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Join the next generation of doing good - philanthropy 2.0
(BPT) - In the past, giving money to a charity was considered one of the best ways to do a good deed. But thanks to modern technology, the face of philanthropy is changing as people around the world become more connected. Lending a helping hand to people has always been an inherently good thing. But new perspectives ...
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The stress of family caregiving [infographic]
Over 40 million Americans serve as family caregivers to provide unpaid help to support an adult family member. To help ease this burden, the Philips CarePartners Mobile app allows caregivers to track and coordinate their tasks with a private network of caregivers. With CarePartners Mobile, caregivers can spend more time caring for their loved ones and less time figuring out what needs to be done.
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Get crafty with these holiday gift wrap ideas
(BPT) - Make wrapping gifts more fun this holiday season. Get your supplies ready, invite some friends and turn up the holiday music. Before you get started, here are some creative gift wrapping tips from popular crafting blogger, Cindy Hopper, founder of SkipToMyLou.org . “I love wrapping holiday gifts – from little...
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Top communities providing support for returning veterans
(BPT) - When veterans return home from serving overseas, the support found in family, friends and the community can make a huge difference for a smooth transition. Pittsburgh ranks as the top place in the nation for veterans to transition from combat boots to civilian shoes, according to a study commissioned by USAA and Military.com. The “ Best Places for Veterans” list identifies U.S. metro areas that offer America's most recent veterans more opportunities to find a job or go to college ...
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Busted: Common volunteering myths disproved
(BPT) - With busy work schedules and hectic family lives, many people believe they don’t have the necessary time, energy or skills to volunteer. Unfortunately, these myths may deter many people who would make capable and helpful volunteers. For many Americans, volunteer work constitutes small, but empowering acts of ser...
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Seven things employers must provide reservists returning from military service
Since Sept. 11, 2001, more than 800,000 reservists and national guardsmen have been called to leave their civilian life to serve the military full-time, with more than 250,000 pressed into active duty more than once.
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Celebrate the holiday season with charitable giving
The holiday season is about more than picking the fullest tree, listening to nostalgic carols and planning the perfect family photo. Between addressing holiday cards and toasting the New Year, it's a great time to incorporate charitable giving into your traditions. No matter your time constraints, there are many ways for...
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Veterans growing as entrepreneurs
Veterans returning home face many challenges that weren't present when they were serving in the armed forces. Between adapting to civilian life, reacquainting with family and friends, and finding employment, the adjustment can be a difficult process.
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From hurricane help to health care questions - 2-1-1 is there
Wouldn't it be great if there was a number you could call if you had any sort of question about resources in your community, from something as simple as where to find the nearest library to something as urgent as where you can find relief after a catastrophic event? Good news: You don't have to wish for this all-in-one h...
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Caring for a child with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome - it takes a village
Having a reliable support system is important to all of us. It is particularly important to the families of those living with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), a severe and rare form of epilepsy that affects an estimated one in 50,000 to one in 100,000 children and up to 4 percent of children with epilepsy. Many families may be struggling with the demands of caring for a loved one with this condition - a task that may require around-the-clock attention and support.
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The aging population: a benefit, not burden
With life expectancy increasing, the percentage of population over age 60 is booming. By 2030, the population over 60 will be growing 3.5 times as rapidly as the total population, according to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
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The conversation on giving: What is your family passionate about?
How many times has your child come home with news of a new penny drive or fundraiser happening at school or a place of worship? Often, children are eager to get involved with these fundraising efforts because there are reward incentives at the end, but parents can take this opportunity to discuss with children the real v...
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national news
Illinois House votes to allow residents to carry concealed guns

Evanston police officer holds a firearm that was turned in as part of an amnesty-based gun buyback program in Evanston, IllinoisBy Joanne von Alroth SPRINGFIELD, Illinois (Reuters) - The Illinois House of Representatives on Friday voted overwhelmingly to allow residents to carry concealed guns, taking the state one step closer to joining all others in allowing some form of carrying guns in public. Illinois is the only state in the nation to ban most people from carrying a concealed gun outside the home. Lawmakers acted on Friday after a federal appeals court in January struck down the ban, saying it violated the right to bear arms enshrined in the U.S. Constitution. ...


Fri May 24 16:13:13 UTC 2013
Federal agency accepts Nevada hospital's plan to curb patient-dumping
By Ronnie Cohen (Reuters) - Federal authorities approved a Nevada hospital's proposal on Friday for correcting deficiencies that led to newly discharged psychiatric patients being bused out of state without adequate plans for continued care. The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services also said it would conduct unannounced inspections of Rawson-Neal Psychiatric Hospital in Las Vegas to ensure that procedures are in place and working to prevent further instances of so-called patient dumping. ...
Fri May 24 19:59:12 UTC 2013
On Memorial Day, remembering friends, family with ‘a heavy but grateful heart’
From William Ray Fullmer: "My nephew, Sgt. Derek Tillman Roberts, spilled his blood on the sands of Iraq to extend the right to live free to the people of the Middle East. On June 14, 2007, Derek was killed by a roadside bomb in Kirkuk, placed by those too cowardly to face him on the [...]
Fri May 24 13:55:25 UTC 2013
Storm chaser footage captures the ferocity of Oklahoma tornado (VIDEO)
Storm chasers from an outfit called Fast Unit 70 uploaded raw footage of the first 10 minutes of the Moore, Okla., tornado that gives viewers a harrowing sense of what the EF5 twister looked like. Watch that footage here. As cars and trucks zoom past, Chance Coldiron and Justin Cox's camera focuses on the dark [...]
Fri May 24 12:30:06 UTC 2013