At this time of year, many of us try to put our own needs aside and focus on the needs of the less fortunatethough it's often easier said than done. Providing gifts for everyone on our holiday shopping lists and giving a little something to charity can push personal finances to the brink.
If you're feeling a little over-committed this year but still want to do some good, here are three free and easy ways to make a difference in the lives of folks across the country. The donation amounts may be small, but spread the word among friends, and they can really add up. Best of all, each is done through Facebook, meaning that you won't need to go anywhere near a shopping mall. Score.
Subaru's "Share the Love" event: Simply "like" Subaru on Facebook, visit the company's "Share the Love" tab and click a button to donate $1 to one of five charities: American Forests, the ASPCA, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Meals On Wheels Association of America or the Special Olympics. Subaru will contribute up to $250,000 through this year's "Share the Love" program, which runs through January 3, 2012.
Lexus' "Bows for Charity": Visit Lexus' Facebook page and hit the "December to Remember" tab on the left-hand side. You'll see a "Share a Bow" button in the middle of the page. Click it, share it on your wall, and Lexus will donate $5 to Toys for Tots, up to a total of $100,000. This program also runs through Jan. 3.
AT&T's no-texting pledge: You're no dummy. You know that texting and driving is a dangerous habit. AT&T knows it, too, which is why the company is asking people to pledge not to text and drive. Once you're logged into Facebook, visit the pledge page, click the "TAKE THE PLEDGE" button sitting smack in the middle of the screen, and AT&T will donate $2 to a nationwide coalition of nonprofits that address problems like driver safety, substance abuse, and bullying.
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Auto companies and the HRC index
The Human Rights Campaign ( HRC ) released the 2012 Corporate Equality Index ( CEI ) and, because of more stringent ranking criteria, 148 fewer companies than last year scored 100 percent, according to Advocate.com .
The index uses more rigorous criteria that considers philanthropic support and health care coverage for transgender employees alongside longtime factors such as equal employment benefits.
According to a press release, among this year's report's findings are that:
While the inclusion of sexual orientation in non-discrimination policies has become a standard since 2002, the addition of gender identity is now part of the policies of 50 percent of Fortune 500 companies for the first time;
The number of Fortune 500 companies offering domestic-partnership benefits has increased by 76 percent since 2002; and
The greatest strides have come in area of transgender-inclusive healthcare coverage. As a result of new criteria instituted by HRC this year that is a requisite to a perfect score, the number of companies offering comprehensive healthcare coverage to their transgender workers has increased to 207 ( from 85 last year and 49 in 2009 ) .
Three companies in the automotive industry scored 100: Ford Motor Co., Toyota Motor Sales USA Inc. and Chrysler LLC. Volkswagen Group of America Inc. scored a 90 and Subaru of America Inc. rated an 85. Bringing up the rear was Southfield, Mich.-based Lear Corp., which scored a 0.
Jerome Miller, Toyota's vice president of diversity and inclusion, said in a statement, "Toyota is honored to be recognized by the HRC. Diversity and inclusion are essential components of every aspect of our business. We believe building a workforce that reflects the communities it serves is not only the right thing to do, but also gives us a competitive advantage in the marketplace."
Read the full report at http://www.hrc.org/cei.
Chicago Auto Show Feb. 9-19 at McCormick
The 104th edition of the Chicago Auto Show will take place Feb. 9-19, 2012, at McCormick Place, 2301 S. Lake Shore Dr.
"First Look for Charity" is a black-tie event that will take place Feb. 9, 6:30-10:30 p.m. The public show runs 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Feb. 10-18, and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Feb. 19. Admission for the public show is $7-$11.
The show utilizes 1.2 million square feet of the McCormick Place complex. Exhibitions include multiple world and North American introductions; a complete range of domestic and imported passenger cars and trucks; sport utility vehicles; and experimental or concept cars. In total, nearly 1,000 different vehicles will be on display.
See www.chicagoautoshow.com .