textiles that fill over 7% of trash in landfills. Old clothing, shoes and other fabrics no longer reusable can be dropped in special containers in Norfolk centers where they are recycled into new textiles and shipped overseas. Keep Norfolk Beautiful. 757.441.1347

doggie doo-doo right. Perf Go Green bags are 100% biodegradable, meaning that in 12-24 months, the whole package will have disappeared, leaving only nature in its place. perfgogreen.com­

cartridges for CHKD Kids. Take empty ink jet and laser cartridges, used cell phones and laptops to a CHKD Thrift Store in Hampton Roads. www.kingsdaughters.org/thriftstores­

cervical cancer. The second leading cause of death from cancer in women worldwide, at least ten women die of it per day in this country. August is National Immunization Awareness month ­and Planned Parenthood wants the public to be aware of being vaccinated against HPV ­cdc.gov.

on this: Good Foods, 455 Southland Drive, along with 70 co-ops nationwide, is hosting the “Eat Local America” challenge during August, inviting residents to try consuming 80 percent of their diets from food grown or produced locally. Challenge packets available at the Food for Thought booth near the produce. Learn more at: ­­www.eatlocalamerica.coop/  and ­www.goodfoods.coop/.­

on your sense of community by helping with the Lexington Habitat for Humanity’s Women’s Build 2008. Volunteers are needed at the work site on Aug. 1, 2, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23. Contact James Britt at 859.252.2224, ext. 108, for location and details. E-mail: jamesb@lexhabitat.org

a Bluegrass Rape Crisis Center volunteer by completing a 40-hour training program in September. Must be at least 20 years old. Volunteers help out on the crisis line and serve as medical advocates. Help is needed in all 17 Central Kentucky counties. Contact Beth McRoberts, 859.253.2615 bluegrassrapecrisis.org

for the Carnegie Center Afterschool Tutoring Program. Tutor a student (grades K-12) for one hour a week in reading, writing, math or ESL. Must be at least 16 and undergo a background check. The program runs from September through April. Call Laura Whitaker, 859.254.4175. carnegieliteracy.org    

the Arts Fund of Santa Barbara while experiencing the award-winning SBSA Open Studio Tour. This Opening Gala Exhibition is August 29 at the Santa Barbara Gallery. 805.899.8854 or santabarbarastudioartists.com.

your sisters and write for our rights on U.S. Women’s Equality Day (August 24) at E.P. Foster Library, Ventura. The date commemorates the passage of the 19th amendment which gave women full voting rights in 1920. ppsbvslo.org or 805.677.5560.

on the beach in support of the Surfrider Foundation; protector of our oceans and beaches. Aloha Beach Festival at Ventura Pier & Promenade on August 24 from 9am-6pm is free. alohabeachfestival.com or 805.984.6333. Surf, rodeo, live entertainment and the sharing of aloha spirit.

in the fun at The United Women’s Leadership Council Girls’ Night Out on August 4 to benefit area female foster youth. 5pm-8pm at Boccaccio’s Restaurant in Westlake Village. Hors d’oeuvres, no host bar, silent auction featured. vcunitedway.org 805.485.6288, ext. 221

your seniors. Join in on the 23rd Annual Ultimate Dining Experience presented by Senior Health Concerns on August 3. Senior Concerns prepares and delivers 47,304 meals to homebound seniors yearly. Hyatt Westlake Plaza – 5-10pm. 805.497.0189 or seniorconcerns.org.

a superhero and help a kid learn to write. 826 Valencia is a writing center co-founded by author Dave Eggers designed to support students ages 6 to 18 with their writing skills, and to help teachers get their students excited about the writing—all of this disguised as a superhero “supply store.” Besides offering free tutoring, classroom visits, field trips, student publishing and even scholarships, 826 shows kids that writing is fun—it can even turn you into a superhero. 826 Valencia has now grown into a non-profit organization with centers all over the country.

ahead. Hurricane season affects residents across the Southeast and forecasters are already saying (like usual) that this season’s gonna be a doozie. Know your escape routes and learn how to prevent detrimental impacts of hurricanes, whether it be wind or water-related. Visit www.fema.gov/hazard/hurricane for pointers.

with your cash. In the last 30 years, American women have seen their incomes rise more than 60 percent, yet they still lag far behind men when it comes to turning those dollars into political contributions, according to the Women's Campaign Forum Foundation. Less than one-third of donations to candidates, political parties and political action committees come from women, according to the center.

the spirit of Christmas alive all year for needy children around the world. Operation Christmas Child is the world’s largest Christmas project, responsible for hand-delivering more than 61 million shoe boxes filled with gifts to suffering youngsters in some 90 countries struck by natural disaster, disease, war, terrorism, famine and poverty. Though the gifts are given at Christmas, donations and support are needed year-round. Call 800.353.5949 or samaritanspurse.org to see how you can help.

