International Red Sneakers Day

May 19, 2026May 6, 2026Jensperspectiveblog Leave a comment

Each year on May 20th, International Red Sneakers Day marks a growing movement with a mission to save the lives of those with food allergies while also sharing the story and memory of a boy who loved red sneakers.

Food allergies come in many forms. While one person’s body will have a deadly reaction to nuts, another’s allergy will be shellfish. The common issue is that both are life-threatening conditions. International Red Sneakers Day promotes improved awareness of all food allergies and support for those who have them.

Energetic and athletic 11-year-old Oakley Debbs inspired the observance. He had a tree nut and peanut allergy, and he loved red sneakers. Sadly, he is also a testament that allergens kill. In November of 2016, Oakley died after eating a slice of cake made with walnut extract.

If you have a food allergy and go into anaphylaxis, give yourself epinephrine immediately and call 911.

The international initiative aims to raise awareness in support of all those with food allergies. Some of the goals include:

Education and Awareness – Speak with your physicians about the proper administration of epinephrine when anaphylaxis occurs and carrying two auto-injectors.
Raise Awareness – Involve your community in campaigns and outreach. Include coaches, teachers, coworkers, and family members.
Advocacy – Improve access to care from diagnosis to treatment. Write to state and federal legislatures for support.
Allergy-conscious Cooking – Make it easier for those with allergies to identify safe foods. Support easy-to-read labels and food protocols in restaurants.

Anaphylaxis is a frightening and deadly condition. Take steps to make a difference in your life or that of a loved one.

INTERNATIONAL RED SNEAKERS DAY HISTORY

Red Sneakers for Oakley™, a nonprofit 501c3, founded International Red Sneakers Day in 2018, after Oakley Debb’s November 2016 fatal reaction to nuts. Oakley’s parents, Merrill and Robert Debbs, launched Red Sneakers for Oakley to prevent other families from facing the same tragedy. Central to the organization’s theme are Oakley’s red sneakers, carrying food allergy awareness messages all over the world and in multiple languages.

Visit their website at RedSneakers.org for food allergy resources, read Oakley’s entire story, and of course, wear red sneakers.

HOW TO OBSERVE International Red Sneakers Day

Wear your #RedSneakersForOakley to show your support for those with food allergies! You’ll also be joining a growing movement that has already saved lives. It’s simple. Please take a picture of yourself wearing your red sneakers, tag @redsneakersforoakley or @oakley_red, and post it on social media. You only need to read the testimonials on the Red Sneakers for Oakley website to know how powerful the movement is and how many lives a day like this can save.

Do you have a story to share? You might save a life. Use the hashtags #RedSneakersForOakley #InternationalRedSneakersDay.

Be sure to follow:
Facebook @redsneakersforoakley
Instagram @redsneakersforoakley
Twitter @oakley_red
Pinterest @oakley_red

Obtaom Women's Play Fashion Sneaker White Color Washed and Leopard Canvas Slip on Shoes
International Red Sneakers Day#InternationalRedSneakersDay#RedSneakersForOakley — Obtaom Women’s Play Fashion Sneaker White Color Washed and Leopard Canvas Slip on Shoes

BRONAX Little/Big Boys Tennis Shoes | Comfortable & Lightweight Sneakers for Kids#RedSneakersForOakley#InternationalRedSneakersDay — Obtaom Women’s Play Fashion Sneaker White Color Washed and Leopard Canvas Slip on Shoes

NATIONAL VOLUNTEER MONTH

March 31, 2026March 5, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 4 Comments

April recognizes all those who give there time and energy during National Volunteer Month. In the United States, volunteerism is instilled at a young age. In many parts of the country, it is the cornerstone of summer vacation or woven into after school programs. Most organizations in small towns, rural counties and the largest cities would not function without volunteers. In some families, the baton of volunteerism is handed down generation after generation.

Rural fire and ambulance departments remain staffed due to the efforts of volunteers. The underprivileged receive much needed medical care thanks to volunteers. Long overdue repairs and upgrades are made to a senior women’s home thanks to an organization’s annual call for donations and skilled workers. A woman answers a call on a suicide hotline because she cared enough to give up a few hours to train and listen to someone desperate and alone. A team sets up tables at a soup kitchen every week. Another group delivers meals to men and women who can no longer cook for themselves. Boys and girls sell ice cream sandwiches during a fair to raise money for a homeless shelter.

