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
.

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

April 8 (Day 39) One Day Without Shoes

 April 8, 2010  -  Tom's Shoes 3rd Annual  

"One Day Without Shoes."

One Day Without Shoes is the day we spread awareness about the impact a simple pair of shoes can have on a child’s life. On April 8th, we ask people to go the day, part of the day or even just a few minutes, barefoot, to experience a life without shoes first-hand, and inspire others at the same time.

It’s Hard Without Shoes
 Through everyday encounters with domestic poverty, we are reminded to appreciate having food and shelter, but most of us all but forget about our feet. Food, shelter, AND shoes facilitate life’s fundamentals. Imagine a life without shoes; constantly aware of the ground in front of you, suffering regular cuts and scrapes, tending to infection after each walk, and enduring not only terrain, but heat and cold.

The problem is large, but the solution is simple. Wearing shoes and practicing basic hygiene can prevent both infection and disease due to unsafe roads and contaminated soil. By imagining a life barefoot, we can all contribute to the awareness of these conditions. On April 8th, communities, campuses, organizations, and individuals are banding together to walk barefoot for One Day Without Shoes.
 Facts:

-In some developing nations, children must walk for miles to school, clean water and to seek medical help.
-Cuts and sores on feet can lead to serious infection.
-Often, children cannot attend school barefoot.
-In Ethiopia, approximately one million people are suffering from Podoconiosis, a debilitating and disfiguring   disease caused by walking barefoot in volcanic soil.
-Podoconiosis is 100% preventable with basic foot hygiene and wearing shoes.

Click here to find an event near you.  There are over 1200 events listed.
Can't go barefoot?  Click here for ways you can help while keeping your shoes on.

This movement started by the vision of one young person...

In 2006 an American traveler, Blake Mycoskie, befriended children in Argentina and found they had no shoes to protect their feet. Wanting to help, he created TOMS Shoes, a company that would match every pair of shoes purchased with a pair of new shoes given to a child in need. One for One. Blake returned to Argentina with a group of family, friends and staff later that year with 10,000 pairs of shoes made possible by caring TOMS customers.


Since our beginning in May 2006, TOMS has given over 400,000 pairs of shoes to children in need, through the purchases of caring customers.


Resources: One Day Without Shoes
                 Tom's Shoes
Related Links:  http://www.toms.com/
                       http://www.onedaywithoutshoes.com/

April 7 (Day 38) National Day of Hope

Let me start this posting off a little differently than usual.  If you are reading this and you or someone you know is being abused.  Help is available...

Please call the National Child Abuse Hotline  1-800-4-A-CHILD

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month and the first Wednesday of April is designated as "A National Day of Hope."
On this day we ask all Americans to keep victims of abuse and neglect in their thoughts and prayers, to seek to break the cycle of child abuse and neglect, and to give victimized children hope for the future. This is also a day when the faith community, nonprofit organizations and volunteers across America should recommit themselves and mobilize their resources to assist abused and neglected children.

The Mission of Childhelp:
Childhelp(R) exists to meet the physical, emotional, educational, and spiritual needs of abused, neglected and at-risk children. We focus our efforts on advocacy, prevention, treatment, and community outreach.

Our Philosophy:
Childhelp credits its success to its founders' visionary beliefs, which are the heart of the organization:
•Childhelp believes that every child has a unique contribution to make to the world. We do everything within our power to help each child heal and develop self-esteem to reach their God-given potential.
•We believe unconditional love is the foundation upon which all healing begins. The entrance of each Childhelp facility features the words "All Who Enter Here Will Find Love."
•These children, who have seen the worst that life has to offer, deserve the best that we can provide while they are in the care of Childhelp.

Not surprisingly, the perspectives of the children served by Childhelp are varied. Some have known nothing but abuse and neglect, believing they were alone and that no one cared. Others lived in happy homes with caring, loving families, only to be hurt by someone outside the home, usually someone they already knew and trusted.
Childhelp programs and services are designed to help children from any situation and let them experience the life they deserve-one filled with love. The principal theme is to provide these children with an environment of love and kindness and with the best possible treatment services so they will see how special they truly are.

