rehabilitation that requires weeks or months of bed rest.

Possibly it's a complicated pregnancy or a cancer diagnosis requiring frequent chemotherapy appointments. In many instances of acute medical crisis or long-term family caregiving, those affected must also cope with quickly finding support for meal preparation, grocery shopping, transportation for themselves and their dependent family members.

It is often difficult for patients and family caregivers to ask for help. And if help is offered, managing that help can be a significant part-time job: coordinating family, friends, neighbors, colleagues, and church or synagogue members who do not all know each other can be complex and time-consuming, with endless phone tag, too much food delivered, and forgotten commitments.

Lotsa Helping Hands community helps build emotional and spiritual support as you face the many issues surrounding everyday caregiving. They offer assistance for military families, elderly, schools, parenting, religious groups and more.


Inspired by a true story in Guideposts Magazine, Care Calendar, Lotsa Helping Hands is helping thousands of families!

Pay it forward, tell a friend in need.

Read more on Examiner.

Sue Scheff: Queen Latifah and Sean Combs Host American Airlines Arena Concert: Help for Haiti

On February 5th, Queen Latifah and Sean Combs will be hosting SOS Saving Ourselves: Help for Haiti at the American Airlines Arena. The nationally televised telethon will benefit organizations providing immediate relief in Haiti, including Yéle Haiti, CARE and Project MediShare.

The three-hour telecast will air live on BET, Centric, MTV and VH1 at 8 p.m. and will include appearances and performances by Mary J. Blige, Ludacris, Justin Bieber, Robin Thicke, Pharrell Williams and others to be announced.

As with the recent telethon hosted by George Clooney (watch video), some heavy-hitter celebrities will also be on hand answering phones. Tickets to the benefit concert will be available on Ticketmaster.com and at the AAA box office.

What a great opportunity to attend an event for the entire family. Plan now and get your tickets early. Teens and children learn by example, as our country has come together to help Haiti, let's bring our families together to help those in need.

Teaching our children young to give back is a gift that is priceless and will empower their adult lives.

Places to donate now:

HelpForHaitiNow

Red Cross

Doctors Without Borders

Watch video  and read more on Examiner.

Sue Scheff: I Care I Cure Foundation - Finding a Gentler Cure

The I Care I Cure Foundation supports the development of, and raises public awareness about, cutting-edge, targeted therapies for childhood cancer, so the treatment of childhood cancer will be gentler and more tolerable. - www.icareicurefoundation.org

Do you love running or outside fun with family and friends? In South Florida January has the perfect weather for activities outside!

The I Care I Cure Foundation will have their 3rd Annual I Care I Cure. . . I Run 5k/10k Walk/Run that will be held at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, FL on Sunday, January 24, 2010 at 7 a.m. The Walk/Run is open to adults and kids alike and supports I Care I Cure's mission of raising awareness and funds for gentler cures for childhood cancer. Following the walk/run, there will be an expanded Family Fun Day with activities for kids, food and lots of fun!

A bit of history about this wonderful foundation:

The I Care I Cure Foundation was founded by Beth and Brad Besner (along with their friends and family) in honor of their son, Ian, who was diagnosed with T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) in January, 2006, one week before his 11th birthday. Ian was an extraordinary boy who shared his joy and love of life with everyone who met him.....


When Ian was diagnosed with leukemia, his whole world fell apart. He was bitterly angry. While the "cure" rate for ALL has come a long way with "cure" rates of 75-80% ", the reality of pediatric cancer treatment is excruciatingly difficult. Ian's treatment was to last about 2 ½, years and entail massive doses of toxic chemotherapies administered orally, intravenously, through frequent shots to his legs and spine, and radiation to his brain. To a bright, joyful, enthusiastic child, this so-called "cure" was a death sentence - the end of life as he knew it.... read more here.

Learn more about this foundation and how you can help. Click here.

Also on Examiner.

Sue Scheff: Central Florida Animal Food Pantry - 9 year-old boy inspires

Calling all animal lovers, Zach Wilson is a little boy with a huge heart! His love for animals is contagious and what a perfect time of year to spotlight this wonderful story.

On Tuesday, December 22, 2009 Zach Wilson and his goal to feed and take care of pets was featured on NBC Nightly News, Making a Difference and that he is! (Watch video below).

Fourth grader Zach Wilson, along with his mother, Erica, created a food pantry for pets. Many kids his age are anxiously waiting for Santa to visit them, and there is nothing wrong with that (we were all excited little tots once), however to see this expression of generosity is nothing short of inspirational.

Zach has even bigger plans for the future, he wants to build a sanctuary for animals!

With today's economy, many people are having to cut back on expenses. Zach's mission is to help as many of them as possible so the pets don't miss their shots or in need of food. Here is Zach's dream:

We need some place that can help people keep their pets, some place that we can have the pantry, discounted veterinary care, a home for disabled and elderly animals to live out the rest of their days safely with people who love them, and can care for them, some place special.

Can you help build his dream? Learn more about Central Florida Animal Pantry and if you can help, please donate. Donations needed are not only monetary, there may be a skill you have or even office supplies! Check out their list. Central Florida Animal Pantry is a non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization. Your donations are tax deductible.

Follow Zach and his mission on Twitter and Facebook!

Check out our 2009 Inspirational Teens and Kids. Watch for a profile of Zach Wilson in 2010!

Watch the video and learn more about this 9 year-old that radiates inspiration.

Sue Scheff: Sneakers for Students - Over 300 Smiles

At this time of the year finding stories that warm your heart helps to get you into the spirit.

In Greenville, South Carolina an entire school received the gift of generosity, compassion and a pair of New Balance sneakers to the entire student body! This wonderful donation came from NewSpring Church. About a month ago, church officials contacted Principal Leda Young and today was the magically day that put a smile on over 300 students faces.

Sadly, Alexander Elementary School is in an area of 100% poverty. NewSpring Church, with Pastor Howard Frist, handed out the new sneakers to the children today. Needless to say, this will be a Christmas they will remember for a long time.

According to WYFF4.com: "It's a very emotional day not only for students but for staff. Sometimes children don't understand circumstances they live in. We work with students daily and see the challenges. So we're happy to see students receive the shoes," said Principal Young.

Do you want to learn more about NewSpring Church? Join them on Facebook.

Merry Christmas and a great start to a fantastic New Year....

Also read on Examiner.

Sue Scheff: Trees for Troops - Christmas Spirit Foundation

The Trees for Troops program donates thousands of Christmas trees to military personnel.
Trees for Troops weekend starts December 4th through December 6th.

What: Consumers can buy a tree to send to the troopsWhere: At participating farms and lots. Click here for a list (pdf). (If this link doesn't take you directly to the list, go to Charitable Programs, Trees for Troops page for FAQ and scroll down to see if there is a location near you.

Note: If there are no locations near you, you can make a donation on-line or by mail.

Why: Consumers have been asking how they can help with the Trees for Troops program

If you are in Broward County, those who purchase Christmas Trees at Calvary Chapel Sawgrass Church in Davie (1775 S. Flamingo Road) will be able to donate trees to the cause. For more information visit http://www.treesfortroops.org/ or call locally (754) 422-2861.
Reminder: Holiday Safety Tips

Cards That Give is another charitable organization to help others.

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