What better way to begin your year than with a determination to make your life and the lives around you happier. That can be a tall order, and let’s be honest, we all have responsibilities to fulfill. Sound a little too light-headed or out of touch with reality? Sirena (pictured above) helped make Marc’s wish come true.

At New Hope for Kids, everyone can find a way to accomplish that worthwhile goal. Here are some ideas:

• 1 X Month for 8 hours – volunteer to set up, decorate and help with a family or fundraising event.
• 2 X Month for 5 hours – volunteer as a grief facilitator 2 evenings from 5:45 to 8:15 p.m.
• 3 X Month for 6 to 9 hours – volunteer to make a wish come true (like Sirena did for Marc to have his wish for a Portuguese Water dog) through research, phone calls, and contacts.
• 4 X Month for 8 to 16 hours – volunteer as a clerical assistant in the main office, 544 Mayo Ave., Maitland or the grief center, 900 N. Maitland Ave., Maitland.