Each week throughout 2011 I will share how I am giving back somehow, whether it’s by offering my resources, my time, my talents or my support.

Giving back doesn’t have to be on a grand scale. And doesn’t have to be about money.

Oftentimes charities, organizations, causes and foundations need support beyond donations. And that’s what I’m going to try to focus on.

I will be sharing what I’m doing each week; perhaps you, too, will be inspired to give back.

Together we can make a difference.

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52 Weeks of Giving: Weeks 13 & 14

Being a day late an a dollar short is kinda how I roll. My family knows and loves(!?) this about me. But it doesn’t mean I’m slacking on my giving project! It just means sometimes I might be late in recording my efforts on the blog. So without further ado, here are Weeks 13 and 14.

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Last year my brother ran the Boston Marathon to raise money for Children’s Hospital Boston. I donated money to his cause, and was so touched by his training and fundraising experience. He raised over $5,000 for such a wonderful cause. A few weeks ago I was listening to the radio and the Mix 104.1 Cares for Kids Radiothon was on. Listening to some of the families’ and kids’ stories, and remembering what an impact last year’s fundraising and training experience made on my brother, I knew I had to do something. So I called and pledged to give $15 a month for one year. I didn’t write about it earlier because I hadn’t gotten my packet in the mail confirming my participation… and since I got it last week, I wanted to share it as that week’s (Week 13) “give.”

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For Week 14, I had seen on Facebook that a local library was looking for donations of new or gently used books, movies and music for its book sale on June 3rd and 4th. So I collected some books, movies and music to give! I have been a proud and happy member of the library for years, so I was happy to give back in this way.