For my participation in the campaign, I bought TEN boxes to spread cheer. One for my family to cut out the postcard to send to another military family, and the other NINE boxes to spread some more cheer. But what to do with the other nine boxes?

Display at Walmart was fairly picked over.

Wait! College students! College students are typically on a VERY tight budget. My husband is an Army ROTC instructor, so we spread our cheer by offering the other nine boxes to any cadet who needed them. I figure the effect is two fold. We’re not only helping out people who can use it, but the cadets are a good group. I think they’ll be likely to cut out the cards and send them to military families and keep the cheer going. They too will be soldiers if they commission.

Our postcard all cut out.

With our box, we cut out the postcard to send (of course!). I wrote the message as dictated by my 10 year old since I write the smallest. Then we took it to the post office to the post office to mail. Plus the boys like saying hi to our postmaster.

How are you spreading cheer this holiday season?

*This post has been compensated as part of a sponsored charitable opportunity for Collective Bias. All opinions are always my own.

This National Donut Day, Friday, June 3rd, Entenmann’s will honor the Salvation Army volunteers who served donuts to troops in WWI. Today, the Salvation Army is credited with popularizing the donut in the US through this simple act of comfort and service.
In celebration of National Donut Day, we are giving everyone the opportunity to help those who have served our country and their families by helping us raise money for the Salvation Army. From May 2nd – June 3rd we will donate $1 (up to $10,000) to the Salvation Army for every Facebook LIKE we receive!
That’s not all we have baking….
We are excited to announce our first ever Entenmann’s Donut Day Sweepstakes!
To show our appreciation for everyone’s support, we will be giving away 10 iPads as well as many other amazing daily prizes at www.facebook.com/entenmanns.

So get on over to Facebook and like the Entenmann’s page to get in your $1 donation today! Who knows what other goodies you could win, and help a good cause in the process.

*This post was compensated by a prize pack from Entenmann’s.

Press Release:

Al Roker Talks to Children About Alzheimer’s Disease on
Alzheimer’s Foundation of America’s First ‘Together for Care’ Telethon

NEW YORK, NY—Highlighting the potentially crushing impact on young children and teens when a loved one has Alzheimer’s disease, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America will feature  a heartwarming educational discussion and a family profile on this important topic as part of its first-ever Alzheimer’s disease telethon on December 4.

Al Roker of the “Today” show, serving as host of the telethon, will lead a discussion that will help parents and children learn how to speak to loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease. Separately, a family profile notes the impact of Alzheimer’s disease on teens, and viewers will be directed to help that is available specifically for this generation.

Both segments mirror the overall theme of AFA’s “Together for Care” telethon: to heighten the nation’s understanding and awareness of the disease, and the support services and other resources available nationwide.  Donations will fund the critical needs of the growing number of people with the brain disorder, especially as the first wave of baby boomers turn 65 next year.

The telethon will air in 16 major markets on NBC and be telecast online on AFA’s Web site for national viewing. To appeal to viewers of all ages, the show features educational pieces, musical performances and celebrity appearances.

The segment that focuses on talking to children takes place between Roker and Elmo, Sesame Street’s much-loved furry red monster. The two use the ABC’s to provide a valuable lesson in communication. For example, Elmo, expressing his signature giggle and positive outlook, learns that “C” stands for “care,” and that speaking in a calm and friendly tone lets loved ones know you care about them.  The skit also assures youngsters that their grandparents, parents or other relatives still love them even if they now act differently.

The telethon will also provide powerful insight into the impact of Alzheimer’s disease on teens, who often unexpectedly become caregivers when a loved one has Alzheimer’s disease. An estimated 1.4 million children ages 8 to 18 nationwide are caregivers, with Alzheimer’s disease being the most common condition affecting their relatives.

One segment will profile a family coping with a rare form of the disease, known as young onset, which affects about half a million Americans. Specifically, it will turn the lens on a college student and her 14-year-old brother whose world was turned upside down when their dad was diagnosed at age 46.

