Giving Back

I keep thnking Im gonna tell you all a few easy ways to give back to your communities without costing a whole lot, but i dont know how to start that conversation. So, since it is the giving season and I have so much to be thankful for, i have to share how I do it, and then you can share how you do it, if you want. I bet most of you give back without even knowing it.

I usually give blood every 59 days, but last year I had a bone transpalnt for some dental work I had done. Just so you know, bone transplants will stop you from being able to donate. I didnt know this, so i told my dentist and I wont let this happen again to me. I cant donate until April of 09. I am waiting for the call though. that is a very important one, and it cost you nothing but time.

School box tops. You will find these little tags on the tops of different items you buy. its is a picture of a pencil in a rectange. it literally says School box tops on it. If you see these on any packaing you have, tear them off and start a collection. Call your local school, or ask one of the kids in your neighborhood if thye are saving them. When they are turned in from the schools, the schools get computer supplies. free. I save them for a lady I work with. her kids save them and take them to school. Her kids love me. and it costs me nothing to.

Pink tops from Yoplait Yogurt. If you eat yogurt, and i do every day, save the pink tops. you will only see them between October and December. When you send the pink Yoplait tops back to the adddress on the lable, they send 10 cents for every top to breast cancer research. I figure i have already bought the yogurt, how much can it hurt to return the tops, not a lot. and ya never know, one day the research may help you or someone you love. easy and costing very little, just postage.

I also save the small soaps and shampoos I get from our hotel stays. I have learned to bring my own soap, cus the stuff inthe hotel is too harsh for me. I may use one of the shampoos if I dont remember to bring my own. But for every night we stay in the hotel, i snag all the soaps, shampoo, cream rince, lotions. When we get home, i unload all of it into a ziplock bag or small box. I just keep saving these and then when i have enough to make a difference, i give it to a homeless shelter of some other place. One of the ladies I work with is going to take them to the womens shelter for me. I started saving these a few years ago when a friends daughter was collecting for a school project. easy and cheap.

OK, so do you give back to your community? I bet you do. its easier than you think. I didnt even realise i was doing it until it was a habit for me. I really like the school box tops thing. I was surprised to find out how many different items have the little picture on them. that one everyone can do.

so that is all i have to say for now. I was gonna tell you a little more about our bragg tripp, and i may still do it, just not today. I have to go take a little nap before i go to work tonight. im gettin sleepy. see ya all later.