Giveaway: Nominate Your Favorite Charity For Cash Donation!
Note: The period to nominate charities for this giveaway has expired. Please see this post to find out which charity received the donation!
I will donate up to $500 to the winner’s favorite charity! All you have to do is nominate the charity of your choice by leaving a comment on this post. I will randomly select a charity from the nominations and then donate $1 for every comment received. It is as simple as that.
I have been greatly blessed this year and in the spirit of Christmas, I earnestly want to give back. I thought this would be a great way to do it and to learn about some new charities along the way.
Guidelines for nominating your favorite charity for the donation
This is an excellent opportunity to spread the word about the charity of your choice! Also, in order to make the donation, I need to be able to positively locate the intended charity. Therefore, let me offer these guidelines to ensure your charity gets the consideration it deserves.
In your comment:
- Be sure to use the exact official name of your charity
- In 2 to 3 sentences, tell us who your charity benefits and what they do
- If you would like, leave a link to the charity’s website so I can find it
- Tell us what you particularly love about this charity
Following these guidelines should help ensure that all the necessary information is included to qualify your charity for the giveaway.
Rules for the charity donation giveaway
What would a contest be without a few rules, right? I’ll keep it simple, but I do have to set a few boundaries in order for this to be fair and meaningful. Here it goes!
- All organizations nominated must be actual non-profit charities. Please no “I’m my favorite charity” nominations! A Charity where I cannot verify its official status will not be considered.
- I will close the comments on this post on Tuesday, December 9, 2008 at 5:00 P.M. Central. Only comments received prior to this time will be a part of the random selection giveaway.
- Please only one nomination per person. No spam comments!
- I reserve the right to disqualify any charity that offends me or my beliefs. I doubt this will be an issue, but I thought it was worth mentioning.
- Again, I will donate $1 per legitimate comment to the charity nominated in the randomly selected comment below. The maximum donation is $500. I’d love to see 500 valid nominations!
Be sure to tell your friends so they can nominate their charity!
This is a great way to support your favorite charity without having to spend a dime out of your own pocket! Why not let all your friends, so they can participate too?
Spread the word!
Note: My wife saw this idea in the December 2008 edition of Real Simple Magazine. In response to the “Your Words” question of “How Do You Give Back During The Holidays?”, Kristen from GreenStyleMom mentioned how she did this last year. It seems like a fabulous idea so, I borrowed it.
Photo by dental ben
(i) | Dec 3, 2008 | Reply
Great idea! Here is my nomination:
* Women for women international
* This organization helps women in post-war areas build up their life. They will receive training and coaching for a year, after which they will be able to stand on their own feet. The organization works with one-on-one sponsoring of a woman, but they also have bigger projects.
* http://www.womenforwomen.org
* I firmly believe in the power of women to build up a future, for themselves as well as for their children. I also like the fact that you get matched with a woman for a year, being able to communicate. Each year, you sponsor another woman.
Margaret @ love God, not money | Dec 3, 2008 | Reply
My favorite charity is Compassion International (compassion.com). I sponsor a little girl in Peru and receive letters from her every month. It has changed my life!
HIB | Dec 3, 2008 | Reply
Super post!
My vote is for St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital. St. Jude’s is a cancer research and treatment facility in Memphis, TN. This is where basically all of our charity donations go. For every dollar given, 85 cents go towards cancer research and treatment at their facility.
They’ve made great progress and this link shows the 5 year survival rates of children with cancer now as compared to 1962: http://www.stjude.org/stjude/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=5b25e64c5b470110VgnVCM1000001e0215acRCRD&vgnextchannel=4bbafe08dc835110VgnVCM1000001e0215acRCRD
Great idea Jeff!
Read HIB´s latest article - 10 Simple Ways to Overcome Disappointment
FFB | Dec 3, 2008 | Reply
Doctors Without Borders.
Read FFB´s latest article - 9 Year End Tax Savings Tips
iwalk | Dec 3, 2008 | Reply
My favorite charity is Doctors Without Borders, Medecins Sans Frontiers(MSF).
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an independent international medical humanitarian organisation that delivers emergency aid to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, natural or man-made disasters, or exclusion from health care.?MSF currently works in more than 70 countries.
Offical website: http://www.msf.org.hk/public/main2
Read iwalk´s latest article - Hand-Made Clothes For Dachshund Leo
Peter | Dec 3, 2008 | Reply
I’d like to nominate the charity that I posted about today on my blog, America’s Second Harvest food bank. They’re helping a ton of people this time of year, and giving just $25 will help provide 100 meals to hungry families.
Read all about them, and why I’ve chosen them, at my blog or through the commentluv link below. Thanks for considering them!
Read Peter´s latest article - 2008 Charity Spotlight: America’s Second Harvest
Jennifer | Dec 3, 2008 | Reply
This is awesome and so generous of you!
The charity I have in mind is called Cradles to Crayons. I have a friend who is running in the Santa Speedo Run in Boston in a couple of weeks and that is the charity they have chosen this year.
This is a little about the charity:
“To provide, free of charge, low-income and homeless children from birth to pre-teen the basic essentials they need to be safe, warm, ready to learn, and valued. We also set a foundation for lasting change through the meaningful, tangible volunteer opportunities we provide to thousands of youth and adults each year.”
http://www.cradlestocrayons.org/2/index.php
http://www.santaspeedorun.com/index.php
Thanks again!
Jennifer
Jason | Dec 3, 2008 | Reply
I nominate the Salvation Army. They have been around for many, many years, and yet still hold true to their original purpose and mission. Their overhead is very low (meaning more of any donation goes to the actual work), and they benefit all of the less fortunate.
Glen Allsopp | Dec 3, 2008 | Reply
Cancer Research UK are a great cause that look at ways to cure cancer.
Great idea, and thanks for giving us the chance to nominate. Whoever gets the cash will be grateful!
Cheers,
Glen
Read Glen Allsopp´s latest article - How to Get Someone or Something, Off Your Mind
Tsh | Dec 3, 2008 | Reply
Great idea! Love it.
My favorites:
Compassion Int’l: http://www.compassion.com/default_a.htm
World Vision: http://worldvision.org/
Samaritan’s Purse: http://www.samaritanspurse.org/
Read Tsh´s latest article - Link Love :: Kick off the Christmas Season with Simple Home Decor
bea | Dec 3, 2008 | Reply
I nominate KALAWEIT:
http://chaneekalaweit.blogspot.com
The organisation could disappear because of a lack of money.
Alicia | Dec 3, 2008 | Reply
Wow, how wonderful of you! Thank you so much, from the bottom of my heart, for whatever charity you donate to! You are showing the true spirit of Christmas, and it is a wonderful reminder for everyone else!
I would like to nominate St Jude’s Children’s Hospital. They take sick children from all over the world, and do not turn anyone away due to inability to pay.
Merry Christmas, and, again, thanks for giving all of us this opportunity!!!
Bobbi | Dec 3, 2008 | Reply
I would like to nominate Compassion International as well. They actually put 80-90% of all proceeds into the programs for the families. I have a boy from Haiti and had another from Indonesia. It is a great organization!
Great idea, thank you!
Jack - eyeflare travel advice | Dec 3, 2008 | Reply
I nominate Sea Shepherd as it’s one of the few organisations I can genuinely say is working for the betterment of this planet. They’re unusual in that they take direct action to address the extinction of marine habitats, and they’re effective. Here’s from their site:
“Established in 1977, Sea Shepherd Conservation Society (SSCS) is an international non-profit, marine wildlife conservation organization. Our mission is to end the destruction of habitat and slaughter of wildlife in the world’s oceans in order to conserve and protect ecosystems and species.
