In the day and age of politicians demoralizing each other, terrorist threats, and police brutality issues, how can we make the world we live in a better place?

According to Beverly Anderson, executive director for Ebenezer Child Care Centers with locations in downtown Milwaukee, on Milwaukee’s southside, and in Oak Creek and Wauwatosa, “There are many simple ways we can make a positive difference in our world and teach our children how to do the same.”

Here are some ideas.

Donate to Those Less Fortunate
We all have items in our household that we no longer need.

Anderson says, “When you find yourself redecorating or cleaning out your closet, be sure to donate the items you no longer want to those less fortunate.”

The Next Door Foundation in Milwaukee http://www.nextdoormil.org/ collects children’s books. The Bottomless Closet http://communityadvocates.net/women/we_do/bottomless_closet/ accepts and distributes gently used business attire to those trying to enter the workforce. Stan’s Fit For Your Feet www.stansfootwear.com collects gently used footwear for area homeless shelters. Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin http://www.goodwillsew.com/ accepts clothing and household items. And, Hunger Task Force https://www.hungertaskforce.org/ accepts donations of food which are given to area foodbanks and impoverished families.

“All of these organizations are doing wonderful things to help others and will gladly accept your donations.”

Volunteer
According to Anderson, “There are many organizations in our community looking for help. In addition, volunteering as a family can be a really wonderful way for families to spend quality time together. From serving as a troop leader for your son or daughter’s scouting group, to helping teach Sunday school at your church, there are many ways your volunteering can better connect with your child.”

In the community, Milwaukee Rescue Mission https://www.milmission.org/volunteer/ has many opportunities for you to help the poor. If you are an animal lover, the Wisconsin Humane Society http://www.wihumane.org/volunteer also has many ways you can volunteer. Finally, the Ronald McDonald House http://rmhcmilwaukee.org/how-to-help/volunteer/ as well as many local hospitals are always in need of volunteers.

Go Green
Anderson says, “April 22nd is Earth Day, and it is a great time to remember that being environmentally conscientious will help make the world a better place for our children.”

“Take your own recyclable bags grocery shopping. To conserve water, turn it off while you brush your teeth, take sensible showers, and only run the dishwasher and washing machine when they are full. To conserve fuel, get a programmable thermostat for your home, rideshare, and try to drive less by walking or biking more. To help with global food shortages, grow a garden, raise chickens, or harvest bees.”

“Little changes in your lifestyle can go a long way in helping our environment.”

Speak Kindly
Anderson says never underestimate the positive impact you can have on the world by simply speaking kindly to those around you.

“Giving compliments and recognizing people for their efforts helps make them feel great. It teaches them that they matter, and that their positive actions are worth the extra effort.”

Anderson adds, “When people feel good about themselves, they are more productive and radiate their positive energy onto others. We all stand to gain a great deal by being kind to each other.”

Ebenezer Child Care Centers is a not-for-profit, locally based agency committed to providing early childhood programs from the heart. The agency prides itself on being different from other child care providers in that it offers a home-like atmosphere; individualized, nurturing care; and a structured curriculum that is virtues-based for every child’s developmental stage.

Every Ebenezer Child Care Center focuses on all aspects of a child’s development: cognitive, physical, emotional, and social. In addition to providing quality care, the agency also offers free Parenting Talks and other educational programming all aimed at helping parents.

The agency has locations in downtown Milwaukee, on Milwaukee’s southside, and in Oak Creek and Wauwatosa. The agency’s main office is located at 1496 South 29th Street, Milwaukee. For more information, please call 414-643-5070 or visit the agency’s website at www.ebenezerchildcare.com.