Bowling league strikes gold with charity program

Dear Heloise: Every Christmas, our bowling league had a Christmas party, and everyone brought a wrapped gift. When bowlers got their first strike, they chose a gift from under the tree.

After several years of people getting things they didn’t want or need, we voted to stop and instead bring things to give to the Wright County Children’s Home. I went to the home and got a list of things that were needed.

The needs included paper goods, personal-care items, individual fleece throws and cleaning supplies.

Some of the ladies bought items, and others asked if they could just give cash and we could shop for things we were short on. The rest of the leagues learned what we were doing and asked if they could join us. Most wanted to just give cash and let us do the shopping.

It was a huge success, and since then we have given to other programs. Everyone feels better about that $5 or $10 we were basically wasting on junk and doing some good in our community. I hope this inspires others to do the same thing. Sandy Rolland, Mountain Grove, Mo.

That’s a strike! Community service at its best, and your bowling league gets a high-five from me! It’s hard to believe, but the holidays are right around the corner. We printed this a little early to give readers a chance to set up something like this with their organization. Heloise

Fast Facts

Dear Readers: Here are a few handy ways to reuse rubber gloves:

•Use for a grip when opening a jar.

•Rub along furniture to remove pet hair.

•Use finger section as a rubber finger when handling paperwork.

•Place over a broom handle so it won’t mar the wall. Heloise

Dear Heloise: Some time ago, I bought some wooden roses, and I also bought the rose oil to drop onto the petals. I had a light-bulb moment the other day after I washed my floral centerpieces. I put a couple of drops of the rose scent on those petals. Now I have a fragrance in my room all the time.

I decided to do the same with centerpieces in my living and dining rooms.

The house has a beautiful aroma that can be replaced for pennies. Pat Zoccali, Warren, Ohio

Dear Heloise: I put a name-and-address sticker on each phone in my home. I also made labels with the phone number and put on each phone. This is useful when guests need to report an emergency or just order a pizza. Carolyn Larkin, Elk Grove, Calif.

Sound Off

Dear Heloise: My Sound Off concerns shoes (slides, casual, etc.).

Manufacturers need to stop putting the bumpy insoles in them!

They do not massage your feet, but feel like gravel.

If I want rocks, gravel or sand in my shoes, I can put it there.

Keep insoles smooth to be comfortable. Frances G., Lake Park, Fla.

SBlt Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to (210) HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com.

King Features Syndicate