Rockville – October 01, 2026 -- More parks, libraries, and stadiums are installing large picture-based communication boards, and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is using October's AAC Awareness Month to explain why they matter.

New Orleans – October 01, 2026 -- HOTWORX, the infrared sauna fitness franchise with more than 900 studios worldwide, has kicked off its annual Workouts for Heroes campaign, running October 1 through November 30. All proceeds will go to the National Breast Cancer Foundation's Military Women's Patient Relief Fund, which covers non-medical expenses like childcare, lodging and transportation for military women undergoing breast cancer treatment.

Chester County, Tenn. – October 01, 2026 -- Animal Rescue Corps (ARC) removed 24 surviving animals from a property in rural Chester County, Tennessee, after law enforcement requested emergency assistance with an animal cruelty case on Sept. 26, 2026.

Rescuers pulled 12 dogs, 10 cats and kittens, one rabbit and one goat from the property

Many of the animals were emaciated, chained or confined in small, dirty enclosures. Investigators at the scene also discovered the remains of multiple animals that did not survive.

Dallas – September 30, 2026 -- Advance ER is opening its lobbies to community voting for its annual Staff Pumpkin Decorating Contest, with ballots open from Monday, October 5 through Sunday, October 11 at its Park Cities and Preston Hollow/Galleria locations.

Staff spent 14 days transforming blank pumpkins into displays

Undecorated pumpkins were set out in both lobbies on September 16, giving Advance ER staff two weeks to carve and paint their entries before public voting begins.

Spiceland, Indiana – September 30, 2026 -- The Spiceland National Youth Campus officially opened its doors this past weekend with a culture and sports festival that drew young people, families and guests from across the United States.

Austin, Texas – September 29, 2026 -- HealthCode and Professional Contract Services, Inc. (PCSI) are inviting people of all ages to join the "No Barriers" virtual activity challenge throughout October, timed to National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

Hollywood, Fla. – September 28, 2026 -- Hard Rock International has kicked off its 27th annual PINKTOBER campaign, a monthlong fundraising push tied to Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. The initiative spans Hard Rock's hotels, casinos, cafes, Rock Shops and digital platforms worldwide, directing proceeds to the Hard Rock Heals Foundation for breast cancer research and patient support. Since its launch, PINKTOBER has raised more than $15 million.

Camden, N.J. – – September 28, 2026 -- Subaru of America is rolling out SubieCrew, a new owner engagement program that will establish 50 local chapters across the U.S., giving Subaru drivers structured ways to meet up, volunteer and shape brand events in their own communities.

San Diego – September 28, 2026 -- Students in grades four through nine across all 50 states and D.C. can now enter a free national challenge that rewards kids for rescuing food and fighting hunger in their communities, with entries accepted through March 12, 2027.

Vermont – September 28, 2026 -- Ben & Jerry's is donating $1 from every freshly baked waffle cone sold during a two-week program to grassroots organizations focused on civic engagement ahead of the midterm elections.

The campaign, called Waffle Lotta Good, directs proceeds to community groups nationwide.

These organizations work on voter registration, access to election information, and strengthening community participation in the democratic process. The initiative runs for two weeks at participating Scoop Shops.