“I Am” is the latest film project of director Tom Shadyac, whose credits include directing Ace Ventura, Bruce
Almighty, and Liar Liar. Being a big fan of the “stupid humor” genre of movies, I was curious about the more serious, thought-provoking side of Tom. After a cycling accident left him struggling with both physical and emotional recovery, Tom began to question the value of the many outer trappings of his Hollywood success: the homes, the private jets, all that pricey “stuff.” Was it really what made him happy? Or was he, as he suspected, part of the cancer that infected society?

Tom rid himself of most of his possessions – including his 17,000 sq. ft. Beverly Hills mansion – and moved into a simple neighborhood comprised mostly of trailer homes. Riding his bike to work each day, he launched his latest (and self-funded) project. Setting out with a small film crew, Tom asked an array of significant thinkers two questions: What’s wrong with the world? And what can be done to make things better?

Instead of receiving confirmation about the competitive “dog-eat-dog” nature of life, Tom discovered what was right with it: that we’re genetically predisposed to connect with one another, to feel and display empathy, to cooperate, to be our brother’s keeper. As one scientist he interviewed put it, we are “hard-wired to respond” with compassion when we see someone in need. Another said, “What we do at the individual level really does impact at the global level.”

I couldn’t help but think about blood and organ donors, most of whom have no personal ties to the people whose lives they’re saving. Just like the proverbial butterfly flapping its wings, the blood donor rolls up her sleeve and sends a profound ripple effect into the lives of the patient and his loved ones. Who’s to say what good blood and organ recipients will create in the world once given that second chance? As Tom concludes, love is a force. And being a blood or organ donor is one of the most profound displays of love possible.

Following the movie screening was a question-and-answer session with Tom, during which his irreverence, joy, empathy, and pure humanity poured forth. I didn’t want to put Tom on the spot with my question, so I waited until most of the auditorium had cleared out to approach him, though I already sensed the answer to my question. Not only are he and his movie promoter, Harold, regular blood donors, but Harold also donated a kidney to a complete stranger – an Ethiopian immigrant with whom he continues to stay in touch. Why am I not surprised?

I left the event feeling reconnected to people and reinvigorated about the work I do. Tuesday – as it turned out – was anything but crappy.

Lauren Ward Larsen is the author of “Zuzu’s Petals: A True Story of Second Chances,” which shares her story of becoming a 200-pint blood recipient and the unexpected life that unfolded as a result. She is also the president and chief ambassador of the Foundation for America’s Blood Centers.

The Real Meaning of the Holidays

Yikes! It’s hard to imagine that it’s already Thanksgiving next week!

While we’re busy making plans for the holidays, stressing out about what to cook, what presents to buy and who’s on the guest list, let’s stop for a moment and take a deep breath.

And ponder….what do the holidays really mean to you?

When next Thursday rolls around and we’re gathered with our friends and family to give thanks for what we have, it should also serve as a reminder to help those who are less fortunate than us by giving back to the community.

Here are just a few, of many, ideas on how you can help!

Donating Food
Blood Centers of the Pacific is participating in a food drive at our Irwin Center headquarters. Our goal is to collect 100lbs of food or preferably more! Bring your non-perishable foods and drop them off in our barrel located at the lobby of the Irwin Center location from now through December 17th. The food drive will benefit the San Francisco Food Bank, which feeds thousands of families, seniors, children and individuals in the city. Over 70,000 meals are distributed every day.  And if you can’t get to the Irwin Center, please consider finding a food barrel in your neighborhood.

Donating Toys
And of course, we can’t forget about the children! Blood Centers of the Pacific is also taking part in the San Francisco Firefighter’s Department (SFFD) Toy Drive! Our barrel is located in the lobby of the Irwin Center this week and staying till December 17th! Please bring unwrapped toys for the kids and drop them off in the barrel. The SFFD donates toys to more than 40,000 disadvantaged children every year. Help bring smiles to the kids’ faces this year.

Donating Various Items
Did you know you can call the ARC or the United Cerebral Palsy organization to pick-up household items that you no longer need but that could be used by someone else? You can also donate books to the library, or drop off used but still in good condition clothes at any Goodwill or Salvation Army location. There are also several toy drives, coat drives, etc… that many organizations and businesses are taking part in, look for those barrels!

Donating Time
Organizations like One Brick are great if you are looking for ”commitment-free” volunteer opportunities. With fun gigs such as stuffing goodie bags to gardening, One Bricks allows you to choose your volunteer hours rather than having to make commitments for a certain number of volunteer hours, or agree to be available every week at a specific time. And after each event volunteers are invited to socialize at a nearby by restaurant or cafe!

And don’t forget, we’re always looking for volunteers at BCP!  From helping us out at our administrative offices to serving juice and doughnuts to our blood donors at our canteens, we could use your help! For more information, please contact Volunteer Supervisor Debbie Bingham at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Donating Money
Many organizations or charities desperately need money to continue their good works. Or, as an alternative, you can help your favorite charity while you’re shopping online! Visit Buy for Charity and shop as you normally would by choosing from hundreds of merchants listed and they will donate a percentage back to charity of your choice.

Donating Blood
Last but not least, donating blood is a great way to give back. More than 500 pints of blood are needed everyday by the Northern California hospitals we serve. You’ll be saving three lives with just a pint of blood, which means you’ll be giving three people another Thanksgiving and holiday with their families and friends. To make an appointment to donate blood, visit www.bloodcenters.org. And hey, when you donate blood at the Irwin Center, score extra brownie points by bringing non-perishable foods for the food drive barrel!

Can’t seem to find an opportunity that suits you? Volunteer placement website like www.volunteermatch.org or www.thevolunteercenter.net are good places to start. Plug in your address, your preferences and presto, you’ll have an array of opportunities to choose from. Also visit www.greatergood.com for simple online ways to give back.

This holiday season, let’s be thankful for what we have and celebrate the true meaning of the holidays by giving back to the community!