(NewsUSA) - Toys for Tots is the nation's flagship children's Christmastime charity, but the Program extends to helping children and families in need year-round. As children gear up for the new school year, the Toys for Tots Literacy Program continues its successful Back to School Books campaign in the hopes of doubling their literacy efforts. Last year, the Program distributed 1.8 million books and this year the Program hopes to distribute over 4 million books.

A key objective of the Marine Toys for Tots Program is to play an active role in the development of children by providing them direct access to books and educational resources that enhance their ability to read and communicate effectively. The Toys for Tots Literacy Program, launched in 2008 in partnership with The UPS Store, is one way to meet this goal. The Toys for Tots Literacy Program provides economically disadvantaged children with the books and educational resources that can help them build the confidence and self-esteem that will help them compete academically and succeed in life.

Data show that children who are not reading at grade level by the end of third grade are four times more likely to drop out of high school, and that the ratio of books per child in some low-income neighborhoods is 1 age-appropriate book for every 300 children.

"This program not only brings the joy of reading to these children, but also serves as an important tool in breaking the cycle of poverty," says Lieutenant General Jim Laster, USMC (Retired), President & CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.

Since 2008, the Toys for Tots Literacy Program has provided an average of 2 million books to children, schools, and libraries each year. This year, Toys for Tots is teaming up with organizations such as Rise Augusta and Kids in Need Foundation for opportunities to distribute books to children in need year-round.

Please visit our donation page to support our Back to School Books campaign. https://www.toysfortots.org/backtoschool/Default.aspx. Be sure to follow "Gunny Bear" on the Toys for Tots Facebook and Instagram sites, where the Toys for Tots spokesbear shares more examples of the impact your support makes. Hope is just a book away!

(NewsUSA)

"Faults"
by Orion Gregory

In this riveting murder mystery, as a struggling 24-year-old tennis professional, Sydney Livingstone has never had a game to die for. But all that is set to change during a tournament that serves as a precursor for the prestigious U.S. Open. Someone from her past with a secret vendetta is trying to kill her before she can make a name for herself in the world of tennis.

A bold threat scrawled on her car, followed by a mysterious delivery from a stranger, sets the stage for a wild ride of revenge and murder that will leave you wondering if you can truly trust those around you. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3eZMr1r.

"Holland Park"
by Theresa Jackson

'No...no she was improving when the ambulance arrived. She can't be dead. She just can't!' he sobs while Max looks on with tears in his eyes.

An American girl Morgan has a cardiac arrest while on a family holiday in London with her brother Max and their parents. She is rushed to the nearest hospital but dies suspiciously during the operation. The family demands a full investigation, but nothing takes place.

Ten years later Max completes his final year as a medical student in the U.S.A. and accepts an offer to participate in a residency program in London, where he becomes deeply suspicious of the medical practices of a particular surgeon, who may have operated on his sister. Purchase at https://amzn.to/35XcReB.

"Dreamworms"
by Isaac Petrov

A post-apocalyptic first contact epic -- no-bull sci-fi at its best. The story of a badass woman who meets an alien in her dreams. The story of a world-shaking religious revolution.

December 2399. Civilization has long collapsed -- the legacy of an inescapable disease. Only a religious group has adapted to lifespans of mere 27 years. A happy society, oblivious to its own fragility.

A step away from extinction. Welcome to the history seminar of Professor Miyagi of the University of Lunteren-Deviss. Using the latest 26th century dream sensorial technology, you and your fellow students are about to dive deep into the momentous events when doom was playing dice with humanity. And winning. Purchase at https://amzn.to/2SB19U0.

"Serpent Rising - The Sage of Venom and Flame"
by Victor Acquista

Serena Mendez is an unemployed, pill-popping 21-year-old suffering from nightmares and PTSD. In an effort to confront the root of her childhood trauma, she travels back to the Navajo reservation where it all started.

Accompanied by her geeky friend Bryson, they discover unexplained mysteries pointing to an ancient conflict between the Illuminati and a Luminarian sect with origins to Atlantis -- and she appears to be at the center. With more questions than answers and only a handful of clues, pursued by an unseen foe, Serena embarks on a mystical journey across six continents to learn more.

Winner 2021 International Book Awards Best New Age Fiction. Purchase at https://amzn.to/36rtsaH.

NOTE: BookBites is presented by BookTrib.com.

