April 30 (Day 61) National Arbor Day

Arbor Day is a nationally-celebrated observance that encourages tree planting and care. Founded by J. Sterling Morton in 1872, it's celebrated on the last Friday in April.

The first Arbor Day took place on April 10, 1872 in Nebraska. It was the brainchild of Julius Sterling Morton (1832-1902), a Nebraska journalist and politician originally from Michigan. Throughout his long and productive career, Morton worked to improve agricultural techniques in his adopted state and throughout the United States when he served as President Grover Cleveland's Secretary of Agriculture. But his most important legacy is Arbor Day.

Morton felt that Nebraska's landscape and economy would benefit from the wide-scale planting of trees. He set an example himself planting orchards, shade trees and wind breaks on his own farm and he urged his neighbours to follow suit. Morton's real opportunity, though, arrived when he became a member of Nebraska's state board of agriculture. He proposed that a special day be set aside dedicated to tree planting and increasing awareness of the importance of trees. Nebraska's first Arbor Day was an amazing success. More than one million trees were planted. A second Arbor Day took place in 1884 and the young state made it an annual legal holiday in 1885, using April 22nd to coincide with Morton's birthday.

In the years following that first Arbor Day, Morton's idea spread beyond Nebraska with Kansas, Tennessee, Minnesota and Ohio all proclaiming their own Arbor Days. Today all 50 states celebrate Arbor Day although the dates may vary in keeping with the local climate. (State Arbor Days) At the federal level, in 1970, President Richard Nixon proclaimed the last Friday in April as National Arbor Day. Arbor Day is also now celebrated in other countries including Australia. Variations are celebrated as 'Greening Week' of Japan, 'The New Year's Days of Trees' in Israel, 'The Tree-loving Week' of Korea, 'The Reforestation Week' of Yugoslavia, 'The Students' Afforestation Day' of Iceland and 'The National Festival of Tree Planting' in India. Julius Sterling Morton would be proud. Sometimes one good idea can make a real difference.



How can I become involved? Check out the Arbor Day Foundation website.

Click here to find out how you can help.

There are organizations throughout the country that utilize volunteers to help with tree planting projects.  Click here to find the organization(s) in your state.
 
 
Sources: www.arbor-day.net/

April 29 (Day 60) Be A Trailblazer...

Today's opportunity is really awesome!  Summer is just around the corner and it's time to start thinking about vacations!!   Here is an opportunity to release the inner explorer in you!  Volunteer while taking in some of the most beautiful scenery in America! 

The most satisfying way to experience the Continental Divide Trail might just be as a volunteer. With the Trail still incomplete, what could be more empowering than turning this magical route into a complete well-signed reality? It’s a rare chance to recharge your spirit in a spectacular setting while you do something that truly matters.

There are as many ways to help as there are ways to enjoy the Trail…pick up a shovel and join a Trail crew, put your leadership skills to work as a crew leader, cook meals, adopt a section of the Trail, explore areas for optimum rerouting, or even work in the office.

Don’t stand on the sidelines…hit the Trail and be a part of the legacy. It’s too important and too beautiful to miss.Come experience the grandeur of the Divide. Take part in this historic undertaking by signing up for one of our exciting volunteer opportunities today!

Click here to see volunteer projects for 2010 Season.
Family & Youth opportunities can be viewed here. 
If you are unable to volunteer your time, but would like to make a donation, click here.

April 28 (Day 59) Giving Circles

“In helping others, we shall help ourselves, for whatever good we give out completes the circle and comes back to us.”   - Flora Edwards

I read that a "Giving Circle" is a cross between a book club and an investment group.  That is a pretty good definition...Giving Circles are quickly gaining in popularity as a way for individuals to manage and pool their resources to increase their philanthropic impact.  Giving circles can be small and informal, like a group of friends getting together for dinner to pool their resources to support causes of their choosing,  or they can be larger and highly organized groups requiring a larger donation and greater participation:

“Marsha Wallace, a labor and delivery nurse in Greenville, SC, often volunteered at a health care clinic and donated to local charities, but she felt that she wasn’t doing enough. So three years ago she invited some friends to a potluck dinner. They were asked to bring an appetizer, a main course or a dessert—and their checkbooks.

More than 25 women attended, and they contributed $760 to Women for Women International, a nonprofit organization based in Washington that helps female war survivors. The dinner group gave itself a name, Dining for Women, and agreed to meet monthly, with each member donating the $30 she would have spent at a restaurant. (Eventually, Ms. Wallace scrapped the minimum donation because she worried that some women could not afford to attend.)
Now, every month, the donations, usually amounting to $400 to $500, are given to a variety of international nonprofit groups that help women and children. The club has grown to 115 members, with perhaps 15 or 20 showing up at each meeting. It has contributed a total of $19,000 to various charities, including the American Leprosy Missions and Habitat for Humanity. Donations have paid for two years of nursing school for an East African woman and started a $1,400 medical fund in Ethiopia.” 

-Kristina Shevory, “Giving: When Charity Begins In a Circle of Friends,” New York Time, October 9, 2005

Giving circles are a fairly new concept in philanthropy where small groups make a big difference. The idea is that if you already have a group that gets together on a regular basis, why not do something to give back in the process? If you don't already have a group getting together... You Can Start One!!   A small donation of $10, $20 or $50 at a meeting of a small group of people can add up quickly and turn a small individual donation into a large result.

Click on the resources below to learn more about Giving Circles and how you can start or participate in one:

Giving Circles FAQ's
Giving Circles Knowledge Center


So, how about it?  Does a Giving Circle sound interesting to you?  Get together with your family and friends and make a difference in the causes that you care about! 

