Charitable giving, october 23, 2016

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Sunday, October 23, 2016

Spread the Word Volunteering 101

Simple ways to raise awareness for a good cause

How to make your volunteering efforts a success

Show Appreciation How to donate to Military Personnel

Hospice focuses on patients first

Our Community’s #1 Choice in Hospice Care

Hospice care is about life and living, maximizing the quality of time that someone has left.

Hospice of Spokane has always focused on the patient first – what is best for the patient and the family and what they need to experience the best day possible. Hospice of Spokane’s patient-centered care is provided by interdisciplinary teams comprised of physicians, nurses, social workers, nurse aides, volunteers, chaplains, bereavement counselors and other professionals.

Hospice of Spokane is our community’s oldest and only non-profit hospice. Founded in 1977 by a group of dedicated volunteers, Hospice of Spokane is focused on serving patients and families dealing with terminal illness wherever they call home including their private residence, senior living facility or at one of two Hospice Houses. They care for individuals of any age with any terminal diagnosis throughout Spokane, Stevens, Ferry and Pend Oreille counties.

In addition to hospice services, Hospice of Spokane provides Spokane Palliative Care, supporting patients who may not be ready for hospice care but need additional support; northeast Washington’s only two in-patient Hospice Houses; an expansive bereavement support program including a no-cost grief camp for kids dealing with the death of someone they love; community grief support groups (for anyone in our community – not just those served by Hospice of Spokane) and more.

For questions about hospice services or for more information, contact Hospice of Spokane at (509) 456-0438 or visit www.hospiceofspokane.org.

“Every single patient, we’re identifying what their needs are and how we’re going to meet those needs. We do that from the context of being the oldest, largest and only community nonprofit.”

– Dr. Bob Bray, Hospice of Spokane Medical Director

Serving patients and families since 1977 Comfort. Dignity. Peace of Mind.

509.456.0438 hospiceofspokane.org

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Sunday, October 23, 2016

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The Arc of Spokane We believe that having a disability should not prevent someone from enjoying a rich and meaningful life. A volunteer-based, nonprofit agency, The Arc of Spokane works to ensure that people with developmental disabilities in our community, and the people who care for them, enjoy the highest quality of life possible.

HOW TO MAKE YOUR VOLUNTEERING EFFORTS A SUCCESS

PG 3

HOW GIVING BACK CAN BE SO GOOD

PG 5

CHARITY SUPPORT BENEFITS SMALL BUSINESSES

PG 6

HOW TO DONATE ITEMS INSTEAD OF CASH

PG 7

THE MOST CHARITABLE NATIONS

PG 9

HOW TO SHOW APPRECIATION FOR MILITARY PERSONNEL PG 8

SERVICE DOG VOLUNTEERS NEEDED PG 10

THE DOLLAR VALUE OF VOLUNTEERING PG 11

WAYS TO LEND A HELPING HAND TO SENIORS

MANY RESOURCES AVAILABLE IN THE COMMUNITY There are lots of resources out there for the elderly and people with disabilities. But how many of them are free and local? That’s the idea behind Spokane’s Aging and Disabilities Helpline.

The helpline is staffed with Spokane-based representatives who provide free referrals to all kinds of services, from housing to meals, legal support to transportation. And a lot more. Sometimes a phone call isn’t enough so home visits are available. To access the helpline, call (509) 960-7281 or try our mobile friendly website at SpokaneHelpline.org.

We’re here to help anyone. There’s no wrong question when you call. We help sons and daughters concerned about an aging parent. We help neighbors who don’t know where to turn find answers. All referrals are confidential. Give us a call, we’re committed to helping people with disabilities and older adults live safely and independently in their homes as long as possible.

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Servant Leaders Care for Community For 35 years, Leadership Spokane has been delivering leaders to help build our community. It is our passion, it is our calling and we are 1,200 adult leaders strong joined by nearly 600 high school youth leaders. Collectively, our alumni, youth and adults completed six service projects: 2,500 hours giving back to others.

Last year, our adult leaders imagined three projects supporting kids, believing as Walt Disney did: “Our greatest natural resource is the minds of our children.”

What was remarkable about each of their noble projects was their simplicity. For example, the adult leaders cooked gourmet meals for Crosswalk youth and then shared friendly fellowship with them. The smiles on the youths’ faces were all that was needed to know a positive difference had been made.

Here comes the Class of 2017, ready to raise the bar, knowing Leadership Lights the Way!

Help for an older adult is just a phone call away.

We’re Spokane’s Aging and Disabilities Helpline.

Providing FREE referrals to all kinds of services from housing to meals, legal support to transportation.

(509) 960-7281 SpokaneHelpline.org 222 W Mission Ave, Suite 120 Spokane, WA 99201 Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm

www.LeadershipSpokane.org

(509) 321-3639

Leadership Spokane

801 W. Riverside, Suite 220

@LeaderSpokane

Spokane, WA 99201

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How to make your volunteering efforts a success

V

olunteering is a great way for charitable men and women to give back to their communities.

Many nonproďŹ t organizations rely on the unsung contributions of volunteers to meet their mission statements, which may otherwise never be realized.

When seeking volunteer opportunities, men and women can quickly become overwhelmed by the volume of options available to them.

But not all volunteering opportunities are equal, so prospective volunteers who want to be certain their efforts make a difference can take the following steps as they search for the right situation.

