Helping Hearts, Blog of Anne Sanders

    May is lots of things—the gateway to summer, the last full month of school, the month of flowers after April showers—but also it’s national foster care month. I know some foster care parents and have shared their stories before, but not all of us are able to be foster care parents. So, I want to share some things that we can get involved in to help foster kids without being a foster parent. The first one is Together We Rise. What I like about Together We Rise is that it started out of a real need. Danny Mendoza had a cousin who was living on his own. Danny couldn’t find a way to help because he was told he was too young. He decided to start his own charity that could help children in foster care while mobilizing young people to make a difference in the world. Through its fundraising and network of passionate volunteers, Together We Rise gives foster children a brighter future and a sense of normalcy and belonging. They provide bikes, sports camps and simple...

I couldn’t get you a better list of people. They provide wishes for foster children, fresh fruits and vegetables in “food deserts” and schools for the unschooled.   They clean up rivers, build homes for disabled veterans, empower the poor through dance and help children who are fighting cancer, poverty and a lack of opportunity. They bring computers to those who can’t afford them and electricity to hospitals around the world. They are the top 10 CNN Heroes of 2013. For their extraordinary efforts to change the world, each will receive $50,000 and be recognized at a globally broadcast event that airs December 1. One of the top 10 will receive an additional $250,000 for their cause. That person will be chosen by those who vote for their favorite hero at CNNHeroes.com . SO, read their stories, and then vote for the one whom you like the best. You can also give to their causes if you feel so inspired. It’s a great way to start, end, or fill the middle of y...