Isaac's aims to help feed the hungry

Lancaster-based Isaac's Restaurant & Deli is looking to raise $50,000 to help feed the hungry in Central Pennsylvania.

During the month of April, visit one of Isaac's 20-some restaurants and purchase a bowl of soup. For every bowl sold, Isaac's will donate $1 to feed the hungry. They'll also donate $2 for every quart sold and $4 for every gallon of soup that is purchased during the month.

Isaac's also is selling $1 raffle tickets towards the prize of a $50 gift card to its restaurants. All of the proceeds will go towards their soup fund. The fundraiser will benefit the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, the Greater Berks Food Bank and PhilAbundance. So far they've raised just over $25,000. I realize there's only a couple weeks left to April, but we can still help this business reach -- and surpass -- its goal.

The group is fairly well known for their delicious Pepperjack Tomato soup, so why not enjoy a bowl of this old favorite or tantalize your taste buds with a new flavor if you've never tried it before. What are you waiting for? Make plans this week to head out, buy yourself, your friends and your family some soup and enjoy your meal -- knowing that you did a little something for more stomachs than just your own. Oh, and don't forget to pick up a couple raffle tickets!

To donate directly to Isaac's soup fund online, click here.

-JLB-

More than two months later...

Worst. Blogger. Ever.

That would be I.

I haven't forgotten about this blog, nor have I forgotten about those who have been so kind as to read the words that I write here. I have, however, been overwhelmed with volunteer projects. One of these projects is particularly exciting and is linked directly into the purpose of this blog. I will share more information on this shortly. In the mean time, I ask that you please bear with me and accept my apology for neglecting Change 101. I'm working on resurrecting it.

As such, here is a sampling for you.

I just came across this article and thought I would share it with you all. It appears that the federal stimulus money might be able to help out some of the homeless folks in the Cumberland County area. Read more about that here.

Also, Habitat for Humanity of the Greater Harrisburg Area recently launched a new Web site. Check it out here. It includes information about how the group will begin construction tomorrow on two new homes in the Allison Hill neighborhood of Harrisburg. Exciting stuff, I tell you.

Even as the economy continues to slow down, it warms my heart to know that there are still groups working to change the world for the better. I hope you can find a way to pitch in.

-JLB-

Lend a helping hand to Habitat for Humanity

Two Sundays ago I had the privilege of hearing Millard Fuller, founder of Habitat for Humanity International, speak during a Sunday morning service at Silver Spring Presbyterian Church in Cumberland County. What an inspirational man.

Regretfully, he passed away yesterday morning at the age of 74. The legacy of this man will continue to live on in the form of the organization he created in 1976.

Habitat for Humanity changes the world one family at a time by bringing hope in the form of affordable, simple homes to those without sufficient housing. The homes are not free, but come with interest-free mortgages.

Millard formulated this mission in line with his strong faith in God, which led him from a life of material riches to one of material modesty and spiritual wealth. It was his hope to end poverty housing throughout the world. I would love for all of us to join in.

My favorite part of Habitat for Humanity is that volunteers help the families to build these homes. Some of the best moments of my life have been spent on Habitat construction sites in the Allison Hill area of Harrisburg. Driving through that neighborhood, it is absolutely awe inspiring to see how the Habitat houses stand out amongst some of the destruction and devastation of that portion of the city. The homes are transforming that neighborhood, as well as the lives of those who dwell within them.

I invite you to give your local Habitat for Humanity chapter a try. I have met so many wonderful friends through my work with the organization. And there is something satisfying about a hard day's work helping to build a home for someone in need.

One of the best parts is that related skills are not required. Obviously, they're helpful, but I personally had no idea how what I was doing when I first volunteered. It can be a long day and you're likely to get a little dirty, but please believe me when I say you will be so glad you did it. You might even find yourself with a case of Habititis. :o)

Really not into the idea of getting dirty on site? There are many other ways you can help out at Habitat through various committees. Please see the volunteer links below. To make a general donation to Habitat for Humanity, click here.

The affiliates also host fundraising events throughout the year. For example, if you live in the Harrisburg area, I invite you to attend the fifth annual art auction of Habitat for Humanity of the Greater Harrisburg Area. The event is scheduled for March 7 at the Hershey Country Club. I attended last year and plan to be there again this year – it makes for a lovely evening!

Below is some information to help get you started. If you don't see information for the affiliate near you, please visit this Web site to find one.

