$1,725 to Your Favorite Charities Contest
Happy Holidays! In the spirit of the season, the winners of our blog contest this month will be three charities, and we need your help to find them!
Please tell us what is your favorite charity and why. From your responses, we will be picking three charities to make donations to. Between first, second and third place, we will be giving a total of $1,725!
To enter the contest, at the bottom of this page, simply type your name, email and website (if you have one) and your answer to this question:
What is your favorite charity and why?
The winners will be picked based on the “why” portion of this question.
Are they doing something extraordinary? Have they helped you or someone you know? Are they delivering freedom to others? Are their efforts making an unbelievable change in the word? Let us know WHY you are excited to support them.
If the charity has a website, please include that as well.
Prizes
- Grand Prize – $1,000 donation made in the winner’s name to their favorite charity.
- Second Place – $550 donation made in the winner’s name to their favorite charity.
- Third Place – $175 donation made in the winner’s name to their favorite charity.
Winners will be chosen by the members of the Freedom Personal Development Team who were donors for this contest.
The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, December 31, 2008.
Winners will be emailed, announced and donations made January 5, 2009.
Please forward this link to all of your friends and family so they can nominate their favorite charity too: http://www.deliverfreedom.com/blog/giving-to-your-favorite-charities-contest
Be Free!
Eric Plantenberg
President
Thank You to our Donors:
David Shoup – Instructor
Loren Barrows – Speaker
Eric Plantenberg – President
Katie Brandt – Director of Marketing
Ken Budka – Speaker
Roger Seip - Instructor
Bobbi Schmitt – Events Coordinator
David Meyers – COO
Gary Castellano – Instructor
Joseph Limo – Speaker
Jeffrey Czajka – Instructor
Kurt Venekamp – Speaker
Tom Weber – VP of Sales
Kristin Thompson – Speaker
Jana Owen – Speaker
Glenda Duncan – Assistant Director of Finance
Sandy Green - Training Coordinator
Dianne Young – Speaker
Patti Forish – Training Coordinator
Craig Krause – Instructor
Jay Grosfield – Speaker
Dan Glerum – Training Coordinator
David Denis – Instructor
Nickole Koker - Client Support Manager
Mike Emrick – IT Director
Jeff Caissie – Training Coordinator
Ken Weiner – Training Coordinator
CIACO Chicago Italian American Charitable Organization.
Dear Friends,
As some of you know I am on the board of a charitable organization called the Chicago Italian American Charitable Organization or CIACO (www.ciaco.org).
This Thanksgiving we gave over 500 baskets of love (a turkey and 50 lbs. of food) to needy families. At Christmas we distributed over 800 toys to families, churches and orphanages. The members in our organization are not compensated whatsoever for their time.
.http://www.ciaco.org/thanksgivingpics.htm
At our Man of the Year dinner we will give 20 college scholarships to academically strong students based on need. We will also give $10,000 to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation and $10,000 to a local woman who has brain cancer and $10,000 to a young boy who contracted E-Coli, lost a leg and has numerous other medical problems. (Please see attached.)
Your help would mean a great deal to many individuals in need. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
John C. McCallion
PS. No member gets paid a penny in fact most funds come from member donations! All money is used for Charity.
Comment by john mccallion — December 8, 2008 @ 9:56 am
The Auburn/Lewiston YMCA is my choice. This institution helps all ages from
the energetic preschoolers to the wana be energetic Elderly. This YMCA has
programs for all
Helps get the young into a life long pattern of Healthiness
AND
Keeps the elderly Healthier in mind and body.
Their address is:
62 Turner St
Auburn,Maine 04210
Comment by Mike Durgin — December 8, 2008 @ 10:10 am
My favorite charity is the American Cancer Society. The reason this is my favorite charity is because I have been down that road. I am a 10 year survivor of Breast Cancer and going strong. I decided not to let this disease beat me so I have fought hard. I struggled through not being able to find a job because of my “bad” illness. Unfortunately no one wants to hire you if you have had a major illness. I was determined to show everyone that life does go on, no matter what. As of today, I own my own company and everyday give 100% of my self to helping others out. I also Chair the Relay For Life with the American Cancer Society in Oxford Hills, Maine. Last year our Relay raised 75+ thousand dollars to help find a cure. This year my goal is for our Relay to raise $100K towards the fight against cancer and you know what, we are going to do it!!! Thank you for listening to my story and have a happy and safe holiday season.
Comment by Michelle Barrett — December 8, 2008 @ 10:19 am
My favorite charity is “Help Hospitalized Veterans.” This program provides things for soldiers who have been injured, such as a model airplane to construct. This men and women are often thousands of miles from their family and friends. It is very difficult for someone to come see them oversees, so this programs provides craft projects for them to work on to help with dexterity, and passing the time. No one likes being couped up, especially when you are injured and unable to be with your family. I really like that you are providing something to the great members of our military forces who have sacrificed so much for us at a time when they most need help.
Comment by Melissa — December 8, 2008 @ 10:23 am
My favorite charity is the Man Kind Project – http://www.mkp.org – they are what i call a ‘change agent’ as they hold weekend workshops that help men live lives of integrity, accountability, and connection to feeling. They start with helping change the individual and to help that person get in touch with a mission, purpose and taking action around that. I have been volunteering with their orgainizaiton for 10 years now and have seen men transform themselves into great leaders, fathers, brothers and friends. I wish everybody can experience the weekend workshop – New Warrior Training Adventure – as it is a huge event in my life that put me on a path of change.
Mark
P S-great idea on solititing charities from your clients… i think i will use it inmy business!
Comment by M. Davids — December 8, 2008 @ 10:29 am
Islamic Relief: I am able to donate money to the specific area I support. Like, I am providing funds to raise children without parents, also, I provide funds for establishing schools. I get the transparency that I need and the charity is rated as four stars, so I have confidence that the money is utilize in the best possible efficient manner.
Comment by Kashif Zubair — December 8, 2008 @ 10:30 am
I think the Salvation Army seems to distribute more aid at low cost for administration. Certainly some local charities are run with all volunteers and no overhead such as the William Hall Rogers fund here in Cleveland, TN. This group distribues approx 1,000. food baskets that cost approximately $28.00 each above and beyond the donated items from local grocers and candy manufacturers
Comment by Carl Ivester — December 8, 2008 @ 10:35 am
My favorite charity is the humane society. It is my favorite because it seems to be overlooked, and there are so few people that even realize the incredible need they have for help. I did not until I went in and visited our local animal shelter with my boys last Christmas. It is my favorite because the animals rely 100 percent on our help. They can’t control what happens to them, unlike humans. Thank you.
Comment by michelle clay — December 8, 2008 @ 10:39 am
My favorite charity is Twin Cities RISE!
