It's Halloween! Despite being labeled nontoxic, many Halloween costumes have been shown to have high levels of lead and chemicals like phthalates in independent testing. Since there's no way to tell if a costume is free of these chemicals, the next best thing is to avoid certain types of materials. Avoid anything with soft plastics or vinyl, which likely will contain phthalates (endocrine disrupters). Costume jewelry made from plastic and fake gemstones have a good chance of being loaded with lead; don't let young kids wear these jewels since they may put the jewelry in their mouth. Don't forget: You can always make your own costumes using old clothes and nontoxic paints to be extra sure.

A wheelchair can literally give someone with a disability life through mobility. If you happen to have a wheelchair that you no longer need, there is a nonprofit called The Wheelchair Project that can help. Its job is simple: Match people in need to wheelchairs. No money exchanges hands other than the recipient making arrangements to get his or her new chair. Learn more at lifenets.org/wheelchair.

One way to help in your community is to donate food to your local food bank. The most-wanted items include complete meals in cans (like soup and chili), canned tuna, peanut butter and healthy snacks like granola bars and dried fruit. But items like large bags of rice, flour and sugar are not wanted: Most food banks do not have the ability to repackage them for distribution. Also, if you donate glass, be sure to wrap it in boxes or bubble wrap to prevent damage in a donation bin.