Since starting on this gift giving journey I have been surprised by many things, but two in particular. #1-How many opportunities there are to give once I opened my heart. I have post-its on my desks of reminder of gifts and a file folder of gift giving ideas. Gift ideas are everywhere!#2- I’m realizing there are so many people and organizations doing some pretty cool things to make a difference.
With this said, I wish the news was filled more with #2 instead of all the doom and gloom we see today. No wonder so many people are negative and depressed. We are surrounded by negative and depressing information everywhere we turn. I challenge you to seek stories that are uplifting and put you in a good mood. I also encourage you to share those stories with others. Let’s start a revolution of positive and inspiring information filling our inboxes and facebook walls!I am fortunate to work for Cisco Systems, Inc., a company that makes giving back and volunteering a priority. Through Cisco, a sponsor of this event, I was presented an opportunity to donate to a service project related to Super Bowl XLVI called Super Basketsfor Hope.
According to their website, Super Baskets for Hope is the first service project in NFL history to extend its reach nationwide. Super Baskets for Hope will deliver gift-filled baskets to 7,000 hospitalized children in each of America’s 32 NFL cities. The outreach project is a collaborative effort of Riley Children’sFoundation, the Basket of Hope program, and former Indianapolis Colts coach, Tony Dungy.My gift on day #9 was a financial donation to Super Baskets for Hope. To donate or learn about what is in the baskets, check out Super Baskets of Hope website at http://www.superbasketsofhope.org/.