Volunteers come in all shapes and sizes. They pick a cause and make a difference in someone’s life. Sometimes the difference a drop in the bucket. Other times it creates a tidal wave of change. From the anonymous volunteers who donate their resources to those whose efforts are part of larger national organizations like 4-H, Boy and Girl Scouts of America, or American Red Cross or a local grassroots group, their missions provide valuable support to communities in times of need.

NATIONAL VOLUNTEER MONTH HISTORY

President George H.W. Bush launch the 1000 Points of Light campaign in 1991 and established April as National Volunteer Month.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalVolunteerMonth

Thank a volunteer.
Volunteer! Many volunteers will tell you it is a rewarding experience.
You don’t have to have a ton of time.
Do you have a special talent or skill that may benefit a charity or organization? Offer your services or ask how you can be of help.
Use #NationalVolunteerMonth to share on social media.

National Volunteer Month volunteer appreciation gifts T-Shirt#NationalVolunteerMonth — National Volunteer Month volunteer appreciation gifts T-Shirt

Volunteer log book: Volunteering journal, notebook & record book, Volunteer gift#NationalVolunteerMonth — National Volunteer Month volunteer appreciation gifts T-Shirt

NATIONAL CHILI DAY

February 25, 2026February 3, 2026Jensperspectiveblog

National Chili Day on the fourth Thursday in February honors one of America’s favorite winter dishes–chili. It’s also known as chili con carne (chili with meat).

Chili is most commonly made up of tomatoes, beans, chili peppers, meat, garlic, onions, and cumin. However, cooks offer up so many variations to the basic chili recipe. And, with so many varieties, chili cook-off competitions love to feature chili as a favored entry.

American frontier settlers used a “chili” recipe of dried beef, suet, dried chili peppers and salt. All this was pounded together and formed into bricks and dried. They could then boil the bricks in pots on the trails.

At the Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893, the San Antonio Chili Stand helped people from all over the United States appreciate the taste of chili. Because San Antonio was a significant tourist destination, it helped Texas-style chili con carne spread throughout the South and West. In 1977, House Concurrent Resolution Number 18 of the 65th Texas Legislature designated chili con carne as the official dish of the U.S. state of Texas.

Before World War II, hundreds of small, family-run chili parlors (also known as chili joints) popped up throughout the state of Texas as well as other places in the United States. Each new chili parlor usually claimed some kind of secret recipe.

Lodge 6 Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven with Lid – Dual Handles – Oven Safe up to 500° F or on Stovetop - Use to Marinate, Cook, Bake, Refrigerate and Serve – Blue#NationalChiliDay — Lodge 6 Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven with Lid – Dual Handles – Oven Safe up to 500° F or on Stovetop – Use to Marinate, Cook, Bake, Refrigerate and Serve – Blue

Seriously Good Chili Cookbook: 177 of the Best Recipes in the World#NationalChiliDay — Lodge 6 Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven with Lid – Dual Handles – Oven Safe up to 500° F or on Stovetop – Use to Marinate, Cook, Bake, Refrigerate and Serve – Blue

Ways to enjoy chili

There are many ways that people enjoy the great taste of chili, some of which include:

Add chili to hot dogs to create chili dogs.
Top burgers with chili and enjoy a chili burgers.
Combine chili and cheese with fries and make chili cheese fries.
Make the ultimate baked potato by stuffing it with chili.
“Frito pie” is chili with spaghetti noodles.
Transform mac and cheese into chili mac.
Mix rice and chili for another flavor favorite.
Change it up. Black beans instead of red, green chilis, and sour cream.
My favorite is topped with fresh green onions and sharp cheddar cheese.

NATIONAL CHILI DAY HISTORY

Rich Kelly of Hard Times Cafe in Arlington, VA founded National Chili Day. The day has been celebrated with cook-offs, pot lucks, feeds and bottomless bowls since at least 2006.

Explore More..

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalChiliDay

There are so many ways to enjoy chili. Just about everyone has their own recipe, too.

Jen’s Easy Chili
White Chicken Chili

Use #NationalChiliDay to post on social media.

Hormel Chili With Beans#NationalChiliDay — Hormel Chili With Beans

Hormel Chili Hormel Natural White Chicken Chili with Beans
#NationalChiliDay — Hormel Chili With Beans

NATIONAL FRUITCAKE TOSS DAY

January 21, 2026January 10, 2026Jensperspectiveblog

On January 22nd National Fruitcake Toss Day challenges us to chuck the fruitcake as far as you can. (Occasionally, this fun holiday is listed as occurring on the first Saturday in December.)

Many people receive fruitcakes as gifts sometime during the holiday season. Some people eat this holiday bread while others may re-gift them. There are those who sneakily throw them away and others who will do so openly.

