Wednesday, June 30, 2010

June 30 (Day 122) READ, GIVE, GROW.




Milk + Bookies is a nationwide charitable organization that inspires children to give back, using books as its currency.  Milk + Bookies teaches young children how great it feels to give back, while celebrating the love of a good book. 

At Milk + Bookies events, boys and girls are provided the opportunity to select, purchase and inscribe books that are then donated to their peers who do not have access to books of their own. The fun-filled events feature music, story time and, of course, milk and cookies.

Please visit the Milk + Bookies website for great ideas! Check out the M+B CLASS PROJECT and the M+B BIRTHDAY PARTY . There are instructions and contact information on how you can host your own class project or party.  What a GREAT, FUN way for kids to give back to other kids! I especially like the Birthday Party idea.  As a parent, I remember the birthday parties - each one having to be bigger and better than the last. This idea is awesome... kids getting together to celebrate a birthday and learning about service and giving back! 

Milk + Bookies combines two essential and worthwhile efforts: LITERACY PROMOTION AND SERVICE LEARNING. While the book donations are imperative to our mission, just as important is instilling the seed of giving into each host and their young guests, sparking feelings of importance, self-confidence and the desire to give and give again.


READ, GIVE, GROW.



Donate to Milk + Bookies.
Milk + Bookies on FaceBook.



Source:  Milk and Bookies

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

June 29 (Day 121) Turning Disabilities Into Capabilities



For 50 years, Shepherds Ministries has focused on meeting the needs of people with developmental disabilities. We provide a variety of services addressing residential, educational and vocational needs. Shepherds Ministries, a nationally recognized organization founded on Jeremiah 23:4, provides compassionate Christian care, vocational education and job opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities, helping them attain Appropriate Independence with fulfilling jobs and lives, while also providing for their spiritual development.
For adults with developmental disabilities and their families, Shepherds' case managers, living skills instructors, nurse, consultants, teachers, work supervisors and administrative staff provide a future and a hope.

It was 1957 in Milwaukee Wisconsin when parents of a son with cognitive disabilities approached their Sunday school class and asked a probing question. "Would they consider doing something for children with developmental disabilities?" The outpouring of compassion that erupted from that class has cascaded down through multiple generations, profoundly impacting the lives of people with developmental disabilities.
At first it was baby sitting and day-care, but soon this class of caring couples saw a vision for a broader ministry to other families with children who were cognitively disabled. With much prayer and even greater faith, a boarding school was established for children with developmental disabilities.
In 1964, Shepherds Home and School opened its doors welcoming 36 children. At that time, little was being done in public education to address the needs of this special population. Shepherds Home and School provided an essential service to these children and their families.
As the children grew and as public education began providing special education services, Shepherds transitioned into an adult ministry, focusing on vocational training. Today, Shepherds Enterprises provides vocational training to adults with developmental disabilities. About 150 individuals live on our campus and many work at various jobs within Shepherds Enterprises.

In 2008, Shepherds Ministries returned to its educational roots, establishing Shepherds College, a 3 year post-secondary education program for young adults with cognitive disabilities.

Get Involved:

Make an online Donation.

Here's a great low cost way to help:
Collect Campbell's Soup labels.
Send your labels to Shepherds.

Our address is:
1805 15th Avenue
Union Grove, WI 53182



Source:  Shepherds Ministries

Monday, June 28, 2010

June 28 (Day 120) Dogs On Death Row

At first glance, today's post looks a little innocuous.  A cute cartoon dog with a prisoners cap on!  But read on and you will discover this charity is working to bring about an end to animal cruelty while helping place animals who otherwise would be euthenised into good, loving homes.    


Driven by a deep passion for animals, Jodie Richers founded Dogs on Death Row in 2007. Having worked in the nonprofit arena for many years as a director for One Child At A Time, an international aid and adoption organization, and also as a board member for Children's Charities of America, Jodie posesses a skill set ideal for leveraging dollars into the most efficient action possible to save the greatest number of dogs.
Jodie is tireless in her efforts to rescue, rehabilitate, and find homes for unwanted dogs everywhere. She is also committed to educating the public about the inhumane nature of gassing and heart prick as a means of killing animals. 
We would never lock human beings into a room, fill it with carbon dioxide and let them suffocate to death. It is inhumane. But, this kind of death is the fate of thousands of dogs and cats every year. It is a terrifying and brutal way to die and it needs to be outlawed.  Please sign up to receive our legislative action alerts and learn about how you can help abolish this barbaric practice in your state.
Click here to read about Amazing Grace, the dog who miraculously survived the gas chamber. Be forewarned, This article gives a graphic description of the practice.


How You Can Help:

Spay and neuter your pets.
An unspayed female dog, her mate and all of their puppies, if none are ever neutered or spayed, add up to:

  • 1 year: 16

  • 2 years: 128

  • 3 years: 512

  • 4 years: 2,048

  • 5 years: 12,288

  • 6 years: 67,000 dogs !!!
There aren't enough good homes for all of these dogs.
Make a donation.
Thousands of dogs are euthanized each year because of lack of funds to support them. These dogs deserve to live out their natural lives. A small contribution can make a BIG difference.
Take action.
If you have ever heard an accurate description of what happens to an animal when it is gassed to death or killed by heart prick, you know just how inhumane this practice is. Help us to outlaw these methods of killing dogs by contacting your state's legislature.

Educate others.
Tell your friends and family that you support Dogs on Death Row and tell them why it's important to get involved.

