Our swim team took a break from practicing to make dog pull-toys for the local shelter.  We used strips of old t-shirts and fleece.   It was so much fun teaching the boys how to braid!  

                     Ashton Swim team 

 Women shouldn't have to choose between their next meal and sanitary products.  Or be without a well fitting bra.  Growing up with three sisters and having two daughters of my own, I wanted to help women who couldn't afford these crucial items, so I sent an email to all of my girlfriends and received lots of donations for an organization called I Support the Girls.  

Melanie                   Olney, MD 

Look at how happy she is! This little girl's home was destroyed in Guatemala when a volcano erupted.   A crew of volunteers flew down to rebuild her home AND delivered one of the 50 soccer balls that I donated.           

Turgut                       Salon Suna  

There is a mailbox for each child staying at Children's Inn, so we filled 50 little bags full of toys to be discovered by these young patients.   This amazing place provides temporary housing for families whose children are participating in pediatric research for serious or life threatening illness at NIH.   

Robin                 Sandy  Spring, MD 

My 9 year old daughter created 50 cards to be displayed and taken at a local restaurant encouraging kindness and giving. 

For My 50th Birthday present, my mom gave 50 small toys to the Dr. Bear's Closet at Children's National.  They play games of BINGO and these are the prizes. 

 Betsy                 Silver Spring, MD 

Socks are the most needed but least donated item at homeless shelters.  I decided to collect 50 pairs.  I felt vulnerable when posting my request on FB, but received 344 pairs!  I was amazed at the outpouring of generosity.                                              Gary        Silver Spring, MD

I adopted my two dogs from a shelter.  They often take in strays that need surgery.  By providing them 50 donations such as gift cards, dog food, blankets, beds, collars, bowls, treats, we were giving the shelter the support that they desperately needed.  AND perhaps got a few dogs adopted in the process!  

Ellen      Ellicott City 

Food banks LOVE peanut butter because it has a long shelf life & provides a lot of protein.  My three kids (9, 5 and 4) joined the What's Your 50 movement to collect 50 jars of PB.  I was expecting to make a run to the store in fear that they wouldn't reach their goal.  They surprised me when we received 102 donations of peanut butter!!  

Ami             Ashton, MD