Predicting the weather can be hard enough on a day to day basis. But forecasting whole seasons is an entirely different challenge. Winter may start in December, but winter weather can happen anytime. Last year, parts of the upper Midwest were pounded by snow and below-average temperatures by early November. Much of that snow was gone by Christmas, but it didn't mean the snow was done for the season.

This year, The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting cooler and wetter weather in the South, and above-average temperatures in the West and across the Northern part of the county. NOAA is also predicting a drier winter for the northern Rocky Mountain areas, upper plain states, and the Great Lakes-area.

But it's important to remember that those predictions are for the season, and what you get hit with on a day-to-day basis is different. It may be sunny when you drive to work, but that doesn't mean you won't have a snowstorm or downpour to deal with. If you do, is your car ready?

It’s important to be prepared for what winter driving brings, not to mention what it can do to your car. If you want to keep your car driving well through the winter months so it comes out OK on the other side of the coldest season, you have to be ready. Here are some tips to keep yourself out of trouble while driving this winter.

1. Check Your Tire Tread And Pressure. If your car can't stay on the road, it puts you and those driving around you at serious risk. That starts with your tire's tread and inflation. If the tread is low, it hampers your car’s ability to grip the road. This is obviously an issue anytime of the year, but snow, slush and ice that can accumulate on the roads can make for dangerous driving. Here’s how to do a check yourself: Take a quarter and place it in the tire tread with Washington’s head pointing down. If Washington’s entire head is visible, it’s time to get new tires. Having tires that are properly inflated isn’t just about safety – it can save you money as well. According to the Department of Energy, every pound per square inch (PSI) that your tires are underinflated, lowers your gas mileage by 0.3 percent. That may not sound like much, but consider this: Proper inflation can raise gas mileage by 3.3 percent, or savings of up to 11 cents per gallon. Not sure what to inflate your tires to? Check the sticker on the driver’s side door jamb or in the car’s owner’s manual. Tires lose a pound of pressure for every 10-degree Fahrenheit drop in the temperature, so make sure you keep a close eye on it.
2. Make Sure You Can See. Standard wiper blades are made of rubber, and over time, they can wear down or crack, making them very ineffective to clear off snow and ice. Streaky windows hamper your ability to see the road, so make sure you check and replace, if necessary, your wiper blades. Also key is making sure your windshield-washer fluid tank is full, and make sure you have a gallon in the car with you in case you run out. Snow and slush make your windshield a mess in a hurry; it’ll surprise you how quickly you’ll run through washer fluid.
3. Get Your Battery Checked. Ever notice how your car strains a little bit when you turn the key in the winter? That’s because as it gets colder, the battery has to work hard to turn your engine over. Make sure that it’s getting a proper charge by getting the battery tested. Most service centers will do it for cheap – or for free – and checking can be the difference between getting home safely or getting stranded on the side of the road.
4. Hope For The Best, Prepare For The Worst. A simple survival kit stashed in your trunk can be a lifesaver. A bag of salt, spare shovel, jumper cables and blankets are vitally important should your car break down and you end up stranded on the side of the road. The North Dakota Department of Transportation has some more helpful suggestions for what to keep with you while driving.
5. Keep Your Lights Clean. Whenever you stop for gas, it’s a good practice to use the windshield washer to clean off your headlights. Given how early it gets dark – particularly in places like North Dakota or Alaska – you spend a lot of time driving with your lights on. Take 15 seconds to scrub off the grime so you can see – and be seen – when you’re out on the road.

Car Not Up For Winter? Donate It!

If you’re worried that your car isn’t up for the challenge of winter and a new purchase is in the cards, consider donating your vehicle to Wheels For Wishes benefiting Make-A-Wish. Your unwanted vehicle can help inspire a local child and make their wish come true.

All you need to do is donate an unwanted car, truck, SUV, RV, motorcycle, or boat and it will help to grant a wish for a local child in your community. All of the hassle typically associated with getting rid of an unwanted vehicle is handled for you. No paying for and posting listings. No dealing with setting up times for potential buyers to view the vehicle. No haggling or price wars. No producing maintenance logs or waiting for a buyer to have their mechanic look it over. Plus you’ll get a tax deduction for your vehicle, which you don’t get when you try to sell it.

All you have to do is pick up the phone and call [chapter_phone] or fill out our easy online vehicle donation form. You don’t even have to be home when the pick-up happens! It is just that simple and you will feel great about helping those who are striving to feel hope, strength, and joy once again.