Source:  Dogs on Death Row

Sunday, June 27, 2010

June 27 (Day 119) Making a difference...One Card at a Time

Today's post offers the opportunity to encourage someone who is suffering through an illness. Having several family members who have battled breast cancer, I know firsthand the positive affects that receiving a card or letter of can have on someone who is ill.  It offers a little ray of sunshine on a otherwise dark and dreary day! And it doesn't cost much.... The cost of a card and stamp and a few minutes of your time...That's it!Would you like to send just one card a month to help someone in need? Would you like the wonderful feeling of knowing you have helped brighten someone's day? Then ShareaCard is for you!


ShareaCard was started in 1999 by Suzanne Virostek, as a program to send cards to seriously ill "Friends in Need". To date, they have Featured over 90 people from across the U.S. and Canada who have reported over and over how much it means for them to receive cards from people they don't even know. They have expressed feelings of comfort in knowing that others are thinking of them and praying for them while they are going thru this tough time. We believe we can make a difference in the lives of others, just one card at a time!


Sadly, in 2004, Suzanne passed away from a 7mth battle with Ovarian Cancer. Prior to her passing, she asked for the assistance of Kathy Yordy who now runs ShareaCard.org and Cacfriends.com with the help of some great moderators. In April, 2007, Shareacard became incorporated and in August 2007, we became a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization!


Each month, we feature one or two individuals who are seriously ill and in need of encouragement. A webpage is constructed especially for them and posted on ShareaCard.org.  Members and people who come across this organization while surfing the web, mail cards/gifts to those individuals who are featured at our central post office box. The cards are then disbursed to their home address by ShareaCard. They will remain on our "active" mailing list as long as we receive updates on their condition.


Want to Participate? Click here for details.

Make a Donation.



Source:  ShareaCard.org














Saturday, June 26, 2010

June 26 (Day 118) The Jed Foundation



The Jed Foundation was founded in 2000 by Donna and Phil Satow after they lost their son Jed to suicide. While trying to learn more about suicide and make sense of their unthinkable loss, the Satows discovered an urgent and unmet need for programming and resources that helped colleges, students and parents recognize and address the signs of emotional distress and suicide.

The organization’s first program, ULifeline, launched in 2000 and has become a widely used online resource for college mental health with campus-specific information for over 1,250 schools. Through the guidance of respected experts in the fields of mental health and higher education, The Jed Foundation has become the leading nonprofit organization addressing issues related to mental health and suicide in the college population.

Every year an estimated 1100 college students die by suicide. For many more students, their path to graduation and a productive life will be interrupted by struggles with emotional distress. Our goal is to help more of these students survive and thrive at college.

Most people who are suicidal desperately want to live but are unable to find another way to cope with their thoughts or feelings. Almost all college students who die by suicide are suffering from an emotional disorder, most commonly depression. Other emotional problems can increase the risk for suicide too, such as anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, substance abuse or eating disorders.
Identifying and treating these illnesses is especially important because someone with an untreated emotional disorder may be more likely to attempt suicide in the wake of a stressful event such as a death, relationship difficulties or a failed exam.

Know the Warning Signs
The most effective way to prevent suicide is to know the warning signs, take those signs seriously, and respond appropriately. People who are suicidal can be helped with the proper treatment. Common warning signs of suicide include:

• Hopelessness
• Rage, uncontrolled anger, or seeking revenge
• Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities, seemingly without thinking
• Feeling trapped – like there’s no way out
• Increased alcohol or drug use
• Withdrawing from friends, family and society
• Anxiety, agitation, unable to sleep or sleeping all the time
• Dramatic mood changes
• Expressing no reason for living or no sense of purpose in life

If you witness, hear or see anyone exhibiting the signs above, get help IMMEDIATELY by contacting a mental health professional or calling 9-1-1 or The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK).


Campus Resources
Help is available on or around campuses through the following resources:
•Student counseling center
•Student health service
•Resident hall director, dean, academic advisor, tutor, or faculty
•Campus religious or spiritual leader
•Community mental health center
• Local crisis center or hotlines


In an Emergency
If you cannot reach the contacts listed above during a crisis:
•Take the individual to an emergency room or mental health walk-in clinic
• Do not leave the person alone until professional help is with him/her
• Remove any firearms, alcohol, drugs, or sharp objects that could be used in a suicide attempt

As a parent of 2 college aged young people I find this very compelling. Young Adulthood is a very difficult time under the best of circumstances,  It is people like Donna & Phil who amaze me!   Those who dig down deep and find the fortitude to turn their personal tragedy into something greater - Thank you Satow family for fighting the good fight to help other young people and families.


Get Involved:
Donate to The Jed Foundation.
Donate from your mobile phone. Text ONMYMIND to 20222 to donate $10 to The Jed Foundation.
Text and data rates apply.

The Jed Foundation on FaceBook.
And as always... pass this information along to anyone you know who may need it.



Source:  The Jed Foundation

Friday, June 25, 2010

June 25 (Day 117) iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad & iGive



Okay all you iPhone & iPad devotees out there.  I've watched on the news lined up at the Apple Store for days to get the latest and greatest technology as soon as it is offered.  Well, here is your chance to use your technology for good...
Want to fight breast cancer, help animals, and alleviate hunger? You can tap for that! Check out the Touch To Give iPhone App that allows you to support 3 of your favorite causes just by tapping your iPhone! 
 
Give extra with your iPhone. It's fast, free, & easy! Now you can "Touch To Give" on your iPhone to fund breast cancer research, feed shelter animals, and provide hunger relief — all with the GreaterGood Network's handy and free iPhone app.




