Think Good, It’s Friday! 7.3.15

As John F. Kennedy famously stated, “Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.”

Outside of the BBQs, parades and fireworks displays that will be taking place across the region this holiday weekend, Independence Day also offers us a chance to reflect on how we give back to the country and communities in which we live. Some people serve in the military or devote their lives to public service in government, some volunteer at their local school, church or hospital, and (hopefully) many cast their ballots as civic-minded citizens.

However you give—it truly matters. Have a happy and safe 4th of July!

More good news from around the Web:

• I took part in the Aspen Ideas Festival this week and was blown away by the gathering of people and the conversations that took place—I’ll share more with you soon. They’ve already posted portions of the event and will continue to do so; I encourage you to check out a few that interest you.
• WGN-TV’s Marcus LeShock shares the story of an art student who aimed to change the way Chicagoans look at and interact with homeless residents across the city by redesigning their signs.
• The Greater Chicago Food Depository and its partners launched their summer meals program with an event that connected parents and guardians with children’s summer meal sites in their area.
• DNAinfo showcases Mothers Against Senseless Killings, a group of women hoping to prevent violence by being present in their community.
• The Daily Herald profiled a local Naperville woman spearheading the Let Them Eat Cake project: she’s collecting items for “birthday bags” in an effort to make birthdays special for kids who otherwise wouldn’t have these treats on their special day.
• Fitting for the holiday weekend, the Chicago Tribune shares the story of a 90-year-old World War II veteran from Oak Park who took an Honor Flight last month—a daylong visit to Washington, D.C., at no cost, for a day of remembrance, honor and celebration.

Please share your story of philanthropy here at cct.org, by sending an email to trust100@cct.org or on social media using the hashtag #Trust100.