Let's help out a charity this Thanksgiving. NEW EXTENDED DEADLINE: Monday, Nov. 30!
The Un-Official Thanksgiving Charity Contest.
Please read carefully!
There are many great ways to contribute to your community this holiday season. One of them is to donate to a worthy charity.
For this question, I would like you write a detailed description of a charity of your choice, including why you think Mahaloans should donate to that charity and how to make a donation (website URL, phone number, etc.)
At the end of the contest, the charity with the most helpful votes will be selected by the Mahalo staff and all of the tips posted to this question will be donated to that charity (So please tip big!).
In the event of a tie, the amount will be split evenly.
****IMPORTANT*****
The way it will work is an answer from a Mahalo staff member will be selected as "best answer" and all of the money will be turned over to the selected charity in crisp American Dollars.
Though this not an official Mahalo contest, is will be closely managed by the staff. If you have any questions or concerns, you can post a question to @Lon or @JeffHoard.
And remember, you are always welcome to donate directly to any of the suggested charities!
Happy Thanksgiving!
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$25 Answers
Marine Toys for Tots
Habitat for Humanity
WWF
We will be splitting the tip evenly between all 3 of these charities. Thanks for your donations, everyone!
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M$
The Toys For Tots foundation is a national charity that collects donations and toys for children throughout America.
Ran by the U.S. Marine Corps, I think that the foundation will be more important this year than any other year.
A lot of regular folks are feeling the full effects of the economy this holiday season. Parents throughout America are worried about providing a holiday season with even just a little fun and magic for their kids. The Toys For Tots foundation can help them.
I think that the money we have pooled together could make a real difference for The Toys For Tots foundation. Together, we could buy a lot of toys for a lot of kids this Christmas. It would be very easy for Mahalo to donate the money (Toys For Tots Accepts PayPal) and I would be really proud to think that a little bit of time here on Mahalo could make things better for so many people.
Regardless of the charity selected... @BrianSan : This is an exceptionally altruistic effort. I'm proud to be associated with you through Mahalo.
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
There are no "winning" charities here. All of them are extremely worthwhile causes.
This one gets my Thumbs Up!
might i suggest giving the donation to the top three vote getters? spread the wealth a little?
Toys for tots is a great charity, we have donated to their toy drives at our local grocery stores too. Can't go wrong with them.
Great choice @robbrown. Toys For Tots gets my vote.
Semper Fidelis
Toys for Tots is one of my favorite charities. (I'm a bit biased as a son of a Marine) I have quite a bit of experience with donations here in New Hampshire and each year I am happy to help out in any way I can for the folks that run this in my area.
My vote goes to Toys for Tots.
I've been blessed to have participated in a couple of local T4T events. I have watched as Marines have shed tears over the passion they have for this project.
I have an article elsewhere on the web from last Christmas. Due to the economy, donations were down last year as the deadline approached. If anyone EVER doubts the passion and drive that the United States Marine Corps puts into Toys for Tots, read this article from the Columbus Dispatch on Christmas Day, 2007.
http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2007/12/25/Toys4Tots.ART_ART_12-25-07_A1_NL8SICJ.html?sid=101
This article still brings tears to my eyes two years later. THIS is an example of keeping "this Christmas thing all of the time".
Thank you for the kind words Rob. Some really great charities listed here so far. Definitely Mahalo $ well spent!
I told my husband I would love to apply if it were closer, and a few weeks later I read in the newspaper they were accepting applicants locally. I applied and sixteen years ago my family became homeowners. Our youngest son was very asthmatic and he almost died when he was a baby, we moved in here when he was almost 2 and the asthma disappeared. Over night all the asthma problems that had plagued him from birth were gone, thanks to decent housing.
I continue to make a house payment each month as do all habitat for humanity partner families. My house payment is interest free so it is affordable for me now as a single parent.
Right now the donation is m354 and that will buy 2 exterior doors to keep the family safe, It would also go for windows to keep them dry or shingles. Donating to habitat for humanity is investing in the lives of people. In my son's case since many local people donated time and money to build out home, he is alive today.
I am very sure that had we not move in here we would not have solved the asthma problem and my Timmy would not be here with us. Asthma is a silent killer and we had no clue at the time what was triggering the asthma but after we moved in here and it disappeared we guessed it was the trailer.
A donation to habitat could save someone's life and it would help a family stay warm in decent housing.
here's a donation link
https://www.habitat.org/cd/giving/one/donate.aspx?link=201
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M$
I had the link wrong and for some reason it won't let me edit my comment. Hmm it says I posted 7 hours ago even though it has only been a minute or two.
Thank you (and everyone) for the great charity ideas!