Once you download the app onto your iPhone*, iPod Touch, or iPad, you will be able to Touch To Give every day! Just open the app, choose the cause, and tap the colored "Touch To Give" button. 100% of revenue from our sponsor ads are used exclusively to help the cause. You can Touch To Give for all three causes every day — to click for the other causes just click on the "GreaterGood Network" at the top left. It's always free!

There are three causes in the Touch To Give app. With The Breast Cancer Site, your touch funds breast cancer research. With The Animal Rescue Site, your touch gives treats; food and care for rescued pets in shelters and sanctuaries. And with The Hunger Site, your touch pays for garden seeds for sustainable farming projects.
You can do even more to inspire and make a difference, right from your iPhone! Spread the word by sharing our app via Facebook or Twitter — the more people who Touch To Give, the more good we can do together.

 
Click here to download the free App today at the iTunes Store and start tapping to make a difference! 
 
 
 
Source: The Greater Good Network
             www.thebreastcancersite.com

Thursday, June 24, 2010

June 24 (Day 116) "To Have & To Give"

We all know that June is the considered the month for all things "Wedding" related.  Charitable Weddings are becoming more and more popular as a growing number of couples incorporate their socially conscious values into their wedding planning.  Many couples want to use their special day as an opportunity to give to the causes and charities that matter to them. 



The mission of "I Do Foundation" is to help engaged couples bring a charitable focus to their wedding. Our goal is to share the joy and wealth of these wedding celebrations with nonprofit organizations by providing couples with a variety of donation options and wedding services.




I Do Foundation provides couples with flexibility to choose the organizations they want to support with their wedding donations.Just like a gift registry, a Charity Registry informs your guests about your charitable preferences and guides their giving. When you create a Charity Registry, you may suggest a specific number of donation gifts, or you may allow any or all of your guests to make donations freely. You can specify a certain dollar amount for each donation, or allow your guests to choose the amount of their gifts.




During this momentous occasion of love and new beginnings, we invite every engaged couple to share their wedding with a broader community. By making charity a part of their wedding, couples can support their commitment to lifelong giving and active involvement in their communities.




Thank Your Attendants by giving them a charity gift card.

Gift Shopping: If your couple has registered for gifts, all purchases made through the I Do Foundation website will generate a contribution for charity. Simply by registering with one of the partner stores you can raise charitable contributions. Up to 10% of guests' gift purchases from these partner stores will be donated to your selected charity. These donations are made at no additional cost to you or your guests.


If you are getting married, or you know someone who is getting married - check out the "I Do Foundation" and see if you might be interested in this venue of "giving back." 




Source:  I Do Foundation

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

June 23 (Day 115) Gilda's Club



Gilda’s Club is a free social and emotional cancer support community for men, women and children with all types of cancer and their families and friends. Gilda’s Club is the legacy of comedian and former Detroiter, Gilda Radner, who is best known for her work on “Saturday Night Live.”


Gilda Radner is best known as an original cast member of Saturday Night Live. As one of the "Not Ready for Prime Time Players" she created lovable characters like Rosanne Rosannadanna, Emily Litella and Lisa Loopner.


Gilda's astonishing career was cut short when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 1986. Joanna Bull, Gilda's cancer psychotherapist, introduced her to cancer support groups. Recognizing how integral the support experience was to her treatment, Gilda's dream was to develop a community where anyone with cancer would receive the kind of support she had found. In her best-selling book It's Always Something, Gilda wrote about her experience living with cancer. She spoke of establishing such a support community in New York when she felt better and said, "There should be a thousand of them."

Gilda's ovarian cancer was diagnosed too late for effective treatment and she died in 1989. Following her death, Gilda's husband, actor and comedian Gene Wilder, Joanna Bull and many of Gilda's friends founded Gilda's Club in her memory. The first Club with its signature red door opened in New York City in June 1995.

Gilda’s Club offers emotional and social support as a supplement to medical treatment. Members meet and share a collective wisdom, which Gilda said helped her regain control of her life and reclaim her gift for laughter.

Gilda’s Club offers weekly wellness groups for anyone living with any type of cancer and weekly family groups for family members and friends. Weekly workshops include art, meditation, guided imagery, creative writing, yoga and much more. Monthly networking groups include supper/lectures and social events. Gilda’s Club also has many groups specific to children and teens and provides supervised childcare while adults attend groups. A library with resource information and Internet access is available for members.



Get Involved:

Make a donation.

If you need assistance or would like to volunteer, Find A Clubhouse near you.




Source:  Gilda's Club

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

June 22 (Day 114) Ophelia's Place



In spite of the unprecedented growth of eating disorders in the past two decades, eating disorders research continues to be under-funded, insurance coverage for treatment is inadequate, and societal pressures to be thin remain rampant.

In the United States, as many as 10 million females and 1 million males are fighting a life and death battle with an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia. Millions more are struggling with binge eating disorder (Crowther et al., 1992; Fairburn et al., 1993; Gordon, 1990; Hoek, 1995; Shisslak et al., 1995).

Our Mission:
 
Ophelia's Place is a non-profit organization committed to empowering individuals, families, and communities to redefine beauty and health through initiatives that increase self-esteem, improve body image and introduce alternatives to dangerous desires for perfection; and to providing outreach, advocacy and educational services to those impacted by eating disorders, disordered eating and body dissatisfaction.

Our Vision is to begin changing culture and to empower individuals, families, and communities to embrace health, beauty, and happiness at any shape and size and to share a message of body celebration.

Ophelia’s Place has become a one of a kind resource center, recognized globally. We provide education, outreach, support and always a fresh cup of coffee and lots of chocolate. It is a place filled with stories of struggle, determination, recovery and hope. It is a place filled with color and depth... it is a place where helplessness is transformed to hopefulness.