old clothes new life by making them into art that raises awareness of minority migration. Join the Women’s Caucus for Art in donating your old t-shirts to help artist Margaret Parker. Her installation will be a tunnel made of reconstructed t-shirts from Latin American countries that viewers can walk through to follow in the footsteps of those caught in the cycle of migration between Latin America and the United States. For more information, www.margaretparkerstudio.com or contact Margaret at mparkerst@gmail.com.

five minutes to care.  Visit coolpeoplecare.org to sign up for a daily newsletter that suggests simple ways to donate just five minutes a day for a greater good.            

with your heart and consider contributing to the American Heart Association.  The association is looking for volunteers to help with office tasks, plan special events and increase awareness about heart disease (the # 1 killer in the nation).  To find out more, visit americanheart.org.

your money; change the world.  At climatecounts.org, you can see which companies are making progress in stopping climate change and which are stuck, and download a pocket shopping guide to help you remember.

your kids’ health by protecting them from harmful infections and disease. Update your child’s vaccination records during August, National Immunization Awareness month. nationalacademies.org

your neighbors and millions of others to tackle the issues of community safety and criminal activity by participating in the annual National Night out against crime August 5. nationalnightout.org

­kind! Help support the kindness revolution by nominating an employee for the spirt of kindness award, becoming a member, making a corporate donation, participating in “days of kindness” or becoming a volunteer advocate. Read more on the­ kindnessrevolution.net­. Deadline to nominate is August 15th.

a bus for Hootie & The Blowfish. Their Homegrown Tour lands in Charleston on August 15 and benefits local teachers and students. Fans are asked to bring a school supply item with them to the show and they are then distributed among local schools in need.

your historic city by making a contribution to the Historic Charleston Foundation. Your donation will help preserve the history and character of Charleston by supporting restoration, education, and the continued success of events like the annual spring Festival of Houses and Gardens. Visit historiccharleston.org to find out how you can donate.

at the 6th Annual First Day Festival on Sunday, August 17 at Liberty Square at the SC Aquarium and The Charleston Maritime Center. The festival celebrates education and the start of the new school year. Volunteers are needed to assist with games, exhibitors, boat rides, the food court, and more. Shifts are available between 9-4:30pm. Visit charlestoncity.info­ or call Whittney at 965-4190 for more information.

your resources with those of other women and realize your power to create change.  Women in Philanthropy welcomes women of every age and income level who want to learn how they can put philanthropy into action; womeninphilanthropy.com.

lunch out and give the money you save to Harvest Hope.  The rising cost of food and gas means more families are depending on this local food bank.  To make a contribution through the Skip-A-Lunch program, click on Get Involved at harvesthope.org.

Gullah culture and history at a three-day festival in Charleston, August 22-24, that includes food, music, tours, ceremonies and a Saturday morning ancestral tribute boat ride in Charleston Harbor.  Complete schedule at web.mac.com/gullahgeecheenation.

the marathon to beat leukemia and lymphoma.  You raise money; Team in Training provides the coaching you need and a guaranteed spot in one of several marathons across the country.  Teams are forming now.  Learn more at teamintraining.org/sc.

women who are escaping domestic violence.  Sistercare provides emergency shelter for these women and their children.  Check their online wish list to see how donating simple items such as alarm clocks and baby wipes can help these families feel more at home; at sistercare.com.

with Sunday Afternoon Music at the Morris. Help prepare, set up and serve refreshments, greet guests, offer printed materials, locate seats in the auditorium, and listen to talented musical performances. 706.724.7501 or themorris.org. 

women undergoing cancer treatment how to enhance their appearance using make-up and how to disguise hair loss with wigs, turbans, scarves, and accessories. If you’re a certified cosmetologist and would like to help cancer patients “Look Good…Feel Better,” call 706.731.9900 by August 8 to enroll in the certification class. 

or foster a greyhound. Greyhound Friends of Augusta, Inc. has several loyal, loving, and obedient retired greyhounds ready to be your new best friend. A racing greyhound’s career is demanding, challenging, and in many circumstances demeaning. To give a “greyt” hardworking canine a home, call 706.796.1708 or email greykiss@aol.com.  

the heat at Earthwatch Institute’s icy cool campaign kickoff party, Aug. 14 at the Museum of Science’s Washburn Pavilion. Earthwatch.org              

to dream at the Citywide Girls Summit, Aug. 16 at Simmons College. FREE. RSVP: erika.butler@cityofboston.gov  or 617.635.4920, ext. 2314. cityofboston.gov/bcyf 

nominating someone you know for the Mass. Conference on Women’s Be the Change Award. For information see www.maconferenceforwomen.org/conference/bethechange.htm.

on the debate over creating a state board to regulate midwifery in Mass. by calling your senator or state rep about Senate Bill 2636. Learn more at www.nursemidwivesinmass.org/MCM.html.