Sources:  About.com
         

April 27 (Day 58) Let's Say Thanks

From time to time I will include opportunities to help that do not cost a cent.  Let's Say Thanks is one such opportunity.  Please take a minute to visit the site and send a thank you card to the Troops!  This is a great way to make a difference! 
The mission of Let's Say Thanks is to provide a way for individuals across the country to recognize U.S. troops stationed overseas. By submitting a message through this site you have the opportunity to send a free personalized postcard greeting to deployed servicemen and women.

The postcards, depicting patriotic scenes and hometown images, were selected from a pool of entries from children across the country.


All you have to do is click on your favorite design and either select the message that best expresses your sentiment or draft a personal note. The postcards are then printed on the Xerox iGen3® Digital Production Press and mailed in care packages by military support organization Give2TheTroops®.




Xerox is committed to helping people across the nation express their gratitude to our troops overseas. The launch of this program is aimed at reminding them how much Americans appreciate their service.

Below is one of the messages received from the troops:

To the folks of Let's Say Thanks,


First off let me say a personal thank you. I was out of the office when the package arrived and it was placed on my chair. Just to see a package waiting for me made my day! I speak on behalf of other Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines that receiving a package stuffed with goodies is a great feeling - knowing that the folks back home are very appreciative and supporting of their defenders.


I myself have children ages 7 (girl) and 4 (boy) whom I miss so dearly! Seeing the artwork and the messages "praying and wishing for your safe return" that others write really brings a tear to my eye. It is very touching to know that the kids back home know why we are here defending our country and that they are very active in the supporting us.
Again, I would like to say thank you and keep doing what you are doing as many out here don't have family members to lean on.


- An Air Force Staff Sergeant

Source:  Let's Say Thanks

April 26 (Day 57) Operation Jack & Train 4 Autism

 April is National Autism Awareness Month

What is Operation Jack & Train 4 Autism? 

Sam Felsenfeld has committed to running a marathon every week to raise money for autism awareness. Operation Jack, named for Felsenfeld’s son who is Autistic, is Sam's  grass-roots effort to create awareness about autism and, at the same time, spread the word about Train 4 Autism. Train 4 Autism, a national group that helps athletes train while raising money for the autism charity of their choice, helped Sam with his plans.


Read the original article: Father of Autistic Child Launches 'Operation Jack'


Sam, with his wife of 10 years, Tiffany, is raising three children — Benjamin (8 1/2), Jack (6 1/2) and Ava (4). Jack, born September 16, 2003, was diagnosed with autism shortly after he turned 3, although he has been in constant therapy and treatment since before his second birthday. He is showing signs of progress, but has very limited speech and struggles with communication and social interaction.  After watching his son struggle day after day with his condition, Sam decided he wanted to do something to make a difference in his honor.

His plan is Operation Jack. Operation Jack will be an attempt by Sam Felsenfeld to race at least one marathon a week in 2010 (60 total for the year) to generate attention that will raise funds and nationwide awareness for Train 4 Autism, an organization that works tirelessly to raise money for Autism charities.If Operation Jack succeeds, Train 4 Autism will grow and countless people living with autism — along with their relatives and friends — will benefit for years to come.

Achieving the unthinkable would be nothing new for Sam. After breaking his neck in a swimming-pool accident when he was 16, he was lucky to have use of his legs. Later, after taking terrible care of himself in college, his weight soared to 261 pounds. A former smoker, Sam started walking less than five years ago. Walking turned into slow jogging, and eventually, slow jogging turned into his first marathon.

Now, he’s completed 47 marathons and two ultramarathons, and has 18 Boston qualifiers and a personal-best time of 3:00:05. He knows that if he was able to work hard enough to complete this transformation, he can work hard enough to run 60 marathons in Jack’s honor. And he knows that as tough as Operation Jack might be, it’s nothing compared to the daily grind Jack suffers through as he battles the nasty neurological disorder he was born with. While Sam trains and runs, Jack spends his days in a special education first grade, occupational therapy, and for fun, gymnastics. Because Jack is working hard 50 hours a week, Sam figured he could let people know about Jack and all the other kids like him.
 
You don’t have to run 60 marathons in one year to make a difference – every participant increases awareness of Train 4 Autism and there’s no contribution required. So, pick a race — there’s 60 of them — and join Sam to take part in Operation Jack!

Follow Operation Jack on Facebook & Twitter.
What is 10 X 10?  Spread the Word and earn free Operation Jack gear. 

Source:  Train 4 Autism
              Operation Jack

April 25 (Day 56) World Malaria Day

Wow!  This is hard to wrap your mind around... Every 30 seconds a child is lost to Malaria. In just about the time you spent watching this video, a child lost his/her life to Malaria.  This is something we have the power to stop... are you willing?

Malaria No More was born of a simple, startling insight: that ending malaria's death grip on Africa is the best humanitarian investment we can make in the world today. Nothing else can have the same impact on as many people's lives and livelihoods as quickly or cheaply. (For a $10. donation, you can provide one net)

Malaria No More needs your support to reach our goal of providing a mosquito net for every man, woman and child at risk of malaria in Africa by December 31, 2010. Our vision is to see a world without malaria deaths by 2015; your donation supports our entire effort to protect every family at risk. With your help, we will be relentless in our work to make this vision a reality.

