One Great Idea: Kristen Laviolette, Flyers Charities

"My one great idea for Philadelphia is simple: It's keeping with the tradition of the Flyers wives' charities and giving back to the community.

"My thought is if you wake up in the morning and say, 'How am I going to make a difference today?'

"The smallest gesture, the simplest thing could have a ripple effect in your community. You don't have to be [making] this grand donation or whatever. It's just something simple.

"You can help out in your community any way - you know, with your local schools or your local business. Look to your employers — it doesn't matter. There's so many different avenues that people can reach out and make a difference. You just have to look for it.

"Think about the ripple effect and the impact it would have on the city."

One reader's idea:

"The entrances to the SEPTA trolleys, subway, and El are absolutely filthy with grime. Why not a simple power-washing?

"Many European cities hose down their city gutters and sidewalks on a daily basis.

"Think how much of a positive effect it would have on the public to have the stairwells and platforms of our public transportation relieved of the decades of grime that covers the steps and walls where they wait for their ride."

Ideas can be e-mailed to onegreatidea@phillynews.com

The Inquirer and Philly.com have launched a 45-week project to inspire Philadelphians to suggest great ideas for the city and region.

In our "One Great Idea" project, we're asking well-known and less-known people of our region to tell us their single great idea to change Philadelphia. These video interviews will run on Philly.com each Tuesday and The Inquirer's Wednesday commentary pages.

Post comments, vote on this idea, or share your one great idea at www.philly.com/OneGreatIdea, or write to inquirer.letters@phillynews.com