0 ' % ! * ' ,"( ! " % Before beginning your search for a volunteering opportunity, determine what you have to offer and what you hope to offer. Prospective volunteers with extensive business experience may serve best by offering their professional expertise to a edgling nonproďŹ t organization, while athletic men and women may ďŹ nd coaching provides the best chance to combine their skillset and experience with their desire to give back.

0 ' % ! "* ( ' you can offer. Some volunteer opportunities are more demanding than others, so ďŹ gure out in advance how much of your time you can realistically devote to

)" (!' % ! 0 ! ,"( )" (!' % on weeknights or just weekends?

Which times of day are you available to volunteer? Answering these questions in advance will ensure you ďŹ nd a volunteering opportunity that won’t prove too much, or too little, to handle.

0 ! &" ' ! ,"( * !' '" do. As previously noted, sometimes the volunteers who get the most out of their experiences are those who offer their expertise in a given area. But it’s perfectly alright to look for a volunteering opportunity that is a stark departure from your #%" && "! ' % ! * ' you want to do, whether it’s tutoring youths, raising funds or anything else you may have a passion for, and then ďŹ nd an opportunity that allows you to do that.

0 !) &' ' ' "% ! - ' "!

You will likely take your volunteering efforts seriously, so you want to be sure the organization you ultimately work with is serious about its mission.

Ask each organization you speak with about their programs and how those programs relate to the charity’s mission. Ask about the success rate of each program as well as the challenges those programs face. Prospective volunteers also can investigate an organization’s ďŹ nancial background ) & ' &( & % ', ) '"% org, which rates charities in a host of categories with a goal toward promoting intelligent giving. Avoid any organizations that hesitate to share information about their ďŹ nances and programs.

0 # ,"(% *"% #"! committing to volunteer with an organization, many volunteers initially feel uncomfortable or hesitant to offer their input. That compels many to abandon their efforts entirely. But organizations truly rely on their volunteers to help them meet their goals, so keep your word and stay committed to the charity even if you feel some beginner’s anxiety. Arrive on time and do your best to live up to the commitment you made. Before you know it, you will feel right at home in your new role.

Sunday, October 23, 2016

A proven commitment to our community's future through the delivery of hope, opportunities for success, and a path towards excellence Excelsior Youth Center is currently undergoing many exciting changes. Our in-patient substance abuse program is increasing its capacity. So too is our innovative Lifepoint program, which provides transitional support and services to young adults in need of assistance developing and/ or implementing independent living strategies. A grant received by The Department of Commerce will allow us to double the number of young adults served. Finally, we recently saw the launch of our WISe program, which provides wraparound services to youth and their families in our community.

We believe children and families have the potential to be safer, stronger, and more satisďŹ ed in the lives they lead. To get involved, please contact us at (509) 328-7041 or through our website www.

ExcelsiorYouthCenter.com

CARE. RESPECT. HOPE. www.ExcelsiorYouthCenter.com (509) 328-7041 • EBHS@4eyc.org For over 30 years, the non-proďŹ t Excelsior Youth Center has provided education, behavioral health and primary Excelsior appreciates medical services to youth and their families in Spokane. support through Excelsior serves a diverse group of adolescents and donations: their families with a range of presenting difficulties which compromise their abilities to live happy, healthy lives. We believe that everyone has the Hats, gloves and winter coats potential to be safer, stronger, and more satisďŹ ed in the lives they lead. To that end, we provide Boots and other shoes care and respect to our clients as they seek to New hygiene supplies connect to their futures.

Classroom supplies

Providing Hope and Healing for Families and couples in Our Community The Salvation Army has been serving the Spokane community since 1891. We serve more than 40,000 people every year. The Salvation Army of Spokane provides programs and support that change and transform lives.

Children and Youth Sally’s House is an emergency receiving facility for children age 2-12 that are removed from their home due to abuse, neglect, abandonment or criminal activity.

Camp Gifford is the oldest summer youth camp in Eastern Washington. It serves low-income children.

The Nurturing Center provides foster care visitation services, education and support services for families working to improve challenging dynamics.

Homeless / Housing Stepping Stones is a 30-unit apartment complex for homeless families with children that are at or below 30 percent of the area median income for Spokane County. Families may reside in this program for up to 24 months.

The Emergency Shelter has 18 fully furnished studio units for homeless families with children or couples without children. Participants may live here for up to 90 days.

Food Bank We provide one of the largest food bank outlets in our community, serving an average of 1,500 families in Spokane County every month. Visit our website for hours and location.

Get Involved If you would like to support The Salvation Army of Spokane, donations can be dropped off at 222 E. Indiana Ave. in Spokane or visit www.makingspokanebetter.org to give and learn more about our mission and history of serving Spokane.

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www.makingspokanebetter.org Food Bank Nurturing Center Emergency Shelter Transitional Housing Sally’s House Emergency Foster Shelter 222 East Indiana Ave • Spokane, WA 99207

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Sunday, October 23, 2016

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CAUSE CONNECTION COMMUNITY At the YMCA our cause is simple: To strengthen the foundations of our community. We live our cause by focusing on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

On any given day the YMCA will serve a six week old, a child in youth sports or school age child care, an at-risk teen, a family, and an older adult. Our longevity, tradition and impact are unparalleled, but we don’t do it alone. We understand that collaboration and meaningful partnerships with other community entities makes us all stronger as a community. Our willingness and ability to do so has a positive impact on overall quality of life.

Through our focus on Youth Development the YMCA is committed to nurturing the potential of all youth. Our Outside the Box program enables ninth graders to make the sometimes difficult transition to high school.