Click here to see what action you can take to help stop child abuse.  There are volunteer opportunities, events listing and a donation page.  There are also other opportunities for service available.  Will you help in this effort? 


Here are some shocking and sad statistics:
•A report of child abuse is made every ten seconds.
•Almost five children die everyday as a result of child abuse. More than three out of four are under the age of 4.

•It is estimated that between 60-85% of child fatalities due to maltreatment are not recorded as such on death certificates.

•90% of child sexual abuse victims know the perpetrator in some way; 68% are abused by family members.

•Child abuse occurs at every socioeconomic level, across ethnic and cultural lines, within all religions and at all levels of education.
•31% percent of women in prison in the United States were abused as children.

•Over 60% of people in drug rehabilitation centers report being abused or neglected as a child.

•About 30% of abused and neglected children will later abuse their own children, continuing the horrible cycle of abuse.

•About 80% of 21 year old that were abused as children met criteria for at least one psychological disorder.

•The estimated annual cost of child abuse and neglect in the United States for 2007 is $104 billion.

•Abused children are 25% more likely to experience teen pregnancy.

•Abused teens are 3 times less likely to practice safe sex, putting them at greater risk for STDs.

Source:  Childhelp

April 6 (Day 37) The Love Boat....

Bringing Hope and Healing

Around the world, billions of people live in fear and desperation - with impure water, inadequate food, and little or no access to health care. More than 1.2 billion people survive on less than $1 per day. Nearly 50% of Africa's population has no access to a hospital or doctor. More than 6 million children die each year from completely preventable causes like malaria, diarrhea, and pneumonia. But, behind every statistic is a story, a life - a person waiting for hope and healing.  Mercy Ships is a global charity that has operated hospital ships in developing nations since 1978. Mercy Ships brings hope and healing to the forgotten poor by mobilizing people and resources worldwide, and serving all people without regard for race, gender, or religion.

Not everyone can give of themselves as a volunteer, but your support for our cause can make a difference in the lives of the forgotten poor. Short-term crew can volunteer from two weeks to two years depending on the position and typically fill service roles or very specialized medical or technical positions. The ability to utilize professional volunteers as Crew allows Mercy Ships to maximize our donor support and serve those who need help the most.

How Can I Help?

Volunteer:  We have many opportunities, both long-term and short-term, in areas including health care, IT, administration, teaching, communications, stewards, and in deck and engineering. Check out the volunteer positions that are available.
Donate:  Give now and your donation will have twice the impact. Now through April 30, every dollar you donate will be matched - up to $250,000!
Group Idea:  Assemble Patient Admission Kits.

Today's cause offers many great opportunities to help. Won't you please consider supporting this worthwhile cause?

Source:  Mercy Ships

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/

April 4 (Day 35) Inspire Greatness All Around You

"The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning." -Mitch Albom

This quote comes courtesy of a truly inspiring blog... YEAR OF GIVING - written by Reed, a blogger residing in Washington, D.C., to chronicle a year long experiment of giving away $10. everyday.  I promise you will be inspired by each day's story.  I really have to say, I Love this site.  In an earlier post on this blog, I wrote on how I gave $10 gas cards to 2 unemployed people. Being unemployed myself, that was something that was meaningful to me.  That was a great experience, bringing  joy and satisfaction.  Giving doesn't have to be over the top grand..Just from the heart!!   You might not be able to give away $10. everyday, but think about it, there is something you can do.  Discover it and do it! 

For Reed, it's all about inspiring others to action...This is how Reed explains his efforts:

"My goal is not to change the lives of those with whom I come in contact. Let’s face it, $10 dollars is not going to change someone’s life in and of itself. I do believe, however, that the act of giving will hopefully inspire others to pursue the ideals that the French philosopher Auguste Comte envisioned when he coined the term “altruism.” Whether that comes in the form of someone who reads this blog and wants to embark on their own Year of Giving or someone who uses the $10 to help someone else out, the specific results are less important than the overall good that we can achieve together. I hope that you find yourself inspired today to do something special for someone. You would be surprised at how even something as simple as a smile or a thank you can make the difference in someone’s day. And remember, happiness is only real when shared.”

