Everyone can do SOMETHING!

One of my favorite quotes is "If ever you want to brighten your day, just help someone along your way."

As for many people, our family doesn't have a lot of extra money lying around or available time on its hands. Children tend to make sure those two commodities are always a bit tight.

My husband, Rick, came up with a great idea on how we could "do something" to help others in our community without exhausting our money or our time.

He suggested we try buying one personal care item each week when we make our weekly grocery trip to the store. We buy everything from deodorant and toilet paper to laundry detergent and feminine products. Did you know that a Bridge Card (aka Food Stamps) cannot be used for such purchases?

All in all, the cost is only a few dollars a week. We save up our items for a few weeks and then make a family trip to our local food pantry to drop them off. It is so rewarding knowing that you are helping someone and doing something to better your community.

So, for a few dollars here and there, we are not only helping our fellow neighbors, but we are teaching a valuable life lesson to our daughter (Evie) whom we want to grow up knowing it's everyone's responsibility to do SOMETHING.

If you'd like more information on what food pantry serves your area and what items they need to have donated, consider calling 2-1-1 or visit www.accessofwestmichigan.org.

Finding a way to give back that fits your time and budget is key! You're more likely to stick with it and that results in lasting change!

I encourage everyone to DO SOMETHING! Look within your own means and decide what you can do. Every little bit helps and you get such emotional happiness from helping others. Give it a try!