This organization helps unemployed and unemployable individuals develop themselves so that they obtain final placement jobs averaging over $25,000 annualy plus benefits!
The core to the Twin Cities RISE! program is Personal Empowerment Training. This training addresses the attitudes, mindsets and learned behaviors that come from generational poverty. The training teaches individuals control emotions, seek solutions to problems, develop self esteem and a belief in themselves. Basic education and vocational skills are also taught.
As a volunteer in the Twin Cities RISE! speech craft class, I have seen individuals grow and develop their self confidence and proficiency in presentations skills.
As a donor, I see my money being invested in our community. Twin Cities RISE! brings hope and self esteem to individuals who have none. Twin Cities RISE! breaks the cycles of generational poverty, drug and alcohol abuse and the revolving prison door. Twin Cities RISE! helps individuals become positive, contributing members of their families and their communities.
Comment by David Schaal — December 8, 2008 @ 10:42 am
My favorite charity is BEADS for Education in Kenya. They are transforming young womens’ lives through their dedication and hard work. Here is how their program is described: “BEADS programs provide school scholarships for African girls, promote business development for African women and support conservation through education.”
Here is the situation in Kenya; Young women who come of age 12 – 14 are married off to an older man (usually in his 30s or older) and who has other wives. There is no education for theses girls. The role of the young wife is to work for the home and to have healthy children. Their lives are pre-destined to consist of servitude and having babies out of duty. BEADS comes in by providing funds through adult Kenyan women making traditionally designed bead accessories such as key chains, dog collars, etc. which are sold through U.S. volunteers and on-line. 100% of proceeds goes back to BEADS. They also are conducting thier 4th ‘walkathon’ from a village to a National Park. The walkers have sponsors which earns money for BEADS as well. The end result of the funds is that young girls are sponsored so that they can stay in school and attain a high school graduation. They will then perhaps pursue college, or a job and choose their OWN spouse out of love, not arrangement. These young women become more independent and teach their own children about education and independence as well, so the benefit goes from generation to generation. BEADS also helps human rights, by conducting ‘coming of age’ ceremonies for young girls WITHOUT the ‘traditional cutting’. They have conducted 8 of these ceremonies that have now become accepted. BEADS is changing lives and they do not have many resources–but they use what they have. And Look at all they do! Visit them at beadsforeducation.org. A little money goes a long way for them, so I hope you agree that this is a grass-roots group trying to save their daughters and future generations too! I wish I could provide a picture for you of the women and girls and where they live. So please visit their website. I hope this becomes on of YOUR favority charities too!
Comment by Anne Whitaker — December 8, 2008 @ 10:46 am
My favorite charity is the Ashraya Initiative for Children. Very few people think big, set big goals, and then achieve them when everyone else says “not a chance.” Even fewer people make their dreams happen at an early age. The founder of the Ashraya Initiative for Children was a student at Emory who started an orphanage in Pune, India while still a student. She completed her classes while managing the orphanage with a co-founder (neither of whom draw a salary and live off of their scholarships and savings). And once they achieve a goal, they simply think bigger. The program now has 9 children living in the orphanage, countless student volunteers who come for a semester or summer to help, runs an education outreach program that sends children from the slum to school and requires them to come for tutoring, and a health outreach program in the slum that provides the poor with insulin, innoculations, examinations, and surgery. Embedded in the programs is a high level of accountability and ownership of one’s own success. Now that AIC has achieved all of this, they have set their goals still higher — for the children to go to college (they post daily SAT words to give them a head start) and for a new home to expand the orphanage. It is an amazing story that says a lot about what “can” be done, despite everyone who says it can’t.
Ashraya Initiative for Children Youtube video: http://tinyurl.com/5rwy2k
The story of their founder: http://www.emory.edu/EMORY_MAGAZINE/
The non-profit website: http://ashrayainitiative.org/
Comment by Virginia F. — December 8, 2008 @ 10:50 am
Give a man a fish and he eats for a day. Teach a man to fish and he eats for the rest of his life. That seems to be the motto of my favorite charity “Food for the Poor”. This is an outstanding organization that goes to poor countries and teaches them how to feed and shelter themselves. Donations are used to buy food, clean water, housing and healthcare. And the best part is that 96 % of the money goes directly to the needy. Only 4% go to adminstrative costs! That’s amazing.
It’s hard for Americans to appreciate how destitute other people are. Here is a way to give freely of our great fortune to actually make a difference in the world.
http://www.foodforthepoor.org
Comment by Joe Nero — December 8, 2008 @ 11:16 am
My favorite charity is Alex’s Lemonade stand for the simple reason that it proves that no matter what your age, you can make a difference. At four years of age, Alexandra “Alex” Scott decided that she was going to help her doctors find a cure for childhood cancer. Four years old……pretty powerful. On August 1st, 2004, Alex died peacefully at the age of 8 — she had raised over $1 million for childhood cancer research in her short lifetime.
Today, thousands of lemonade stands raise money each year to support childhood cancer research…many times, these stands are run by children. What a great message to give our future leaders. No matter how young/old/healthy/sick, each one of us can make a difference.
More information can be found at http://www.alexslemonade.org
Comment by Karen Edwards — December 8, 2008 @ 11:22 am
My favorite charity is Habitat for Humanity. My husband and I are so grateful that we can afford a decent place to live for us and our two sons. It is hard to believe that in such a rich nation such as ours that there are people who struggle to provide the basic necessity of shelter for their kids. The fact that this charity provides homes for people in true need (and that is the only test they have to pass) – all over the world – is why we have donated monthly to them.
Comment by Mary — December 8, 2008 @ 11:55 am
Greater Springfield, VT Area Habitat for Humanity is my favorite charity. This group has no paid staff and carries the mortgages on six homes for six deserving low income families. These families have provided sweat equity to build or remodel a home for their families and in the process learn some handy skills and are paying a low cost, no interest mortgage. Anyone living, working and /or attending church within a ten community area is eligible to apply for housing.
Much of our income comes because of a dedicated Fund Raising Committee’s efforts at sales of our own bean soup mixes in colorful homemade bags, donated hardwood cutting boards and homemade biscuits. Once a year area chefs donate their specialties for our Festival of Foods.
Community action engaging many different people to support families makes GSVA Habitat for Humanity my favorite charity.
Comment by Nora Swierczynski — December 8, 2008 @ 11:59 am
My favorite charity is The Crossnore School for children from families in crisis. It was founded in 1913 by Drs.Eustace and Mary Martin Sloop who relized that ” education was the best way for a child to rise above his/her circumstances” and I believe it is what FPD is all about….knowledge to deliver freedom. The story “Miracle in the Hills” is an autobiography written by Mary Sloop, M.D. which chronicles the 40 years of dedication to help children break the bonds of poverty, moonshine and child marriages that were so prevelent during the times. They rallied for mandatory school attendance thus forcing parents to educate their children rather than have them work the land and despite the death threats and other acts of violence they persevered.