Click here to read the story of how a family's journey through a daughter's eating disorder inspired them to make a difference!  Thank you Mary Ellen and Dan Clausen!   


How You Can Help:

Make a Donation to Ophelia's Place.
Eating Disorders Resources Page.



Sources:  Ophelia's Place
                NEDA

Monday, June 21, 2010

June 21 (Day 113) Getting Back to Nature...Giving Back to Nature

Summer is here and today's cause highlights a great opportunity to give back and have a great vacation at the same time.  This is something that I really find appealing.  The opportunity to make a difference while seeing beautiful parts of the country...AWESOME!   How about you.... are you interested?
 




"Wilderness Volunteers projects are like fantasy camps for those of us who dreamed of being a backcountry ranger but found ourselves sitting in a cubicle."   -AR, participant who built a trail in the Sierras 
 

 
Wilderness Volunteers is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization created in 1997 to organize and promote volunteer service to America's wild lands. We work with public land agencies including the National Park Service, the Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management and the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Our Mission is stewardship of America's wild lands through organizing and promoting volunteer service in cooperation with public land agencies.

 
This year we are offering a selection of trips with a variety of service projects; all trips cost $259. All food including snacks is provided. We don't charge the agencies for our work, but they supply tools and supervision for the projects. Participants provide their own camping gear (a list specific to each trip will be mailed with registration confirmation), a sense of adventure, and a willingness to contribute time and energy to worthy projects.

 

It's incredible how much work a group of hearty volunteers can do in a week's time! All trips are led by volunteer leaders. Trips are one week long and are limited to 12 or fewer participants. Meals are included in the trip price. Participants share camp chores. Most trips include extra time to explore and enjoy the area in which they are based. Wilderness Volunteers teaches and follows Leave No Trace outdoor living skills and ethics.


Why Volunteer with Wilderness Volunteers?
  • Give Something Back to America's wild places
  • Meet interesting people from across the country
  • Have an adventure
  • Stay active and healthy
  • Learn new skills
  • Visit new places
  • Participate in the stewardship of our national treasures


 


Get Involved:
 
Check out the list of Projects available for 2010. 
Donate to Wilderness Volunteers
 


Source:  http://www.wildernessvolunteers.org/

Sunday, June 20, 2010

June 20 (Day 112) - ZERO Tolerance for Prostate Cancer

Today is Father's Day.. Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there!  Today also brings Men's Health Week 2010 to a conclusion.  In honor of Men's Health Week and Dads everywhere, today's post highlights a very important men's health issue.  Make sure you click on the blue links to find out more about today's cause.




We are: ZERO - The Project to End Prostate Cancer.  We believe in the fire. The fire inside you. Burning to live and to live every day to the fullest. We believe cancer must not extinguish it. Ever! We believe in not just beating cancer, or curing cancer but ending it. And we believe it should not take forever to do it. Everyone has a project. And we believe every man, every loving wife and every caring family member must unite to end this disease. 


Prostate Cancer Facts and Statistics:
  • Prostate cancer is diagnosed every two minutes and fifteen seconds, and more than 217,730 new cases are expected in 2010. It is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in America among men.
  • An estimated 32,050 American men will lose their lives to prostate cancer this year.
  • Prostate cancer takes about one life every 18 minutes - In the next 24 hours, prostate cancer will claim the lives of 83 American men.
  • One in six American men is at lifetime risk of prostate cancer.
  • If a close relative has prostate cancer, a man's risk of the disease more than doubles. With two relatives, his risk increases five times. With three close relatives, his risk is about 97 percent.
  • Prostate cancer represents 33 percent of all new cancer cases in American men. That's more new cases than any other cancer.

Get Involved:
Make a Donation.

The Great Prostate Cancer Challange and Dash for Dad invite you to lace up your running shoes and race to raise funds for a cure for Prostate Cancer.  There are 14 race sites across the country this year, click here to find an event near you. 
Click here for others ways to get involved.


Saturday, June 19, 2010

June 19 (Day 111) Doing Good One Search at a Time


What if even a fraction of the billions of dollars generated by search engine advertisers and online shopping was directed towards the causes you care about? That is the concept behind GoodSearch  a search engine powered by Yahoo! GoodSearch donates 50% of its revenue, approximately a penny per search, to the charities designated by its users. You use it exactly as you would any other search engine and the pennies add up quickly – just 500 people searching four times a day will earn around $7,300 in a year. It doesn’t cost the users a thing!

More than 91,000 charities and schools are now participating in GoodSearch and more than 100 new groups are joining each day! Here are just a few of the many success stories thus far:
  • ASPCA has earned $33,700
  • Best Friends Animal Society has earned $17,000
  • Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has earned $13,800
  • Elephant Sanctuary has earned $13,200
  • Heifer International has earned $5,900
  • St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has earned $12,300
  
Similarly with GoodShop, consumers are helping their favorite causes by shopping at hundreds of well known retailers including Amazon, Target, Apple, Macy’s, Best Buy, Orbitz, Staples and others. The shopping experience and the prices are exactly the same as going to the retailer directly, but by going through GoodShop, up to 30% of the purchase price is donated the user’s favorite cause!

Using GoodSearch is simple. Because the site is powered by Yahoo, users are assured of high quality results - but each time you search, money is generated by the advertisers for your favorite charity or school.

Every penny counts! While doing a search or shopping online why not raise money for your favorite cause? There is absolutely no reason not to use GoodSearch and GoodShop - it's so easy.