Malaria Facts:

Malaria is a disease of the blood that is caused by a parasite transmitted from person to person by certain types of mosquitoes. Malaria symptoms, which appear about 9 to 14 days after the infectious mosquito bite, include fever, headache, vomiting and other flu-like symptoms. If drugs are not available for treatment or if the parasites are resistant to them, the infection can lead to coma, severe life-threatening anemia, and death by infecting and destroying red blood cells and by clogging the capillaries that carry blood to the brain (cerebral malaria) or other vital organs. Worldwide, malaria causes almost 250 million illnesses and more than one million deaths annually.

Malaria is particularly devastating in Africa, where it kills an African child every 30 seconds. Many children who survive an episode of severe malaria may suffer from learning impairments or brain damage. Pregnant women and their unborn children are also particularly vulnerable to malaria, which, during pregnancy, is a major cause of mortality, low birth weight and maternal anemia. And while we know malaria is preventable, the lack of resources, coupled with a climate very hospitable to the deadliest strain of malaria, has made the disease a leading cause of death among African children.

Visit Malaria No More and learn ways you can get involved or make a donation.  Are you inspired to help yet? Click here to read stories of how people of all ages have stepped up to make a difference in the fight against malaria. 


Malaria No More is an organization similar to Nothing But Nets, which was highlighted on March 9.  The need is so great and the cause is so worthwhile,  please consider helping these organizations as they work to end Malaria deaths. 

Source: Malaria No More

April 24 (Day 55) Lift Someone Up !!

Free Wheelchair Mission is an international, humanitarian, faith-based, nonprofit organization dedicated to providing wheelchairs for people with disabilities living in poverty in developing countries. Working in partnership with a network of like-minded organizations, FWM has sent wheelchairs to hundreds of thousands of people around the world, providing not only the gift of mobility, but those of dignity, independence, and hope.  Take a minute to watch this short video... let it inspire you to help.




In the United States, the majority of disabled citizens will find access to a wheelchair and a life of independence. Public and private health care, government organizations, charitable groups and a variety of social services provide a safety net that grant coverage for many Americans.

However, in developing nations where poverty and economic isolation are the norm, the physically disabled must crawl on the ground or wait to be carried by loved ones to reach their most basic of needs. They are subjected to danger, disease and hopelessness. Their families strain to care for their loved one within an already overburdened existence. For most of these people, a wheelchair is a dream far beyond their wildest imagination.


Read the stories of how Free Wheelchair Mission is making a difference.

Get Involved:

Ways to Get involved and help lift someone up ! 

Donate to Free Wheelchair Mission

Send an E-card and help spread the word about FWM.

How about it?  Is this a cause you can get behind and help             make a difference?


Source: Free Wheelchair Mission

April 23 (Day 54) Sheltering Books

When Mackenzie Bearup was diagnosed with a condition that caused her chronic pain, the only thing that took her mind off her pain -- the only escape she could find -- was reading.


And when her pediatrician told her that the nearby Murphy-Harpst Children's Center -- a residential treatment center for Georgia's most severely abused children -- had a library but no books for the children to read, Mackenzie had an idea.


She began collecting books, asking everyone she knew for donations. She even stuffed flyers inside mailboxes, placed newspaper ads and started a Web site. Once the library at Murphy-Harpst was full, Mackenzie found other places that desperately needed books, such as children's homes and homeless and domestic violence shelters.

Mackenzie was only 13 years old when she began collecting childrens books for shelters. Her book drive quickly took off. Today she has collected and donated over 38,000 books to shelters in several states. She's so far donated books for libraries and reading rooms in 27 shelters. And with her mother's help, the teenager launched her official nonprofit -- Sheltering Books -- last year. For her work helping to spread the healing power of reading to disadvantaged kids, Mackenzie has been named a CNN Hero.

"If one homeless or abused child finds a love of reading through books that I've given them, then that will help them in school and just turn their life around entirely," she told CNN. "I really think that reading can do that for someone."

Read the CNN Heroes article about Mackenzie here.

Click here for information on how to donate or collect books for Sheltering Books.  Here is a super easy way you can get your kids involved in helping... Go to the post office and pick up a prepaid flat rate box, go buy a few books or hold your own book drive at work or school and send those books to Mackenzie. 

Wow, I am really amazed at another young person who "does what they can, where they are, with what they have!!"  Mackenzie Bearup.... YOU ROCK!! 
Sources:  Sheltering Books
               Good News Now

April 22 (Day 53) Happy 40th Birthday -- Earth Day!

We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.    ~Native American Proverb

PICK 5 for the environment and make a difference.  Show your love to Mother Earth by choosing at least

5 actions you’ll commit to. Use less water and electricity, commute without polluting, reuse and recycle, and more.  Pick 5 for the environment is the EPA's global initiative to encourage better stewardship and more earth friendly practices from all of us.  Leaving this planet better off than how we found it takes little steps from all of us. 

It's simple... just pick 1 of the 6 catagories listed on the site, and within each catagory there are several actions you can commit to.  Pick 5 of the actions that are important to you and that you will commit to following in 2010.  A very easy way to make a difference! 

Click here to be taken to the website. 

Click here to find an Earth Day event in your area.

Source:  EPA

April 21 (Day 52) - Do Something Big!!

Bone marrow transplant is a life-saving treatment for people with leukemia, lymphoma and many other diseases. First, patients undergo chemotherapy and sometimes radiation to destroy their diseased marrow. Then a donor's healthy blood-forming cells are given directly into the patient's bloodstream, where they can begin to function and multiply.

For a patient's body to accept these healthy cells, the patient needs a donor who is a close match. Seventy percent of patients do not have a donor in their family and depend on the Be The Match Registry to find an unrelated bone marrow donor or umbilical cord blood.

A match for every patient. Hope for every family.

