Community Services

Plano, Texas – October 15, 2026 -- Two nonprofit leaders who open up youth sports to more girls and kids received $25,000 grants each from Toyota at the 2026 espnW: Women + Sports Summit in Ojai, California. Markeshia Grant of EPIC for Girls and Rhiannon Potkey of Goods4Greatness are the 11th class of Toyota Everyday Heroes.

The Heroes were surprised on stage. Tiffany Shido, general manager of brand at Toyota Motor North America, presented the honors alongside espnW emcee and Toyota Ambassador Jess Sims. Shido said the pair are expanding access to sports and removing barriers to participation.

EPIC for Girls builds up the people who serve girls in sports

Grant is Executive Director of EPIC for Girls, a capacity-building nonprofit based in Omaha, Nebraska. EPIC strengthens the organizations, coaches and systems that serve girls. It gives those groups resources, relationships and support to widen access to quality sports and youth development.

Ventura County – October 14, 2026 -- Tickets are available for the St. John's Healthcare Foundation's 2027 gala, Adventure. Seats cost $450 each, and all proceeds go to cancer care in Ventura County. The black-tie evening takes place Saturday, May 1, 2027, at the Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village.

Every dollar raised supports St. John's Cancer Services

The foundation says 100 percent of gala funds will support St. John's Cancer Services. The money is meant to continue and expand access to advanced imaging technology, infusion treatments and oncology services across the county.

The event starts at 4:30 p.m. with a reception featuring tasting stations. It continues with a multi-course meal, wine, entertainment, and silent and live auctions. This year's Spain-inspired theme is "Beneath the Spanish Sky: Rhythm, Recognition and Rich Tradition."

Chicago – October 14, 2026 -- Beltone's third annual Hear2End Hunger Food Drive collected 20,640 non-perishable food items in September for local food banks and hunger-relief organizations across the United States. The total beat the 20,000-item goal and is more than 41% higher than the 2025 haul.

Nearly 40,000 items have been donated since 2024

The month-long drive ran during Hunger Action Month and is organized through Beltone Hearing Centers. Collections have grown every year since the program launched in 2024. Hearing care professionals, patients and neighbors all contributed.

Beltone Hearing President David Molella said the effort began as a way for the centers to give back and has become "truly special."

Three hearing centers earn extra donations for local groups

The Beltone Foundation is adding $4,500 in donations to recognize the three centers that collected the most food:

Fountain Valley – October 14, 2026 -- Strava users logged 19,959,136 miles in Hyundai's Miles for the Warriors Challenge, and Hyundai will donate a total of $3 million to Hyundai Hope on Wheels, which funds childhood cancer research.

The mileage goal was doubled, then smashed

The challenge started with a 400,000-mile target and a $1 million donation commitment from Hyundai. Participants hit that mark within the first 24 hours. Hyundai then doubled the goal to 800,000 miles and its pledge to $2 million. The community passed the new target two days later, and Hyundai added another $1 million in recognition of the record-setting result.

Charlotte – October 14, 2026 -- Hunter Chevrolet, formerly Victory Chevrolet, will hold its Grand Opening Celebration on Saturday, October 24, from noon to 4 p.m. at 717 Rhyne Road, with a complimentary five-day cruise offered on eligible vehicle purchases.

Charlotte basketball legend Muggsy Bogues makes a guest appearance

The free, family-friendly event is open to local residents and customers. Visitors can meet the Hunter Chevrolet team and watch for a special appearance by Muggsy Bogues.

Face painting, food, music and prize drawings fill the afternoon

Kids can get their faces painted and try balloon making. Food and music are on the schedule, and guests will have chances to win TVs, iPads and event tickets.

Sedalia – – October 13, 2026 -- Families planning a veteran funeral can request military honors, a government-provided headstone or marker, and possibly burial allowances, but none of these benefits is automatic. A HelloNation guide featuring Brad Rea of Rea Funeral Home in Sedalia, Missouri, walks through the options and the steps needed to claim them.

Military honors include the flag and Taps

The folded American flag is presented to the family as a symbol of the nation's gratitude. Depending on eligibility, honors may also include the playing of Taps and a ceremonial flag presentation by uniformed service members. They are available for both cremation and traditional burials.

Canton Township, Michigan – October 13, 2026 -- Seniors, adults with disabilities and families facing food insecurity in Castle Rock, Colorado, are getting weekly meal deliveries again. The Human Development Fund (HDF) will fully fund the Wednesday Wheels program run by the nonprofit restaurant Sunday Salmon for the next two months.

Rising costs had cut deliveries to every other week

Wednesday Wheels delivers organic, allergy-friendly meals to seniors on limited incomes, adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and families struggling to afford food. As demand grew, so did costs, and Sunday Salmon had to move to biweekly deliveries. Its waiting list climbed to 80 people.

Weekly runs now reach 210 meals and 30 more people

With HDF's funding, weekly service has resumed and expanded:

Calgary – October 13, 2026 -- The 2026 CPKC Holiday Train departs Montreal on Nov. 19 for a 32-day run with live music shows in 182 communities across Canada and the United States, and attendees are asked to bring a cash donation or non-perishable food item for local food banks.

Ten communities get their first Holiday Train visit

The route reaches farther south than ever before. Ten communities in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Missouri will host the train for the first time: Blue Springs (Missouri); Meridian and Jackson (Mississippi); Vicksburg, Monroe, Ruston, DeQuincy, Leesville and Zwolle (Louisiana); and Port Arthur (Texas).

In total, the 182 shows span six provinces and 13 U.S. states.

Twelve acts are on the lineup

Performers include American Authors, Magic!, Maris, Chase Rice, Madeline Edwards, Allen Stone, Jamie Fine, Shawnee Kish, Rafaëlle Roy, Tyler Shaw, Sam Roberts Band and Owen Riegling.

Ontario, Calif. – October 12, 2026 -- Service members passing through Ontario International Airport (ONT) can get free meals, snacks, beverages, Wi-Fi and a quiet place to rest at the USO at ONT, which has now been operating for 20 years.

The center helps travelers with more than food and Wi-Fi

The USO at ONT was established to support service members on commercial and military flights between military installations, training exercises, deployments and homecomings. Besides entertainment and a place to rest, staff and volunteers assist with transportation, flight connections and other travel needs.

Anniversary event drew the public on October 8

The nonprofit marked its 20th anniversary with a public celebration on October 8. The event included a ceremony, facility tours and hot dogs served by USO volunteers, as they are for traveling service members and their families every day.

Toronto – October 12, 2026 -- Men facing a prostate disease diagnosis, along with their families and care partners, can now join Let's Huddle, a global patient community offering education, peer connection, and support at every stage of care. Profound Medical Corp. announced the launch of the initiative on Aug. 13, 2026.

The community brings together patients, survivors, care partners, healthcare professionals, and advocates. Its stated aim is to change the conversation around prostate disease through education, awareness, and authentic patient experiences.