(NewsUSA) - The past year-and-a-half has brought unprecedented levels of stress to everyone, but parents in particular shouldered an extra load, as children's schedules (and emotions) were turned upside down. In fact, Gallup's 2021 Emotions Report shows that women with young children at home were hit the hardest in terms of pandemic stress and worry.

As the pace of daily life begins to pick up with the back-to-school season, it's more important than ever for busy parents to find a few minutes of 'me' time to decompress every day. Yet, finding the time can be a struggle.

That's exactly why the mental wellness app, Breethe, meets parents (and anyone needing stress relief) where they're at, ensuring that self-care becomes a reality and not just a hopeful wish. Breethe's personalized approach -- which easily integrates self-care into your day instead of just adding another item to the to-do list -- delivers customized, relatable stress relief right to your phone.

"Breethe is personalized for you and your needs. When it comes to wellness and self-care, there is no one-size-fits-all approach," says Breethe co-founder Lynne Goldberg. "The more we can meet someone where they're at in their day and life, the more lives we can change for the better."

Can't sleep? Feeling anxious? The app is designed to figure out why and gets to know its users through a series of quick and easy questions rooted in behavioral science. Then, based on this interaction, it provides personalized recommendations -- including meditation, hypnotherapy sessions, and helpful talks.

Additionally, with the "Customize My Day" tab, Breethe helps users sneak in a few minutes of self-care as they go about their day. Choose from a selection of activities, such as starting the day, doing chores, working out, or falling asleep. By setting the times when you typically do the activities, the app recommends what support would serve you best at that specific time.

Finally, Breethe is all about real help for your life -- it offers relatable tools for (very!) specific everyday situations, such as "Tax Season -- Adulting Is Hard," "My Boss is a Jerk," "My Family Drives Me Nuts," making the app even more accessible, timely and friendly.

This approach differentiates Breethe from other wellness apps because users need not sift through content libraries in search of the right tools. Instead, Breethe provides a personalized experience that delivers the most appropriate content to users on demand, making it the perfect choice for parents (and anyone else) at home and on the go. As the Breethe team explains, "it's like having a best friend and life coach in your pocket."

Visit breethe.com for more information, or follow along at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breetheapp (handle: @breetheapp) and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/breetheapp (handle: @breetheapp).

(NewsUSA) - All parents want the best for their babies, and that starts with the right nutrition. Some of the biggest challenges parents may face when bringing baby home are feeding time and tummy troubles.

Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended. For parents who are not able to or choose not to breastfeed and those looking to supplement breastfeeding, a high-quality infant formula offers complete nutrition and easy digestibility to promote healthy growth.

A few tips for an easier feeding time:

- Feed your baby at regular intervals during early hunger cues.

- Try to feed in a calm and quiet setting with the baby upright on your lap; this position reduces pressure on the tummy.

- If bottle feeding, paced bottle feeding is recommended, which may result in some swallowed air.

- Burp your baby about every 5 minutes during bottle feedings and hold them upright for about 20 to 30 minutes after each feeding, avoiding vigorous play.

- Even a two-month-old still benefits from feeding every 2-3 hours, or eight times a day. However, older babies can be more easily distracted, so promote full feeding by reducing distractions.

"The NAN PRO 1 Infant Formula from Nestlé is designed after the complete nutrition and gentleness of breast milk. Whether as the sole source of nutrition or as a supplement to breastfeeding, NAN 1 helps keep them on track for healthy growth. NAN PRO 1 Infant Formula also includes expert-recommended levels of DHA to support healthy brain and eye development," says Joel Lim, MD, pediatric gastroenterologist and medical director at Nestlé Gerber.

NAN PRO 1 can be used as a starter formula for all healthy babies and is also a beneficial choice for those babies experiencing gas or fussiness because it has the probiotic L. reuteri, as well as 2'-FL HMO. These ingredients promote digestive health and support baby's still-developing immune system.

Probiotics, or "good bacteria," are live microorganisms that support a healthy digestive system when eaten regularly. The first year of life is important for nourishing baby's digestive and immune health, another reason to pay attention to nutrition right from the start.

Visit this link to purchase Nestlé NAN Pro 1 Infant Formula.

Visit this link for more advice on feeding tips to keep your baby healthy.

(NewsUSA)

"This Was Toscanini: The Maestro, My Father and Me"
by Lucy Antek Johnson

Arturo Toscanini is widely considered the greatest conductor of the modern age and remains a towering figure in the world of classical music. His explosive passions, dynamic music making, and legendary leadership continue to inspire and influence today's musicians while still captivating new generations of enthusiastic fans. Here is an intimate musical portrait of the Maestro, told from the perspective of first violinist Samuel Antek, who played under Toscanini's baton for 17 years in the famed NBC Symphony Orchestra.

