Muscatine

In the interest of Tlou's suggestion of getting some local discussions going, how about this.

This is not in the interest of bragging but just for discussion purposes.  What are some things you do to help out the less fortunate or your community.

Tina and I have given to toy drives for the last 7 years.  This year we weren't able to help as much as we would have liked but this week we will be delivering some toys to the Salvation Army.  Since we have gotten to know Capt Boyle we have really wanted to do more to help out there.  We also like helping out at the library. 

LJ and I were talking one day and it seems lately the more you give to a charity or help an organization the more they seem to want.  And there are so many areas today that need help.  You kind of want to help them all, it's just hard to do so.

Who out there volunteers with scouting, or church organizations, or little leagues.  It is true that there is great reward in volunteering.

I know Nedl likes to volunteer to clean up at the Neighborhood Link bar every night.  Of course they have to restock every morning, but it is nice he helps out.

  Hey Jeff!

    "LJ and I were talking one day and it seems lately the more you give to a charity or help an organization the more they seem to want.  And there are so many areas today that need help.  You kind of want to help them all, it's just hard to do so".  It is... I get it.  The problem is that there are so many people that are stressed out - have good intentions & don't follow through...that the agencies needing help are desperate. 

  I volunteer with Junior Achievement.  It's such a wonderful organization, working with children from elementary school on up about planning their future & achieving it academically.  Dr. Pete Korpi has an eye clinic 2 times a month at the MCSA building for people that don't have insurance.  I work there too.  Meals On Wheels is also a program that I work with that is near & dear to my heart. My husband & I are involved in our son's school & our grandaughters school.  

  The organizations out there need cold hard cash, to be sure.  But they need manpower as well.  We all can find an hour or two a week to help out.  It doesn't cost a cent - but the rewards are so worth it.  

  Jeff, I'm glad you help the Salvation Army out.  Captain Mary & Captain Boyle have a very special place in my heart.  They are such beautiful souls.   

Ringing the bell for the Salvation Army; sewing hundreds of pieces of Barbie doll clothing for Christmas. Those used to be donated to Volunteers and Information, but last year and this year they'll go to the Salvation Army along with as many pairs of kids' fleece mittens as I can get done in the next couple of weeks.

I also volunteer at a local government office once a week and create PowerPoint presentations for teachers/government entities or any other non-profit organization who needs them.

During the summer I spend a lot of time helping friends/neighbors with gardening/landscaping.

After the first of the year I need to find someplace else to volunteer a couple hours or so each week. There are so many places, though, that I can't decide where. As I get older, I become more and more "decision challenged!" LOL