Thrill Hill - Its Fast & Its A Blast!

SOLD OUT!

THANK YOU!

Join us on Sunday, February 19th for tubing at

McIntyre's Thrill Hill in Manchester, NH!

This $40 all inclusive trip includes:

Roundtrip Transportation
Two Hours on the Thrill Hill
Pizza and Beer
Charitable Donation of your choice!

If you joined us on our last trip to Nashoba Valley Blue Grass and Blues you are sure to enjoy this event! We donated $1,000 to charity that day...help us support a local charity all while having a blast.

100% of proceeds will be donated to the charity YOU* help choose!

* Charities will be nominated by those who purchase tickets
**One of the top three vote getting charities will be selected
***All Nonprofits can get their charity on the list if they help do PR and Like OYFP's FB

Email john.ryan@oyfp.org with questions!

TIMELINE:

Meet at Bleacher Bar in Fenway at 10:30am!
Bus Leaves Boston 11:30am (From a Bleacher Bar in Fenway!)
Bus Arrives at Hill 12:30pm
2 Hours on the Thrill Hill 1:00-3pm
Pizza and Beer at Brothers Restaurant Pizza & Lounge 3:30-5:30pm
Bus Arrives in Boston 6:30pm at a Bleacher Bar in Fenway

How to Help out Haiti in Boston

The mainstream media no longer seems to be showcasing the devastation that is going on in Haiti, but that doesn't mean that the issue has been resolved. Actually far from it, and there are still ways you can help impact the lives of the Haitian Community right here in Boston.

From February 8th -21st several Boston area locations along with FUNTOSALUD International will be collecting donations to help Haiti rebuild. The locations are as follows:

• Super Stop & Shop, 779 MacGrath Highway, Somerville, MA
• Haitian Coalition of Somerville, 268C Rear Powder House Blvd, #17C
• Centro Latino, 267 Broadway, Chelsea, MA 02150

Some of the items they are collecting include:

• First Aid Supplies
• NEW underwear
• Shoes (particularly for children)
• Baby supplies (bottles, diapers, etc)
• Batteries
• Flashlights
• Tents
• New Bed Sheets
• New Towels
• School supplies (Notebooks, pencils, book-bags, etc.)
• Personal Hygiene items

Of course you can still make monetary donations or even volunteer directly for the 2010 Border Health/Mission DR/Haiti from April 17-30, 2010. For more information on how to directly volunteer, email volunteer@funtosaludintl.org.

Related Posts: Quilting for a Cause, Disasters, Crises, and Donating Blood, Earthquake in China

Photo Courtesy of: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-gVvarxGvZL23FdNSDY2WkYCNXYT5lrS7Cus1jnaXYko12_FAM0EkiSadahhFYrkDo8w1QPwPfvYWshWKxlDMJjPwUuYef9KJEm1vw8pNRI5zMyPguqzx5hTn138maxEzsUPZuwY_mFaG/s660/haiti+needs+our+help.jpg

When Moving....

I've written about it before, but I have to say when people move, they tend to forget that it creates a lot of garbage. There are steps you can take to reduce your garbage such as going through your stuff and deciding what is donatable.

Where to donate the stuff?

• Boomerangs in Jamaica Plain and West Roxbury. Benefits HIV/AIDS education and prevention programs.
• Household Goods Recycling in Acton
• Goodwill stores various locations throughout Boston

Sometimes you just have to take the time to advertise what you have on Craigslist or freecylcle and someone will come and pick it up from your house!

Not that I mind all the free furniture I receive when I walk my dog, but please take the time to save the items that can be reused!

Related Posts: Moving? Consider donating some of your items, Composting in an Apartment,Talking Trash

Picture Courtesy of: http://stuytownluxliving.com/2009/07/ex-residents-to-stuy-town-mgmt-f-you.html

Calling All Sewers, Knitters, & Fabric Lovers

I have an addiction. The type you read about. It's bad, real bad.

I just can't say no to fabric.

