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Childrens' Causes

The Seeds of Compassion

Its not very often that I share about my own philanthropy or that of my children but as a proud mother I think its time. No, I promise this isn’t one of those painful maternal bragging moments. This is about my first born son, who like most first borns (myself included) likes to think that the sun sets only on him….that was until he went to Watts.

A few years back he was having a rough summer getting ready to go to high school.  Getting tired of the pity party I called a friend down at a non-profit in South Central Los Angeles, called Urban Compass and asked if they could use some extra help. Urban Compass  is a non-profit that works to combat poverty and violence and make a difference in the lives of children in Watts. My son had never left his bubble, let alone ventured to the housing projects in the most dangerous neighborhood in LA.

At 14, my redhead walked into Urban Compass and was embraced by these huge smiles and hugs, That was it, he was hooked. He spent that summer taking children to places like the beach, which they had never seen. He held children’s hands as he walked them back into the housing projects and they begged him not to take him home. He came back at vacations and Christmas time asking our family to adopt one of “his families”.

Now my son is 16, he is a part of a new junior board at Urban Compass and asked me if he could do something else for his required service hours. “Why, would you do that?” I asked. The response, “Because service hours are something you have to do and this is something I love to do.”

The miracle of Christmas has touched our home this season as I hope it touches yours. That seed of compassion was in there and it has sprouted and grown. True charity of the heart that matters!

Copyright © 2011 Charity Matters. This article may not be reproduced without explicit written permission; if you are not reading this in your newsreader, the site you are viewing is illegally infringing our copyright. We would be grateful if you contact us.

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Charity Matters Quotes

“The good you do for others is good you do for yourself”

“Christmas is forever, not for just one day,
for loving, sharing, giving, are not to put away
like bells and lights and tinsel, in some box upon a shelf.
The good you do for others is good you do yourself…”

~Norman Wesley Brooks, “Let Every Day Be Christmas,” 1976

Copyright © 2011 Charity Matters. This article may not be reproduced without explicit written permission; if you are not reading this in your newsreader, the site you are viewing is illegally infringing our copyright. We would be grateful if you contact us.

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Childrens' Causes

A Little Christmas Cheer

I love that everyone is in the spirit of giving this time of year. I thought I would share with you Jack Johnson’s latest Christmas Album, This Warm December. 

Twenty-five percent of the proceeds from this album benefit Little Kids Rock.Org which is a national nonprofit that transforms children’s lives by restoring and revitalizing music education in disadvantaged public schools.

In 1996, an elementary school teacher, David Wish, grew frustrated with the lack of funding for music education at his school. Realizing that he would have to take it upon himself to make sure his kids got a chance to explore music, David began offering an after-school guitar class to interested students. The classes became wildly popular, and as more kids sought to enroll, he decided to take the program national.

In 2002, with initial support from musical luminaries BB King and John Lee Hooker, Little Kids Rock was born. What began as an informal project led by a single school teacher and a handful of volunteers has since evolved into a nationally recognized not-for-profit organization that has served tens of thousands of students across the country.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qu_U-YV4yA8]

So buy a little Christmas cheer and in the process make Charity Matter for thousands of children across this country with the gift of music.

Copyright © 2011 Charity Matters. This article may not be reproduced without explicit written permission; if you are not reading this in your newsreader, the site you are viewing is illegally infringing our copyright. We would be grateful if you contact us.


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Holidays and Holiday Giving

Holiday Goodspotting

The Case Foundation is asking people who witness random acts of kindness this holiday season to capture those moments in photos and post them on their favorite social network.  They may get a nice reward for that good deed: up to $500 for themselves and up to $5,000 for their favorite charity.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=–bkjUPrje4]

So do some good, spot others doing good and spread some good, its all good Charity that  Matters!

Copyright © 2011 Charity Matters. This article may not be reproduced without explicit written permission; if you are not reading this in your newsreader, the site you are viewing is illegally infringing our copyright. We would be grateful if you contact us.


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Raising Philanthropic Children

Raising Philanthropic Children

I recently attended a great talk entitled “Raising Philanthropic Kids” given by Julie Lytle Nesbit of Whittier Trust.

It was so fantastic that I wanted to share some of it with you here.  As the holidays are quickly approaching I thought this message of teaching our children how to give was especially timely.

The benefits of philanthropic children are according to Julie:

  1. Opens children’s eyes to the fact that others are not as fortunate as they are
  2. Develops empathetic thinking
  3. Fosters an appreciation for what they have
  4. Enhances self-esteem
  5. Correlates to improved performance in school

Six Tips for Raising Philanthropic Children:

  1. Start early, as early as 4 or 5 years old. Giving becomes a habit.
  2. Set an example by showing your children that Charity Matters.
  3. Be intentional by involving your children in your own charity endeavors.
  4. Use online tools to research organizations to involve your children
  5. Be consistent. Make charity a part of your traditions, the holidays and birthdays.
  6. Emphasize the joy because giving feels great.

