document.write('<div id="pan_container"><div id="pan_header"><div id="pan_stationAsksImage"></div><div class="pan_pad"><div id="pan_tq"><div id="pan_content_title">How are you Reaching Out?  Where can others lend a hand?</div><div id="pan_content_question">Please take a moment to tell us how you and your neighbors are coming together in your community to make a difference in these difficult times. <br/>  <br/> <a href="http://www.vpr.net/vpr_files/reaching_out/index.php">Visit VPR\'s Reaching Out page for more</a>.</div><a id="pan_replyImage" href=\'http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1926009.page\' style="display:block;"></a></div></div></div><div id="pan_messages"><div id="pan_commentsTitle"></div><div class="pan_messageContainer"><div  class="pan_messageStats"><div class="pan_pad"><span>Re: How are you Reaching Out?  Where can others lend a hand?</span> Added: 01/13/2009 4:08:53 PM</div></div><div class="pan_messageBody"><div class="pan_pad">I am Ileene Schmidt, a local builder that wants to reach out to any who needs help with ninor or major repairs to their home in this tough economic downturn by offering a reduced rate through June. I have 25 years experience and good local references. PLease contact me to set up a meeting. <br/>  <br/> <a href="mailto:msileene@yahoo.com">msileene@yahoo.com</a></div></div></div><div class="pan_messageContainer"><div  class="pan_messageStats"><div class="pan_pad"><span>Re: How are you Reaching Out?  Where can others lend a hand?</span> Added: 01/01/2009 8:30:22 PM</div></div><div class="pan_messageBody"><div class="pan_pad">Last year, we were invited to lead a walk for the Salvation Farms and from that has come our involvement with the varying aspects of the VT Campaign to End Childhood Hunger and the VT Foodbank. <br/>  <br/> We were recently invited to participate and help spread the word, in both our capacity as the VT Slow Food Convivium leaders and to represent the Wild Food Gatherers Guild & Coopertive, in the Winter Festival that will be held at the Inn at Essex, Essex Junction, VT.  <br/>   <br/> 1.	Event Date: Saturday January 24, 2009 <br/> 2.	Time: 10:00AM to 4:00 PM <br/> 3.	Location Atrium and the Saloons 1,2,3 <br/> 4.	Admission Fee $10.00 for adults, $5.00 for children <br/> 5.	Purpose: To raise money for the Vermont Campaign Organization for the Cooking for Life Program. <br/> 6.	The event: The event is an all day winter festival. The festival will incorporate the following activities and attractions. <br/> •	Vermont restaurants food booths  <br/> •	Education Booth Cooking for Life Program. <br/> •	Booth for Northern Lights <br/> •	Nutrition booth and various other booths   <br/> •	Face Painting <br/> •	Children’s Theater  Very Merry <br/> •	Bofire/Smores <br/> •	Snow Sled Ride <br/> •	Sugar on Snow <br/> •	Miniature Horse Area/ Petting Zoo <br/> •	Iron Chef Competition <br/> •	Ice Carving demo/competition <br/> We are looking forward to a number of other participants as well. <br/>  <br/> "The funds will go to support the Cooking for Life Program which is a collaborative effort of the Vermont Campaign to End Childhood Hunger and the University of Vermont Extension’s Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program. Through hands-on cooking and nutrition education, Cooking for Life provides low-income parents and teens with the skills they need to lead healthy lives." <br/>  <br/> Information on VTCECH, hunger in Vermont, and federal nutrition programs is available at www.vtnohunger.org..." <br/>  <br/> Looking forward to seeing you all there! <br/>  <br/> Ki-ta-ni-gha! <br/> Les and Nova</div></div></div><div class="pan_messageContainer"><div  class="pan_messageStats"><div class="pan_pad"><span>Re: How are you Reaching Out?  Where can others lend a hand?</span> Added: 01/01/2009 12:21:05 PM</div></div><div class="pan_messageBody"><div class="pan_pad">The week before Christmas, I discovered my husband was cheating on me -- so I returned his Christmas present and donated the money to a battered women\'s shelter.</div></div></div><div class="pan_messageContainer"><div  class="pan_messageStats"><div class="pan_pad"><span>Re: How are you Reaching Out?  Where can others lend a hand?</span> Added: 12/30/2008 4:21:13 PM</div></div><div class="pan_messageBody"><div class="pan_pad">Make it a Day On... Not a Day Off! - January 19th - Martin Luther King Jr. Day  <br/>  <br/> Life’s persistent and most urgent question is ‘What are you doing for others?’ Martin Luther King,Jr. 1/15/1929–4/4/1968 <br/>  <br/> During the 1950s and ’60s, civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. recognized the power of service to strengthen communities and achieve common goals.  