All you sewers, quilters, or knitters out there understand. I know you understand, because I read about your addictions on all my craft and sewing blogs.

I have two rubbermaid containers full of fabric. And then some more on top of it. And on top of that. With my boyfriend moving into my small apartment, I can't keep it all. What's a girl to do with all the fabric?

My solution? Donating to Iraqi Bundles of Love. A soldier in Iraq is soliciting fabric and sewing supply donations to give out to women's sewing collaboratives. It all started when he looked at all the items soldiers returning home were leaving behind... and grew from there.

It's simple to participate: Buy a flat rate box from the Post Office for $11.95. Follow his directions on the blog to make a bundle (small or large) filled with whatever sewing/knitting supplies you would like. Contact him for his APO address. Mail for the same price it would cost to send a package to NYC.

And wallah! You've helped women in Iraq make a living, cleaned out some of your fabric stash, and made room for your boyfriend to move in (ok maybe that last one is just me).

Related Posts: Helping a little old lady (quilt); Quilting for a Cause; Flooded Midwesterners still need your help; Partying for Good

Photo courtesy of my stash. But I actually made something out of this fabric - a skirt!

On Your Feet Project Volunteers serve Friday Night Supper!

The Friday Night Supper Program is a Boston based "soup kitchen." FNSP has served nutritious home-cooked meals to homeless and hungry people in Boston every Friday night since 1984. Every. Friday. Night.

Tonight! 10-15 OYFP volunteers are donating their time to serve hot meals and distribute clothes to over 150 guests.

If you cant make it tonight you can go next Friday, or the Friday after that or...you get the point.

Volunteering with FNSP provides a meaningful way for individuals and groups to “give back” to the community, and it is a wonderful way to meet and work with people who share your concern for helping others. Volunteering also provides a valuable educational opportunity for individuals and groups who want to learn more about and advocate for the end of hunger and related social issues.

Cheers!

Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston’s YSPN Program

On Friday April 3, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston will hold their first annual YSPN Spring Event hosted by Mayor Thomas M. Menino at Boston’s historic Parkman House.

The event, sponsored by WHDH-TV, will feature dinner, drinks and music. All proceeds will benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston’s YSPN program and its continued efforts to develop stable, healthy relationships with the city’s most at-risk youth.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston’s YSPN Program
Date: Friday April 3, 2009
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Ticket price: $100
Location: The Parkman House, 33 Beacon Street
MBTA: Green Line, Park Street

Photos and information pulled from: http://www.bgcb.org

Gap's Give and Get

If you are going to be spicing up your wardrobe for spring (its coming soon, I promise!) at the Gap, Banana Republic or Old Navy this weekend, why not take advantage of a discount - who doesn't love saving money? And the best part is, while you get 30% off your purchase, the Gap will donate 5% to a charity! A win, win situation if you ask me. Here's a link to the Give and Get site and here's a link to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society coupon. Happy Shopping!

OYFP Works.

People volunteer for many reasons, sometimes it is to make connections, or to give back, or to learn new skills, or sometimes its just to meet new people.

I volunteer because I'm selfish.

I give my time, talents and treasures because I want better, a better community and a better neighbor.

I'm concerned with my own welfare and just as a rising tide lifts all boats, lending a hammer or an hand leads to a better community.

Its not always easy to volunteer, all too often its hard work. This is one thing we're trying to change with the Spirit of Service event on March 5.

Tonight, I'm walking the walk, I'm pitching in at Friday Night Suppers. I'll let you know how it goes.

About the picture: Built in 1897 on Boston Common, the Robert Gould Shaw Memorial depicts Colonel Shaw on horseback leading the Massachusetts 54th Regiment, the first all-volunteer black regiment in the Union army organized in a Northern state. The story of the 54th Massachusetts was made into the 1989 feature film, Glory, starring Morgan Freedman, Denzel Washington and Matthew Broderick. From: discoverblackheritage.com

Support on Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is coming up and it should be about the people we love. But we should also find the time to support those others who can't do that themselves.