Just a quick note, this question is now posted on digg.com for those interested. And don't forget, if you ever wanted to try out the "share" link at the bottom of Mahalo questions, this would be an excellent time!
The WWF is often just considered a charity that helps animals. In fact, the WWF does far more than just conserve animals. One of the main issues the WWF tackles is the problems in today's world with global warming, the cutting down of the rainforest, pollution in the air, land and sea and more.
Firstly, I would like to talk about the WWF and how it works with the protection and preservation of animals and their species. Currently, animals such as the polar bears, tigers, sharks, rhinos, leopards, cod, elephants, albatross, whales, dolphins are some of the many animals that the WWF helps with donations. Many of these animals such as cod are being harvested in their millions for food in developed countries.
The consequences of which affect animals further up the food chain like sharks and polar bears. Such actions have caused many of these animals to be endangered and risk the possibility of extinction and therefore we must act urgently to help them. Some animals are seriously important in people's cultures. For example, elephants are sacred in the Hindu faith.
Secondly, the importance of the planet and issues such as global warming and deforestation and becoming increasing trends in our societies. If we continue with our normal day lives, then the Amazon in a few decades should be completely wiped out, all the oil supplies in the world run out and severe damage to ecosystems. People and animals that live in these areas also have to suffer the actions.
The WWF can help all these matters. With small donations you can help save animals, people and habitats around the world. Money is spent on preserving and improving the habitats that in turn is vital in protecting the numerous endangered species risking extinction.
http://www.panda.org/how_you_can_help/donate/
Visit the WWF's international site, and for a small donation of $5 to however much you feel you want to share to help Earth can make such a significant difference.
As a member of the WWF, I urge you to donate this Thanksgiving.
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
I think it's a very noble thing to help animals and save their lives. We as humans have used greater than our share of resources and it makes a huge difference to the helpless animals if we give a tiny part of our luxury.
Let's be a part of something big. As they say, little drops of water make a mighty ocean let us join hands and help our animal friends.
I'm sure they would have said " Thank You! " if they could speak...
haha here you go cjd: A small device at a not so small prize
http://www.design2d.co.uk/writing/animal_translator/animal_translator.htm
Thanks @nikky24! Animals are amazing creatures...now...all we need is some extremely clever tech guy to develop a translator for animals.
@Robbrown? @JasonCalacanis? Bill Gates?
Thank you all for showing your support for the WWF as well as the other two selected charities Marine Toys for Tots and Habitat for Humanity.
My current favorite organization is The Learning Garden located at Venice High School in Venice California. The idea of a community sustained garden where underprivileged children can have an opportunity to be a part of growing their own food and medicine is such an amazing project. It not just abou the garden it gives these children something that is their own. It builds confidence as well as many other character traits. The urban garden concept is taking off and we need to support it.
******DONATE HERE****** http://www.thelearninggarden.org/donate2.html
From the official website:
"The Learning Garden was launched in March of 2001. Since then it has quickly become one of the country’s largest and most successful school gardens.
The Learning Garden is a model example of how school gardens can transform the lives of students and teachers and the environment of their community. For several years, many groups worked with the high school horticulture program to transform the 60,000 foot plot of land into a garden, but due to lack of stronger community support it remained mostly an eyesore filled with trash, overgrown with weeds, and a magnet for vandalism. Today, the agricultural plots are filled with organic food grown by the high school students. Health-related classes such as tai chi, qigong, and natural food cooking are offered on its large stone patio. The garden has a large medicinal plant section for educational purposes, a pond with a water garden and waterfall, and a California native plant and cacti garden. A community garden is tended by local volunteers, and numerous groups and organizations use and support the garden.
The Learning Garden is much more than a garden. For the students of the high school it is an opportunity to be closer to nature, a place to learn about respecting the environment and taking care of plants and animals. For the teachers it is a place of solace. For the community it is a place of visual beauty. For those who have dedicated thousands of hours to making the inspiration of the garden a reality, it is a joyful and fulfilling accomplishment. For all who come, whether to a single event or as a regular volunteer, The Learning Garden is a remarkable and unique place that touches something deep in the heart and soul.
Since the first groundbreaking ceremony, The Learning Garden has received ongoing support and assistance from many generous benefactors and hard-working volunteers. The garden was founded by Julie Mann and David Crow. The Garden Master is David King.The Horticulture Program at Venice High School is taught by Diane Pollock. Students from Yo San University of Traditional Chinese Medicine have played a major role in the development of the Chinese medicinal herb garden, and the school holds regular classes and events at the garden. The Agape Spiritual Center is actively involved in regular work days and special projects at the garden. The UCLA Horticulture Department teaches its extension program at The Learning Garden. Students from Emperor’s College of Traditional Chinese Medicine contributed to the development of the herbal database."
