October 2007 Issue
In this months Issue:
Plan a Clothing Drive at Your Office or School
Hot Tips for Cool Weather
Dryer Care Tips
Home Laundry Tip: Clean up on Halloween
Plan a Clothing Drive at Your Office or School
Yes, we know, it's only October and the holiday season is months away. If your office or company is looking for a fun, simple and much-needed way of helping others, we've got a great idea for you!
Traditionally, socks and mittens are items that are rarely donated to shelters or organizations that help those in need. This holiday season, why not create a Sock or Mitten drive? You can call it a Tree of Hope, or a Basket of Love, or whatever "shape" you want. Set up the display in your office near the front desk, and start by adding a few pairs of new socks and mittens. Encourage other employees to donate these items-unwrapped, so the recipients will get the correct size. Both children's sizes and adult sizes will be appreciated.
Then, right before the holidays, donate these items to a local shelter. Check online or ask around; one of your employees might have a favorite charitable organization or shelter that they are familiar with or donate to frequently.
Hot Tips for Cool Weather
You hate to admit it, but the weather is starting to get cooler and you're wearing long-sleeved items more often at this time of year. Grandmothers always called the fall "sickness weather" because children often had a tough time transitioning to wearing warmer clothes.
To avoid being cold, at this time of year it's best to dress in layers.
Be careful not to overdress, however, since that can lead to increased sweating. If youre planning to exercise or work out, wear lightweight layers with fabrics designed for temperature regulation.
Dont forget a hat, since up to 60 percent of your body's heat can escape from your head if it's uncovered. If hats aren't your thing, try a headband and/or a scarf.
Think wearing extra thick socks or two pairs will help keep your feet warmer? Think again! Actually, you want to be sure not to restrict circulation, which can cause your feet to get colder!
Dryer Care Tips
Everyone wants clean clothes, but don't forget about taking good care of your dryer, too!
To keep your dryer working in tip-top condition, be sure toclean the lint screen after every load. We know it can be a pain to do it so often, but we promise that your clothes will dry more quickly and the dryer will operate more efficiently. Overloaded lint screens can pose a fire hazard, so you'll also be ensuring your family's safety, too.
Have you ever washed your lint screen? It's a great idea, because if you use softener or softener sheets, they can create a build-up on the lint screen. Wash it in warm soapy water and dry it completely before putting it back in the dryer. If the lint screen is clogged or missing, do not use the dryer. Be sure to keep the area around the dryer and the exhaust opening free from clutter. Think about vacuuming the area around the dryer every few months. Speaking of the exhaust opening, you should not put this opening into any gas vent, chimney or crawl space since the lint could cause a fire hazard.
Finally, don't leave wet or damp clothes inside the dryer. A chemical reaction can occur, resulting in spontaneous ignition. The damp clothes plus the hot, dry environment of a dryer can result in combustion.
Home Laundry Tip: Clean up on Halloween
Halloween means wearing a funny or scary or creative costume, putting on makeup and becoming someone else, even for a short time...and if you're lucky, you'll get some treats, too. The aftermath, however, is often not pretty, especially if you're trying to get glitter off yourself or a tired child. To get glitter off your face or body, apply some petroleum jelly or cooking oil and wipe gently with a soft tissue. Once it comes off (and it will come off, we promise), wash with soap and water.