Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Life

Tag: charity

  • Make A Difference

    Open your heart and discover several ways you can make a difference and give back. Remember, something that feels small to one person might significantly impact another. Consider donating unused gift cards to charity or buying a child a set of building blocks they can play with for years to come.

    Here are five ways you can give back this season:

    1. Many of us have a stack of unused gift cards in our wallets or a few collecting dust in our junk drawers. According to Bankrate, 51% of U.S. adults have unused gift cards, and the average person is leaving $116 on the table. Instead of leaving the cards or money behind, donate them. There are several websites and companies that can take the remaining balance and provide money to those in need. It’s easy, fast, and can help others that are not as fortunate. charitygiftcertificates.org
    2. Get out there and give back! Whether you are interested in donating your time, money, or skills, check out volunteermatch.org for a variety of ways you can help others. If you prefer volunteering virtually, there are plenty of options for that as well. See how you can make a difference in someone else’s life.
    3. Put a smile on a child’s face and donate gifts and toys to those less fortunate. There are many children whose parents or caregivers cannot afford to buy them gifts during the holiday season so let’s make sure every kid has something to enjoy. When purchasing a toy, consider buying items that can be used many times. Here are a few recommendations:
      a. Boardgames
      b. Arts Supply Kits – with markers, crayons, or pencils they can continue using
      c. LEGOS
      d. Building Sets and Blocks
      e. Playdoh
      f. Animal Toy Sets
      g. Lite Brite
    4. Write holiday cards to people in nursing homes who might not have family or friends that reach out. A letter or card can go a long way and make people feel heard and valued.
    5. Do you enjoy baking? Whip up desserts and tasty treats for a neighbor, coworker, or friend. Unwrap a few yummy recipes below:

    a. Chocolate Caramel Monkey Bread
    b. 26 Classic Christmas Cookie Recipes
    c. Brownie Pops
    d. Gluten Free Peanut Butter Cookies
    e. 25 of the Best Cupcake Recipes

  • New Story Update – BHGRE Season of Sharing

    This holiday season, we are asking you to consider joining New Story and Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate in building safe communities and providing a better future for those in need.  

    It’s currently estimated that about three billion people will live without access to adequate shelter by 2050. In places such as Ahuachapán, El Salvador, the location of our sponsored communities, many families live in dangerous conditions without clean water and sanitation. According to New Story, only 7% of families previously reported having access to clean water. Many of the residents residing in these impoverished conditions make shelters using rusty sheet metal, plastic tarps, and garbage bags. Together we can help improve the quality of their lives.  

    Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate is proud of its partnership with New Story–an organization dedicated to ending global homelessness. Together we work to transform slums into sustainable communities. Leaders like Christine Zoeller, VP of Marketing at BHGRE®, strive to develop ways to weave giving back into the fabric of the organizational culture. “The Better Homes and Gardens ® Real Estate brand is focused on helping people find their perfect home, and New Story is doing the same — just for those who are in need of homes the most.”  

    Building a new life: 

    A home is the foundation every family needs to thrive. The homes built provide safety and shelter and are wired for electricity, running water, and plumbing allowing the families who inhabit them to spend time working and learning rather than struggling to obtain things needed to survive. The homes are even eco-friendly, and the families gain a backyard suitable for gardening and growing their own food. The funds raised through our partnership are allocated to build communities that invest in the local economy, and the labor and building materials are all sourced directly from Ahuachapán. 

    The impact: 

    Two of our communities in the Nuevo Cuscatlán area have seen drastic improvements. Between 40-45% of the people in these programs were children who now have a roof over their heads, a floor under their feet, and a place to feel safe. About 60% previously had dirt or soil floors, now have concrete, and everyone now has access to clean drinking water–which significantly improved health conditions. These families have reported feeling safer and improved sleep quality, due to better living conditions. Salaried employment has also increased. According to New Story, in the Ahuachapan 2 community, salaried employment increased by 26% over the course of two years, and 14% more families started earning their primary income through small businesses and small-scale commerce.