So enjoy this season of giving and make sure to show your children all the good you do. Nothing feels better than to give and make a difference, especially in the lives of your own children. That is Charity that Matters!

Copyright © 2011 Charity Matters. This article may not be reproduced without explicit written permission; if you are not reading this in your newsreader, the site you are viewing is illegally infringing our copyright. We would be grateful if you contact us.

 
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Holidays and Holiday Giving

Charitable Ideas for the Holidays

Since starting Charity Matters a few months back, I have had a number of requests for charitable ideas for the holidays.

It’s never too early to show and share and power of giving and isn’t that what the season is all about?

Here are some ideas that matter:

  • For The Art Connoisseur- Give them the gift of their favorite museum membership for the year. All are non-profits that survive by donations so a great gift. Here are a few; Moca, The Huntington Library, and The Getty.
  • The Animal Lover- Giving an animal lover a gift that takes care of animals like The American Humane Society is a gift that keeps giving.
  • The Finance Guy- Kiva is a non-profit that connects people worldwide through small micro finance loans. You select who you want to loan money too in order to change a life. They pay you back in ways bigger than money.
  • The Teen Activist-The Hole in the Wall Camps where terminally ill and very ill children get a chance to “be normal” and have a real camp experience. Teach your teens how to give and be grateful for their health.
  • The Reading Enthusiast- First Books is a non-profit that has distributed more than 85 million books and educational resources to schools serving children from low-income families throughout the United States.
  • The Adventurer- Outward Bound is a non-profit educational organization and expedition school that serves people of all ages and backgrounds through learning expeditions that inspire character development, self-discovery and service both in and out of the classroom.
  • The Person With Everything- We all know that person that is impossible to buy for and here is the solution. Charity Gift Certificates. Org this website will give you a list of over 250 non-profit organizations and one is sure to fit your person with everything. You donate an amount and they can select who to give it too.

So whoever you may find on your list this season, share with them the true meaning of the holidays….giving.  Know that your Charity Matters! Happy Shopping.

Copyright © 2011 Charity Matters. This article may not be reproduced without explicit written permission; if you are not reading this in your newsreader, the site you are viewing is illegally infringing our copyright. We would be grateful if you contact us.

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Charity Matters Quotes

Holiday Charity

“Christmas is the season for kindling the fire of hospitality in the hall, the genial flame of charity in the heart. “

Washington Irving

 

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Raising Philanthropic Children

Hoops of Hope

It is an amazing gift when someone reaches out to touch someone else’s life, its even more incredible when its a child helping other children a continent away.

That is exactly what a young boy named Austin Gutwein did in the spring of 2004 after seeing a video of children whose parents had died from AIDS.

Austin felt a calling to do something to help these children. On World Aids Day, he decided to shoot free throws and he shot 2,057 free throws to represent the 2,057 kids who would be orphaned during his day at school.  Austin had friends and family sponsor him and was able to raise almost $3,000.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mheJ5iXXeH0&feature=relmfu]

From that year forward, thousands of people have joined Austin in a basketball shoot-a-thon called Hoops of Hope. By doing something as simple as shooting free throws, Hoops of Hope participants have raised over $2 million. The children left behind by AIDS now have access to food, clothing, shelter, a new school, four dormitories,  and two medical testing facilities which he was told would save an entire generation. A second school is now under construction.

As Austin said, “Given the opportunity, kids will blow you away.”

Copyright © 2011 Charity Matters. This article may not be reproduced without explicit written permission; if you are not reading this in your newsreader, the site you are viewing is illegally infringing our copyright. We would be grateful if you contact us.


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Charity Matters Inspiration

Faith’s Lodge

There are times when there are just not words. One of those times is the loss of a child. There is nothing that can be said that heals the empty place left behind by one you loved so deeply.

Yet, families have to begin to pick up the pieces of their lives and try to find a place of hope when it seems there isn’t any. That place is Faith’s Lodge.Org. Faith’s Lodge was started by Mark and Susan Laceck who lost their infant daughter and were determined to help others with her legacy.

What they created was a beautiful lodge where families who have lost children can go together to relax, create new memories, reflect, grieve and heal.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hG0I37nmvi4&feature=related]

Faith’s Lodge is a place where hope grows. Anytime there is hope there is a beginning.

Copyright © 2011 Charity Matters. This article may not be reproduced without explicit written permission; if you are not reading this in your newsreader, the site you are viewing is illegally infringing our copyright. We would be grateful if you contact us.


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Charity Matters Inspiration

Service Dog shows real meaning of Service

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”

John Fitzgerald Kennedy

 

I came across this video by happenstance and thought the message of service was beautiful. Enjoy.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGODurRfVv4]

Service comes in all forms, four legs or two all thats needed is a big heart. Charity Matters.

Copyright © 2011 Charity Matters. This article may not be reproduced without explicit written permission; if you are not reading this in your newsreader, the site you are viewing is illegally infringing our copyright. We would be grateful if you contact us.