To drive home the message that teens should lean on experts and other teens for support, Scott Adsit, Grizz Chapman and Katrina Bowden of the NBC sitcom “30 Rock” will inform viewers about AFA’s unique teens division. The division, called AFA Teens, provides education, offers an online forum to express emotions and ask questions, and suggests opportunities for community involvement.

“The reach of Alzheimer’s disease goes beyond the individual to the whole family, and the emotional toll on kids can be cruelest of all,” said Eric J. Hall, AFA’s president and CEO. “We want youngsters to know that there still are ways to connect, to express love and to make a difference in the lives of their parents, grandparents or other loved ones.”

Hall is encouraging families to watch the telethon together, discuss the disease in an age-appropriate manner, and reach out for assistance; AFA’s licensed social workers are available at 866-232-8484. AFA’s Web site, www.alzfdn.org, includes tips about talking to children, and its AFA Teens’ Web site, www.afateens.org, encourages bulletin board postings and creative contributions.

For more details about the telethon, including air times, visit www.alzfdn.org or call 866-232-8484. Eisai Inc., a human health care company, is the telethon’s platinum sponsor. The show is being produced by Al Roker Entertainment.

With an estimated 5.1 million Americans diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, the telethon comes as the nation braces for an escalating incidence of the brain disorder. Advanced age is the greatest known risk factor. The disease results in loss of memory and other intellectual function, and is now the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America is a national nonprofit organization headquartered in New York whose mission is to provide optimal care and services to individuals with dementia, and their families. It unites more than 1,400 member organizations that provide hands-on programs to meet the educational, emotional and practical needs of families in their local communities. AFA’s services include a toll-free hot line, counseling, educational materials, a free caregiver magazine, and professional training. For information, call 866-AFA-8484 or visit www.alzfdn.org.

The press release:

Support The Help Group This Holiday Season – “Deck the Walls” At The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

Sherman Oaks, CA (November 23, 2010) – Beginning this Friday you can support The Help Group, the largest nonprofit organization of its kind in the United States serving children with autism and other special needs, by visiting your local The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf store to purchase one or more $1 holiday stickers during its “Deck the Walls” program. Now in its ninth year, this holiday promotion will run from November 26th through December 31st in 200 locations throughout California and the Western United States.

“We are thankful that The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf has chosen to partner with us once again in support of our efforts on behalf of the children,” said Dr. Barbara Firestone, President & CEO of The Help Group. “The magic of the holiday campaign and ‘Deck the Walls’ lasts long beyond the holiday season, helping the children fulfill their potential to lead positive, productive and rewarding lives.  We are honored to be part of The Coffee & Tea Leaf family.”

One hundred percent of the holiday sticker purchases will benefit The Help Group.  Another way customers can participate is by purchasing The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf’s Winter Dream Tea® and Holiday Blend Whole Bean Coffee retail products. The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf will donate $1 from the sale of each of these items to The Help Group.

Mel Elias, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® President & Chief Executive Officer said ”We take great pride in the fact that the entire The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf family shares a commitment to children with special needs and to the important work of The Help Group.  Giving back has always been a high priority for all of us at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.”

The Help Group
Founded in 1975, The Help Group is the largest, most innovative and comprehensive nonprofit organization in the United States serving children with special needs related to autism spectrum disorders, learning disabilities, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, mental retardation, abuse and emotional problems. www.thehelpgroup.org

The Coffee Bea & Tea Leaf®
Founded in 1963, The Coffee Bea & Tea Leaf® is the oldest and largest privately-held chain of specialty coffee and tea stores in the U.S.  With more than 650 stores around the world, The Coffee Bea & Tea Leaf® continues to expand both domestically and internationally.  For address, store information and hours, visit www.coffeebean.com.