We have a registry of millions. But we still do not have matched bone marrow donors or umbilical cord blood for all patients, especially those from racially and ethnically diverse communities. We need more people to join the registry and expectant parents to donate umbilical cord blood. With your help, more people will receive a transplant. And more families will have a future filled with hope.

April is Donate Life Month.
Get involved. Help save a life.
(click to find out how)

Join the Be The Match Registry.
Make a financial contribution  
Donate umbilical cord blood at your baby's birth.


Source: Be The Match

April 20 (Day 51) - Helping Homeless & Run-Away Youth

 

Covenant House’s Vision to Help Homeless Kids

Our mission is to fight for the rights of homeless kids… to speak for those who have no voice of their own.There are estimated to be nearly a million homeless kids in cities, towns, and communities across America, and every year over 5,000 of these young people lose their lives to the streets. Their hope and promise is lost forever unless they find someone – like Covenant House – to love and care for them.

Covenant House doesn’t forget about all the kids who are no longer here because no one cared – we hold their memory in our hearts while moving forward in our efforts to help all the scared and lonely kids who are still out there, waiting.

Homeless kids have rights. They have the right to a home… the right to food… the right to guidance and an education… the right to be free from sexual, emotional, or physical abuse… and to be free from exploitation. These kids have the right to be safe and – most importantly – to be loved.

Statistics:

For thousands of kids, homelessness is a frightening -- and daily -- reality.

Why are there over a million youth sleeping on the streets of America?

Behind the face of every homeless young person is another heart-breaking story – a teenage boy abused by his alcoholic parent... or a pregnant girl rejected by her guardian… or a teenager trying to escape gang membership or a life of forced prostitution.  In case after case, the main cause of youth homelessness is physical, sexual, and/or emotional abuse from parents or guardians.

The facts about homelessness are staggering… but acknowledging the depth of the problem is the first step in fixing it.

• 57% of homeless kids spend at least one day every month without food.
• In the United States, as many as 20,000 kids are forced into prostitution by human trafficking networks every year.
• According to a study of youth in shelters, nearly 50% reported intense conflict or physical harm by a family member as a major contributing factor to their homelessness.
• Over 25% of former foster children become homeless within two to four years of leaving the system.
• 50% of adolescents aging out of foster care and juvenile justice systems will be homeless within six months because they are unprepared to live independently, have limited education and no social support.
• Almost 40% of the homeless in the United States are under 18.

In addition to these heartbreaking statistics, a study recently issued by the Covenant House Institute, revealed that:

• 41% of Covenant House kids witnessed acts of violence in their homes.
• 36% of Covenant House kids indicated that someone in their family used drugs regularly.
• 19% of Covenant House kids reported being beaten with an object.
• 19% of Covenant House kids reported that they have endured sexual abuse.
• 15% of Covenant House kids reported someone close to them had been murdered.

That’s why Covenant house works day and night to provide shelter and support for kids who have endured lives of abuse, neglect, and homelessness. In 2008, Covenant House provided services to more than 70,000 of these kids. Our Residential and Community Service Center programs cared for 29,922 homeless kids while Covenant House Street Outreach teams served an additional 40,453 homeless and at-risk youth on the streets in the 20 cities where Covenant House operates.

Visit the Covenant House website and learn more about Covenant House and the help they provide young people.  Read the stories of the young people who are helped by Covenant House.  Click here to find out how you can take action.  Take a look at the gift catalog and see how you can donate to help! 

Please consider helping Covenant House help young people! 

Source: Covenant House

April 19 (Day 50) Volunteers Are Beautiful People

April 18 - 24 is National Volunteer Week! 

Bringing People Together
VolunteerMatch strengthens communities by making it easier for good people and good causes to connect. The organization offers a variety of online services to support a community of nonprofit, volunteer and business leaders committed to civic engagement. Our popular service welcomes millions of visitors a year and has become the preferred internet recruiting tool for more than 71,000 nonprofit organizations.

Simple Steps to Get Involved:
Follow these steps and you'll be volunteering in no time!

1.Visit our Search page and enter your city, town, or ZIP code.
2.Find a listing that interests you. You can either click on its title for additional details about the opportunity, or click on the name of the organization to learn about the volunteer organization and read any reviews or recommendations.
3.When you are ready to commit to specific volunteering opportunity, look for the yellow 'I want to help' button.
4.You will be prompted to register for a VolunteerMatch account if you do not already have one, and then an automatic email will be sent to the volunteer organization notifying them of your interest.

Take a minute to check out the Volunteer Match website. You can find hundreds of volunteer opportunities in your area. Just input your zip code and click on the search button. It's that simple.


Volunteer Match makes it easy to find volunteer opportunities in your area, but there are many ways to volunteer.  Contact your local hospital or coach in a youth league.  Just find a need that interests you and fill the need!

Source: Volunteer Match

April 18 (Day 49) $7. Feeds A Homebound Hungry Mom

I love my Mom !  I have the greatest Mom in the World!  I hope you feel that way also...

Mother's Day is less than a month away so here is a great charity that is helping Senior Moms.  They are the hidden hungry, these Mothers and Grandmothers who sit alone behind closed doors. For years they cooked for everyone else; now they rely on Meals On Wheels for daily meals and caring contact.  Mother’s Day is a time to honor our Mothers. And it’s a great time to reach out to Mothers who are homebound and hungry. Please help provide Meals for these Moms! 



Meet Ruth. She's a mom who has outlived her only child. Ruth is a Meals On Wheels client who helped inspire our Mother's Day campaign: Meals for Moms. Go to www.mealsformoms.org to find out how you can brighten the day of a senior in need - or send a free flower bouquet e-card to a loved one through Mother's Day: May 9, 2010.