Sea Shepherd uses innovative direct-action tactics to investigate, document, and take action when necessary to expose and confront illegal activities on the high seas. By safeguarding the biodiversity of our delicately-balanced ocean ecosystems, Sea Shepherd works to ensure their survival for future generations.”
Jim | Dec 3, 2008 | Reply
I want to nominate the Spina Bifida Association of America. This organization helps provide services and connections to doctors for Spina Bifida patients and their families. The reason this organization is meaningful to me is that I have Spina Bifida.
Scott | Dec 3, 2008 | Reply
I nominate Young Life (www.younglife.org), a outreach ministry for High School aged kids. Young Life provides a place for students to gather together, build relationships, and share in each others lives. They have week-long summer camps that provide a safe environment for kids to learn and grow.
Craig | Dec 3, 2008 | Reply
Fantastic idea.
I would like to nominate THON http://www.thon.org/. It’s Penn States fight against kid with cancer. It is the largest student philanthropy in the country and something I have been involved with for years. There is a 46 hour no sit, no sleep dance marathon to end it and tally up the amounts, that by the end packs an entire arena with people watching and partaking. Even if it doesn’t win, please check it out and donate. Last year they raised over $6 million.
Stevene | Dec 3, 2008 | Reply
The Salvation Army USA’s 2008 Red Kettle Campaign! Set up your own Online Red Kettle & join the Twitter Team Kettle: http://tinyurl.com/5cvjk6
Rae | Dec 3, 2008 | Reply
I’d like to nominate A Small Victory. It is a non-profit that provides support and loss kits to parents who have gone through miscarriage, stillbirth, and neonatal loss. This is run by my dear friend who turned the unimaginable grief after her daughter’s stillbirth into this beautiful work. To mothers in our area, she provides support with a heart that understands what they’ve gone through.
http://www.asmallvictory.org
Read Rae´s latest article - Made it!
The Happy Rock | Dec 3, 2008 | Reply
Great contest JNick!
I nominate Heifer international who continues to fight to end global hunger by training local families in sustainable farming practices. People can donate area appropriate animals and then Heifer trains a given family how to care for, utilize, and sustain their animals.
Read The Happy Rock´s latest article - DD’s Monthly Expenses - November 2008
valerie | Dec 3, 2008 | Reply
I love Compassion International for its help to children throughout the world.
http://www.compassion.com/default_a.htm
Read valerie´s latest article - lil boy joke
Cherie | Dec 3, 2008 | Reply
This is a wonderful idea - I believe in paying it forward and what better way than this.
* My favorite charity is Dogs Deserve Better.
* This organization helps save dogs that are chained outside. We adopted our dog, Sweet Pea, from this organization when we saw her at a local event, Woofstock, in Harrisburg, PA.
* I like this organization because it offers dogs a chance to live a life where somebody loves them enough to bring them inside their home and treat them as part of their family instead of a piece of property.
* http://www.dogsdeservebetter.org
Dottie | Dec 3, 2008 | Reply
This organization responds immediately to disasters in every nation, including the USA. There were one of the first allowed into Myanmar after the cyclone and they also distribute the Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes worldwide. To know that someone will be there soon to help those in need is priceless.
Cindy Greise | Dec 3, 2008 | Reply
The Jesse Greise Foudation is my life and mission as it was founded after the accidental death of my son Jesse. He lived his short life (21 yrs)with a passion for life through nature and reaching out to others everyday with a magnitude unknown to us until we received several letters from people we never met that celebrated their memories of him. Our foundation takes underprivileged kids into nature, camping and fishing, to experience other things besides the ills of the streets and to challenge their skills and interests to learn new things, set goals, and also give back to the community while achieving those goals.
SimplyForties | Dec 3, 2008 | Reply
I nominate the Central Asia Institute. Greg Mortenson is the author of Three Cups of Tea, which explains his mission of building schools to educate the children of Pakistan and Afghanistan. His mission of promoting peace through education makes him the only American a lot of the people over there have met and he’s a good one. We need some goodwill in that region and he spreads it everywhere he goes. I’m a huge fan, obviously! The website is http://www.ikat.org. Thanks for doing this!
Read SimplyForties´s latest article - Herb Crusted Leg of Lamb with Garlic Roasted Baby Potatoes
Nathalie Lussier | Dec 3, 2008 | Reply
This is an awesome idea!
I would like to suggest The Fruit Tree Planting Foundation. They plant fruit trees around the world, starting in Africa: to help keep the soil from becoming desert, to keep the air clean, and to provide fruits for starving people to eat.
Here is the web site: http://www.ftpf.org/
I’m looking forward to seeing the rest of the charities.
Read Nathalie Lussier´s latest article - “You Shouldn’t Have!” Gift Giving Theories To Simplify Your Life
Amanda | Dec 4, 2008 | Reply
* I’d like to nominate Water for People.
* From their site: “Water For People helps people in developing countries improve their quality of life by supporting the development of locally sustainable drinking water resources, sanitation facilities and health and hygiene education programs.”
* http://www.waterforpeople.org
* Clean water is such a basic necessity of life that so many millions of people do not have access to. In developing nations lack of access to clean water effects all areas of life: education, economy, health, etc.
Read Amanda´s latest article - Multi-colored Pearl Cascade Earrings
Richard | Dec 4, 2008 | Reply
Doctors Without Borders.
Cindy King | Dec 4, 2008 | Reply
Doctors Without Borders.
Miranda | Dec 4, 2008 | Reply
I’d like to nominate the March of Dimes.
*Provides education and prenatal care to women.
*Engages in efforts to help avert premature and underweight babies.
Read Miranda´s latest article - $1 Trillion Economic Stimulus: Will the Government Pull Out All The Stops?
Anthony | Dec 4, 2008 | Reply
- Agape Adoption Agency of Arizona
- Agape helps children find foster and adoptive families, which serves both children and couples that cannot conceive naturally.
- http://www.agapeaz.org/
- They provide a much needed service to neglected children and bring awareness that there are so many children in need of good families.
As a disclaimer, my wife works for this agency.
Thanks for your consideration.
Alan | Dec 4, 2008 | Reply
Marine Toys for Tots Foundation
Members and Veterans of the United States Marine Corps and its Reserve collect toys, and monetary donations to purchase toys, for Christmas/holiday gifts for needy children and teens throughout the United States.
http://www.toysfortots.org
There is nothing better that putting on your Dress Blues and playing Santa. When I was still serving, I worked a distribution point and had a mother just break down and start crying when I told her how may toys she could get for each of her 3 little kids. It was an awesome felling that still chokes me up to this day.
Tracy | Dec 4, 2008 | Reply
Citizens Caring for Children - Oklahoma City
Jeff,
What a wonderful gift to give. I have listed my nomination above and here is their information/mission statement with a link to their site…
“Citizens Caring for Children breaks the cycle of abuse and neglect for Oklahoma foster children by addressing their material, emotional, intellectual and spiritual needs … because every child deserves the chance for a better life.
Through our programs we promote self-worth, self-esteem and develop character to give hope, change lives and create healthy futures.”
http://www.citizenscaringforchildren.org
Again, many thanks to you (and your wife), your compassion and generosity.
Kim Cornwall Malseed | Dec 4, 2008 | Reply
Soldiers’ Angels - “May No Soldier Go Unloved”
http://www.soldiersangels.org
Soldiers’ Angels is a volunteer-led 501(c)(3) non-profit organization providing aid and comfort to the men and women of the United States Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and their families. Founded by the mother of two American soldiers, Soldiers’ Angels is an international organization with members in all fifty U.S. states, Puerto Rico, and several friendly countries who support America’s men and women in uniform.
