I do realize each and every one of us pays through our noses for just surviving these illnesses but I do know that many people like myself give even if it's a few bucks.
Mine are: Lymenet (of course), local soup kitchen, Social Services (for needy child at X-mas).
I also tell friends/family in lieu of gifts to doonate to the above. Just a small way we can give back. Wondered if anybody else does the same. Oh yes and I encourage our kids to donate too, it's a family thing.
Posted by merrygirl (Member # 12041) on :
Unfortunately this year I dont think I can do much for anyone.
Not working for 18 months and barely able to make it this year. I usually donate to Toys for Tots, our local church and was a secret santa at lymenet last year. When there have been pleas for help from others here I have sent a gift card from time to time.
I feel awful that I can't do this this holiday. Very sad to me, I just hope my kids enjoy this holiday season. I also hope that others enjoy this holiday too.
Melissa
Posted by sammy (Member # 13952) on :
My favorite charities are Operation Christmas Child, Feed the Children, and World Vision.
I agree with Martin, it is nice to have friends and family member donate to your favorite charity instead of giving presents.
World vision makes it easy. They have an online catalog where you can purchase gift packages of food and clothing, farm animals and seeds, medical care, shelter, education, clean water...anything you can imagine.
You can also pick where your donation goes so you can help fellow Americans or friends over seas.
And they will mail your loved ones a note card detailing the gift that you gave in their name.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
I've already given to Operation Christmas Child [love it!], Salvation Army, and our local food bank. Will give to our church's Thanksgiving dinners for the needy and a gloves and hat ministry at church.
Then there's Secret Santa and our church's regular fund and new building fund. We're moving into a new sanctuary next summer! Oh.. and Feed the Children. I love Feed the Children too!
Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
we have always given locally since the need is so great in our county.....
shop with a cop, american red cross, salvation army locally,
last year gave also to feed the children, but this year i've received WEEKLY letters to donate! i asked them to stop sending last month, and they continue to harass me with weekly mailings.
feed children is good org; their weekly marketing is NOT! it's turned me off completely!!
yes, giving to lymenet to keep board up; dr. jones defense fund, and donating my time at nursing home for 13 years visiting many there. this past year i've become lax since the last of my 4 CLOSEST FRIENDS THERE passed witin 12 months of each other.
[ 16. November 2008, 12:43 AM: Message edited by: bettyg ]
Posted by kam (Member # 3410) on :
Good question. Before coming down sick...unicef...helped with deaf organization through unicef and others through work.
I just started donating $5 a month to Modest Needs.org. I know it is not much, but my budget is very limiting and it feels good to be able to give back.
(They helped me get my car back on the road)
RE: Lyme Disease Donations
This site and another site I go to would be one I would include when I am able.
I wish we had something like modest needs for those with lyme medical needs.
I would also donate to CALDA and LDA and Turn the Corner foundation and I am sure I will think of others later.
Dr. Jones Fund
Leslie's organization Lyme Fighters
I would like to see a Healing Ranch for those with lyme.
My local LDA would also be on the list.
WE need to do a better job of recruiting more LLMD's in our state and getting on the airways to show Under Our Skin.
My lyme doc to help those who need the funds to see him and get the meds they need or supplements.
Lots of needs come to mind. Help with nutritional food for families. There is an organization I saw on TV a while back but don't recall the name.
The food banks in this area have mostly junk food. Little to no nutrition. Perhaps a jar of peanut butter.
This organization I saw pointed this out and started a program for nutritonal food: fresh fruit, vegies, meat, etc.
help with household chores for those that are not able to do their own household chores due to health and low finances to hire someone.
Giving a single mom and break (or father) by taking the kids for a couple of hours.
Helping someone get their college education.
Tutoring someone who is struggling in school.
I had students who needed backpacks, paper, jackets, shoes, help with learning to read, etc.
A friend of mine just told me that her church organized a group of people to go out into the community and help people with yard work, car repairs, household chores, painting, etc.
...Mostly things that just took labor. I thought that was pretty cool.
...Green Santa is a great idea.
Giving a mom a break who has a disabled child.
When I was a single parent, someone in the neighborhood would pick up the mailbox that the kids always knocked over.