The school began to take in children as a boarding school for children from families in crisis and insisted on keeping siblings together as not to indure the stress associated with not only loss of parents but then siblings as well. The school has been successful in keeping with that goal and has never broken up a family even when the situation arose where they acquired a family of 5 children (youngest an infant)and they had to rally the State to allow them to keep the infant since they weren’t licensed for infants they did the necessary requirements to get the license and succesfully place the entire family of 5 children.
The website tells much more and I recommend the book as easy, interesting, heartwarming read.
website http://www.crossnoreschool.org/index.html
Comment by Gary Castellano — December 8, 2008 @ 12:02 pm
I would like to see the donation go to the American Cancer Society. I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in October and they have been more than helpful with their support and programs to make things a little easier. I have had other major health problems but have NEVER had the support, care and encouragment that the American Cancer Society has given to me and millions of others.
The Heart Association and The American Diabetic Association did not assist the way the Cancer Society has in all aspects of my difficult journey that I am currently going through as well as the unexpected roads that I will have to cross in the future. Please donate to the American Cancer Society.
Comment by Beverly Schuler — December 8, 2008 @ 12:05 pm
Our favorite charity is the Muscular Dystrophy Assoication (MDA). We specifically help send children stricken with one of the 43 neuromuscular diseases to a one week Summer Camp to several sites in California. Many of the kids stricken with these diseases die at a very young age. Many are confined to wheel chairs and many more wear legs braces to help them walk. Summer Camp is often the highlight of their year where they get to participate in outdoor games and compete in a very personal way. The kids eyes light up when they are there, with a chance to forget about the daily grind of their physical limitations. For the parents and families, a week off from the round the clock care of their kids is a true blessing. MDA is a wonderful organization that works tirelessly to take care of the more than 1,100 families locally and the tens of thousands of families nationwide. Much of the national funding comes from the Jerry Lewis MDA telethon. Those telethon proceeds are used primarily in research to help find a cure for these 43 neuromuscular diseases. While there are many charities helping kids with all kinds or challenges and life threatening diseases, MDA is a model of for the rest of the philanthropic community. More than 78% of all proceeds raised goes directly to the families and kids dealing everyday with the MDA diseases. That watermark is higher than the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society and the United Way. While those three organizations do incredible work and are to be commended for it, they far outraise MDA in annual fundraising. MDA needs our help and that is why we believe they are an awesome organization. The hope of the future is to find a cure to help save the lives of so many young people.
Comment by Bill Taraschi — December 8, 2008 @ 12:22 pm
Now more than ever, a cornerstone of an effective democracy is a free press. An informed person is a citizen, not a subject.
With the disintegration of much of the traditional global media landscape, ‘new’ and ‘old’ media practitioners are being jailed, killed and persecuted worldwide.
By casting light into the shadows of government and business, along with holding those who wield power accountable for their use of the same, journalists play a critical role in the egalitarian notion of truly spreading freedom and democracy.
As such, I suggest that the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ.org) is a worthy beneficiary of your kindness. CPJ takes a stand for the Mexican journalist who sheds light on drug trafficking. CPJ protects the Chinese blogger who questions authority on a national stage. It protects the American photographer beaten and gassed at political conventions.
The world needs a press free to be free.
Comment by Will Seberger — December 8, 2008 @ 12:51 pm
I am very passionate about the non profit organization that I volunteer for. It is called Ride For Joy. It is a horse back riding program for children with disabilities. It is so amazing to see the smiles on the kids faces when they are helped up on such a powerful animal. Their confidence level goes up and all their problems go away at least for that 30 minutes while riding their horse. It is unbelievable how the horse and child interact and to see the look on the parents faces when their child with autism will only speak while riding a horse. The tears of joy and smiles on the faces makes everyday a special day at Ride For Joy. As we all know, horses can be very expensive and we cannot have this program without the horses. Each child for each session requires the horse, two side walkers, an instructor and a horse handler. It takes a tremendous amount of volunteers to run this organization. I have volunteered since the begining as a horse handler, but because I want to see this program grow and succeed I also do a lot of fund raising. Thanks so much for giving us the opportunity to apply for the charity contest.
Sincerely,
Kenna Moody
Comment by Kenna Moody — December 8, 2008 @ 1:06 pm
My favorite charity is the Make-A-Wish foundation. We are all born with the chance to develope and realize our wishes, dreams, and goals. We know we have a lifetime to make the most of those things we want in the deapest, secret part of our hearts. For some, a lifetime is cut short. Health and immenent death is the ultimate theif of the simplest of wishes and dreams. The Make-A-Wish foundation gives a once in a lifetime chance to someone who doesn’t have a lifetime. I like to think of a child, or anyone who’s life is cut short, having a dream fulfilled. I give so someone can have a hearts desire realized, and an emptiness filled.
Comment by Gayle Popa — December 8, 2008 @ 2:37 pm
I think one of the best Non-Profit Organizations I know is called Adaptive Adventures. They are based in Colorado and help people with disabilities do sports all year round. The program offer opportunities for people with physical disabilities including, amputations, paraplegia, quadriplegia, birth defects, cerebral palsy, head injuries, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, strokes and visual impairments. They have a team of volunteers that teach people how to have fun even with a disability.
The look on these peoples faces when they realize that they too can get out there and have fun again is priceless.
Take a moment to check out there website at http://www.adaptiveadventures.org, you will be “WOW’ed”!!
Thanks,
Aimee Copp
Comment by Aimee Copp — December 8, 2008 @ 2:47 pm
Mommy’s Light is an organization based in PA who helps children who have lost their mother keep family traditions alive. I have worked with several of the people there and also met some of the children who they have helped. What amazing people!
http://www.mommyslight.org
Comment by Debby Labant — December 8, 2008 @ 3:24 pm
It is so very hard to choose just one charity. Through much thinking and processing I have decided on The American Cancer Society. My boyfriend’s mother fought cancer with all of her might and spirituality…and won! She was terminal and her prognosis was about six months. That was four years ago. Through western and eastern medicine and many trials and tears, her cancer is gone as of last summer. It is through charities like the American Cancer Society, I believe, that have made this miracle possible.
Comment by Angela Ahles — December 8, 2008 @ 3:36 pm
My favorite charity is Foothill AIDS Project (FAP). FAP serves the Inland Empire of Southern California, a region with very limited supportive services and resources for low-income residents. Many time, people living with HIV/AIDS cannot work full time and must still deal with anti-HIV/AIDS stigma and discrimination when seeking employment, housing, medical care and other services. FAP helps more than 1,000 individuals and families each year, the majority of whom earn less than $800 per month. FAP provides mental health and substance abuse treatment, housing assistance, health education and risk reduction services, case management, housing placement, food and transportation. The agency is very rare in its focus on serving some of the most disenfranchised groups, including those in the African American and Latino communities, and those with histories of substance abuse, mental illness, incarceration and homelessness.
