Philanthropic Ways To Get Involved In Your Own Neighborhood

November 11, 2015 by

Being involved in philanthropy is a great way to give back to your community and contribute to making the world a better place. These days in our busy and overscheduled world, it can become hard to find the time to attend philanthropic events or groups. It is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives, and feel like we don’t have the time or energy to give back to the community in a big way. However, giving back isn’t measured by the amount of money you donate or the number of fancy events you attend. There are plenty of ways to be philanthropic right in your own neighborhood.

If you’re looking for a way to give back to your community with a group of people or by yourself, here are a few ideas to get the ball rolling.

Clean Up! You don’t have to be an official cleaning crew to get to work! Gather a few families, friends or do it by yourself! All you need is some trash bags and some gloves. Head to a place that could use a little love, and leave it better then it was when you found it. Maybe you’ll even inspire others to do the same.

Offer to help. Is your neighbor going through something that makes life stressful? New babies, moves, or the loss of a relative can really throw people for a loop. If you know someone who might need some help, show up at their house with a simple meal, or maybe mow their lawn. Small gestures can make all the difference during a stressful time, and giving back can happen even on the simplest level.

Sing a Song. You have the potential to brighten the day of an entire retirement home by walking in and signing ONE song. It’s something so simple, but so greatly appreciated by the residents. It doesn’t need to be anything fancy—folk songs and old standards are great, because everyone can sing along. Bonus points if you can bring someone who knows how to play a guitar or piano!

Keep Someone Company. Many communities have senior centers with programs linking seniors and younger people, offering companionship and company for an hour here and there. Childrens Hospitals are another great place to go and spend time with someone who could really use the company and conversation. Do a search for your local centers and hospitals and inquire how you might help.

Plant Something. Want your neighborhood to be a little greener? Make it happen! Organize a planting party and beautify your surroundings. Whether you’re building a community garden or planting some flowers in your neighbor’s yard, you are giving back to your community in a big way! Just make sure to check with your city to ensure you’re planting in the right areas, especially if you’re planting trees.

Neighborhoods are made great by the people within them, so don’t be afraid to lead the way. Your efforts will come back to you tenfold, as you enjoy the neighborhood that you’ve fostered!

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A Different Kind of Diamond

September 28, 2015 by

When we talk about diamonds, we usually reference jewlery; but diamonds also symbolize importance, unique qualities, and beauty that reaches way beneath our skin and touches deep into our hearts. The Four Diamonds Fund is an example of this beauty. It is a charitable organization based out of Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital, whose ultimate goal is to conquer childhood cancer. After all, children are the diamonds of the world – nothing can shine brighter than them.

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The Four Diamonds Fund was established in 1972 after Charles and Irma Millard lost their 14-year-old son to cancer. The name of the fund, The Four Diamonds, derives from a fantasy story Christopher wrote shortly before passing away from pediatric cancer. A fund whose foundations are built on compassion and hope, and whose objectives are built from love and support. A child whose dreams can live on through charity.

The fund assists children who are being treated through Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital, and their families by providing support, research, and valuable care. There is a three-pronged approach to the way the Four Diamonds Fund is organized and functions: through medical care, financial and emotional support, and through pediatric cancer research. Any child who is being treated for pediatric cancer at Penn State Hershey is eligible to take part in this program, in which the fund’s policy covers all medical costs not paid by insurance in hopes that families never have to see a hospital bill. Each year, there are around 90 new families that receive support.

Overall, The Four Diamonds Fund shows us that diamonds live deep within, through charitable acts, smiles, and most importantly, through love. Diamonds may be seemingly rare in the world of jewelry, but in our everyday life they surround us – they are our brothers, sisters, parents, friends, the people closest to our hearts.

 

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Giving Back: Diamonds International

September 14, 2015 by

Diamonds International is a nonprofit organization that supports dozens of charity causes in impoverished communities each year. Some of these causes include: funding education, construction efforts to rebuild areas destroyed by natural disasters, cancer research, providing treatment. You can find out about Diamonds International’s many locations and support a cause that you feel most connected with by visiting their website here.

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Diamonds International was first found on the Caribbean island, St. Thomas, and now holds over 125 stores across the world after just twenty years. The main goals of the organization is to sell high quality, affordable jewelry to various customers whose profits are donated to the many charity causes the organization supports. The organization’s owners and employees are unbelievable grateful for the opportunities they get to “say ‘thank you’ for allowing us to be part of your life than with a gift to make a less fortunate person’s life a happier one,” (Diamonds International Corporate Responsibility: What We Do).

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The organization gives back to communities all around the world, from the Caribbean, to Africa, Guatemala, and areas all over the United States. Diamonds International caters to various aspects of certain communities. For example, the Lend-a-Hand project that takes place annually in Aruba gets together 17 Diamonds International employees with teachers and member of the parents committee from Anglo Kleuterschool located in Madiki, Oranjestad to show the true essence of teamwork. In past years, remodeling of the school has been one of their largest projects, which included uplifting the playground, repainting classrooms, and ensuring that all areas of the school were safe and secure for students.

Diamonds International’s mission statement is “Making the world a bright place one gift at a time.” Which is exactly what they do.

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How to Make the Most Out of Your Community Serivce

August 28, 2015 by

Community service should be looked at in a positive light in order for you to get the most out of your experience. You may think back to a time when your parents forced you to volunteer at the local community center, or participate in a midnight run around Christmas time, and thought of it as a chore. But, if you change your mindset community service can be something you look forward to and dedicate to on a more regular basis. Here are a few tips to help you make the most out of your community service:

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First, helping others makes you feel good. Not only are you giving back to your community and helping those in need feel better, but the actual act of charity can elevate the levels of serotonin in your brain – making you feel great about yourself. By giving back, you recognize the power that a single person has on other lives, that you really can make a difference in the world, despite what you may have thought before.

Second, you can cater your community service to something you are passionate towards and therefore spend time working in a field you love. For example, if you love teaching and one day hope to become one (or if it’s just for fun), you can volunteer at after school programs and help children with subjects they are struggling in. This way, you can gain experience teaching all while helping children become better students and inspiring them along the way. If you are passionate about the environment, you may want to think about volunteering at a community clean-up day, or perhaps an event that raising awareness of pollution or anything else environmentally-related.

That being said, you can use community service as a resume-builder to help you gain experience in a field that you are looking to make a career out of. This way when you are going for job interviews, your interviewer will not only notice that you have experience, but that you are an active member of your community and are so motivated to work in a particular field that you’ve done it for free. Side note: having volunteer experience in your resume always looks good.

Last, being involved in your community will help you develop strong relationships that will stay with you wherever you go. Committing to community service helps you make friends you may not have otherwise met or thought of speaking to, and you’ll realize that the world is filled with wonderful, different types of people with kinds souls.

Community service will lift your spirits on the world as a whole, and you will be astonished by how much of a difference one person can make.

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