Brave the Bay is an annual fundraiser presented by the San Francisco Police Department to benefit our partner, Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area. It's an active, holiday-themed event that's perfect for participants of any age.

Make-A-Wish Greater Los Angeles started the Wishing Well Winter Gala two years ago to celebrate the 30^th anniversary of the chapter. This event has raised more than $1 million each year and brings together more than 750 guests to honor leaders in entertainment, business, health care and philanthropy in the Los Angeles area.

This year's event is at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel (9500 Wilshire Blvd.) in Beverly Hills on Wednesday, Dec. 9. Cocktails start at 6 p.m. with dinner at the program beginning at 7 p.m. Past honorees have included including Kobe Bryant, Landon Donovan, Sam Nazarian, Children's Hospital Los Angeles and Mattel Children's Hospital UCLA.

Help Make Wishes Come True

You can take part in this special event that helps Make-A-Wish Greater Los Angeles grant wishes to children with critical illnesses. Individual tickets for the event are $500 each, and can be ordered by filling out the order form on the event's website. You can also become an event sponsor, and there are several options available for you to consider:

• Presenting Sponsor: $100,000
• Dream Makers: $50,000
• Star Catchers: $25,000
• Heroes: $10,000
• Believers: $5,000
• Friends: $1,500

All levels of sponsorships have varying degrees of perks, so check out the sponsorship form to find the level that is right for you. You can also register for the fantastic action ahead of time.

Other Ways To Help Make-A-Wish

Make-A-Wish Greater Los Angeles helps grant wishes for children with critical illnesses all over Los Angeles County, including cities like Pasadena, Long Beach and Santa Clarita. However, if you can't make the event, you can still help to grant wishes for local kids in your community with a general donation. You can also consider making a car donation to Wheels For Wishes benefiting Make-A-Wish Greater Los Angeles.

Wheels For Wishes accepts vehicles in any condition so Make-A-Wish can continue to grant wishes for local kids in your community. Donate a car, truck, SUV, RV, motorcycle, or boat, and help turn your unwanted vehicle into a wish come true. You not only get the satisfaction of helping a child, you also get a tax deduction when you file your 2015 taxes.

To donate a vehicle to Wheels For Wishes, benefiting Make-A-Wish, please call [chapter_phone] or fill out our easy vehicle donation form. You won't regret it!

In addition to learning more about lung, pancreatic and stomach cancer this month, November is also a great time to learn more about carcinoid tumors and other neuroendocrine tumors. If you don't know much about these tumors, Carcinoid Tumor Awareness Month and Neuroendocrine Tumor Awareness Day can be a great opportunity. 

With all the attention that Breast Cancer Awareness Month gets during October, it's easy to forget about the awareness campaigns that follow in November. This month, you're encouraged to help raise awareness for lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, stomach cancer, and carcinoid cancer.

Kids love Halloween candy, there’s no question about that. Sadly, many children are unable to dress up in their favorite superhero costume and go out trick-or-treating on Halloween night. Each year in the U.S. alone, more than 27,000 children are diagnosed with a critical illness. Many of these children are living right here in Connecticut, in areas like Hartford, New Haven, Stamford, Danbury, or Bridgeport. Help to make a difference in the lives of these children by donating a car to charity this Halloween.

It's that time of year again, when pumpkins and ghostly yard décor show up outside every doorstep. Halloween is such a fun time for kids and adults alike, and what could be better than a holiday that's so heavily focused on treats? One aspect of Halloween that's often overlooked is the use of decorations and costumes that are discarded after just one use. Luckily it's easy to have a greener holiday, and actually save some money and be friendlier to the environment in the process! Here are several ideas to green your Halloween. 

This November and December, there are several fun ways for you to help Make-A-Wish Southern Florida. Whether you want a formal, elegant tea party, or to see a massive-holiday light display, you can help grant wishes to children all over Southern Florida who are facing a critical illness. By attending events like these, you help to provide wishes all across Florida; in cities like Hollywood, Hialeah and Fort Lauderdale. 

Nick's Starlight Spectacular

As Part of a Kids For Wish Kids project, Nicholas Caine sets up a massive holiday light display at his residence in North Miami Beach (1880 NE 181st St.). Nicholas's event includes fun activities such as inflatable rides, a DJ, food stands and photo opportunities with Santa. More than 1 million lights and 100 inflatables will be on display to help brighten the holiday season from Nov. 1, 2015 to Jan. 4, 2016. There is no cost for spectators, and 100 percent of proceeds from concession sales and photos with Santa will benefit Make-A-Wish Southern Florida. If you have questions, please e-mail nicksstarlightspectacular@gmail.com.