Senior Hunger…It’s Tough to Swallow
The facts on senior hunger in America are alarming:

•Senior hunger is a monumental problem. Today in America 1 in 9 seniors is facing the threat of hunger. That’s more than 6 million women and men!

•Hunger is neither confined to one age group among seniors, nor one ethnic or racial or economic group, nor one geographic location. It is national in scope and incidence.

•Most seniors who are “food insecure” lack the resources to access or prepare food due to lack of transportation, functional limitations or health problems.

•Seniors who are hungry or at risk of hunger are significantly more likely to be in poor or fair health. They are more likely to be malnourished due to lower intakes of major nutrients.

•Seniors living alone are twice as likely to experience hunger compared to married seniors. For them, Meals On Wheels volunteers provide not only a lifesaving meal, but also a caring visit to help ward off the very real problem of loneliness.

•The gas crisis and skyrocketing food costs have had a devastating impact on Meals On Wheels programs and the seniors they serve across the country.

•Hungry seniors depend on caring people like you to help provide them with their next meal.

It costs just $7 to feed one hungry, homebound Mother!  A nice Mother’s Day bouquet from the florist costs at least $35. Instead, would you like to make a donation to MOWAA to deliver some Meals for Moms in honor or memory of your Mom, or another special Mother in your life?  You can also send a Mother's Day e-card to your mother or one of the homebound senior Mom's served by Meals on Wheels.

Source:  Meals on Wheels
             MealsforMoms.org

April 17 (Day 48) - Be a Cheerful Giver

Today's cause is Cheerful Givers.  Let this inspire you to do what you can to help others....

Cheerful Givers is a 501c3 nonprofit organization committed to helping children in need. We provide birthday gift bags through shelters and food shelves to disadvantaged, needy children.  In 2009, 37,531 less fortunate children were able to experience the joy of receiving a birthday gift from their parents. The challenge facing Cheerful Givers for 2010 is to provide over 40,000 less fortunate children with birthday gifts. Since Cheerful Givers began in 1994, we have provided over 330,000 children with birthday gift bags.



Our Mission:
We provide toy-filled birthday gift bags to food shelves and shelters so that parents living in poverty can give their child a birthday gift. We believe this simple gesture boosts self-esteem, enhances self-worth, and strengthens bonds in families.

Our Vision:
All parents living in poverty will be able to give their child a birthday gift.


Founder's Story:    It started with just 12 birthday bags
Robin Maynard Steele and her husband Kevin had lived their lives like most of us, not realizing the impact they could have in their community. The world’s problems seemed too big for the hands of too few. But they had started to believe that if they had the desire to meet the needs of the world, the way to meet those needs would present itself. Robin was touring a food shelf when the barren birthday shelf met her. The thought of a child’s birthday passing without recognition lit a fire in her heart and stirred her to action.
12 birthday bags filled with toys. Nothing earth shaking. 12 birthday bags created with love in the basement of a house by a couple who wanted to make a difference. 12 birthday bags dropped off at Trinity Mission on a Sunday night. 12 birthday bags igniting a spark that would provide warmth for thousands.
Early Monday morning the call came. It was from the Trinity Mission calling to share the heart-warming story of the 12 birthday bags. A woman had come to the food shelf looking for a boxed item to celebrate the birthday of one of her children. Her anticipation turned to anguish when she was told that there were no birthday cakes available. But her despair turned to joy when she was presented with a birthday bag that she could now give to her child. Overwhelmed with joy the woman exclaimed, “The whole way over on the bus I prayed and prayed that there would be something here for me to give my child, but I never dreamed that there would be something so beautiful!” Within hours, all the bags were gone. Prayers had been answered and Robin and Kevin had found a place to meet the needs of the world. So it began and continues to grow.

After three years of providing birthday bags to the community, Robin started to wonder if she was doing enough. Driven by the desire to meet the needs of her neighbor in need, Robin needed guidance. Now most of us would look to a friend or maybe take a class or seminar in this situation. Not Robin. Robin found herself called to travel to India with hopes of meeting Mother Teresa. She was given an audience with Mother Teresa hours before this pillar of goodness would suffer a heart attack.

Robin came home knowing that we are all hungry- hungry for love. We all want to know that we are special and that our life matters to someone. Cheerful Givers provides more than birthday bags, it celebrates those lives that matter. The lives of the parents who give the gifts. The lives of the volunteers who create the gifts. And the lives of the children who receive the gifts.

Click here to find out how you can get involved.  You can donate cash, toys, supplies or you can host a birthday blitz!  This is a great way to involve your whole family in giving!  Cheerful Givers is inspiring people everywhere to follow their lead.  This is something you can do no matter where you are located.  Contact your local food pantry and ask if you can supply them with Birthday Bags!  

Source: Cheerful Givers

April 16 (Day 47) Giving Children a Voice

Please take a few minutes to watch this video and educate yourself on child slavery and those who are fighting to bring it to an end.




It's hard to believe that there are children that go through life without a single tender touch. Or that cowhide whips are bought on street corners so that they can be used on children who don't complete the chores most adults don't want to shoulder. Yet this is the real life of a restavek child. And there are more than 300,000 of them living in Haiti today.

Restavek is a Creole term which literally means "stay with." An accurate term in that these children do stay with their hosts, working as domestic servants in exchange for a roof over their head, some leftover food and, supposedly, the ability to go to school. In practice, though, the restaveks are easy prey for exploitation. Many are beaten, sexually abused and frequently denied access to education, since many host families believe that schooling will only make them less obedient.

