Tag Archives: holiday

Armed Forces Day + Ways to Thank a Veteran

16 Thursday May 2019

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If you were tasked with brainstorming symbols to characterize each month of the year, what would they be? January might be a party hat, February would be a traditional red heart, March could be best described as a tulip (buried under a foot of snow,) April might be a raincloud and May would be an American Flag.

The fifth month of the year is an especially patriotic time in the United States. At the end of the month, we’ll celebrate veterans who gave the ultimate sacrifice on Memorial Day, but we have another chance to say “thank you for your service” before then.

This Saturday, May 18, is Armed Forces Day, a holiday that is always observed on the third Saturday in May. The holiday was created to help pay tribute to people of the Armed Forces. Unbeknownst to many, up until 1949, there were single day celebrations for each branch of the military. After the branches were unified under the Department of Defense, leaders thought it best to commemorate them all on one day.

For those of us who have never been involved in the military, it can be difficult, if not impossible, to imagine what time in the service must be like. Members of the military put their lives on the line to protect our freedom, so how do you genuinely say, “thank you?” The best way to get started is with a handshake, but we think we can go above and beyond when it comes to expressing our gratitude. We’ve compiled a few thank you ideas to begin the brainstorming process, with the help of Military.com:

  1. Donate your frequent flyer miles to the family of a veteran

    If you’re an avid traveler, consider donating those extra miles to a family in need. The Hero Miles Program gives airline tickets to wounded, injured and ill service members as well as their families who are undergoing treatment at a military or VA medical center. Learn how to donate your miles.

  2. Hire a veteran to speak at your next event

    To say a veteran learned a few valuable lessons during their time in the military would likely be an understatement. These individuals have incredible insight about leadership, team work and persistence. The next time you are looking for a speaker, bring in a veteran for the job.

  3. Shop from a veteran-owned business

    Did you know that over 2.5 million businesses in the United States are majority-owned by veterans? Choose to support these entrepreneurs by visiting their facilities or adding them to the supply chain of your company.

  4. Invite a veteran to join you and your club

Veterans have experience turning plans into actions, leading groups and brainstorming new and innovative ideas, and many want to get involved in local service work. They are just a natural fit into the Lions community. Invite a veteran to attend your next club meeting.

These are only four of an infinite number of thoughtful ways to say, “I am so grateful for your service.” How will you thank a veteran? Let us know in the comments below!

The Lions Pride Board and Staff would like to wish all military service members and their families a Happy Armed Forces Day!

 

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Giving Thanks and Giving Back

22 Thursday Nov 2018

Posted by in Fundraising, Giving Tips, Holidays, Special Events

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Today is a special day – Thanksgiving, a day where we gather with friends and family to STACKED_0.pngreflect on life’s greatest blessings. We love the message behind the holiday, but isn’t it ironic that less than 24 hours from now, many of us will be stampeding through retail stores to find this year’s newest tech gadget or a larger flat-screen TV? Why do we only get the one day to appreciate all that life has to offer, but multiple days dedicated to buying gifts?

The team at the Belfer Center for Innovation and Social Impact must have had similar questions because, in 2012, they introduced America to Giving Tuesday. The idea is simple. On the Tuesday following Thanksgiving (this year, it’s November 27) we take the day off from holiday shopping and instead give back.

On Thanksgiving, we give thanks.

On Black Friday, we get deals.

On Cyber Monday, we get online.

On Giving Tuesday, we give back.

How can you give back? That’s the beauty behind this holiday because the answer is any way you wish. You can choose to give time by helping a neighbor in need, give kindness by complimenting a stranger, give hope with a donation to your favorite nonprofit organization, or give knowledge to others with the power of your voice.

Regardless of whether you have $5 or $50, 10 minutes or 10 hours; all that matters is that you give. By finding a way to help your family, friends, community or organization of your choosing, you’ve done more than your part. Let’s join together to start a movement celebrating generosity and giving back.

The Lions Pride Office will be closed today and tomorrow in observance of the holiday but are excited to hear how you will be celebrating Giving Tuesday. Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

Wishing you and your family a happy Thanksgiving!