 In this expanded second edition, Samuel Antek's reflections gain sparkling new facets of insight from his daughter Lucy, with vivid recollections about her father and his most memorable musical partnership. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3gtaPYA.

"Lion, Tiger, Bear"
by John W. Warner IV

The wild adventures of Lady Beatrice, the defiant, libertine MI6 operative and WWII pilot, continue in this sequel to the epic Little Anton, a mystery thriller set during the 1942 African Desert conflict.

In "Lion, Tiger, Bear," the hunt is on for Bea and her team to locate a secret German mining operation, airbase, and Ahnenerbe SS archeology dig in Iraq that is directly linked to the German Wunderwaffe atomic bomb, free energy, and antigravity programs- -- technologies that rely on mysterious and hidden ancient technology and philosophy.

 All author profits go to wounded veteran charities. Purchase at https://amzn.to/2V8CxCU

"The Hotel"
by Pamela Kelley

Secrets and lies...at Nantucket's most exclusive and glamorous, family-owned hotel.

The Whitley is Nantucket's most exclusive waterfront hotel -- a family owned business.

Changes are in store for Paula when her grandfather promotes her and fires her cousin--who then blames Paula. Paula's grandfather also hires a consultant to help her -- David, who is also in Nantucket also for another reason, a difficult family issue.

Meanwhile, a blond romantic comedy superstar is hiding out at The Hotel. She meets Paula's brother, a chef--who has no idea who she is. A new family saga from the Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author of "The Nantucket Inn" and "The Restaurant." Purchase at https://amzn.to/3bHSrKb.

"A Kind of Hush"
by JoDee Neathery

D. Donovan, Midwest Book Review says, this book will appeal to "readers of stories of growth and recovery…as a moment in time changes a family forever." From the award-winning author of "Life in a Box" comes a novel set in Buffalo, NY, and Texas' Big Bend area exploring whether there is a gray area between right and wrong.

The Mackie family is enjoying an outing at Zoar Valley Gorge when tragedy strikes leaving one parent dead, a teenage daughter traumatized and their seven-year-old son hiding in the woods. Accident or something more heinous? As each survivor pieces together that day, a mantle of ambiguity -- a kind of hush -- hangs between them like a live grenade without its pin. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3hmdtRS.

NOTE: BookBites is presented by BookTrib.com.

(NewsUSA) -Whether you are just starting out with your first job and apartment, or entering the later stages of your working life, there is no wrong time to plan for retirement.

For Millennials and Generation Z, saving may seem less important, but don't discount its importance.

"Even though retirement is decades away, acting now can lead to better financial security throughout your entire life," says Mark Wernig, CFP®, Lead Advisor and Principal at Dowling & Yahnke Wealth Advisors.

For those who are younger, take some smart steps now, and you can reap the benefits whenever you retire. The following tips can help you to save for the future:

- Make saving automatic. Young adults should invest in a 401(k) plan with their employers, with an automatic contribution. This makes saving easy, you don't have to think about it, and you will reap the rewards later.

- Put money back. Many adults deal with debt from student loans, car loans and mortgages. Set financial goals and know the interest rates on your loans, so you can make a budget and try to pay them off as soon as possible.

If you are a Baby Boomer farther along in your career and retirement is fast approaching, don't despair. It's never too late to maximize your savings with these smart strategies:

- Play catch-up. The "catch up" provision for individuals ages 50 years and older lets you add extra money to many corporate retirement plans, such as 401(k)s, traditional Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) and Roth IRAs.

"Workers age 50 and older can make an extra $1,000 catch-up contribution to an IRA in 2021, for a maximum possible IRA contribution of $7,000 in 2021," says Spencer Betts, CFP®, Chief Compliance Officer and financial consultant at Bickling Financial Services.

- Postpone Social Security. Age matters. The full retirement age for Social Security is 67 for anyone born after 1960. For every year you delay taking your Social Security (age 68 to 70), you increase your benefit by 8%.

- Revisit your health care plan. Health expenses are one of the top sources of spending in retirement. Make sure your health insurance plan meets your needs and do some research to switch plans if necessary. In addition, be aware of health care savings accounts (HSAs), which are pre-tax savings accounts that allow tax-free withdrawals for health expenses. HSAs also have a catch-up option for those over the age of 55.