This Valentine's Day, add a cause to your circle of loves with the Allumonde charity ring.

The Allumonde charity ring shows your commitment to helping others. 19% of the proceeds goes to the charity of your choice and 2% goes to UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization).

Starting at $25, the ring comes in acrylic, stainless steel, titanium-coated stainless steel in gold and black, sterling silver and 18k gold. Order your ring at the Design21 website.

Every ring makes a difference!

January is Super Hunger Month

If any of you know me, you know I love to eat. I love all sorts of food. Whether it is a dinner I cooked or a delicious dish created from one of my favorite restaurants, I LOVE food.

Unfortunately there are some people who can not afford the high price of food these days and I wish I could do more for them so that they can have healthy food that will give them the nourishment our body requires.

That is why I am super excited that this weekend I can do both. This Saturday and Sunday, join other Bostonians for the Super Hunger Brunch. It will be an exclusive brunch to help end hunger for either $25, $35 or $50. It may seem a bit expensive for brunch but ALL proceeds go to benefit the Greater Boston Food Bank.

In this tough economy it is important to consider that most food pantries have fewer resources and a reduced staff which equals less service to those who need it most! So do good by eating good at your favorite restaurants this Saturday and Sunday. For a list of participating restaurants, click here.

Oh and don't forget to bring a friend!

Related Posts: Food Banks and Food Pantries in Massachusetts, Food prices are rising - Here's how to keep your dough, Super Hunger Month 2008

Picture Courtesy of: http://www.sheratonanchoragehotel.com/hotel/brunch.htm. Okay so it probably won't be like this spread. But it does get you in the mood right?

Volunteering on Martin Luther King Day

Ok, so I chose to spend my day off not volunteering. Well, except for my normal volunteer work, which is stuff like running OYFP with Krystle and writing blog entries.

However, many OYFP executive board members (the givers that they are) have chosen to volunteer this weekend. John R is engaging in a little construction work at the Margaret Fuller House, Evan is participating in one of a mulitude of activities around Boston, and still others are spending time with kids. I suppose I'm doing my own part, what with my OYFP work and the pile of stuff from my "winter cleaning" that I'm setting aside to donate to a local group.

If you do have to work today or are intimidated by the snow, you can still give back without moving your little finger. You will have to move your index finger, however, to text "SHARE" to 20222 on your mobile device to donate $5. AT&T will match all text donations up to $100,000. Help Strength.org meet this challenge grant!

Strength.org also wants people to organize food drives in their community to help those who are going hungry right now. They're trying to end hunger --- especially hungry and malnourished kids --- and need your help. Find out more on the "End Hunger" Strength website.

You too can help! Really!

Related Posts: Yes We Can make it a day on; Looking forward to a day ON; Food Banks in Massachusetts; Helping with a mullet; Helping a little old lady

Yes, We Can - Make it a day on

On Sunday, January 18th, in the spirit of the King Day of Service, the Home Energy Efficiency Team (HEET), in partnership with Green Decade Cambridge and with funding from the Massachusetts Service Alliance, will hold a Weatherization Barnraising at The Margaret Fuller Neighborhood House and the Cambridgeport School.

Traditionally, a “barnraising” was when a community would come together to help a family build a barn. Using this concept HEET is brining volunteers together to weatherize The Margaret Fuller Neigborhood House and The Cambridgeport School.

HEET has organized expert builders and contractors to lead the weatherization activities. Weatherization is the practice of protecting a building and its interior from the elements, predominantly from sunlight, precipitation, wind, and of modifying a building to reduce energy consumption and optimize energy efficiency.

Dr. King’s Day of service aims to make the Martin Luther King holiday a day ON, where people of all ages and backgrounds come together to “improve lives, bridge social barriers, and move our nation closer to the “Beloved Community” that Dr. King envisioned.” For more information about the King Day of Service please visit http://mlkday.gov.

