Open the door to your local U.S. Post Office and find out how letter carriers make your community a better place. In addition to delivering mail, the Postal Service honors famous people, raises money for issues like breast cancer and environmental concerns, and serves as community connectors. Learn about this organization and how you can help.
Every community has fires and other emergencies that require help from firefighters trained to put out fires, rescue people, and assist in medical emergencies. They also have machines and an adequate water supply to put out fires. Some communities have volunteer fire departments, and others hire career firefighters. Learn about this organization and how you can help.
Open the door to the local beekeeping association or apiary and find out how beekeepers are saving pollinators and addressing the need of environmental sustainability. A beekeeper takes care of bees and helps individuals and communities set up sustainable beehives. They educate people on the importance of bees and involve youth in learning about habitats, financial sustainability, and the importance of being part of a supportive community. Learn about this organization and how you can help.
Eating well, being active, and meeting people are all part of having a healthy lifestyle and a healthy community. When diverse people come together to have active fun, they build relationships and good habits for a lifetime. Nonprofits that encourage this positive movement care about making the community stronger through biking, running, playing games, or hiking trails. What organizations in your community bring people together around outdoor activities?
Open the door to a local nonprofit that connects people over 60 to people and services to live a healthy, independent life. The Commission on Aging is a resource that promotes intergenerational relationships and support for people who need meals brought to their homes or opportunities for fun and gathering. Learn about this organization and how you can help.
In The Gardener by Sarah Stewart, little Lydia Grace shows her love for her gruff uncle through her extraordinary talent with growing things. The story provides a great lesson for our children that giving time and talent can be more powerful than money.
A Simple Safe Service project from home: Interview a grandparent or elderly friend to find out what they did for fun when they were young, and how it is the same and different than you. Follow your phone or video interview with a card in the mail. Or make friendly door hangers to donate to a local home for senior residents.
A story of cultural identity and belonging, Firekeeper's Daughter is suspenseful and smart. When Daunis loses someone close to her, she becomes deeply engaged in an FBI investigation of a drug that is tearing the Northern Michigan community apart.
A Simple Safe Service project from home: Winter weather can make being outdoors uncomfortable and even dangerous, so having the right clothing can boost our mental and physical health and even save lives. Not everyone has warm socks, jackets that fit, waterproof boots, and thick mittens. Find out if there is a need in your community and use your voice to collect and donate winter clothing.
