It is time for all who are able to step up and serve as an "Everyday Hero".  There are so many opportunities to help others if we simply open our eyes to see and take a moment to try and understand those in need around us.  You may ask yourself, "But what can I do?"  It really only takes time to be considerate of others and recognize the needs of others.  If you desire to help recent victims of hurricanes Helene and Milton, there are ways you may help as outlined by DG Nancy Anderson.
1. Donate money to the impacted Rotary Zones 33/34 directly.
2. Donate to the Florida Rotary Districts Relief Fund directly
3. Donate to Disaster Aid USA for cleanup assistance indicating which storm you would like to direct your dollars toward.
4. Volunteer to answer phones for Crisis Cleanup  as part of Disaster Aid USA. (most needed at this time)
 
One effective way for families in need to seek assistance is by registering their needs on Crisis Cleanup. Crisis Cleanup is a free service provided to communities following a disaster, aimed at assisting non-profit organizations in navigating the aftermath and identifying families in need of assistance. In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, over 23000 individuals called the Crisis Cleanup Hotline to request assistance from non-profit organizations serving in the area.
 
One way you can assist families affected by the storm in Milton  is by volunteering as an operator with Crisis Cleanup. We anticipate a high volume of calls from storm victims in the days and weeks ahead, and we want to help them by shining the light on their needs so that others can respond.
 
You can assist from your home any day between 8 AM and 7:30 PM central time. There's no need to schedule a shift, as you can work whenever you have the time. All you need is a computer and internet access, and the training is available online, in both English and Spanish!
 
 
I'd also like to share the following video of Andy Greenfield, Founder of the Greenfield Everyday Heroes Foundation.  This foundation began in 1995 and encourages and supports high school students who had been dealt more than their share of life challenges.  They celebrate students who have risen above their circumstances.
 
Rotary may present unexpected opportunities that may seem insignificant, yet later we may realize the impact we actually had on others.  When PDG Ed Charlesworth gave his governor speeches, he often included a story about a mother needing to go to the hospital.  However, she had a five-year old at home and needed someone to care for him while she took car of her personal health care needs.  A Rotary club president called upon a club member to assist.  He was asked to go to the home and take them to the hospital and remain with the child during the doctor visit.  The child waiting patiently and then asked the Rotarian, "Mister, are you God?"  He was shocked and asked the child why would he ask such a thing.  The child replied that his mother said "Only God can help us now."  
 
Our acts of kindness may take the simple act of driving someone to the doctor and providing child care, it may involve sharing of our good fortune monetarily by donating to a worthy cause, or it may involve volunteering in food drives, clean-up operations, packing medical supplies, tutoring a student, donating blankets or hygiene supplies to the homeless, and the list goes on infinitely.  Be an Active ROTARIAN, and take part in making this world a better place, enhancing health and education of others, providing vocational training, and promote peace in this world so desperately in need of people willing to help their neighbors near and far.
 
Song lyrics/chorus from "Everyday American Hero" by David Munyon:

He's just an everyday American Hero

Just like Uncle Harry and your Uncle Joe

He don't have all the answers and some he don't know

But he does the best he can

An everyday American Hero