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M$
This is less than a 15min drive from Mahalo's office. If this one wins, I will personally take the check there and video it!
you really should go and check it out, they are the model garden that all o fthe other urban gardens are using as the gold standard. Started by florecopia founder David Crow, who is doing amazing work all around the world helping to preserve medicinal plants, really interesting guy. I went to a florecopia workshop and was just floored that one man was doing so much altruistic work for indiginous cultures and the traditional medicinal plant world. Which is the first course of medicine in many cultures. http://www.floracopeia.com/
Hi @jasoncalicanis,
As @steepdecline mentioned, this charity is right down the road from you.
Might I suggest this become one of the "official" Mahalo charities at the office?
Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) is a non government organization in the Philippines reaching out to abused or abandoned animals. They are located in National Capital Region. I think as far as I know, they are the only animal shelter here in the country or if there may be other organization with the same mission, there wouldn't be so many of them... so my point is, I think they need a lot of help to reach out to many other poor animals. :(
It's always been one of my dreams to build an animal shelter myself, but since I lack resources, this is the least I could do.
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M$Without her, I would probably not be here right now.
Happy Thanksgiving
@XDS
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M$
np ophr... :-/ I'm sorry for your loss.
Our mom was diagnosed with Hodgkins lymphoma in 2001, (right after september 11), the doctors gave her 2-3 years, she's been cancer free for 5+ years now. It's been one hell of a ride. (In and out of several hospitals and more blood work and spinal taps than I can count)
My moms the most wonderful person you could ever meet. So stubborn that she would go to china to get tea even if you told her there was none left, but kind enough to bring back sand from the beach of st. Thomas. if you asked her to.
The society helped pay for a couple small things and kept a watchful eye over things, I believe they would make a great honorable mention.
-
I would also like to recommend a stem cell research foundation, but in the current climate I have no clue who I could trust.
I've been doing some research but couldn't come up with anything along these lines.
I'll try and do some more research and see what I can find.
With apologies to xds, I'll hijack this suggestion ;) since this was the charity I was going to suggest. Last year my mother in law was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a deadly blood cancer. In 2009 over 20,000 Americans are expected to be diagnosed, and over 10,000 are expected to die of this blood cancer. Multiple myeloma is currently incurable, but is treatable, with a five-year survival rate of about 37%.
Since 1949, LLS has provided over $680 million dollars to blood cancer research, helping develop some of the very chemotherapy drugs prescribed for my mother in law. In 1988, a team of 38 runners formed by one Bruce Cleland trained to run in the NYC Marathon, raising over $322,000 for the Westchester/Hudson Valley LLS chapter in honor of Cleland's daughter, a leukemia survivor. Team in Training (TNT) was created based on that experience. Since then, over 390,000 people have trained with TNT for endurance events such as half and full marathons, 100-mile (century) bike rides, triathlons, and hiking events, collectively raising about $1 billion for LLS.
This is a very efficient charitable organization, with over 75% of funds raised through these endurance events going to the mission, and most of the remaining 25% funding the participants' fees, hotel rooms, etc.
The above is excerpted from an article I wrote a few weeks ago (see http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2220001/getting_fit_while_raising_funds_to.html ).
Just to make it clear, my mother in law is still fighting her multiple myeloma. My son and I rode the 100 mile Seagull Century in her honor, and my wife ran a half marathon, all to raise funds for LLS. In total we raised about $9000. Next year I plan to raise another $5000 and ride the Lake Tahoe Century.
As I think of a worthy charity for Thanksgiving, there is an immediate connection to feeding your family. No matter our culture, no matter our heritage, Thanksgiving Day is a celebration of "The Meal", for which we give thanks and in most homes, continue sharing other things we are thankful for.
A charity that connects directly with this theme of family and food is Stoves for Rwanda. This charity contributes fuel efficient stoves to prevent deforestation, improve health, and create income for Rwanda's orphans and vulnerable children. It is affiliated with CHF international, who's mission is to be a catalyst for long-lasting positive change in low- and moderate-income communities around the world, helping them to improve their social, economic and environmental conditions. A simple $30 donation delivers a fuel efficient stove allowing the head of the family to provide nutrition for their family, not only for a day, but on a regular basis.
Stoves for Rwanda is the brainchild of Spencer Brodskly, a remarkable High School Student who's original mission was to provide these fuel efficient stoves in Darfur. His charity contributed made such a huge impression that the Darfur government requested CHF International's removement from their country. We are hoping to return to Darfur at a later date.
To learn more about Spencer Brodsky, his inspiration and how his life has been changed by this phenomenal decision to help those less fortunate go to
http://www.stovesfordarfur.com/Home_Page.html. There are links on his pages that will take you donation sites for Rwanda.