I was at the top of the hill and the kids would start there with their skateboards and usually end up knocking over my mailbox.
I had it in a redwood planter with plants and the dirt and plants would go into the street.
I never did find out who did this. But, it meant a lot to me. I would leave in the am with it knocked over and come home from work with it back in place.
I also had someone that brought the trash cans in for me. Never knew who that was either. But, I thought that was pretty cool too.
I was working 7 days a week 14 hours a day.
I thought of another organization:
Canine Support Team or some other organization that provides service dogs
If I had the funds, I would focus on lyme related donations.
[ 15. November 2008, 07:26 PM: Message edited by: kam ]
Posted by Geneal (Member # 10375) on :
You don't have to have money to give at Christmas time.
Go to a Nursing Home and talk to some of the elderly there.
Make some cookies and bring them to neighbors.
Make an meal and share it with someone who may be lonely.
Pray for those in need.
I gave to the relief fund for Ike.
I love to participate with the Green Santa Program.
I help my Mom out as much as I can financially.
It is important to give all year round.
Sometimes a smile is a gift in itself.
Hugs,
Geneal
Posted by lymeinhell (Member # 4622) on :
My husband and I always try to give back - we're so grateful to have my life and health again.
We typically choose smaller local charities where every donation can have big impact. And they're always animal related. We also give to Lymenet, The John Drulle Lyme Disease Memorial Fund, and always enjoy being Green Santas.
This year though, I have a special project. I am sponsoring a blind pit bull that was rescued after being left for dead. I can't bring him home unless he can get proper socialization (I have 2 other pit bulls and 4 cats who would all probably run away from home), so I try to see him on weekends and give him the love he so badly needs.
He has a wonderful temperment - he just doesn't know how what to do with other animals. He can see shadows which I'm sure just confuses things for him.
Read this about him - I cried when I did. OMG, I get weepy just thinking about how he suffered.
If anyone in the NJ area has a place in their heart and home for this dog, it would be the best Christmas gift I could ever get. I've even written to Cesar Milan hoping he could socialize him, but so far nothing.
Sorry to go off on a tangent.
Posted by Angelica (Member # 15601) on :
Some years I buy warm clothes blankets clean socks tooth brushes tooth paste and food to give to local people who bring it to the homeless. Homeless people in my county die from the cold every winter.
Posted by MartinJS (Member # 15473) on :
Thanks for all the great replies everyone, it does bring a lump to my throat to know that despite all the !$@* we've been thru with fighting and fighting we still think of others.
I like one poster's idea of giving by deed, I wish I were healthy to do that. I used to sing and would have loved to grace some elderly [victims] lol with my singing, perhaps when I get my health back.
Visiting people is wonderful since so many are lonely this time of year. Perhaps in the future we should start a nation-wide friendly visiting program for Lyme pts?
Posted by kam (Member # 3410) on :
The visiting stuff wears me out. I can't fix meals, etc if I use my energy to recline and visit.
The brain struggles to have a conversation
Posted by randibear (Member # 11290) on :
i also can't do the visiting stuff due to the noise.
i think i'd rather give to other lymies that i know are having a tough time.
will probably do the green santa thing....
Posted by lymeinhell (Member # 4622) on :
Thanks Skylord.
The stories are rough and so sad to see. It's even worse in person.
I can see he's Pit but also Mastiff. That seems to be the consensus at the shelter. His ears are a bit longer than most pits and he has those extra wrinkles in his foreheaad.
I spent a few hours this afternoon with him. Even though he can't really see, he sure as heck knows what the crinkle sound of a bag of treats means...
I just don't see the aggression in him. He is strong but a heck of a lot better on a leash than my own 2 pits. Maybe Cesar will come to my rescue. My sister and I are going to try to charm some local trainers to see if they'll spread some 'charity' and make him adoptable. My vet has volunteered to check out his eyes to see if maybe it's just cataracts. Fingers crossed.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Geneal....I think I'll do the visiting thing. I always wanted to help out at my mom's former assisted living place....but they left a bad taste in my mouth.
I'll go visit another and ask who rarely gets visited.
Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
i used to take 12 bud vases of carnations/scented greenery to nursing home when i first started going there ... to those with NO LOVED ONES LEFT! they loved it.
i was in garden club and i'd get some of leftover greenery not used for dozen vases and get the cheaper colored carnations vs. red/white where they wanted $2 - $3/each. i had bud vases galore .... affordable!
Posted by sizzled (Member # 1357) on :
Geneal, those were great suggestions. I try to do random acts of kindness whenever I can.
I have learned how to knit and am giving away soft, washable scarfs as well as food for the food pantry here in town.
My hens' eggs go to the monastery.
I accummulate points at my grocery store and give away a ham/turkey to families in need.
When I do shop, I try to go to stores like Target that give a percentage of profits to charities.
A hug, a smile and a friendly voice can often make someone's day. I know, because it often makes my day to meet someone like that.
Humor, when appropriate, can boost your immune system!
Posted by kam (Member # 3410) on :
..I received this email today. It goes to show how much $5 or $10 can add up if several of us are donating.
..I did not personally pick this person out. I just checked the box that said independent living or grants for assistant living and let them put the funds towards the need.
..They also have a choice for non profit organizations.
..I know how relieved this person must feel as it has been so nice to have my car back working due to receiving a grant from modest needs.
Recently, you suggested that Modest Needs fund application number 88866, "Brakes For Car", which came to us from a person living in Decatur, IL.
Today, it is my pleasure to tell you that at your direction, and thanks to your generosity, Modest Needs has sent a check in the amount of $339.86 directly to the vendor named in this applicant's documentation packet.
In response to your kindness, this applicant has forwarded the following 'Thank you' note to Modest Needs, which we wanted to share with you - one of the people who made it possible for us to fund this very special request for help:
"I want to THANK all of the wonderful donators that donated to my fund for my brakes. You are all wonderful people and I truly appreciate your generosity. I can't say thank you enough. Renee"
On behalf of this person whose life you've changed, thank you so very much for your ongoing support of Modest Needs. Without you, these miracles would not be possible.
My very best,
Dr. Keith P. Taylor President / Executive Director Modest Needs Foundation http://www.modestneeds.org 'Small Change: A World of Difference' (212) 463-7042, x 14
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
That's great, kam!! Feels good, huh!?
I just dropped off 20 shoeboxes we collected from our church this morning for Operation Christmas Child. We're a very small church .. but we "done good!"
I was the organizer, so I got the "feel-good" job of dropping off the boxes. We made 20 poor children VERY happy! Posted by hurtingramma (Member # 7770) on :
I do the usual Thanksgiving baskets and Christmas baskets. I also am a Green Santa. Our church also has an "angel tree", from which one can chose a gift request to fill for someone in the local nursing home. I've always thought this to be a great idea.
I also do Toys for Tots, but the nursing homes often get overlooked. They are usually simple requests, like lotion, or slippers...
Is Christmas Caroling considered giving? It's so much fun to do - weather permitting! We sang in the pouring rain one year; not fun.
I'm also a sponsor for a child in India. We're not allowed to send gifts. However, throughout the year I do send small stuff, like stickers, whatever will fit into a regular envelope.
My family has been cutting back more and more and we do just small stuff for each other.
Posted by Geneal (Member # 10375) on :
The bestest of this best are here on Lymenet.
I have never known such thoughtful, caring people.
Thank you.
As the mother of a 250lb blind pot-bellied pig...
Well, we keep our pig in a finite space.
That way he knows where everything is.
If one of the other dogs went to attack the blind dog,
He'd never see it coming.
Never be able to properly defend himself if needed.
So sad.
Yet so heartwarming that he is being cared for and loved.
Sending prayers and positive thoughts to all of you and the dog.
This is a website in progress started by Leslie's sister.
Will go back and see what they plan on using the funds for.
But, I know I can't seem to get Leslie's story out of my mind and want to fight too!!
Posted by MartinJS (Member # 15473) on :
On second thoughts one of the greatest gifts we can give one another would be the gift of education--as in educating the community, educating the countless docs we've seen through this sometimes terrifying journey.
Perhaps it would make even *one* person's life a bit easier in the future. I can't even make it out of my house right now but if I could that's what I would do.