The Restavek Foundation exists to bring an end to child slavery in Haiti. We're here because we believe that a broken system can be fixed. We believe that education and love will replace the physical, emotional, and sexual abuse that comes from ignorance. And we believe that if we give these children a voice, we can give them hope for a better future.
 
If you would like to help end child slavery in Haiti, please click here for opportunities to take action to help the Restavek Foundation.  There are opportunities to donate, volunteer and fundraise.  Check out their FaceBook page and become a fan.
 
Source: The Restavek Foundation

April 15 (Day 46) - Turning frowns upside down..

Bandages for Rosie is another wonderful charity started by a child!  Boy, there are some awesome kids out there and Kayla Hooker is among the most awesome!  Here is her story;

Rosalee "Rosie" Hooker was a beautiful child who lost her battle with brain cancer August 4, 2009.  Her angelic blonde curls mixed with her feisty personality, touched the hearts of many people at home and around the world. As her illness progressed, she lost her curls, but never her fighting spirit..

When she died at age four, her grieving 7 year old sister Kayla wanted to take on a project that would honor Rosie, and help the many children who were patients at Helen Devos Children's hospital in Grand Rapids Michigan.

One of the few things her sister loved about being in the hospital were special bandages that the nurses would allow her to choose whenever she was "poked." Sometimes they'd bring one for her doll as well. These bandages featured cartoon characters, sparkles and other fun designs, and were purchased by the nurses. (Typically hospitals only use the standard brown type unless otherwise donated.)

Kayla determined to try to gather 1,000 boxes of bandages to donate to the hospital within a month. With the help of family, friends, local businesses and the local community, Kayla had exceeded and more than tripled her goal in six weeks. Now the community is continuing to collect to help other hospitals. A few bandage companies also heard about the bandage drive and mailed bandages to Kaylas house. Some of the businesses that had a late start with collections asked to keep the drive going an additional month. Any bandages received that month would start to be distributed to other area hospitals.

Our goal is to encourage anyone hearing about this wonderful story to honor someone you love by starting a Bandages for Rosie drive in your community and local hospital. This is a wonderful lesson in philanthropy and giving that is easily accomplished by individuals, schools, organizations... everyone can help.

Bandages can be purchased anywhere from $1.00 to $5..00 a box, with the average bandage at about 2.00 a box. Very special and unique bandages typically range 3.00 to 5.00 a box. Bandages are lightweight, easy to store, and extremely economical to purchase, so everyone can be involved in giving.  Click here to help purchase Bandages.  You can also visit the Bandages for Rosie Facebook page.

If you would like to help out this awesome charity, please do what you can. They currently need 900 boxes of children's bandages to meet their goal for St. Judes. They are happy to take bandages or cash / credit card donations to purchase at a discount via the paypal link at bandagesforrosie.com.   Kayla is also hoping to inspire others to hold similar drives to benefit hospitals in their communities - think about it... is this something you can do?  Turning frowns upside down.... one happy bandage at a time! 

Kayla, you inspire all of us!! 

Source:  Bandages for Rosie

April 14 (Day 45) - Feed the Hungry & Feed your Brain!

WARNING: This game may make you smarter. It may improve your speaking, writing, thinking, grades, job performance...


Those words come from the FREE RICE Website. It's true, you can help others and become smarter...all at the same time.

How does Free Rice work?  It's simple, You answer a question that is displayed on the screen and for each answer you get right, we donate 10 grains of rice to the United Nations World Food Program.  Free Rice is a click-to-give charity site that is funded by advertisers.


Do I really make a difference by playing FreeRice?



The rice you donate makes a huge difference to the person who receives it.  According to the United Nations, a child dies every 6 seconds from hunger related causes. Although 10 grains of rice may seem like a small amount, it is important to remember that while you are playing, so are thousands of other people at the same time. It is everyone together that makes the difference. Thanks to you, FreeRice has generated enough rice to feed millions of people since it started in October 2007.

So, check it out.... feed the hungry and feed your brain!! 

Source: Free Rice

April 13 (Day 44) - Helping Families Fighting Breast Cancer

Recently my mom told me of a family at her Church that was losing their home.  This family has also been battling  Breast Cancer. Their wife/mother was diagnosed with breast a couple years ago and the cancer has slowly progressed over this time.  Her prognosis has gotten worse and she is now at the point where the cancer is considered terminal. You shouldn't have to fight a battle for your life and worry about losing your house all at the same time. 

Today's cause holds a special place in my heart because I can see how necessary and valuable the work of The Pink Fund can be. I have several family members who have been diagnosed with Breast Cancer. We rejoice because my mother is a Breast Cancer survivor and sadly, we lost my sister to Inflammatory Breast Cancer in 2008. I have written about her on my "inspiration" page. Fortunately, we did not need to take advantage of a charity such as The Pink Fund, but I thank God they are around for those who need them. 



The Pink Fund was founded by Molly MacDonald, a breast cancer survivor, with the mission to help women (and men) fighting breast cancer focus on healing, raising their families and returning to the workplace. The Pink Fund will provide short term financial aid during the brief period of treatment and recovery. Literally millions of dollars are being raised for early detection, research and programs for the medically underserved. Families facing breast cancer urgently need financial help now.



Check out the PinkBlog.  Here is an excerpt from a recent post:  

I thought about The Pink Fund and my desire from the very beginnings of my breast cancer journey, when this idea began to form in my head, because of my own experience with the financial fallout that can come from a breast cancer diagnosis, to make a difference in the lives of a sister or brother survivor and their families while fighting this disease.