In partnership with District 81 and North Central High School, these kids get the help they need to achieve academic success and maintain attendance rates.

Our collaboration with Gonzaga and Whitworth Universities through our Act Six program provided eight high school students from ethnically and economically diverse backgrounds the opportunity to attend those universities on four-year, full-tuition full-need scholarships.

The Community Cancer Fund has established a multi-million-dollar endowment to perpetually fund Camp Goodtimes at YMCA Camp Reed, a camp for children affected by cancer.

Our focus on Healthy Living commits us to improving the health and well-being of our community.

In partnership with CHAS we provide their smoking cessation class participants financially assisted memberships with additional plans to bring our YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program to their clients as well.

Social Responsibility is about giving back to and supporting our neighbors. Our Togetherhood Program engages our 44,000 YMCA members in community-based projects and volunteer opportunities.

Thanks to grant dollars from the Wal-Mart Foundation and the Summer Food Services Program the YMCA provided free meals at our summer day camp sites not only for our campers in need, but for the community as well. This past summer we served 19,225 breakfasts and 20,322 lunches!

Cause, Connection, Community…the threads of the safety net woven by the YMCA’s mission-focused work force and our many, many partners.

Together, we have given everyone a safe place to learn, grow and thrive in our community.

The Guild School, the leading agency in serving developmentally delayed preschoolers, uses YMCA swimming pools free of charge to provide aquatic therapy for their young clients.

CAUSE CONNECTION COMMUNITY

Through our commitment to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility we embrace and nurture the promise that lies in all of us.

With Your Support, We Put the Y in COMMUNITY

From members to volunteers everyone plays a part in helping our community Learn, Grow & Thrive.

509 777 YMCA (9622) ymcaspokane.org

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How giving back can be so good

Sunday, October 23, 2016

An abusive situation will NOT improve without action.

Did you know...

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haritable endeavors made by celebrities and other prominent people often make the news. However, millions of regular people across the country and out of the limelight also do their share to help the varied groups ďŹ ghting for good causes.

People have reasons for getting involved in philanthropic efforts. A Gallup survey on volunteering in the United States found that more than half of volunteers do it because they like helping others. Just about 40 percent said they volunteer to feel good about themselves.

As many volunteers already know, people who give get something in return. Here are just a few ways why giving back can be good for you.

5 (%-', * /(*$ *( '+ 1(-* +$"%%+ (%-', * /(*$ %%(/+ & '1 people to learn entirely new sets of skills. New opportunities may present problem-solving challenges, and you can discover new ways to think about issues and causes that * * ,( 1(- (%-', *"' & 1 feel good, but it also can boost your rĂŠsumĂŠ. The experience you gain working with a charity can help you in future professional endeavors.

5 !"% ',!*()1 )*( - + 3! %) * + !" ! 6 (%-', * /(*$ )*( - + ' ,-* % %"' ( -)!(*" ,! , + measurable and can produce some positive side effects. Boston College researchers discovered that the joy from helping others can be seen on MRI scans. This euphoria can help decrease chronic pain, depression and disability.

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A 1999 study out of University of California, Berkeley, found that elderly people who volunteered for two or more organizations were 44 percent less likely to die over a ďŹ ve-year period than those who did not volunteer, even after adjusting (* ) *+(' + 0 * "+ ! ",+ general health, and negative habits like smoking. More recent studies have uncovered similar results.

People who give help rather than just receiving it can prolong their lives.

5 ! *",1 /(*$ ' $ ) 1(- ('' , (%-', *"' "+ * , way to get out and meet new people who share similar goals and interests. People who are new to an area or are recent retirees may ďŹ nd that volunteering helps them make new friends, alleviating %"' + ( "+(% ,"(' (%-', * work also provides a great way to network for business contacts or to ďŹ ' (-, /! , + ' /+/(*,!1 "' ,! community.

5 (%-', *"+& ((+,+ + % +, & Working with a nonproďŹ t or charitable group often provides immediate results. In turn, this immediate gratiďŹ cation can show you that you have a purpose and are assisting others who need a ! %)"' ! ' (%-', * /(*$ ' help you become more conďŹ dent and assertive and provide you with a greater sense of self-worth.

5 "."' ' "'+)"* (,! *+ '1 researchers have determined that giving can be contagious.

Providing a Safe Place for Homeless Women and Children While in jail, Amanda realized she could no longer shield her son, Max, from her addiction. “I’m thinking, what would that cost Max if I were to continue [what I’m doing]? And how long would I be able to do well if he wasn’t doing well? Would I even be able to do well if he wasn’t doing well? ‌I just had all this time to really reect on what I was going to do.â€?

Amanda knew her poor choices would tear her and Max apart. She needed somewhere to recover, learn how to be a good mom, and restore her little family, so she came to Union Gospel Mission.

More than 400 homeless women were counted in Spokane this past January, and Spokane County recorded 3,000 homeless students last school year.

Women and children represent a rapidly increasing segment of the homeless population.

They need a safe place to go.

UGM has three shelters where women and children are provided with food, safety, recovery, job training – all made possible by the generosity of the community.

You can help by providing these much-needed items:

$ $ # " ! $ " Donations can be dropped off at 1224 E Trent Ave. in Spokane or 196 W Haycraft Ave. in Coeur d’Alene. Or you can provide a night of safe shelter for just $12.94. Visit uniongospelmission.org to give and discover more ways you can help women and children in crisis.

