Dear Vany

Junior Reporter Vanessa “Vany” Masterson answers her latest set of questions from Palisadian-Post readers. If you have a question you would like to send to Vany, email it to mypost@palipost.com.

Dear Vany,

In the new year, I am hoping to give back to the community. I can’t decide if I should raise money or collect toys or what else I can do. Do you have any suggestions?

—Wants to Give Back

Dear Wants to Give Back,

It is so awesome that you are looking to give back to the community! One of my favorite ways to raise money is through a lemonade stand, because it’s so fun (especially with friends) and you can make a difference with the money you receive, then donate! Another thing that could help is volunteering, like working with animals at NKLA!

Unfortunately, one big problem in Los Angeles right now is hunger. That means you can donate things such as: canned soup, fruit, beans, breakfast cereal, whole grain pasta, applesauce, peanut butter, crackers, rice [and more] to the Westside Food Bank.

Your interest in helping others is really inspiring and I hope more young people will do the same!

—Vany

Dear Vany,

My mom and I have been fighting more often about how she wants me to keep my room clean but it is my least favorite chore! Do you have any ideas of how to make it more fun while I am cleaning?

—Messy Room

Dear Messy Room,

Making chores fun can be hard, but not impossible!

Something I’ve noticed which has really helped me with finding the motivation and finishing the task of cleaning is listening to music or podcasts. It can distract you from the actual cleaning part and you will accomplish more than you’d think! Another thing you could do is set a 25-45 minute timer and only clean for that amount of time. The reason I believe this helps is because during the time you’re cleaning, you know that there will be an end to it at one point, and you will look at it as more of a challenge than a chore. I understand how hard organizing your room can be, but always try to think about how your room will look afterward and how happy you will be with it!

—Vany