Day 42

As often happens, I had something else in mind today, but after two nights in a row out past my bedtime, and an early morning (all day) Cub Scout event, I am beat. Today I made a donation to Paws4ever, a local animal rescue, adoption, and training organization.

Day 41

It really was the Worst Fundraiser Ever... in the best possible way. We got to give away a week's stay at my mom's house in Daytona to a local family. They're facing some significant health issues, so hopefully this will give them a little respite and a chance to visit some Florida relatives. It was so lovely to meet them and hang out with them tonight. You can never have too many hugs. Or jokes.

Day 40

Back in November of 2015, on the very last day of my 45 Good Days project, I made a donation to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. What I did not know at the time was that my own daughter was already a victim of sexual exploitation. She has autism and intellectual disability, and was 12 years old at the time. It was almost exactly two months after this donation that I found out what had happened, and my world was forever changed. 

Best known for their work with missing children, the NCMEC also helps families of children who have been victims of sexual abuse, exploitation, and trafficking. These are not pleasant topics. But I'm very glad that someone is doing this work.

Once again this year I'm making a donation to the NCMEC. 

Day 39

Today I donated an old laptop and tablet to The Kramden Institute. I actually had planned on volunteering there tonight, but some family stuff came up and I had to cancel.

Kramden takes donated equipment and either refurbishes it, auctions it, recycles it, or uses it for parts. The refurbished computers and other equipment are given to students and families that could not otherwise afford them.

Day 38

Today I voted. In fact, I even got to vote for someone I know personally, so that's fun. I like local elections way better than national elections. 

One of the poll workers told me that they've had 24% turnout today, which is about double what was projected. It's an off year election, so the only things on the ballot were school board, city council, and mayor (which was uncontested). The poll worker said in a national election or precinct often tops 90% turnout, which is awesome. 

Does this count as a kind or charitable thing? Not really. But I'm putting it down for today anyway because it's important.

(I also complimented a number of people at the conference I attended today, which does count.)

Day 37

Today I made a donation to First in Families NC, an organization that helps people with developmental disabilities and traumatic brain injury. Their help can range anywhere from home modifications to child care to computer equipment to vehicle repairs.

Families who benefit from their services often participate in a "circle of giving," by offering something back that can be used by another family, such as car seats, furniture, translation services, or manual labor.

Day 36

Today was one of those "opportunistic" days. I helped a woman load some heavy items in her car at Home Depot. I gave some change to a group out on the streets collecting money for domestic violence victims. And Steph gave our blind friend from last night a ride to the laundromat so he could get his laundry done. It's been a busy weekend.