In the U.S., every 9 seconds a woman is beaten by her intimate partner.

In Washington State, 68 deaths were related to domestic violence in 2015.

In Spokane, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 7 men experience domestic violence in their lifetime.

With your help, we can change these statistics and bring safety, healing, empowerment, and real change to so many women, children, and families.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness month. Join the movement to END THE SILENCE around domestic violence with the YWCA Spokane. Learn more at ywcaspokane.org

Remember: 1. RECOGNIZE: Don’t ignore the situation.

2. RESPOND: Let her know she’s not alone, she doesn’t have to do this by herself, we are here as support.

3. REFER: The YWCA’s 24-hr domestic violence helpline is available for you and her: (509) 326-CALL(2255).

Together we can end the silence around domestic violence!

LET HER KNOW

SHE’S NOT ALONE Chances are you know a domestic violence victim who doesn’t feel safe to reach out.

Help us cultivate a culture where the silence around domestic violence is no longer acceptable.

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ywcaspokane.org 24hr Helpline 509.326.CALL (2255)

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Sunday, October 23, 2016

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Supporting a charity can benefit small businesses

Boys & Girls Club Spokane Thank you Spokane for making our first 15 years a success for thousands of local kids and teens! Your support makes a big difference in helping us keep a child’s membership fee to just $10 a year – the same price since 2001!

Check us out at bgcspokanecounty.org of find us on social media to learn more about the great things we’re doing to impact young people’s lives here in Spokane!

S

mall businesses are continually seeking ways to compete in ever-competitive markets. While they often fill a niche not easily met by larger corporations, small businesses sometimes find it difficult to gain traction in a community and fully showcase all they have to offer.

Many large companies boast programs that promote social responsibility and community involvement, and it can be a smart move for small businesses as well. There are plenty of ways small businesses can get involved with local charities.

Find a good match. Consider working with a charity that has a connection to your business so that there is a common purpose.

For example, a pet groomer may want to work with an animal welfare organization. Servicerelated businesses, such as law firms or accounting firms, can assist groups that offer services and business counseling to needy families. Landscapers may find a good fit with an environmental protection charity.

Donate goods or services.

Charitable organizations are always in need of more money

to fund their efforts, but small businesses can contribute in other ways as well. Businesses can donate supplies and services, such as a printing firm offering to print business cards or brochures for the charity. Business owners and their employees can volunteer their time, which can be a great way for employees to connect outside of the office and boost morale in the process.

Support a fundraising event.

A highly visible way to support a charity is to host or support a fundraising activity. Small businesses can offer to collect donations at their offices or stores. Warehouse spaces can be used to store supplies, while other venues may be ideal spots for dances, walks or charity dinners. Businesses can ask that the charity mention the sponsorship in event advertisements and marketing.

Financial donations can make ‘cents.’ Giving to charity is a way to increase tax deductions and reduce annual tax bills. Small businesses can work with their financial officers or accountants to develop a budget for charitable giving.

Young Life What we do: We introduce kids to Jesus Christ and help them grow in their faith through fun, mentoring, support, adventures and friendships.

Young Life is our high school ministry and Wyldlife is our middle school ministry.

Our volunteer leaders go to where teenagers are: their turf.

Whether it be a football or basketball game, a school play or choir concert, kids are worth pursing!

Sean went to high school camp this summer ticked off at the world! It was at camp Sean heard the “true names Jesus calls him: Forgiven and Son!” Sean heard the love behind each of these names and in his words, “For the first time I know what Joy feels like.” It is through relationships Young Life and Wyldlife leaders get the chance to see lives change.

Young Life and Wyldlife impact kids at U-High, CV, West Valley, Centennial, Horizon, Bowdish, North Pines, Greenacres and Evergreen middle schools.

For more info on Spokane Valley Young Life please contact Ryan Boschma at (208) 631-2590 or ryanboschma@wa394.younglife.org

bgcspokanecounty.org

THANK YOU SPOKANE FOR MAKING OUR FIRST 15 YEARS A SUCCESS

for thousands of local kids and teens! Your support makes a big difference in helping us keep a child’s membership fee to just $10 a year – the same price since 2001! Check us out at bgcspokanecounty.org or find us on social media to learn more about the great things we’re doing to impact young people’s lives here in Spokane!

Northtown Club 544 E. Providence Ave.

12509 N. Market St.

(Greater Hillyard)

(Mead)

Lisa StilesGyllenhammer Club

Mission Community Outreach Center Mission Community Outreach Center first opened its doors in 1996 as an ecumenical Christian Outreach Center.

Founded by Walt Shields and friends, Mission Community Outreach Center of Spokane is an independent, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supported by local churches, civic groups, businesses and community members.

Our free, quality used clothing bank has provided support to low-income families and individuals in Spokane since 1996. In addition to clothing, shoes and outerwear, we provide our clients with basic household goods and hygiene items. We also provide infant care supplies including diapers, wipes, and infant formula when supplies are donated to clients on a monthly basis.

Each year MCOC also hosts two new clothing events for area children: School Shoes for Kids in August providing new shoes and socks and Children’s Christmas Joy in December ensuring each child in the family receives a new outfit, outerwear, pajamas and a new book carefully wrapped by our volunteers.

The needs of low-income families in Spokane have continued to grow and today we provide clothing for more than 1,200 people per month and infant care items for more than 250 infants per month.

