The Boston Marathon

American Red Cross

Our hearts go out to those affected by the tragedy yesterday at the Boston Marathon. Here are some resources for those who want to help or need assistance.

Hop online. Send tweets using the hashtag #BostonHelp to offer or request assistance of any kind. You can stay up-to-date on breaking news and show your support by liking the Facebook page R.I.P. for Boston Marathon Victims 2013. The #RunChat group is also encouraging people to wear blue and yellow, the Boston Marathon colors, to show support.

Share your digs. Boston.com has set up a Google Doc for those offering a place to stay, and for those who are displaced and need a place to stay in Boston.

Let someone know. The Red Cross Safe & Well page allows those affected to register themselves in their database as unharmed. Family or friends can search this database to check in on loved ones.

 

Get involved. The Salvation Army will be offering food, beverages and crisis counseling for those affected by this tragedy. Learn more here.

One last note – be careful. The Better Business Bureau has issued a release urging donors to give thoughtfully and avoid those seeking to take advantage of the generosity of others. Read the full story.

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The Summer of Volunteering!

You asked for it, you got it. Welcome to VolunteerLocal’s 2013 Summer of Volunteering! We’ve just launched a webpage with links to the registration and sign-up pages for local events and organizations using our service. This new volunteer portal is a place for organizations to promote their events, build a stronger online following and strut their stuff for prospective volunteers.

Iowa Craft Beer Tent, meet Peace Tree enthusiast. Habitat for Humanity, meet serial-home-renovator. Des Moines Arts Festival, meet bi-lingual child specialist. Through the Summer of Volunteering, we expect to partner volunteers who have a desire to make an impact with meaningful community service opportunities in the area.

Here at VolunteerLocal headquarters, we believe people volunteer for causes they care about. On the Summer of Volunteering page, Des Moines residents will find over 25 local events, a list that is rapidly growing and expanding to include organizations from all across Iowa!

Would you like to see your event on the Summer of Volunteering webpage? Sign up today at www.volunteerlocal.com (it’s free!) and then contact us when the event is ready to be listed!

Go to www.summerofvolunteering.com to become a volunteer today!

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