Regardless of your age, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM professional can provide guidance and advice as you consider these points in retirement planning:

• What do you want?
• When do you want it?
• How much will it cost?

Visit LetsMakeAPlan.org for more advice on smart money management, and tips on building wealth for retirement during every stage of life.

(NewsUSA) -Many of today's students are tuning in to the possibilities of a career in financial planning.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for personal financial advisors is expected to grow at a rate of 4% through 2029, in part because of the increasing numbers of baby boomers who are retiring and are more likely to seek planning advice from personal financial advisors. Additionally, the replacement of traditional pension plans with individual retirement accounts is expected to continue, meaning individuals must save and invest for their own retirement, further increasing the demand for personal financial advisors.

A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional works one-on-one with their clients to develop strategies for meeting both short-term and long-term financial goals. These goals might include paying off student debt, saving for a house or planning for an adventure-filled retirement. This level of personal financial planning service is in high demand. So that is why, according to the April 2020 Pulse Survey: The Impact of Covid-19 On CFP® Professionals and Their Clients, 78% of CFP® professionals surveyed reported an increase in client inquiries during the beginning of the pandemic.

CFP® professionals find not only job security, but also personal satisfaction in their chosen profession. For example, a 2019 CFP Board study conducted by Fondulas Research found that 93% of CFP® professionals reported they were satisfied with financial planning as a career choice and 92% were satisfied with their decision to pursue CFP® certification.

"Being a financial planner allows you to build the work-life balance that you want," says Dorsainvil, CFP®. For example, the CFP Board Center for Financial Planning's Career Paths Guide lists work-life balance as one of the top five attributes that makes financial planning an attractive career.

Dorsainvil decided to combine her CFP® certification skills with the virtual platforms of today's professional world. She is the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of 2050 Wealth Partners, which focuses on empowering entrepreneurs and first-generation wealth builders to own their money story and pursue their biggest dreams. "I decided to become a CFP® professional because I liked putting my clients' interests first and helping them make smart decisions as they pursue their financial goals," she adds.

Benefits of a career in financial planning include:

• Helping people. CFP® professionals commit to a Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct that gives their clients the highest level of confidence. Competent and ethical CFP® professionals can make a difference in people's lives by providing honest and effective guidance and strategies to help them achieve their financial goals at key moments in their lives.
• Setting your own schedule. CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professionals have many career options, so you can find the flexibility that suits your lifestyle. Some financial advisors work for banks or credit unions, others work for independent firms, and some work as solo consultants.
• Staying in Demand. Earning the CFP® certification is a solid investment in your future, as it is trusted and sought after by firms and clients alike. . The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates roughly 11,600 job openings for personal financial advisors in this decade, with the number of openings only increasing as older financial planners retire.

More information about financial planning as a career choice can be found at CFP.net.

(NewsUSA) They may be one of the best-kept secrets out there. In fact, even as college costs keep rising as surely as we're all getting kind of sick of Zoom meetings, a new Morning Consult survey done with financial firm Edward Jones found that only 36 percent of adults even knew what a 529 Education Savings Plan is - and even less (21 percent) knew it can be used to fund more than just higher education.

Time to let the proverbial cat out of the bag.

1.They're a tax-advantaged way to help save and potentially grow your money.

You know how when you file your taxes and you have to report the interest you received on your regular personal savings accounts? Well, with these state-sponsored 529 plans, your account earnings aren't subject to any federal income taxes - that's right, nada - or even, in many cases, state income taxes so long as the money is used for qualified education expenses.

"They're an attractive and practical way to save for education," said Steve Rueschhoff, a principal at Edward Jones. "But only 20 percent of parents surveyed reported that they were using, or planning to use, them for their own or their children's education - even as a complement to other strategies like personal savings accounts, scholarships and financial aid."

And history tells us you'll need all the help you can get. The average annual cost of attending a private four-year college, which now stands at $37,650 including fees, rose 17 percent from 2012 to 2021, according to the College Board. Which helps explain why the Federal Reserve estimates total student debt ballooned 70 percent over that same period to $1.7 billion.

Ouch.

2.Tuition and expenses at colleges and universities aren't all they cover.

Did the way some schools responded to the coronavirus pandemic make you start to think about alternative education settings for your young child? The plans also allow for up to $10,000 per year, per beneficiary, to be applied towards K-12 tuition.

