Yesterday, November 13, was World Kindness Day, and the theme for this year's World Kindness Day is empathy, or "encouraging people across the globe to better understand 'the pains of others' and touch their lives 'positively.'" Well, that's what we do in our club. That's who we are. Kindness is behind so much of our work in Rotary and through The Rotary Foundation.
So do yourself a favor this morning. Google "random acts of kindess" or "World Kindness Day" and read some of the stories. It's okay if they make you tear up. Sometimes it's good to stop and remember the capacity we have for love and generosity, not only as Rotarians, but as human beings connected to each other. Read Taffy Brodesser-Akner's profile on Tom Hanks in the New York Times as he promotes his role as Fred Rogers in "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood." There's that beautiful moment of connection, and then Hanks says, "O.K. Go ahead. I'm right here for you, Taffy. It's good to cry. It's good to talk." Brodesser-Ackner later concludes, "It doesn't matter why you do nice things; all that matters is that you do them."
As Rotarians, our motto is Service Above Self. Most of our acts of kindness are organized and planned: humanitarian projects that are sustainable, that do lasting good in the world, and that are transparent and fiscally responsible. And that's good. But there is more. Because really, our brand as Rotarians is what others think it is more than what we say it is. So our Service Above Self should be a habit as much as an action plan. Kindness can inspire kindness. It's life-giving not only to those who are poor in financials resources, but also those who are poor in spirit and soul.
Hello Rotarians! I hope your week is going splendidly so far.
You should all know that I love our club very much which is the reason you see me running around like a crazy lady on any given Friday ;) There are many members in our club that are so helpful and wonderful to me. I know that I have thanked you and expressed my appreciation over the years but I wanted to do something a little different and take some time each month to highlight members that go the extra mile.
Today I wanted to take a few moments to thank and shine a spotlight on two very special Rotarians - George Reed and Jeff Tiona. Not only are George and Jeff great guys but they are dependable as well. If they volunteer for a position, they are there on time and ready to work, which is very much appreciated. BUT what makes them extra amazing is that even when they are not scheduled to volunteer and they happen to get to the meeting early and notice that I am manning the volunteer desk by myself, they are the first ones to volunteer and lend me a hand. It may seem like an inconsequential gesture to most but to me it means so very much.
Volunteers are needed for Cougars Care for two days! Friday Nov 22nd from 3-5 PM to assist in sorting the Thanksgiving boxes of food. Saturday Nov 23rd from 9-11:30 AM to assist families in picking up their boxes.
Please email Samantha Chapman with questions or sign up! samanthac@sentinelsoffreedom.org
Tales of people giving their time to help others during the holidays are plentiful this time of year. Inspired by those stories of hope? There are plenty of ways to give back if you feel so inclined, and some are as easy as clicking a button.
1. Support the Troops
United Service Organizations offers various drives for soldiers. Sponsor the cost of a phone call home or call your local USO division to find out how you might help directly. Yankee Candle Company is also this year selling Thanksgiving-themed candles with scents like sweet potato. Part of the proceeds from the candles go to support the USO's programs.
2. Invite Someone Over
Know of a lonely relative? A neighbor far from home? A student unable to go home for the holidays? Consider offering up a seat at your dinner table this Thanksgiving.
3. Visit a Retirement Home
Retirement homes are likely to have at least some residents who won't see family members during Thanksgiving. Determine what visiting hours are first, and bring a small gift if you so desire — or simply give the gift of good conversation.
4. Volunteer at a Soup Kitchen
Soup kitchens see an influx of volunteers during the holidays, but it's important to remember that hunger is a year-round problem. Still, most soup kitchens are grateful for the extra volunteers. Call local churches or check out Homeless Shelter Directory to find local shelters, pantries and soup kitchens.
5. Donate to Food Banks
Chances are, you have extra cans of food in your pantry right now. Go look. Now consider donating those cans. First, find a local food bank, then determine what it needs. Think outside the box: Sometimes pantries are in need of non-edible supplies, like soap and toothbrushes.
6. Respect Your Elders
Meals on Wheels delivers daily more than 1 million meals to the home-bound, and many of those served by the program are elderly. According to data collected by Meals on Wheels, the number of food-insecure senior citizens increased by 88 percent between 2001-2011. The organization is always looking for volunteers.
7. Visit a Hospital
Hospitals don't take a break for the holidays. Call your local hospital to find out if it will accept volunteers for Thanksgiving. Offer to distribute food, bring small gifts to children or elderly, or simply sit and visit with someone.
8. Click a Button
Can't get away from home this Thanksgiving? You can give gifts of individual food items, feed a family for several weeks, or even organize a virtual food drive through www.feedingamerica.org.
9. Find Time for Four-Legged Friends
If you'd rather spend your holiday with pets than people, that's your prerogative. PetFinder.com is one resource for people who want to learn how to volunteer with — or donate to — animal shelters. It even offers information on how to foster needy animals.
10. Find a New Cause
Websites like VolunteerMatch.org provide resources for people who want to help, but might not know exactly where to start. Search by city, causes you care about — even browse by subject, such as disaster relief, literacy or hunger. Don't see anything you like? Sign up for email updates about new causes that might make a better fit.
*From Coca Cola Company website story written by Mackensy Lunsford, Nov 20, 2013
Volunteers make an immeasurable difference in the lives of others. Oftentimes, they perform with the core intention of helping others. But did you know that volunteering can benefit your own health as well?
Researchers have attempted to measure the benefits that volunteers receive including positive feeling referred to as helper’s high, increased trust in others and increased social interaction.
From lowering stress to boosting self-confidence, research has shown that volunteering offers many health benefits, especially for older adults, such as:
Volunteering decreases the risk of depression.
Volunteering gives a sense of purpose and teaches valuable skills.
Volunteering helps people stay physically and mentally active.
Volunteering may reduce stress levels.
Volunteering may help you live longer.
Volunteering helps you meet others and develop new relationships.
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