Season of Giving - Nominations for Charities

[pixy0stix]

It looks like enough of us are in to move to the next step: Nominating Charities

Here's what that entails:

1. You must work with, or be able to work closely with, the charity that is chosen. Last year we had a charity in mind, and they never responded. Another awesome charity was chosen.

2. You have to be willing to be the point person for collecting donations of $ through paypal and/or items from an Amazon wish list. Remember that we are like herding cats, and you will probably field a lot of questions from us.

3. The charity has to be a reputable one, and preferably non-religious based. If it is religious based, please make sure that it is a non-proselytizing one.


I think we had also included non-charities, such as if no one worked with a charity people were willing to go pull a couple of tags off their local Angel Tree. 

We'll keep nominations up until Monday. At which point we will vote on which charity to sponsor.

Thank you everyone! I love this board so much.

[bimbi284]

I haven't participated in the past. What are the parameters for selecting charities? Are there certain other qualifications as to the type of work they do and what donation money would go toward besides no religious affiliation?

I have an org that I want to nominate but want to be sure it is the right fit.

[pixy0stix]

Nov 19, 2014 23:04:19 GMT -5 bimbi284 said:

I haven't participated in the past. What are the parameters for selecting charities? Are there certain other qualifications as to the type of work they do and what donation money would go toward besides no religious affiliation?

I have an org that I want to nominate but want to be sure it is the right fit.

I should have included that. In general, this is to help people to have a nice holiday season. A giant virtual Angel Tree if you will. It can be families, it can be children, it can be teenagers, etc.

sushi - How many kids received gifts last year? 13? 15? I can't remember.

[KB]

I love that we are doing this again. Love!

[sushi]

Nov 19, 2014 23:09:02 GMT -5 pixy0stix said:

Nov 19, 2014 23:04:19 GMT -5 bimbi284 said:

I haven't participated in the past. What are the parameters for selecting charities? Are there certain other qualifications as to the type of work they do and what donation money would go toward besides no religious affiliation?

I have an org that I want to nominate but want to be sure it is the right fit.

I should have included that. In general, this is to help people to have a nice holiday season. A giant virtual Angel Tree if you will. It can be families, it can be children, it can be teenagers, etc.

sushi - How many kids received gifts last year? 13? 15? I can't remember.

More! I'm sure I have the spreadsheet somewhere still. But we fulfilled everything (h and I waited to see what came in and fulfilled the rest along with those who donated cash). No rose art. One person alone purchased a $200 gift which literally made me cry.

I think I counted up a couple thousand in donations which is simply amazing.

[SmartyCat]

I'll toss out a nomination: Friends of Youth in the greater Seattle area. They're reputable (around since 1951), non-religious as far as I can tell, and they serve older kids who are sometimes overlooked. They are a certified safe place (in King County, you can get on a Metro bus and tell them you need a safe place, and they will take you to one), and just added more residential homes.

Website link below; they usually put out a holiday wish list for gifts but they also have a standing wish list in the "Support us" section under in-kind gifts.

www.friendsofyouth.org/default.aspx

[SmartyCat]

If Friends of Youth is chosen, I will be glad to be the point person and work with them. Also glad to answer questions, with the caveat that my online time is evenings and weekends - I can't log in from the office - so response time may be slower than some would like.

[stealthmom]

I just met with my counselors today and we have 30 homeless students for whom I'd like to send home a bag of food and maybe some extras over winter break. It's small potatoes compared to what we did for Kid's Hurt Too last year but if there is room for two groups my students fit the criteria. I am still going to ask our staff for donations but it's way more students than I originally envisioned buying for.

[sushi]

Nov 20, 2014 2:11:57 GMT -5 stealthmom said:

I just met with my counselors today and we have 30 homeless students for whom I'd like to send home a bag of food and maybe some extras over winter break. It's small potatoes compared to what we did for Kid's Hurt Too last year but if there is room for two groups my students fit the criteria. I am still going to ask our staff for donations but it's way more students than I originally envisioned buying for.

You can count me in for a donation regardless what the board chooses.

I think pixy's guidelines are excellent. I know my charity was a last minute 2nd choice,but because I knew them so well they really worked with me. They literally came to my house on Dec 23 to pick up the last of the donations and deliver them. Part of that is local aloha, but part is just my connection to the people.

[WOT?*]

stealthmom - I would like to donate to your Backpacks for Kids program.

