So today is Giving Tuesday. Basically, after all of the consumerism of the past few days, today’s the day to give back. We dig it!
Between the two of us, we sit on various boards & committees & participate in events for some great non-profits & they could all use your help.
Check ’em out below and whether you can help them or not, do something today that gives back.
#GivingTuesday
Spread the word. Pay it forward. Give back!
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From Danita Maldonado:
Recording Library of West Texas – www.facebook.com/recordinglibrary
I have sat on this Board for 3 years now and am the incoming 2013 Secretary. We record books, newspapers, magazines and textbooks for those with vision impairments, those with learning disabilities and those who can’t access the written word.
As an avid reader, I don’t know what I would do if I couldn’t read things like street signs or phone numbers, but take away my books?? Oh no! This program brings the written word back to life for so many people who are suffering from things like blindness, macular diseases and other impairments and even learning disabilities like dyslexia.
In my 3 years with the program, we’ve seen technology take over and help our clients. Our offerings increased from our basic telephone reader, to things like podcasts, mobile apps and now, our very own radio station – RLWT!
We always need volunteers to read material. We could especially use Spanish speakers. Our new radio station is broadcast on a special signal & through a special radio. We could use sponsors for these radios. Whether you can sponsor 1 or 100, someone out there will be forever grateful! We are also looking for sponsors for programs on our station – from the weather to grocery ads, we have a really great avenue for advertising while helping us out in the process! (Our internet stats are pretty impressive, too!)
American Diabetes Association – Permian Basin – www.facebook.com/ADAPermianBasin
I have just finished my first stint on this year’s Step Out Walk to Stop Diabetes Committee in Midland and this was my 2nd participating year in the Odessa Step Out Walk.
Diabetes has affected my family, so this cause hits very close to home.
We are always looking for volunteers for just about everything we do – from our committees for our Step Out Walks in both Midland and Odessa, to fundraising captains to walkers to showing up on Walk day & helping us setup and tear down.
In addition, we are always looking for sponsors to underwrite our Walks & recognition awards. All money raised here, stays here, so consider a donation, too!
(Also, check out their page for a special #GivingTuesday promotion. Donate to a Step Out Walker & get them entered for a trip to Hawaii!)
Junior Achievement of the Permian Basin – www.facebook.com/JAPermianBasin
I was flattered when JA asked me to be a part of their Board this year. As someone who believes that a great education along with great mentoring can go a long way, this organization had my name written all over it. I’m extremely excited to begin working on the great things we’ll be doing in the coming months.
If you’re in the education industry, we need you! We are looking to add more schools in the Permian Basin to our growing list. We are also looking for mentors and speakers. We also have various events throughout the year (like next week’s Jingle Bell Run!) that always need sponsors.
Consider volunteering or donating some time or money. We could use it!
These are causes that both of us hold near and dear to our hearts. Please consider giving back to one of these great organizations or give back to one in your neighborhood!
From Raquel Pena:
This year, I embarked on a major endeavor! I decided to train for a half-marathon and raise $1,500.00 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society through Team In Training. Not only did I make a lifestyle change, but I added on the task of helping others in need. The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society not only funds blood cancer research, but they also help those that are currently undergoing treatment.
It’s important to help those that are battling cancer. When someone in your family has cancer, everyone does. LLS is a community to assist financially and emotionally. Through Team In Training, we band together against blood cancers. Before each practice, we listen to a story about someone affected by blood cancer and dedicate our practice to them. We wake up at the crack of dawn for this person, run in 110 degree heat, stand at the corner with a bucket for money, sell t-shirts, hold concerts, write letters, and anything else we can do for this person.
It’s not just one person. It’s THE person battling cancer or blood cancers. It’s about the family supporting this person. It’s about everyone who could or who has been affected by blood cancer. Knowing that you can actually help someone in need keeps you going in your plight to train. As soon as you step foot on the track, running in 110 degrees seems so trivial. This is the very least I could for someone that’s going through the worst.
Consider a donation….or push yourself to do something you never thought you could in their name. 🙂
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BLAZE is extremely proud to be involved in our communities. On this Giving Tuesday, consider doing something for others.
#GivingTuesday
The BLAZE Blog 
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