Posted by kam (Member # 3410) on :
Martin,
I think you have something there. We could send a Green Santa package to doctor's.
Make it personal...like the news story that was just done.
And I think it needs to be oral...like a video.
I find most docs will not read what I bring in.
And we could end it with father time coming after them with a cycle (sp) if they don't get on board (just kidding)
Posted by bejoy (Member # 11129) on :
I give to World Hope International AIDS orphans.
My sister volunteers for them, and just came back from Zambia tending to the children.
She says you don't see anyone on the street between 25 and 60. They are all gone.
The young girls are having to risk contracting AIDS for money to feed all the children left in their charge.
WHI pays for kids to go to school, and they set up sustainability programs for farming and livestock, and teach AIDS prevention.
I like this program for many reasons, but especially because it makes me feel like my Lyme issue and my financial woes are really no biggie.
They are desperate to have your used plastic water bottle. They have nothing. I live in the land of the 1,000 water bottles.
Where I live "You can even drive up to a window and they hand you out hot food."
Posted by JillF (Member # 5553) on :
I feel so bad that I just can't afford to do anything this year
I'll need to think of something I can do to give back that won't cost anything
I usually do the Thanksgiving and Christmas food drives at the church and two or three shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child. I usually do Toys for Tots and give a gift from the Angel Tree at our church and BJ's. I've done Green Santa for a few kids also in the past. And I usually sent a little something to the local ASPCA if I could. The past two years my son has been in Pre-K I bought several of the little gift certificates from Scholastics for the teacher during Christmas time to help the school out
Last year the school my son was going to Pre-K to (which was also a church) sold cheesecakes in December for a fundraiser to raise money for a new computer. I bought several cheesecakes and turned around and told them to give them to anyone who was in need and would appreciate one. I don't like cheesecake but it was for a good cause
It seems every year for the past three years, things have gotten harder and harder. Makes me worry what next year is going to bring. At least last year I was able to at least afford an ok Christmas for my son and was able to buy a few cheesecakes and help with the Thanksgiving/Christmas baskets. It was a small amount I could do but at least it was something. This year I just can't afford anything
But so many are in the same predicament. Every extra dollar I have goes to my son's out of pocket expenses for speech therapy, doctors, medication, social skills play group, OT therapy, etc, etc, etc. I met with the DDA specialist a few months ago and was told that they cover therapeutic horse back riding and summer camps. I called to see if they could fund the horse back riding for my son, as there is no way I could do it out of pocket, and was told that they have almost no money. The DDA specialist called other organizations she knows of or sometimes deals with to see if they could cover the expense and there is just no money. Families have depleted almost all the money that was there due to emergencies (like no heat for the winter) and apparently they're worried about not being able to fund camps this summer
So, it's hitting alot of ppl
I will have to find ways I can volunteer or do something that has no cost to give back this holiday season
Posted by MartinJS (Member # 15473) on :
GOsh Jill, this post wasn't meant to make people feel bad. Do NOT feel bad that you are not able to give anything. You obviously are a very involved parent and giving to your son is your priority right now. I know how hard it is wanting to give but not being able to.
I am grateful that I AM able to give but trust me, even a canned good or two is enough to make a difference. Trust me it is. A doc I saw many years ago refused to accept gifts, he would have a canned donation box at his office and people brought in what they could.
To think a can of beans can help a struggling single parent or even used jackets/coats/blankets is a huge help. So Jill and others, it's not what you donate that counts. You're already doing your share.
On a lighter note, kam, I liked your idea!
Posted by Lou B (Member # 64) on :
Hi LymeNet Users,
I just stumbled on this Topic which was posted in November and thought, NO, don't give to LymeNet (now, isn't that the stupidist thing for the LymeNet primary fund-raiser to say but as I said at the end of our 2008 FundDrive, in the last post, at: http://flash.lymenet.org/scripts/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=3&t=019746
"The total raised, driven by a single $5000 donation from one of our very own LymeNet users, is $7860. Thank you to all who donated ... without you we could not continue to operate.
The on-going cost to keep LymeNet up and running on the Internet is $325/month, totaling $3900/year. Since the FundDrive yielded 2 years of operating capital we will not need to conduct another FundDrive until May 2010."