SmartyCat - I'll gladly help you with the donations and whatever else you need as a secondary point person. There is a similar group here in Snohomish County that I am somewhat familiar with called Cocoon House (http://www.cocoonhouse.org/index), which I would like to nominate as a secondary beneficiary. (I was going to nominate Fostering Together (www.fosteringtogether.org) which works with and supports foster families in our region. Can I nominate two?   More than two?  Of the two, my primary would be Cocoon House although I work more closely with Fostering Together, because I think the need is greater there.)

And for the knitters, crocheters and quilters, there is Project Linus that is always in need of blankets for children.  I don't intend to nominate them but I would like to promote them as worthy organization to whom you might consider donating those "extra" projects.  Our local DSHS/CPS office collects for moms and kids in need to pick up blankets.   projectlinus.org/

[eclaires]

I'm so excited! I love the idea of helping older kids, fwiw. I think they get left out a lot.

[secretlyevil]

I'm so glad this is happening again! Makes me all warm and fuzzy.

[IIOY]

Nov 20, 2014 9:00:28 GMT -5 eclaires said:

I'm so excited! I love the idea of helping older kids, fwiw. I think they get left out a lot.

I agree.  When we did our tree angels earlier this month, I purposefully picked out the oldest kids I could find on the tree.

[redheadbaker]

Nominating Cradles to Crayons, an organization with locations in Philadelphia and Boston. I don't volunteer with them, but I do donate to them regularly, and would be happy to be a point person for them.

The org has been around for 12 years, providing the basics for children from birth to age 12, including baby gear, diapers, toys, clothing, school supplies and more. Charity Navigator gives them a four-star rating. They are a registered 501(c)3. They are not religiously affiliated.

They hold "stuff the backpack" drives in September for school supplies, a winter coat drive, and more.

What We Need

Clothing, sizes newborn - 14/16 (youth)
Winter boots, sneakers, and sandals (infant/child sizes 0–13 and youth/adult sizes 1–10)
Winter coats, sizes newborn - 14/16 (youth)
Hats, gloves, scarves
Fall/Spring jackets, sizes newborn - 14/16 (youth)
New socks and underwear
Books, especially baby board books and chaper books for children ages 10-12
New arts and crafts/school supplies
Baby crib & bassinette bedding (no bumpers, please)
Baby carriers (sling, Bjorn, Snuggli, etc.)
Diaper Bags
Diapers
Baby equipment, especially strollers, pack-n-plays and car seats (car seats must be less than 5 years old)
Other items we accept: high chairs, baby swings/rockers, baby bouncy seats, baby bath tubs
No cribs, please
Baby safety equipment (gates, bed rails, outlet covers, cabinet locks, etc.)
New baby hygiene supplies
Batteries, especially AA and C

What We Can’t Accept

ADULT CLOTHING sizes M, L, XL+
Due to the recent drop‐side crib recall, we are no longer accepting cribs of any kind
Stuffed animals
Car seats older than five years or that have been in an accident
DVDs/CDs/VHS tapes/computer games
Furniture
Room decor
Religious books/toys, including Christmas/Easter/Hannukah/Kwanzaa related items
Books about families (“I Love Mommy,” “Daddy and I”)
Underwear or socks out of its package or that are used
Used bathing suits
High-heeled shoes and shoes that are not in great condition
Soccer cleats
Clothing that is stained, torn, or has family writing ("mommy", "daddy", etc.)
Military related or violent toys/games (no guns of any type)
Oversized plastic play toys (please no toys larger than 24 inches)
Large backyard toys, slides, swings, baby pools, and structures
Used hygiene products
Baby food
Breast feeding supplies
Used arts and crafts/school supplies

[feistypants]

Nov 20, 2014 2:11:57 GMT -5 stealthmom said:

I just met with my counselors today and we have 30 homeless students for whom I'd like to send home a bag of food and maybe some extras over winter break. It's small potatoes compared to what we did for Kid's Hurt Too last year but if there is room for two groups my students fit the criteria. I am still going to ask our staff for donations but it's way more students than I originally envisioned buying for.

Please let me know how to help.

[downtoearth]

This is sweet, I am working with our local teenaged-parent home, but can't be a point person this year for a bigger effort. I'm happy to join in wherever we chose to help.

As for the backpacks of food for the kids, stealthmom, seriously, please just set up a paypal account or direct us to yours and I think a lot of us will be able to donate some money for your shopping trip and backpack purchases.

[LoveTrains]

Nov 20, 2014 9:39:44 GMT -5 redheadbaker said:

Nominating Cradles to Crayons, an organization with locations in Philadelphia and Boston. I don't volunteer with them, but I do donate to them regularly, and would be happy to be a point person for them.

The org has been around for 12 years, providing the basics for children from birth to age 12, including baby gear, diapers, toys, clothing, school supplies and more. Charity Navigator gives them a four-star rating. They are a registered 501(c)3. They are not religiously affiliated.

