Making a difference

Sarah Seneker, Yuma, AZ — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 16:40:51 GMT

I am trying to return a call to Shaun/Sean Geffner. I received a message regarding the Make A Difference series but the number he left was inaudible. If there is someway to obtain a number where he can be contacted, I would greatly appreciate it.

Making a difference

Lynn Holte, Grand Forks, North Dakota — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 14:51:55 GMT

I would like to nominate someone to be profiled for making a difference. How do I go about this? Thank you.

Making a difference

Carol Taylor, Sacramento, CA — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 21:41:19 GMT

An upscale women's store located in the Sacramento area, by the name Coldwater Creek is currently collecting slightly used or new women's clothing and shoes.This will be pressed and donated to a local charity, Weave. This is an agency devoted to helping women and children who are victims of domestic violence and abuse. These women are provided with temporary shelter, counseling, and assistance in becoming self-sufficient and self-employed. For each article of clothing donated (purchased anywhere) the customer/donator will be given 35% off any single item in the store. The employees will slso assist the victims of abuse in assembling an attractive and appropriate outfit to worn to a job interview. How very generous of this Coldwater Creek store.

Making a difference

Constance Fraser, Hartford Connecticut — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 14:02:55 GMT

At a time when charitable donations are tanking along with state budgets, a retired couple is actually donating thousands to a state agency to help minority students become math and science teachers in Connecticut. Fred and Joan Weisman have given $130,000 since 2005 to the CT Department of Higher Education which administers the money to provide $5,000 a year for scholarships and $2,500 a year to help repay loans for minority students who go onto teach math and science. So far, 8 students have received the Weismans' scholarship; inclduing 4 in college and 2 already in the classroom. The Weismans' deep commitment to promoting math and science, and unique idea to use the resources of state government to make their commitment a reality, stands to transform Connecticut classrooms for years to come.

Making a difference

Diana Sweeney, Philadelphia — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 12:43:31 GMT

I would like to tell you about a man who makes a HUGE difference in the lives of facially disfigured, (craniofacial), children. I am Diana Sweeney, Parent Liaison, in the Facial Reconstruction Center, at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. The man I want you to know about is Mel Silverman, owner of Salon L'Etoile, in Jenkintown, Pa. Mel has taken it upon himself to offer our female patients with facial differences, a "Day of Beauty". He has his salon operators come in on a Sunday, and offers the kids free haircuts, haircolor, manicures, and makeup. In addition, he has lunch brought in and it is a party-like atmosphere from the start. This helps our patients in ways that the average person cannot imagine. Mel builds self-esteem by showing our girls the many positive possibilities about their looks, in a world that is not very kind to children that look "different". He also asks nothing in the way of compensation from the parents. Our parents have large medical bills and this opportunity would not be available to them without his kindness. I want to nominate Mel Silverman for your segment on "people that make a difference". To make a difference in the life of a child, (young adult), opens an endless door of possibilities in building their self-esteem, forever. Our "Day of Beauty", is being held this Sunday, March 22nd, at Salon L'Etoile in Jenkintown, Pa. 19046. Please come and meet Mel, his staff, and our most wonderful and enthusiastic craniofacial children. By making the world aware of these children, acceptance is the next step for all of us. Bring the cameras, watch the transformation, see all the good that one man can make "happen"!! Many thanks, Diana Sweeney

Making a difference

Jim Vallero, O'Fallon, MO — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 23:49:56 GMT

Centenary CARES, a St. Louis based assistance program that extends a helping hand to the homeless and food challenged guests by feeding them daily nutricious meals. The donations have become contageous for those who have been fortunate enough to be blessed with the experience of extending their generosity. Even in tough times, we must never forget to step up and do the right thing by helping those in need.
About two years ago, I became involved and I can't begin to express the joy that I have seen in the faces of those who have come to the CARES program in need of help. You can see the ease the to the strain of their individual situations.
Their guests are offered personal mailing addresses, phone access and voice mail, assistance in getting IDs, Social Security cards and birth certificates, as well as many other social services. There is daytime shelter to protect them from the elements of the weather and activities of some kind that all can participate in. It is becoming a model program with the apppreciated support of the City of St. Louis.
The Centenary CARES program is a true example of how the people of St. Louis Missouri are making a difference for those who are in need in our home town!