Children’s Christmas Joy Drive

Drive Nov 2 - Dec 7 Event Dec 9, 1-6pm Dec 10, 12-4pm

Opportunity Presbyterian 202 N Pines

New Life Assembly of God 10920 E Sprague Ave

Contact Area Director, Ryan Boschma, for more information ryanboschma@wa394.younglife.org (208) 631-2590

Our goal is to provide each child (infant through 6th grade) with a new pair of blue jeans and a top, an outfit for the younger kids, as well as new underwear, hats, gloves and scarves. Each child will also receive an age appropriate book.

We will happily deliver collection barrels to your church or business with flyers and posters for this event. We also welcome the opportunity to present this event at your meeting or church services.

Please donate at our center M, W, Th, 1:30-4pm or by appointment.

Look for collection bins at local churches and participating businesses.

1906 E. Mission Ave. | Spokane 509.536.1084 | www.4mission.org

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Sunday, October 23, 2016

A Home-Away-FromHome for Families with Children in Medical Crisis For 7-year-old Makenna, the Ronald McDonald House was much more than a roof over her head.

It was the safe place she could return home to after a long day at the hospital during her battle with cancer. It was the cozy room where her mom snuggled up and read books at night. It was the outdoor play area where she and her little sister ran around and shared giggles. It was the kitchen where her dad made pancakes in the morning. It was the place where she met friends Noah and Stephanie, who were also ďŹ ghting cancer. For the scariest year of her life, it was her home away from home.

Hundreds of families like Makenna’s from around the Inland Northwest ďŹ nd a refuge at Spokane’s Ronald McDonald House while their children receive the life-saving treatment at local

hospitals. Over half of these families have a critically premature baby, almost 30 percent of families have a child battling cancer, and others have children with other illnesses or trauma. Most of these families arrive in a state of shock with just the clothes on their back. While each family’s story is different, they all share the need for a safe, comfortable place to stay while their children heal.

Our doors are open to them thanks to the generosity of individuals and families from around the region. Funding for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Spokane comes from the Inland Northwest, and 100 percent of funds raised stay local to beneďŹ t families from around our region.

This holiday season you can help give families the gift of togetherness: Make-A-Meal: Come prepare breakfast, lunch or dinner for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House!

Learn more at www.rmhcspokane.org/ meal-program.

Collect items from our Holiday Wish List: We rely on donated gifts from our community to help give our families a happy holiday season. Learn more at www.rmhcspokane.org/ wish-list.

Make a Donation to our Share-A-Night program: Families can stay at the Ronald McDonald House at no cost thanks to our generous donors. Help cover the cost of a family’s stay through our Share-A-Night program. Learn more at www.rmhcspokane.org/donate.

Our doors are open! Call (509) 624-0500 to arrange a tour. More information is available at www.rmhcspokane.org.

'R \RX KDYH D VSHFLDO RFFDVLRQ FRPLQJ XS" Add meaning to your celebration!

Learn how you can encourage friends and family to make donations to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Spokane. Together you can give the best gift of all: the gift of family.

Learn more at www.rmhcspokane.org/celebrate-giving

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Asuris Northwest Health

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Sunday, October 23, 2016

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How to show appreciation for military personnel Pitch in at home.

According to the United States Department of Defense, the United States military currently deploys active duty personnel in nearly 150 countries.

Many of those troops are separated from their families for months at a time, and that separation can make things difficult for their loved ones back home. If a neighbor’s spouse is deployed overseas, offer to help around the house. Whether it’s mowing their lawn, dropping their kids off at school or inviting the whole family over for dinner one night each week, such gestures can go a long way toward easing the burden faced by spouses of deployed military personnel.

Send gifts to active personnel.

M

ilitary personnel are unsung heroes whose sacrifices for their country make it possible for hundreds of millions of people to enjoy freedoms that many people across the globe do not have. In recognition of those sacrifices, many people want to show their appreciation to both active and retired servicemen and women.

Fortunately, there are many ways to do just that.

Servicemen and women on active duty do not enjoy many of the luxuries that tend to be taken for granted back home. But men and women who want to show their appreciation can send care packages to active personnel serving overseas. An organization such as Operation Gratitude (operationgratitude. com), which to date has sent nearly 1.3 million care packages to active personnel, sends care packages filled with snacks, entertainment, personal hygiene products and handmade items.

This provides active personnel a taste of home while also letting them know their extraordinary efforts are appreciated and not forgotten.

Volunteer at a veterans hospital.

Unfortunately, many servicemen and women return home from their deployments with injuries or health conditions that require long-term care.

By volunteering at veteran hospitals, men and women can help veterans overcome their injuries and provide much-needed help to staff at hospitals that could use a helping hand. Visit volunteer.va.gov for more information.

Make a financial donation. For those who want to support servicemen and women but don’t have much free time to do so, financial donations can go a long way toward improving the quality of life of active and retired military personnel. Many programs work with veterans to improve their quality of life, and such organizations rely heavily on financial donations to make their missions a reality. The Wounded Warrior Project (woundedwarriorproject.org), for example, works to honor and empower servicemen and women who incurred physical or mental injuries or illnesses on or after September 11, 2001. The organization relies on the generosity of individuals who want to help wounded military personnel overcome their injuries and illnesses. Based on audited financial statements of the 2014 fiscal ending on September 30, 2014, 80.6 percent of total expenditures went to services and programs catering to wounded military personnel and their families, assuring prospective donors that their donations will go toward helping those in need.

There are many ways that civilians can express their gratitude to active and retired military personnel.