I’ve been a member of Soldiers’ Angels for 4 years, supporting individual soldiers and units through letters and care packages. I love the organization because it not only collects donations and provides the types of support soldiers and families need most, but also enables individuals to ‘adopt’ soldiers and support them one-to-one.
Read Kim Cornwall Malseed´s latest article - How to Grow Your Business in 3 Months via Social Media Marketing
Michael | Dec 4, 2008 | Reply
I nominate Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Tulsa (http://www.catholiccharitiestulsa.org) because they help so many people.
They give away coats, so people can stay warm in winter.
They give away food, so people can eat.
They give transitional housing to the homeless.
They offer help to women in crisis pregnancy.
They provide residential care to people with HIV/AIDS.
They provide adoption services, so children can have loving parents.
They offer the services of volunteer doctors and nurses to assist the poor.
They provide assistance to immigrants.
They offer counseling.
Of course, donations are tax deductible.
Annette | Dec 4, 2008 | Reply
I nominate Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Tulsa
Rhonda | Dec 4, 2008 | Reply
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Tulsa
http://www.catholiccharitiestulsa.org
Mission
The mission of Catholic Charities is to bring Christ’s merciful love to those who suffer in our midst.
Our mission is carried out by Catholic people and others in fraternal goodwill pooling their resources to reach out and assist those in need. In so doing, Catholic Charities is the primary instrument of the Church in carrying out the works of mercy.
Vision
As a conduit of Christ’s love in providing works of charity for all people – those who receive and those who need to give – we will continually assess the needs of the whole person — material as well as spiritual, gather the necessary resources and assure the provision of programs accessible to those served.
Jacob from JobMob | Dec 5, 2008 | Reply
My suggestion is for Israel’s ERAN, a volunteer organization that provides “emotional first aid.”
According to their official website, “ERAN is Israel’s only national phone and web hotline service for immediate anonymous and confidential emotional support, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.”
I blogged about ERAN here:
ERAN Gives You Emotional First Aid in Israel
What a great idea, Jeff. Always good to hear about people who are having success and even better to hear about people who are spreading it.
Read Jacob from JobMob´s latest article - 6 Reasons You Might Need a Job Search Coach Now
Stacy Ingram | Dec 5, 2008 | Reply
I would like to nominate PSI World for your giveaway and specifically their OKC Giving Day project. PSI World contributes many thousands of volunteer hours and dollars to projects and missions around the world. Their donations are primarily derived from the PSI Seminars Division Graduates. In those programs, participants are encouraged to make a difference in their communities and our world. OKC Giving Day is a three year old project started by 1/2 dozen seminar participants. We adopt needy families at Christmas time and provide their meal, tree & decorations, and gifts for the family for the holiday along with a grocery gift card. In three years, this small group has grown to now serve 60 families in 2008. Members of prior recipient families are helping give to others in this years project. We are grass roots under a bigger 501c3, and every penny goes to our recipient families!
Teresa Roggy | Dec 5, 2008 | Reply
PSI World in the OKC Giving Day project is an awesome way to show those in need that we care. Providing gifts, tree and dinner to children who don’t have any sign of Christmas in their homes. I worked with a family in 2007 who had 7 kids living with their Grandmother. One of the teenagers was in critical condition in the hospital. This Grandmother didn’t have the money or the time to think about Christmas. The look on their faces when we walked in with Christmas for them is a feeling more than words can describe. Giving to others is far more precious than ever receiving any gift myself. That is my gift, putting smiles on their faces and a sparkle in their eyes.
Cathy Coats | Dec 5, 2008 | Reply
PSI World’s OKC Giving Day project has been an annual event for my family and myself for the past few years. I have watched this experience deeply effect both those who are receiving the opportunity to have a Christmas they would not otherwise have, as well as those who have the honor of delivery. Children and adults alike are moved by this event and we embrace and appreciate the opportunity to increase the number of families we are able to help each year.
Krista | Dec 5, 2008 | Reply
I nominate the National Wrestling Hall of Fame & Museum.
http://www.wrestlinghalloffame.org
Carolyn Sims | Dec 5, 2008 | Reply
My last comment did not have a correct email address, so I am going to do it again. I am not meaning to do this incorrectly, so here we go again.
PSI World’s Oklahoma City Giving Day originated three years ago. This year we are serving 60 families by providing them a full Christmas, including their Christmas Tree, decorations, meal, food for after Christmas, a want and a need for each child in the family. For children who do not have coats, we provide them with a warm coat. We interview counselors at schools and at other organizations to get families nominated for our program. We then contact each family and interview them. We solicit donations to fill the needs. There is so much need and we are blessed to be able to take care of some of it.
I am happy that you have been so blessed this year. Thank you for your generosity.
Carolyn Sims
Co-Chair, Giving Day OKC
9735 Briarcreek Dr
Oklahoma City, Ok 73162
Jennifer Johnson | Dec 5, 2008 | Reply
Giving Day Oklahoma City
Giving Day OKC is doing awesome work for families by providing those in need with a complete Christmas. We’re talking presents, food, christmas tree, ornaments, etc. These families would not have a Christmas with out Giving day OKC!
James Ferguson | Dec 5, 2008 | Reply
PSI World’s Oklahoma City Giving Day
100% of collected funds are given out. All administrative costs are donated.
Dave | Dec 5, 2008 | Reply
Giving Day Oklahoma City.
These people make a difference.
Debbie | Dec 6, 2008 | Reply
I would like to nominate First Step , a local charity that assists abused women. They provide a shelter (safe house) so families can escape the violence. Many times these families have no other safe place to go. Sometimes they escape with nothing but the clothes on their back. First Step provides food, clothing, toys, advocacy and counseling. I love the fact that this organization helps those who need to take the first step in breaking the cycle of domestic violence.
I don’t believe they have a website ,however if they are chosen you can email me for contact information,
erika | Dec 6, 2008 | Reply
amazing ~ what a blessing you are to ge so generous ~
the charity i vote for - very hard decision with so many out there is
http://www.samaritanspurse.org
they help all over the world in so many different ways -
wishing you a blessed christmas
Michelle | Dec 6, 2008 | Reply
I’d like to nominate Doctor’s without Borders. What a great idea. Thanks for doing this.
ron b. | Dec 6, 2008 | Reply
I humbly ask you consider The Joshua Fund (www.joshuafund.net)
Christian compassion to bless Israel and the middle east.Thanks
Jen G | Dec 6, 2008 | Reply
Hi! I’d like to nominate DC Metro Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship. My husband and I have worked with this group for 11 years, and would love to bless this ministry to college students in the Washington DC area. Thanks for such a great Giveaway!
Read Jen G´s latest article -
Karen | Dec 6, 2008 | Reply
The organization is the Hendersonville Rescue Mission. Here’s their site: http://www.hendersonvillerescuemission.net/
They provide shelter to the homeless, food to the hungry, recovery to the addicted and medical assistance.
Thank you.
Read Karen´s latest article - An unexpected surprise
Simon | Dec 6, 2008 | Reply
My favorite charity is Trans Youth Family Allies. They educate schools and families about transgender youth with the aim of making life a bit easier for those same youth. They also have an initiative in memory of Ian Benson, a sixteen-year-old trans boy who killed himself last October (and, incidentally, a dear friend), dedicated to raising awareness about suicide among trans youth and prevention of same. What TYFA does fills a notable gap, and they’re consistently running the whole operation on a shoestring. They certainly deserve support.
http://www.imatyfa.org
Michelle | Dec 6, 2008 | Reply
I’m nominating the University District Food Bank in Seattle. The recession hasn’t hit our city as hard as others, but it’s sobering to see the lines outside the food bank grow longer and longer.
udistrictfoodbank.org
Gayle K | Dec 6, 2008 | Reply
This is such a wonderful idea! I’d like to nominate Love Without Boundaries.