Plus, per the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement (SECURE) Act, signed into law in late December 2019, the definition of "qualified higher education expenses" was expanded to include student loan repayments and certain apprenticeship costs.

3.Some reasons survey respondents gave for not using a 529 plan just don't match the facts.

Ten percent of parents with kids under 13 thought they'd be penalized on unused funds if their kid wound up not going to college. (Only if the money is used for non-qualified education expenses; however, as the account owner, you have the flexibility to name a qualified family member - or even yourself - as the beneficiary without triggering income taxes and a 10 percent penalty on the earnings.)

And 7 percent of parents with kids under 13 thought they'd somehow lose all they'd saved if their child qualified for a full-ride scholarship. (Absolutely false, and the penalty is waived in that case.)

4.Maybe it was the coronavirus, but more people now think they're not saving enough.

Every state's 529 plan allows for maximum contributions of at least $235,000 per beneficiary, but it's more than double that in places like California and New York. (Your accountant can discuss the tax implications with you.) Whether they knew that or not, 45 percent of those surveyed felt they weren't socking enough cash away to reach their own goal. That's up 5 percent from the 40 percent who said the same in July 2020.

Not sure how much you'll need for college? Edward Jones has a free online tool to help you figure it out. And if you're like 24 percent of those who thought they'd benefit from professional advice because they were worried they weren't saving enough, the firm's local financial advisors have the perspective, experience and empathy to guide you through it all.

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States don't guarantee against investment losses. The investments within education savings plans are subject to market risk and fluctuation, and investors may lose money. Details about investment options, share classes, fees, expenses, risks and other important information can be found in each plan's program description of offering statement. Read it carefully before investing

(NewsUSA)

 "Brain Storm"
by Shelley Kolton, MD

The sad 7-year-old girl. The aggressive 14-year-old boy. The terrified 3-year-old child. The cult leader. She lived with these, and over 30 other parts of her mind throughout endless cycles of deepest depression, paralyzing panic, thoughts of suicide, and a revolving door of psychotherapists.

Dr. Shelley Kolton tells the story of a childhood marked by unimaginable abuse and the distinct parts her brain created to hold those memories and protect her. She balanced the demands of medicine, marriage and family as new parts emerged while grueling therapy sessions consumed her.

 The heartbreaking account of a mind, fragmented and broken, ultimately made whole by one woman's incomparable strength and courage. Purchase at shelleykoltonmd.com.

"The Lost Diary of Anne Frank"
by Johnny Teague

"The Diary of Anne Frank" is a seminal piece of twentieth century literature recounting the tragic and moving story of a young Jewish teenager faced with the horrors of Nazism. Anne establishes a bond with her readers that transcends both time and space, making them her friends and confidants.

Her diary ended, but her story did not. This book picks up where her original journal left off, taking the reader on a credible journey through the tragic final months of her life, faithfully adhering to her own, very personal, diary format in the process. Anne's vaulted dreams for fame and notice are ultimately traded in for the true longings of life, love, and peace. Purchase at https://amzn.to/2RKjH3N.

 "Blind Vision"
by Nina Blakeman

"Blind Vision" is a cozy mystery with a fervent zing! The unexpected death of a patient of young neurologist Dr. Callie Wallace throws the overachieving physician into a tailspin. Her mother wants to help, but a dark family secret keeps their relationship contentious and distant. A long-time boyfriend also wants to be there, but she keeps him at arm's length and turns to her business partner Dr. Richard Cortez, causing strain. It all comes down to who exactly Callie can trust.

There's charm and Rockwellian atmosphere, but instead of cupcakes, tea parties, and antiquing, there's sexual undercurrent, drug deals, domestic abuse and a bit of profanity. A medical suspense novel for mystery lovers. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3cfAFhz.

 "Suffer Less in Death"
by Vincent Dodd, R. N.

The process of dying and the choices we make for our own death and others is not a clear-cut topic. Raw and informative, this book explores the truth and asserts your right to knowledge and your right to say "no" to medical procedures that prolong suffering once imminent and inevitable death arrives.

The author cares deeply about your awareness, knowledge, and choices, and his perspectives come from 21 years of bedside emergency and intensive care nursing in teaching hospitals, followed by 14 more years of advocating for both the dying and the living to pilot their own health care. He takes a look at a difficult subject and turns it into a highly informative, easy, and, at times, even a funny read. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3wkHvK1.

NOTE: BookBites is presented by BookTrib.com.