Initiated by Congress in 1994, King Day of Service builds on that that legacy by transforming the federal holiday honoring Dr. King into a national day of community service grounded in his teachings of nonviolence and social justice. The aim is to make the holiday a day ON, where people of all ages and backgrounds come together to improve lives, bridge social barriers, and move our nation closer to the “Beloved Community” that Dr. King envisioned.  <br/> 	 <br/>  <br/> Martin Luther King Day - January 19th - is a day that AmeriCorps programs in Vermont and across the country are leading community service projects and inviting volunteers of all ages to participate.  Neighbor to Neighbor AmeriCorps is one of Vermont’s National Service programs.  Our mission is serving elders and people with a disability, and we have community service projects planned around the state.  N2N members, serving with Vermont’s Area Agencies on Aging, are planning the following service events on MLK Day.  For more information, call the Senior Help Line 1 800 642-5119 or Nancy 802-476-2674 <br/>  <br/> Neighbor to Neighbor AmeriCorps - MLK Day Service Projects <br/>  <br/>  In Barre, N2N AmeriCorps members serving at Central Vt. Council on Aging will lead a celebration of Barre’s multi-ethnic heritage and a commemoration of Dr. King’s lifetime dedication to social justice and non-violence. 10AM-2PM at Aldrich Public Library <br/>  <br/>  In Winooski, N2N AmeriCorps members serving at Champlain Valley Agency on Aging will lead a culminating workshop/celebration of the Selamta Comfort Doll Project, gathering dolls that seniors and 20 knitting groups have made to send to orphans at Selamta Children’s Home in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. 11AM–2PM at Winooski Senior Center <br/>  <br/>  In Lyndonville, N2N AmeriCorps members serving at Northeastern Vt.  Area Agency on Aging will host an event “Civil Rights Then and Now,” inviting elders and other participants to talk about civil rights activities in the 1950’s and current strategies for non-violent action. 1-3PM at the Cardinal’s Nest Senior Housing <br/>  <br/>  In Castleton, N2N AmeriCorps members serving at Southwestern Vt. Council on Aging will partner with Vt. Youth Development Corps AmeriCorps members serving at Rutland Boys and Girls Club on an intergenerational program of activities commemorating the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 1-2:30PM at Castleton Community Senior Center <br/>  <br/>  In Bennington, N2N AmeriCorps members serving at Southwestern Vt. Council on Aging are partnering with National Service members of the DREAM Program and RSVP, as well as Southern Vt. College and the Girl Scouts,on a food drive and a program honoring the life of Dr. King and leaders of the civil rights movement. 2-4:30PM at Bennington Senior Center. <br/> 				 <br/> </div></div></div><div class="pan_messageContainer"><div  class="pan_messageStats"><div class="pan_pad"><span>Re: How are you Reaching Out?  Where can others lend a hand?</span> Added: 12/23/2008 10:56:38 AM</div></div><div class="pan_messageBody"><div class="pan_pad">The American Cancer Society needs volunteers throughout the state to take orders, pack, and deliver daffodils for the Society\'s annual Daffodil Days campaign. Daffodil Days is one of the organization\'s oldest and most popular fundraising programs, raising money for cancer research, education, advocacy, and patient services. <br/>  <br/> The Society asks individuals, small-business owners, corporations, schools, faith-based groups and community organizations to join us in fighting cancer. Volunteer opportunities exist for people of all ages and abilities. <br/>  <br/> Call the American Cancer Society at 802-872-6316 or email <br/> <a href="mailto:amy.deavitt@cancer.org">amy.deavitt@cancer.org</a> to volunteer. Information about Daffodil Days and the free, confidential services offered to cancer survivors and caregivers is available at www.cancer.org and 1-800-ACS-2345 <br/>  <br/> The American Cancer Society sends it best wishes for a safe and healthy holiday <br/> season!</div></div></div><div class="pan_messageContainer"><div  class="pan_messageStats"><div class="pan_pad"><span>Re: How are you Reaching Out?  Where can others lend a hand?</span> Added: 12/19/2008 1:04:09 PM</div></div><div class="pan_messageBody"><div class="pan_pad">The Greensboro Walking Ladies got together, last Monday, to create small, live, green arrangements for local Meals On Wheels recipients, as well as residents of Greensboro Nursing Home & Craftsbury Community Care Center; 90 in all.   <br/> We used recycled cat food/tuna cans, filled with spongy "oasis" which is dampened & keeps greens fresh.  Bright ribbons are glued around the cans & then go to the folks who want to do arrangements. We had gathered fresh greens; white pine, blue spruce, balsam, etc. + pinecones, dried flowers, red twig dogwood, milkweed, poppy  & Siberian iris seed pods, birch bark, moss & other natural materials. These are used as the base for the design. Then we might add fresh flowers, bows, tinsel, beads, any "Christmasy" little ornaments, which can be attached to a "pick", a small green stick with wire twisted on top. These, along with little scenes, animals & greetings cut from old Christmas cards & glued on to thin sticks, add color & a personal touch. <br/> There were as many variations as there were individuals helping. Many were new to anything like this. Everyone did a great job, had great fun & were so pleased to be doing something to brighten the holidays for folks for whom this might be the only decoration they would have. <br/> Just open your "collecting eyes" & your imagination. A fun way to work together & give delight. "Bread AND Roses" are both important to the soul!</div></div></div><div class="pan_messageContainer"><div  class="pan_messageStats"><div class="pan_pad"><span>Re: How are you Reaching Out?  Where can others lend a hand?</span> Added: 12/18/2008 7:10:28 AM</div></div><div class="pan_messageBody"><div class="pan_pad">To help our neighbors in need with heating fuel assistance, Ski for Heat is a cross-country skiing fundraiser that benefits low-income families and individuals in southern Vermont. It is a fun and easy way to raise money for the CVPS Shareheat Fund at BROC. Skiers (or snowshoers) seek pledges, either on a per-mile basis or for a set dollar amount, and then ski to earn their donations on January 25 at Wild Wings Ski Touring Center in Peru, VT. Wild Wings is generously making available the use of their cross-country trails for the event and providing free use of them for all participants. Every dollar raised, up to $5000, will be matched by CVPS Shareholders. Now in its 9th year, Ski for Heat has raised over $110,000 to help Vermonters stay warm. What a wonderful example of neighbors helping neighbors! This collaborative community effort will also be in force on January 9, when “Downtown” Bob Stannard & Chris Kleeman will be performing a benefit concert at Burr and Burton Academy’s Riley Center for the Arts with proceeds going to Ski for Heat. Burr & Burton is donating the facility, Bob is donating his performance, and Northshire Bookstore (Manchester) and Write Solutions (Hillsdale, NY) are underwriting the costs. A suggested donation of $20 is being asked for admission. For more information on Ski for Heat (Jan. 25) or the concert (Jan. 9), go to the event’s website at www.skiforheat.org. <br/> Thank you. <br/> Martha Robertson <br/> Peru, VT <br/> </div></div></div><div class="pan_messageContainer"><div  class="pan_messageStats"><div class="pan_pad"><span>Re: How are you Reaching Out?  Where can others lend a hand?</span> Added: 12/15/2008 8:11:53 PM</div></div><div class="pan_messageBody"><div class="pan_pad">I am a memeber of the Lyndonvile Methodist Chruch and for this Christmas we are reaching out to three families who were not going have a Christmas.  We have collected gifts, gas, and fuel cards.  The response has been fantastic the gifts are piled high.  Betty Lyndonville, Vt</div></div></div><div class="pan_messageContainer"><div  class="pan_messageStats"><div class="pan_pad"><span>Re: How are you Reaching Out?  Where can others lend a hand?</span> Added: 12/15/2008 11:32:09 AM</div></div><div class="pan_messageBody"><div class="pan_pad">My husband and I organize a Community Christmas Dinner in Barre.  The meal is 100% donated, and is 100% prepared and served by volunteers.  This dinner has been served for the last 17 years in the Barre area on Christmas day.  We are always looking for more donations, and more volunteers, so if you want a way to reach out to the hungry, the homeless and the lonely, please join us!  This event is free and open to all that wish to attend.  We have a wonderful group of people that give all or part of their Christmas day to help others--what a great way to spend this very special day!  <br/> If you\'d like to help, feel free to contact me at <a href="mailto:sonya@milessupply.com">sonya@milessupply.com</a> or call me at 802.476.5569. If you\'d like to join us to enjoy the meal, we are at Hedding United Methodist Church, 40 Washington St, Barre and we serve from noon until 2 pm on Christmas Day. <br/> Merry Christmas to you all!