a superhero and help a kid learn to write. 826 Valencia is a writing center co-founded by author Dave Eggers designed to support students ages 6 to 18 with their writing skills, and to help teachers get their students excited about the writing—all of this disguised as a superhero “supply store.” Besides offering free tutoring, classroom visits, field trips, student publishing and even scholarships, 826 shows kids that writing is fun—it can even turn you into a superhero. 826 Valencia has now grown into a non-profit organization with centers all over the country.

ahead. Hurricane season affects residents across the Southeast and forecasters are already saying (like usual) that this season’s gonna be a doozie. Know your escape routes and learn how to prevent detrimental impacts of hurricanes, whether it be wind or water-related. Visit www.fema.gov/hazard/hurricane for pointers.

with your cash. In the last 30 years, American women have seen their incomes rise more than 60 percent, yet they still lag far behind men when it comes to turning those dollars into political contributions, according to the Women's Campaign Forum Foundation. Less than one-third of donations to candidates, political parties and political action committees come from women, according to the center.

the spirit of Christmas alive all year for needy children around the world. Operation Christmas Child is the world’s largest Christmas project, responsible for hand-delivering more than 61 million shoe boxes filled with gifts to suffering youngsters in some 90 countries struck by natural disaster, disease, war, terrorism, famine and poverty. Though the gifts are given at Christmas, donations and support are needed year-round. Call 800.353.5949 or samaritanspurse.org to see how you can help.

old clothes new life by making them into art that raises awareness of minority migration. Join the Women’s Caucus for Art in donating your old t-shirts to help artist Margaret Parker. Her installation will be a tunnel made of reconstructed t-shirts from Latin American countries that viewers can walk through to follow in the footsteps of those caught in the cycle of migration between Latin America and the United States. For more information, www.margaretparkerstudio.com or contact Margaret at mparkerst@gmail.com.