Palm Beach Sailfish Classic

The Palm Beach Sailfish Classic is a 3-day tournament that will take place on Nov. 19-21, at the Palm Beach Sailing Club (4600 N. Flagler Dr., West Palm Beach). Kickoff will be at the Palm Beach Shores Community Center on Nov. 19 and the awards banquet will be at the Plaza Ballroom on Nov. 21. Half of the net proceeds will benefit Make-A-Wish Southern Florida. In the tournament's 9-year history, Make-A-Wish Southern Florida has received more than $220,000 from the proceeds of the tournament. Cash pots are available for captains, anglers, tournament winners and more. For more information, contact Pat Ross at (561) 818-6095 or fishgalblue@aol.com, or visit www.pbsailfish.com.

Tea At The Ritz, Dec. 6

Join fellow Make-A-Wish volunteers and donors at the elegant and upscale Tea At The Ritz on Dec. 6 in Naples. This fine dining experience will take place from 2-4 p.m. Saturday afternoon at the Ritz Carlton (280 Vanderbilt Beach Road). Guests will receive royal classic tea service along with champagne, tea sandwiches and fruit tartlets.

Tickets are $125 and all of the proceeds from the event benefit Make-A-Wish Southern Florida. Tickets are sure to sell fast, so RSVP today by contacting Lesley Colantonio at 877-709-9474 ext. 22 or by email at lcolantonio@sflawish.org. Deadline to purchase tickets is Dec. 4.

Your Donation Provides Hope And Joy

A donation to Make-A-Wish is a gift like no other. Children with critical illnesses want nothing more than to live a normal life; your donation helps to make that possible. By helping to provide a wish for a child, you enable them to feel normal again and enjoy a day where they can live carefree and just be a kid. Wishes that may seem insignificant to us can mean the world to a child in need.

Make-A-Wish Southern Florida grants a wish every 16 hours. Since many children wish to travel to Disney World and meet all of their favorite Disney characters, this chapter is able to grant wishes very efficiently. Still, the need for fundraising is vital. Every child is different, which means every wish is unique!

Help In Other Ways

Holidays can mean a more busy and hectic schedule for many families. If you'd still like to make a donation to Make-A-Wish Southern Florida, we have a solution for you. Donate your used car to Wheels For Wishes and benefit your local Make-A-Wish. Don’t waste your valuable time trying to find a new home for your vehicle – donate today!

Car, truck, boat, RV, SUV or motorcycle, Wheels For Wishes will tow away or pick-up your vehicle at no cost to you. Since we are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization your donation is tax deductible, and you can be sure your donation is making a difference. Make your donation by 11:59 Dec. 31, and it will even count toward your 2015 taxes. Now is the perfect time to donate your car for charity.

Call [chapter_phone] today, or make your donation online by filling out our easy online donation form. If you are unsure about the donation process, our experienced representatives will walk you through the process and answer any questions you have. 

Food is something that many of us take for granted on a daily basis. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, approximately 1.3 billion tons of food get lost or wasted every year. That’s equal to roughly one third of the food produced for human consumption each year! In the United States alone, 30 percent of all food is thrown away each year. About half of the water used to produce this food also goes to waste. These reasons alone are why World Food Day is so important. World Food Day is a day of action against hunger, and you can help out by getting involved in the cause. 

Most people are aware that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but it is also Liver Cancer Awareness Month. Liver cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide. While it rarely affects children, awareness campaigns like Liver Cancer Awareness Month can be a great opportunity to teach children more about the healthy choices that can reduce their future cancer risk. Since it is possible for children to develop liver cancer, October is also an important time to learn more about the signs and symptoms of liver cancer in children.

Each year, the Monterey Bay Gala is not only one of Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area's hottest events, but is one of the ultimate social events on the Monterey Peninsula. Each year, guests enjoy a night of fine dining, silent auctions and world-class entertainment at Clint Eastwood's Tehama Golf Club in Carmel. You'll feel like a celebrity at the Monterey Bay Gala. It's a great party set in a stunning Carmel Valley location, with entertainers that can fill arenas. Every year features a different theme, and this year will sell out - just like it does every year.

Every year has a new, fantastic theme, and this year is no different. Get your sharpest looking black-tie attire for the James Bond Ball, an elegant evening paying homage to all things Bond. This year's event takes place on Nov. 7 - or 11.007.2015!

In a town as glamourous as Miami, there is no shortage of can't-miss events on the social scene. For the last 20 years, one of those has been the InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball, and this year's edition promises to be no different.

