Happy Friday, RISERS! I hope this week has been good for you. “Beware the Ides of March!” This was a line spoken by the soothsayer in the Shakespeare play Julius Caesar. I’m not being a herald of woe; I just wanted to say that mid-March is almost upon us. In Knoxville, next week is Spring Break. Whether you have plans to par-tay or just stay home, I hope the weekend is a good one.
Happy Birthday to all of you who turned a year older this past week. This includes me–my birthday was on Tuesday. I did absolutely nothing, and it was great! And Happy Anniversary to you and your loved one for reaching another milestone year together.
Quote of the Week: “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” Winston Churchill
Movie of the Week: In 2006 the movie “The Ultimate Gift” was released. It’s the story of a guy, Jason Stevens, whose life of wealth and privilege was changed when he had to learn the real meaning of life before he received the inheritance his grandfather left for him. Along the way, he encounters a dying girl, her mother, and a few other people who help change his view of the world and his place in it.
Joke of the Week: How much do pirates donate on average? A buccaneer
Nugget of Wisdom of the Week: To piggyback on the blog from last week, we are talking about donating to charities and nonprofit organizations this week. Why? Well, I’m glad you asked.
Just like how we talked about finding the perfect place to volunteer your time, talent, and money last week, nonprofit organizations need the same consideration. These places are completely dependent upon the contributions of others for their income. Unless people give, they must seek money from writing grants and other sources.
When my family knew we had to close our foster home the second time, which was right when we were adding child number five, I knew I still wanted to be involved with the foster care culture. An opportunity came up about volunteering for the Tennessee Foster Adoptive Care Association. Sure enough, I was accepted as the Knox Regional Director and stayed with the TFACA for a total of six years. I served the first three years as a volunteer and the last three as the executive director. The association meant a great deal to me, so I made it a priority to not only serve with my time but also with a monthly donation.
I know what you’re thinking. “That was great for you, but what does that mean for me?” Well, just as there are many places you can volunteer, there are just as many nonprofit organizations that minister to multitudes of people. Research one that meets your beliefs and do what you can to help them. I’m not saying you must give hundreds of dollars a month. On the contrary, one-time donations or monthly donations of $10, $20, or whatever amount you feel comfortable with will go a long way to assist the organization.
If financial support is something you feel uncomfortable doing, volunteer to write a blog or newsletter, stuff envelopes for mail-outs, clean/organize the office, or anything else the organization might need. Not to sound repetitive, but the world does need your kind of you.
Organizational Tip of the Week: Since we just had the springtime change, this is the perfect time to do a few things in your home. First, change the batteries in your smoke detectors and any other ones you may have added for extra protection. Also, check the date on your fire extinguishers. Be sure to have them in strategic locations in case of emergencies. Next, make sure you have a monthly or bimonthly schedule for changing out the filters in your HVAC systems, especially if you have pets. Lastly, this would be a good time to change the direction of your ceiling fans. There is a switch to change the airflow from going upward in the winter to downward in the spring and summer.
Shout Out of the Week: This week, I want to give a shout-out to everyone who has the heart to support nonprofits and other charities. Be sure to look for Giving Tuesday every year to make contributions. The work/service these organizations provide to others needs someone like you. Thank you for giving to others!
Have a great weekend. Remember, you are most awesome, and YOU ROCK!
Marion Rhines is a foster-turned-adoptive parent. She lives in Knoxville, Tenn., with her husband and five children. She has written and published two children’s books as well as two foster-care-themed novels. She has a Facebook blog, Tips from the FLIP Side, and enjoys working with children of all ages.