The Magic of Christmas: Volunteer

Christmas is my absolute favorite holiday. People walk around with a spirited skip in their step and hope in their hearts. The thought of Christmas just changes a persons mood in general! But, there are many in need, many alone, many who would love to feel that magic too.

As the holidays approach, you may be looking for ideas to give back. Volunteering is a perfect way to do that. The gift of your time, could change someones life. Below are some opportunities around the area on how you can help.

If you do volunteer, send us a note at uwbethe1@gmail.com and share your story! We'll feature it on this blog. Stories like this inspire others to do something too. :)

Christmas Anonymous volunteers

Volunteers are needed to assist with setting up our store on Dec. 8-9, or escort parents through the store on Dec. 10. Call 285-3940 or visit our web site at www.christmasanonymous.org for more information or to volunteer with Christmas Anonymous.

Toy and Joy Shop volunteer

Volunteers are paired one-on-one with needy families and literally take them "shopping" through all of the donated new toys, clothes, books, and games. The volunteer will assist the parents in finding age-appropriate items and the correct number of items for each child in their family. The dates for this event are Dec. 20-21. Call 288-3663 for more information or to volunteer with The Salvation Army.

Holiday baking

If you are someone who likes to bake - we have a houseful of people who like to eat. During the month of December we have several events for the children including the magical visit from Santa Claus. We will even make arrangements to pick up your baked goods. Call 285-1938 for more information or to volunteer with Women's Shelter, Inc.

Volunteer for Market Strasse

This is an opportunity to participate in an authentic European indoor/outdoor market on the Peace Plaza. You will be asked to switch between indoor and outdoor settings based on event needs. We will do our best to keep you warm. We’re looking for volunteers who are enthusiastic and reliable. Call 424-4744 for more information or to volunteer with the Rochester Downtown Alliance.

Community gang initiative volunteer

United Way is seeking a self starter willing to work flexible hours weekly with minimal supervision to perform various tasks including internet based research, data entry, word processing, and some phone work related to this initiative. Call 287-2002 for more information or to volunteer with United Way of Olmsted County.

Give Thanks

Appreciating what we have in a comedic perspective. Louis CK (comedian) went on Conan and talked about how we just don't appreciate what we have nowadays. While his view is a bit...rash and blunt :) I think it gets the point across.

"Everything is amazing right now and nobody's happy".


"You're sitting in a chair, in the SKY." lol.

Sometimes we just need to sit back and start listing out the wonderful people, experiences, health, love, support, etc. we have in our lives...When we do this, even when times are tough, we truly realize how much we do have, even when it seems like things may not be going our way....or that we can't get internet access on a plane. ;-)


Give of yourself selflessly this week to someone that might need help. Give thanks today to someone thats maybe helped you. Give thanks that you're alive!


Thanks for being the 1 <3

Quote of the Week

We should all be thankful for
those people who rekindle the inner spirit.

Albert Schweitzer

Move over for Movember

Have you heard of Movember? Are some of your men friends, boyfriends, husbands and siblings sporting a very unattractive yet inspiring mustache for the month of November? Don't know what all this facial hair is all about?

Well, here you go. A couple of my buds are representin'!

Sarah Swistak (Central PA Live) is not only spreading the 'stache word, but also putting her money where her 'non-existent 'stache mouth' is and helping to raise awareness and funds to support this cause!

And you'll find Phil Mackey, (Ruesse and Mackey 1500ESPN show) sporting an inconcievably dashing 'stache (well, at least he thinks it's dashing ;-).... haha). He has said "Hey losers... I'm giving you a chance to be my tag-team partner ON AIR on a future CRRAM Session -- Everyone who donates at least $25 on my Movember page will be entered to come in studio and kick Reusse's ass with me."

What is Movember?

During November each year, Movember is responsible for the sprouting of moustaches on thousands of men’s faces, in the US and around the world. With their Mo’s, these men raise vital funds and awareness for men’s health, specifically prostate cancer and other cancers that affect men.

The funds raised in the US support prostate cancer and other cancers that affect men. The funds raised are directed to programs run directly by Movember and our men’s health  partners, the Prostate Cancer Foundation and LIVESTRONG, the Lance Armstrong  Foundation. Together, the three channels work together to ensure that Movember funds  are supporting a broad range of innovative, world-class programs in line with our strategic  goals in the areas of awareness and education, survivorship and research.

Be inspired. Be the 1. Share, help and donate if you can. Because we really do need the men we love in this world <3

Volunteer Opportunity - ARTINI

This is something different. A volunteer opportunity that adds an element of mingling and may speak to the social butterfly! Think this is super cool? Ask to be added to the volunteer list and you'll be recruited for current or future events.(They may even need some volunteers for tomorrow still)

http://www.rochesterartcenter.org/events/benefits.html

Naura Anderson (Public Programs & Marketing Director at the Rochester Art Center) took some time at one of the martini previews to talk to me about the ARTINI event, volunteer opportunities and how this event helps keep a meaningful asset to our community afloat.

Come on out to ARTINI and mingle with martinis, starts at 6pm. See you there!


P.S. It goes without saying - Drink Responsibly - Snag a designated driver :)