Women and raise funds for the Women’s Center of Jacksonville at their 13th annual Celebration of Women on August 22 from 6:30-9pm in the Main Street Conference Center at Jacksonville Public Library. Buy tickets at 904.722.3000.­

off with The Ultimate Jet-Set Getaway Fashion Show & Luncheon at the Sawgrass Marriott on August 13 at 11am benefiting Angelwood’s programs for children with developmental disabilities. 904.288.7259, ext. 19

at Learn to Read Jacksonville to provide free basic literacy education to adults in Duval county. Help cut down the waiting list by volunteering your time to tutor training on August 7 and 9. Register or call 904.399.8894.

­green with Native Sun. Every time you purchase a Native Sun Treecycle reusable grocery bag, they will donate 5 cents to Greenscape of Jacksonville, a local non-profit organization that plants trees in Jacksonville.

The League of Women Voters of Jacksonville/First Coast, a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation of citizens in government.  For details, contact katierossjax@gmail.com.  

five minutes to care. Visit coolpeoplecare.org to sign up for a daily newsletter that suggests simple ways to donate just five minutes a day for a greater good.

art at First Light Shelter’s art shop, located at 2230 Fourth Avenue every Friday. Proceeds go towards Birmingham women and children without homes. Read more at firstlightshelter.org.

to add donation money to a list of local charities every time you order groceries from the Red Mountain Market. redmountainmarket.com

it over to the YWCA to donate. Check ywcabham.org for a list of books on the Family Violence Center Wish list. Other needs are also listed here. Call 322.9922 for more information.

out at this year’s Fourth Annual Birmingham Chicks Rockfest. Join Desiree (Peanut) Fitts and other female artists at Workplay on August 15 from 9:00 p.m. until 1:00 a.m. Check myspace.com/birminghamchicksrockfest for event information.

to the lives of disabled children at the HorseFriends Farms of Guilford County. Volunteers are needed to enhance the lives of youth needs by providing horse riding therapeutic sessions. Training is included. 336.420.4588

women who love to sew and help create memorial quilts for those who lost their lives to HIV/AIDS this year. The quilts will be showcased in museums in Washington, D.C. Contact Melva Florance of The LaStraw at 336.987.9676 for details.

young people develop academically by joining members of “Stepping It Up” as they tutor 7th graders from Guilford County schools. Students will be a part of a unique curriculum centered on culture and liberal arts. 336.230.2138 or 336.256.0858

with your heart and consider contributing to the American Heart Association. The association is looking for volunteers to help with office tasks, plan special events and increase awareness about heart disease (the No. 1 killer in the nation). To find out more visit americanheart.org.

a few hours each week to giving back. Volunteer to answer phones and greet visitors at the Volunteer Center of Greensboro. The center is a recruiting hub for those interested in getting active in the community. 336.373.1633

the elderly. Riverview Health and Rehabilitation Center is seeking folks to join its troop of devoted, smiling volunteers. Sixty percent of nursing home residents never receive a guest – just a few hours a month brings so much joy! 912.354.8225 or rgrier@riverviewhealth.net.

Your local League of Women Voters. Dedicated to “making democracy work,” these non-partisan, all-inclusive (yes, men can join, too) groups are gearing up for voter registration drives and need your help! South Carolina and Georgia respectively rank 47th and 48th in voter turnout – surely we can do better than that. Contact lwvsc.org

your prettiest dress for the Pink & Black Gala. The annual event raises consciousness and funds for local breast cancer programs with fine food, dancing, community exhibits and a silent auction. 6pm, August 23 at the Savannah State Unive­rsity Ballroom. Tickets are $75 and partially tax-deductible. 912.695.5286 or pinkandblackgala@gmail.com.

the shelves at Sojourner Shelter. Savannah’s first women-only homeless shelter opened last month and needs basic care products for its clients, including toothbrushes, toothpaste, hair products, underwear (children’s through extra-large) and of course, tampons and pads. Contact Yvonne Pryor at 912.232.4673 or drop off goods at 115 Randolph Street.

through the night on August 2 to shed light on the darkness experienced by victims of domestic violence. The 5K Run for Domestic Violence begins at 9pm in Monroe. For registration information, call 800.232.6505.

the remarkable woman in your life by nominating her for the inaugural year of the North Carolina Women’s Hall of Fame. Submissions are due by September 15; for info, visit NCWomensConference.com.

a song to the North Carolina Songwriters Co-op’s 11th Annual Songwriting Contest by September 30 and contribute to the arts while entering to win over $4,000 in cash and prizes. For rules and an entry form, visit NCSongwriters.org.

to the 12th Annual School Tools Campaign by donating new school supplies to CMS students in need. Place supplies in your mailbox on August 23 for pick-up, or visit ClassroomCentral.org for additional drop-off locations.

to support under-resourced Latina girls by joining the Circle de Luz. This national women’s giving circle connects donors to college scholarship recipients through local events and interactive blogs. For details on joining, visit CircleDeLuz.wordpress.com.

charge of your life during your cancer treatment. “Look Good…Feel Better” is a free, non-medical brand-neutral program facilitated by certified cosmetologist volunteers; to help women offset appearance-related changes from cancer treatment. Find a location for this free program at lookgoodfeelbetter.org or call 800.395.LOOK.