“We know there are a lot of people who want to do good but may not have the time or the money to help out.” said Ken Ramberg, Co-Founder of GoodSearch. “GoodSearch and GoodShop make it as easy as possible. We’ve taken something people do every day -- searching the Internet and shopping online -- and have turned it into doing good."



Source: goodsearch.com

Friday, June 18, 2010

June 18 (Day 110) Saving Lives... for pennies!

The Children's Safe Drinking Water program provides clean drinking water to people who really need it. Every day more than 4,000 children in developing countries die, simply because they don't have clean drinking water. With your help, we can make a difference.




Contaminated Drinking Water is a major problem: 
  • More than one billion people do not have access to safe water. 
  • Diarrhea caused by drinking contaminated water remains a leading cause of illness and death among infants and children in the developing world. 
  • About 1.8 million children die every year due to diarrheal diseases. 
  • More children die from diarrheal illnesses like cholera and dysentery than from HIV/AIDS or malaria combined. 
  • P&G has collaborated with the Center for Disease Control (CDC) since 1995 to develop safe drinking water systems that people can easily use in their homes. 
  • There is conclusive evidence that simple, low-cost interventions at the community level can dramatically improve the quality of household stored water and greatly reduce the risk of diarrheal disease and death. 
  • It is well documented that simply providing safe, clean, drinkable water can reduce deadly diarrhea and other devastating diseases by about 50%.

The Children's Safe Drinking Water program is focused on reducing sickness and death resulting from drinking contaminated water. Working with organizations such as PSI, CARE, World Vision, Aquaya Institute, USAID, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the International Council of Nurses, Johns Hopkins University Center for Communication Programs, Save the Children, Samaritan's Purse and Americares, P&G helps distribute PUR packets to people in developing countries and emergency relief situations across the globe.


To date, the Children's Safe Drinking Water program has delivered over 1.6 billion liters of clean drinking water. And we are committed to delivering four billion liters by 2012, more than doubling the efforts of our first four years.

Get involved with the work they are doing with charitable organizations and educational programs that support this effort to bring clean water to people in need around the globe. Together we can make a difference.





Watch a PUR tablet make unsanitary and potentially deadly water drinkable.







Wow... that is impressive!  Won't you please help to make this available to those who need it! 

Make a Donation.  
It costs only 10 cents to provide one packet that will clean up to 10 litres of water! A donation of $1 will provide a child with fresh drinking water for 50 days. A $7.50 donation you can give a child clean water for a year. And, a donation of $30 will provide an entire family clean water for a full year! 



Source:  www.csdw.org

Thursday, June 17, 2010

June 17 (Day 109) The Shade Tree



Every day The Shade Tree is changing lives...


The mission of The Shade Tree is to provide safe shelter to homeless and abused women and children in crisis and to offer life-changing services promoting stability, dignity, and self-reliance. Since 1990 The Shade Tree has served homeless and abused women and children, victims of domestic violence, victims of elder abuse, victims of street violence, female veterans, homeless youth and the physically disabled.

Using programs offered by The Shade Tree, women can rebuild their lives. They can find employment, secure permanent housing and become productive members of the community. The shelter provides immediate safety from the harshness of the streets, street crime and domestic violence. Each person is provided accommodations that ensure the dignity and respect of everyone utilizing the Shade Tree services.

The Shade Tree is the largest shelter of it's kind in Nevada, and is the only 24-hour accessible shelter designed specifically to meet the needs of women and children. With 364 permanent beds, The Shade Tree provides some 80,000 nights of shelter each year. On average, 33% of our clients are children under the age of 18. Senior citizens represent the fastest growing segment of our population.

The second and third floors of our 38,000 square foot facility are residential areas with sleeping rooms, libraries, training rooms, rest rooms, and children's play rooms. The main floor has our "Dayroom," kitchen, laundry, restrooms and showers, and services for victims of violence. The full basement is used for storing donations and shelter supplies.

The Shade Tree is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. This means that most donations are tax deductible. We are a local 'grassroots' agency with no national affiliation or support. To remove any barrier that might prevent a woman from accessing necessary services for herself and her children, 100% of our services are provided completely free of charge, regardless of the length of stay.


Homelessness Knows No Boundaries
Women are sad and fearful when they first come to The Shade Tree. Family and friends sometimes bring women and children to the shelter when they can no longer care for them. Some women and children are brought to the shelter by our Metro Police. Local doctors, nurses, and hospitals refer people to The Shade Tree. Other social service agencies and churches refer women and children to us. Sometimes they just come in off the streets.
It doesn't matter how they come to us; we care for them all. We provide services for homeless and abused women and children, victims of domestic violence, victims of street violence or gang violence, victims of elder abuse, the physically and mentally disabled, female veterans, the working poor and homeless youth.
Our residents represent all ages, races and ethnic groups and educational levels. Last year we provided shelter and services for 17 women who had graduate degrees and 91 who had undergraduate college degrees. No one is immune. Our youngest residents last year were the new born babies that came to The Shade Tree directly from the hospital. Our oldest resident was the 1 woman who was over 85 and the 10 who were between 75 and 85.



Ways to Help:

Click here to donate and see other ways you can give.
Provide items from the Wish List. Please direct all questions regarding donations to: (702) 385-0072
 
 
 
Source:  The Shade Tree

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

June 16 (Day 108) Bugles Across America



Today's post is a very unique and  humbling way to make a difference.  Obviously, not everyone is going to be able to participate in a volunteer capacity, but there is the option of supporting the efforts through a monetary donation.  If the opportunity to provide a military send off to a deserving veteran is something that touches your heart , then please take a minute to learn more about today's cause.
 

