2010 Power of Education Campaign – Show Your Support for Your Favorite Nonprofit
by Sue Scheff on Aug 31, 2010
GreatNonprofits, the leading source of user reviews for nonprofits, and GuideStar, the premier donor research site on the web, are launching the 2010 Power of Education Campaign this September to highlight the many nonprofit organizations working in education fields and issues.
Any nonprofit receiving at least ten positive user reviews during September will be listed on our 2010 Education Nonprofits List, which will be published at the conclusion of the campaign.
Follow my Blog for more updates and information for the 2010 Power of Education Campaign!
Visit www.greatnonprofits.org.
Tags: Charities, Community Service, GreatNonprofits, Volunteering
Back to School: 14,000 Backpacks Stuffed with New School Supplies for Needy Children Given Out to 52 Schools
by Sue Scheff on Aug 20, 2010
STARS (Supplies To Assist ouR Schools) proudly filled 14,000 backpacks with school supplies and delivered them to 52 schools throughout Florida. How did they do this? There were many volunteers, generous donors and lots of people of all ages that participated in helping students start off their school year right!
A big part of their success was assistance of VolunteerSpot.
The Disney VoluntEARS got involved too. Their co-founder, Joe Hembrooke, had this to say about VolunteerSpot, “Before VolunteerSpot, people would call day or night to volunteer or see when the next opening might be and I would have to remind them a day or two in advance — it was a big job since we have over 100 volunteers on our list wanting to help. Now, with VolunteerSpot I am in “heaven”. No calls at all hours, I don’t have to say yes or no to anyone and really your VolunteerSpot is a joy to use.”
Is your club, organization or group planning an activity or fundraiser? Learn how VolunteerSpot can help you too. Doing good just got easier!
Congratulations to the S.T.A.R.S., your tireless efforts are recognized throughout the state of Florida and the glow on the students faces that receive those filled backpacks will be priceless.
Watch video to learn more about how VolunteerSpot can help you in your next fundraiser or activity.
Tags: Back to School, Community Service, Donations, Parents Universal Resource Experts, Sue Scheff, VolunteerSpot
VolunteerSpot Makes Back-to-School Hassel Free
by Sue Scheff on Aug 17, 2010
It is that time of year again, and schools throughout the country will be opening as parents are scrambling. Have you considered starting a VolunteerSpot in your community? Learn more today! Here is the latest press release from VolunteerSpot. Read more about STARS filling and passing out 14,000 backpacks in Florida, with the help of VolunteerSpot – click here.
As massive budget cuts hit schools across country, free online tool makes it easy for parents to help our nation’s teachers
Back-to-school is right around the corner, and due to recent state-wide budget cuts, teachers and schools need parents’ help this year more than ever before. Parents will be asked to step-up and help in the classroom, the campus, and to support fundraisers. VolunteerSpot (www.VolunteerSpot.com), a free online coordination tool, simplifies the volunteer experience and makes it easier for more parents to get involved. Most importantly, VolunteerSpot is a proven success; the online sign up tool increases parent participation by 20% and raises school donation rates, too.
Any teacher or parent-leader can invite volunteers to sign up electronically through VolunteerSpot.com, and in two simple-clicks, parents can sign up for whatever activity and time works for them — from reading to the class or brining snacks to the Fall party, to helping in library or cafeteria, to staffing important fundraisers like the school carnival or stadium concession stand. VolunteerSpot even sends automated messages reminding volunteers of their commitments. No more “reply all” emails, late night phone tag, or disorganized paper sign-up sheets.
“Back-to-school is an exciting but stressful time for teachers and parent-leaders as they set up their classrooms and prepare for the year’s fundraising activities,” said Karen Bantuveris, Founder & CEO, VolunteerSpot. “It’s our responsibility as parents to help out in any way we can, and VolunteerSpot helps by making it easier for more parents to get involved at school.”
“VolunteerSpot made it so easy to sign up parents to read to my kindergarten class,” says Erin W., of Austin, TX. “I set up the schedule in a few minutes, and VolunteerSpot did the rest. Within 48 hours, all the spots were full and the best part is the kids love seeing their parents in the classroom.”
VolunteerSpot brings the simplicity of an online party invitation to school volunteering and makes it easy for anyone to ask for help. The site also provides unique tools, from free e-books, including the new “Room Parent Survival Guide,” and smart tips on everything from how to throw a successful school carnival or bake sale to Teacher Appreciation Week.
