As the new year approaches, people often make resolutions to donate money to a charity.

Donating one's time as a volunteer is an option that Illinois' Meals on Wheels food delivery program values highly.

For a few hours per week, route packers stock insulated bags with nutritious meals for the delivery drivers. Other individuals help with kitchen prep.

Meals on Wheels Foundation of Northern Illinois volunteer Cheryl Spangler said meal recipients depend on the beloved organization.

"They are very, very grateful," said Spangler. "I've had several clients that have made the comment that if it wasn't for the Meals on Wheels, they don't think they would have survived."

Those who can't regularly consume healthy meals can include the homebound, surgery patients, or those with physical or mental challenges.

During a visit, a volunteer driver can conduct a quick wellness check. According to the chapter's website, more than 500 volunteers delivered over 100,000 hot and cold meals every week last year.

All delivery drivers must be at least 21 years old, and have a valid driver's license, current car insurance, and a clean driving record.

Spangler has volunteered for ten years since retiring from work. She said she likes chatting with members of the older population during her deliveries, because they have a "ton of knowledge."

"It is a great way to give back if you have the time," said Spangler. "It's a great way to give back in your community. It's very rewarding. You have an increased empathy for the struggle of others. It helps you be grateful for what we have, and you meet a lot of great people."

According to Helpguide.org, volunteering can increase one's social and relationship skills, improve physical health, and provide a sense of purpose.

For information on volunteering, contact mealsonwheelsnei.org.

The application process is underway for a new grant program in Arkansas. The Community Assistance Grant Program is designed to help fill funding gaps for various organizations across the state.

Jennifer Emerson, deputy director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, said it hopes to help groups reach more people.

"To create economic opportunity, attract higher-paying jobs and generating positive growth throughout Arkansas," said Emerson. "And it is able to provide grant funds to nonprofit organizations, to cities, counties for various different types of eligible community and economic development projects."

Grantees will be required to match awards with cash, in-kind labor, or in-kind land. Applications are available at arkansasEDC.com and will be accepted through July 31.

Nonprofits can use the funding to fight childhood food insecurity, address unemployment, help with housing, and support crime victims.

Emerson said having additional ways to match the funding makes more groups eligible and can bring communities together.

"The matching point is one of those ways where you can really show community involvement," said Emerson. "Where you've got donated labor - helping hands. I might not be able to give you money, but I can come spend five hours with you on a Saturday to help paint a building or pass out meals."

Officials say the grants are part of a statewide effort to improve quality of life in the Natural State. Applicants can receive up to $1.5 million.





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Large wildfires have ravaged parts of northeastern Minnesota and relief organizations are out in full force to assist displaced residents.

They said monetary donations help, while hoping others are inspired to volunteer in the future. As of midweek, state and local leaders said the fires have destroyed roughly 150 structures and a number of homes are under evacuation orders.

Dave Schoeneck, a public affairs volunteer for the Minnesota and Dakotas Region of the American Red Cross, said because there are a lot of cabins in the region, it's hard to say yet how many people are without a place to live long-term. In the meantime, the Red Cross is set up at evacuation centers, where those affected can get short-term help.

"We are assisting folks coming in there who need a shelter or a place to refresh themselves, to get food and hydration and replacing lost medications," Schoeneck explained.

He noted monetary donations ensure the Red Cross is well-stocked with supplies and people should avoid donating such items as water and clothing because of the potential for logistical problems.

For future disasters, Schoeneck pointed out response crews always welcome additional volunteers. There is training for emergency shelter management, information gathering and other roles.

Katy Lofquist, creative director for the United Way of Northeastern Minnesota, echoed the call for donating money, if someone wants to help right away. Her organization is gearing up for assisting residents with recovery needs once the fire threat fades. Even if they have temporary shelter, there is an overwhelming sense of need.

"Especially in the case of a fire, people are so shaken, they don't know where to go or what to do next," Lofquist observed.

The fires come after widespread flooding affected the region last year. For the wildfires, United Way chapters in the northeast part of the state are setting up special recovery funds for donations. Lofquist stressed victims traditionally have to apply for the aid, and 100% of funds raised go directly to those who need it.


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Montana's wildfire risk is 74% higher than other states, so experts are encouraging Montanans to think ahead Saturday on Wildfire Community Preparedness Day.

When wildfires ignite homes, an ember or small flame is usually to blame, according to the National Fire Protection Association. That means prep work in the "immediate zone" - or the five feet surrounding a home - is effective.

Anne Cope, chief engineer for the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, said that zone is critical because that's where wind eddies deposit embers and where flammable materials including mulch, bushes and stacked firewood tend to be.

"When you bring those two things together, boom, that's where that teeny little fire is gonna start, that you could have just stomped out with your boot," she said. "That is sadly what's going to take down a house."

Cleaning roofs and gutters, installing metal mesh screening over open vents, repairing damaged shingles and window screens and removing items stored under porches are simple ways to prepare for wildfire season.

A home's "intermediate zone" ranges five to 30 feet out and its "extended zone" could reach as far as 200 feet. In these areas, experts suggest paying attention to decks and patios, walkways, the height of mowed grass, dead foliage, as well as the density of shrubs and plants and the distances between them.

Cope said it's effective for neighbors to tackle these together.

"It is amazing how much that can do," she said, "how much it reduces the likelihood of your home igniting and then taking down all your friends on the cul-de-sac."

Nearly a half-million homes in Montana are directly exposed to wildfire risk, meaning they could ignite by adjacent vegetation, flying embers or nearby structures.


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