That's right LymeNet, thanks to your generous donations and especially the $5000 from a LymeNet user who has posted in this Topic and obviously understands our philosophy of "giving back", does not need your donations ... we're OK until May 2010.
JillF ... You, and many others, give back daily by being here and helping other users, providing information and support to the victims of Lyme and other TBD's, who come here for help. It doesn't have to be monetary ... it's just information, a little encouragement, a word of support. In all, it can make a huge difference to a Lyme victim who is struggling!
Thank you, thank ALL of you! Lyme victims helping Lyme victims ... giving back the help we received.
Thanks and take care, my friends,
Posted by MartinJS (Member # 15473) on :
OK so this is the first time in my life someone has rejected my donation!!--LOL
Thanks for informing us Lou, I don't think I could have topped that 5K donation anyway!!
Oh and BTW we think you do amazing work despite the fact that we're in your face daily, so hats off to you too!! Tutte insieme, non e vero?
Posted by feelfit (Member # 12770) on :
Green Santa
(2) humane societies (MI/FL)
I have had the pleasure of helping a few Lymenet users w/monetary donations.
I have made several donations to the fundraisers of folks suffering from catastrophic illnesses.
Local Women's Shelter
Goodwill and Kiwanis
The gift is in the giving.
Here is a wonderful quote that has become my creed:
"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around".
Leo Buscaglia
Hugs to all of you wonderful souls, Feelfit
Posted by MartinJS (Member # 15473) on :
Feelfit, your compassion and the words of Leo Buscaglia are truly beautiful. To help others who are suffering means a lot.
Since LymeNet no longer needs donations for now, perhaps I should also send a small one to someone on this board.
Heaven help, there must be many with these DD. This thread is restoring my faith in "human-kind".
Posted by kam (Member # 3410) on :
"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around".
Leo Buscaglia
...This is one thing that I have noticed since I came down with this. I have pain in my stomach so can't say much more right now.
Posted by Ann-OH (Member # 2020) on :
The Salvation Army can always use your extra cash.
I love giving to Heifer International in the name of friends and relatives, as the recipients of the animals are required to give back by passing on one animal to someone else in their location. and when that person raises more animals, they give one away etc. etc.
You can designate what kind of animals you would like to have donated from your money - ducks, goats, bees, water buffalos, etc. etc. I donate in the name of friends and relatives and get cards I can send them.
Heifer trains people before they receive the animals and builds self-sustaining communities all over the world and that includes the US. All the trainers and administrators and the animals are from the country where the donation ends up, so you are providing jobs, too.
Lack of food is a huge crisis in our world and this is a way of working on that problem.
Just a thought, Ann - OH
Posted by JillF (Member # 5553) on :
that is so cool ann never heard of that
Posted by MartinJS (Member # 15473) on :
Ann-OH do you work for CNN? Just kidding, your ideas are wonderful, had never heard of Heifer Intl.
Yes, the Salvation Army has always been a good charity to give to. They help people long after every agency and human being in town has given up on them and they do it unconditionally.
That's a great suggestion, thanks to Lou's info I can give more this Christmas.
Posted by Siciliano (Member # 15920) on :
Hi, MartinJS--Couldn't figure out how to PM you
so would you please email me--I need your help
with something--much appreciated....Mamie
Posted by 22dreams (Member # 17846) on :
If you have meager means, are too in debt to
donate or too ill to donate your time, there is an
1. Visit _www.igive.com_ (http://www.igive. com/) and register for free
2. Choose your cause by searching for "Dr Jones"
3. Select "Pullman & Comley Trust Account for Dr Charles Jones"
4. Follow prompts to download the igive.com toolbar (optional) which generates a few cents more every time you perform a simple web search!(for those of you without $$ to help)
Please Note: Since the trust does not have 501(c)-
![[Frown]](frown.gif)
![[tsk]](graemlins/tsk.gif)
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
![[hi]](graemlins/hi.gif)
![[lol]](graemlins/lol.gif)
Tutte insieme, non e vero?
![[group hug]](graemlins/grouphug.gif)
![[kiss]](graemlins/kissing.gif)