PSA: Public Service Announcements (2!)

I have a few public service announcements today.  And I’m sure you are expecting them, at least one of them.

First: Go VOTE!

I don’t like to get political on this blog (or really at all!), but voting is our right and I do think everyone should go out there and vote.

And with that, it’s also what I’m thankful for: my right to vote.

Second: Do what you can to HELP!

It’s so easy to sit around and not know what to do to help the victims of Sandy, especially when you don’t live anywhere near the East Coast.  And personally while it’s so easy to just feel bad, I knew that I could do something, even in the smallest way.  So I did.

While at the grocery store check-out the other day, I tacked on an additional $1 to go towards the Red Cross.  It may not be much,  but it was manageable for me that day.  And really, it brought me so much joy to just giving something, that I knew it was time to figure out what else I could do.

I’ve mentioned how thankful I am that my friends and family on the East Coast are all safe and had minimal damage to their homes, but that doesn’t mean they don’t know people.  My friend Tina has been spending nearly every day in her neighborhood on Staten Island helping friends, neighbors and other members of the community clean-up; she’s been creating clean-up groups and gathering friends to help.  If I lived closer, I would have joined her.  But I don’t and I can’t get there, so I asked her what was needed.  She said they were in low supply of AAA and D batteries; hand warmers; flashlights; and things of that nature.  She said her family is okay but if I wanted to send something, she would make sure it got to the right people.

This box is on its way to Staten Island today.  And Tina, thank you for letting me find a way to help and making sure these items get to people who need them.  And as I’ve told you so many times in the last week, I am so glad you and your family are safe!

Do what you can.  Maybe it’s donating a dollar or whatever you can spare to the American Red Cross; maybe it’s donating time and energy in the clean-up efforts; maybe it’s participating in Run4NYC; or maybe it’s lending an ear or a shoulder to those who need it.  Just do what you can with the resources you have.  I ensure you, you’ll feel better.

I’m getting off my soap box now.

What are you thankful for today?