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Charity Matters Inspiration

First Communion: A Story of Giving

Sometimes Charity doesn’t need a non-profit but rather a simple act of kindness.  A few years ago I received a call from a friend about a young 10-year-old girl dying from bone cancer and he needed help.

My friend, Father John, was a chaplain at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. It was days before Thanksgiving weekend and this little girl really wanted her First Holy Communion and the celebration that went with it for her family.   However, her family was very poor and could not afford a dress, a veil or a cake.  The Chaplain asked me to help.

I spent 2 days trying to track down a white dress, size 14, in November and gave up. I had a lot to do for the holidays and my goodwill was running low. I did, however, go to the bakery, tell the little girl’s story and they made the most beautiful cake which through teary eyes they gave me as their gift.

Next, I ran into a friend and complained about my challenge with finding this dress and she ran into her house and came down with the most beautiful lace veil to cover the little girl’s now bald head.

My own children were about the same age at the time and made this little girl cards and asked their friends to do the same. One friend’s mother owned a jewelry store. When she heard the story she asked me to come by and she would have something special for the family to give her on her special day.

Things were coming together, however I still didn’t have the dress. I had asked everyone I knew with daughters, called every store and was telling my dear friend on the phone the night before this celebration was to take place. As we spoke she was opening a package from her cousin in Virginia. My girlfriend had young daughters not even close to the size needed for this dress.

As she opened her package, with the phone in one ear she said, “You are not going to believe this, but my cousin just sent the most beautiful new white dress, size 14 for the girls.” We were speechless.

Thanksgiving day Father John came by and I had cards, a beautiful lace veil, a gorgeous wedding type cake, a perfect white dress, size 14 and a navy blue jewelry box that contained a diamond cross on a delicate platinum chain. Father John was near tears as we all were.

That day he gave the little girl her First Holy Communion in the hospital with all of her family there. She told Father John. “She felt like a princess.” The family was in awe of everything. One month later, a few days after Christmas she was buried in her beautiful white dress, her white veil and wearing the diamond cross she loved so dearly.

I think of this story and this girl often and every time I think of the miracle of kindness. The difference that simple gestures make and just how much Charity really matters.

Copyright © 2011 Charity Matters. This article may not be reproduced without explicit written permission; if you are not reading this in your newsreader, the site you are viewing is illegally infringing our copyright. We would be grateful if you contact us.


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Homelessness and Hunger

USA Harvest: Stan Curtis, feeding the hungry in the U.S.

As Thanksgiving approaches and the food drives continue, we all pitch in to do our part. For some of us its donating food or money but for Stan Curtis of Kentucky it was solving a bigger problem, hunger in America.

In 1986, Stan was out to dinner and noticed a tray of green beans being thrown out from a buffet and replaced. He inquired with the manager, who explained they had to be thrown out. Stan thought that there had to be a better use for his green beans than to waste them.

Stan had grown up in an orphanage and knew what it was like to be hungry. He had become successful through hard work and was determined to make a difference. He gathered a few friends together to “raise food not funds.” Their mission was to simply take food from people who had surplus and deliver it to shelters that had needed it.

Today, 25 years later Kentucky Harvest is now USA Harvest, which is the largest volunteer food distribution organization in our country. They have no staff, only volunteers and have delivered more than 11 billion pounds of food. USA Harvest serves more than 2 million meals a day to the hungry in our country.

Stan says, ” Regardless of who you are or where you come from most people want to stand for something.” Stan Curtis stands for millions. That is Charity that matters.

Copyright © 2011 Charity Matters. This article may not be reproduced without explicit written permission; if you are not reading this in your newsreader, the site you are viewing is illegally infringing our copyright. We would be grateful if you contact us.


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Military

Soldier Angels

Every year our family picks a holiday project that we support. A few years back my children voted to adopt a soldier through Soldier Angels.Org.

Each week we took turns writing letters to our helicopter pilot, Chris, in Iraq. Then once a month we sent Chris a care package with treats, toothpaste, magazines, etc..We did this every week, every month for a year.

It was a few months before we received a response and those letters we received in gratitude were the best gifts my sons received all year. They watched the news, looking for “their soldier” they worried about Chris’s safety and his 9 month old daughter who he hadn’t yet met.

All of this was possible because of one mom, named Patti Bader. When Patti”s second son was deployed to Iraq  she discovered how much the soldiers craved notes from home. So she started as one mom sending notes and cookies to a few of her sons’ friends. The rest turned into the story of angels.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAYBFqYCkT0]

So in honor of all of our soldiers who are currently serving and all those who have so bravely served this country. Happy Vetrans Day and thank you.

Copyright © 2011 Charity Matters. This article may not be reproduced without explicit written permission; if you are not reading this in your newsreader, the site you are viewing is illegally infringing our copyright. We would be grateful if you contact us.


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