Right now Global Giving is matching contributions and will send (without charge) an e-card for gifts or donations (of $10 or more) made in honor of an individual. Visit http://www.globalgiving.com/projects/green-stoves-for-rwanda/ for more information and to quickly help this cause.
No matter which direction you choose to go to make your donation, the most important thing is that for a very small amount of money you are giving a gift symbolic of a Thanksgiving Tradition - the meal - and it is a gift that continues to give and provide in more than that one way for those much less fortunate than you or I!
As I sit with my family this Thanksgiving and bless the food on our table, I will beam with pride as I share the thanks for being introduced to a way to help a family in Darfur and now, a family in Rwanda.... won't you do the same? www.stovesforrwanda.com
Happy Thanksgiving to you all!
StovesforRwanda.com. CHF International Home Mission Statement, StovesforDarfur.com and Facebook.
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M$
Everyone of us might have seen innocent babies reduced to only skin and bones due to continued starvation; children mutilated and lost their limbs for no reason in wars going on among adults.
If our humble contribution can bring smile to at least one child even for a few minutes, I think that will be much more than this humble donation was worth.
Here is the link to donate to UNICEF;
http://www.supportunicef.org/site/pp.asp?c=9fLEJSOALpE&b=1023561
Thank you
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M$I'd like to highlight a remarkable organisation that is surprisingly little known, BRAC. To quote Bill Clinton...
-- Quote
“BRAC’s enormous contributions to health, education, and economic development have improved the lives of over 100 million people across the globe. Dr. Abed’s story proves just how much people with vision and commitment can change the world.”
-- /Quote
So... you think, yet another charity that helps those in extreme poverty...
Actually no, not just another charity.
What makes BRAC special is it's scale, creativity and effectiveness. Many NGO's spend money on good causes, and achieve relatively little for the amount of money that passes through them. BRAC is as entrepreneurial as Silicon Valley, and as well-run as the best corporations.
It'll lend people money to buy a cow sure. It'll also develop breeds of cows that will do especially well in that environment. And then it'll build a distibution system for the milk, so poor farmers in the countryside can get the best prices for their produce.
And all of that is only a small part of what it does.
A short video on how BRAC came to be what it is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5s0yVZlFdMU
An example of BRAC branching out into a new country, Uganda:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSiUmw0CTxg
And the founder talks about its philosophy. (See YouTube for the rest of the interview, this is part 1 or 6).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIVDz_ktp_I
More reading:
NY Times - An Army of Housewives Battles TB in Bangladesh
Forbes - Is Bigger Better?
NY Times - More schools, not troops
BRAC Afghanistan
Bottom line:
It is one thing to mean well. It's something else to actually do some good and be effective on a small scale.
But it's something else again to be effective on a huge scale that can really make a difference to the vast numbers of people living in great poverty.
BRAC website, with more info and donation links:
http://www.brac.net/
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M$
@tboz, I had also wondered about Kiva charging interest. This is what I found on their site
"Our Field Partners are free to charge interest, but Kiva will not partner with an organization that charges exorbitant interest rates. We also require Field Partners to fully disclose their interest rates." So interest is charged on the loans made through Kiva, and I did not find a listing of what interests rates are being charged, or what happens if someone cannot repay the loan. http://www.kiva.org/about/help, http://www.kiva.org/about/partners
I know you meant well with this one but....I have to agree with safiqulis. There are other organisations where you can give interest free loans, this sounds like another greedy bank trying to capitalize on the poorest people in its society. How could having poor people be indebted to a bank possibly be a good thing. In real numbers these loans are asking for 36% interest!!! No rich person would possibly accept a loan with 36% interest why on the poor. What happens when a person defaults on a 36% loan, they come and take their cow away! I wonder if www.kiva.com charges interest on their loans, I'm not sure. The richest people in a country should not be making a profit on the poorest people.
@safiqislam... I know both Grameen and BRAC well, and other microfinance organisations too. I also know some of the criticisms that have been made of them.
Interest rates on microfinance are high compared to what we are used to because the operations are costly to run. As you say, there has to be a lot of interaction between the staff and the borrowers. If your bank had to physically visit you every week to collect your savings or repayments, it would have to charge a higher interest rate too, or go bust.
Certainly people like Yunus are keen to bring the rates down as far as possible.
If you know instances where people have gone too far in pressuring people for repayments, you should take that up with the organisations involved.
Obviously with anything like that there has to be a balance between being flexible when people really can't make a payment, and allowing people to skip payments too easily, which would destroy the whole organisation.
Do you disagree that there are lots of Bangladeshis that are big fans of BRAC?
Your speech is correct.
Many Bangladeshi are also fan of Brack. But my speech also correct that, they are not totally non-profit and a good charity.
