Small Steps to Big Changes: 3 Easy Ideas to Give Back to Your Local Community

We live in a big world with even bigger expectations. As individuals we can go far, but as a community we can surpass that even further — like the carpool lane in traffic ツ

Every successful individual knows that his or her achievement depends on a community of persons working together.

— Paul Ryan

This mindset has advanced our civilization — and continues to. What I love most is that we keep evolving, learning, and outdoing ourselves. So to make a great influence and impact in our world we must band together.

One of the first steps in giving back is being informed.

Thanks to Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company — something spectacular is happening! With your help, they have started a new campaign “Band Together” — which is set to donate $2 million dollars to support 3 important causes: Health ● Home ● Hunger. Here’s how you can help:

➀ Get informed and vote. 

Aiding in home, health, and/or hunger are three great pillars to stand behind. Through Jewelers Mutual “Band Together” and starting July 11th through July 31, 2016 — you can help one of these foundations receive a record breaking donation: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Habitat for Humanity, and Feeding America or Food Banks Canada — BY VOTING. Like this:

● You can vote once a day on their site and everybody comes out a winner! The cause that receives the most votes will receive a $1 million grand prize.

● The runner-up gets $700,000 and $300,000 goes to the third-place winner.

● Throughout the three-week campaign, voters will be entered for a chance to win weekly jewelry prizes from STACKED New York. Like I said, everybody comes out a winner! Each week, one lucky winner will receive a set of 3 stacking bands ($450 retail value).

Vote daily to increase your chances of winning!

➁ Your time is valuable.

Explore within your local communities — check with centers, schools, libraries, and more. Volunteering has always been one of my favorite ways to give back and I do it by offering my skills through after-school programs. Whether it’s with homework or creative writing — I do what I can.

➂ Clothing, food, and books are all necessities you too can provide.

You’ve heard the saying one man’s trash is another’s treasure — I hope you’ve also experienced this on both ends. Every season, I love going through my closet and making piles — there are items that I love but just simply won’t wear again, those go to the donation pile. Then of course there are the things that just need to be trashed, I know you know the difference.

TIP: Reward yourself! I got this pretty LBD after donating 8 bags of good clothes accumulated through fashion week. Special thanks to Ruthie Darling for helping me carry them over!

We have a responsibility to make this world a better place ♥

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.