Making a difference

Deborah Mitchell , Versailles, KY — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 13:17:52 GMT

At a time when pennies matter the Mitchell family would like to thank all of our friends, family and complete strangers who came to our rescue during my husband Shawns recent illness. Without worry folks took over and helped out with child care, food and even gave money to help defer medical expenses and bills as Shawn recovered. We will never know all those who gave as most of the financial contributions were done annomyously. Thank you Thank you to all. Shawn is back working, although this illness will be with us and has changed the way we spend each day as life is precious and so is time. We are so blessed to live in such a wonderful town and have great family and friends who saw beyound their own needs and helped one of their own, we are forever greatful! Bless you all!

Making a difference

pat 52 grammercy place nj 08088 — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 20:03:03 GMT

i think someone should write an article about a wonderful little organization called reys of hope in nj runned by a semi retired priest and 5 volunteers they are making a differance in peoples lives thanks to other generous people their web site is http://reysofhope.blogspot.com this orthadox priest also is involved in an organization in haiti called Holy Angels childrens society this semi retired priest is a remarkable and caring man

Making a difference

Todd Arens MI — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 02:14:18 GMT

After a long year of battling osteo-sarcoma, bone cancer, my wife was diagnosed with acute leukemia in July of 08. Several bone marrow drives were held in her honor to find a match for a bone marrow transplant. The communities were outstanding, volunteers willing to be tested to see if they would be a match,friends donating their time to assist in the drives.In November a match was found and the transplant took place. After exhausting all my leave credits, my co-workers donated me 240hrs of their vacation time ,enabling me to care for my wife.I'd like to say thanks to all that helped and gave of themselves. I very humbled.

Making a difference

Charlie Maier, Rockville, MD — Thu, 21 May 2009 17:03:32 GMT

Making a difference: Corporal Ryan J. Lamke, 2009 Winner, Advocates in Disability Award (to be awarded June 4 by prominent health nonprofit)

• Wounded warrior from Iraq, ex-Marine, age 24
• Arlington, VA resident
• Injuries persist from IED explosive attacks during two tours in Iraq
• Enthusiastic and persistent advocate for his fellow wounded warriors
• Works 20 hours a week for Wounded Warrior Project, volunteers many more hours as tireless advocate
• Meets with members of Congress to press for disabled veterans
• Provides his knowledge and expertise of the system to help fellow wounded vets
• He’s now building a blog to assist more wounded warriors with answers
(have two-three battlefield photos of him)

Quotes about Ryan from Mike Turner who nominated Ryan for the award
Chief of Congressional Affairs
Wounded Warrior Project
Office of Policy and Government
Office: 202-558-4331
Cell: 202-423-1367

“As distinguished as Corporal Lamke’s combat record is, what defines his character for those of us who are privileged to know him is his singular optimism and enthusiasm which is both ever-present and infectious.

“Ryan is 24 years old, and yet he has done more, seen more, and sacrificed more than most of us will in a lifetime. Beyond that, he is imbued with a remarkable drive to share what he’s learned so that other disabled veterans can have a slightly easier road to travel.

“Perhaps the highest tribute we can pay him is simply to say that not one person in this office thinks of him as in any way disabled.”

* * *

Making a difference

Madelon Lawson — Tue, 26 May 2009 21:53:32 GMT

Daun Russell is an RN in the Institute for Cancer at Renwown Regional Medical Center in Reno, Nevada.
She collects used plastic bottles here in the Medical center and from a local school, drives them to Truckee, California and redeems them at a recycling center there. The proceeds are used to buy gas cards for cancer patients in the Outpatient Infusion Center who are having a hard time buy gas to get here for their treatments.