What started as an effort by a handful of adoptive parents to fund life-saving surgery for one child has grown into a network of volunteers doing great things to make a difference in the lives of hundreds of orphaned children living in China. http://www.lovewithoutboundaries.com
Heather M | Dec 6, 2008 | Reply
I would like to nominate Girls On The Run Bay Area. Girls on the Run of the Bay Area is a life-changing, experiential learning program for girls ages 8 to 13. The programs combine training for a 5K or 1-mile community running event with healthy living education. The curriculum-based programs instill self-esteem and strong values through health education, life skills development, mentoring relationships, and physical training.
I love this program because of the strength & confidence it gives young girls. When I see these girls at their race, they are so excited to be there & so proud of themselves.
Thanks!!
World's Greateset Mommy | Dec 6, 2008 | Reply
My favorite is DonorsChoose. It’s a program that allows everyday people or companies to donate mini-grants to classrooms in need. Teachers submit proposals, and donors find proposals that they want to fund. My husband’s inner city school has been able to add some amazing instruments to their music program due to the generosity of donors. Donations are tax deductible, and every donor is thanked. The kids in my husband’s classroom are always amazed that someone else cares about them and their education.
http://www.donorschoose.org
Read World’s Greateset Mommy´s latest article - The Ow Plant and Being 11
Deborah Allison | Dec 6, 2008 | Reply
There are so many deserving charities already mentioned. I nominate Doctor’s Without Borders as others already have.
Mary Costello | Dec 6, 2008 | Reply
I nominate the Down Syndrome Research and Treatment Foundation, http://www.dsrtf.org. DSRTF is the largest source of private funding for research into cognitive functioning in people with Down syndrome. I have a 5 year old daughter with DS and thus DSRTF is near and dear to my heart.
Anna | Dec 6, 2008 | Reply
We just found the Kiva charity and decided to give money to that in lieu of some of our Christmas gifts this year. I like this charity because your donation enables budding entrepreneurs in the developing world to start a business. You basically give someone an interest free loan of your choosing and they start a business to support them selves and their families. They pay it back and then you can give it to someone else that needs it helping people all over the world. Check it out: http://www.kiva.org/
Mindy K | Dec 6, 2008 | Reply
What a wonderful opportunity! My favorite charity is Feel Your Boobies. It is a local Breast Cancer chapter in Harrisburg, PA that targets women under the age of 40 to “feel their boobies.” There is a 3 generation history of breast cancer on my mother’s side, so I really feel it is important to get the message out to young women as soon as possible. Thank you for your generosity! http://www.feelyourboobies.com
Jen | Dec 6, 2008 | Reply
I am nominating SERVANTS CENTER http://www.servantscenter.org/
I have worked with them, and they serve a purpose that is needed, and not often looked after. Mentally impaired homeless people get off the streets of GR MI, and into safe apartments, get meds, get frienship, and best of all, experience the heart of Jesus.
Jill W | Dec 6, 2008 | Reply
My mom has M.S., so the National Multiple Sclerosis Society is definitely my charity of choice. This would be so great for them-they would use the money for research, and to hopefully figure out a cure and the causes of MS! I love that they are working hard to find a cure and to help all of the people who live with MS. Thanks for the chance, and it is truly special that you are doing this! Thanks!
Here is their website: http://www.nationalmssociety.org/index.aspx
thanks again
Read Jill W´s latest article - Busy busy week!
Jennie Bourgeois | Dec 7, 2008 | Reply
Louisiana Assistive Technology Access Network (LATAN)
http://www.latan.org/jennie
LATAN) Mission
LATAN assists individuals with disabilities to achieve a higher quality of life and greater independence through increased access to assistive technology (AT) as part of their daily lives. LATAN serves Louisiana citizens of all ages with all types of disabilities and limitations due to aging who need assistive technology and daily living aids. This includes aids that individuals use to assist them in daily activities, such as canes, wheelchairs, communication devices, hearing aids, keyboard alternatives, and vision aids.
What is Assistive Technology?
Assistive technology (AT) is best described as any device, technology, and aids that allow a person with any and all disability to be more independent. AT helps people with disabilities perform the daily activities most other people take for granted. Getting out of bed and going to work or school may only be possible for some people because of the use of AT. Once at work or school, using a computer, reading or communicating with peers are tasks that may also require the use of AT. AT plays a vital role in ensuring that people with disabilities achieve their best and participate fully in the community.
Who Benefits From Assistive Technology?
In Louisiana alone, approximately 26%, or over 1.13 million, of Louisiana’s 4.3 million residents are individuals with disabilities or functional limitations, including some 493,660 persons over the age of 64. Most, if not all of these individuals experience some degree of functional limitations and could benefit from some type of assistive technology in the course of their daily lives.
LATAN’s Vision
LATAN envisions a future in Louisiana in which individuals who use assistive technology (AT) are independent, satisfied with their lives and have access to their communities. LATAN strives to bring that vision to fruition each day through its consumer-responsive programs and services.
Scott Rooks | Dec 7, 2008 | Reply
What a great blog post and thanks for this opportunity to tell you about Special Kids in Tulsa Ok. Special Kids provides exceptional childcare to children who face developmental, physical or medical challenges so that their parents can work, attend school or pursue personal interests.
These people have consistently and tirelessly given superior and exceptional daycare to those children that other daycares turn away.
Check out their website to see the fantastic job they are doing everyday to help with family and child inclusion were there was none in their community.
Website: http://www.specialkidscare.org
Thanks again for your kindness and interest!
Emma | Dec 7, 2008 | Reply
Mine is UCSD Student Foundation. It is a charity run by students to teach them how to fund raise and manage an endowment. All of the profits go towards student scholarships, helping ensure students can afford higher education.
I love this charity because it taught me to love non-profits and development and gave me inspiration everyday.
Theresa | Dec 7, 2008 | Reply
Engineers without Borders
Kimberly Rex | Dec 7, 2008 | Reply
Thank you so much for this offering! The website is the World Peace Hologram Project at http://www.worldpeacehologram.org where sessions for inner and global peace are donated by International Resonance Repatterning Practitioners weekly. Participants submit issues and intentions for topics of Family, Relationship, Health, Finances/Career, Green Planet, Humanitarian and Life Needs and support shifts for Natural Disasters and World Events.
Everything we do is done through volunteer efforts, web-design, expansion, communication, and supporting participants. We are very much in need of a web-administrator and look forward to collaborating with peace organizations in the next year.
Contact Chair: kimberlyrex@worldpeacehologram.org
Evonne Heyning | Dec 7, 2008 | Reply
This is an excellent idea! I started a nonprofit called Amoration, under the International Humanities Center (http://www.ihcenter.org/groups/amoration.html). We empower talented artists and engineers for crisis aid endeavors while creating extraordinary interactive works for the public. We are currently working on http://lightningtemple.net as a way to collaborate with hundreds of designers, creators and performers toward a common mission: to spark and ignite the imaginations of millions.
Our work on the ground is similar to Doctors Without Borders and we work closely with an allied organization, Burners without Borders; you are welcome to contact me here for more information about our work and volunteer team.
Emily | Dec 7, 2008 | Reply
Official Name: The Phelps School
Who They Benefit and What They Do: The Phelps School is an independent boarding and day school dedicated to providing a personalized education for the boy who seeks success academically, personally, and socially. Their first obligation is to create a caring, sensitive climate, which emphasizes the positive in every situation. The student’s educational program is planned in terms of his individual capacity, ability, needs and interests.