VolunteerSpot recently helped the Carmel Unified School District in California win a $100,000 donation when they were faced with the request to mobilize volunteers for the US Open. Asked to assemble a team to work approximately 14,000 hours over the course of seven days, the school district enlisted VolunteerSpot’s easy-to-use sign-up sheets, automatic e-mail reminders and organizational tools to ensure that the event went off without a hitch.
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About VolunteerSpotBased in Austin, Texas, privately held VolunteerSpot (www.VolunteerSpot.com) is a free Web-based organization tool that powers grassroots volunteering at school and in the community. Founded by ‘mompreneur’ and PTA leader, Karen Bantuveris, VolunteerSpot’s easy online sign-up tool saves time, streamlines communication and makes it simple for more people to get involved. VolunteerSpot has help organize more than a quarter-million volunteers since its public launch in April, 2009. VolunteerSpot is perfect for coordinating groups for anything – PTA activities, classroom helpers, carnivals and festivals, tournaments, VBS, service projects, mentoring sessions, group campouts, ministry meals, book fairs, swim meets, and more…. VolunteerSpot, DOING GOOD Just Got Easier!!!
Tags: Community Service, Parenting, parenting advice, Parenting Blogs, Parenting Resources, Parenting Teens, Teen Help, Volunteering, VolunteerSpot
Sue Scheff: Helpful Hearts – Community Giving Care Packages to Our Troops – Pay it Forward
by Sue Scheff on Jul 22, 2010
Whether you are five, fifteen or fifty years old, almost everyone is aware of our troops and their dedication to our country. During a time of economic hardship for many families, job loss and some people losing their homes, it is rewarding when we see our community coming together to give all they can to the people that are giving themselves to our country.
Helpful Hearts was created three years ago by Brittney Welborn of Keystone Heights, Florida (Clay County) with the help of her family. Brittney Welborn’s brother serves in Korea, her sister is about to be sent to Iraq and her boyfriend is also in the military.
Now with the help of her friends, family and community, she prepares and ships care packages to our troops overseas. They have already sent more than 1,500 care packages, even more around the holidays.
According to First Coast News each bag is decorated by hand and each bag is put in a big box, delivered to the local post office to begin the long journey overseas. Watch video here.
Learn more about Helpful Hearts and how you can help by visit their Facebook page. Helpful Hearts is always looking for donations of food items like trail mix and sunflower seeds. Visit their Facebook page to find out how you can help donate.
Watch slide show and read more.
Tags: Community Service, Donations, Helpful Hearts, Parents Universal Resource Experts, Sue Scheff
Sue Scheff: Help Support Fresh Air Fund – Giving Needy Children a Summer of Fun
by Sue Scheff on Jun 23, 2010
As a guest post, Fresh Air Fund has asked me to help them promote their need for Host Families. The Fresh Air Fund is in need of host families for this summer. Host families are volunteers who open their hearts and home to a child from the city to give them a Fresh Air experience that can change lives.
Your gift of $24 becomes $48, good for TWO round-trip bus tickets from NYC to camp.
Make a gift before June 30th – and two inner-city childrens lives will be changed forever!
The Countdown to Summer 2010 is on and The Fresh Air Fund is in need of host families. If you or someone you know is able to host, please sign up now.
In 2009, The Fresh Air Fund‘s Volunteer Host Family program, called Friendly Town, gave close to 5,000 New York City boys and girls, ages six to 18, free summer experiences in the country and the suburbs. Volunteer host families shared their friendship and homes FOR up to two weeks or more in 13 Northeastern states from Virginia to Maine and Canada.
The Fresh Air Fund relies on donations to provide memorable summers to NYC children.
The Fresh Air Fund needs hosts for the summer of 2010.
More than 65% of all Fresh Air children are reinvited to stay with their host family, year after year.
Thanks to host families who open up their homes for a few weeks each summer, children growing up in New York City’s toughest neighborhoods have experienced the joys of Fresh Air experiences.