The Home Energy Efficiency Team is raising funds in order to make weatherization barnraisings available to households that cannot afford the cost of weatherization materials. Please consider making a tax deductible donation to support some of our neighbors who are most in need.

Check back for hammer in hand interviews and pictures posted live from yours truly.

Picture from http://www.mlkday.gov.

Globe Santa - Struggling like many of us

'Tis the season to give to others, though I'm sure many of us are cutting back. I know I've made many gifts for family this year, and my friends and I aren't exchanging gifts. However, imagine for a moment that you're a mom with four kids whose husband has abandoned them, whose mother has just died, and who herself has just been laid off.

What do you do then? I mean, really? What would you do? This mom went without heat and hot water for six months until she qualified for state aid this winter, but now the boiler's broken. And it's Christmas time - a holiday that transcends religion, becoming a cultural tradition here in the USA. I'm sure all this mother wants to do is make her kids smile on Christmas morning, especially those young enough to still believe in Santa Claus.

Food or clothing? Heat or happiness? Choices a mom shouldn't have to make.

This is just one of the stories Globe Santa received this year in its pile of requests for aid. In recent years Globe Santa has raised over $1 million in private and business donations, which they use to buy gifts for families who request help. These gifts are then delivered by UPS.

However, according to an article in the Globe on Saturday, Dec 20, this year they have raised just over $388,000. And this is in a year when no doubt they are receiving even more requests for help. That's just 38% of what they need. Back in 2000 - those happy days of the tech boom when many were flush - they were able to raise $1.4 million.

I know pennies are being pinched, manicures are being foregone, vacations out West are being canceled, but if you have $5 to spare, perhaps you could donate it to Globe Santa so a kid can be happy this year. It would be a great gift to someone you love, who perhaps has fond memories of Christmas themselves.

And if you're one of those fortunate people who are still able to luxury shop but are hiding your purchases in unmarked bags, consider donating a larger chunk 'o' change and foregoing your Hermes bag.

It's for the kids, man.

Resources: Globe Santa
Related Posts: Charitable Giving in 2008; Read the Paper; Fuel Assistance Workshops; Tapas for Toys; A gift to remember; 'Tis the season to change the present
Photos courtesy of the Globe Santa website.

Food Banks and Food Pantries in Massachusetts

With all this talk about people's funds being limited and needing to seek assistance from food banks, I thought it would be useful to provide a list of all the food pantries in the Boston area, or Massachusetts overall.

But I couldn't find one.

At least not a comprehensive one. I could find the big ones - like the Greater Boston Food Bank, and a few smaller local joints, but no comprehensive list. A search on Google Local brought back lots of food pantries and food banks... as well as some Stop & Shops, Citizens Banks, and a few restaurants.

Not helpful.

Not to mention, many food banks and emergency food providers don't even have websites.

With allllllll of that in mind, I bring to you the great, the wonderful, the quite useful Food Bank and Food Pantry Map of Massachusetts. I compiled all of the information based on the Google Local search. You can zoom in on your local area to find the closest food bank to you, where you can bring donations or if you need it, get some help.

If you know of a food bank or pantry that is not listed there, just drop me a line at boston at oyfp dot org and I'll add you on.

Happy Food Banking!

Resources: Food Bank and Food Pantry Map of Massachusetts
Related Posts: Food is key to culture; Food for Thought; Partying for Good; Helping with a mullet; Helping a little old lady

Partying for Good

Times are tight right about now, and have been for a few months. Perhaps you've been laid off, a victim of a Ponzi Scheme, or are just feeling the pinch from having to buy food, gas, and gifts. Still, it's important not to forget those who are even worse off than we are. After all, even homeless men in Detroit have found it in their hearts to collect money for others.

But what can you do if you want to help but don't have a lot of cash? Well, there's always my favorite: Collect donations from co-workers and friends on the promise that if you hit a certain goal, you'll cut your hair into a mullet. True story.

