April 5 (Day 36) The REAL Boys & Girls of Summer!

"Every Child Deserves the Chance to Play Baseball."

 

 
Yesterday was "Opening Day" for another MLB Season. In honor of opening day, I hope you will take a few minutes to watch this video and if this touches your heart, maybe this is a cause you can champion!
 
My son is 19 years old now but I remember with great affection and pride, watching him play little league as a young child.  It brought us all such happiness and pride... he loved it and so did we!  That is probably one reason that today's cause really tugs at my heartstrings! There is something about kids and playing baseball, each one brings so much to the other.  
 
The Miracle League has a variety of volunteer opportunities. By giving only a few hours of your time not only will you make a difference in a special child’s life, but you will also create a positive awareness in yourself.
 
One of the most important parts of The Miracle League is the “buddy” system – pairing each player with an able bodied friend to assist them on and off the field during a two inning game. Guidance is generously offered by coaches, organization leaders and family members. We are looking for people who are willing to donate their time, a little or a lot, to help us out in this capacity. Buddies can be fellow schoolmates, parents, college or high school students, athletes, business leaders, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts or any individual or group who wishes to volunteer their time to give the child the gift of baseball and a smile that touches us all

There are only a few rules that govern our program. Individuals must be 12 years or older. Enthusiasm and compassion is key. We offer affidavits for anyone who needs to meet requirements for volunteer hours. Become a “buddy” and you will be captivated by how much you are needed and cherished by the kids and their families. We do not look upon our kids as handicapped but as friends.

 
Click here for a list of "Miracle Leagues" across the country. Click on the Volunteer Opportunities page to see what opportunities are available in your area.  If you don't see a league listed for your area, click here for contact information.  If you cannot volunteer, consider making a monetary donation to the league serving your area. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Source: The Miracle League
Related Links: www.miracleleague.com
                      www.michiganmiracle.org/

March 9 (Day 9) - Skip A Lunch & Save A Life

TODAY'S OPPORTUNITY PUTS THINGS INTO PERSPECTIVE!

FOR THE COST OF THE AVERAGE LUNCH OUT, YOU CAN SAVE THE LIFE OF A CHILD.

From their website:

Although $10 for a bed net may not sound like much, the cost makes them out of reach for most people at risk of malaria, many of whom survive on less than $1 a day. Nets are a simple life-saving solution.

- Each year, malaria afflicts approximately a half-billion people (roughly the population of the United States,
   Canada, and Mexico combined).
- Malaria kills more than a million people per year; 90 percent of those who die are African children.
- Every 30 seconds in Africa a child dies of malaria.
 
Visit the website http://www.nothingbutnets.net/its-easy-to-help/ and see the different ways in which you can help.  You can donate to purchase nets, you can become part of a fundraising team or you can start your own fundraising team or choose one of the other ways to help.  Take a look at their toolkit and see which opportunity best suits you.   Is this the opportunity for you?  Are you able to help? 
 
 
Don't forget, you can e-mail any opportunity listed to a friend by clicking on the envelope icon.

March 6 (Day 6) - Help Wanted: Young Artists Needed!

Color A Smile is a great way for budding young artists to get involved in helping others.  This is a great project for younger children or classrooms and there is very little cost to participate.  The only cost is for postage to mail the masterpieces.  Color A Smile  is a non-profit organization spreading smiles with cheerful drawings. 

from the website:

Color A Smile collects crayon drawings from school children. Every month we distribute these drawings to Nursing Homes, Meals on Wheels Programs, and Individuals all across the country. Our goal is to make people smile!

Visit the website http://www.colorasmile.org/  to see how you can participate.  They do ask that all artwork match certain criteria (no get well messages) and you can even download coloring pages to color and send.  It can't get much easier than this!   If you know of anyone who might benefit from receiving artwork, you can submit their name on the website.