Comment by Wendy Hustwit — December 8, 2008 @ 4:45 pm
My favorite charity surrounds Autism and a local fund raiser we put on annually called “Walk for Autism”. Our monies raised goes to families in the community in need of help for their children with Autism, local work shops, equipment, etc. Chances are that you probably have friends or know a co-worker that is struggling with Autism. As a parent of twins with Autism, I know first hand how devastating this disorder can be as well as how rewarding. Autism is the number one growing medical issue and affects 1 in every 155 children born.Condition
Pediatric AIDS
1 in 8,000
394 Million
Leukemia
1 in 25,000
310 Million
Muscular Dystrophy
1 in 20,000
175 Million
Juvenile Diabetes
1 in 500
130 Million
Autism
1 in 150
42 Million
We need to help those families who are struggling to educate and assist their children with Autism. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to share this information with you and to compete in your contest. Keep up the great work.
Take care and God Bless.
Comment by Kevin Hanegraaf — December 8, 2008 @ 5:40 pm
Casas por Cristo (www.casasporcristo.org) consistently ranks as one of the top charities that I support. Building homes in Juarez, Mexico, is only one aspect of the mission of this organization. It is giving hope to a family who has next to nothing. It is showing the children of those families that there are people in the world who have a heart for others. After building two houses and planning on building a third in the coming year, you walk away knowing you have made a difference in the world.
If chosen, the money would be used to build a house for a family in the coming year.
Comment by Gregory Zander — December 8, 2008 @ 10:23 pm
My favorite Charity is Feed the Children. This is a Christian worldwide organization that feeds hungry children in the USA and all over the world. This not only feeds hungry children, but literly saves there lives and gives them hope for tomorrow. Just $10.00 feeds one child for a whole month. I have been doing this for several years, but there are many children that do not get help in time. We need to save the children! Please give.
Comment by Sandy Green — December 10, 2008 @ 12:02 pm
My favorite charity is Foothill Aids Project (FAP) with offices in Claremont, Pomona and San Bernardino. The one reason why this is my favorite is because of the agency and staff. The agency is not just your everyday Non-profit organization. You will never find a group of people that are so dedicated to the agency and the clients they serve than with FAP. Throughout their 21-1/2 years the agency provides support to individuals living with HIV/AIDS. By definition, support is “holds up”, “help, approval”, “food, money, possessions for staying alive”, “provide for” and “defend”. Unfortunately, there is still some negative stigma of HIV/AIDS but due to the caring humanity, open mindedness and genuine heartfelt empathy, FAP clients feel like family, they know they are cared for and feel value and worth. No amount of money can ever replace what FAP and the staff does for their clients. Can not put a price on Dignity. Money can continue to purchase the vital “things” that the clients require, ex. food, taxi fare, clothing, a warm bed.
Thank you for the opportunity to share this wonderful organization.
Comment by Barbette Mobeck — December 10, 2008 @ 1:40 pm
Let’s give this money to Autism Speaks! I’ve heard more and more about Autism over the years and a couple things really made me pay more attention. One was that I was pregnant and knew I had to pay more attention to things like vaccinations and other things that “they say” are connected to Autism.
Then Glenda Duncan started working with FPD and I learned a little more about Autism. I couldn’t believe how much her life revolved around her daughter Brittney. Here’s her story:
Brittney is 12 and has autism. She was diagnosis with autism at age 2. The Duncan’s moved to Wisconsin from Texas because, at the time, the services in Wisconsin were abundant. The Duncan’s have tried all types of therapy with Brittney. As with most children on the spectrum, Brittney has multiple diagnosis that complicates helping her, from ulcerative colitis to mitochondria disorder to a host of food allergies. Although Brittney’s younger sister Ashley responded well to these treatments, Brittney didn’t respond in the same manner. Ashley is now considered indistinguishable amongst her peers and her PDD (another form of autism) label was dropped, so she is no longer considered to have autism. Currently although the treatments did improve some of Brittney’s areas of disability, she is still considered to have severe autism.
Autism is all inclusive for a family. You can not go to the store for fear of a meltdown. You can not go out to eat because it is over stimulating. You can’t simply relax because she can run away at anytime by climbing your 6 ft previous fence and be gone. She can not control her emotions, so when she becomes angry she is very aggressive. Not only is there a mourning period every time typically developing peers are experiencing firsts, it is also about miracles. Every word is precious. Every time you can get through the grocery store without a meltdown, it’s an achievement. After 10 years of treatment, when she looks at you and says “I love you, Mommy” for the first time at age 12, that makes everything worth it.
Autism speaks is a wonderful resource for families with Autism. They fund research and have wonderful resource guides for familys. They also fund public service announcements about autism which helps people to become aware of autism and its characteristics. This also helps families with autism because when they are out in public and their child is having a hard time, people can be more understanding of what is happening. Autism Speaks has acquired Cure Autism Now out of California, which was also researching autism and which Brittney was a part of. This move makes Autism Speaks one of the leading organizations about autism.
Here are some astonishing facts about Autism:
Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that impacts communication, behavior and social relationships
• 1 in 150 children is diagnosed with autism
• 1 in 94 boys is on the autism spectrum
• More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes and cancer combined
• Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S.
• Autism costs the nation over $35 billion per year, a figure expected to increase significantly in the next decade
• Boys are four times more likely than girls to have autism
• There is no medical detection or cure for autism
—–Original Message—–
Comment by Bobbi Schmitt — December 10, 2008 @ 8:03 pm
My favorite charity is Little Sisters of the Poor. They are a local organization located at 5300 Chester Ave in Philadelphia. This organization was around a long time and was founded to care for the elderly who has very limited income or no financial means to survive. I am deeply touched by this because I feel the elderly deserve to continue to live their life in happiness and not to have to worry about when their next meal will be, if they have enough money to pay their bills or if they will have a roof over their head or a warm bed to sleep in tomorrow. People work too hard all their lives not to be able to enjoy the years they have left without worrying. You see, not only do they help the elderly with food, clothing, shelter, they also help with medical expenses. Things that we take for granted and pray that we will have when we need it. I am so glad that Little Sisters of the Poor is there to serve this community because without it, many more elderly will be homeless and die long before their time.
This organization always needs support so that they can continue to meet their daily operating expenses and capital needs. With the public’s support, they can continue to affirm the value and dignity of the elderly. Isn’t that what we want too for ourselves when we become older?
They are able to take care of the elderly through donations only. They don’t ask for any specific amount. All they ask of us is to donate what we can. No amount is too small, not even $1.00. If we are unable to help them financially, our prayers for the residents and vocationsn to the Little Sisters of the Poor are greatly appreciated.