“It is rewarding to see the smile on our Fresh Air child’s face as she enjoys the simple things we take for granted…”
Friendly Town host families are volunteers who live in the suburbs or small town communities. Host families range in size, ethnicity and background, but share the desire to open their hearts and homes to give city children an experience they will never forget. Hosts say the Fresh Air experience is as enriching for their own families, as it is for the inner-city children. There are no financial requirements for hosting a child.It should be Volunteers may request the age-group and gender of the Fresh Air youngster they would like to host for up to two weeks. Stories about real Fresh Air host families and their New York City visitors are just a click away!
Click here to learn more about becoming a host or call (800) 367-0003!
Fresh Air children are boys and girls, six to 18 years old, who live in New York City. Children on first-time visits are six to 12 years old and stay for either one or two weeks. Youngsters who are re-invited by the same family may continue with The Fund through age 18, and many enjoy longer summertime visits, year after year. A visit to the home of a warm and loving volunteer host family can make all the difference in the world to an inner-city child. All it takes to create lifelong memories is laughing in the sunshine and making new friends.
The majority of Fresh Air children are from low-income communities. These are often families without the resources to send their children on summer vacations. Most inner-city youngsters grow up in towering apartment buildings without large, open outdoor play spaces. Concrete playgrounds cannot replace the freedom of running barefoot through the grass or riding bikes down country lanes.
Fresh Air children are registered by more than 90 participating social service and community organizations located in disadvantaged neighborhoods in the five boroughs of New York City. These community-based agencies are in close contact with children in need of summer experiences in rural and suburban areas. Each agency is responsible for registering children for the program.
Learn more – visit http://freshairfundhost.com/ - Watch the video below.
What do Fresh Air children enjoy? Help give them a gift of summer fun.
- Playing in the backyard
- Laughing in the sunshine
- Catching fireflies
- Riding bicycles
- Learning to swim
- Running barefoot through the grass
- Gazing at the stars on moonlit nights
- Building sandcastles
- Making new friends
- Simple pleasures of life away from the inner-city
Tags: Community Service, Donating, Fresh Air Fund, Parents Universal Resource Experts, Sue Scheff, Volunteering
Sue Scheff: Teen that was beaten nearly to death, Josie Ratley, will be home soon – Be Generous, Supplies Needed!
by Sue Scheff on May 24, 2010
As Josie Ratley turns a page in her recovery, she will need the generosity and support of the community to help her family as they prepare for her to come home.
According to Jowharah Sanders, founder of the National Voices for Equality, Education & Enlightenment, www.NVEEE.com (pronounced “Envy”) and spokesperson for the Ratley Family, “There is a list of items the family will need at this time from the basic medical supplies, educational item, and a new home that will allow the family more space for a child whose primary form of transportation is now a wheelchair and a walker.”
Among the items specifically noted are:
EDUCATIONAL/REHABILITATIVE ITEMS
“Easy to read” books
Writing pads
Legos, blocks and any type of building items (to aid in motor skills)
Preschool learning toys
Electronic interactive learning items with batteries. The items include a Leap Frog learning Pad or leap Frog Computers and DynaVox EyeMax Educational Systems.
Magnetic letters and puzzles
Wall stickers in the shape of numbers of letters
Soft cushy balls in different colors (to aid in sensory development)
Learning CD’s and music for children.
ART SUPPLIES
Artist sketch pads or water color pads
Pens
Colored pencils
Paints and brushes
PERSONAL ITEMS
Towels
Wash cloths that are white
Queen-size bedding and queen-size
Waterproof mattress covers
Gift Cards
MEDICAL ITEMS
Regular Gauze (size 2×2 and 4×4)
Rolled Gauze (2″)
Normal saline
Gloves
Medical tape
Allevyn (Adhesive Hydrocellular Dressing) in both sizes, 3x 3 and 5×5
Blue Chux Underpads or any type of disposable changing pads.
The requested items can be DROPPED OFF at the following locations:
Gallery 101
501 N. Andrews Avenue, Suite 103
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Fache Arts
750 NE 124 Street, Suite 2
North Miami, FL 33161
The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale
1799 S.E. 17th Street,
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Or you can MAIL YOUR DONATIONS to:
NVEEE
PO Box 23837
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33307
(954) 561-2626
** Please make checks payable to NVEEE/Josie Lou Ratley
For more information, please visit Pray for Josie Lou Ratley Facebook Group.
Please forward this list to all your friends in your contact list. If everyone gives a little, there will be a lot!
