Personally, I have been victim of burglars three times. They took electronic equipment from my home and all my tools from garage. If I had known then about such devices as personal alarms, wireless alarms and driveway alarms, none of losses would have occurred.

My daughter has been a victim of spousal abuse. Her three-year-old daughter (the sunshine in my life) witnessed much of this. When I see how some people have little or no respect for rights and property of others, I worry for her as she gets older. My daughter carries pepper spray on her keychain; I bought it for her.

You have experiences similar to mine and can relate to my concerns. Perhaps it’s your father or mother, your grandparents, other loved ones. They need to be aware of self protection products for their safety and well-being. Yes we tell them what to look for and what to do if they are involved in a dangerous situation, but we don’t inform them of products available to use in such predicaments.

Granted, it might not be wise for them to use all self-defense products, but they should know that stun guns, stun alarm flashlights, cell phone stun guns, pepper pagers, pepper spray, personal alarms, home protection devices, and new stunning ring are available for their use.

So, how do we remedy this situation? If you have grandparents or even parents who are seniors, tell them about these products. The electronic and print media could produce special segments on use of such products. Those of us with web sites can target this group of people. Law enforcement officials often have seminars informing seniors how to protect their homes and themselves. Sessions could be scheduled demonstrating self-defense products and use of them.

With more attention and focus on senior citizens, this oversight could be corrected. They have as much right to protect themselves as anyone else.

For information on home security and self-defense products, visit www.safetyenforcer.com.

What are some web sites to find volunteering opportunities?

Kids for Community - http://www.kidsforcommunity.org/ Family Volunteering - http://www.1-800-volunteer.org/learn/family.jsp Volunteer Match – http://www.volunteermatch.org SERVEnet - http://www.servenet.org/ Service Leader - http://www.serviceleader.org/new/virtual/index.php Do It - http://www.do-it.org.uk/youthnet/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=445 Worldwide Volunteering - http://www.worldwidevolunteering.org.uk/ Online Volunteering - http://www.onlinevolunteering.org/

Can volunteering really be good for my child?

You bet it can! It has been proven by researchers that a child’s self-esteem is boosted when taking on altruistic responsibilities. When children help others, they will begin to understand that they have strength to make a real difference in their world…and this is a great feeling. Another enormous benefit of volunteering is that a child will gain a deeper understanding of needs and wants of others. Researchers have also noticed that children who volunteer might gain increased academic skills, including critical thinking and problem solving skills. Another added benefit is that your child might realize what he or she wants to pursue as a career. I run Artists Helping Children – http://www.ArtistsHelpingChildren.org - A non-profit charity dedicated to bringing comfort to children in hospitals, clinics, and shelters by brightening their environment with murals, artwork, toys, and art supplies. If you are interested in getting involved and volunteering for us, please email us at allfreelance@comcast.net and let us know how you would like to help. Thanks! So what are you waiting for? Get out there and get involved. Good luck!!