Mar 31, 2014

Day 90: Donated to The Food Trust





One Smile Every Day | I'm on a mission to make someone smile every day this year by completing acts of kindness | Day 90:  Donated to The Food Trust

Today is the last day of National Nutrition Month and I thought it was fitting to highlight an organization that supports access to nutritious food. The Food Trust works with neighborhoods, schools, grocers, farmers, and policy makers across the country to promote the availability of healthy food. Working as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, I witness the impact of food insecurity on the health status of many of my patients.  While there are programs and community resources available, more is needed to expand access to healthy food. Visit thefoodtrust.org to learn more :)

Mar 30, 2014

Day 89: Joined Amazon Smile



One Smile Every Day | I'm on a mission to make someone smile every day this year by completing acts of kindness | Day 89: Joined Amazon Smile

I heard about this wonderful opportunity to give back from my Instagram friend @kaps4walker. Amazon Smile will donate 0.5% of the price of eligible purchases to the charity of your choice! And with almost 1 million participating charitable organizations, you’ll be able to find your favorite. Amazon keeps bringing the smiles!! Check out my post for Day 5 to learn more about giving smiles through Amazon Wish Lists :)

Day 88: Celebrated Earth Hour




One Smile Every Day | I'm on a mission to make someone smile every day this year by completing acts of kindness | Day 88:  Celebrated Earth Hour

Tonight we celebrated Earth Hour and turned off the lights. Earth Hour is a movement organized by WWF to encourage communities to take action in protecting the environment. The first Earth Hour took place in Sydney, Australia in 2007 and has since grown into a worldwide event. During our Earth Hour, we spent quality time with some of our friends without worldly distractions. It was a pleasant and charming way to spend the evening :)

Mar 28, 2014

Day 87: Listened to a Salesman




One Smile Every Day | I'm on a mission to make someone smile every day this year by completing acts of kindness | Day 87:  Listened to a Salesman



A job in sales has to be extremely challenging. I think of my own first reaction when I hear that random knock on the door…pretend you’re not home! But today, a salesman came to my door and I decided to listen to what he had to say. He was pleasant and a great conversationalist! I actually learned a lot about lawn care during our discussion. While I didn’t sign up for service today, I think we both had a positive experience :)

Mar 27, 2014

Day 86: Remembered a Medal of Honor Recipient


One Smile Every Day | I'm on a mission to make someone smile every day this year by completing acts of kindness | Day 86:  Remembered a Medal of Honor Recipient


March 25th was National Medal of Honor Day, a holiday dedicated to members of the United States Armed Forces who have received the highest distinction awarded by the President, in the name of Congress, for valor in action against an enemy force. Unfortunately, many Americans are not even aware of this important day. I am saddened to say that I was one of those Americans.

 

After learning of National Medal of Honor Day, I wanted to research this important holiday and discover the incredible acts of bravery of the recipients. I came across a Hero who happened to be buried near my home. His name is Mr. Lewis R. Hall. Mr. Hall was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for “gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty” during an attack by Japanese forces on January 10, 1943 at Mount Austen, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands. Today, with the help of a friend, I was able to find his grave and we thanked Mr. Hall for his selfless sacrifice in protection of our freedom.



Here is his story:  As leader of a machinegun squad charged with the protection of other battalion units, his group was attacked by a superior number of Japanese, his gunner killed, his assistant gunner wounded, and an adjoining guncrew put out of action. Ordered to withdraw from his hazardous position, he refused to retire but rushed forward to the idle gun and with the aid of another soldier who joined him and held up the machinegun by the tripod to increase its field of action he opened fire and inflicted heavy casualties upon the enemy. While so engaged both these gallant soldiers were killed, but their sturdy defense was a decisive factor in the following success of the attacking battalion.”  This excerpt was transcribed from the Congressional Medal of Honor Society website. Please visit cmohs.org to learn more about the Medal of Honor recipients.