I saw which can be called as charity. Lets know a story, Actually I forget the man's name. Who came from France or other Country (I forget actually country.) to our country and came to Dhaka for his work then he saw how struggling life our homeless children pass. Then he left his job, he left his country. Now he is in Dhaka and working 24 hours with homeless children. Our all national dailies published his such a great job. Then many citizen and organization wanted to help him then when a we contacted with him, he said "Can you work with me?? I no need money, if you don't work beside me."
He has no website, no formal organization. BUT I think he is the greatest charity of all over the world. I can compare him with Mother Teresa. He is not a human, he is a angel. Can you imagine, who don't know our language, not a fan of our culture. He was a multinational company's employer but he left all all just for our helpless children and homeless children.
He is struggling for feeding them, for serve them not to being addict to drug, to educate them. He is only one person, who really triying to change their condition and fighting for them. Its a not only great thing, may be he is a another hand of God. I can not express him fully. I have no word which can describe him.
So??? What is the charity???? He or Brack??? He or our politician??? He or me????
Don't mind please, I just tried to show you what is the reality. I wanted to nominate here, but he has nothing, neither a website or a office. But I can give a lot of proof. Proffs are cutting of our national dailies.
Thanks
safi
Sorry to say that, I am a Bangladeshi and Brack also based on Bangladesh.
BUT very very sad to say that, it is not a angel charity. I know you will debate with me but I am really so to say that though this organization is our country's organization.
I think you also know about Grameen Bank. Yeah? I think you also will say that this organization also works same as Brack. They also give micro credit loans. And dr. muhammad Unus (Founder of Grameen Bank) won the nobel prize in peace for that. BUT the poor people of our country know this grameen Bank as a Devil organization. They are good at white and Black but not in real.
They give loans without any security well, BUT they take a high amount of interest. We know that they give loans to anyone who is poor,helpless and landless BUT first they must need to open a deposit account in them!!!
Can you say, when I person enable to repay his loan then what they do?? I know, I saw, then their workers are being devil. They don't left their home until the person repay his amount of that days. Then how they pay? Then they usually lend to someone or sell their goods. I know it is very rude to hear but it is very true.
I can't see their any non-profitable program. They have micro-credit program,private university,college,company and many other program BUT all are profitable.
I can prove my all speech just by a video or lots of Images. What are they? I forgot to tell that my mother also took some loans from grameen bank and Brack. Now we are in City but just a year ago, we were in village and saw a lot of villagers to say "The Devil organization". Again saying their policy is very very very good to read and tell BUT in real they aren't.
I have no, video recorder and you will not realize the speech of our (Bangla.) But I have a PMP so I can pick many many photos of credits books/loan paying books to prove how they take interest.
Note: Phillpy, please please don't mind for this comment. Its not your fault, you just missed the reality. If you want to work for humanity then first we should be a human may they founder of Brack and Greameen Bank are human but their officers and organization is not so. So phillpy please don't mind. If you have any Bangladeshi friend or people who lives in villages and know about Brack then ask then what is the reality.
Sorry, for my poor English. I had manything to you you, to say all conscious people but I can't express myself finely. Anyway,
Thanks
safi
This is a fabulous resource. In 2005 I was sent spiraling into the single mom world in the blink of an eye. As one of thousands of mothers trying to get by with no child support, it was a huge challange. I went to the internet to try and find resources. This site has merchants who work with single parents, a magazine with stories of other single parents, and much support for single parents to realize that they are not alone out there. Anyone out there that is or ever has been a single parent knows how much an organization like this deserves all of the help they can get. Please vote for us!!!!!
"We are an Organization of Chapters: Single moms and custodial dads throughout the United States who get together for fun functions, network with and support each other!
Divorced for nearly five years, Spencer Betz knows first hand the trials, tribulations and hardships, both financial and emotional, that comes with being a single parent. Her daughter, just seventeen months old at the time she and her husband divorced, became the focus of her life and after more than four years, Spencer recognized the fact that her world had become small, very small. She felt alone.
In late November 1998, Spencer was invited to join first a Rotary Club and then a Optimist Club. She declined both invitations informing both inviting organizations that if she were ever going to "do" something, she would do something for single moms.
There are groups who help the homeless, and that's a good thing, the homeless need help. There are groups who help veterans and children, both very worthy causes. There are even groups who save the whales. But where's a group that helps single moms? Spencer got on her soapbox and began carrying the word that single moms have the hardest job in the world and they deserve a break. People listened.
Within three weeks Spencer did "do" something. She went to a local auto dealership, North County Ford of Vista and asked if would they give single moms a well deserved break and pay t
www.singlemoms.org
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M$
FIND THE CHILDREN
What do you do if your child goes missing in Santa Monica, Los Angeles county, or the United States?
