Monday Night Romance: It's a giving kind of holiday season
November begins the holiday season of giving and, since today is the Marine Corps' 239th birthday and tomorrow is Veterans Day, we thought for this Monday Night Romance, we'd spotlight some of the ways the military, the NFL and romance authors give back.
Kim: The Marines are known as hard-charging infantry men. They are the first line of defense at U.S. Embassies … and they are the heart of the Toys for Tots program. In 1947, Marine Reservist Bill Hendricks recruited other members of his unit to collect toys for disadvantaged children. He enlisted celebrity support in his day job as the director of public relations for Warner Brothers Studios. He also asked Walt Disney to design the red toy train logo. Today, the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation continues this legacy. Quoting President Ronald Reagan, "Some people live an entire lifetime and wonder if they have made a difference to the world, but the Marines don't have that problem." To donate a toy, or request a toy, check out www.toysfortots.org.
Tracy: The NFL supports a variety of charities — some of which we've discussed here, but this Veterans Day, it's appropriate to spotlight the NFL's Salute to Service campaign. According to the league, supporting the military is part of the fabric of the NFL. This support takes place both at home and abroad, with NFL players and coaches traveling overseas to salute the troops, as well as with team recognition of our servicemen and women through the Salute to Service campaign. In 2013, the NFL donated more than $1.5 million for the NFL's three military appreciation non-profit partners, the Pat Tillman Foundation (PTF), the USO and the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP). This year, funds will be raised through two primary channels: NFL Auction and the sale of Salute to Service-identified merchandise at retail outlets. You can find out about more about these efforts at NFL.com.
Kim: Readers can also support deployed personnel through Operation Holiday Card — a simple card makes their day. This is an excellent project for scout troops, youth groups and classrooms. I have addresses for several units seeking holiday cards, especially for the younger enlisted who will be away from home for the first time. Contact me at sos.aloha@yahoo.com.
Tracy: There's a lot of giving going on within the world of romance authors, too. Eleven authors have donated their work to a box set of novellas to raise money for the medical expenses of a colleague stricken with breast cancer. The Last Hero Standing box set, released on Oct. 28, features 11 novels and novellas for only 99 cents, including a bonus short story from New York Times bestseller Dianna Love. All the proceeds from sales of the box set will go toward the medical expenses of USA TODAY bestselling author Pamela Clare, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in April and has been unable to work since then. You can purchase the box set here. We wish Pamela all the best in her recovery.
We thank you for joining us on this journey to Monday Night Romance!
The party continues on Kim's blog SOS Alohawith a special giveaway to honor the Marine Corps' birthday.
Tracy Solheim is an avid sports fan who writes football-themed romance for Berkley Sensation. See what she's up to at www.tracysolheim.com.