Making A Difference

Making A Difference

We All Have the Power to Grant a Wish

An estimated 100,000 children will be diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition in the next four years, according to a study conducted by the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the largest wish-granting organization in the world.

World War II Veterans Connect Via Online Database

They call it six degrees of separation, but in this case, it was only two degrees. Jim O'Donnell came to work at the United States Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C., as he had for more than 10 years.

Technology Provides New Ways to Give Back

The urge to help others runs deep in America. In 2006, roughly one in four adult Americans, 61.2 million total, volunteered their time, according to a new federal report by the Corporation for National and Community Service. Now there's a new way to give back that incorporates charitable giving into our daily lives.

Volunteering 101: Finding the Best Fit

A new survey shows that while a majority of American adults volunteer, a significant number of others are willing to serve -- but don't.

Don't 'Waste' Your Chance to Save the Environment and Some Money

How can you make your community more responsible for reducing waste and preventing global climate change? How can you help residents save money at the same time?

Looking for a Way to Give Back?

Whether it's cooking a meal for the homeless or sprucing up a garden area, there are many ways to give back to those who are in need. But sometimes the hardest part about volunteering is finding the time and the right opportunity to get involved.

The New Dad: How the Role of Dad is Changing

What kind of a relationship do you have with your dad? Gone are the days of the traditional mentor relationship such as Ward Cleaver and his sons Wally and Beaver.

First-Ever World Relay Raises Awareness for Global Water Crisis

A renowned jazz musician, a Scottish gardener and a champion marathoner are among the 20 athletes selected as official members of the international team that will run around the world in the inaugural 2007 Blue Planet Run. For these ordinary athletes, this extraordinary undertaking is motivated by a mission surrounding something many Americans take for granted: access to safe drinking water.

A Mother's Love Finds Shelter From the Storm

While Hurricane Katrina raged outside Beth Moore's New Orleans home, another storm had been raging inside it.

What Role Should Local Grocery Stores Play in the Battle Against Childhood Obesi

These days, too many children are growing up snacking on candy and cookies rather than foods that are good for them like fruits, vegetables and grains. But if America's grocery stores have anything to do with it, that's about to change!

The Gift You Give Your Kids

A lot has changed through the years about the father-child relationship. Remember those old TV shows where Dad would call Junior into the study for a man-to-man-talk?

Thank Local Emergency Responders

From quenching forest fires and homes set ablaze to assisting in personal injuries and beloved pets stuck in trees, emergency responders are an important part of the community. In fact, according to the California Performance Review, the United States 911 system handles 500,000 calls daily or about 183 million annually. These first responders, the majority volunteers, often risk their own lives to help others in need. They make individuals feel safe in times of crisis and deserve thanks and recognition.

Ready, Set, Go -- Adopt a Cat!

This summer bring home a cat from your local shelter and add a lovable companion to your family. Although cats are the most common household pets in the United States, the unfortunate reality is, millions of cats around the country are in desperate need of permanent homes. Adopting a pet is, of course, not something to take lightly and you should always first consider the financial costs and lifestyle impact before acting on impulse.

New Web Site Fills Need for Menopausal Information

- Recently, 491 menopausal women participated in a nationwide poll and reported that there is a lack of credible information about menopause - a potentially confusing time in a woman's life.

A New Face of Volunteering

As the oldest baby boomers move closer to retirement, studies indicate that approximately one-third have intentions to participate in community service.

Ten-Year-Old Girl Running for President

If someone were to ask you who is running for President in 2008, lots of names would pop into your head, but have you heard of Susie Flynn? She has a single issue platform: America needs to offer health insurance to the 9 million children in this country who don't have it.

Staph Prevention Kit, Including DVD and Poster, Helps Schools Fight Rising Staph

The words "staph infection" used to only be uttered in hospitals or healthcare facilities, but the increase in the number of recent cases reported in the general public are alarming. Bacteria can be spread easily from person to person, and children might be at the most risk. Parents and teachers alike need to learn prevention now.

Get Up, Get Out, Get Moving

Are your kids healthy and active or do they fit into the growing number of youngsters who are overweight? According to the federal government, obesity among American children is a major health concern.

Ten-Year-Old Girl Running for President

If someone were to ask you who is running for President in 2008, lots of names would pop into your head, but have you heard of Susie Flynn? She has a single issue platform: America needs to offer health insurance to the 9 million children in this country who don't have it.

Understanding a Child's Virtual World

The advent of the Internet and wireless technology have made a greater impact on the way we relate to one another than any other factor in the past 20 years. The rapid evolution of these now-ubiquitous technologies presents a unique set of opportunities and challenges for today's families. These tools allow us simultaneously to become more connected with one another and become more isolated.

More Brides Choosing Heirloom China

Ever since Amanda Davis was a little girl, her grandmother dreamed of giving her a wedding gift close to both their hearts. Bettie Gullion planned to pass along the cherished china she received for her own wedding back in the early 1940s.

Do Your Part to Make Sure America's First Responders Stay Safe

First responders put their lives on the line every day to help others. Now there's something you can do to help them.

Schools Battle Rise in Staph Infections

Kids will be kids, and are likely to have skin contact with other children and get minor cuts while playing at home and at school. Bacteria can be spread easily from person to person, and children are at greater risk of contracting staph infection. The words "staph infection" used to only be uttered in hospitals or healthcare facilities, but the increase in the number of recent cases reported in the general public are alarming. Educate and protect yourself and your family today with these tips.