Day 45

After the awful attacks in Paris and elsewhere, I wanted to offer some kind of help or donation, but I couldn't find a lot of good options. I've already contributed to Médecins Sans Frontières and the Red Cross, and honestly, the more I thought about it, the more I realized that the French are very capable of taking care of this themselves. 

So instead I made a donation to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. 

Day 44

Six years ago today, we got news that our daughter was being paired with a service dog named Bobo. Bobo is a big part of our family now, and his services have been incredibly valuable -- in particular, tracking down Amelia when she wandered off. So today I made a donation to 4 Paws for Ability, the agency that trained Bobo.

My donation went toward getting a service dog for Ellie Stein. Here's an excerpt from her story:

Eleanor Stein is a sweet, funny five year old who loves popsicles, Taylor Swift, and her twin sister, Laurel. Ellie also happens to have an extra 21st chromosome. Like many children with Down Syndrome Ellie has had more than her share of medical interventions.  Her parents have always tried to provide her with the tools she needs to reach her full potential.  Most recently they have begun the process of fundraising for 4 Paws for Ability to gain the volunteer credits needed to qualify for a service dog.

Day 43

Today I bought lunch for a homeless veteran I see regularly. He is clearly struggling and I wish I knew what else to do for him.

Day 42

Today, in honor of Veterans' Day, I donated to Paws4Vets.

Placing customized Assistance Dogs with veterans and military dependents living with various disabilities.

Through the paws4vets Assistance Dog Placement Program, Veterans, Active-Duty Service Members or their dependents with physical, neurological, psychiatric or emotional disabilities can receive Psychiatric Service Dogs, Mobility Service Dogs and Rehabilitative Assistance Dogs.

Day 41

Today I put coins in all kinds of tip jars, donation boxes, and any other places I could find.

Day 40

Today I donated 61 lbs of food to the

Day 39

Today I donated some clothing and other items to a local thrift shop, benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Triangle.