 

How to Support Your Favorite Organization with Holiday Shopping

15 Thursday Nov 2018

Posted by in Giving Tips, Holidays, Lions Camp, News, Special Events

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The holiday shopping season is here. If you’re like us, you’ve already seen the Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals from several major retailers. We know, we know, it seems like the shopping window increases each year, but you can take advantage of its early arrival with extra preparation time, sizable savings and an opportunity to support your favorite nonprofit organization – without spending anything more. Learn how to become an even smarter shopper with these free online tools:45749783_1042895462557318_4769862938020282368_o.png

AmazonSmile

AmazonSmile is the same Amazon website that you know and love but allows you to an easy and automatic way to support your favorite charitable organization every time you shop, at no cost to you.

To get started you need to visit smile.amazon.com and select “Lions Pride Endowment Fund,” then start shopping. Every time you make a purchase, Amazon Smile will donate 0.5% back to Lions Pride. Consider creating a bookmark or installing the Amazon Assistant to get in the habit.

GoodSearch and GoodShop

GoodSearch is a search engine powered by Yahoo that supports nonprofit organizations in every search. Every time you choose to use GoodSearch when browsing the internet, the search engine will donate one penny to your favorite organization. One penny may not sound like a lot but imagine this: If 1000 Lions Pride supporters were to use GoodSearch twice a day for a year, they could raise a total of $7300. Wow!

Similar to AmazonSmile, GoodShop is an online shopping portal that allows you to donate to your charity of choice with every purchase you make. The site helps you find online coupons and deals with businesses all over the web. Not only are you raising money for your favorite charity, but you are also saving money. Most importantly, the operating costs to manage the site come from advertisers, so there is no fee to sign up.

Getting started with GoodShop is simple. Just visit http://www.goodsearch.com/choosecause and search for “Lions Pride.” Next, select “Lions Pride Endowment Fund.” Then, you can choose your favorite stores, and Goodshop will alert you each time there is a new coupon or sale. Who doesn’t love easy shopping?

It may be hard to believe, but the holidays will be here within the blink of an eye. If you prefer to do your shopping online, consider using one of these free tools to save money and contribute to Lions Pride when you check items off your list. With your continued support, we can work together to preserve, protect and provide for the Wisconsin Lions Camp and all WLF statewide projects.

Happy shopping!

 

 

Ways to Celebrate Sweetest Day

18 Thursday Oct 2018

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ThereHappy Sweetest Day.png are plenty of holidays to observe in October. Bosses’ Day falls on October 16, Make a Difference Day is celebrated on October 27 and, of course, Halloween shows up each year on October 31, but there is one more holiday that we want to make sure you add to your calendar – Sweetest Day on Saturday, October 20.

We know what you’re thinking, “Great, another card-giving holiday,” however, there is truly charming reason behind this occasion.

According to Hallmark, Sweetest Day was developed by a candy store employee who lived in Cleveland, Ohio by the name of Herbert Birch Kingston. In 1922, he decided to bring happiness to those who were feeling forgotten. Together with a team, Kingston brought candy and small gifts to orphans, shut-ins and others to show their care.

By the early 1930s, celebrities started getting involved in the event. Ann Pennington handed out candy to over 2200 newspaper carriers, and Theda Bara passed out candy to theater attendees and hospital patients. The original holiday expanded to include loved ones, coworkers, acquaintances and friends. Today, Sweetest Day is still most prevalent in the Great Lakes region due to its origination.

So, how should you observe this weekend’s holiday? You could send a card or surprise someone with a box of their favorite candy, but here are a few more thoughtful approaches:

  1. Bake a batch of cookies

Who doesn’t love the taste of homemade cookies? There’s nothing like the taste of a chocolate chip cookie to brighten up even the darkest day, but it turns out that baking for others can also have a positive effect on the baker. Baking, especially when done for others, can have a whole slew of psychological benefits. If you’re in a baking mood, thinking about spreading the love by preparing a plate of cookies with someone who might need a pick-me-up. (Additionally, baking is always an incredible way to warm up the house!)

  1. Write a heartfelt letter

With the increase in technology, it seems that we have lost of the art of letter writing. Show a loved one that you’ve been thinking about them with a short, heartfelt letter. You can always send an email if you’re looking to save a stamp or send your message faster, but we can bet that a handwritten note will put a smile on your recipients’ face.