</div></div></div><div class="pan_messageContainer"><div  class="pan_messageStats"><div class="pan_pad"><span>Re: How are you Reaching Out?  Where can others lend a hand?</span> Added: 12/11/2008 5:36:22 PM</div></div><div class="pan_messageBody"><div class="pan_pad">In 1996 I began a new life after suviving an abusive marriage. I remarried a man I had dated in high school, he with a daughter age 6 and me with three daughters ages 5, 9 and 12. My husband had also been through a difficult relationship, and we all were relearning how to communicate in a healthy way. Our past was most evident during the holiday season, when especially the children had feeling of anger, jealousy and resentment. My husband and I decided to help us all refocus our energy and spend Christmas doing something that would help in the community. Thus, we created the "Magic Blanket Project". For the last nine years, we get a list of the first names of all people living in the two COTS family shelters, as well as the ages of each child, and we, as a family, choose a fleece fabric especially for each person. We then sew the edges and make blankets. We have a special card for each one that reads <br/>  <br/>               "THE MAGIC BLANKET STORY" <br/>          A little girl, aged four, was afraid to sleep at night. One night, at bedtime, her Mom covered her with a fleece blanket and told her "This is a magic blanket. Scary things and sad feelings don\'t want to be around the blanket because it is too nice and soft and cuddly." <br/>          The little girl slept through the night and her mother knew there really was magic in the blanket. <br/>          our family hopes good things will come to you. May this blanket be magic for you. <br/>  <br/>     We then all sign our names and on Christmas morning, rather than exchange gifts at home, we deliver the blankets. The magic blanket story is a true story about my youngest daughter. My real message is that by decommercializing Christmas Day, we have empowered ourselves and the magic for us was not concentrating on being victims anymore. We spend the day bonding as a family and celebrate the birth of Christ. We have been enriched by what we have learned about the serious plight of homeless families. COTS is at capacity, and has to turn some away. The last three years the number of blankets needed has been triple than in the first year. I sincerly believe that helping others is the most empowering and healthy experience a human being can have. If anyone is interested in doing a similar project in other shelters, I would be happy to help coodinate.  <br/>       </div></div></div><div class="pan_messageContainer"><div  class="pan_messageStats"><div class="pan_pad"><span>Re: How are you Reaching Out?  Where can others lend a hand?</span> Added: 12/11/2008 10:53:34 AM</div></div><div class="pan_messageBody"><div class="pan_pad">Hello, I am a case manager for people with developmental disabilities and was wondering how a consumer might apply to receive a christmas basket for her family, and if you provide this service for people in the RUtland area? <br/> Thanks, <br/> Steph    email: <a href="mailto:bluesage345@yahoo.com">bluesage345@yahoo.com</a></div></div></div><div class="pan_messageContainer"><div  class="pan_messageStats"><div class="pan_pad"><span>Re: How are you Reaching Out?  Where can others lend a hand?</span> Added: 12/09/2008 4:31:47 PM</div></div><div class="pan_messageBody"><div class="pan_pad">What a wonderful program... thanks VPR.  We\'re seeing lots of people use Front Porch Forum (<a href="http://frontporchforum.com" target="_blank" >http://frontporchforum.com</a>) to organize and spread the word about their holiday efforts to reach out to their community.  Any resident of Chittenden County may join this free online service... indeed, 12,000 local households already subscribe.  Happy holidays!</div></div></div><div class="pan_messageContainer"><div  class="pan_messageStats"><div class="pan_pad"><span>Re: How are you Reaching Out?  Where can others lend a hand?</span> Added: 12/09/2008 3:12:13 PM</div></div><div class="pan_messageBody"><div class="pan_pad">I heard this morning that you were addressing the increasing hunger needs in Vermont and just wanted to offer some information that will hopefully be useful.  I serve on the Missions and Benevolence Committee at Old South Church in Windsor, Vermont, and the churches in our town have recently decided to sponsor community meals on Wednesday evenings.  On Wednesday evenings at 6:00 pm all are welcome to the American Legion Hall in Windsor, Vermont, for a hot soup and bread meal.  