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Tag: charity

  • Operation Smile

    Operation Smile

    *This post sponsored by Campus Book Rentals. Opinions are 100% my own*
    Operation Smile is an international charity that physically changes the life of children around the globe by giving them smiles. Let me quote a portion of their mission statement here – 

    “Operation Smile mobilizes a world of generous hearts to heal children’s smiles and transform lives across the globe.

    We believe that all children deserve to live their lives with dignity. And for those suffering from cleft lip, cleft palate or other facial deformities, dignity begins with a smile.”

    Did you know every 3 minutes a child is born with a cleft, and that 1 in 10 of those won’t live to see their first birthday?  That is simply staggering statistics!  Especially when the knowledge to fix these deformities is here. That is why Operation Smile has been working since 1982 to bring smiles around the world. From in country local training to providing access to free, safe surgeries, Operation Smile is working hard to bring smiles around the world that truly change lives for good. Numbers attest to that at 3.5million patient evaluations and over 200,000 free surgeries performed for those who cannot afford this life changing procedure. 

    College Students Can help!



    What am I talking about? College students can barely afford to eat after buying their textbooks and other essential college materials. Well, guess what, you CAN help out Operation Smile, simply by renting you textbooks from Campus Book Rentals. With every textbook rented, Campus Book Rentals, donates to Operation Smile through their Making A Difference Program. This year, they have committed to donating a MINIMUM of 80 surgeries for cleft deformities. Just reading their simple commitment, I can tell this is a company that truly cares, and wants to see a smile on every child’s face.

    Not only will you be able to get your textbooks for less, Campus Book Rentals has a new Rent Back program, that allows you to rent textbooks you already own through them to other students. This can make you 2-4X as much as buy back options!  Learn more about Campus Book Rentals.

    Share your Smile!

    Providing cleft surgeries makes a Big difference, in a Big way. Spreading smiles does not have to always be so large though. A small smile as you pass someone on your walk to school, giving the cashier a smile and politeness can turn their day around, and the simplest yet often overlooked Smiles that happen in the home can change your every day.  So take a moment today, and smile – because you can!
    *I have been compensated for this post. All opinions are my own. Smile!*

  • To my Childhood and my Children #Compassionbloggers

    *This post is written as a part of Compassion Bloggers Blog Month. In an effort to raise awareness of child poverty, and sponsor children around the world that they can feel love and grow up without worrying about the basic necessities of life.*


    As an adult I often look back to my childhood, and think of things I could have done differently, attitudes I should have changed, and experiences I wish I would have taken the opportunity to have. Hindsight is everything though. The following is a letter to my childhood self, but one that I hope will also help me while raising my own children




    To Self – 
    You have a good attitude, positive about everything and everyone around you. Don’t lose that. But look to yourself. Remind yourself every morning that you are just as important as those around you. It’s ok not to care too much what others think of you, but that shouldn’t stop you from caring for yourself.  Lift up your chin, and have a little more confidence. Confidence shines brighter to everyone around you than timidness. But it’s ok to be timid when trying new things as well. Don’t let that fear hold you back from a new experience. Listen to the adults around you, but take all their different advice to consideration and really weigh those pro’s and cons. Making a decision, especially one that involves money and an experience like traveling Europe, should be made with careful thought and overtime. 
    Also talk to mom and dad. Ask more questions, and listen to their own experiences. No topic is taboo, and you’ll be glad you did. They will too.  
    Finally, remember who you are a Child of God. Our Savior’s love abounds around you. Follow Him, look to those around you to share His gospel, and service. In other words, continue being you. Find more ways to serve, and make it a part of your life now. Watch Mom and remember the examples she set for you, with silent deeds of kindness, and no thought of herself. 
    Sincerely, 
    Your self

    In an effort to follow my mom’s example and one I have set for myself to show my children, I look often for ways to serve. Through kind words and a smile, to sending anonymous gifts to friends in need. I have in turn also been served when we were in need, and gifts of love were left on our doorsteps.  Living in America we have many high tech gadgets, hunger is something we feel the 3-4 hours between breakfast lunch, and we satisfy with a snack. Food is found on every corner, and programs offering help in housing, heat, and food (life’s necessities) are available to those in need.