  1. Send flowers

Did you know that in addition to creating a beautiful focal point, flowers have several health benefits? Flowers can promote feelings of happiness and in people all ages. They are also believed to help balance emotions and prevent mood swings. If you know someone who is in need of an instant mood boost, flowers may be the perfect gift.

  1. Donate in his or her honor

Nonprofit organizations thrive with the gifts of their loyal supporters. Funds are the lifeblood of any nonprofit as it helps them spread their message and make a difference in their communities. When celebrating Sweetest Day, consider donating to your recipient’s favorite organization in their name. When you make an honorarium/memorial donation to Lions Pride, we’ll gladly mail an acknowledgment card to your loved one or their family to let them know about the lasting legacy that you are creating for future generations at the Wisconsin Lions Camp and in other WLF projects.

Sweetest Day may have originated with candy and sweets in mind, but we believe that the message has evolved as a day to do small things for others with great love. How do you plan to celebrate the occasion?

Happy Sweetest Day fromLions Pride!

 

 

 

 

 

National Estate Planning Week

11 Thursday Oct 2018

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Did you know that next week is National Estate Planning Week? We may not exchange Estate-Plangifts, share a large family meal or decorate lamp posts, but here at Lions Pride, we think it’s still an important holiday worth celebrating. Let us tell you why!

You may be surprised to learn that estate planning is one of the most overlooked elements of personal financial wellness. An estimated 56 percent of Americans don’t have an updated estate plan. It’s not uncommon to hear these phrases associated with the practice:

“I’m too young for an estate plan.”

“Estate planning is only important for the ultra-rich.”

“My spouse and I created our wills when we first married (35 years ago,) so there’s no need for further planning.”

“Won’t my property just go to my spouse?”

“Estate planning is too complicated and expensive.”

The truth of the matter is estate planning is for everyone because it protects you, your family and your assets.

There are several advantages to estate planning, including:

  • Saving you (and your loved ones) money in the future.
  • Passing on your assets the way you want.
  • Having the opportunity to support a cause or organization that you care about, even after your passing.
  • Providing financial direction, if you are physically or mentally unable.
  • Bestowing peace of mind to you and your family.

See more estate planning benefits from The Balance.

We understand that the idea of estate planning can be scary. Similar to life insurance, estate planning will seemingly bring up the shadow of the death. It may be difficult to hear, but postponing estate planning will not postpone death. One of the most significant reasons for an estate plan is to prepare for the unexpected.

Next week, National Estate Planning Week is the ideal time to plan for the future and ensure that your affairs are in order. If you do not currently have an estate planner, you can find an Accredited Estate Planner Designee by following this link. If you already have a plan in place, it may be an excellent time to review and make necessary adjustments. That might include naming Lions Pride or your favorite charity in your plans, living a lasting legacy.

Happy National Estate Planning Week!

Do Something Grand on Grandparents Day

06 Thursday Sep 2018

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Photo by freestocks.org on Pexels.com

Think back on your fond childhood memories; who was there? More than likely, you picture your mom, dad, siblings, cousins, and of course, grandparents. Sunday, September 9, is Grandparents Day and we think the holiday deserves a grand celebration.

Believe it or not, this observation was not created to simply sell cards and flowers. The holiday creator, Marian Lucille McQuade wanted Grandparents Day to be centered around a family, a day to connect the generations.

According to McQuade, National Grandparents Day has three general purposes:

  1. To honor grandparents
  2. To give grandparents an opportunity to show love to their children’s children
  3. To help children become aware of the strength, information and guidance that elders can offer

Regardless of your family role, we believe Grandparents Day is worth celebrating. We know what you’re thinking, another day to prepare for? Not exactly. You can do plenty of grand activities without a lot of effort. Read through a few fun ways to commemorate the occasion:

  • Spend the day with family

Of course, this may be the most obvious way to celebrate Grandparents Day, seeing as this was the reason behind the holiday. Consider putting together a small family reunion to gather the generations. Simply call or email family members and have everyone bring a dish to pass, so no one person has to spend the weekend in the kitchen.

  • Start building a family tree

What better way to celebrate family then by piecing together the puzzle of your family. Share special memories of those who have passed and talk about how family members’ lives have changed over the generations. Visit PBS to start building yours today.