They hold "stuff the backpack" drives in September for school supplies, a winter coat drive, and more.

What We Need

Clothing, sizes newborn - 14/16 (youth)
Winter boots, sneakers, and sandals (infant/child sizes 0–13 and youth/adult sizes 1–10)
Winter coats, sizes newborn - 14/16 (youth)
Hats, gloves, scarves
Fall/Spring jackets, sizes newborn - 14/16 (youth)
New socks and underwear
Books, especially baby board books and chaper books for children ages 10-12
New arts and crafts/school supplies
Baby crib & bassinette bedding (no bumpers, please)
Baby carriers (sling, Bjorn, Snuggli, etc.)
Diaper Bags
Diapers
Baby equipment, especially strollers, pack-n-plays and car seats (car seats must be less than 5 years old)
Other items we accept: high chairs, baby swings/rockers, baby bouncy seats, baby bath tubs
No cribs, please
Baby safety equipment (gates, bed rails, outlet covers, cabinet locks, etc.)
New baby hygiene supplies
Batteries, especially AA and C

What We Can’t Accept

ADULT CLOTHING sizes M, L, XL+
Due to the recent drop‐side crib recall, we are no longer accepting cribs of any kind
Stuffed animals
Car seats older than five years or that have been in an accident
DVDs/CDs/VHS tapes/computer games
Furniture
Room decor
Religious books/toys, including Christmas/Easter/Hannukah/Kwanzaa related items
Books about families (“I Love Mommy,” “Daddy and I”)
Underwear or socks out of its package or that are used
Used bathing suits
High-heeled shoes and shoes that are not in great condition
Soccer cleats
Clothing that is stained, torn, or has family writing ("mommy", "daddy", etc.)
Military related or violent toys/games (no guns of any type)
Oversized plastic play toys (please no toys larger than 24 inches)
Large backyard toys, slides, swings, baby pools, and structures
Used hygiene products
Baby food
Breast feeding supplies
Used arts and crafts/school supplies

I am familiar with this organization in Boston and I think they do really good work. 

[stealthmom]

Nov 20, 2014 11:01:20 GMT -5 downtoearth said:

This is sweet, I am working with our local teenaged-parent home, but can't be a point person this year for a bigger effort. I'm happy to join in wherever we chose to help.

As for the backpacks of food for the kids, stealthmom, seriously, please just set up a paypal account or direct us to yours and I think a lot of us will be able to donate some money for your shopping trip and backpack purchases.

ok. Tonight when I get home from work I'll put up the paypal address. You guys are awesome. Thanks so much.

[jln]

Nov 20, 2014 1:35:17 GMT -5 SmartyCat said:

I'll toss out a nomination: Friends of Youth in the greater Seattle area. They're reputable (around since 1951), non-religious as far as I can tell, and they serve older kids who are sometimes overlooked. They are a certified safe place (in King County, you can get on a Metro bus and tell them you need a safe place, and they will take you to one), and just added more residential homes.

Website link below; they usually put out a holiday wish list for gifts but they also have a standing wish list in the "Support us" section under in-kind gifts.

www.friendsofyouth.org/default.aspx

This is a great idea.  I'd be happy to help if this is chosen as I'm in the area. 

[twotrue]

**I edited the post to share more of the story just provided to me.**

I work for Wildwood Programs .  We serve individuals with developmental disabilities such as Autism and Down's Syndrome.  We support people starting at age 5 and remain with them throughout their life.  We have a school, residential services, employment services, adult education, workforce development, recreation, and what seems like a million other things.

I am the Assistant Director of our Foundation and just this morning received a call from one of our social workers looking for assistance for two families.  The church that has helped these families in the past is now requiring that the people they help be members of their congregation. 
Here is a quick synopsis:

Family 1 -  This is a two parent family, both have disabilities.  The mother has some mental health issues but was previously working at a daycare.  Due to an unexpected pregnancy (the baby was just born) she is not able currently work at the daycare.  She wants to work and is looking for place that might fit her need (social concerns + location + time).  The father has social anxiety issues but picks up jobs as a construction worker whenever possible but the jobs are few and far between.  He was staying at home with their one year old while mom worked so that they didn't have a daycare bill.  With the exception of her father they have no family in the state and a very small support system.  They do not have a vehicle and 80% of their income goes to rent.

They have a newborn baby girl, a 1y/o boy, a 7y/o girl, a 10 y/o girl and a 12y/o girl.

The 10 year old is in our school program here at Wildwood.  The social worker says that this family will have nothing for the holidays without the support of an outside organization. 