    How you can help: 

    We’re excited to announce that nearly 500 miles southeast of Mexico City lies Innovation Village. It will be a revolutionary community, built on the pillars of partnership, technology, and human-centered methodology. Long term, there will be 500 homes. Let’s work together to provide families with affordable housing using world-renowned innovation. Raising funds and building safer homes improve their health, increase their educational opportunities, and enable brighter futures for generations to come. 100% of your donation funds home construction. Read more about the project here.  

    Donate today and change a family’s life forever.  

     

    Click here to view all the Season of Sharing articles.

     

  • Ways to Give Back – BHGRE Season of Sharing

    It’s the season of sharing, so open your heart and discover several ways you can make a difference. 2020 has been an especially difficult year, but we must remember what is important and help those less fortunate. There are numerous ways to give back, and something that might seem small to one person can have a significant impact on another.  

    • Many parents are trying to work full time while also teaching or monitoring their children, which can be a bit overwhelming. Lend a helping hand by offering tutoring services. This not only helps kids learn but can allow parents to focus on work and other things. Plus, you can do it all virtually!  
    • If you are looking for new ways to give back virtually check out volunteermatch.org for tons of ways you can help out others no matter where you are.   
    • Donate gifts and toys to those who might not be able to afford their own. You could also hold a toy drive and collect items from friends and family.  
    • Here are some ideas of gifts you can make at home: weighted blankets, fabric covered journal, tie dyed clothing, easy sewing projects, handmade items, cute crocheted gifts for kids  
    • Donate clothes and warm weather items! You might have lots of clothing you haven’t warn in years that could benefit many people. If you can purchase items many people will be in need of socks, hats, warm clothing, mittens, and blankets as it starts to get colder outside.  
    • Write holiday cards to people in nursing homes and other people who are not able to have visitors. A letter or small drawing can go a long way and make people feel heard and important.  
    • Help neighbors with tasks around their home or run errands for them. People might need help raking leaves, cleaning out their gutters, shoveling snow, or picking up groceries and other items.  
    • Foster a pet. Look into local shelters that need foster families and help save a furry friend! If you cannot foster a pet, you could also donate supplies to nearby shelters.   
    • Participate in a blood drive or donate blood at a local center.  
    • Bringing someone baked goods or food will surly put a smile on someone’s face! Here are some things you could whip up for a neighbor or a hungry family.  

    BHGRE Gives Back

    Discover local events and ways to give back all over the country. See what our BHGRE community experts are doing near you.

    Prescott, Arizona

    Events submitted by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate BloomTree

    Coats for Kids

    Now through December 14, drop your used /new coats, sweaters, and other donations off at any participating PUSD school, store location, REALTOR office, PAAR office on Karicio Lane, or call AJ Sheridan at 928.308.6780 for pick up. This drive is in memory of Don Shaffer and is sponsored by the Prescott Association of REALTORS.

    BHGRE BloomTree Agents are participating in a pumpkin decorating contest. BHGRE BloomTree will be donating an additional coat for each pumpkin submitted.

    Door Decorating Content

    The BHGRE BloomTree office is also participating in a office door decorating contest, in which the winning broker will win $500 for the local charity of their choice.

    Merced, California

    Events submitted by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Everything Real Estate

    Merced County Food Bank

    With food prices skyrocketing, unemployment higher than it has been in years, and a virus that targets many individuals; especially the Senior citizens in our communities the need has doubled. In an effort to continue to help support our Seniors, Merced County Food Bank is having its 7th Annual Sharing the Harvest with Grateful Hearts Event. All proceeds will benefit our Senior Brown Bag Program. We hope you can join us November 14th in supporting these deserving seniors by considering a Sponsorships for the Fundraiser. If you can’t attend the event any support would be greatly appreciated. It costs only $60 to feed a Senior citizen for an entire year. For more information call 209.726.3663 or email jth@mmcfb.