Reed has also included a page he calls Lend a Hand where he has listed the needs of some of the individuals he has assisted.  If you are so inclined to help out, he can provide you with the contact information for those in need of assistance.   Check out this blog, you will be glad you did! 

Source: Year of Giving

April 3 (Day 34) Coupons for a Cause

Today's opportunity highlights a great way to help charitable organizations raise much needed funds while at the same time, saving money for yourself!  Who doesn't love to save a little money?!   (Plus I grocery shop on the weekends, so the timing is perfect)
 
With CommonKindness, you can save money by clipping valuable, free coupons and discovering free community services available to you in your local community. Best of all, every time you clip coupons CommonKindness provides funds to support your favorite charities and causes - at no cost to you!
 
CommonKindness shares 60% of its profits with the organizations you select, allowing you to help create a sustainable funding stream for the charities and causes you care about most while you save money.

How CommonKindness Works
1.Sign in to select your charities
2.Clip coupons to save money
3.Companies pay an advertising fee to CommonKindness
4.CommonKindness shares 60% of its profits with the charities you select - at no cost to you!

CommonKindness is completely free of charge to both non-profits and the public.

Also, if you are a student, each year there is a $1000. Scholarship contest for helping a cause you care about raise funds.  Submit a Kindness Video and you could win $200. for your cause. Check it out here.

P.S.,
Don't forget about our other click-to-give causes.  Help make a difference and click on them every day.

The Breast Cancer Site  - help fund mammograms for needy women.
Free Kibble -  help feed shelter animals.


Source: Common Kindness

April 2 (Day 33) Autism Speaks

What is Autism?
Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders known as Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD). The other pervasive developmental disorders are PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified), Asperger's Syndrome, Rett Syndrome and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder. Many parents and professionals refer to this group as Autism Spectrum Disorders.

How common is Autism?
Today, it is estimated that one in every 110 children is diagnosed with autism, making it more common than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes and pediatric AIDS combined. An estimated 1.5 million individuals in the U.S. and tens of millions worldwide are affected by autism. Government statistics suggest the prevalence rate of autism is increasing 10-17 percent annually. There is not established explanation for this increase, although improved diagnosis and environmental influences are two reasons often considered. Studies suggest boys are more likely than girls to develop autism and receive the diagnosis three to four times more frequently. Current estimates are that in the United States alone, one out of 70 boys is diagnosed with autism.

How can I do to help?  Visit their website for many ways you can get involved. 

Click here to find an Autism Walk near you.

April 1 (Day 32) No Foolin' - It Only Takes 10 Minutes to Save Lives.

April is NATIONAL DONATE LIFE MONTH.

Mike Greiner, his wife Sheri and their children, Levi and Chloe are on a mission... visit every state in the nation while promoting the importance of organ donation.  This family knows the importance of organ donation because 6 years ago, Mike's life was saved by a kidney and pancreas transplant.  When asked in a recent interview with 
Mom Logic what she was hoping to accomplish on this trip, Sheri's response was "We hope to get every American registered as an organ donor!" She also explained " When my husband was on the transplant waiting list in 2003, he was one of 81,000 people on the list. As of January 2010, there were 105,000, and now -- just two months later -- it has increased to 106,495! It's easy to think of that as just a number, but it isn't: It's 106,495 PEOPLE waiting for a lifesaving transplant. Sadly, those numbers are increasing far too rapidly. We're going to do our best to do something about it. If more people registered and told their family we could save lives and reduce the number of people on the list.

Visit their website and sign up to follow them on their incredible journey.  Send them advice on where to visit while they are in your state!  Click here to read Mike's touching story... he tells it with a great sense of humor. You will also find a link for your state .... click on the link and register to give life.  It takes 10 minutes to register and as Mike says, "105,000 plus folks that are waiting for their transplants. They all need a hero, some very quickly.Sign up as a donor - be the hero they need."
















Sources:  Mom Logic
               Bestplacesintheusa.com