Count down to MAOT - day 7

On top of my updates and service project ideas, I'm going to start telling you about my final week getting ready for Miss America's Outstanding Teen!

First off, here's what I've been doing:

Tuesday: I visited the Lincoln Children's Museum to promote The Center for People in Need's backpack program! I was part of a large effort to spread the word about this project across Lincoln and also get some donations. This was also a great chance to reach out to young kids about volunteering! We traced our hands and talked about "Helping Hands are Big and Small," which was my message about age not mattering in the ability to do volunteer work. The kids decorated their hands, wrote their names on them, and then hung them on the wall to be displayed. They had fun, AND they learned about volunteering. Win/win situation! Here is the story from 10/11 news! http://www.1011now.com/video?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=6113994&flvUri&partnerclipid

Also, in North Platte, a story was run in the North Platte Telegraph about my send of party and my year so far. It was a great story written by Diane Wentzle, a big thank you to her, and it really showcased the volunteer aspect of my reign. Here's a link to read the story! http://www.nptelegraph.com/articles/2011/08/02/news/70001097.txt

Wednesday I was back in North Platte for a mock interview practice. Thank you so much to the awesome judges! It was a great last minute prep and reassurance that I am ready!

Today: Here starts my count down!... Ahhhh! Today was my "vocal rest day". I've been doing so many appearances, interviews, and just talking in general, that my singing voice is really taking a hit. So, I have been sent to rest and relax (whats that?!?!) for the day. At least I have plenty to get done without talking!

Here are some volunteer ideas for the week! I visited http://www.serve.gov/ for my ideas this week. I've found this really cool resource and have been referring back to if very often. There are some neat personal stories from celebrities too. Here's my favorite from Usher, who is also my favorite! :)
http://www.tvaccessreports.com/myamericanstory/supporting/Power-of-Change_Usher-60.mp3
This is another great resource for finding volunteer opportunities! www.allforgood.org. This link connects you directly to a link that has volunteer opportunities in North Platte. If you aren't from North Platte, simply change the zip code to yours and there will be a list provided!
http://www.allforgood.org/search#num=10&start=1&vol_loc=69101&distance=25&type=all&timeperiodstart=everything&timeperiodend=everything&cache=1

Also a reminder that my send off is THIS Sunday, August 7th at the Quality Inn & Suites from 3:00-6:00pm with the "show" at 4pm. Don't miss it!