We are making an effort to get the word out about these meals and hope to see more people taking advantage of this new offering in our region. <br/> Thanks, <br/> Becca Eleftherakis </div></div></div><div class="pan_messageContainer"><div  class="pan_messageStats"><div class="pan_pad"><span>Re: How are you Reaching Out?  Where can others lend a hand?</span> Added: 12/08/2008 12:20:04 PM</div></div><div class="pan_messageBody"><div class="pan_pad">It would be very helpful to know where and how to volunteer this Christmas season.  Is there any organization that sponsors a community dinner on Christmas day in the South Royalton Area?  Are there any organizations that specifically need volunteers on Christmas eve or Christmas Day? <br/> Jenny in South Royalton</div></div></div><div class="pan_messageContainer"><div  class="pan_messageStats"><div class="pan_pad"><span>Re: How are you Reaching Out?  Where can others lend a hand?</span> Added: 12/08/2008 11:21:40 AM</div></div><div class="pan_messageBody"><div class="pan_pad">I lost my job in October, and very fortunately ended up having a few opportunities to choose from for new employment. I ended up making a very personal decision to simplify my life and become involved with The Upper Valley Haven in White River Junction VT which supports homeless families. I am the Director of Development and am working very hard to raise funds for the family shelter, food shelf, educational programs, after school care and clothing room operations as well as a NEW Adult Shelter building project which will provide a new building with 20 additional beds.  <br/>  <br/> This past Saturday night I attended a Lasagna Dinner and Auction which was organized by local Lebanon High School students to support The Haven. This group of students, unsolicited, have organized this event for three years. I am very impressed when I see kids and adults looking outside themselves and their lives enough to see real NEED in our community. I hope that I can raise my children with this awareness and sense of appreciation for what they do have....  <br/>  <br/> To learn more about the Upper Valley Haven please go to: <br/> www.uppervalleyhaven.org <br/>  <br/> Happy Holidays to all, <br/>  <br/> Liz Verney <br/> The Upper Valley Haven <br/> 713 Hartford Avenue <br/> White River Junction, VT 05001 <br/> 802.295.6500</div></div></div><div class="pan_messageContainer"><div  class="pan_messageStats"><div class="pan_pad"><span>neighbors helping neighbors: it\'s time to give back</span> Added: 12/08/2008 9:14:16 AM</div></div><div class="pan_messageBody"><div class="pan_pad">Zumba in Vermont and all of its friends, neighbors, local instructors and dancers are gathering on December 21st to give back to their neighbors that are struggling this holiday season. This dance fitness based community of friends is sponsoring 5 local families that are experiencing hardships this year. Each adopted family will be provided with a holiday meal of turkey and veggies, canned and fresh, as well as presents. The goal is to have 5 overflowing baskets filled with healthy food choices, homemade, hand painted Christmas cookies by the “Cookie Lady”, handmade jewelry for the young girls by Kim Sutherland, handmade hats and fun for the kids including art supplies, toys and clothes, socks and even coats, when required.  <br/>  <br/> All volunteers are providing a 10.-  donation, plus a canned good, with many volunteers purchasing or making clothes, toys and other gifts. We have many in our circle who are unable to attend but that are donating anyway. As we are a group that gathers around music and dance, we will still be having our own party as we put our baskets together. Vermont Cares will be selling their local Vermont artist inspired wrapping paper, local artist, Muffin Ray, will be selling her humorous art cards, a local jewelry maker will be selling their wares and not to mention everyone will have an opportunity to make holiday cards to stick in the baskets. <br/>    <br/> Beyond Zumba in Vermont and all of our friends and neighbors… Penny Cluse is to be thanked for their generous donation of space, Price Chopper, Shelburne Road, for a gift card in which to purchase turkeys, Champlain College Development Office for the oversized bags to stuff with all of our generous donations. <br/>  <br/> This all began because my now 13 year old daughter, since the age of 4, has had money to grocery shop for a family every year, where we then engage in discussions of nutrition, non-perishables and those who struggle. We have also sponsored families through the years and this year decided to expand and pull together all of our friends and family in giving back and making a real impact. <br/>  <br/> with joy. <br/>  <br/> allison dincecco <br/> </div></div></div><div class="pan_messageContainer"><div  class="pan_messageStats"><div class="pan_pad"><span>Re: How are you Reaching Out?  