Website: http://www.thephelpsschool.org/
What I Love About Them: They do what they say they do.
AnnMarie | Dec 7, 2008 | Reply
I’d like to nominate The Charis Project, http://thecharisproject.com/ . Right now, it is supporting an individual who has taken in 40 minority ethnic children who have escaped Burma for Thailand on their own without families. These children usually end up in slavery if they aren’t taken in by people like him. A family here in the States will soon be moving to help him and expand the organization. It’s something quite small, but has immediate impact on these children–and there’s virtually no overhead since it’s so small!
Naomi | Dec 7, 2008 | Reply
I nominate Family-to-Family, which pairs families with abundant resources with families who need help. The donor families send a package of groceries to their recipient family once a month; some family-to-family pairs develop friendships across the distance. It’s a worthy shoestring organization, and I hope all will consider it.
The web address is family-to-family.org
Thank you, Jeff, for this generous initiative. What a great idea!
Read Naomi´s latest article - Head exploding
David Jeffery | Dec 7, 2008 | Reply
Eden Reforestation Projects establishes Nurseries & Plants Trees in Ethopia, Sudan & Madagascar, plus has an invitation to begin planting trees in Haiti. They hire local folks, keep fantastic records & do it all for $.10 per tree. What an outstanding impact they are making on the planet as well as the local economies. http://www.EdenProjects.org
Valerie | Dec 7, 2008 | Reply
http://www.catholiccharitiestulsa.org
I nominate Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Tulsa.
I have heard all my life the great things this organization has accomplished, mostly because I am a church member of the Diocese of Tulsa.
Blessed | Dec 7, 2008 | Reply
I’m nominating Tupelo Children’s Mansion in Tupelo Mississippi. They are a great organization that helps children who are orphaned or whose parents are having issues that would cause the children to be placed into foster care.
Additionally this organization has a ministry that reaches out to troubled teen girls and has an unwed mothers support ministry offering prenatal care and support through the first weeks of parenting or by helping those mother’s place their children for adoption.
here is their website: http://www.tcmm.org/
Read Blessed´s latest article - My First Hunting Trip
caryn | Dec 7, 2008 | Reply
I would like to nominate Nomsa.
Nomsa is a non-profit organization based out of Florida but quickly spreading to other states. Nomsa benefit the homeless in different cities by providing food and blankets, among other things.
Their website is: http://www.nomsa.org
I love this charity because one of my best friends, Lee Anne started it. After traveling with me to Africa for a 6 month service trip she decided to start the organization. Her perseverance and determination to make a difference in “her own backyard” is so inspiring to me.
Read caryn´s latest article - one year.
threeundertwo | Dec 7, 2008 | Reply
http://www.heifer.org/
Heifer International is an amazing organization which teaches people to be self-reliant through the gift of livestock and training in how to raise those animals. In turn, the recipients pass along the offspring of their livestock, making this truly a gift that keeps giving.
Read threeundertwo´s latest article - Extreme measures.
Terri House | Dec 7, 2008 | Reply
Thank you for the opportunity to nominate Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Colorado. If you have the opportunity, please watch the video on the home page of our website.
http://www.bbig.org
The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Colorado, Inc. is to invest in youth by providing positive mentors to assist them in becoming happy, healthy, peaceful, contributing citizens … one child at a time.
Our organization benefits the children in Southwest Colorado who are in need of a friend and mentor.
I particularly love the impact our program has on children.
Bigs and Littles have fun together — and create memories that last a lifetime. We call it “Little moments … Big magic.” Research on our volunteer programs points to the powerful, positive, lasting impact Bigs have on children’s lives. Littles are:
52% less likely to skip school
46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs
More likely to get along with their families and peers
Are 27% less likely to begin drinking alcohol
Are 33% less likely to hit someone
a few facts
Littles range in age from 6 to 17
There are no fees for BBBS services
BBBS offers free monthly outings to all matches, i.e. rafting, ice skating, pumpkin carving, horseback riding, holiday parties, etc.
Thank you for your consideration.
Doug Endel | Dec 7, 2008 | Reply
Thanks for the opportunity!
The non-profit I’m nominating is called Children’s Medical Missions West. http://www.cmmwest.com
It’s an awesome organization that brings children from impoverished countries to the US for free surgeries and medical care, and when the children are healthy again, they return. Most mof the kids are from Africa and Haiti. My mother-in-law is the woman who started it, so if you pick it, don’t tell her I said so many nice things about her;)
Thanks!
Read Doug Endel´s latest article - AIDS Awareness Day
Karin | Dec 7, 2008 | Reply
I love the ASPCA. They do so much for animals of all kinds. I wish they had more offices all over the country, as they are important, and some local alternatives aren’t as… good.
jj | Dec 7, 2008 | Reply
If i win i would like the money to go to the A.A.A. crisis pregnacy center in Livonia Mich.They help people who find themselves going to have a baby and not knowing what to do. they help them face the situation instead of having an abortation. I think they do a great job.
Kristen Wilkins | Dec 7, 2008 | Reply
I second Emily’s nomination.
The Phelps School’s Affirmations of POWER:
I think POSITIVELY
I serve OTHERS
I seek WISDOM
I pursue EXCELLENCE
I live RESPONSIBLY
Go Lions!
Donna Cook | Dec 7, 2008 | Reply
http://bro-saintlouis.blogspot.com/
http://brostl.org
I nominate the Board of Religious Organizations ( BRO - St. Louis). Our group just finished providing toys for the holidays to nearly 3,250 children in need this year, in the St. Louis area. All year we provide layettes for moms and newborns in need. We offer volunteer opportunities to retired folks and seniors and others who want to give back to their community. We work with area churches and synagouges and community groups, we do not discriminate on the basis of gender, age, religion, handicapping condition, nationality, national origins,or sexual orientation or any other reason. Our clients are referred to us by area social service agencies. We do the best job we are able with the resources available to us. Thank you!!!
Read Donna Cook´s latest article -
Erin | Dec 7, 2008 | Reply
As many others have already said, I also nominate Compassion International. Over 80% of donations are given directly to impact children. The number of orphans today is unprecedented in history, and this organization has a long standing record of serving “the least of these.”
Heather | Dec 7, 2008 | Reply
I nominate Ulster Project Arlington.
Here’s their goal: “The Ulster Project is dedicated to promoting a peaceful parity of esteem between Roman Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland by building tolerance, trust, and ongoing positive relationships among potential leaders from these Christian traditions.”
It’s an amazing program that has changed, and continues to change lives.
http://www.upatx.com
Read Heather´s latest article - typealizer
Barb @ getupandplay | Dec 7, 2008 | Reply
It’s so hard to choose just one charity! There are many worthwhile out there, doing incredible work!
I really love the philosophy of Heifer International- where one family receives a farm animal for free that will provide food and income for them but they must pay it forward to another family by donating the first offspring.
Read Barb @ getupandplay´s latest article - This is what we do at work …
Arah | Dec 7, 2008 | Reply
i nominate The Forget Me Not/Sunflower program at Sacred Heart hospital in Spokane, WA.
This organization gives families, who’s babies and young children die, the chance to have some memories made, such as photography and hand/foot molds. It also helps these families with support after they are sent home from the hospital.
http://www.shmc.org/index.php/womenscenter/1052
http://www.northwestwoman.com/pastarticles/assets/womensissues/aprmay08_wi_1.pdf
http://www.spokesmanreview.com/tools/story_pf.asp?ID=261413
Read Arah´s latest article - santa
Andrea M. Wall | Dec 7, 2008 | Reply
Hello -
I nominate 501c3 Poverty Eradication Network of Tanzania - PEN of TZ or PEN Trust it’s sister NGO in Tanzania. Our focus is on the alleviation of poverty through education, nutrition and construction. We are very transparent with all donations and are a small two person volunteer organization so all funds go to our programs.