Bugles Across America, NFP was founded in 2000 by Tom Day, when Congress passed legislation stating Veterans had a right to at least 2 uniformed military people to fold the flag and play taps on a CD player. Bugles Across America was begun to take this a step further, and in recognition of the service these Veterans provided their country, we felt that every Veteran deserved a live rendition of taps played by a live Bugler. To this end, we are actively seeking volunteers to provide this valuable service to Veterans and their families.

Bugles Across America now has over 5000 bugler volunteers located in all 50 states and growing number overseas. Since the Department of Veterans Affairs is expecting more than 1/2 million veterans to pass every year for the next 7 years, Bugles Across America is ALWAYS recruiting new volunteers.

Bugler Volunteers can be male or female. They can play a traditional bugle with no valves, or they can perform the ceremony on a Trumpet, Cornet, Flugelhorn, or a 1, 2 or 3 valved bugle. The bugler can be of any age as long as they can play the 24 notes of Taps with an ease and style that will do honor to both the Veterans, their families, and the burial detail performing the service.


Get Involved: 

Make a Donation.
Request a Bugler.


"There is no act that is too small to make a difference!"


Source:  Bugles Across America

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

June 15 (Day 107) Be A Man... Self Exam

June 14th - 20th is Men's Health Week!  Every year Men's Health Week concludes on Father's Day and it is a time to encourage those men in our lives ... both young and old, to make the right choices to improve their lives, wellbeing and all areas of their physical, mental and emotional health.  To that end, today's post will highlight a cause that is sensitive and some might find embarrassing to talk about... Do all the men in your life a favor and make sure they have this information. You could save their life! 





The Sean Kimerling Testicular Cancer Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness of testicular cancer and the need for regular self-examination. Our goal is to increase early detection of testicular cancer. We seek to ensure that young men are aware of the disease and have the information they need to conduct regular self-examinations, recognize possible warning signs, and seek medical help without embarrassment or fear of stigmatization.

The Foundation was established in memory of Sean Kimerling, the Emmy Award-winning anchor of WB 11 sports and pre-game announcer for the Mets. Sean died from testicular cancer on September 9, 2003. He was only 37.


Young men most at risk


Testicular cancer most often affects men between the ages of 15 and 40. However, men of any age, including infants and the elderly can develop testicular cancer.


The Importance of Self-Examination


The vast majority of testicular tumors are discovered by men themselves, either by accident or by performing the self-examination procedure. In fact, one research report found that only 4% of all testicular tumors are discovered by physicians, usually when they are performing an exam for other reasons. As a result, regular self-examination is essential.

The Exam

The testicular self-examination, or TSE, is a quick, simple, painless, exam that men can perform on themselves in the privacy of their own home. All men should perform the exam once a month. The exam takes only about three minutes to properly perform. By performing it regularly, you will become familiar with your anatomy and better able to recognize changes.

The best time to perform the TSE is during or immediately after a warm shower or bath. The warm water relaxes the skin on the scrotum, making it easier to perform the TSE. Also, your fingers will more easily glide over soapy skin, making it easier to concentrate on the texture underneath and increasing the likelihood that you will feel any lumps or nodules on your testicles.

Click here for resources available explaining how to perform a self-exam including a video (computer generated graphics, non sexual content). 
 
Ways You Can Help:

Support the Cause... Donate Now.
Get Involved... Other ways to help.

Make sure you pass this information along to every man in your life. Testicular cancer is very cureable is caught early!



Source:  Sean Kimerling Foundation

Monday, June 14, 2010

June 14 (Day 106 ) World Blood Donor Day



World Blood Donor Day is celebrated June 14th every year. It is an opportunity to express gratitude to those who donate their blood in order to save lives, without expecting anything in return.

Millions of people owe their lives to people they will never meet – people who donate their blood freely and without any reward. However, the overwhelming majority of the world’s population do not have access to safe blood. Over 80 million units of blood are donated every year, but only 38% are collected in developing countries where 82% of the global population live.

In addition, many countries remain dependent on donation by the families or friends of patients who require blood and, in some countries, blood donors still receive payment.Yet evidence from around the world demonstrates that voluntary unpaid donors are the foundation of a safe blood supply because they are least likely to transmit potentially life-threatening infections, such as HIV and hepatitis viruses, to the recipients of their blood. It is to these unsung heroes that World Blood Donor Day is dedicated.

While it is hoped that World Blood Donor Day will create wider awareness of the importance of voluntary blood donation and encourage more people to become regular blood donors. It is designed to celebrate and thank those individuals who voluntarily donate their blood without any reward, except the knowledge that they have helped to save lives, particularly those who give blood on a regular basis two, three or more times each year. It is our hope that a new generation of blood donors will follow their example, providing the safest blood possible for use wherever and whenever it is needed to save a life.

If you currently donate blood on a regular basis.... THANK YOU!   If you have never donated blood, please consider taking the opportunity to donate blood and make a difference - maybe save a life!  Click here to find a blood drive near you or schedule a donation.



Sources: wbdd.org

Sunday, June 13, 2010

June 13 (Day 105) Transplant Grants for Kids

TRANSPLANT PATIENTS NEED YOUR VOTE!

Help NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson and Be The Match Foundation take the lead in a race for $100,000


Today's post involves another simple thing that you can do to make a difference in the lives of others!  You don't even have to leave your house... just take a few minutes, log on to your pc and make a difference!  I posted about Be The Match Foundation in an earlier post (view post) and decided to post again when I was made aware of this contest.  Helping Be The Match win a $100,000 prize would be awesome! 