  • Volunteer together

The families who volunteer together, stay together. As Lions, we believe that giving back is a responsibility for those of all ages. Show your family members the value of volunteering by working on a project together. Consider collecting garbage at the park, spending some time at the community kitchen or walking dogs at your local animal shelter. If your club is working on a large service project, think about inviting family members to join in.

  • Celebrate those who have left too soon

Unfortunately, not all of us are lucky enough to have living grandparents, but you can honor their memory by perusing through old pictures and photo albums. If you are active on Facebook, think about updating your profile picture to one with a grandparent and sharing your favorite memory with friends. We can ensure you will enjoy your walk down Memory Lane.

National Grandparents Day is the perfect holiday to honor legacy and gratitude to a grand generation. How will you celebrate?

Happy Grandparents Day from Lions Pride!

Fun Facts About Labor Day

30 Thursday Aug 2018

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It may be hard to believe, but this Monday marks the unofficial end of summer. Families Labor-Daywill likely find themselves partaking in the same festivities that they took part in on Memorial Day – camping, parties and other outdoor events, before heading back to their regular school year routines. Let’s celebrate the unofficial end of the season with fun facts about the upcoming holiday, Labor Day!

  • During the 19th Century, American workers typically worked long, 12-hour workdays, seven days a week.
  • On September 5, 1882, NYC workers took a day without pay to protest. They wanted 8-hour workdays and fair working conditions. The protest became an annual event.
  • Oregon was the first state to officially recognize the holiday in the year 1887.
  • Labor Day became a national holiday after a political fiasco. Illinois railway workers were on strike, protesting higher wages. President Grover Cleveland was under pressure to end the strike. He deployed 12,000 troops and violence ensued; two workers were killed as a result. The disaster made national headlines and upset workers all over the country. To make amends, Congress passed a bill making Labor Day an official holiday.
  • According to historians, the common expression, “You can’t wear white after Labor Day,” comes from the early 20th People of the upper class would return home after their summer vacations and pack away their lightweight, white clothing as they returned back to work and school.
  • The Adamson Act was passed on September 3, 1916, establishing 8-hour work days.

There you have it! Six fun facts that you can use this weekend to impress your friends and family.

Although many of us consider Labor Day as merely an extended weekend, it’s important to remember the origin behind the holiday. Just think about how different our lives would be if our forefathers hadn’t protested for fair working conditions. We think we can all agree that we’re glad that they took a chance and stood up for their rights.

The Lions Pride office will be closed on Monday, September 3, in observance of the holiday. Have a safe, enjoyable Labor Day weekend!

How to Observe International Day of Friendship

26 Thursday Jul 2018

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If you’re lucky, you get to see your close friends often. You may get coffee, go out toFriendships dinner just an enjoy an evening together catching up on life, but do you remember the last time you told them how much you value their friendship? If it’s been a while, you’ll have the perfect opportunity on Monday – International Day of Friendship.

The origin behind the first day of friendship came from Hallmark in the 1930’s. The holiday was not viewed favorably by the public because many believed it was nothing more than a money-making exercise. By the 1940’s, the holiday had faded into obscurity in the United States.

In 1958, the World Friendship Crusade, an international civil organization, proposed the first World Friendship Day to take place on July 30, in an attempt to foster a culture of peace through friendship. Over 50 years later in 2011, the 30th of July was declared as the International Day of Friendship by the General Assembly of the United Nations.

How will you celebrate World Friendship Day? If you are struggling to find the best way to say, “I appreciate your friendship,” you’re in luck because we’ve compiled a few ways to celebrate the holiday:

  • Get back to the root of the first day of friendship by sending a card. Write a heartfelt message on why you feel fortunate to be his or her friend.
  • Send a small gift of flowers, chocolates, or cookies to let a friend know that you are thinking about him or her.
  • Put together a photo collage of special memories of you and your friend, then frame to give an extra special gift.
  • Call your local radio station and dedicate a song to International Friendship Day and your friends.
  • Make new friends by becoming a doer of Random Acts of Kindness. Follow this link to find ideas to get started.
  • Write a post on one of your social networks to brag about your best friends. It could be as in depth as how you first met or as simple as saying, “thanks for being my friend!”
  • Honor a friend with a donation to their favorite nonprofit organization. Might we suggest designating to the Lions Pride Endowment Fund and designate your gift for Lions Camp, the place where hundreds of friendships are made each year?
  • Make it a point to call or text your friends to let you know that you’re thinking about them and feel so lucky to call them friends.