Not all of us are willing to sacrifice our lovely locks to such a fashion faux pas. However, if you look more like Goldilocks (or Brunett-i-locks) and less like Chuck Norris, you can donate your hair to Locks of Love for just the cost of a haircut. That is, as long as you have 10 inches and it's not highlighted or bleached.

Ok, so I don't have 10 inches, nor am I willing to sport a mullet... but my friends and I are getting together for a potluck instead of exchanging gifts this year. I'm going to propose that we all bring a few non-perishable goods to donate to a local food pantry, since shelves are looking pretty barren. It's an easy way for us all to help, just a little bit.

And finally, we're all planning on partying this New Year's Eve, I'm sure. Interestingly, I've search high and low for an event benefiting a non-profit and cannot for the life of me find one. The only remotely close item is the Back Bay Gala for Boomers, which has a silent auction benefiting Ellie's Fund. Perhaps OYFP will step up to the plate next year. In the mean time, before Christmas arrives, you could take in a few tapas at Tapeo, and bring along a donation for Toys for Tots.

If you have any ideas on low key ways to help out, please share!

Related Posts: Toys for Tapas; Ellie Fund and Oscars; If they can give, you can too; Alternative holiday gift ideas; A gift to remember; Buy local for the holidays; Conscious Giving; 'Tis the season to change the present

Here's what we should be celebrating this season: Friends!

Ice Storms and How you can help

As you may have heard, the Northeast has been particularly hard hit by ice storms Thursday morning. Thousands of people are still without power in upper state New York, Central and Western Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont, including my very own parents. If you're lucky enough to have electricity and be reading this blog entry, here are a few ideas for things you can do to help:

1. Make some food, and bring it to a shelter or to a friend/family in need. Not only are these people cold, they're probably hungry too! If you have a gas stove, you're fortunate... but if not, Triscuits and peanut butter get old fast.

2. Buy or make your own gallons of clean, drinkable water, and bring them to a shelter or a friend in need. Rural houses typically are not on town water, and rely on wells.... which have an electric pump.

3. Call 617-274-5325 or visit the Red Cross site where you can register to become a trained responder volunteer during times of crises. Then you'll be able to help when storms like this one strike.

Below is a list of shelters operated by the Red Cross of Massachusetts, and a complete list of New Hampshire shelters can be found on the Concord NH Red Cross site. Other shelters may also be open, operated privately by churches or other groups.

Shelter Name	Address	City/Town	State	Zip
Amesbury Middle School	222 Main Street	Amesbury	MA	01913
Lowell High School	50 Father Morissette Blvd.	Lowell	MA	01852
Comprehensive Grammar School	100 Howe Street	Methuen	MA	01844

And finally, read these post-storm tips from the MA state government to prevent further mishap.

It's the holidays, peeps. Do a little something to help your neighbors and fellow citizens out. Perhaps I'll follow my own advice and bring my parents some food, though they're luckier than most and have a generator...

Related Posts: If they can give, you can too; Disasters, Crises, and Donating Blood; Food prices are rising, here's how to keep your dough
Photo courtesy of StreamingMeeMee.

If they can give, you can too

Times are tough, I get it. But if these homeless men in Detroit can raise $500 to adopt four families this Christmas, I'm sure you can spare $25 to buy a toy for a kid.

Homeless people, as in - they don't have a home, one of the basic necessities of life - are giving this season.

What's your excuse now?


Related Posts: Alternative holiday gift ideas; A gift to remember; Buy local for the holidays; Tapas for Toys; Conscious Giving; 'Tis the season to change the present; DesignGive - Creativity is a gift; 10,000 Reasons to Buy
Photo courtesy of Franco Folini.

Alternative holiday gift ideas

Last week, Krystle wrote about supporting local artisans by buying your Christmas/Hanukkah/ Kwanzaa/ New Year's gifts from them. I'd like to introduce three other options:

1. Make some gifts.
I know, I know. You might claim not to be "crafty." But that doesn't preclude you from making gifts, and perhaps saving a little dough in the meantime! Try baking an assortment of goodies (it's easier than you think), creating a photo collage or photo calendar for friends, family, or co-workers, or maybe giving "coupons" (massages, dinner, breakfast in bed, load of laundry, etc.). Or, perhaps you could do what my group of friends is doing this year - having a potluck to celebrate our friendship instead of giving gifts.