Pepsi, Jimmie Johnson and Be The Match Foundation are teaming up in a race to win $100,000.  There’s never been an easier way to help children battling leukemia and lymphoma receive the marrow or umbilical cord blood transplant they need.

Go to NASCAR.COM/PepsiRefresh and vote for NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson and Be The Match Foundation’s Transplant Grants for Kids. Voting is open through June 23rd and you can vote as many times each day as you would like.

Pepsi has invited three NASCAR drivers to take part in this friendly competition. All are teammates on the Hendrick Motorsports team and each driver will promote a charity of his choice. The driver who collects the most online votes by June 23rd wins $100,000 for his charity.

Jimmie Johnson, the four time reigning NASCAR Sprint Cup champion, has selected Be The Match Foundation as his charity. The funds would help financially vulnerable families afford the uninsured and overwhelming recovery costs that come with a child’s marrow transplant.

“I can't imagine having to choose between being beside my child's hospital bed or being at work in order to keep our insurance active and a roof over our heads. It is a wonderful thing to know that Transplant Grants for Kids can help ease that tension,” Johnson said. “These grants give moms and dads a little less to worry about and give kids what they want most when they are sick - their parents by their bedside."

This $100,000 competition featuring NASCAR drivers is part of the Pepsi Refresh Project, a multi-million dollar national campaign that asks people to submit ideas to better their community and gives the public the chance to vote for their favorite.

Every year, 10,000 patients with leukemia, lymphoma, and other life-threatening diseases discover they need a marrow transplant but have no donor match in their family. Many are children. Be The Match Foundation raises funds to help patients find an unrelated marrow donor and receive the transplant they need.

While a marrow transplant can be a life-saving treatment, it takes a financial toll on a family. Often there is the temporary loss of at least one parent’s income to care for their child. And even with insurance, not all costs are covered. On average, child transplant recovery expenses exceed a family’s income by $1,200 per month.

Your support of Be The Match Foundation helps families pay for prescription co-pays, transportation to and from the transplant hospital (often in another state), temporary lodging, and other uninsured expenses for up to six months after transplant.
 
So remember... get out the vote!  Vote for Jimmie Johnson and Be The Match Foundation.  You can vote as many times as you like....stuff that ballot box on behalf of children and families recovering from Marrow transplants! 


Other ways you can help:

Click here to learn about the many ways you can give.
Ways to get involved.
Join the registry.
Give birth to hope... donate umbilical cord blood.  Find out how.



Sources:  Be The Match
               Pepsi Refresh

Saturday, June 12, 2010

June 12 (Day 104) Miles of Smiles


Vanessa Hailey is requesting your help... She has a TALL order in front of her!  Her goal is to provide each of the 2500 athletes participating in the 2011 Special Olympics Washington State Winter Games with a hand knitted scarf!  WOW!  That is a lot of knitting... makes my fingers hurt just thinking about it.  That is where you come in.  Are there any knitters out there?  We are putting a call out for knitters so if you are a knitter... or you know someone who is a knitter, here's your chance to MAKE A DIFFERENCE! 



As of June 10th -
Scarves needed: 2500
Scarves supplied: 281

As you can see, there is much knitting to be done... Please consider helping if you are able! 


Here is the post from Vanessa's blog:  Miles of Smiles

Please join me in helping make scarves for the 2011 Special Olympics Washington State Winter Games in March 2011. They are expecting 2,500 Athletes and our goal is to be able to give each Athlete their own handmade scarf. Scarves need to be approx. 5" wide by 55" long either crocheted or knitted. The colors are Red Heart Super Saver Cherry Red and White. You can use your own pattern or use any of the patterns listed.


Please send the completed scarves to:

Scarves for WA Special Olympics
c/o Vanessa Hailey
10995 Warfield Road
Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284
Due date for scarves is February 25, 2011
Please email vanessa@nwcorrosion.com if you have any questions.


This is what this blog is all about... Finding a need and working to fill that need! Doing what you can, where you are, with what you have!  Thanks Vanessa Hailey for using your talents to help others and inspire us all.


Source: milesofsmiles4charity.blogspot.com

Friday, June 11, 2010

June 11 (Day 103 ) 20 Centres for 2010


It's World Cup fever time in my house!  Soccer has been a major part of my family's life for many years now.  My daughter plays college soccer and has played the game since she was a very young child.  Soccer has taught her many valuable lessons; the value of teamwork, unselfish play, working hard and personal responsibility. She now coaches younger players and helps to give back and foster a love for the game in the next generation of soccer players.  A simple game like soccer is making a profound difference in the lives of many young people worldwide. 


20 Centres for 2010 is the official campaign of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™. Its aim is to create 20 Football for Hope Centres to promote public health, education and football in disadvantaged communities across Africa. As part of the Football for Hope movement led by FIFA and streetfootballworld, the campaign will leave a tangible social legacy for Africa.


The importance of this legacy is highlighted by the fact that many communities in Africa continue to face serious social challenges. By using the positive elements of football, many locally run organizations have been successful in reaching young people and addressing such challenges. In order to strengthen this development, Football for Hope Centres are being created in disadvantaged communities to be used as facilities from which these local best-practice organizations can reach out to the local young people.


The creation of a Football for Hope Centre begins with identifying both the local challenges as well as a local organization that successfully uses football-based programs for social development. The centre and the programs that are run there, e.g. HIV/Aids awareness, literacy, gender equality, disability and integration, are created to meet the needs of the community.


The organization chosen as centre host manages day-to-day activities with the support of the local community, progressively turning the centre into a self-supporting hub and model for social development through football.   Each centre consists of an artificial turf football pitch and buildings to provide space for classrooms and health facilities. The centres provide long-term infrastructure for Centre Hosts to improve and expand their unique youth development programs.



