A Season for Giving

This time of year means many things to many people.  Be it family, friends, football, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, or shopping ‘til you drop in the early hours of the morning, there is one thing that Thanksgiving means to the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors and that is giving. Lawyer’s Realty is a proud member of the Association.

For the past 25 years your local Realtors and sponsors have donated to help feed those in our community who are less fortunate.  This year was my first year as a member of the committee that facilitates this drive.  This year we raised over $22,000 which allowed us to purchase 725 turkeys plus 725 Giant gift cards.  

On the morning of November 18^th, in the parking lot of the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors, the turkeys were organized and ready to be picked up by the various charities that would in turn distribute them to the different families.  Each family would be receiving a turkey and a $20 Giant gift card for them to use towards the remainder of their Thanksgiving feast.  As each van or truck pulled up to be loaded, we received smiles and warm hugs that were worth more than money could buy.   Before this year, the total number of families that the food drive has fed was 8,344; now it is 9,069!

Keep an eye on our blog in the coming weeks as we will be highlighting both a reason to still be listing your house through the holidays and winter as well as our personal family traditions for the holidays. It should be a lot of fun and we look forward to hearing what you and your holiday traditions are.

Lori Zimmerman, Operations Manager/Realtor

Battle in the Spirit of Giving

Recently, the Salvation Army of the Capital Region announced a battle.  No, not a typical Army battle, but one in the spirit of giving. We are all use to seeing the red kettles and bells signify the Salvation Army’s annual fundraising drive outside of various retail stores as we do our holiday shopping, but this year they’ve added a twist.

Beginning November 17 and running until the end of the year, a battle will begin.  Harrisburg-area businesses and organizations will staff 25 Red Kettles positioned at high-traffic locations to compete for the “Battle of the Bells” title by raising the most money at their kettle during the battle.

The Salvation Army is also asking local businesses and corporations to share their Red Kettle experiences via YouTube Videos as well as Twitter and Facebook updates and photos. While Harrisburg has been making international news for many negative reasons, the Salvation Army is hoping to turn the negativity around.

The Red Kettle Campaign is the Salvation Army’s most significant source of annual revenue to help feed, clothe and care for those in need. As the temperatures begin to drop, especially at night, and since we’ve already seen significant snow, remember those who are less fortunate. The Salvation Army aims to help protect those who need help and this battle is one way that you can help your local community.

For more information check out  http://www.salvationarmyharrisburg.org.

Trick or Treat…Lets plan for nothing but Treats.

As the temperatures drop and it begins to get dark earlier, it can mean just one thing…Halloween is just around the corner.  As goblins, witches, football players and cheerleaders, your little ones are likely getting excited for Trick or Treating. Here at Lawyer’s Realty we’re feeling the Halloween spirits and wanted to offer a few quick tips for a safe and fun time for all.

No matter how old your kids are, there are certain “rules” that should always be followed. Make sure your child chooses a safe costume. Reflective materials or blinking lights on their costume is easier to spot for drivers in passing vehicles. 

Masks sometimes make a more exciting costume, but make sure the mask doesn’t impair your child’s vision. Blocked vision can lead to tripping or other injuries. If the costume requires a prop, you want to make sure that the prop has flexible edges and obvious markings to ensure that it’s not mistaken for a real weapon.

It may be hard for them to avoid the temptation to start indulging in the great amount of chocolate treats, but you want to make sure your children know to wait until they get home to eat any of their treats. Once home, inspect the treats for tampering.  If it looks suspicious, throw it out. I’m sure they’ve gotten enough candy from their trip that they won’t notice a few pieces missing. Better safe than sorry.

If your child is older and trick or treating with a parent is just not cool, ensure that you know their planned route and they have a cell phone with them.  Remind them about not cutting through alleys or fields and to  only use the sidewalks that are often well lit and are much safer. Many developments are also patrolled by the police throughout the designated trick or treat times.

They don’t want to hear this, but it makes you feel better to remind them about not getting into a stranger’s car or going into any house other than their own. It may seem redundant, but a simple reminder never hurt anyone.

Finally, ensure your group, or your child’s group, if they are going out without a parent, has several flash lights. It not only helps to brighten any dark area, but also works much the same as headlights on a vehicle. It increases your visibility to passing cars and will help to keep everyone safe.

From the Lawyer’s Realty family we wish you and your family a safe and fun Halloween!