This organization has touched thousands of lives and without our help, those lives will be lost. God has asked us to take care of the elderly and the very young. What better way to fulfill this by giving. Please consider this charity. They really need our love and support.
Comment by Donna Houghton — December 10, 2008 @ 10:36 pm
Boys Hope Girls Hope of Baltimore is my favorite charity because the money donated goes directly to the kids. It is non profit in Baltimore City that provids education and housing to at risk scholars with potential. The kids are held responsible to get a B average or better, required to hold a job, they must put 50% of their earnings into a savings account for college.
Also-the program works, it ha proven results. Last year was the first graduating class from the Baltimore Chapter and the 4 graduates are in freshamn year of college and doing very well. Without Boys Hope Girls Hope there is a good chance these kids would be in jail or running the streets.
Thank you for your consideration
Comment by Mike Dunn — December 11, 2008 @ 10:44 am
So we can’t all be brain surgeons, and some of us (ok, me!) can’t handle the sight of a needle.
But when there’s a major catastrophe or humanitarian crisis, Doctors Without Borders fulfills the job we all wish we can do. Its a medical humanitarian organization that works all over the world to assist people whose survival is threatened by violence, neglect, or catastrophe.
Right now this is close to my heart because our son is from Ethiopia, and a group of nearly 500 refugees risked their and their children’s lives to escape violence. They paid smugglers for a spot on overcrowded fishing boats. At least 28 people did not survive.
When you feel helpless when hearing these stories, it’s uplifting to know that even the $1000 donation would go provide emergency medical supplies to aid 5,000 disaster victims for an entire month!
Comment by Shannon — December 11, 2008 @ 11:30 am
With all of the other deserving and wonderful worldwide charities that have been mentioned, it might seem insignificant to consider a small, local institution that has a genuine need. But here it is: The Fitch Home, 75 Lake Avenue, Melrose is a non-profit retirement home in Melrose that cares for approximately 20 senior citizens at a time. They run a first-rate care center with home-cooked meals, a beautiful atmosphere and have loving and caring help. However, they are presently in need of additional funds to upgrade their heating and cooling systems and these costs are beyond their daily budgeted costs. Whatever funds you can assist with would be very well used and very much appreciated – and without question, the Fitch Home should be chosen as very deserving for this type of benefit. It is close to home, it is for our seniors and it is needed. Thank you for your consideration.
Comment by L. B. Hutchinson — December 11, 2008 @ 12:20 pm
Wow…I love all the suggestions so far! It’s hard to name a favorite charity, but if I had to pick one, I’d say Food for the Hungry. Food for the Hungry provides for the basic needs of children across the world, and in addition to feeding and clothing the needy, they also seek to fulfill the deepest needs of every human being: to feel loved, to know that they’re not forgotten, to know that someone on the other side of the world cares about them, and to experience a true friendship (although not necessarily in person). By fascilitating the transfers of letters, pictures, and gifts, Food for the Hungry helps ensure that the deepest part of every human soul feels cared for.
In addition, Food for the Hungry seeks to educate children across the world through formal schooling. This is vital to ending the cycle of poverty. The more that people learn, the more they can help the people in their area who also suffer from poverty.
Finally, Food for the Hungry has been consistently rated as a four star charity (which is the top rating that a charity can receive) for organizational efficiency by charitynavigator.org, which is an independent third party that evaluates charities. This means that an extremely high percentage of the money that you donate actually goes towards meeting the needs of Food for the Hungry’s goals. In fact, over 91% of the donation money goes directly toward the program’s goals.
You guys are awesome!
Comment by David Meyers — December 11, 2008 @ 10:39 pm
My favorite charity has always been St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Tennessee. I am a native Texan, gave birth to a baby girl who only lived 11 days, then gave birth to twin girls. I felt so blessed that I was able to have my girls, that when they were yet babies (and they are 31 today) I started giving to St. Jude. Rather than trying to remember to give, I just put it on a credit card and that way every month they got their donation no matter what. They have helped so many children and they never turn anyone away. To me, this is true giving! Children are our hope – we must make every effort to heal them and give them the opportunity to give back. That way it just keeps paying forward!
Comment by Bertina Schreiber — December 12, 2008 @ 7:48 am
My favorite charity is P.U.M.P. which stands for Portland/Upper Mt. Bethel Pantry in Portland, PA. This food pantry serves well over 225 families in the large Slatebelt area serving six rural towns. Volunteers work to provide sacks of non-perishable food for the Slatebelt families. P.U.M.P. coordinates with other food patries in the area to insure that applicants are supplied food by one pantry or another. Each year the number of families increases.
At Thanksgiving each family receives a turkey as well as the usual staples.
During the holidays volunteers collect a Christmas Wish List from each child in each family who receives food. Each child receives their wrapped gifts from Santa when the families come to pickup their boxed/sacked food and holiday turkey.
If any family has a special need the volunteers will make every attempt to supply the family with support. They collect blankets, oil money, and direct families to other support groups.
Money donations go a long way for food and toiletries as they are purchased at distribution centers at wholesale prices. Toiletries (soap, toothpaste, i.e.) cannot be purchased with food stamps.
P.U.M.P is an example of a well coordinated, small group of people tending to the basic needs of many people every week, every year.
Comment by Mary J Skinner — December 12, 2008 @ 11:44 am
My favorite charity, is the U.S.O. As for why? I served in the U.S. Army for 18 years, and whenever traveling, in this airport or that, far from home or late at night, the U.S.O. and it’s staff were there for the members of the various Armed Forces. A couple hot cups of coffee during a 3 hour lay-over at 3 in the morning, a friendly face, a warm smile. These all help to keep the spirits up for those whose task it is to wear the uniform and place themselves in harms way. The staff of the U.S.O., is primarily volunteers, so these people are giving of their family time, to greet a tired soldier or sailor whom they have most likely never met before and in all likelihood will never see again. Yet there they are, with words of encouragement and a helpful hand. I just don’t think those volunteers get anything remotely close, to the recognition they deserve. Thus, I contribute what I can, when I can and ask others to do the same.
Comment by Jim Dirks — December 12, 2008 @ 11:51 am
My favorite charity is a Los Angeles based organization called Food on Foot. Food on Foot is dedicated to providing the poor and homeless with nutritious meals, clothing, job opportunities and assistance in the transition to employment and life off the streets.
Aside from their weekly meal serving on Sundays, they operate a 7-days-a-week community clean program called Work for Food in which homeless and low income individuals pick up trash in exchange for fast food and grocery store gift cards. Once some one has demonstrated reliability and commitment, Food on Foot helps that person into a full-time job and secures them permanent housing. They’re not only about giving out food – they’re about giving people their lives back and restoring a person’s self confidence.