    With all these available to us, it’s hard to imagine that somewhere out there, a child gets one small meal a day. Mothers are going hungry in favor of feeding their children. Fathers leave to find work and never come home, but rather send the money home to care for their families. But it’s out there. It happens. We can do something about it though!

    Compassion is a beautiful charity I stumbled across one day that sponsors children in poverty around the world. They don’t just focus on their basic needs though, and that’s what I love about them. They focus on their spiritual needs as well. It’s about love. Loving a child you’ve never met, because they are a human being. They have the right to health, and also to love.

    Will you consider Sponsoring a child?
    It’s simple really. Just head over to Compassion, and search the database for a child that calls to you. You aren’t just sending money to these kids. No, you’ll get to write them letters, send photos if you want, and really get to know them, and let them know you. Because this world is a community. We are all human, and that connects us all. We may live far away, but love can be felt by everyone. Who knows you may give them the confidence and means to become a world leader, or even a community organizer that changes their area for the better. 
    I hope you’ll take the time to browse Compassion’s site and see if there is an area you can help in. The smallest bit can make a world of difference!


  • Fashion Friday and Female Veterans

    Fashion Friday and Female Veterans

    *I received a free scarf in exchange for this post. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.*

    For the entire month of September Cents of Style is offering their Stars and Stripes scarf for only $9.95 with the code FALLSCARF.
    BUT in addition to receiving this amazing deal, for every FALLSCARF code used Cents of Style is donating $1 to the female Veterans charity Final Salute Inc.
    Did you know that there are an estimated 55,000 homeless Female Veterans?  Final Salute Inc helps find suitable and stable housing for female veterans. Here at Home Maid Simple, we know how important the home is. You can live anywhere and call it a your house, and you can make any place a home. But being homeless, means no house and no home.  
    I hope you’ll join me and Cents of Style as we support Final Salute Inc with these scarfs that say we’re proud to call America Home, and we believe that all our Veterans should have a safe place to call home as well. 
  • Every Child Deserves a Forever Family #FirstFrosty

    Every Child Deserves a Forever Family #FirstFrosty

    *I was compensated for this post with a gift card to Wendy’s. All opinions are my own*

    I was so excited when The Motherhood asked me to tell you about Wendy’s Fathers Day Frosty Program. What makes a weekend more special with dad, then heading out for some ice cream?  That weekend becomes a little more special when your normal ice cream run also turns into supporting a charitable cause.

    When we received our meals, one of the first things we noticed was the phrase “Every Child Deserves a Forever Family”.  With the purchase of a kids meal, donations are made to the Wendy’s Wonderful Kids program. We hadn’t been to Wendy’s in quite some time, so I was really happy to see a continuous program to help kids get adopted.

    That was just the extra. The real reason we decided to go to Wendy’s is because this Fathers Day Weekend – June 15th-16th – 50cents of every Frosty purchased will be donated to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption benefiting the Wendy’s Wonderful Kids program. I couldn’t think of a better way to enjoy our family time, then helping support a foundation that helps other children get into their forever families.

    We of course had to try one of the new Frosty Waffle Cones, while we were there. It was very yummy, even though I only got a few licks in before this happened….

    Yep, my waffle cone frosty was stolen by my ever adorable (and very allergy congested) 1 year old. He was too cute with it, so I gave in.

    Have you had a frosty before? Do you remember your first frosty?
    For every share on Facebook or Twitter with #FirstFrosty – Wendy’s will donate $1 to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. 
    Giveaway!
    Can I make this Fathers Day a little more special?
    Maybe you’d like to treat Dad to the new Waffle Cone Frosty.
    Enter on the Rafflecopter to win a $5 gift card to Wendy’s
  • The Closet Project {Think About It}

    The Closet Project {Think About It}

    Today I’m throwing a challenge your way. Think about it, and if you feel like helping, act on it!