Family 2 - This is a single parent with two children living at home - a 16 y/o girl and 9y/o boy - and a 19 year old son whom lives with the grandmother.  The 16 year old has a disability that keeps her from going to public school.  The mother currently stays home with the daughter, trying to home school her and get her GED finished.  The daughter would like to attend cosmetics school once her GED is complete.  The 9 year old boy receives some services from Wildwood for his learning disability, but he currently able to attend public school.  The only income in this home right now is public assistance.


The social worker is looking for any and all help that someone can provide.  Christmas trees, a holiday dinner, clothes and toys, etc.

Obviously if these families are chosen by the board I can coordinate the activities and will work with the social worker to create a wish list of needs and wants.

[katfco]

I would love to do some kind of luggage drive for foster children, but it's not some thing I'm personally involved in.

[pescalita]

Nov 20, 2014 12:01:43 GMT -5 twotrue said:

I work for Wildwood Programs .  We serve individuals with developmental disabilities such as Autism and Down's Syndrome.  We support people starting at age 5 and remain with them throughout their life.  We have a school, residential services, employment services, adult education, workforce development, recreation, and what seems like a million other things.

I am the Assistant Director of our Foundation and just this morning received a call from one of our social workers looking for assistance for two families.  Here is a quick synopsis:

Family 1 - Both parents have disabilities and are unable to work.  There are 5 children living at home with ages ranging from a newborn to 12 years old.  One of the children also has a disability and receives services from us.  The family has nothing.  In the past the social worker was able to work with a local church to give this family a small Christmas, but this year the church is requiring that the people they give to be members of their church.  We've applied to Toys for Tots for the kids but don't know if they will be choosen.

Family 2 - This is a single parent with two children living at home - ages 16 and 9 - and a 19 year old whom lives with the grandmother. Both the 9  and 19 year old receives services from us.

The social worker is looking for any and all help that someone can provide.  Christmas trees, a holiday dinner, clothes and toys, etc.

Obviously if these families are chosen by the board I can coordinate the activities.  I've asked the social worker to send me a more detailed list of needs and specifics about the children and parents.

ETA: More specifics on ages.  Family 1 - newborn girl, 1y boy, 7y girl, 10y girl, 12y girl.  Family 2 - 9y boy, 16y girl, 19y boy.

Say what now? Oh I do believe this is pretty perfect for us, gals. 

[imimahoney]

I hope it's ok if a lurker nominates a charity.

My high school has a class called Peer Leaders. During the holiday season they collect money and donations for all family in and around our town (north of Boston) who can not afford to buy gifts or holiday type food for the holiday season. The program is 100% run by our school program which was created in part with the ADL. They rely solely on donations and often fall very short of their goals and wish lists.

You can read more about it here: www.shspeerleaders.org/holiday-drive.html

Please feel free to ask me any questions.

[anonymous]

I want to donate to all of these charities.


I have personally been involved and donated to this charity, which provides services to abused children. They often are in needs of snacks for kids who go there for a safe place, shoes, clothes, school supplies, etc. treehousemd.org/ I could reach out to see if they have specific needs but they have been clear that healthy snacks are always an issue and receiving snack donations allows them to use their resources in other ways (they note that one such way is to pay for transportation for kids to come to the treehouse who might not have another way to come-they never turn down a ride request). With them I could set up a amazon snack wish list.

[secretlyevil]

Nov 20, 2014 8:40:32 GMT -5 WOT?* said:

   projectlinus.org/

I want to start a craft circle or something and work on blankets for this.

[stealthmom]

WOT?* feistypants downtoearth here is my paypal address:

[e-mail]

Thanks so much for any help you can give. Many of these children are not just homeless but living on the streets. The bags will be tailor made for each student based upon their living/family situation. I am so completely excited about this. YAY!

[Dumbledork]

Can we add a link in the op to one of the final threads from last year so newbs can see the awesomeness and how it worked? Wasn't there a thread with pictures?

ETA: Page 6 has pictures. pandce.proboards.com/thread/262892/got-list?page=6

[secretlyevil]

Awwww, those pictures are fabulous and bring back the awesomeness.

[ijack]

Nov 22, 2014 6:47:09 GMT -5 stealthmom said:

WOT?* feistypants downtoearth here is my paypal address:

[e-mail]

Thanks so much for any help you can give. Many of these children are not just homeless but living on the streets. The bags will be tailor made for each student based upon their living/family situation. I am so completely excited about this. YAY!

This breaks my heart
I'll send some money as well.

[stealthmom]

THANK YOU to those of you who have donated to my students. I have sent PMs to confirm donations to those who have shared their screen names. I have received $190 so far!