Find the Children can help with all free services and professional staff and partners. Find the Children is a Santa Monica charity that is dedicated to helping prevent, educate and reconcile abducted children with their families locally and across the nation.
Rooted in the community, Find the Children coordinates the Child Abduction Task Force for Los Angeles county. They work in partnership with local schools, law enforcement, and volunteers as well as coordinate volunteers nationally. They have a child abduction searchable database, free ticker of missing children for websites and desktops, and participate in various preventive programs listed and linked below such as a free vendor sticker program.
QUOTES ABOUT FIND THE CHILDREN:
"Find the Children is a non-profit corporation dedicated to the recovery of missing children and to the prevention of the abuse and endangerment of children."
"Find the Children is the coordinating agency for the Child Abduction Task Force, a multi-agency team sponsored by the Inter-Agency Council for Child Abuse and Neglect (ICAN)."
"The Child Abduction Task Force serves children from Los Angeles County who are recovered from a stranger /non-family or parental abduction and the families with whom they are reunited."
"Linda Otto Landsburg founded Find the Children 25 years ago. It was the first non-profit charity dedicated to the prevention and recovery of ABDUCTED CHILDREN in the western United States."
http://www.findthechildren.com/about.html
FIND THE CHILDREN PROGRAMS:
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Find the children has been teaching elementary school children and parents about stranger safety since 1999 in Los Angeles schools reaching more than 676,425 children.
http://www.findthechildren.com/outreach.htm
MISSING CHILDREN DATABASE
Alphabetical listing with photo or age progressed photo, date of birth, date abducted, and contact information if you have any information about them.
http://www.findthechildren.com/a_b.html
with search form by fields
http://www.findthechildren.com/cgi-bin/Database_search/db_search.cgi?setup_file=missingkids.setup.cgi
and alerts of most urgent/recent cases
http://www.findthechildren.com/child_alert.html
WHAT PARENTS CAN DO: SAFETY TIPS & EDUCATIONAL GAME FOR PARENTS TO TEACH THEIR CHILDREN
Teaches parents how to teach children about abduction prevention
http://www.findthechildren.com/parentcorner.html
KIDS CORNER
Interactive game with prizes teaching children about personal safety.
http://www.findthechildren.com/parentcorner.html
TEACHERS CORNER
"Did you know that more children are killed each year during parental abductions than stranger abductions?"
and other tips for the teacher to help prevent child abduction
http://www.findthechildren.com/teacherscorner.html
FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT
"Did you know that 99% of all abductions in the United States are parental." and other tips, checklists, and contact organizations.
http://www.findthechildren.com/law.html
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
120 out of 18,000 awards by the President in 2008 were for volunteers with Find The Children - a great achievement!!!
"2008 organizers also announced that this year, a record 18,000 President’s were given out of 18,000, 120 of Find the Children Volunteers were awarded."
http://www.findthechildren.com/vol.html
VENDOR PROGRAM
Vending machine companies can place stickers of missing children on their machines.
"One in seven missing children is found because someone recognizes the child’s photo and alerts authorities."
http://www.findthechildren.com/vending.htm
FREE ONLINE DISCUSSION FORUM
http://www.findthechildren.com/vending.htm
CHARITY EVENTS
Find the Children participates in charity events for fundraising like the current matching donations contest for golfing charity ticket sales.
http://www.findthechildren.com/charity.htm
CONTACT INFO:
Find the Children
2656 29th Street
Suite 203
Santa Monica, CA 90405
tel: (310) 314-3213
EIN: 95-3822577
CONTACT INFO:
http://www.findthechildren.com/contactus.html
WEBSITE:
http://www.findthechildren.com/
WHY SHOULD MAHALOIANS VOTE FOR THIS CHARITY?
1. This charity is struggling. A donation WILL make a difference.
http://www.charitynavigator.org/ Shows they had deficits of
$46,568 in 2006, $23,480 in 2007 and $1,521 in 2008
Based on projections a Mahalo donation could make the difference between deficit and breaking even for this year! Why donate to large charities with wealthy balance sheets where Mahalo is just another unknown, faceless donor? You can even deliver the cheque to the Santa Monica headquarters with all your staff and maybe find other ways to partner with them to help - these are YOUR neighbors in town helping keep YOUR children safe!
2. This is a Santa Monica charity that helps "Education, prevention, recovery" of missing children locally & nationally.
"All of the services we provide to the community are free of charge, and YOU make this possible. 100% of the donations made directly to Find The Children go towards our programs." http://www.findthechildren.com/donations.html
This charity will make a difference in children's lives who through no fault of their own need help. This is a very worthy cause and a chance for Mahalo to show real local AND national community spirit. Do you really want this organization to cut their programs to save children if one more child can be saved? Maybe one day one of YOUR children will thank you for this donation!