    While perusing facebook, one of the bloggers I follow – Eat Pray Read Love – sent out a search for help getting the word out about her Closet Project. Normally I love to jump into these little challenges, spread the word, get people motivated at changing their lives. So I was all set to hear more, when the words “human trafficking” bore down on me.

    Can I write about that here? On my nice clean, family friendly blog? I decided, quickly, that yes I could. Because it’s a problem becoming more apparent and talked about right here in America. It’s an ugly problem. One most of us might like to turn a blind eye to.

    Human trafficking.

    Surely not in America. That’s a 3rd world problem. There are charities and missions that go help them.

    And then we turn our heads, close our eyes, and miss that it’s happening right here. 

    The truth of the matter is, it’s all around us. Raising 3 daughters this scares me. So for me, and for them, I will be taking Kelli’s Closet Challenge. 

    What is the challenge?

    Simply put, we are “Paring down to Step up”.  Here’s what Kelli is asking –

    Go through your closets. Pare down. What don’t you wear anymore? Does it fit, will it ever fit again? Do you even like it? 

    Once you have a pile to remove from your closet, you can do two things. Try and sell the clothing and donate the money to an organization that helps stop human Trafficking.  Or donate them to a women’s shelter, or other organization that helps women in need. Step up.

    I will be attempting to sell my clothes, and whatever money I receive I will be donating to the International Rescue Committee.  Not only do they support anti-trafficking, but they also have campaigns to end child soldiers, domestic violence, Refugees, and many other Humanitarian causes across the globe.

    Think About It
    I realize this is probably not what you expected to read here today. It’s not something I thought I’d ever be writing about. But the more we turn a blind eye, the more we are allowing this crime and others like it seep into our homes.

    Human Trafficking is the bottom of the slippery slope. How did we get here? What are we doing to stop it? What are we unintentionally doing to aid it? 

    I can’t answer the first 2 questions I put forth, but the last one I have a pretty good idea. Just look at Hollywood. Have you read about or tried any of the new fad diets? As a teen, did you know someone that would do anything..ANYTHING…just to be liked?  I know I did (know someone that is…)

    How easy would it be to coerce a lonely teen into thinking they were loved, until slowly, they find themselves enslaved. Being pimped out, and unable to get out of it. It is estimated that 100,000 children are trafficked every year, with the average “1st time” age being 13 (source). That’s an average, meaning there are even younger children being exploited! These kids eventually turn into adults that still don’t know how to get out. They need our help!!

    Remember, going down is always easier then going up. So let’s band together and give a helping hand to those effected by human trafficking. We can be the ladder that brings some of these women and children back to the top of the mountain.

    I would love to hear your thoughts on today’s Think About It Thursday. Will you join me in Kelli’s Closet Project?

     If you need help finding a local group to donate to, let me know, and I’ll find one for you.

  • More ways you can Help Newtown, CT

    Earlier this week, I posted a list of different ways you can help through donations to Newtown, CT and the community in the wake of another tragedy.

    Today I’d like to share some more ways you can offer support, and love to help remember those who lost their lives, and the let the community know the nation loves them.

    26 Random Acts of Kindness

    I’ve seen a couple different posts about this. People are committing to do at least 26 Random Acts of Kindess. 1 for each life lost.  For some ideas you can visit Shine Your Light. If you choose to write about your RAK, you can share it on a linky at The Frugalette.

    Snowflakes for Sandy Hook

    This would be a great way to involve your small children in spreading a little Christmas cheer. Sit down, cut out some snowflakes, and send them to the PTSA by January 12. 
    Connecticut PTSA,
    60 Connolly Parkway, Building 12, Suite 103,
    Hamden, CT 06514

    For other actions from Connecticut’s PTSA you can visit their webpage.