Tags: Community Service, Donating, Donations, Josie Lou Ratley, Josie Ratley, Parents Universal Resource Experts, Sue Scheff
Sue Scheff: Embrace School Climate and Make Your School and Community a Safer Place for Kids and Teens
by Sue Scheff on May 16, 2010
No matter where you are in our country, school climate is critical in our childrens lives. Today with the headlines ripping with text rage, text threats and hit lists, bullying, beatings, teen bomb scares and more, there has never been a more crucial time to educate parents, teachers, schools and students about prevention of school violence and the need to learn about healthy living.
School Climate is an educational resource that is working diligently to bring together everyone to benefit our communities and school districts.
About School Climate:
Our goal is to promote positive and sustained school climate: a safe, supportive environment that nurtures social and emotional, ethical, and academic skills.
CSEE is an organization that helps schools integrate crucial social and emotional learning with academic instruction. In doing so, we enhance student performance, prevent drop outs, reduce physical violence, bullying, and develop healthy and positively engaged adults.
For more than a decade CSEE has worked together with the entire academic community-teacher, staff, school-based mental health professionals, students and parents-to improve a climate for learning.
We help translate research into practice by establishing meaningful and relevant guidelines, programs and services that support a model for whole school improvement with a focus on school climate.
Join School Climate on Facebook and follow them on Twitter. Also follow them on through BullyBust.
Is your school safe? Do the students feel safe? Measure your school climate today! Click here.
Be an educated parent, you will have safer and healthier teens. Read more.
Tags: Bullying, Community Service, Parenting, Parenting Blogs, Parenting Resources, Parenting Teens Online, Parenting Tips, Parents Universal Resource Experts, School Climate, School Violence, Sue Scheff, Teen Help
Sue Scheff: Teens Helping Special Needs Teens Through Friendship and Acceptance – Circle of Friends
by Sue Scheff on May 13, 2010
Being a teenager can be difficult. Keeping up with the trendy clothes, hair styles and hanging with the cool group is all part of being a teen in high school today. However when it comes to teens with special needs, having a friend is one of the hardest parts of going to high school.
Circle of Friends is changing that one school at a time. Circle of Friends is a social skills programs for teens and adults with disabilities such as autism, through understanding, acceptance, friendship and inclusion. Going into local high schools, teens are changing lives. They provide valuable support and friendship to those with disabilities. Teens and adults that were once isolated and lonely with their disability are now experiencing living through Circle of Friends. From a simple phone call, to going out to eat, Circle of Friends is providing a sense of normalcy to people with disabilities.
Special events are planned such as dances and organized outings to the movies and shopping help these disabled people learn better social skills and enhances their communication skills with others. Circle of Friends helps make dreams come true for these otherwise isolated teens and adults with disabilities.
A priceless gift that Circle of Friends creates is the gift of giving. Teens that take part in Circle of Friends are influenced by bringing an awareness of understanding and acceptance to those that have disabilities. It is true, it just feels good to give!
Encourage your school and community to open a local chapter today. Read Ella’s story. Learn more, click here.
Watch video and be inspired to start your own chapter today! Read more.
Tags: Autism, Autstic Teens, Circle of Friends, Community Service, Parents Universal Resource Experts, Special Needs Teens, Sue Scheff, Teen Friendship, teens volunteering, Volunteering
Sue Scheff: Earth Day, a time to learn about creating a global green economy
by Sue Scheff on Apr 01, 2010
Forty years after the first Earth Day, the world is in greater peril than ever. While climate change is the greatest challenge of our time, it also presents the greatest opportunity – an unprecedented opportunity to build a healthy, prosperous, clean energy economy now and for the future.
Earth Day 2010 can be a turning point to advance climate policy, energy efficiency, renewable energy and green jobs. Earth Day Network is galvanizing millions who make personal commitments to sustainability. Earth Day 2010 is a pivotal opportunity for individuals, corporations and governments to join together and create a global green economy. Join the more than one billion people in 190 countries that are taking action for Earth Day. Source: EarthDay.net
VolunteerSpot has created an excellent source of information and ideas to Give and Grow for Earth Day and all year round through their new eBook. Simple online sign up sheets and scheduling tool for all your spring earth-friendly service activities.
