My mom always told me that giving back to others was not just important, but essential. She taught me through her actions that what we do for others, not only made the world a better place, but it also had the ability to change our community one life at a time.

When she started Helping Hands for the Hungry in order to help those suffering in her community I wasn’t surprised. Month after month, every last Saturday she is hard at work with a team of people who feed those in the community who could use a warm meal and a caring heart.

When people give back, they are a picture of hope to those who get their help. They represent the fact that some one cares, and that you are not alone, even when you are down on your luck.

As I have gotten older, I never forgot those lessons my mom gave me. Feeding the hungry, helping those who need it with information, support, medical care and lending a helping hand. The gift of hope that organizations, non-profits and people just like you give people make a huge impact on the lives of us all. The bottom line is caring and service matters.

When I heard about Health Mart’s pharmacy’s Champions of Care Challenge I was excited to write about it and share it with you.

Health Mart’s Champion of Care Challenge is not only acknowledging the work of those hometown, and often unsung hero’s and they are giving them money to continue their work. To say thank you to those making a difference in the lives of others by helping to build healthier families, workplaces, neighborhoods and communities, the independent Health Mart pharmacists are awarding $50,000 in grants to community health non-profits to recognize them for improving health non-profits to recognize them for improving health and well-being in their communities.

The grand prize winner will receive a $30,000 grant
The 2nd place winner will receive a $3,000 grant.
The 3rd place winner will receive a $2,000 grant.
And 15 finalists will receive a $1,000 grant.

If there is someone you want to nominate, or you want to nominate yourself for the Champions of Care Challenge from Health Mart! http://budurl.com/healthmart

Starting on March 17th, the public will have two weeks to vote for heir favorite Champions of Care at www.healthmartcommunity.com.

I hope you will nominate a group that is doing something great in your community. Lend your ear and your influence so that amazing work like this is recognized and continues….