    Stricter Gun Laws

    I’m all for the right to bear arms. However I think it needs to be within reason.  I like what Diane from Simple Living and Eating said.
    If you’d like to sgn a petition for common sense gun laws see this one.

    Charities giving aid

    For a list of charities giving aid in the aftermath, and to donate to them, visit here.

  • I’m donating to…. #GivingTuesday

    I’m donating to…. #GivingTuesday

    I have been looking forward to today for quite some time now. We’ve had Thanksgiving and followed it up with Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday.

    Today marks the first and hopefully annual Giving Tuesday. Today we encourage you to get involved and give back. No matter how small, there is something you can do today to give to someone else.

    World Homeless Day

    Here are some ideas to get you started

    • Take your neighbor some home made goodies. Stay and chat.
    • Offer to pick up an elderly’s groceries.
    • Help a mom – hold open the door, push her groceries to her cart, smile at her kids, compliment her mothering.
    • Donate to your favorite charity
    • Pick an angel to help this Christmas

    If you have kids, encourage them to give as well. I find leading by example is the best though. If you are giving, they will want to give too. Enjoy the good feelings you will get as you serve your fellow humans.

    I’ve recently learned about an easy way to donate to your favorite charity, that costs you nothing! 
     
     
    When you sign in to goodsearch you can pick you favorite charity. Then everytime you use Goodsearch to search the internet, a penny is donated to your charity. You do nothing but what you already do – search the internet! 
     
    I signed up this morning, and am donating my searches to the National Alopecia Areata Foundation. You can learn more about why I chose this charity on my Sponsor Page.  It is a cause near and dear to my heart.
     
    In addition to using GoodSearch today, I am also donating a portion of my last months earnings from this blog (approximately $50) to another cause 
     
     
    LDS Charities was established in 1996.  They span all across the world helping in many different areas including Wheelchairs, Clean Water, and Immunizations.  I can’t think of a better way to help people then giving them the things they need to live and grow healthy.  I was recently listening to a couple who had just returned from Cambodia serving a mission with LDS Charities. Did you know that one of the leading causes of death among those unable to walk (in Combodia) are snake bites?  That took me by surprise.  By providing them with wheelchairs, these people can avoid the snakes better, and their quality of life is improved so much. 
     
     
    What will you do today to Give back?
     
    I’d love to hear your ideas.
  • Swim with Friends, Support Pediatric Cancer with #AflacKids

    Swim with Friends, Support Pediatric Cancer with #AflacKids

    Did you know that this year alone, about 12,000 kids will be diagnosed with cancer?  KIDS. That is a scary large number of kids with cancer.
    Thanks to some great companies, parents, doctors, and communities, I believe we will eventually find a cure! For the past 17 years Aflac has been supporting the fight against childhood cancer. 
     
    September is Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month
     
    You can help support pediatric cancer by donating $12 to the Swim with Friends fundraiser from Aflac.  Each $12 donation will buy you a Rubber Duck, and on October 9th there will be a virtual Rubber Duck Race.  If your duck wins, you win a family vacation for 4!

    But the true prize comes from Aflac. For every $12 donation, Aflac will match it. 
     

    SheSpeaksbutton
     
    To get even more involved, come join the Aflac and SheSpeaks Twitter party tonight!
     
    Date: Thursday, September 6th
    Time: 9pm ET
    Custom Tweet Grid: http://bit.ly/MuCM0d
    Hashtag: #AflacKids
    RSVP: http://bit.ly/AflacKids
    Questions? See Twitter Party 101
     
     
    There’s going to be all sorts of fun prizes at the twitter party, so if you have some time to talk about pediatric cancer, and support families going through it, come join us. Plus, and I just love this, Aflac will also be donating $2 to pediatric cancer research for every tweet with the hashtag #AflacKids
     
    Get yourself started and send out a tweet now! Invite your friends and followers to support Pediatric Cancer. Copy this tweet, or create one your own: 
    
    “Join the @AflacDuck and @SheSpeaksUp to support Pediatric Cancer http://tinyurl.com/9xhryq9 #AflacKids”
  • Sunrise and Smiles

    Sunrise and Smiles

    I am in the process of moving. Hanging out at my parents. So in lieu of Menu Plan Monday today, I wanted to share a Snack for kids, that is helping kids in need!

