Another story that makes you feel better about the world

I’ve been reading too many stories about these hard economic times and purse strings and recession and doing more with less… and I’m sick of them. In order to combat the almost overwhelming downer-ness of all this “news,” I’m reading – and re-reading – and posting and Tweeting stories that I find about people who [...]

Jan 17-19:Make it a Service-Service weekend

Between United Way’s Day of Service, Saturday, Jan 17 and President-Elect Obama’s National Day of Service, Monday, Jan 19, you could be a very busy volunteer.
The biggest distinction between what Obama wants us to do and what the United Way has been doing for years is that Obama wants to service commitment to last longer [...]

Donor fatigue, charity backlash, and other excuses

From Andrea Ball’s story in the Statesman yesterday: “Charities Suffering in an Ailing Economy”
The Christmas Bureau of Austin and Travis County — which gives holiday gifts to needy children — still has 2,300 unsponsored families, more than double the number it had by this time last year.
“There are families who aren’t going to get anything,” [...]

Give in someone’s name, United Way will put their name on its site and newsletter

If you love someone and you care about the Central Texas community, shout it to the world.
United Way Capital Area makes it extremely easy for you to make a donation online in honor or memory of a loved one. Just complete the online donation form – in any amount – and your names will appear [...]

Every little bit helps…. sounds lame but it’s true.

“Every little bit helps.” I know you hear people saying that all the time when they want you to donate money or things, and it sounds suspicious. If you do only give $1 or $5, you think they’re thinking to themselves, “I didn’t actually mean that, you cheap bastard.”
Remember that “little bit” is relative. And so [...]

Austin Under 40 Awards

Do you know someone who has not yet turned 40, who has succeeded in their career and given back to the community by serving in extraordinary ways? If so, consider nominating that person for the Austin Under 40 Awards, an annual ceremony that benefits two very worthy causes, the Austin Sunshine Camps and the Young Women’s [...]

Easy way to browse the wish lists of Travis County nonprofits – and give!

TexasNonprofits.org makes all your holiday giving easy. I love this tool!
Just go to their site and choose a type of item to give or search for a needy nonprofit by name, county, or zip code. Donate office supplies, computer equipment, arts and crafts supplies… really thay need so much that just about any kind of [...]

Get one of these Big Weekend Calendars for everyone on your list

I’m going to reveal to you one of my signature gifts for the past two years – the Austin Big Weekend Calendar. I first came across this calendar at the City Hall gift shop. I bought a few then, and another few last year, and am ready to buy more this year. They’re great gifts [...]

Save Reagan High School, continued

Reagan High School, St. John neighborhood

Buy a mug, get free coffee for a week! Benefits East Austin elementary school

Do you buy coffee at any of these fine Austin establishments?
Texenza Coffee (10 locations)
JP’s Java
Caffe Medici
Hot Mama’s
Bossa Nova
Genuine Joe
Flipnotics (2 locations)
Sodade
Little City
If so, consider buying a super-cute, holiday-themed mug created by a student from UT’s Elementary School in East Austin.
Coffee for Education benefits The University of Texas Elementary School’s nurse’s office and medical supplies.  The [...]