The Veterans Administration MannGrandstaff VA Medical Center welcomes the assistance of expertise of local volunteers. For details on possible opportunities and voluntary services, visit www.spokane.va.gov/giving/ or call (509) 434-7528.

Planned Parenthood Takes Leap Forward at 50

UNITED WAY live united!

If you believe Spokane County can be a place where every child graduates, every family can provide for their needs, and every home is safe and caring, then you believe what we believe.

Spokane County United Way is here to connect your talents and financial contributions with thousands of other people who share this belief.

Together we can make a more educated, prosperous and healthy community. Spokane County United Way aligns resources in an effort to cut our educational achievement gaps in half, lower the number of people living in poverty, and decrease our domestic violence and child abuse and neglect rates.

We believe the impossible can be made possible by forging partnerships and finding new solutions to old problems, by mobilizing the best resources, and by inspiring individuals like you.

Sign up to volunteer at volunteerspokane.org Give to Spokane County United Way by texting SCUW to 41-444 THANK YOU. YOUR GIFTS CHANGE LIVES.

The year 2017 will ring in Planned Parenthood of Greater Washington and North Idaho’s 50th anniversary in Spokane.

But it will also commemorate another major landmark for the nonprofit – the opening of the Smith-Barbieri Spokane Health and Community Education Center, the most advanced reproductive health care facility in the region.

The center, which will replace the current building on Indiana Avenue, was spurred forward by Sharon Smith and Don Barbieri of the Smith Barbieri Progressive Fund, who are leading fundraising on the $5 million project.

“This is the standard of care we need in order to effectively address the social, systemic, and public health disparities facing our communities, and to establish Spokane as a center of excellence in health care,” said Smith and Barbieri.

The building is the culmination of decades of support from community members, who made Planned Parenthood into the key health care provider it is today.

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%XLOGLQJ D +HDOWK\ &RPPXQLW\ Celebrating 50 years, in Spokane, with the construction of the new Smith-Barbieri Spokane Health and Community Education Center.

Spokane: 123 E. Indiana Ave.

Spokane County United Way 920 N. Washington, Suite 100 Spokane, WA 99201 509.838.6581 unitedwayspokane.org

Schedule online: PPGWNI.ORG 1.800.230.PLAN

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The most charitable nations

Sunday, October 23, 2016

nami - the voice of reason on mental illness NAMI Spokane, a non-proďŹ t 501(c)(3), all volunteer, selfhelp organization was incorporated in 1980, and has since provided help to thousands of individuals and families through its education programs, support groups, advocacy network and information/referral desk.

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eople all over the world are committed to helping the countless organizations that advocate for people, animals, the environment, and many additional worthy endeavors.

Despite the ups and downs in the global economy, charitable giving remains a constant. Individuals always seem ready to spare some money or time for a worthy cause.

Across the globe, people, including those who live in developing countries, continue to volunteer their time to help others. Charities Aid Foundation, a nonproďŹ t that ďŹ nds effective and efďŹ cient ways to connect donors to the causes that matter to them, releases an annual report on the most charitable nations, as decided by the World Giving Index. The 2014 reporting year presented the nations that were the most charitable in 2013.

The report was based on data collected from 135 countries, and answers were averaged to determine a ďŹ nal score.

The World Giving Index looks at key areas of concentration, including generosity ratings in these categories: helping a stranger, donating money and volunteering time in a given month. Two of the top giving nations are in North America. The United States ranked highly in all three categories and tied with Myanmar for the top spot for giving behaviors. Myanmar edged out the United States for monetary donations, but both countries ranked at a 64 percent World Giving Index.

Canada ranked next with a 60 percent generosity rating, slightly behind the U.S. with the propensity for helping a stranger. The rest of the top 10 included: Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, Malaysia, The United Kingdom, Sri Lanka, and Trinidad and Tobago. Malaysia, which was tied with the U.K. for seventh place, saw a 26 percentage point increase in its generosity rating from the previous year.

GOODWILL GIVES LOCAL HANDS UP

All of our services are offered FREE to the public and draw participants from Spokane County, eastern Washington and western Idaho. We are funded through membership dues, donations and small foundation grants. Teachers, mentors and facilitators are family members and individuals in recovery who have been trained in NAMI Program Policy and Procedure.

We are recognized as the voice of reason on mental illness, always promoting public policy changes that raise the bar on treatment delivery and research. We empower those affected by mental illness and strive to end discrimination, overcome stigma and achieve services that improve lives. We thank you for supporting NAMI Spokane! We couldn’t do what we do without YOU!

• All of our services are free to the public • We provide direct services to over 200 people a year in Spokane county. • We have been here in Spokane for over 30 years • We provide education, support, advocacy, and outreach to those with mental illness and their loved ones • All our courses are Peer led, by individuals who were once students in the course. • We are funded entirely by donations, small foundation grants, and our members.

Please visit our website for volunteer positions 10 N. Post St. #638 - Spokane (509) 838-5515 - www.namispokane.org

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oodwill began offering a hand-up to people in the Inland Northwest in 1939. Every day, we help people overcome barriers to independence. With more than 20 Goodwill social service programs, we serve over 6,000 people each year in eastern Washington and northern Idaho. The majority of our programs focus on helping people train for and secure jobs in the community.

In the last 77 years, our programs have helped thousands of people like Lindsey. Lindsey has a disability. Her disability does not prevent her from working, but like so many others, when Lindsey looked for work, employers saw the disability, not the great employee who was waiting to be hired. With the help of a Goodwill Job Coach, Lindsey was hired by Sodexo at Gonzaga University.