    Southern California

    Events submitted by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Champions

    Collecting Bikes

    BHGRE Champions Office is involved with the Chamber of Commerce to give away 30 bicycles to needy children at 2 area elementary schools. We are part of several companies involved in this endeavor. Jenson USA is donating the bikes and helmets. Other companies are donating kickstands, bike locks, goodie bags filled with school and sports supplies. Our part is water bottles and helping to coordinate the effort. BHGRE Champions has a vice chair position on it for this year.

    Monroe, Connecticut

    Events submitted by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gaetano Marra Homes

    Thanksgiving Food Drive

    Help donate to the hungry this season. Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gaetano Marra Homes in collaboration with the Greater Bridgeport Board of REALTORS isholding a Holiday Food Drive. Please help by donating non-perishable food items to help benefit the Merton Pantry. Drop off at 588 Monroe Turnpike through November 20.

    Flagler Beach, Florida

    Events submitted by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Synergy

    Be a Santa to Seniors

    Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Synergy is working with Be a Santa to Seniors to collect items using a contactless gift-giving experience, providing joy and safety to all involved. A tree can be found at their Flager Beach location. More info at BeaSantatoaSenior.com.

    Gainesville, Florida

    Events submitted by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Thomas Group

    Food Drive

    Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Thomas Group conducted a food drive for their local food pantry, Break of the Mighty Food Bank. There is almost triple the need this holiday season.

    Boise, Idaho

    Events submitted by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate 43° North

    St. Jude’s Dream Home Giveaway

    Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate 43 North partnered with Berkeley Home Builders in Boise, Idaho to help build the St. Jude’s 2021 home. They held a fundraiser where 100% of the proceeds went directly to the St Jude’s Research Foundation. Visitors were able, for a small donation, sign a 2×4 that is going to be used in the construction of the home that will break ground in early spring. Tickets for the home drawing will be available for $100 and will go on sale in early spring.

    Christmas for Kiddo’s

    Better Homes and Gardens 43 North will be sponsoring several families this christmas through the West Ada School District to help give these families a holiday to remember!

    Ronald McDonald House Charities

    Better Homes and Gardens 43 North will be providing dinner recipes and all items needed to cook meals through out this holiday season even though we can’t be with them in person due to covid, it is their way to continue supporting families struck by illness & disease.

    Maine

    Events Submitted by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate The Masiello Group

    When COVID hit in March and so many people started losing their jobs, we knew that the draw from the local food banks would be higher than ever. We launched Masiello Cares (www.masiellocares.com) and have raised enough funding to provide more than 34,000 meals throughout Maine, NH and VT.

    Bangor, Maine: “Free the Z” a local turkey drive put on by Z107.3 radio station

    Bangor, Maine: The local Bangor office will be adopting a local family and providing them with Christmas gifts.

    Gorham, Maine: Toys for Tots for the Marines

    Gorham and Windham, Maine: The local offices will be participating in a local coat drive to collect kids coats along with WCSH6.

    Winchester, Massachusetts

    Events submitted by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate The Shanahan Group

    Turkey Trot

    Join Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate The Shanahan Group and the En Ka Society for their first Virtual Turkey Trot on Thursday, November 26 through Sunday November 29 on your own time wherever you are. Kids and adults can walk, trot or run the 5k race to raise funds for the Winchester community. Register here for $30 / adult or $10 / child.

    Minnesota

    Events submitted by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate All Seasons

    Hope for the Holidays

    Join BHGRE All Seasons for Hope for the Holidays! Through this program, our brokerage has “adopted” a number of senior citizens and will be providing them with household goods and small gifts to let them know they are not alone this holiday season. For our seniors who have been living in isolation due to the pandemic, this is a great way to bring seasonal cheer into their homes in a safe and supportive way.

    Now through December 11, drop your donations off at either our Chanhassen or Minnetonka offices. Greatest needs are currently puzzles, dish soap, towels, kleenex, coffee, and paper towels.

    Toy Collection

    Join the BHGRE All Seasons toy drive! Donate your unwrapped new or gently used toys to our office at 495 US Highway 10 in Detroit Lakes anytime between now and December 23, and we’ll get them to the kids and families in our community who could use a little extra Christmas cheer.