This organization is not government supported, they are funded solely through private donations, so this money could do a lot for them.
Comment by Cori Vallembois — December 12, 2008 @ 12:33 pm
The charity that I hold closest to my heart is the Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired. The reason why I use the term “closest to my heart” is because this organization has strongly influenced my own life, even though I have almost perfect vision. In order to explain, I would like to tell you about my father.
My father was born with congenital glaucoma. Back in the mid-1930’s, my grandparents believed that he had a very difficult life ahead of him. Difficult it was, but their prayers (and the prayers of many other families in their situation) were answered when the organization we now know as the Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired was founded in 1952.
The Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired provides a wide variety of goods and services for the legally blind. Legally blind individuals can obtain assistive devices and adaptive technology through the Council. These can range from reading materials and free white canes, to talking watches, talking microwaves, and magnification devices. Services include mobility training, rehabilitation teaching, technology assistance and community education. How does a blind person use a computer and surf the internet? The Council has resources available to train the blind to “see” websites with the assistance of screen reader software. This ability in itself opens many jobs and full-time careers that did not exist for the blind and visually impaired in the past.
The Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired is a private, not for profit organization that is funded through private donations, bequests, and an annual fund drive. The funds are not just limited to the goods and services mentioned above. The funds raised also go towards scholarships, grants for eye research, and support of organizations serving people who are blind and visually impaired, in the effort to provide independence for every individual who has a visual handicap. The majority of the people directly related (staff of or Council members) to this organization are blind or visually impaired themselves, or have an immediate family member who is affected by vision loss. Who better to know where funds and assistance are needed the most!?!
My father’s vision loss continued to decline, surgery after surgery, and year after year. He continued to fight against several odds, and managed to graduate at the top of his class from the University of Wisconsin – Madison School of Pharmacy and obtain a post-graduate degree in Hospital Administration from the University of Minnesota. At the age of 45, life threw him a “little” curve when I arrived.
My father has always only wanted the best for me. Originally owning a pharmacy, he decided to sell it a few years prior to my arrival, mainly due to his vision impairment. When I was 4-years-old, the opportunity for him to purchase the pharmacy back presented itself. Knowing that it was in the best interest for my future, Tuckers Drug Store, Inc. became a part of our lives. The Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired was there to assist my father by providing him with the tools and training necessary to effectively grow and manage the business from behind the scenes, despite his visual impairment. He worked very hard to make sure that I had a positive future.
Dad is now retired from the business. His vision loss is too far advanced to benefit from the modern surgeries that could potentially save the eyesight of a person with glaucoma. As a current officer on the Council, he is working to be sure that other people facing blindness have even more opportunities to live an independent life that does not limit them from achieving their goals and dreams.
The majority of us will be faced with vision loss as we age. Some more than others. Unfortunate accidents happen that cause instantaneous blindness. The Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired provides hope for the future of many. Thank you.
http://www.wcblind.org
Comment by Emily J. Tucker — December 12, 2008 @ 10:12 pm
The charity I chose is the Monona Serenity Group, it is an alcoholics anonymous clubhouse used for meetings and other social gatherings for recovering substance abusers as well as their families. There you can find club members with one day or over forty years of sobriety sharing there experience strength and hope with each other to help there common goal of staying sober. I’ve been an active member of MSG for over two years and have seen countless miracles. The feeling of hopelessness one feels when first getting sober is overwhelming. MSG and its members help each othernot only learn how to live sober but in many cases help find shelter for the homeless, food for the hungry, winter clothes for the cold, and jobs for the unemployed. To be a member of MSG costs nothing, only a desire to stop drinking, Young/old male/female black/white are all welcomed.
Alcoholism and drug addiction not only affects the person it also destroys families. Chronic drunk drivers and drug addicts that breaak laws to support their habit overfill the jails and endanger the community. Monona Serenity Group needs help paying its mortgage so it can keep saving lives like mine and many of my friends around the Madison area.
Thank you for your consideration
Comment by jaren christianson — December 14, 2008 @ 3:47 pm
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)is an inherited, degenerative disease that affects voluntary muscles. The gene is passed down from mothers to their sons and is fatal. Patients only survive into their 20’s. I have been helping care for a boy with DMD for the past year. He is 11 and is rapidly losing muscle strength. He is confined to a wheelchair and although his mind, personality and determination are strong as ever, he can’t do simple things like pick up his glass to drink or comb his hair. Within the next couple of years, he’ll need a machine to help him breathe. The documentary “Darius Goes West” was filmed to raise awareness about the disease. It is a phenomonal and educational movie that won many awards. The real life cast/crew are now driving all across America to sell 1 million copies to raise money for the cure of Muscular Dystrophy. Go to their website, buy the movie and witness the selfless acts of goodness, the humor, brotherhood and friendship that will inspire you to re-evaluate your own life. How would you live your life differently if you knew your death was certain in about ten years? How would you do those things if you couldn’t move? Please donate to Darius Goes West. Let’s find a cure and give these boys a chance to experience all the things we take for granted.
Comment by Michele Kennedy — December 15, 2008 @ 5:48 pm
I have many favorite charities that are related to the military – active-duty soldiers, veterans, wounded warriors. Since Help Hospitalized Veterans has already been nominated, I will add my support with a second nomination for HHV.
Comment by Joan Gard — December 16, 2008 @ 1:33 pm
as to my Favorite Charity, I would have to say the Leukemia and Lymphoma society in NJ. The staff and Volunteers take the extra time during the fund raising to make sure that all participants in the walk a thons, bike a thons, and marathon fund raising are prepared with the answers and materials to successfully fund raise. AND then, because of careful book keeping and tracking, most of their funds go towards research and help to the family and victems of Leukemia and other cancers. Through personal experience (raising funds for over 3 years) and because of a family memeber that needed help, I know first hand of the work that they do. In public awareness, and having an available resource center for families and victems of cancer, to cancer funding research.
Comment by Manuel Couto — December 18, 2008 @ 1:42 pm
My favorite charity/civic organization is the Optimists. Nationally they conduct the Childhood Cancer Campaign, Youth Appreciation Week, Respect for the Law, Youth Safety, Communication contests for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing, Oratorical Contests, Essay Contests, etc.
Locally we support the national events as well as Cakes for Mom/Dad, Ski trips, Bowling Fun Days, Bike Safety, Scholarships, etc.
All of these events are designed to ‘Bring out the best in kids’.
I’ve always appreciated that this organization operates at a very local level and makes use of peoples most precious commodity (and most valued by the children), a person’s volunteered time.
Members pay dues to cover any administrative costs so that every cent that is donated goes directly to benefit the children of our community.
Erik, thank you for doing this and also donating your time to our group a few years ago.