But on the third day of January, another type of fruitcake, ahem, person comes out of the woodwork. These are the characters who have hoarded them, stored them and hid them so they can celebrate with a competition of sorts.

HOW TO OBSERVE #FruitcakeTossDay

Host a fruitcake tossing competition. Invite family to join you outside with their respective fruitcakes (the ones made with flour, fruit and nuts) and take turns chucking them as far as they can. Make hot cocoa and prizes. Share your celebration using #FruitcakeTossDay to post on social media.

NATIONAL FRUITCAKE TOSS DAY HISTORY

The first Great Fruitcake Toss was held in Manitou Springs, Colorado on January 3, 1996. Each year the entrants compete to see who can hurl or toss their fruitcakes the farthest.

Dont forget the Drinking straw was invented today and Chocolate Covered Cherries.

NATIONAL UGLY CHRISTMAS SWEATER DAY

December 19, 2025November 14, 2025Jensperspectiveblog

Since 2011, National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day has grown to be an international event. Now occurring on the third Friday of December, the celebration gives holiday lovers worldwide a chance to wear their ugly Christmas sweaters.

In 2014, they partnered with Save the Children in their “Make the World Better with a Sweater” campaign.

Each year, ugly Christmas sweater wearers, decorate, shop, and do their darndest to out ugly last year’s ugliest sweater. Whether they sport the most lights or colors, bells or characters, ugly sweater wearers find the most ribbon and felt ladened sweaters and festoon them with glitter so blinding no Dustbuster invented will capture the wave left behind. The sweaters serve as beacons of light so bright, Rudolph himself will someday be out of a job.

However, don’t be sad. So often Rudolph is featured on many of the sweaters. Elfs, donkeys, snowmen, and many other holiday characters we love and adore find their way to these ugly monstrosities. It’s all part of the fascination with the holiday. So, join in the fun. Celebrate and donate, too.

YESNO Women Sweater Graphic Oversized Pullover Sweaters Casual Loose Long Sleeve Knit Tops

Tipsy Elves Women’s Gray Sequin Snowman Christmas Sweater

TAOHONG Merry Christmas Sweatshirt Women Xmas Buffalo Plaid Tree Color Block Christmas Snowflake Print Long Sleeve Top Shirts

Men’s Holiday Reindeer Snowman Santa Snowflakes Sweater

NATIONAL UGLY CHRISTMAS SWEATER DAY HISTORY

In 2011, ugly Christmas sweater lovers created National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day as a way to lighten up the busy holidays and to show off their absurdly, ugly sweaters. The day has grown in popularity and is celebrated worldwide.

More fashions….

National No Socks Day
National Sock Day
National Flip Flop Day
National Legwear Day
National Dress in Blue Day
Wear Two Different Colored Shoes Day
National Lost Sock Memorial Day
National Secondhand Wardrobe Day
National Odd Socks Day
Straw Hat Month
Crazy Socks Day
National Tartan Day
National Tweed Day
Official Lost and Found Day
National Argyle Day
National Umbrella Month
Wear Blue Day
National Dress Day
National Denim Day
National Zipper Day
National Nylon Stocking Day
National Tailor’s Day
National Felt Hat Day
National Felt Hat Month
National Hat Day
National Wear A Dress Day
National Wear Red Day
National Scarf Day
National Fashion Day
National Underwear Day
National Thrift Shop Day
National Bow Tie Day
National Tie Month
International Lace Day
National Lace Day
National Plus Size Appreciation Day
National Handbag Day
Wear Something Gaudy Day
National Count Your Buttons Day
National Button Day
Fur Free Friday
Faux Fur Friday
International Sweater Vestival
Ear muff Day
Wear Brown Shoes Day
Ugly Christmas Sweater Day
National Bikini Day
International Legging Day

HOW TO OBSERVE #UglyChristmasSweaterDay

Try these tips to take the prize:

Animal or cartoon characters with a holiday theme give sweaters a kitsch feel. Think reindeer, snowmen, mice, kittens or elves.
Select ridiculous colors. The more they clash, the better.
Embellish. Scratch that. Over-embellish! Pom-poms, bells, felt, tinsel, or any other glittery, jingly items lying around the house.
Add a collar, dickey, or ruffle.
Electrify it! Put Rudolph to shame and go to the head of the team with bright, flashing lights!
Give it some 80s flair with shoulder pads.

Wear your ugliest Christmas sweater. Use #UglyChristmasSweaterDay or #ChristmasSweaterDay to post on social media.