3. Find the Children is doing an excellent job and very important work!
"Find the Children currently has 378 cases of missing children. As the coordinating agency for the ICAN Child Abduction Task Force, we have recovered 102 cases of missing children, which sets a record, this year."
They have a free website and desktop live ticker with the latest missing children amber alerts.
http://www.findthechildren.com/about.html
4. Mahalo is currently homeless.
Mahalo lives and works in Santa Monica but is only involved in the local corner coffee shop and Tesla Motors open houses. Not a great profile.
Mahalo does not exist on the local community service radar, nor the national one currently. This needs to change. Find the Children is the perfect charity to start a community service footprint both in Santa Monica, Los Angeles County and also nationally where most of Mahalo users are located. This charity is of real benefit to everyone in the United States that has or knows any children and any child can change the future of our world today - we need all the help we can get. This is also a needy charity that is struggling, and that is small enough for Mahalo to make a real difference to their services. 100 percent of all direct donations are promised for use in services.
This will finally give Mahalo a warm home in the hearts of all Mahalo users and their families, and anyone that hears about Mahalo and what they stand for!
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
Their donations link - it is located also halfway down the home page
http://www.findthechildren.com/donations.html
Kiva Spirit Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit company, is dedicated to low-cost health and educational services which promote a whole-body approach to wellness. We provide therapy, hypnosis, hypnotherapy, and nutritional consulting to help heal a wide range of emotional, physical, spiritual and relationship issues.
Why select my organization for this donation?
1) During these difficult financial times, there are individuals and families who are having severe mental and behavioral problems who cannot afford to get help. Of course, getting mental health services directly improves the community at-large.
2) Most of you know me. Donating money would not be to a faceless organization, but one that you actually know the executive director. You'll know that I will use this money for its intended purpose and, if you'd like, I'll even let you know exactly how this money has helped.
3) This donation would mean MUCH more to a smaller organization that to a larger one.
You can find out more about the organization (and make a direct donation with PayPal) at:
http://www.kivaspirit.org
The PayPal donation button is at the bottom of the main page. And, while you're there, take the free Personality Questionnaire (http://www.kivaspirit.org/Counseling/persintro.html) or listen to one of the great interviews/Podcasts with mental health professionals (http://www.kivaspirit.org/blog/?cat=27).
If you have any questions, feel free to ask!
Thanks a bunch! And take care!
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
Ummm... no @xds. Not unless you know something I don't...
You might be thinking of the other Kiva non-profit. (I had my name first.)
Excellent charity DrMatt!, also endorsed by former president Clinton if i remember correctly ?
This morning was my first day of volunteering to help out with the cats in my local PetSmart. I am still overwhelmed... The thought of any of those precious cats being euthanized just because they don't have a home is beyond my comprehension. Fortunately, that won't happen to the cats I bonded with today but there are so many others out there who are not as fortunate.
http://www.petsmartcharities.org/donate/index.php Donate to PetSmart
Check out the "Unconditional Love" video on their site! http://www.petsmartcharities.org/index.php
This is an issue that any Mahaloan with a pet can relate to. Just thinking about the unconditional love of your pets how can you not want to help others who are not so fortunate?
There are so many worthy charities that help people and animals in need. I'm thankful that Mahaloans will get a chance to contribute to one of them!
I'm also thankful that I do not have to make the choice! ;-)
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
The edit feature is not working on some of my posts! Let me try this again...
Donate to PetSmart
Unconditional Love
(I'm lost without being able to edit! Look at the time of the original question and then my post...how could I have answered 3 hours before the question was asked? LOL )
DonorsChoose.org list request from teachers, librairians and others on their site who are in need of supplies for something. Philanthropists can then pick which school they would like to help. I think it would be a great idea to not just make this a Thanksgiving thing but something that will last a life time for many children and educaters alike.
Mahalo could pick a request that equals what is being offered to donate. If it is less then the offered amount the remaining funds could be used to either help another school or given to DonorsChoose.org to help where needed.
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
From the MS website:
Multiple sclerosis (or MS) is a chronic, often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system (CNS), which is made up of the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. Symptoms may be mild, such as numbness in the limbs, or severe, such as paralysis or loss of vision.
I'll have to say, I'm partial to this one because my father has had it for 30+ years and thanks to the research support, he's still walking.
However, I think every well-intentioned charity needs the help, way to go Mahalo.
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
But hopefully, CRY foundation is helping these children to grow up properly.
Donation link:
http://www.cry.org/mainapp/shop/donation.aspx
I think only children, if properly educated, can become the main strength for a country.