Soon, Lindsey wanted more hours year-round, so Goodwill helped her secure a job at Papa Murphy’s. Since 2012, Lindsey works at both The COG and Papa Murphy’s. She enjoys both jobs, the relationships with coworkers and customers, and the independence of satisfying work.

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In addition to employment and training programs, Goodwill also provides housing and other support services to Veterans who are homeless, mentoring programs for at-risk youth, and other programs. All of these programs serve Goodwill’s mission to help people overcome barriers to independence.

When you donate to Goodwill and shop at our retail stores, you are helping fund our local social service programs.

Lindsey, and all of us here at Goodwill, thank you for helping us change lives!

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Service dog volunteers needed ervice dogs provide invaluable support and assistance to people who require their services. These dogs may help guide the blind or provide emotional therapy to adults and children. Some service dogs even

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puppies in homes. They may have a few dozen receiving care and training by fostering families at any given time.

Anyone who has a love for animals can volunteer, and many such volunteers benefit from the knowledge that they helped contribute to the development

perform tasks around the house for people with mobility issues.

Puppies trained for service work start out as bubbly animals just like any young dog. However, they will require additional obedience work and specialized training in preparation for their future duties.

Service animals are in high demand, and many organizations reach out to volunteers to help foster pups who will go on to provide help to people in need. This usually occurs when the dog is between one and two years old.

Organizations like Canine Partners of the Rockies in Colorado and Susquehanna Service Dogs in Pennsylvania often place service dog

of dogs that will go on to do so much good.

To decide if raising service dogs is something you want to do, consider the following information.

Puppies will need a secure environment, so homes with fenced yards that are free from hazards are ideal. Much as you would baby-proof a home, you will need to puppy-proof it, too. Puppies are curious and can get into mischief if not supervised.

Empty nesters may be drawn to service dog training because they find they have more time on their hands than they did when children were still in the house. Puppies will need a lot of attention to be well-rounded service

MFWI Homestay Weekend So Simple, So Rewarding!

Mukogawa Fort Wright Institute, an intensive English language exchange program, is celebrating over 25 years of English education in Spokane.

You can make a difference in two international students studying at MFWI by becoming a host family for just ONE WEEKEND. You’ll experience firsthand why many of your neighbors are part of this rewarding community-wide program, where the students quickly become part of your family. MFWI provides friendly support and orientation to new host families, so the process is simple.

Host families come in all shapes and sizes, from single parent households to families with children or teenagers, to couples or individuals. Volunteer for just the weekend or invite the students back as often as you can. Our bilingual staff is on call 24 hours-a-day to answer any of your questions.

Students are eager to learn about American families, practice their English and share their Japanese culture with you.

We are looking for host families to open their hearts and homes to a pair of students for just one weekend.

It’s simple, easy to apply and exciting for the whole family!

Learn and experience Japanese culture Share American values and traditions Have fun!

(509) 232-2071 For dates and info visit www.japan2spokane.com

dogs, and they will also need to be put into different environments to learn how to behave. Such situations may be easier to arrange in homes with fewer residents.

Service dogs will need to have impeccable manners; therefore, you will have to enforce rules around the house that may run lax with a regular pet dog. These dogs must not jump on the furniture or other people. They will need to respond to commands well, and they should not be encouraged to chase as part of play.

Puppies will need to be handled regularly and grow accustomed to grooming and touching.

Because they will go into stores and other places regular dogs will not, a neat and clean appearance is a must.

Socializing the puppy may include taking him or her out in public to stores, on mass transit, to parks, and even to schools. The more situations these puppies experience, the more easily they will adapt to adverse environments when they become fulltime service dogs.

When fostering a service animal, remember that they are not pets and they will eventually need to leave your home. Separations can be difficult, but you can rest assured that the dog will help provide a full life to a worthy owner.

Plus, if you get lonely, you can volunteer to train a new puppy for the service organization.

The Spokane area offers a variety of training programs for service or assistance animals, including Diamonds in the Ruff, www.diamondsintheruff.com or (509) 328-6959.

Girl Scouts Give Back Troop 3674 sought to teach, inspire, and benefit society through a community improvement project. In an effort to provide healthy resources and offer a hands-on learning tool for children, they decided to build a greenhouse at a local elementary school.

Over the course of a week, Girl Scouts and adult helpers put their plan into action by constructing two greenhouses, a workspace in between them, and a raised bed for pumpkins.

Throughout the project, the girls recognized their ongoing potential to reach further, work harder, and do more. They have plans to develop an educational curriculum to complement their greenhouses, and maybe even make a cookbook. After all, the possibilities are endless when you’re a courageous and confident girl.

If you act like or aspire to act like an everyday gogetter, innovator, risk-taker, leader, and want to make your community a better place – there’s a Girl Scout in you. Join now!

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Sunday, October 23, 2016

Ways to lend a helping hand to seniors en and women looking to give back to their communities can do so in various ways. Some might coach youth sports teams, while others might organize food and clothing drives for the less fortunate.

Giving back to seniors in your town or city is another way to strengthen your community. Many seniors maintain their independence long past retirement age, but some may need a helping hand as they get older. The following are a handful of ways you can improve the quality of life of seniors in your community.