Sincerely,
Doug Eno
Waunakee Optimists
Comment by Doug Eno — December 18, 2008 @ 1:50 pm
My favorite charity is “Chix 4 a Cause, Ltd.” as this organization was founded
based on the needs of 3 unique women with cancer. This organization helps with the day to
day worries that accompany this disease and affects the entire support team of the
individual as well. They give gas cards, grocery cards, rental payments, and even a
dinner and movie out when the patient is feeling well. All monies stay in SE WI.
Comment by Linda — December 18, 2008 @ 1:56 pm
My family started supporting Hope Children’s Home in 2003 when they came to our church for a mission’s conference. They have been taking in discarded, abused, unwanted, or orphaned children ages 2-18 for over 40 years. They take care of everyone of their needs to include quality housing, food, clothes, schooling and most of all Love. The children live in a family atmosphere with house parents who are on call twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week to give guidance and encouragement.
Amazingly, Hope Children’s Home receives no State or Federal funding and is entirely faith supported by churches, private individuals, clubs, and organizations. To hear some of these children’s stories would melt even the coldest of hearts. An incredible organization to say the least. They are truly protecting our futre generations.
Comment by Ben Phillips — December 18, 2008 @ 2:01 pm
Friends, my favorite charity is Soldier’s Angels (www.soldiersangels.org). This wonderful organization matches people who want to befriend a deployed soldier or unit with letters of support, gifts, encouragement and love. They are an incredibly loving group of people– organizing welcome home parties at the airports when soldiers return home, organizing card campaigns for so many wounded and discouraged soldiers recovering stateside, organizing groups so honor and pay respects to those not so fortunate to make it home. I learned a great lesson from this group– last Christmas my family adopted a soldier, and was able to correspond back and forth to this soldier and his unit in Iraq. We were able to send much needed supplies, gifts, food and clothing to support “our soldier” at the holidays. We were humbled by the gracious appreciation. Our own wants and needs paled in comparison. We have so much. Soldier’s Angels is a 501c-3, Completely supported by donations, this grass-roots but rapidly growing organization vows that “May no veteran be forgotten”. Please support this organization — with so many injured soldiers returning without hands, feet, with facial damage from bombs, there is much to do to show our appreciation and respect to these veterans for decades to come. Every gift pays for care and prayer with hands, through our work together. Thanks for the consideration!
Comment by Lesa Johnson — December 18, 2008 @ 2:25 pm
You’re 23, find yourself without an arm, a leg or both. Life has new meaning and you are starting over. You had a job and a future and now are about to be out of a job and need to forge a new life. My favorite charity is Veterans Housing Initiative. Started in Jan 08 they have placed 10 severely or critically wounded veterans from the Comprehensive Combat and Complex Casualty Care Center (C5) at Navy Medical Center San Diego. Many of these vets are amputees, have tramatic brain injury, or suffer from severe PTSD. Providing fully furnished, partially subsidized housing for up to two years to these members permits stability and necessary prostetic adjustments as they make the transition from military life to civilian life. Providing the housing prevents homeless, offers hope and opportunity. 99% of the funds raised go directly to the subsidized fully furnished housing for these two families and eight former service members.
Comment by Fred Gorris — December 18, 2008 @ 2:52 pm
I voted in support of HHV, which at the time was the only such organization nominated. I also heartily support the nomination of Soldier’s Angels!
Comment by Joan Gard — December 18, 2008 @ 3:16 pm
The charity that has helped me the most is Recordings For the Blind and Dyslexic (RFB&D) http://www.rfbd.org/ . I am visually impaired and have always been a slow reader because of my vision. RFB&D helped make it possible to complete my Bachelor of Science in Computer Science by recording my required text books. From 4th grade though 12th I used recorded and large print books. In college I tried to use regular print books, but the books went mostly unread. It wasn’t until I found RFB&D that I had books that were accessible.
Comment by Paul Wyles — December 18, 2008 @ 5:01 pm
I nominate the Foothill Aids Project for this award. Their MISSION is to improve the lives of those affected by or at risk for HIV/AIDS through comprehensive support services and to help prevent HIV infections through education and outreach. The vision is to be recognized in the communities we serve as a model for the prevention of HIV through education and outreach, and for providing culturally competent, intensive service to individuals affected by or at risk for HIV/AIDS. Foothill Aids project is a non profit organization who provides multiple services to their clients:Family Support Mental Health,Substance Abuse, Transportation,Food Pantry,Housing,Treatment Advocacy,Health Education,HIV Testing, and Case Management.
FAP, founded in 1987, is a not- for-profit 501(c)(3) human services minority-based organization that provides comprehensive and specialized HIV/AIDS-related services to those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.
FAP serves those affected by, and at risk for HIV infection, including those who are homeless or at risk for homelessness, those with histories of incarceration, substance abuse and mental health issues.
FAP’s service area is the entire county of San Bernardino, and in the San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys in eastern Los Angeles County.
Comment by Evelyn Upstill — December 18, 2008 @ 6:37 pm
Food for the Poor and Heifer International are my two favorite charities.
Comment by Jeffrey Czajka — December 18, 2008 @ 7:58 pm
My favorite charity is the Diabetic Youth Foundation (DYF). The mission of the Diabetic Youth Foundation is to improve the quality of life for children, teens and families affected by diabetes. The Foundation provides education and recreation within a supportive community, encouraging personal growth, knowledge and independence. My now 16-year-old daughter was diagnosed with Type I diabetes at age 2 1/2. It was an extremely difficult disease that felt all-consuming and overwhelming. We had to give my daughter shots of insulin 2-3 times per day and limit what she could eat. When she was 4 years old, we took her to Bearskin Meadow Camp, run by the DYF. We met many other families with diabetic children and my daughter was surrounded by other kids experiencing the same thing as she was. Finally she felt normal. By the time we left camp, this 4-year-old girl was giving herself her own shots of insulin. The DYF has helped thousands of people learn how to live with diabetes.
Comment by Kim Eichorn — December 19, 2008 @ 6:19 pm
My favorite charity is Habitat For Humanity. I consider this charity one made of of labor and love, dedication and motivation. The folks that benefit from the home have more than just a roof over their heads, but a safe place to house their children. Keeping children off the streets. The folks gaining the home must also help themselves. This brings community together as well. Volunteers join in making the community stronger. The love grows on. Its a great way to give a family a helping hand.
Comment by Deanna Kobylarz — December 26, 2008 @ 12:16 pm
A charity I regularly support is called Friends of Ramana’s Garden
For more than 10 years, Friends of Ramana’s Garden has been providing shelter, food and education for abandoned and orphaned children in northern India. The educational opportunities they receive are on par with that of private schools for children of the affluent, so their dreams of attending a university to become a doctor, engineer, pilot or anything else is possible.
The children also learn important skills and trades such as computer skills, jewelry making, stitching, masonry and working in the hospitality industry.