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
"Deutsches Haus is a Public Charity as defined in the Internal Revenue Code Section 501 (c) (3). All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law."
The main purpose of the Deutsches Haus is to maintain and inform about German heritage, particularly here in Louisiana. However, it also serves to help German immigrants and visitors, and has done so since 1928. In fact, the predecessor organizations date to the 1840's.
Now you may wonder why the Haus needs contributions. If you guessed Hurricane Katrina you are wrong. The hurricane clobbered the Haus;; but, the members put in money and sweat and the public attended the Oktoberfests in record numbers. So the Haus has recovered completely and is better than ever.
Just in time to be flattened by the !@#$!#@$ politicians who plan to level the whole neighborhood to build a giant medical complex. The debate about the medical complex can be read about in the local papers, there are arguments on both sides about the size, need, and location. But the bottom line is that the Haus is going to get demolished after being there for 81 years and needs to buy or build again elsewhere. And that means the Haus needs some help.
There is a lot of further information on their web site.
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M$turkey
I’ve been trying to think of ways to give back. I feel very blessed to have this community and to be able to support myself doing something I love. On Thanksgiving, I will be celebrating with my family in a warm house amid laughter and good food. Many families won’t be so lucky. I’m not rich and don’t have huge amounts of money to spare, but I’m fortunate. Beginning now, and until Thanksgiving, I will pay .05 to the Community Food Bank of NJ every time an article in the FWJ network receives a retweet. I know, that doesn’t sound like a lot but I believe every little bit helps.
Now, you don’t have to do a thing but click the Retweet button when someone in this network puts up a new blog post. However, I would be grateful if you would consider making a donation of your own -either to the Community Food Bank of NJ or your own favorite charity. People are going hungry, folks, and we can help.
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M$My money will be going to the Marion Medical Mission. Though it was started as an evangelical mission, their primary objective has been to take medicine and shallow water wells to Malawi, one of the most impoverished nations on earth. The mission installed 2000 wells in 2009 to help the people get clean water so they will quit dying from dyssentery and other preventable illnesses.
Most importantly, to me personally, is that every dime given to the Marion Medical Mission is used to buy supplies that are delivered to Malawi and the other Africa nations that the mission serves. Doctors go to spend grueling hours doing surgeries in barbaric conditions and pay for their own trip. Most of them use their luggage to pack more supplies for the mission. Not one dime is spent on postage, fund-raising or staff expenses. When the founder goes to Malawi, he buys his own ticket. When the farmers go to teach the people of Malawi about irrigation, they buy their own tickets, pay their own way.
The scope of a difference the mission makes is amazing and while they are all religious people doing this, they do not push their religion on the people they serve. they operate several mission hospitals, a school for the deaf, and build and maintain wells for drinking water.
http://marionmedical.org/
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
-quote-
"Dynamic Teen Company (DTC) is a group of concerned young people with a mission of making a small yet significant difference in other people’s lives, particularly the small children in slum areas who have no access to education, basic hygiene and sometimes, even love from their families. The group was founded in August 1997 by four teenagers from Cavite National High School. The initial group made up of around 20 members started as a friendship club which aimed to divert the attention of students from joining violent gangs and notorious fraternities that were thriving on the campus. Their major platform then was to cater youth awareness projects, talent and self development activities, and community services. Today, the group holds different activities to address these issues.
The fruits of their labor are slowly being reaped as former drug users and petty thieves who were reformed through their projects are now also serving as volunteers. Former scavengers are now in school and are helping to raise funds. Some of the children who remain unschooled are now able to read and write. DTC was able to reach thousands of children through their Mind Your Rights (MY RIGHTS) campaign and through their health-literacy work.
CLUB 8586 CENTER
1177 J. Felipe Blvd.
Caridad, Cavite City
Philippines 4100
Tel No: +6346.431.8586"
-end of quote-
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
All these other charities are great but they also have alot of people donating to them. I am just saying that we should have a place to nominate benefactors -maybe limit it to about 25-50- and vote to give the money.
The people nominated should have a real need and should fall through the cracks of normal help.
For example: I have a client who is an older woman (86) who only gets 500 monthly for SSI. She gets food stamps but not much. She has the hardest time paying her electric bill because here in Mississippi, the cost is through the roof. She has grown children, but none of them offer to help her when she needs it. This woman is the kindest I have ever met and would really appreciate the help even if it only came once.
personal experience
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
Thanks for the information. I'll drop him a note.
Hi ashasekayi,
This has come up a few times before. There is currently no method in the system for this. The best thing to do is send a direct question to @lon and ask him about it. But the Mahalo staff is under a heavy workload so it may be difficult.
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
This is really awesome! I can't think of 3 better charities!