2. Buy some homemade gifts on Etsy.com.

If you'd like to give something with that homemade touch but really don't know where to turn, I highly recommend Etsy.com. Think boutique, or art gallery, only it's online, searchable, and you can request custom items from sellers! You're talking right to the people making the stuff. My favorites include some of the stained glass, baby hats, and vintage finds. Or, of course, the classic sock monkey or sock dog (cough, cough - shameless self promotion).

3. Donate in someone's name.

Sure, maybe this isn't original. But people are more in need than ever. Try giving a cow or a dozen chicks, volunteering for a day on behalf of someone, donating gifts to Toys for Tots, or donating money to your favorite non-profit. My brother once gave me a blank check for $50 that I could send to any non-profit of my choice (I chose Mercy Corps since it was right after the tsunami). He was in college at the time, so it represented no small sum of money. It meant a lot to me, and I'm sure the money made an impact.

So those are my ideas. I'm doing a lot of numbers one and two this year (aside from a few Amazon.com and clothing purchases), and some of number three. Please join me!

Related Posts: Buy local for the holidays; Tapas for Toys; A gift to remember; Conscious Giving; 'Tis the season to change the present; DesignGive - Creativity is a gift; 10,000 Reasons to Buy

Top Ten Reasons to Go Out Thursday Night

1. You have a chance to help kids with cancer and have fun. Contrary to popular belief, the two are not mutually exclusive.

2. No one likes a couch potato, even in french fry form. Get your butt off the couch already! Just because it's getting chilly out doesn't mean you should become a shut-in.

3. The fashions being shown range the gamut from some hawt booty shorts to classic vintage designs and trendy cowboy boots. There's a little something for everyone, including the males in the group.

4. There will be music that you'll want to move to. DJ Justin will be spinning, and we'll also have a lovely vocalist as a treat.

5. You could win something special in the raffle if you choose to buy a ticket. At the very least, if you're one of the first 100, you'll get a gift bag.

6. There will be a feast for the eyes. Besides the fashions, there will be art for you to analyze.

7. Auction up! Bid away! Feel famous! Bid on some of our prizes, including signed items by Kevin Youkalis.

8. Rum samples. Need I say more?

9. The kids with cancer are really, really cute, and really, really sick. The very least you can do is help them by donating $20 for your ticket.

10. If you're pumped up (slash tipsy) after the event, you can spend the rest of the evening at Ned Devine's dancing the night away!

11. (BONUS ROUND!) You can hang out with the dedicated OYFP members who put the event on! We're fun, we're social, we're good looking, what more could you ask for?

Those are the ten reasons I'll be at the event.. what are yours?

Get your tickets for Christopher's Catwalk online now for $20, or pay $25 at the door. The event takes place Thursday, Nov 13 from 8 PM to 11 PM at Parris, which is at the back of Ned Devine's.

Book Drive THIS Saturday

Just finished that book you were reading on the T? Running out of space on your bookshelf? Want to spread goodwill this Saturday? Well come on down to the Brighton Allston Congregational Church to declutter you home of books and donated them to the The Great American Book Drive.

The goal is to use these books to promote literacy amongst everyone! Your used books get to be enjoyed by someone else and you can live the minimalist lifestyle you have always wanted.

The Details:

Saturday, November 8th
Time: 10 am - 3 pm
Brighton-Allston Congregational Church
404 Washington Street, Brighton, MA
For MBTA stops nearby, click here

For complete information visit www.prisonbookprogram.org/bookdrive.

Related posts: Public libraries are your friend, National Sign Up for a Dang Library Card Month, Volunteering at Lunch: It's reading time!

Photo coutesy of: http://www.omnivoracious.com/the_reading_life/