Where can others lend a hand?</span> Added: 12/05/2008 4:38:04 PM</div></div><div class="pan_messageBody"><div class="pan_pad">Thanks for this great opportunity! <br/>  <br/> This is the 4th year that I\'ve organized a Holiday Dinner for Seniors on Christmas Day, so that folks can either gather for a dinner or have a meal delivered to their home in the greater Burlington area.  We deliver meals in the morning to some people and then have a sitdown dinner at 1:00 for others. A giftbag goes along with each meal...and this year\'s goal is 250 seniors! <br/>  <br/> Volunteers donate their time to giftwrap, cook, set up, serve, transport seniors, deliver meals, and clean up...with everything in-between.  Businesses and folks in the community donate food and goodies for the giftbags.  Money that is donated fills the gaps in what we need for food or gifts.  <br/>  <br/> It\'s the perfect example of getting more than you give.  The outpouring in this community is beyond measure, and I am always humbled by how many people step forward to make a senior citizen\'s Christmas a little bit brighter.  Even Santa\'s planning on stopping by! <br/>  <br/> So, thank you to everyone who\'s helping to lend a hand toward this sweet event.  Have a holiday season filled with more light than darkness! <br/>  <br/> Megan Humphrey <br/> Burlington  <br/>  <br/> <a href="mailto:meganh@sover.net">meganh@sover.net</a> <br/>  <br/>    </div></div></div><div class="pan_messageContainer"><div  class="pan_messageStats"><div class="pan_pad"><span>Re: How are you Reaching Out?  Where can others lend a hand?</span> Added: 12/05/2008 3:32:37 PM</div></div><div class="pan_messageBody"><div class="pan_pad">A friend and I volunteered this week for the COTS Phone-A-Thon.  The goal this year is $195,000.  40 volunteers spend seven nights and a Sunday afternoon calling friends of COTS and asking for contributions.  It\'s a lot of fun, and while calling strangers is uncomfortable, once I say I\'m a volunteer, the reaction is always friendly.  COTS provides more than emergency shelter.  The organization does a lot of work preventing homelessnes, by helping families in danger of losing their housing.... help find work... childcare and more.  To learn more about COTS and/or make a contribution, go to COTSONLINE.ORG.</div></div></div><div class="pan_messageContainer"><div  class="pan_messageStats"><div class="pan_pad"><span>Re: How are you Reaching Out?  Where can others lend a hand?</span> Added: 12/05/2008 7:33:33 AM</div></div><div class="pan_messageBody"><div class="pan_pad">Dear VPR:  <br/> Thank you for putting animal welfare and shelters on your "Reaching Out" resource list. I felt it important to tell you on behalf of the critters, "Thanks for including us too!"   <br/>  <br/> Throughout the year, and particularly each November and December, we are so grateful for the generosity the community shows toward our animals.  This past year we, along with all animal shelters and rescue groups, have been <br/> overwhelmed with homeless animals who require medical care, warm beds, food, toys and affection.  These critters are casualties of the dire straights in which their owners\' find themselves.  All of the animal rescue and welfare organizations in Vermont need the help of their respective communities, particularly this year.  It is my hope that people continue to respond with heartfelt generosity to their local rescue organizations.  We all need people\'s <br/> compassion in order to accomplish our collective mission of caring for the homeless animals. <br/>  <br/> Best regards, <br/>  <br/> Marie Brockway, Manager <br/> Springfield Humane Society <br/> 401 Skitchewaug Trail <br/> Springfield VT 05156</div></div></div><div class="pan_messageContainer"><div  class="pan_messageStats"><div class="pan_pad"><span>Re: How are you Reaching Out?  Where can others lend a hand?</span> Added: 12/03/2008 12:07:17 PM</div></div><div class="pan_messageBody"><div class="pan_pad">here are a few things I\'m doing this season: <br/>  <br/> - usually I make my holiday cards but this year we bought them from the <br/>   ASPCA.  We also requested that our annual donation be used to assist local <br/>   shelters with the overflow problems many of them are facing right now. <br/>  <br/> - volunteering at the local shelter S.O.S ("Save Our Strays") <br/>  <br/> - we recently went through our closets to clear out unused winter wear and donated <br/>   it to the free clothing shelf at our local grocery store </div></div></div></div></div>');