This year's event takes place on Saturday, Nov. 7, at the InterContinental Miami (100 Chopin Plaza), beginning with a cocktail reception and silent auction at 7 p.m., and the program beginning at 8:30. The theme this year is Mythology.

In its 20-year history, the Ball has raised more than $16.8 million, enough to grant the heartfelt wishes of more than 3,520 children with critical illnesses. This premier event features dinner, drinks, dancing and the chance to bid on fantasy items and experiences in the famed live and silent suctions.

Actress Gabrielle Anwar serves as the celebrity emcee and host for the evening. Over the years, celebrity guests have included Diana Ross, Paula Abdul, Sharon Stone, Wayne Newton, Pamela Anderson, Mike Piazza, Scottie Pippen, Richie Rich, Christian Slater, Russell and Kimora Lee Simmons, Don King, Venus and Serena Williams, Kim Kardashian, plus many more. This year's entertainer will be announced soon.

Shareef Malnik, Miami restaurateur, is the gala chairman for the 11^th time, and has helped lead the impressive fundraising efforts of the event. Malnik has been inspired to be involved with the organization after his younger brother who was diagnosed with leukemia was granted a wish.

To purchase tickets e-mail Wendy Trouba, or call her at 954-967-9474, ext. 304.

Not Ready To Go Home? Head To The After Party

Not ready to head home or up to your room when the Wish Ball ends? Make-A-Wish Southern Florida has you covered. The InterContinental Miami and Make-A-Wish Southern Florida invite the next generation of contributors and Miami's premier buzz creators in the fashion, arts, music and nightlife industries to the 8th Annual InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Starlight Nightclub. Join Gabrielle Anwar, Shareef Malnik and more at this after-hours venue inspired by a mythology-themed culture. The nightclub includes DJ Chuckie, a fashion show and open bar.

Tickets for the nightclub are $100 each. Call at 954-967-9474 ext. 312 to purchase tickets or get more information.

Help Grant Wishes Even If You Can't Attend

Even though the Make-A-Wish InterContinental Wish Ball and Starlight Nightclub will be a magical evening for everyone who attends, it also benefits local kids with critical illnesses and helps to grant their wishes.

If you cannot attend the Wish Ball, you may consider helping out in other ways. Maybe you will make a general donation to Make-A-Wish Southern Florida, or perhaps you will choose to donate a car and put it to better use. To donate a vehicle to Wheels For Wishes, benefiting Make-A-Wish Southern Florida, just call us at [chapter_phone] or fill out our online donation form.

When you donate a car, you will receive free pick up or towing of your vehicle anywhere in Southern Florida, while helping kids in Naples, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Miami Gardens, Cape Coral and more. Plus, you get a great tax deduction, and you will be helping to grant wishes for local kids. It doesn’t get much better than that!

October is a great time to help raise awareness and support breast cancer research, but you may not know that it's also Liver Cancer Awareness Month. Liver cancer is rare in children, but it is possible. Awareness months like Liver Cancer Awareness Month can also be a great time to learn more about the healthy choices you can make in your children's lives that will impact their future health and cancer risk.

Child Health Day has been around for quite some time. The federal holiday was introduced to Congress in 1928 and was celebrated for the first time in May 1929. Now it falls on the first Monday of each October, which is Oct. 5 this year.

Breast cancer does not affect children and it rarely affects teens, but breast cancer is something that may be possible to be prevent early on. Plus, treatments for many childhood cancers or critical illnesses can put children at risk for developing cancer in adulthood. This is why it is so important to raise awareness about breast cancer, regardless of age. It is important for men and women of all ages to be aware of the risk factors for breast cancer, especially during their teenage years. Breast Cancer Awareness Month is the perfect time to spread awareness and educate others.

Cars can be a major pain. Filling the gas tank, paying for insurance, tabs, repairs, oil changes, new tires, and other expenses quickly add up. Plus, dealing with traffic, bad weather, flat tires, and other obstacles on the road all take up so much extra time. Imagine how much time you could save if you decided to ditch your car permanently, or even half of the time. If you live in an area where public transportation, biking, walking, or carpooling is readily available, ditch your car for at least a day and take part in World Car Free Day on Sept. 22. 

If you're looking for a fun way to help out a great cause this October, why not come out to one of two events benefiting Make-A-Wish Southern Florida? You can cheer on a soccer team at Kick It for Wishes on Oct. 10, or grab your clubs for the Key To Wishes Golf Tournament Oct. 18. Both events are fun all on their own, but have the added benefit of helping Make-A-Wish Southern Florida grant more wishes.