A financial fallout not just because of the added medical bills, the co-pays and prescriptions insurance does not cover. But because of the potential for job loss, the inability to work due to side affects so numbing your feet and fingers fail you and you begin to wonder if you are going mad, because you can’t remember from one minute to the next, or put together a cohesive sentence, and so rather than risk talking you simply shut up and suffer.


Initially, I never considered the work of The Pink Fund in terms of how many women we could help, knowing it would start with one and then another and another. I haven’t really taken the time to count all the pink file folders holding poignant letters humbly asking for help.


I only know that every day,every week, every month, our team sits down to address the issues a breast cancer patient faces when he or she cannot make the mortgage, worries about the lights or heat being turned off, makes a decision to not pay an automobile insurance premium, because darn it, I need this car to get to treatment and work, but if I pay my insurance, Edison is going to turn my lights off and Consumers might literally leave me out in the cold!


I only know from the files of heartfelt thank-you notes for “saving my life”, “being like family” , “giving me hope” “because I am crying happy tears for the first time in months” that The Pink Fund is creating day by day, week by week, month by month, year by year some kind of record for providing help and instilling hope in another human being. 

Thank you Molly MacDonald for inspiring us with your compassion for others! 
Please consider partnering with The Pink Fund to help families battling breast cancer.
Click here to help.

Source: The Pink Fund

April 12 (Day 43) - Go Orange for Animals

 Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month

The ASPCA -The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was the first humane organization in the Western Hemisphere. Our mission, as stated by our founder, Henry Bergh, in 1866, is “to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States.” The ASPCA works to rescue animals from abuse, pass humane laws and share resources with shelters nationwide. 

Note:  This video is very hard to watch... I hesitated in my decision to include it, but if it causes one or two people out there to get involved and take action, it is worth it.

One of our most important annual events is the celebration of April as Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month. Each year, the ASPCA urges supporters across the country to support our efforts and “Go Orange for Animals” in honor of the signing of the ASPCA’s charter in 1866. We officially launch Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month on April 1, and throughout the month, iconic buildings and landmarks across the country will support our life-saving work by lighting up in our signature color and “Going Orange for Animals.”  Please consider helping ASPCA in their fight to end animal cruelty.  Click here to donate to ASPCA

Click here to check out the many programs and initiatives of the ASPCA.

Check out the ASPCA blog, "Talk Action, Take Action" and see how to get involved in what's going on at ASPCA.

Source: ASPCA
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April 11 (Day 42) Pets For Vets

Today's Cause is awesome because it helps two groups at once!  It rescues shelter animals and provides help to Military Veterans!   Check it Out....

The Pets for Vets program is dedicated to providing a second chance for shelter pets by rescuing, training and pairing them with America’s veterans who want a companion animal. This is a win-win way to give back to our troops who have given so much to us. They fought hard for our country and made us proud. Pets for Vets is a concrete way to say thank you and to benefit our returning veterans.

Many of our Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom veterans suffer from physical and emotional injuries making it difficult to transition back to civilian life. Pets for Vets can help! Our goal is to heal their wounds by bringing together man’s best friend and our returning soldiers while showing them both that we have not forgotten. Any veteran with a condition that could benefit from having a companion animal and is able to care for an animal is eligible to receive a Pets for Vets companion animal.

The Pets for Vets program is dedicated to providing a second chance for shelter pets by rescuing, training and pairing them with America’s veterans who want a companion animal. 3 to 4 million dogs and cats are euthanized each year. These dogs can make excellent companion animals but never have that chance. Our dedicated animal trainer will evaluate and rescue the shelter animals and provide additional training to ensure that they are able to assimilate into a home, which is quite different from a shelter environment.

Sadly, there are alarming statistics of suicide, family abuse and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder facing veterans returning to civilian life after military duty. This can cause a downward spiral of apathy, unemployment, broken relationships, addiction and depression. It is our belief that companion animals can be the life saving therapy or friend that many returning service men and women need.

Medical studies have shown that companion animals significantly improve mental and physical health, including reducing stress, depression and anxiety, symptoms experienced by many serving in the military.

The Pets for Vets goal is to match rescued companion dogs (or pets) with American veteran owners providing a second chance for both the veteran and the dog (or pet).

Your support helps us match a rescued companion dog (or pet) with an American veteran who would benefit from having a companion. In accomplishing this mission, we do not want to create an additional burden on the veteran; with each dog/veteran match we provide all of the necessary equipment for them to start their new life together. In addition, the pet will be healthy and up to date on all vaccinations. Your donation helps to ensure they have everything they need.

If this inspires you, click here to find out the ways you can help Pets for Vets. 

Source: Pets For Vets

April 10 (Day 41) Mothers Fighting for Others

Mothers Fighting for Others is an awesome organization dedicated to providing orphans and vulnerable children with opportunities their parents would have provided, if they only could; a loving and nurturing environment and a quality education, so they can learn, thrive and achieve their highest potential. 

Mothers Fighting for Others focuses their efforts on 3 major projects;

Inspire the Child is the future of Mothers Fighting For Others. Starting with Kenya, MFFO will build self-sustaining orphanages all over the world. These will be homes in the purest sense of the word. They will be places where young girls are loved, supported and educated.
The Gift of Education is an ongoing project to help pay the school fees and school requirements for orphaned girls who otherwise would not have the opportunity to have a complete education. We are currently sponsoring 27 Primary & High School girls at Saint Monicas Children’s Home.
The Underwear Project. Collecting underwear seems silly to some but meets a well-established need. Underwear is something that we take for granted. Others see it as a luxury. We have witnessed it first hand in orphanages and IDP camps in Kenya, where happy faces meet us each time new underwear is passed out. Check out the photos and see how you can host an underwear drive.