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The need for volunteers to help seniors figures to grow in the coming decades, as Meals on Wheels America notes that the percentage of the population that qualifies as seniors will grow from 18 percent in 2010 to 26 percent by 2050. > &-1 "306/% 5)& )064& )& 803, 3&26*3&% 50 ."*/5"*/ " home is considerable no matter a person’s age, but that task is even more difficult for seniors. Even the healthiest seniors may not have the mobility or physical strength required to keep up with household chores. Offering to help a senior maintain his or her home is a great way to improve their quality of life. Visit an elderly relative or neighbor and offer to mow their lawn, take out their garbage or perform another task they might find challenging. Performing a few chores around a senior’s house won’t take long, but such gestures can have a big impact on seniors’ lives. > /7*5& 4&/*034 07&3 '03 %*//&3 "/: 4&/*034 46''&3 '30. feelings of isolation, which can contribute to depression.

Families are now more geographically diverse, and a senior’s

children and grandchildren may not live nearby. In such cases, it’s easy for seniors to grow lonely and feel isolated from their communities. Inviting seniors over for a weekly dinner or to backyard social gatherings can help them maintain a connection to their communities and reduce their feelings of isolation. Extending such invitations also provides a great way for parents to instill in their children a respect for and appreciation of the elderly. > 33"/(& 53"/41035"5*0/ '03 4&/*034 8)0 /0 -0/(&3 %3*7& Many seniors stop driving when they realize their skills behind the wheel have diminished. But even though they may relinquish their drivers’ licenses, seniors still need to keep their doctor’s appointments and get out of the house. Speak with your neighbors who also want to help seniors to arrange transportation for those who can no longer get themselves around town. Explain to seniors’ physicians when you or your neighbors are most available to get seniors to their appointments. In addition, offer to drive seniors to the grocery store when making your own shopping trips.

Many seniors made valuable contributions to the communities they call home. And those communities can give back by helping seniors overcome the demands of aging.

For volunteer opportunities working with seniors in the Spokane area, visit www.volunteerspokane.org/. Spokane Cares also can connect people to organizations that help seniors, including the AARP Spokane chapter and Care Cars.

Visit spokanecares.org/seniors-elderly-spokane.php.

VALLEYFESt ENRICHING COMMUNITY Valleyfest was founded in 1990 as a way to expose all children to the benefits of visual and performing arts, science, nature and recreation.

Now in its 27th year, Valleyfest has evolved into a summer-long celebration showcasing the people, talent, businesses and nature that is the heart of Spokane Valley.

Beginning in spring with the Miss Spokane Valley pageant, July Cycle Celebration and wrapping up in September with the parade and community festival, Valleyfest is the premier event in the Spokane Valley.

The dollar value of volunteering

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he furthest thing on volunteers’ minds as they donate their time is money, but there is no denying the financial value that millions of volunteers provide to the organizations they help. According to the Corporation for National and Community Service, nearly 63 million Americans who volunteered gave 7.7 billion hours of volunteer service in 2013 (the most recent year for which statistics are available). That time was worth $173 billion to the organizations those volunteers worked with. If forced to pay for the services volunteers provide free, many charities would no doubt fold, negatively affecting the millions of people who rely on nonprofit organizations to provide services and programs they sorely need. But volunteering their time is not the only way volunteers have a financial impact on charitable organizations. The CNCS notes that men and women who volunteer are twice as likely to donate to charities as nonvolunteers. In 2013, 79.2 percent of volunteers also donated their money to charities, while just 40.4 percent of nonvolunteers made financial contributions to charities. So while money is not foremost on the minds of volunteers as they lend their hands to nonprofit organizations or other charitable endeavors, their selflessness plays a crucial role in improving their communities and helping organizations that do so much good stay afloat.

While Valleyfest has grown into an award-winning multifaceted event for all ages, the effort is still committed to helping children succeed through its foundation, which raises funds through events and sponsors. One thing that truly sets Valleyfest apart is the dedicated groups of volunteers that make it happen through hard work, commitment and a shared vision of enriching the community. Without their fortitude, Valleyfest would not be the success it is today.

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SINGING NUNS PROVIDE MUSIC, EDUCATION The Singing Nuns are traditional Catholic Sisters, members of the Congregation of Mary Immaculate Queen

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ven if you have never been to a Singing Nun concert, you have probably seen them around town wearing their full-length blue habits.

Their motherhouse is located at Mount St. Michael, one of Spokane’s historical landmarks.

Teaching and Sisters go together like peanut butter and jelly, so it should come as no surprise that many of the Sisters are teachers. St. Michael’s Academy, their private K-12 school, is staffed by Sisters who realize that the “nearest thing to heaven is a child.” An excellent standard of education, high esteem for traditional values, and tender, loving care combine to make this academy a wonderful alternative for students.

Maintaining a private school and convent, however, is a strenuous challenge. Back in 1979, when the pennies in the cash box looked a poor match against the bills, the Sisters did not lose hope.

Placing their trust in Divine Providence, they set out a-singing in hopes of bringing in much needed support. It wasn’t easy to fit practices, recordings and public appearances into an already busy schedule. So then — as now — the choir of “Singing Nuns” was made up those who could be spared from their duties.

Before long, the Sisters saw that their singing was a kind of mission as well. Music, especially hymns and Gregorian chant, had always been an integral part of their lives. But because of the power of music to touch, to console and uplift the human heart, it has become a way for them to share with others the joy of loving and serving God.

The best gift I got today was

LAUGHING WITH MY FAMILY Help give families with sick kids the gift of being together. learn more:

www.rmhcspokane.com