Please check out our website at http://www.pentrust.org for more details on our programs.
Ahsante sana - Andrea
Read Andrea M. Wall´s latest article - Happy Thanksgiving!
Cynthia Baute | Dec 7, 2008 | Reply
I would like to nominate the American Cancer Society’s Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/hm_lls). They provide facts, assistance and research funding to search for a cure for blood cancers. I do this in honor of my mother, Betty Schissler, who succumbed to a terminal blood cancer, myelofibrosis, in February of 1999.
Gabriel | Dec 7, 2008 | Reply
My favorite charity is the Capital Area Food Bank: http://www.austinfoodbank.org/
I believe they do important work with the money and food products they receive.
What a wonderful idea for a contest!
Read Gabriel´s latest article - Happy St. Nicholas Day!
Cheri | Dec 7, 2008 | Reply
Favorite is Horse Feathers Equine Rescue Inc. Saving horses who are abused, neglected, unwanted or slaughter bound. Teaching kids in the Kids Program how to properly care for horses, helping them with their school work, teaching them to be productive members of society, to get along with their peers and responsibility.
Theresa Gray | Dec 7, 2008 | Reply
I would like to take this opportunity to nominate Horse Feathers Equine Rescue in Guthrie, Oklahoma. Not only do they offer a chance at a new life to abused, neglected, or unwanted horses, they also supply education to the general public on the proper care, feeding, and safe handling of the horses. A special program has been implemented for children of all ages to learn about and interact with the horses, providing them with hands on experience in caring for and someday possibly owning their own horse.
Carrie Harnish | Dec 8, 2008 | Reply
What a great idea! It is interesting to see so many national/international charities.
I am nominating Bridging Communities, Inc. - a small non-profit that cares for the homebound elderly of Southwest Detroit.
We work on the premise that just as it takes a village to raise a child; it takes a village to care for an elder. To follow this vision, we are rebuilding the “village” in Southwest Detroit for the homebound elderly through direct services provided by professional staff and volunteers, through building intergenerational relationships, and through rebuilding the physical infrastructure of their village through community and housing re-development.
http://www.bridgingcommunities.org
I particularly like what BCI is doing because we are creating long term care options for folks who normally would not be able to access quality care in their neighborhoods.
Esoos | Dec 8, 2008 | Reply
I’d like to nominate Perkins School for the Blind:
http://www.perkins.org/
They provide education and services that build productive, meaningful lives for children and adults around the world who are blind, deafblind or visually impaired with or without other disabilities.
It’s an amazing place, and they provide incredible services for so many people.
Tamra | Dec 8, 2008 | Reply
David Brainerd Christian School is 7 years YOUNG. It provides an independent Christian college preparatory education for grades 6 - 12. We are currently organizing our first ever alumni association (50 people strong) and would like to establish a scholarship for a deserving student.
I am impressed with David Brainerd Christian School and its faculty and coaches because of their caring, christian attitudes towards their students. We are molding our students to be positive, contributing influences in the community and the world - check us out at http://www.dbcs.org .
Read Tamra´s latest article - Art II-Drawing/Watercolor
Janessa | Dec 8, 2008 | Reply
The Phelps School
Dedicated to the education of each individual boy. Students from all different backgrounds are respresented at the school. Many face hardships that need additional support provided through the boarding environment and specialized curriculums. Its a private school with an amazing mission and wonderful staff who are truly dedicated to providing the best education and life skills for the students!
Chad Selenske | Dec 8, 2008 | Reply
I would like to highlight the Marshfield Clinic’s Angel Fund (http://www.marshfieldclinic.org).
The Marshfield Clinic is a not-for-profit, multi-specialty clinic located in Wisconsin. As part of its historic mission, it focuses its charitable efforts within the areas of patient care, medical research and medical education.
I am particularly proud of the Clinic’s efforts in patient care as demonstrated by its long-standing Angel Fund operation. The Angel Fund is designed to help patients with unexpected non-medical expenses, including food, clothing, lodging, gas to get to medical appointments, and other life necessities when other resources are not available.
The Angel Fund truly helps people in need when they may need it most. Just one more example of how Marshfield Clinic works to keep patients healthy regardless of their ability to pay. Best of all, this fund is here to stay thanks to the support of Marshfield Clinic Administration and the unrelentless passion by all of the Angel Fund’s volunteers to keep it going strong!
Read Chad Selenske´s latest article - Med-Peds Physician Joins Marshfield Clinic Marshfield Center
Anne | Dec 8, 2008 | Reply
So difficult to pick just one charity!
This is my new favorite though:
http://www.medsandfoodforkids.org
Children are dying in Haiti everyday from malnutrition and this organization provides its unique “peanut butter medicine” to try and turn that around.
Any country where 129 of every 1,000 children die before their fifth birthday needs help. This is wrong, pure and simple, and needs to be changed ASAP.
Peggy Hoffman | Dec 8, 2008 | Reply
Changing Minds, Changing Lives. That’s the mantra of The Arc of Maryland. We know that individuals with developmental disabilities (DD) can and do contribute in many important and inspiring ways to society. But these individuals need supports, need education, need open minds. DD includes what we call mental retardation, autism, downs, and a cadre of other syndromes.) The Arc of Maryland, is part of network of local, state and national organizations. In Maryland, nearly 18,000 people linger on a waiting list for basic services so they can become contributing members of society. The Arc launched a grass roots campaign Changing Minds, Changing Lives which has helped create change. Your donation will help us push this work to another level.
Read Peggy Hoffman´s latest article - Blog and Twitter Meme - a game of connections
Erin | Dec 8, 2008 | Reply
The Advocacy Project http://www.advocacynet.org
They are work to promote the voices of disadvantaged communities around the world.
They provide community based organizations with tools and training to disseminate information that will create social change.
They work in 21 countries around the world.
Danielle | Dec 8, 2008 | Reply
I nominate The Advocacy Project (www.advocacynet.org), a US-based organization that helps smaller, community-based groups overseas on human rights issues. Right now, the group is helping to free pygmy slaves in Congo, teach street children in Kenya, and help disabled refugees in Uganda, among many more. Overall, they work with 30 partner organizations worldwide to produce social change.
Bree Macias | Dec 8, 2008 | Reply
Our unique group is for children at Christmas who are less fortunate. Our concept is uniqe in the fact that these kids accept used recycled toys and gifts from others. These are some very needy children. We actively seek angels to adopt kids. This helps the angels clear out clutter from their own children and grandchildren and put it back into good use with children that need it the most. Our Secret Santa Recycle for Christmas group helps pay shipping when needed and any funds left goes directly to purchase toys so we ensure each child has at least 1 toy under the tree. 100% of every penny donated goes to these needy children. All our staff and moderators are volunteers who are dedicating their time to help those less fortunate. Our Staff and Moderators even dig into their own pockets to help others in the group. So we don’t just ask others for help we actually help others too. We are proud to help so many and at the same time keep our landfills and dumpsites a little cleaner.
We hope our charity will be picked this year. Thank you so much for your generosity in reaching out to others. We know whoever you chose will be a deserving charity.
I wish to nominate:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SecretSantaRecycleForChristmas/
Please visit our website and scan our 2008 database to find the most needy children. These children accept used toys and clothing.
Please consider sponsoring one of these children for Christmas.
Thank you!
Katie | Dec 8, 2008 | Reply
I nominate Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital. Madonna patients are folks who have been disabled by illness or injury - those who have had strokes, ALS, traumatic brain injury (TBI), amputees, and many other diagnoses. It treats patients from all over the country and is one of the few rehabilitation hospitals in the US with a VA contract to screen returning soldiers for TBI.
