SISARINA SPEAKS

The Children's Law Center! They're my fave because the provide top quality legal services to families that otherwise could not afford them. They focus on building a solid foundation of family, health and education. The 75 person staff represents over 1,200 families annually by focusing on children who are impoverished, abused and neglect, in foster care, and with special education and health care needs. The website is www.childrenslawcenter.org

Here are ways in which others can help CLC:
1.Donate. 88 cents of every dollar donated goes straight to our programs. Gifts can be made through our website at https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=childrenslaw&id=1
2.Volunteer. Help out at our office throughout the year.
3.Take a pro bono case. For lawyers interested in taking on a case pro bono, contact Evelyn Becker at ebecker@childrenslawcenter.org.
4.Donate an old laptop or computer. Many of our older clients who are planning on college in the fall ask for laptops during the year. Some parents also ask for computers for their homes. We clear out the donated computers and refurbish them.
5.Donate clothing, books, or toys. We collect donations throughout the year for our clients. Kids books and toys are great, as is winter clothing, things that parents might not be able to buy for their children.
6.Be a Santa in our annual Holiday Hope Drive. Around the holidays every year, donors provide clothing, toys, and gift cards to grocery stores for some of our neediest children and families.

My friends and I were santas this past holiday. It was awesome being able to give to a family who otherwise would have not had gifts.

Thanks!

Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership or HOBY for short changed my life. I have been involved at my local level for nine years now. I love it. Learn more at HOBY.org.

I'd like to share a non-profit that I helped through my company (CorpComm, Inc.) during the holidays in 2009. Safe Harbor Child Advocacy Center of Fredericksburg, VA was selected from employee suggestions and my company and several employees donated money, office supplies and furniture to help this amazing organization. Safe Harbor (www.safeharborva.org) provides a safe place for children that have been the victims of sexual abuse, severe physical abuse/neglect or have witnessed traumatic violence. Not only to they provide counseling and other resources, they partner with local authorities to obtain the necessary testimony from victims to be used in criminal proceedings. This "Safe Harbor" is a much more comfortable and less scary atmosphere than a hospital or police station for these children. Last I knew, this was a one woman operation at the hands of Pam Garrett, Executive Director (540-891-6280). She may have a new wish list of items, but at the time it included juice packets, water, paper towels, diapers/wipes, and children's books/movies. I'm sure she would be thrilled to hear from anyone willing to help out Safe Harbor.

My favorite non-profit is CCFA - The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America.

I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease at age 13 and have had 4 intestinal surgeries since then. I'm only 29. The disease and treatments have changed my life in ways most people cannot imagine or relate to because it is not a popular cause to champion. Most people suffer in silence. There is no cure for Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.

I have been co-running a local support group with my awesome mom in Fredericksburg VA for going on 3 years. I also participate in the Take Steps Walk every year and have raised over $3,000 total over the last few years.

You can read more about me, and Crohn's disease here: http://fredericksburg.com/News/FLS/2010/012010/01102010/501924/index_html

You can help me raise money for CCFA here: http://online.ccfa.org/goto/carlyrmRVA

Project Create is my favorite non-profit. I must be honest. I was their Executive Director for 7 years. Although I am no longer there, it is truly my favorite for several reasons. 1. They provide much needed youth development opportunities for over 100 of DC's homeless children each year. 2. They use the arts (dance, theatre, fine arts, literary arts, etc) to develop children's self-esteem, communication skills, problem solving skills, and so much more. 3. They provide opportunities that enrich, transform and challenge children and engage the families in creative experiences. 4. They support local artists, who not only share their talents, skills and experiences but serve as mentors and strong, consistent figures in the children's lives.

How you can help: volunteer your time assisting with classes, donate art supplies (and funds - their budget is small but that doesn't stop them from accomplishing a great deal), attend student exhibitions and performances, and attend our annual art auction on April 7, 2011.

For more information visit their website: www.projectcreatedc.org, "like" us on Facebook or follow on twitter (projectcreate)

The National Kidney Foundation of the National Capital Area (NKF-NCA)

This is my favorite charity because they do so much to raise awareness about kidney disease, which is a major health concern in the nation's capital. This area has the highest rate of kidney disease in the nation despite the fact that in many cases it can be prevented. The National Kidney Foundation holds numerous FREE screenings throughout the year to help people identify whether or not they are at risk. Further, they have various educational programs for people living with kidney disease. As a renal social worker, I rely on their grant programs for patients in need and help to manage the disbursement of these funds in a responsible way. Unfortunately, the emergency grants have been drying up quickly over the last few years and donations have been limited.

People can help this wonderful charity by either donating their time or even funds if they have them available.

www.kidneywdc.org

http://www.firstgiving.com/sturge-weber It's my son's "syndrome" that he was born with-, Sturge-Weber Syndrme and it's the Sturge Weber Foundation. He's the Maryland Rep. he's @Psiege1 on Twitter! and a Journalism major at Towson..he's also on Facebook!

Thanks for this opportunity, what a great idea!
I have two non-profits I care deeply about. I'm always reading here to find ideas to help them both.

1. Epilepsy Foundation. I have epilepsy, and this organization is working hard to educate people about epilepsy and work towards a cure. The foundation is at http://www.epilepsyfoundation.com - if you want to donate to my walk March 27, visit http://giving.epilepsyfoundation.org/goto/dcgrrl

2. Girls Rock! DC - This summer camp uses music education to create an inclusive and creative space for girls to develop their self-confidence, build community, and be empowered as future artists and leaders.
After one week of camp, all campers 8-17 are on stage as part of a concert at the 9:30 Club here in DC, playing a song they helped compose. It rocks! Donations are gratefully accepted at the Girls Rock! DC website - http://www.girlsrockdc.org/

Looks like I need to add the web address! www.zerotothree.org. Visit to discover our resources, and to find out how you can support our work.

We focus on the importance of the first three years of life. Everyone knows how adorable little babies are, but not everyone understands the critical importance of the earliest years, or appreciates the amazing capacities of even the littlest children. ZERO TO THREE's mission is to support the health and development of infants and toddlers. We reach out to key audiences - parents, professionals and policy makers - with critical messages, information and resources in support of those whose work impacts very young children and their families. Investments in the early years are investments in our future!

Darfur Peace and Development Organization
501(c)3 Non-Profit

http://www.darfurpeace.org/about-us/annual-reports

Their mission is to provide humanitarian relief to war-affected civilians in Darfur and enable them to rebuild their homeland.

One of their main focuses is the woman's center program. This program serves women and girls in two different camps in North Darfur. These women produce beautifully handcrafted baskets from local grasses & palms. These baskets are sold in the U.S. through the Woman's Peace Collection and the raised funds are used to provide the women of Darfur with the tools they need to learn how to read, write and cook. With this support they are able to strive to rebuild their lives as mothers, peacemakers and community leaders.

I bought two of these baskets last year for my mother & mother in-law for Mother’s Day. They both were very touched because the basket they were holding was individually handcrafted by a women in Darfur.

You too can purchase one of these beautifully unique baskets! Help the women of Darfur today! :)

Link for Basket:
http://www.darfurpeace.org/baskets


YouTube Video on the center and the basket background:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RcJamgics68&feature=player_embedded#

I like a LOT of charities, Goodwill, anything with children, anything that affects microeconomies through small loans... But I love http://modestneeds.org. I love the feeling that I'm helping someone near me, and when I started out without much to give, they had a subsciption plan where you could give as little as $5 a month.