My new favorite charity...

So, as you all know, my charity passions, if you will, are reading and education. So I was very, very pleased to see that Oprah was putting the spotlight on that amazing organization, created by Bill and Melinda Gates called Stand Up.

StandUp.org is an organization committed to making the high schools in America better. You're probably thinking, what's wrong with our high schools? The answer: Everything.

The high school system that is used now, was created in and for the world in the 1950's. Technology has surpassed the 50's, the economy has surpassed the 50's, why haven't our schools?

For answers to this and so much more, visit StandUp.org and see what you can do to help this very, very big problem.

At the site, you will find stats for your city or town, as well as ways to get involved. Things such as, writing your governor to tell him that you would like him to help in this cause, you can buy the StandUp medallion, which 100% of the proceeds will go to our schools. Get involved, it's not just your future, but your children's and grandchildren.

Our high schools are obsolete, we are not preparing our young people for the world. Kids are dropping out of school at an alarming rate; one every thirty seconds.

Did you know that 65% of the people in jail are dropouts? This is important. Please take the time to read through the website. If will be worth your time.

One more thing. Are you or your child at the top of their class? Do you/they have a 4.0 GPA? That may not matter. If the high school you or your child attends is not preparing them for college, they may not be prepared for the strain of higher education.

Kids dreams are on the line. Our future is on the line. Please, help us make a difference.

Have a great day.

A Few Good Charities...

I know it's been a while since I've updated but I'm back with some new charities that are worth everyone's time and/or money. One is very well-known but also very relevent to news over the last few weeks, the others are not as well known but very important. So let's get to it...

First, is one of the more well-known charities of our time. LiveStrong is a foundation started by not only an amazing athelete but an amazing human being. Lance Armstrong is probably the best known cancer survivor in the United States. He battled back through circumstances that looked less than bleak, and has gone on to win seven Tour De France titles and retire as one of the best cyclist ever. The man had cancer of the testicle, brain, stomach and lung, and beat it. If you can't stand behind a man like that, who can you stand behind?

With the recent news of Sheryl Crow having breast cancer, and the death of Dana Reeve, we all have to see that no matter how much press all cancer foundations get, they still need help. LiveStrong.org has all of the information you will need to help this very, very worthy cause.

The second charity I would like you all to know about, again, supports two of my passions, which are reading and social tolerance. Curbstone is a great foundation that helps to create literature on things that are important for our times. Subjects such a racism, sexism and gay rights. To learn more about this foundation and how to donate, visit Curbstone's website.

This next site isn't actually a charity but it is a great way to find charities in your area. It's great to donate to foundations that you know will do great things, it's totally different when you can be there to see the changes for yourself. By visiting this charity guide, you just type in your city and state and it will tell you all of the charities in your area and how to help.

Remember, it's not always big amounts of money that help. It can just be your time and support. Any and everything helps.

Make a Promise for the New Year...

I know it's been quiet around here for a while, and I apoligize. Things have been kind of crazy on my end, although, that's no excuse. So I'm going to make a New Year's Promise (becasue resolutions never work out) to pay more attention to this blog and the charities that mean a lot to me, as well as the ones that mean a lot to others.

I'll be updating around here soon, but until then you should make a promise too. Make this the year that you help the cause that is closest to your heart. Remember, you don't have to give a lot, in some cases you don't have to give at all. Trust me when I say, even the smallest bit of help will go a long way. Give what you can, even if it's just your voice.

Have a great 2006!

Everybody needs a purpose

Everybody needs a purpose, I chose early on that my purpose, my cause, would be to help people read. I'm a reader, I have been since I was young and it's my belief that reading is the most important thing we as humans should know how to do. Reading not only helps with comprehension in everyday life, but it also effects your speach and in the end, your intelligence. So this post will be dedicated to the way to can help people read and learn.

Reachoutandread.org is a great way to get involved with getting children to read. At this site you will find ways to volunteer your time to go and read to children. Not only does this show them that reading is good but you get to see the faces of the kids you're helping.

Book Donations

Bridge To Asia is an organization that is working to help schools and universities in Asia get the books they need. Just take a moment to look around the site and see if there is anything you can do to help. Remember, America isn't the only country with problems, we're all humans.

First Book is a fantastic organization that is helping collect books for low income children who don't have their own books. Children who grow up without being able to read start off at a disadvantage, help them have a fair fight at making something better for themselves.

Also, First Book has been collecting book donations for children affected by Hurricane Katrina. Those children lost everything, including all of their books. All of these links are provided on the home page of First Book.

Better World Books is another great site that offers you many ways to help and donate books. Click on the "Get Involved" link and find out what you can do to help.

I will continue posting the links of any book donation sites that I find. Check back regularly to see any new ways you can help children read.

Other Ways To Help

Operation Blessing's Helping Children Program helps children from low-income lifestyles learn about charactor building through after school programs. Visit the link and see if there is anything that you can do.

Remember that you don't have to give a lot of money to help people, sometimes your trash can be their treasure. Don't throw you books away, there is always someone who could use them.

Poverty and Hunger

In my opinion a few things can be blamed for most of the problems we have in America and beyond; I believe in most cases, poverty and hunger are the seeds that are planted for other problems like sickness, learning disabilities and even the horrible topic of sex trafficing (all of which will be covered here and I will give you a few ways to help all of those causes.) People who are hungry can't mantain their health and poeple that are desperate for money, do desparate things. So, the first issues I'm going to tackle here is poverty and hunger, here's how you can help:

Secondharvest.org - At this site, you can find many ways to help, including finding your local food banks and food rescure programs.

Also, starting today (November 4-6) you can go to Toys R Us and donate wrapped or unwrapped toys to children who won't have toys under their christmas tree this year. You can also donate money at any Toy R Us location up until December 24. But also remember that kids need clothes, toys and other things that most of us don't give a second thought to, year round. So look around and find things that you can do to help all year, not just the holidays.

The best way to start making a change is to let people who have the power to change it know that your not happy with the way things are at the present moment. The American government is the most powerful way to start making a change. You can call 1-800-786-2663 to find and speak to your local congress people. Ask them how you can make a difference, then ask them what they are doing to make a difference. Your voice matters!

Welcome to my new blog...

This blog is for those of you who are interested in helping people. I will be listing numerous charities that ALL need our help. You can help by doing huge things or help by doing small things, what's important is that you help. People all around the world need it, no matter the country or continent. So stick around and I'll have this place up and running before you know it!

Remember Help All, Harm None.