Bonnie | Dec 8, 2008 | Reply
I’d like to nominate Proverbs 31:20 Ministries (www.proverbs3120.org). Our purpose is to serve those women and children in our area’s homeless shelters. We provide basic needs (hygiene kits, clothing, etc), assistance with transitional housing (household goods, furniture, etc), discipling/mentoring, emotional support/counseling as our women go through their programs and deal with the court system (we do not offer legal advice). We also do a couple of “big” events every year - in 2008 we filled over 500 backpacks for the children in the shelters (and we provide their specific school supply needs - we get lists from schools, teachers when possible, etc.), we do a “spa night” once a year where we go into the area shelters and pamper the women with manicures, pedicures, facials, haircuts, etc. Finally, our Spirit of Christmas luncheon is hosted once a year where we bring those women and children from the shelters to our church, serve them an elegant meal (fine china, it’s beautiful!) plus offer our “Santa Store” where their children can shop for gifts for their mothers and provide gifts cards to the Mom’s so they can shop for their children. It is an amazing ministry that God has blessed for almost 9 years now, we grow and expand the number of women and children we serve, whenever possible.
Read Bonnie´s latest article - Day 8 - Scripture Reading
Elaine Orbino | Dec 8, 2008 | Reply
The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region supports people with developmental disabilities in Harford, Cecil, and Kent counties(in Maryland) both children and adults, to make informed choices with their lifestyles, vocations, education and recreational pursuits, and to assure stable and nurturing lives among their families and friends.
Noah | Dec 8, 2008 | Reply
Gads Hill Center
We provide high quality, strength-building, out-of-school care for kids from 6 weeks old through age 20 on Chicago’s southwest side in a couple of different ways:
*Child Development Center provides head start programming, a strong parent-education component, and other targeted services for families with limited resources
*Club Learn supervises elementary-school-age children after school and all day on holidays and during the summer, providing not only a safe place but also an excellent learning environment.
*Teen Connection is a college prep program for teens who come from the academic middle and bottom. So far, all fellows have graduated high school with a college acceptance letter in hand.
http://www.gadshillcenter.org
Sara | Dec 8, 2008 | Reply
* I nominate True Colors, Inc. in Connecticut.
* True Colors works to create a world where youth, adults and families of all sexual orientations and gender identities are valued and affirmed. We challenge all forms of oppression through education, training, advocacy, youth leadership development, mentoring and direct services to youth and those responsible for their well-being.(They say it better than I do!)
* Their website: http://www.ourtruecolors.org/
* I am a volunteer mentor for the organization and work with a 17-year old girl in the foster care system (an already at risk population) who is also questioning her sexual orientation (upping her “at risk” status substantially). True Colors supports youth who are often, at best, forgotten or, at worst, abused–I experienced both in my adolescent life and wish I’d had the support True Colors provides.
Sally Allen | Dec 8, 2008 | Reply
I nominate Open Clasp - http://www.openclasp.org.uk
Open Clasp use drama and theatre to give voice to women in North East England. They use drama and theatre can be used as tools to inform, to increase self-esteem and confidence, to raise awareness and to get people talking. They get people thinking about important issues in a fun way, and make anyone who’s affected by the issues feels a bit better about themselves and a little less alone.
They’re also one of the charities of the week on Optimist world this week (til 11 Dec) - see http://www.optimistworld.com/Charities.aspx
They’re also a small charity, so up to $500 would go a long way for them.
jenne | Dec 8, 2008 | Reply
Easter European Outreach
Their focus is on the younger generation, the two million “children at risk” living in the former Soviet Union regions who need assistance to become healthy well adjusted adults. We identify those at risk and design support programs together with church and ministry partners to assist young people in their development.
http://www.eeo.org/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1
I love them because I think they are really making a difference for the future in the former USSR and changing lives through the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Read jenne´s latest article - Craft Addict Give-Away
Amy | Dec 8, 2008 | Reply
I nominate World Relief (www.wr.org)! Our mission is to empower the local Church (whether in the US or around the world) to serve the most vulnerable.
Programs include:
-Refugee Resettlement (Allows people from often violent/war-torn regions to start new lives in the United States away from persecution. Assists with adjustment to US culture, job search, etc.)
Programs across Africa and Asia include:
Health: Mobilizing for Life (HIV/AIDS education and prevention), Maternal & Child Health and Child Survival, carried out in community settings.
-Economic Development: Small loans are given within community banks and the beneficiaries (mostly women) are accountable to each other for paying back their loans. Once paid back, they are eligible for larger loans, allowing them to earn money to support their families, including school fees for children.
-Disaster Response: World Relief responds both to natural disasters (hurricanes, tsunami, etc.) and complex human disasters like the situations in Darfur and Congo.
WR’s vision for communities to be transformed economically, socially and spiritually is inspiring beyond the fact that it’s helping people–I love it because we want the most vulnerable people to realize that they are in control of their own futures.
Jennifer Anastasi | Dec 8, 2008 | Reply
I vote for Independence Christian School. They are a small non profit that has been helping children of all learning abilities for about 30 years. I went there as a child and they do an amazing job teaching the kids. Now my daughter is there and she is blossoming into an incredible young woman under their care. They specialize in children with special needs and they mainstream them in the classroom. All abilities are celebrated and integrated into their school. They encourage a love of learning and their teachers are incredibly talented and dedicated. They work for far less money than public school teachers and give of their time before and after school and on the weekends continuously. Due to the economy many families have fallen behind on their payments and the school is needing assistance to make it through.
Ralph Cornelius | Dec 8, 2008 | Reply
This is an AWESOME idea…
*I would like to nominate the Bethel Foundation in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
*Bethel is a non-profit that helps single mothers attain housing, education, basic needs, etc. Its founder was a single mother herself in two abusive relationships. When she finally found a great husband, their faith lead them to create this organization.
*I love this organization because I am the child of a single mother. I watched my mother struggle when I was a child to give what she could to us kids.
http://www.bethelfoundationusa.org
nicky | Dec 8, 2008 | Reply
In August 2007 my 14 year old daughter was visiting her grandma in Vancouver from Ireland. A terrible car crash left her Grandma dead and Chloe critically injured and in a coma. I traveled the 17 hour journey with her Dad to her bed side. Vancouver Childrens Hospital is the best in the world. They gave us our daughter and they not only cared for her but for us too. Chloe is home now and doing amazingly well.
I would love to be able to say thank you and to help Vancouver Childrens Hospital help other children. Maybe you can help me do this? Thank You
sharilyn cohn | Dec 8, 2008 | Reply
I nominate SacredFlight (www.sacredflight.org) an
on-call practice of music-thanatologists who provide soothing live harp & voice music at the bedside of people who are terminally ill or actively dying. They are also involved in the training of music-thanatologists.
Their presence at the death of a loved one provided such a sacred closure filled with beauty to say good bye…
Headless Mom | Dec 8, 2008 | Reply
Great Idea!
Compassion International.
Amy | Dec 8, 2008 | Reply
ASPCA–American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. This charity helps neglected and cruelly treated animals to find new, adoptive homes. Animals cannot speak for themselves, so we need to speak for them.
Bob Maynard | Dec 8, 2008 | Reply
I nominate Hopelink, on the eastide of Seattle.
Since 1971, Hopelink has served homeless and low income families, children, seniors and people with disabilities. Hopelink’s mission is to promote self-sufficiency for all members of our community; we help people make lasting change.
Hopelink offers an integrated array of programs that enable families in crisis to make progress toward and achieve self-sufficiency. Programs include food banks, energy assistance, transitional housing, education, and others!