     

    Las Vegas, Nevada

    Events submitted by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Universal

    Partnership for Homeless Youth

    BHGRE Universal is collecting items for homeless teens and young adults. You can get involved by donating off this Amazon list.

     

    Keene, New Hampshire

    Events Submitted by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate The Masiello Group

    When COVID hit in March and so many people started losing their jobs, we knew that the draw from the local food banks would be higher than ever. We launched Masiello Cares (www.masiellocares.com) and have raised enough funding to provide more than 34,000 meals throughout Maine, NH and VT.

    Toys for Tots for the Marines

    New Jersey

    Event submitted by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Coccia Realty

    Coccia Realty’s Annual Coat Drive

    Help keep those in need warm this winter. BHGRE Coccia Realty is collecting new or gently used coats, gloves, jackets, mittens, scarves, and hats.

    Drop off at your local BHGRE Coccia Realty office in Kearny, Lyndhurst, Rutherford or Secaucus through November 15, 2020.

    Pennsylvania

    Events submitted by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Community Realty

    Backpack Drive for the Homeless 

    Bring a backpack filled with gloves, hat, scarf, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, socks, hand sanitizer, and a blanket to 508 Bridge Street in Phoenixville.

    Tennessee

    Events submitted by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gwin Realty

    Fairfield Glade Resident Services

    Each year BHGRE Gwin Realty takes the opportunity to celebrate their growing family of clients and friends with an evening of great food, music, and laughter. Although this year’s event was canceled, they decided to use the money to help those at Fairfield Glade Resident Services. FGRS is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to the concept of neighbors helping neighbors through life’s difficulties. Nutritious home-delivered meals, essential rides for those who cannot drive, and companionship for housebound residents needing human interaction, are just a few of the services offered by neighborhood volunteers.

    Dallas, Texas

    Events submitted by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Winans

    Toy Collection

    Our staff and agents collect toys each year for a pre-kindergarten school in the DFW area. This is the 34th year that the school has collected toys for the holiday season where about 91% of their students’ families are well below the poverty line. Without these gifts, many of the students wouldn’t have any gifts to open on Christmas morning. When each family comes to pick up their children’s gifts, they are asked to bring at least one canned food item that is then donated to an area food bank in order to pay it forward. Last year we donated 300 toys and are aiming to beat that this year! We know that this year more than ever, they will need our support and we are happy to help provide for these families in need.

    Virginia

    Events submitted by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Base Camp

    Winter Coat Drive

    Bring in your gently used winter coats to one of the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Base Camp locations. All coats collected will go to the Coats for KidsProgram for distribution to Central Virginia’s families in need. Drop off through November 7. Monday – Friday 8 AM – 4:30 PM ET, and Saturday from 10 AM – 2 PM ET.

    West Virginia

    Events submitted by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Central

    Mountain Mission & Toys for Tots

    Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Central is currently volunteering and collecting items for a local charity Mountain Mission. They have drop off sites for items at each of our office locations and are also collecting new, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots at the offices.

     

    Click here to view all the Season of Sharing articles.

  • A Charitable Twist to Your Next Yard Sale

    By Chris Zoeller

    With summer in full swing, garage and yard sales are popping up all over the neighborhood. While your typical yard sale might involve a family clearing out unwanted goods in exchange for cold, harsh cash, why not host one to get rid of your unwanted belongings and give to those in need?

    If you’re planning a yard or garage sale to de-clutter your home, or looking for creative ways to raise money for a good cause, check out our tips for having a hassle-free yard sale!


    A Charitable Twist to Your Next Yard Sale - bhgrelife.com

    Spread the Word

    • Market your sale in your local community at places like day care centers, churches, grocery stores and neighborhood businesses.
    • Share the info on social media by creating an event on Facebook or simply using the #YardSale hashtag on Twitter to get the attention of followers in your community. (Do not post your address on social media, instead, try something like, “We’re having a #YardSale today in Parsippany, NJ from 2-6PM! Message me for details!”)
    • If you’re having a yard sale for charity, be sure to let everyone know! Who doesn’t love giving to a good cause