Briefs

Calendars sought for residents of Safe Nest shelter

The Lakes Professional Organizers is collecting 2011 calendars and day planners for Safe Nest throughout the entire month of January.

Safe Nest provides shelter and assistance for women who are victims of domestic violence.

According to Christine Ruggiero of The Lakes Professional Organizers, providing a calendar or planner to keep track of appointments, phone calls to make, manage time and goals to achieve gives the women a sense of empowerment.

Calendars can be dropped off at Safe Nest, 2915 W. Charleston Ave., suite 3A, or call Ruggiero at 280-2743 and she will pick them up.

The last day to donate calendars is Jan. 31.

Ronald McDonald House benefits from La-Z-Boy fans

The winter holidays make up a "season of giving" and this month, for every new "fan" or "follower" of La-Z-Boy on Facebook or Twitter, the company will give back to Ronald McDonald House Charities. Throughout December, La-Z-Boy will donate $1 to RMHC for every new fan (or like) on Facebook, and every new handle that follows @lazboycomfort on Twitter, up to $10,000.

"We want La-Z-Boy fans to help us show support for Ronald McDonald House Charities," said Jennifer Sims, interactive CRM manager for La-Z-Boy. "With the help of our social media followers, we can work together to make this a happier holiday season for the families who rely so much on RMHC."

In 2008, La-Z-Boy became the official furniture provider to the charity nationwide, providing further comfort and enhancing the supportive environment of a Ronald McDonald House or Ronald McDonald Family Room. Ronald McDonald Houses are located near hospitals throughout the United States and are there to keep families together when their children are in the hospital -- they offer strength and stability to families during their time of greatest need.

Throughout the month, La-Z-Boy will be updating its Facebook (www.facebook.com/lazboy) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/lazboycomfort) pages with a call to increase its supporter-base. In addition, the company is utilizing la-z-boy.com and its consumer database to build buzz and encourage new fans and followers. These new users will not only help raise money for Ronald McDonald House Charities, but also will have access to exclusive sneak peeks, sweepstakes, local store events and promotions, design tips, videos and news about the charity.

"This is an exciting campaign for La-Z-Boy that matches dollars for fans and followers -- it's a very easy way for the public to get involved and give back to a great cause, and all it takes is the click of a mouse," Sims said.