The Gift of Giving Back

'Tis the season of giving back...and the Aveeno(R) brand is inspiring people all over the country to do just that. Each month, the brand has been awarding ten thousand dollar grants to people who create positive change in their communities through the Be An Active Natural Fund.Summer Ehmann, the first recipient of the fund is one of the co-founders of Cranio Care Bears...her son Brently was diagnosed with a rare skull abnormality, craniosynostosis, at just 5 months old. During her son's surgery, summer received a care package from a fellow 'cranio mom' and was touched by its sentiment. From there she created Cranio Care Bears...Ehmann says 'Cranio Care Bears sends loving care packages to families with children facing surgery for a rare birth defect called craniosynostosis. It affects 1 in every 2,000 babies worldwide... typical items in our care package include hand made blankets, hand made hats to cover the baby's head and the incision, toiletries for the entire family while they're in the hospital, small toys, books, anything to bring comfort to these families. This money is going to go a long way for us and it's a lot of care packages and families we can reach."Other people living like Active Naturals and making a difference, Yuki Kotani and Michelle Javian of Harboring Hearts.Yuki explains, "Our mission is to provide heart patients and their families with financial assistance for housing and also providing emotional support. We cover hotel expenses, when they come to NYC and some who live in the tri-state area and for whatever reason can't pay their mortgage or rent so we'll help there too.They've also received so many requests for transportation, for gasoline, for healthy food so with the 10,000 grant their goal is to provide a more holistic approach to support these heart patients and families that come to New York City.Are you or is someone you know living like an 'Active Natural?' Check out the Aveeno(R) facebook page to submit your story for a chance to win a ten thousand dollar grant or to vote for the 'Active Natural' that inspires you most.