Habitat for Humanity of the Greater Harrisburg Area
(717) 545-7299

Cumberland Valley Habitat for Humanity
(717) 258-1830
E-mail (no Web site available)

Lancaster Area Habitat for Humanity
(717) 392-8836
How to volunteer
How to donate

York Habitat for Humanity
(717) 854-6168
How to volunteer
How to donate

Habitat for Humanity of Lebanon County Inc.
(717) 228-1490
How to volunteer
How to donate

-JLB-

Food for Thought on Martin Luther King Day

Happy Monday, friends. I hope the weekend treated you kindly.

I thought I'd help you start your day off right with a serving or two of change-inducing inspiration.

First off, head on over to Seth Godin's blog to read his proposition for transforming a national day of service into an everyday kind of mindset. He includes a list of 18 things that can be done to make a difference at little monetary expense.

When you're finished reading, why don't you give this article by Alex Muller of the York Daily Record/Sunday News a once over just in case you're not sure why you should do anything Seth suggested. Muller recently penned "Without a home, 'surviving' the cold: Local homeless centers cope with sub-freezing temperatures."

You may also want to read "Out of the Cold: More homeless seek shelter from frigid air," which was written by Ford Turner of the Patriot-News in Harrisburg.

While you're making an effort to stay warm this winter, please take a moment to think of your neighbors - next door, across the street, over in the city and around the globe. I've been compiling a list of shelters and services for our homeless friends over to the right side of this blog. Check it out (and please let me know what else I can add to it).

-JLB-

Who is the author of Change 101?

My friend and fellow blogger, Ken Mueller, has requested that I participate in a thread where bloggers introduce themselves to their readers by sharing seven interesting or weird facts about themselves. If for some reason you're interested in learning more about the author of Change 1o1, please click here and enjoy. :o)

-JLB-

Unveiling the needs of the world with video

A coworker of mine recently introduced me to Flip Video Spotlight -- a program dedicated to helping nonprofits make the world a better place by way of the power of video. Sounds interesting, right? Well, it is.

The program has a goal of delivering 1 million of their camcorders to qualified nonprofits over a five-year period, which began in Sept. 2007. The idea is to conceptualize the difference such videos could make if e very nonprofit had a camcorder to tell the world about problems that need solving, opportunities that need seizing, abuses that need correcting, stories that need to be told and so on. I think it could be incredible, don’t you?
The program was implemented by Pure Digital Technologies Inc. -- creators of Flip Video Ultra camcorders. The camcorders are high-quality devices with built-in software that allows editing, organizing and video publishing through YouTube, MySpace and other video-sharing spaces online. Plus they’re compact, lightweight and easy to operate.

So, how can you help? Individuals and groups can become Spotlight Sponsors and work directly with Flip Video Spotlight to donate funds to a nonprofit of their choice for the purchase of a Spotlight Kit. Or they can use giving networks like Network For Good or JustGive to make Spotlight Kit donations online.

The cost for a kit is $150. Each kit contains two 60-minute Flip Video Ultra camcorders and various training materials. Organizations interested in receiving a kit can apply here. Eligibility requirements can be found here.

Those interested in purchasing kits directly for an organization that might not meet the qualifications necessary to receive a kit can contact Marci Glazer, executive director, by sending an e-mail to spotlight@puredigitalinc.com.

-JLB-

Community love for a 4-year-old cancer patient

An entertaining and easy way to do a good deed is coming Lancaster County way this Saturday, Jan. 10, at Bube’s Brewery in Mount Joy. It’s also cheap, thanks to a $5 cover charge that will go directly to the cause at hand.

Beginning at 9 p.m., a benefit concert will begin in the Bottling Works at Bube’s to support Hannah Garman. At least nine local bands will be performing.

Hannah is a four-year-old native of Lancaster County who was diagnosed in October with a rare and aggressive cancerous brain tumor. The little lady has been through a few operations to remove the tumor, as well as some treatments in an attempt to cure her of the disease. The doctors have given Hannah 2-3 months to live without treatment. To boot, Hannah’s mother passed away several years ago from cancer, leaving father Darin to care for Hannah and her two older siblings.

All of the funds raised at the benefit concert will go to helping Hannah’s family with their tough situation. So come on out, have a couple of drinks and participate in the raffle. Anyone who wants to help out with the event (including making a donation for the raffle) can contact Todd Johnston at (717) 468-8807 or by sending an e-mail to todd@ksoundstudios.com.

More information on Hannah’s situation can be found by watching this video or this slideshow.

More information on the event can be found on Facebook.

-JLB-