    My Bloggy Friend Eschelle from Mumfection, recently told me about this yummy little treat that is GREAT for school and office lunches that is peanut free, dairy free and even freezable. With so many kids having allergies, and schools making peanut free zones, this snack is awesome!

    So what is it?  Sunrise Soya’s Super Squeezies desert tubes. They have omega-3 DHA in them and are made of soybeans! They taste like pudding tubes and her kids and daycare kids can’t seem to get enough of them. 

    So what is really special about this Vancouver based company?  Well it is the fact that they have given Eschelle a chance to donate a LARGE amount of their product, on their behalf, to her local SMILE program and the families there. SMILE is an organization and support group for young parents in the Vancouver area from ages 13-24. Many of the families in the program have dairy and peanut allergies, so this snack is perfect for them!  There are also no preservatives, another concern of many parents these days.  
    Delicious, good for you, allergy friendly, and two great flavors (strawberry banana, and chocolate fudge) make these a great addition to your grocery list. Even a treat that as a mom you’ll be sneaking around trying to eat so you don’t have to share with the kidlets. 

    As a thank you to a great company trying to do well by its community we wanted to spread the goodness of this yummy health focused snack. Nothing better than seeing a company give back in the yummiest way possible!

    If you want more information on the Sunrise Soya Company you can check them out at the following places:
    http://www.sunrise-soya.com/
    https://twitter.com/SunriseTofu
    http://www.facebook.com/SunriseTofu
    Vancouver specific page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sunrise-Soya-Foods/131878086857930

  • Charity Hopping Around the World – Giveaway

    Charity Hopping Around the World – Giveaway

    Welcome to the Charity Hopping Around the World Event
    Hosted by
    and
    Each blog participating in this hop has chosen a charity to feature along with a giveaway.
    I have chosen to tell you a little bit about a charity near to my heart.
    3 years ago Princess C was diagnosed with Alopecia Areata.  Alopecia is an autoimmune disorder that attacks the bodies hair. We became concerned when it looked like Princess C had rolled in a dogs bed – only it was her hair she was covered in. The doctor found about a quarter size bald spot on the back of her head. After a treatment of steroids her hair stopped falling out and began to grow back. Unfortunately steroids is not a cure, but it can help. We’ve been lucky enough to not have a recurrence, but it could come back any day.
    There has yet to be a cure for Alopecia, or even a known cause for the disease.
    The Children’s Alopecia Project aka CAP is devoted specifically to helping children learn to live with this disease.
    Although a cure would be great CAP’s main goals are to
    -Build Self-Esteem
    -Provide Support
    -Raise Awareness
    You can follow CAP on facebook, twitter and on their Blog.
    If you feel like you can you can make a donation to CAP HERE
    Sponsoring Home Maid Simple in getting the word out about The Children’s Alopecia Project are
    Kimochis – Toys with Feelings Inside
    and
    Chilanthropy – The act of relaxing while being philanthropic

    I reached out to Kimochis because I loved their concept, and feel they do for all children what CAP does for children with Alopecia. Kimochis toys are not just a toy but a way to help children understand and communicate their feelings.  You can read my review HERE.

    Chilanthropy I knew I wanted to work with as soon as I read what Chilanthropy means.  Owner and founder, Rey, has devoted his business to helping charities around the world while creating wonderfully Eco-friendly candles. You can read my review HERE

    This giveaway is over
    Use the rafflecopter below for a chance at winning a Kimochis Cloud and your choice of candle from Chilanthropy.
    Giveaway open to US only (sorry worldwide friends).


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