“These same companies exacerbate the challenges the poor face by securing agricultural subsidies from their governments. While this naked display of cronyism happens in many countries, it is a perennial event in the United States, which produces what’s known as the farm bill every five years or so. The subsidies provided in the farm bill are harmful for U.S. consumers and taxpayers in a number of ways, but they are absolutely devastating for the world’s poor.”

Crushing the poor: agricultural tariffs and subsidies

Bright Blessings is seeking groups to volunteer at the facility. Children as young as 5 can volunteer with a supervising adult.  Your Group Service Event will be held at the Giving Village facility, and can accommodate up to 50 participants.  If your group has more than 30 volunteers, please contact their Development Associate for special accommodations: jason@brightblessingsusa.org

​PLEASE NOTE: 

All youth volunteers must be at least 5 years of age. Any volunteers under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a supervising adult.  Youth ages 14  and older may volunteer independently with written permission from a parent or legal guardian.  Permission forms are available at Bright Blessings and must be completed and signed prior to volunteer service.

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Google’s ‘Lookout’ app helps the visually impaired better understand their surroundings

Treating the Root Causes of Poverty

The five protective factors: A community approach to preventing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

The Union County Christmas Bureau will open Monday, Oct. 1 to begin accepting applications from families that request assistance for the Christmas season. Applications will be taken until Nov. 20. The Christmas Bureau will accept applications on Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at Union County Human Services at 2330 Concord Avenue in Monroe. Donations can currently be dropped off at the Union County Human Services location through Nov. 15. After that date, donations can be taken to the distribution site at 2115 W. Roosevelt Blvd., Suite 200, Monroe (former Sears’ location at Monroe Crossing). Groups or individuals may assist by sponsoring families, gift trees or filling stockings for children. All donations are tax deductible. Monetary donations can be made online at hopeunioncounty.org. “It would be a tremendous help to us if anyone wishing to donate gifts could wait until we move into our site at the Monroe Crossing Mall,” said Volunteer Services Coordinator Gloria Haney. “Our space to house donations is limited at the Human Services facility. However, we don’t want this to be a hindrance and prevent people from donating gifts. We will make room for any donations until we move to the mall location.”

I’ve gotten several requests for information on places that will allow preteens to volunteer. Please leave a comment with any volunteer opportunities you are aware of for that age group.

We’ve added a new page: Fall Fun