Get Involved :

Find out how you can get involved here.



Sources:  fifa.com
               streetfootballworld.org

Thursday, June 10, 2010

June 10 (Day 102) Adopt A Shelter Cat




Approximately 4 million cats end up in shelters every year, including thousands born every spring and summer during “kitten season.” To help promote adoptions of these fun, affectionate animals, American Humane celebrates Adopt-A-Cat Month each June.

Your local shelter is brimming with cats of every breed, age and personality just waiting for a loving home. Whether you prefer young and frisky or mature and mellow, you’re sure to find the perfect cat companion during Adopt-A-Cat Month!


Adopting a cat from your local shelter will enrich your world in so many different ways:

•Cats will keep you entertained with their playful antics.
•Cats are very affectionate and love to cuddle with you.
•Having a cat can reduce your blood pressure and prevent heart disease.
•Cats are very clean -- they bathe themselves!
•Cats are independent and can be left alone while you are at work.
•Cats do not need to be housebroken -- using the litter box comes naturally to them.
•Cats do not need a lot of space. They are perfect pets for apartments and smaller homes.
•Cats get plenty of exercise living indoors. Just 15 minutes of play each day will satisfy a cat.
•Taking care of a cat can help teach children responsibility and humane values.
•Approximately 4 million homeless cats end up in animal shelters every year in the United States. By adopting, you’ll be saving a life.

Once you’ve adopted your new feline friend, help combat cat overpopulation by spaying or neutering your cat. And don’t forget to keep your kitty safe with an ID tag and microchip!

Won't you consider adopting a new feline friend?!  If you are unable to adopt you can still help....contact your local shelter and see how you can assist them as a volunteer or donate needed items. 


Click here to find a shelter near you.



Source:  American Humane Org.
              ASPCA

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

June 9 (Day 101) Nun on the Run!




Have you ever seen a Nun on the Run?  I have not, but that would be fun!  Sounds like a Dr. Suess story, doesn't it?  If you haven't, here's your opportunity -


From April 19th to June 19th, 2010, Lisa Smith Batchen, one of the world’s premier ultra-runners, will be the first person to attempt to run 50 miles in each of the 50 states.


Accompanying Lisa on the run will be a small support crew including her good friend and running partner, Sister Mary Beth Lloyd. Sister Mary Beth, 61, belongs to the order of the Religious Teachers Filipini, an order dedicated to education. Sister Mary Beth will run alongside Lisa in her full habit: a black wool tunic over a white shirt and underskirt, black headpiece and a black woolen belt… and sneakers.



The Dreamchasers Foundation, founded by Lisa and Sister Mary Beth, will give 100% of the donations made to AIDS Orphans Rising.




Every 14 seconds a Child Headed Household is formed.

 
A Child Headed Household (CHH) is a small nuclear unit of a family, trying to keep together, trying to uphold the ideals of their society and it traditions. These children have been orphaned by AIDS. There are literally millions of them all over the world and theirs is a life of poverty and deprivation.



The Religious Sisters Filippini provide food, housing and education to as many of these children as possible. These Aids Orphans are working very hard to Rise above their situation in order to have a better life and to be part of Africa's future. These are the Aids Orphans Rising ... and they need your help.



HOW YOU CAN HELP:

Donate to RHTA today.

RHTA on Facebook.

See Schedule of when Lisa & Sister Mary Beth will be in your area.



Sister Mary Beth & Lisa.... YOU BOTH INSPIRE ME!! 



Source:  Running Hope to America
                Aids Orphans Rising

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

June 8 (Day 100) Eradicating Poverty - One Bead at a Time.

Today is my 100th post!  When I started out on this project, I didn't realize how much work and time would be involved in posting everyday.  I will say, over the past 100 days, you and I have learned many things - some inspiring and some very disturbing.  Thank you to all who have taken the time to read my posts and share them with others! If you are inspired to take action on behalf of any of the causes mentioned here, please do so!  Please continue to share these posts with others and let's ignite a little common man philanthropy!   Remember... Do what you can, where you are, with what you have! 




BeadforLife is part of an international grassroots movement to overcome extreme poverty. Your participation in the Bead Circle makes a difference. Please join us.  All of us together complete the Bead Circle: the Ugandans; party and event hosts; volunteers; and those who buy, give, wear and love these beautiful beads. There are already tens of thousands of us wearing bright paper jewelry made from strong Ugandan hands as a symbol of our commitment to work for a better world.

Our goal is for our members to be independent of BeadforLife within 27 months by being able to support themselves within the Ugandan economy. To assist members in launching their own small businesses or in creating new revenue streams, we provide entrepreneurial training, facilitate savings accounts, and make business funds available.

In addition to buying and selling the beads, BeadforLife sponsors Community Development projects in health, vocational training for impoverished youth, affordable housing, and business development. These projects are supported with the net profits from the sale of the beads, and support not only beaders, but other impoverished people living in Uganda.

Click here to see how a bead is rolled. 

Want a fun and easy way you can help Bead for Life?
Host a Bead Party:  Have fun and make a difference!
Host a BeadParty at your home, church, school, office or in your community and have fun while making a difference. You can help raise awareness about extreme poverty and support Bead for Life by selling beautiful jewelry items, hand-crafted by impoverished women in Uganda. By hosting a BeadParty you are taking concrete action to help alleviate poverty a world away! Hosting is easy! Bead for Life will support you from beginning to end with no cost to you!


Donate to Bead for Life.

Bead For Life on Facebook.



Source: BeadforLife
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