With administrative costs at only eight percent of the budget, a full 92% of financial support goes directly to helping families in crisis and preventing homelessness.
Check it out at http://www.hope-link.org!
Read Bob Maynard´s latest article - Hopelink receives $5,000 donation from the Safeco Insurance Foundation
Eryn Hall | Dec 8, 2008 | Reply
I’d like to see the money go to Gorbella’s Nonprofit Organization. Gorbella’s benefits all families with young children. The organization is known for going around our community and making public places more family friendly. They are raising money to build a community center where families with young children can go for education, resources, networking, and structured and free play. It’s a great cause. http://www.gorbellas.org.
Joe | Dec 8, 2008 | Reply
The Albany Housing Coalition Inc. (www.ahcvets.org) in Albany, NY has provided housing and services to homeless veterans for 15 years. They do amazing work to help veterans, especially Vietnam-era, and most recently Iraq/Afghanistan War veterans regain self-esteem and deal effectively with post traumatic stress so they can live independently in the community. A big thumbs up!
Sara at On Simplicity | Dec 8, 2008 | Reply
Another nomination for the ASPCA. As families tighten their belts, more pets are being left out in the cold. The ASPCA helps these pets find loving homes while advocating to keep the pet population in control. Through their advocacy, the ASPCA does as much for humans as they do for animals.
Read Sara at On Simplicity´s latest article - Lower Expectations Can Sometimes Be a Good Thing
Sadie | Dec 9, 2008 | Reply
I love Manna’s work in Asheville, N.C. because they feed the ones that don’t have enough year-round including the lower income bldg. my mother lives in downtown. They go there once a month and distribute all kinds of things that have been donated to them. Even though the central area of our town can be seen as tourist and well-off, the whole surrounding area of Western N.C. has much need and what better way than by supplying basics such as food?
Anthony | Dec 9, 2008 | Reply
My favorite charity is Messiah College. Messiah College is a Christian college of the liberal and applied arts and sciences. The mission of the college is to educate men and women toward maturity of intellect, character and Christian faith in preparation for lives of service, leadership and reconciliation in church and society. The students & alumni from Messiah are changing the world!
Tiffany | Dec 9, 2008 | Reply
International Partners in Mission (IPM) works across borders of faith, culture, and economic privilege on behalf of women, children, and youth to promote justice, peace, and hope.
*I am a full time volunteer for IPM and fell in love with the mission and work of the organization. They support over 70 projects in about 25 countries and run educational Immersion Programs to offer students, congregations, or other interested individuals the opportunity to experience the global reality of the developing world. My favorite part of IPM is its emphasis on partnership with our Projects, where we all have something to learn from one another and that we arrive at solutions from the ground-up, together. There’s so much more to say about all the projects and not enough room, so please check out the website! (www.ipmconnect.org) Thanks so much for doing this!
Stephanie | Dec 9, 2008 | Reply
My favorite charity is the Heifer Project International, which provides livestock animals to people in developing nations.
Read Stephanie´s latest article - In which I declare that I have an etsy shop
Kim | Dec 9, 2008 | Reply
My favorite charity is Flashes of Hope. This non-profit organization takes professional photos of critically ill children. When a child is ill, such as dealing with cancer, so many times they don’t feel normal. This organization brings in professional photographers and make- up artist to take amazing black and white photos of the children and their families and captures the spirit of a child. They may enter the room crying from a bad day but leave smiling and happy. The family receives amazing professional images of them and their child all free of charge. In fact, sometimes this is the first professional photo taken of their child. I am a volunteer (and mother of a cancer survivor) at the Norfolk, Va chapter.
More information can be found at http://www.flashesofhope.org
Eileen Flanagan | Dec 9, 2008 | Reply
I want to nominate the American Friends Service Committee http://www.afsc.org which does service, development and peace building work around the world. It is also a former Nobel Prize Winner.
Thanks for the opportunity to tell others about them.
By the way, I keep getting a message that “a feed could not be found” at my blog http://www.imperfectserenity.com and I can’t seem to fix this. Anyone know why?
Kristen Siuba | Dec 9, 2008 | Reply
Nazareth Home is a foster home for medically compromised babies that need the tender loving care of Nazareth Home. The foster home is sponsored by the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ and is in need of any donation. Thank You
Lisa | Dec 9, 2008 | Reply
The choruses of the Visual & Performing Arts Academy at Salem High School are my favorite charity and are quickly gaining recognition as being among the finest in the Commonwealth of Virginia. They have sung in prestigious locations and events (including GQ magazine’s “Gentlemen’s Ball” and the Riverside Church, both in New York City, and the “Disney Honors” festival in Orlando, Florida), have performed at the Virginia Music Educators Association (VMEA) annual state conference, and received many accolades for their choral excellence.
With so much attention given to young people who make mistakes and are depicted negatively, these are young leaders who demonstrate a commitment to excellence with their quality, class and pride.
Click on http://web.mac.com/dkrudop/Salem_Chorus/Academy_Home.html and listen to this talented group. Your ears will thank you!
Angela | Dec 9, 2008 | Reply
Thank you so much for doing this. Such a great idea! I nominate The Aneurysm and AVM Foundation. The website is http://www.TAAFonline.org
The mission is to support those affected by brain aneurysms and other vascular malformations of the brain. It is estimated 2 million americans are walking around with a brain aneurysm and have no idea. If it bursts, there is a 50% chance of death. I lost someone very close to me. But I now know many people who have better stories. Including 1 person who survived with 5 aneurysms, and another who survived 2 burst aneurysms.
It’s so important that people learn more about the disease, learn the warning symptoms and what to do.
Amelia Coppage | Dec 9, 2008 | Reply
The choruses of the Visual & Performing Arts Academy at Salem High School are my favorite charity. The students are filled with great enthusiasm which shows in every performance.
Dan O'Neil | Dec 9, 2008 | Reply
How about looking in our own backyard–I recommend the Pan American Development Foundation (www.padf.org). They are working to help the poor throughout our hemisphere.
Dan
steven king | Dec 9, 2008 | Reply
The organization happens to be where I pastor. Its the Portland Ave. Church of The Nazarene. 4120 South Portland. OKC I have been a pastor for 30 years and this is the first church I have ever seen where there is such a spirit of unity and such a desire to be a beacon of hope in our neighborhood.m Though there are only about 40 people we have a multi-tasked ministry in reaching to all of those around us. I am amazed at how this little church is doing something that a church ought to be doing! I myself am handicapped and have to preach from a sitting position but that doesn’t bother them in the least. I am proud to serve right along beside them!!! Pastor Steven King
Tami | Dec 9, 2008 | Reply
What a wonderful idea! This was a tough decision for me because I have 2 favorite charities. I decided not to exclude either one on the basic fact that someone may read this post and find the information they need, one day.
The first one is the Alzheimer’s Association - Greater Micihgan Chapter.
http://www.alz.org/gmc
The Alzheimer’s Association provides services and education for caregivers and those afflicted with the disease, as well as funding for needed research.
The second is the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. My father just passed away from this disease. PAN CAN also provides education, programs and funding for research for pancreatic cancer.
http://www.pancan.org
Thank you for doing this great project and giving us all a voice!
Erin Oreiro | Dec 9, 2008 | Reply
I nominate the charity that I work for.
We are a 501(c)3 non profit called A Small Victory. We help women and families that lose children during pregnancy to the first month of life. We provide support kits, information, services and understanding to those suffering the loss of a child from stillbirth, neonatal loss, and miscarriage.
Thanks for what you are doing.
Our website is ASMALLVICTORY.ORG.