By PASS Volunteer Barbara Mars

Barbara Mars I'd been volunteering for the PASS Program for Family & Children's Association since October, and I knew there must be a program within the agency that my guests and I could support with some kind of donation. Joyce Mullen, director of communications, responded quickly with two ideas to help Nassau Haven, the teen shelter in Wantagh. I chose to ask party attendees to bring travel-sized personal care items such as toothpaste or shampoo. In many cases, people had these items taking up space in their cabinets and were more than happy to collect them and donate.

Because people are so busy these days, I made sure to follow-up with a reminder email about the toiletries about three days before the event. One of these reminders was a FaceBook message for those inclined to check in with that social networking site.

On the night of the party, I set up a big wicker basket adjacent to the door. Joyce sent me a flier about the shelter with photographs of some of the teens. I taped that onto the basket so people could see whom the supplies were helping. The latest Family and Children's newsletter was also there for the taking. (My daughter hung a sign that read, Please take one!) Many people commented on how much they liked the added giving element. There were a few who forgot to bring their donations and good souls that they are, came back the next day and left them hanging on my front door so they could be included.

This simple idea also got people curious and asking me: What is Family and Children's? How did you become involved? Can anybody volunteer? Hopefully a few seeds were planted for future recruits. So at your next gathering, whether it be a Pampered Chef party or your monthly book club meeting, just ask and you shall receive: The dual benefit of helping those in need and the good feelings that come with reaching out to those around you.