FISHER HOUSE FOUNDATION DEDICATES NEW FISHER HOUSE AT THE MIAMI VA HEALTHCARE SYSTEM

Miami, FL (November 17, 2010) – Donna Shalala, President of the Universty of Miami; Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz of Miami-Dade County; and Mary Berrocal, Miami VA Healthcare System Director, joined Fisher House Foundation Chairman Ken Fisher, Foundation President David Coker, veterans and their families to officially dedicate the Miami VAHS Fisher House on the campus of the Miami VA Healthcare System here today.

The 16,800 sq-ft., two-story building joins the network of 50 Fisher Houses operating in the United States and Germany and was gifted to the VA as part of the ceremony. Located on the grounds of the Miami VA Healthcare System, the Miami VAHS Fisher House consists of 20 suites, each with a private, handicapped-accessible bathroom and common areas that include a multi-cooking station kitchen, large communal dining and family rooms.

“This Fisher House will serve as a tangible symbol of our support and gratitude to the veterans and their families,” said Chairman Ken Fisher. “We are indebted to the Miami community and supporters from across America who joined us to make this house a reality. We thank our military families for sacrificing so much for our freedom.”

The ceremony included the presentation of the colors by the United States Southern Command Color Guard; the singing of the National Anthem by Voices from Home; and the Pledge of Allegiance led by  American Gold Star Mother Georgie Carter-Krell.

“Over 20 years ago, Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher recognized the great need for comfort homes for our military families,” said Mary D. Berrocal, Miami VA Healthcare System Director. “Because of their foresight and vision, Miami now joins 52 other Fisher Houses that are dedicated to providing a home away from home for our military and Veteran families.”

Founded in 1990, the Fisher House program builds “comfort homes” for families of wounded service members, and other military or veteran patients, receiving medical treatment at VA and military hospitals around the world.  Since its inception, more than 130,000 families have stayed at one or more Fisher Houses – at a cost savings of more than $150 million.

About Fisher House

The Fisher House™ program is a unique private-public partnership that supports America’s military in their time of need. Because members of the military and their families are stationed worldwide and must often travel great distances for specialized medical care, Fisher House™ Foundation donates “comfort homes,” built on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers. These homes enable family members to be close to a loved one at the most stressful times – during the hospitalization for an unexpected illness, disease, or injury.  There is at least one Fisher House™ at every major military medical center to assist families in need and to ensure that they are provided with the comforts of home in a supportive environment. Annually, the Fisher House™ program helps 13,000 families and has made more than three million days of lodging available to family members since it originated in 1990.

Did you know that?
•More than 44,000 American veterans live with paralysis.
•Spinal cord injuries cost up to $3 million per person in healthcare expenses, yet veterans’ benefits aren’t always guaranteed.
•An estimated $25 billion in veterans’ benefits dollars goes unclaimed every year.

The good news is Mission: ABLE aims to help our heroes fully live the lives they deserve by enabling paralyzed veterans to:
•Access to the military benefits and quality VA health care they have earned.
•Get job training and career opportunities they want.
•Enjoy competition and camaraderie through adaptive sports.

So who is already on board with their support?  The popular band, O.A.R. (Of A Revolution) supports Mission: ABLE and discusses the importance of offering care and assistance to our wounded veterans in a special PSA which can be viewed here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=jB7yGdxI__w

O.A.R. is encouraging people to visit www.mission-able.com and learn more about Paralyzed Veterans and the Mission: ABLE campaign. I ask you to please take a few minutes today and give a “Big Salute” to your returning heroes by learning more about the campaign and sharing with your friends and family.

The injuries are severe and the needs are far reaching and many.

The Semper Fi Fund (SFF) is a non-profit organization that provides financial assistance and quality of life solutions for Marines and Sailors, as well as members of the Army, Air Force and Coast Guard who serve in support of Marine forces, when they become injured in post 9-11 combat or training operations, or they face life threatening illness or injury. Our fund provides relief to qualified Servicemembers and their families for immediate financial needs that arise during hospitalization and recovery, as well as perpetuating needs such as home modifications, customized transportation and specialized equipment.