Ramana’s Garden receives no government support in India or elsewhere. Because they are a totally volunteer organization and have no monthly overhead, over 98% of donated funds go directly to support the children.
Here is a link to their website (http://www.friendsramanasgarden.org), but more meaningful and moving are these pictures – http://www.friendsramanasgarden.org/photos/photos.php
You can look into the eyes of the smiling children this donation would help.
Comment by Marie B — December 28, 2008 @ 1:38 pm
Give a man a fish, feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and feed him for life. I would like to nominate Heifer International http://www.heifer.org/
This organization works with impoverished communities around the world and instead of just giving food and money, they give the community animals and the educations to sustain food and income.
Heifer envisions a world of communities living together in peace and equitably sharing the resources of a healthy planet. Heifer’s mission is to work with communities to end hunger and poverty and to care for the earth. Heifer’s strategy is to “pass on the gift.” As people share their animals’ offspring with others – along with their knowledge, resources, and skills – an expanding network of hope, dignity, and self-reliance is created that reaches around the globe.
For $500 a Heifer cow can be purchased. It will produce four gallons of milk a day – enough for a family to drink and share with neighbors. Milk protein transforms sick, malnourished children into healthy boys and girls. The sale of surplus milk earns money for school fees, medicine, clothing and home improvements. And because a healthy cow can produce a calf every year, every gift will be passed on and eventually help an entire community move from poverty to self reliance. Now that’s a gift worth giving!
For $250 a water buffalo can be purchased for a poor family in a Filipino village. Water buffalo from Heifer provide draft power for planting rice and potatoes, milk for protein and manure for fertilizer and fuel. A farmer can plant four times more rice with a buffalo than by hand. Water buffalo haul heavy loads to the market, where the sale of extra produce brings in vital income for clothing, medicine and school. By renting their buffalo to neighbors, Heifer partner families can earn money for home improvements.
Many other animals are available for many different prices. If Heifer International wins this contest I know everyone around the world would benefit. I have heard an alternate ending to the quote I began this nomination with – Teach a man to fish and we all eat for a lifetime.
Comment by J. Fisher — December 28, 2008 @ 1:54 pm
Everyone knows that the educational system in America is suffering. Donorschoose.org allows teaches to request materials they need for their classroom. Then, a donor fulfills that classrooms need. A really cool thing about this charity is that you can choose the exact project and classroom you want your money to go to. The teachers take pictures of the students using the materials you bought and send you thank you cards and pictures. Education is the best gift you can give and if this charity wins students around the country will benefit greatly.
Comment by Katie — December 28, 2008 @ 2:01 pm
One of my favorite charities is Make a Splash (http://swimfoundation.org/NETCOMMUNITY/Page.aspx?pid=261&srcid=261). Nine people die each day from drowning. Make a Splash connects parents with learn to swim programs so that children can learn to swim by 3rd grade.
Learning to swim:
Saves Lives of Children
Teaches a Healthy Lifetime Sport
Builds Self-Esteem and Confidence
Comment by Jim Littlefield — December 29, 2008 @ 10:01 am
Hello, I would like to nominate “NEWBORNS IN NEED”. This organization is all about newborns and premature sick and needy babies who need our help. In our local chapter, we have workshops with volunteers who sew, knit, etc. to provide essential items such as blankets, (even burial blankets), quilts, clothing, hats, gloves, booties, etc. All items are donated FREE and are donated then to hospitals, clinics, homeless shelters, and other organizations providing for premature and needy newborns.
One out of every four babies in this country are born into poverty. Spending time in the intensive care unit is difficult and very expensives, for the family. When they go home, they don’t have the essentials, such as warm blankets, booties, and etc. In our chapter now, we are in need of quilts, infant hats, socks, onesies, diapers, rattles, toys, newborn clothing, and bedding. Our chairperson will put a package together for the needy family. We also need supplies to make these needed items for the babys.
The most heartbreaking need that we must provide for is the beautiful, tiny burial layettes for the babies who die and need only one last outfit and blanket to be snuggled in. Many of these babies would be buried in a paper bag because of their small size.
Newborns in Need is a non-denominational, volunteer, not-for-profit organization. We are grateful for donations from caring individuals and businesses that want to help with the efforts to care for sick and needy newborns. They should start life with every advantage. All contributions go to the needs of needy and premature newborns and are tax deductible.
Please check out our website: http://www.newbornsinneed.org/grnewark
Comment by Maxine Crabill — December 29, 2008 @ 12:00 pm
Hello,My favorite charity is the ‘Ashraya Initiative for Children’, this is because the work these college students have done for these kids is really amazing and appreciable , they started even when they had just joined their college and were very young and the main thing is that that they choose different country not the country of their birth and gave so much love and affection to these kids which even their own countrymen could not give, they inspired others and like me to work for my country and for like these beautiful young talented kids, these students who started this noble organization for the noble cause are really god messangers for whom these is no boundary and no religion and all are same irrespective of their nation , i favour them because they changed me , my thinking , hats off for all of them.
Comment by vishal agarwal — December 30, 2008 @ 5:27 am
I have supported Greenpeace for years .
They have been at the frontlines of saving the Planet on so many levels.
From banning Nuclear Weapons to Global Warming and so much more.
Words alone cannot tell the story of Greenpeace just go to the weblink and you will see the importance of the work they do.
Have a Happy and healthy New Year 2009
Comment by Ken Weiner — December 30, 2008 @ 12:30 pm
Here is another community program that Mary and I are involved in they do Community Outreach: which includes a Food Pantry, Clothes Closet, and Soup Kitchen.
We have seen a dramactic increase in people within the 5 towns that are served by Masters Manna.
Everyone volunteers their time and efforts to help those without . The masters Manna Website is http://mastersmanna.org/ .
When I walk into the Storefront that is Masters Manna their is a spiritual feeling that comes over me everytime.
To see people get canned goods some bread thats still fresh or come in for a plate of hot food its a good feeling to see people walkout with a smile on their faces.
I hope and pray that they will be voted with all your votes I do also want Greepeace but this touches many hearts within the community where we live.
All the charities that have been talked about are wonderful and I know your choice will not be easy .
So thats about it.
Blessings Love and Light to All and a Happy New Year 2009
Comment by Ken Weiner — December 30, 2008 @ 12:42 pm
Friends of Belle Isle in Detroit. Belle Isle is a very special place on the Detroit River in the heart of Downtown Detroit. The communion with nature offered there is invaluable to many people in the city without the means to drive out of town for a sunday afternoon with the kids. Belle Isle have been a safe haven of generations of my family starting with my Grandmother Meme, to her 4 Daughters who passed on this love to their children. This makes four Generations of family that is not unusual for the people of detroit.
Comment by HFS — November 24, 2009 @ 8:19 am