Editor's Note
Happy New Year Pen Pal readers! A new year means a new start, which for many translates to self improvement. This is a theme we’ve touched on in the past, so instead of chiming in with the same advice you’ve all heard before, I’m going to suggest we do something different. We’ve probably all done enough self-reflection and introspection for a while, so let’s focus our do-gooder efforts on something new. Let’s take a shot at improving someone or something else this year!
Adopt a highway: This one gets bonus points because there are two benefits. By organizing efforts with your company to adopt a highway, your company gains highway advertising space (their name is featured on the Adopt A Highway sign) and you help clean up and beautify a highway! Check out www.adoptahighway.com/index.html for more information.
Become a “Big Brother” or “Big Sister”: For as little as an hour a week, you can make a difference in a child’s life by volunteering your time as a “Big Brother” or “Big Sister.” Be a kid again and play basketball or a board game, share a pizza, or just hang out with your matched child. Check out www.bbbs.org for more information.
Adopt a zoo animal: Have a favorite animal that you always visit when you go to the zoo? Improve the life of this animal by offering to sponsor it. Contact your local zoo for program specifics. According to How to Adopt a Zoo Animal, adoption fees can run from $20 to $5,000.
Adopt a classroom: Did you know that (according to the Adopt-A-Classroom Web site) teachers spend an average $1,200 of their own money each year for classroom supplies? Imagine if you had to buy your own office supplies and computer for your job! Improve a teacher’s classroom by donating money to this program. You can pick the classroom or search for classrooms in need. 100% of your donation is directed toward the classroom teacher in the form of online credit. Check out www.adoptaclassroom.com for more information.
These are just a few ideas on how you can improve someone or something else this year. Do you have other ideas to share with us? If so, let us know!
Christy Wolf, Editor