Since it’s inception, the Semper Fi Fund has awarded more than 23,000 financial grants, totaling more than $44 million directly to thousands of injured Servicemembers and their families

The Fund was founded by Karen Guenther, a registered nurse and spouse of an active duty Marine who had first-hand knowledge of the challenges faced by wounded Marines and Sailors returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. She, along with a dedicated group of military spouses established SFF in May of 2004.
“We feel so blessed to have such a tremendous outpouring of support for our mission.” Said Karen Guenther, the Semper Fi Fund’s founder and president “Serving those who preserve our freedom is critical right now as the medevacs land stateside with our wounded young service members. We truly are blessed to have such wonderful supporters!”

A special facet to the Semper Fi Fund is an inspiring team of injured Veterans: Team Semper Fi.

Team Semper Fi (TSF) is an athletic sports team made up of more than 160 injured servicemembers who compete in athletic events across the country. With their motto “Recovery Through Sport” TSF is a rehabilitative sports program offered by the Semper Fi Fund. The team is made up of servicemen and women who have overcome significant challenges and refused to let their injuries prevent them from competing in athletic events.

In partnership with the US Paralympics, TSF participates in Olympic Training Camps at some of the finest facilities in the world and they compete in athletic events across the country, such as: marathons, triathlons, cycling races, skiing, swimming, archery, volleyball, and many other sporting events. Their accomplishments, camaraderie and competitive spirit have allowed them to inspire each other as a team, and inspire those recently injured who wonder what the future might hold for them.

The Semper Fi Fund covers all costs for the Veteran’s participation in Team Semper Fi.

Getting the kids on board was easy as well. We started both of them on brushing their teeth since their first one showed up in their mouths, so getting them to brush isn’t the fight in our house. Our fight comes in getting them to brush for the appropriate amount of time. The products Listerine sent us helped tremendously. Just the novelty of having new stuff got the kids excited. My 9 year old used his watch as a timer for the rinses and brushing. My 3 year old was disappointed he was too little for the rinses, but he’s always excited for a new toothbrush. He also had to brush as long as his older brother, so as long as someone is keeping time, it’s worked out so far.

My 9 year old also liked the Listerine Agent CoolBlue rinse that show him exactly where he needed to brush better. It was a nice objective way to show him, and not just Mom or Dad telling him. Yes, we’ve reached that age already where Mom and Dad know nothing at times.

We were also sent a sticker chart to help motivate the kids. They decided the stickers were better put to use on their shirts. I even explained what it was all about before they removed any of the stickers, but they were just all into the smiley faces – especially my 3 year old.

Flossing has been the biggest adjustment. It’s hard to get my 9 year old to floss. He has a small mouth and it’s hard for him to fit floss and fingers in there to get inbetween all his teeth. The Reach Access flosser helped with that. The prestrung flosser has made flossing much easier for him.

Did you know that this Halloween you can Trick or Treat for America’s Toothfairy? The money collected will go towards giving at risk children the comprehensive care they need and deserve.

Is your family ready to take the challenge?

*I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of LISTERINE and REACH and received products to take the Oral Care Challenge. Mom Central Consulting also sent me a Global Giving gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.

As an Army spouse, I have been hearing more and more about domestic violence. It seems that incidents among our military families is on the rise with the stresses of multiple deployments and the effects of war on our soldiers over the last eight years. Every time I go to our clinic for a doctor appointment now, I am asked if I feel fearful of my home environment. Some people may find these screenings annoying, but I’m glad our nurses take the 30 seconds to ask. They may hit on someone who really does need help through this screening process.

In the military, we have the Family Advocacy Program (FAP) to help victims of domestic violence. As an extra measure to protect victims and to encourage them to seek help, they can file a restricted report with FAP. This allows them to report domestic violence by a service member to specified people without starting a law enforcement or command investigation. If you are a victim of domestic violence, please contact your local FAP office or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE)

On October 27 at 3pm EST, Military One Source is hosting a Fighting Fairly chat. You can join and interact with other members of our military community. We all have disagreements in our relationships, but this chat will focus on how to be disrespectful during those times where you have differing opinions.