Friendships are one of life’s greatest blessings. How empty would life feel without the camaraderie of great friends? Be sure to tell your friends how much you care about them and how thankful you are to have them in your inner circle.

Happy International Day of Friendship from Lions Pride!

Involve a Veteran this Memorial Day

24 Thursday May 2018

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If we were to ask you what the most patriotic month of the year is, how would you respond? You’d probably say July; it’s a no-brainer. But what about the second most patriotic month? We’d say May.

This month, we’ve already celebrated Armed Forces Day on May 19, and Memorial Day is right around the corner. Veterans gave a major sacrifice when they chose to enlist, but often, their eagerness to make a difference does not end when they complete their term. Many look to get involved at a local level, which could make Lions the perfect fit.

Veterans have so much to offer to any organization. They have a strong sense of dedication and commitment, have a keen sense of leadership and know precisely what it means to be a part of a team. That’s why LCI created the Involve a Veteran Program. From now until June 30, 2018, qualifying veterans have the chance to join a Lions club with an entrance or charter fee waiver. Eligible veterans include Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard personnel as well as the Canadian Armed Forces who retired or were honorably-discharged from their service. National Guard and Reserve personnel who were called to active duty are also eligible.

When inviting veterans to join your Lions Club, consider trying one of these simple recruiting ideas:

  • Drop off brochures at your local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) clubs. You might be surprised to learn how many chapters exist in our state!
  • Exhibit at a local Veteran community event. Be sure to check out the Wisconsin Department of Veteran Affairs Events page and watch your local newspaper.
  • Use the press release template to attract local media attention.
  • Take the opportunity to thank Veterans on your social media pages. Memorial Day would be an excellent day to express your gratitude for their service – you never know who might stumble across your post.
  • Start a new project and invite Veterans to join in on the fun.

It’s not too late! Join the over 700 clubs that have taken advantage of the Involve a Veteran program and give veterans the opportunity to continue serving, as a Lion.

The Lions Pride Office will be closed on Monday, May 28, to honor those who bravely served our country and made the ultimate sacrifice. We’d like to wish you all a fun, safe holiday weekend!

Non-Traditional Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

10 Thursday May 2018

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“All that I am or hope to be, I owe to my mother.” -Abraham LincolnFun

She wiped your tears when you were sad, provided the bandage when you scraped your knee and cared for you when you came home sick. Mother’s Day is this Sunday, May 13, but you how exactly do you say “thank you” to the person who brought you into this world and gave you the gift of life?

Rather than giving her the predictable presents that all moms have come to know and expect like flowers, cards and chocolate, we have a couple of out-of-the-box gift ideas that don’t require ribbons and bows. This Mother’s Day, consider giving her:

  • Time to relax: We all have responsibilities that we don’t necessarily enjoy completing, but doesn’t it seem like many of these duties often fall on mom’s plate? Whether your mother has plans to empty out the basement, mow the grass or give the house a thorough spring cleaning, help lighten her load by offering your hand.
  • A day filled with her favorite activities: If you were to ask anyone about their most prized possession, time would likely be the most frequent answer. There’s no denying that life can get busy. When was the last time, you spent quality time with your mom? Spend Sunday with the activity of her choice. She might enjoy going to church, tending the garden or simply spending the afternoon catching. If you both happen to already have plans for this Sunday, a raincheck is always an option!
  • The gift that keeps on giving: If mom has a special cause that she carries about, give a donation in her honor. Nonprofit organizations thrive on funding. If your mother is a Lions Pride support, consider giving an honorarium donation to help us continue to preserve, provide and protect the Wisconsin Lions Camp and all WLF statewide projects. Learn more about memorial/honorarium donations.

This Sunday, show your gratitude for your mom with a present she won’t soon forget. Remember, the best gifts in life don’t always come in beautifully wrapped boxes; the best presents come from the heart.

Happy Mother’s Day from Lions Pride!