This past June, an EF4 tornado hit just 1.5 miles south of our home. It was terrifying for our family as we huddled in our basement, but we were so incredibly lucky to be safe and whole. The only problems we had after it hit was minor power outages and someones insulation in our backyard we discovered the next afternoon. Other than that, we survived. However, the school district to our south, Lake Township's Police/Fire/EMS headquarters, part of an airfield, and hundreds of homes were devastated. Lives were lost. It was mind-blowing to see how much damage could happen in such a short period of time. But, in just as short a period of time, there were groups forming on facebook, twitter, and local message boards to organize help for the community, school and families affected by this disaster. Over the course of the summer a campaign was created to help the school win one of the Kohl's Cares awards for $500,000 dollars. Little Lake HS was awarded the prize, and came in first place! It was so touching to watch them creep up in the standings each day. There was an effort for the volleyball team to win a grant as well, through another company, to help them replace their lost equipment. This was won as well.
Through this experience, I have voted, posted, encouraged, and been amazed at what the internet can help communities accomplish towards the good. So much is said about negative impacts of the internet, but little is said about the positive. This is one area where we can all say it has positively impacted many lives. Well, here is another opportunity...
I'm sure many of you have heard about the Pepsi Refresh project through their TV advertisements. One of the blogs I follow posted this special project on her site, and I took a moment to read about it. It is so touching. I posted a link on the right side of my page for anyone who wants to go check it out and vote (please go vote...it only takes a second!). Basically, it is a young man who has a brother with cerebral palsy. He states that his brother has always had to sit and watch him play, but this grant would allow them to put in a "liberty swing" so he too could take part in the fun at the playground, along with many other handicapped children and adults. Who can't get behind that? So please go and vote. It will make you feel good about life today, and show the world that this whole interweb thing does good for people too!