As I was reading the Founder's Story post, I was touched deeply and I thought, "Wow I couldn't possibly say it any better."  I will let Rocky words speak to your heart as they did mine - I have posted her words below.  If this charity touches your heart, please consider supporting them.  You can donate here.

===========================================================

A Letter From Rocky
 I would have never guessed that Mothers Fighting For Others would have started by a simple Google Search on “Volunteer Africa” in 2006. I was just doing research, that’s it. Less than a year, and many, many shots later, I was to far off Kenya. I volunteered with Global Volunteer Network and was assigned with an all girls orphanage outside of Nairobi.
  I am a different person now. Let’s just say I will never be the same woman, let alone Mother again. This was the beginning of a path that I had no idea I was on. These girls that I met were strangers to me when I arrived. By the time I left, they were my daughters. I had fallen in love with each and every one of them those two weeks in October.

 I realized I took the small stuff for granted. Something as simple as a pencil sharpener. I remember that first week helping Little Joyce with her homework and her pencil had broken. She pulled out a razor blade to sharpen it. I was in shock. I ran to my room and grabbed the bagful of little plastic pencil sharpeners that my friend donated, and passed them out to each and every one of them. There will be no need for razors anymore to sharpen pencils and no more cuts on their fingertips either. Something as simple as plastic pencil sharpeners made a huge difference. 

 My hand was never empty.

I realized after one day all the girls wanted was to be loved. That was it. I was never alone. I was never without a child holding my hand or under my arm. That first trip was overwhelming. It was difficult to remember names and what grades they were in. Now, two years later, I know each and everyone of them. I know how tough and feisty Ann is when she feels she’s been wronged and I know how my amazing Winnie puts up a front when she is sad and hurting. Winnie breaks my heart. But they are all survivors. Each and everyone of them are orphans. Some have been raped. Some have been on the streets. Some have experienced both.

 What I want for them is simple. I want them to feel loved. I want them to feel safe and secure. I want them to go to school and grow up to be great women. What I want for them is what their Mothers would have wanted. That is it. It’s that simple.

I know it can happen. The girls at the orphanage changed my life and the people I have met along the way have made an amazing impact on my life. I have “met” so many people from around the globe who share the same passion as I who have taken this journey with me and are standing along side me. I use the word “met” because the internet is miraculous.. The internet has brought so many people to me. Not only have I met the girls at Saint Monica’s, but I now know past volunteers who have joined to help the girls too. Then there are our supporters. I am amazed how big the world is. And because of sites like Twitter, CafeMom, Youtube and Facebook, I found and befriended people outside of my circle and the world became that much smaller.

I am both excited and truly humbled. Now Africa is not far off place anymore. Little things like pencil sharpeners, backpacks and sticks of deodorant can make an impact. It’s the little things that can change lives. It’s the little things that make the difference. When we travel, hundreds of photos and hours of video will be taken so you get to know each and everyone of them. You can and will grow to love them as much as we do. Mothers Fighting For Others will bring the girls that you help right into your hearts.

We can and will make this world a smaller place.


Thank You Rocky Turner for being an inspiration to us all... Continue to Inspire Greatness! 


Source:  Mothers Fighting For Others

April 9 (Day 40) "Common Man" Philanthropy

I really like the idea behind this charity - the opportunity to help everyday people with everyday needs.  I appreciate the fact that Modest Needs does their homework and screens those requesting help.  You make a donation and you decide where you want your donation directed, it's that easy.

Founded in 2002, Modest Needs is an award-winning public charity with a simple but critical mission: we work to stop the cycle of poverty BEFORE it starts for the low-income workers whom conventional philanthropy has forgotten.

We do this by empowering compassionate members of the general public to safely and securely help hard-working, low-income households to afford the kinds of short-term emergency expenses that we've all encountered before: the unexpected car repair, the unanticipated visit to the doctor, or the unusually large heating bill, for example.
Since 2002, by working together in this very 'modest' way, Modest Needs' donors have stopped 8,459 low-income individuals and families from entering the vicious cycle of poverty and a lifetime of dependence on the public welfare system for their survival.
Discover your power to instantly change a life. Please join your friends and neighbors in supporting Modest Needs. Because Modest Needs has earned the highest possible charity ratings from both Charity Navigator and the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance, you can give with confidence, knowing that we won't abuse your kindness.  But more importantly, together, we can make sure that no hard-working person is ever forced to choose between taking a child to the doctor and putting food on the table.

Click here to browse the requests for help and filter them by location or type of request. As an example, I live in Michigan, so I filtered the requests for help by location to see how I could help someone in Michigan.  Here is a partial list of those requesting help in my area:


--  2010-03-23 Need Help to Pay Medical Bill Detroit
--  2010-03-24 New Job/Help Catch Up on Gas Bill Wyandotte
--  2010-02-23 Car Needs Brakes, Starting New Job Grand Rapids
--  2010-03-29 Senior Citizen Need Help on Bill Detroit
--  2010-02-17 Please Help With Car Repair Detroit
-- 2010-04-01 Rental Assistance Southfield
-- 2010-03-15 Car Repair for Student Plymouth
-- 2010-02-19 Rent for Family of 6 Oak Park
-- 2010-03-24 Disabled-Need Handicap Van Repaired Battle Creek
-- 2010-03-16 Diabled Mom & Daughter Water Bill Ferndale

As you can see, there are a lot of people who need a little help to make it through tough times.  This was just a small portion of those requesting help.  Is this something you can help with? 

Source:  Modest Needs