We've chosen three projects for Summer 2008!

It started with San Diegans like you who wanted to make a difference in San Diego. Thousands of you visited Sharp.com to learn about Sharp Lends a Hand, our initiative to unite our 14,000 employees to provide the people-power — the volunteer labor — for community service projects that promise real change in San Diego.

More importantly, 78 San Diegans took the time to share their idea for how we can create real change. From visiting home-bound seniors to building homes for those in need, amazing ideas flowed in to our inbox. Thank you for your passion.

Then, we combed through the submissions and selected the top ten projects that met our criteria of supporting the health and well-being of San Diego in a broad, positive way. Sharp's employees voted for their favorite community service projects and after more than 1,600 votes we narrowed down our selection to our top three.

Sharp employees will complete the following projects by September 30, 2008:

Stand Down for San Diego's Homeless Veterans — July 11 to 13 The Veterans Village of San Diego sponsors a three-day event in San Diego to provide community-based social services and help homeless veterans “combat” life on the streets. Over 300 Sharp Lends a Hand volunteers provided support, including food, clothing, medical services and companionship, to hundreds of homeless veterans. Go to Stand Down for San Diego to see pictures and read more about our experience.

California Coastal Clean-up Day — September 20 The San Diego County board of supervisors presents an annual clean-up event to help improve the natural environment in San Diego. Sharp Lends a Hand volunteers will remove debris from beaches, bays, parks, canyons and urban areas. Visit the California Coastal Clean-up Day Web site to learn more.

Rescue Taskforce for Wounded Soldiers Rescue Task Force provides backpacks with basic supplies to wounded soldiers, Marines and sailors who arrive to the nation's military hospitals. Sharp Lends a Hand volunteers will assemble the backpacks with supplies, such as tooth paste, deodorant, sweats and cell phones. Visit the Rescue Taskforce Web site to learn more.

What’s next?

We are working to determine volunteer requirements for the two remaining activities. Come back often to read about our progress. We will post pictures and share stories of The Sharp Experience in the community.

Thank you for sharing our vision. We CAN make a difference.