Happy Thanksgiving 2020
Holiday Cheer Thanksgiving Food Drive
Pumpkin spice, and everything nice! November is here, and the holidays are near. The month of November is a time where we remember what we are thankful for, celebrate our blessings, and give back to the community. As new members of the Miami Lakes community, the HDS Companies is fortunate to sponsor this year’s Holiday Cheer event hosted by S.T.E.P.S. in the Right Direction, Inc. and Neighbors 4 Neighbors.
On Saturday, November 14, 2020, HDS Companies supported the town of Miami Lakes in delivering hot, nutritious meals, essential products, and spread holiday cheer to Seniors, Veterans, and people with special needs. This particular group of people are homebound and live in the Town of Miami Lakes, Hialeah and surrounding communities.
We were super excited for this wonderful opportunity to give back. There are so many people who are truly in need now, more than ever, due to the world’s current circumstances that we are always looking for ways to donate and help in any way possible. With the holidays approaching, the HDS Companies encourages you to join us this month to give thanks and spread kindness like confetti in your community.
As we consider volunteering and getting involved, it is highly important to be aware of the latest COVID-19 safety tips to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you such as: social distancing, cleaning your hands often, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, wear a mask, disinfect shared spaces, and just following safety protocols.
HDS is dedicated to bettering the world and bridging the gap between nations which binds us all together, one kind act at a time. Helping feels SO GOOD!
World Kindness Day!
Kindness – a universal language that binds people together regardless of race, religion, gender, political affiliation, and location. November 13th is World Kindness Day! World Kindness Day is an international holiday which was founded in 1998 and is celebrated around the world each year. This special day promotes the importance of being kind to others, yourself, and the world. The purpose of this movement is to highlight good deeds in the community focusing on the positive power! Let’s help everyone understand that compassion for others has the power to bridge the gaps!
Today, more than ever, the world can use a little more kindness especially in the Autism and disabled community. As mentioned last month, those with disabilities are two to three times more likely to experience bullying or negativity. The HDS Foundation wants to create change through spreading kindness, radiating positivity, and giving teens with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) confidence as we mentor, guide, and support them towards independence. Through our programs and initiatives, we are building productive, meaningful, and independent lives. The HDS Foundation remains committed to rise up by lifting others!
How did World Kindness Day Start?
It was first introduced in 1998 by the World Kindness Movement. This organization was formed at a Tokyo conference in 1997 when Japan brought kindness organizations of multiple nations together and emphasized the necessity of a global kindness movement.
What is the purpose?
It serves as a reminder to all that simple acts of kindness have power and that together, we can all work to create a kinder world. Every kind act, even the smallest one, creates a ripple effect you can’t begin to imagine.
How do YOU celebrate?
Individuals are encouraged to go out of their way to be kind to others, whether that is at home, work, or out in public. Be sure to let others around you know how much you appreciate their kindness and generosity.
Simple ways to be kind:
- Write positive messages on post-its and leave them for people to find
- Call a relative or friend you have not spoken to in a while
- Pick up trash you see on the ground outside and throw it in the garbage
- Hold the door open for someone
- Pay for a stranger’s coffee or meal
- Compliment someone
- Surprise someone with flowers
- Offer to help with someone’s errands
THE LIST IS ENDLESS! The small things are usually what makes a big impact on others. On November 13th, share your act of kindness!
For more information on World Kindness Day, click here!
Sources:
https://inspirekindness.com/blog/world-kindness-day#h_27519547311570018375590
Veterans Day 2020
If You Don’t Know the Sender, It Might Be a Pretender!
Today the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. class participated in a workshop hosted by Luke Wilson with Family Network on Disabilities. Since the pandemic, teens have spent an extraordinaire amount of time on their phones, computers, and tablets, either doing virtual school or socializing with their friends. Facilitators, Kathy Gorman-Gard, and Donna Mansolillo chose Cyber Safety and Cyber Bullying as the topics to be addressed with the students due to teens being quarantined and not having face to face schooling or gatherings with friends.
Luke discussed with the students what cyber safety was and how important it is to make sure to keep yourself safe online. He also gave the students tips on what to do if they experience cyber bullying. Specific topics such as: Identity Theft, Email Safety, Social Media, and Appropriate Screen Names were also discussed.
The students all participated in the discussions and asked great questions. Ethan asked, “What do you do when someone is cyber bullying you and tries to twist the situation around to make it look like you were the bully?” Luke reminded him that you should take a screen shot of what the person said and share with a trusted adult.
Samuit asked,” What is the most likely reason that an adult would want to get your personal information?” This question prompted a discussion about predators and why they prey on kids and teens online. Luke stressed to the students the importance of NOT sharing any personal information with strangers.
Lastly, Luke showed the students a short video, “5 Ways to Make a Positive Footprint”. This video recapped what the students had learned and discussed about Cyber Safety and Cyber Bullying. Students used their resources, development, growth, and empowerment skills to learn about the necessary precautions they need to keep themselves safe while online.
HDS Foundation, would like to thank Luke Wilson with Family Network on Disabilities for presenting to the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students! We look forward to Luke sharing many more important topics to with the students.
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