This October, there are three fun events for you to participate in that will support Make-A-Wish Philadelphia, Northern Delaware, and Susquehanna Valley. Serving 10 counties within southeastern Pennsylvania and northern Delaware, Make-A-Wish Philadelphia, Northern Delaware, and Susquehanna Valley granted 275 wishes during the 2014 year. This year they hope to grant even more wishes, and your support can help to make this possible. 

Thyroid cancer is one of the few cancers that is becoming more common. In fact, thyroid cancer rates are rising more rapidly than any other type of cancer in the U.S. September is Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month, and you can make a difference by learning more and sharing what you know with others.

Last year, more than 156,000 people in the United States were expected to be diagnosed with a blood cancer such as leukemia or lymphoma. That works out to one new diagnoses every 4 minutes. New cases of leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma was expected to account for 9.4 percent of the estimated 1,665,540 new cancer cases diagnosed in the country last year.

Every September, Leukemia, Lymphoma and Hodgkin's Lymphoma Awareness Months helps raise awareness about these types of blood cancer and to give hope to those affected by the disease. Leukemia, Hodgkin lymphoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), myeloma and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are types of cancer that can affect the bone marrow, the blood cells, the lymph nodes and other parts of the lymphatic system. Learn about which color ribbon to wear this month, as well as other color ribbons associated with each cancer awareness month ribbon.

Improvements in the treatment of these types of blood cancers began during the latter part of the 20^th century largely due to chemotherapy. Research has led to the growing understanding of the many subtypes for each of the blood cancers, and the differences in therapy required based on subtype.

What Is Lymphoma?

Lymphoma is a general term for many blood cancers that originate in the lymphatic system. The two main types are Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Some types of lymphoma are curable, but for other types, many patients are able to keep their disease under control and have a good quality of life with medical treatment. Progress in treating lymphoma gives patients more hope than ever before.

What Is Leukemia?

Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, the spongy center of bones where our blood cells are formed. The disease develops when blood cells produced in the bone marrow grow out of control. The most common types are acute myeloid leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, chronic myeloid leukemia, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Other types of leukemia include hairy cell leukemia, chronic myelomonocytic leukemia and juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia.

Children Affected By These Diseases, Too

Leukemia affects approximately 10 times more adults than children, according to the National Cancer Institute, but it is the most common cancer among children, with acute lymphoblastic leukemia accounting for approximately 75 percent of all childhood leukemias.

The two types of childhood Hodgkin lymphoma are: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Hodgkin lymphoma is cancer of the blood and bone marrow, and is one of the most curable forms of cancer. Signs and symptoms could include:

• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, upper chest, armpit, stomach, or groin
• A persistent cough or shortness of breath
• Fever
• Night sweats
• Tiredness, low energy
• Unexplained weight loss
• Itchy skin
• An enlarged spleen

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a diverse group of blood cancers that share a single characteristic in how they develop. It usually develops in the lymph nodes and lymphatic tissues, but sometimes involves bone marrow and blood.

Help To Spread Awareness This Month

Other types of blood cancers include myeloma, myelodysplastic syndromes, and myeloproliferative neoplasms. Most people who are diagnosed with myeloma are over the age of 60. This type of cancer begins in the bone marrow and affects the plasma cells.

Myelodysplastic syndromes is a term used to describe a group of diseases in the blood and bone marrow. No symptoms other than fatigue or shortness of breath may occur, and may be diagnosed due to a routine exam or blood test. 

Myeloproliferative neoplasms are types of blood cancers that begin with an abnormal mutation in a stem cell in the bone marrow. This change leads to an overproduction of white cells, red cells, and platelets.

With this information, you can help to understand the people who are battling these diseases, and you can also help to spread awareness.

Donate A Car To Grant Wishes For Children With Medical Conditions Like These

Survival rates for childhood cancers are continuing to grow, but amongst all of the hospital visits, appointments, treatments, and surgeries, children battling critical illnesses have wishes that they would love to see come true. Wishes could include a family vacation, a shopping trip, or a chance to meet their favorite sports team.  

Thanks to Make-A-Wish, a child between the age of 2 ½ and 18 has their wish granted every 38 minutes, and your car donation to Wheels For Wishes can help to make this possible! Donate a car today and receive a tax deduction for your charitable contribution, plus you will feel great knowing that your donated car has helped to make a wish come true for a local child. Call [chapter_phone] or fill out an online car donation form today.