About the Give and Grow Together Promotion
As part of this effort to promote earth-friendly service activities, Arbor Day Foundation and VolunteerSpot are teaming up. Plan any local earth-friendly service activity on VolunteerSpot through the end of April, and invite at least four volunteers, and the Arbor Day Foundation will plant a tree in your honor. Sharing the promotion via social media (Facebook or Twitter) or trying a sample sign up on VolunteerSpot will also earn a tree. “The trees we plant will be lasting symbol of service to generations to come,” said Kevin Sander, director of corporate partnerships for the Arbor Day Foundation.
Save time while Saving the Planet
Give and Grow together not only inspires earth-friendly action, but also highlights VolunteerSpot’s free (paperless), web-based online sign up sheets and volunteer coordination tool. Volunteer leaders and teachers who use VolunteerSpot find more people step up to get involved and that they cut their administrative time by 85% and eliminate volunteer drop-out due to poor communication practices like reply-all email and phone tag.
In honor of our Mother Earth, here are some service activities to consider this April and beyond:
- Participating in a community garden project
- Picking up trash at your neighborhood park
- Planting a tree or flowers in your yard or an elderly neighbor’s
- Teaching children about the importance of recycling
- Planning a trash-free Earth Day picnic
What is Arbor Day: The Arbor Day Foundation inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. This is the mission statement of the Arbor Day Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit conservation and education organization. The impact we make on our world is accomplished through our conservation and education programs.
When is Arbor Day? National Arbor Day is on the last Friday of April and celebrated at the same time by 28 other states. You can find out when your state’s Arbor Day is celebrated by reviewing the following calendar, click here.
Florida’s Arbor Day – Third Friday in January (State Tree: Cabbage Palmetto). Did you miss it? You can still celebrate our earth and the learn about how you can help your community continue going green.
Tags: Arbor Day, Community Service, Earth Day, Eco-Friendly, Going Green, Parents Universal Resource Experts, Plant a Tree, Sue Scheff, Volunteering
Sue Scheff: Help Support Josie Ratley and her Family through local fundraisers
by Sue Scheff on Mar 29, 2010
Josie Lou Ratley, 15 year-old that was nearly beaten to death on March 17th is currently still in a medically induced coma after two surgeries. The judge has issued a gag order on this case and talking about the details, however the community of South Florida is continuing their prayers, supports and fundraisers for the benefit of the Ratley family. No matter what the circumstances, a beautiful teen is fighting for her life and needs all the emotional support we can give.
Recently a Facebook Group, Pray for Josie Lou Ratley was created. They are already 700+ supporters and growing each day. If you haven’t joined yet, please take a minute to show your support and become a member to support the recovery and assistance to the Ratley family.
Here is a list of what is happening this week to support Josie Ratley. As many know, the family does not have health insurance and the proceeds will help them with the high medical expenses.
CJ’s Drafthouse
March 29-31 and April 2, 6-9 pm
Deerfield Beach, FL
Janel Rena, The Discount Diva will be selling gift certificates for local restaurants and services to raise money for The Josie Lou Ratley Fund. Purchase GCs at a reduced price, help the Ratley Family and support local businesses all at the same time!
THINK - Is there a birthday gift you need to purchase? Mother’s Day is around the corner (pamper her with a beauty gift card). Graduations will be here! Teacher Appreciation Week is coming in May. It is National Volunteer Week in April, who do you know that helps other selfishly? You don’t need a reason to give, however the results are so rewarding. In this situation, you will not only be giving to someone you care about, you will be helping a family in need and a teenager that is fighting for her life.
Stop by and see Janel at CJ’s Drafthouse, Mon/Tue/Wed and Fri this week between 6 and 9 pm to support the Ratley Family!
Gift Certificates for only $5 (Value $20-25):
Carlucci’s (Cypress Creek & 95)
Champps.com (Cypress Creek & 95)
FirstWatch.com (Glades & Andrews)
LeBistroRestaurant.com (Sw10th & Federal)
Mojo’s Barber Shop (Glades & 441)
MoonliteDiner.com (Cypress Creek & 95)
Nail Mirage- Manicure (Hillsboro & Powerline)
Payzins.com (Sample & University)
RedsBackwoodsBbq.com (Palmetto & 95)
ShootersCafe.com (Oakland & Intercoastal)
For only $10 Value ($25-50):
BabyBootCamp.com (Coral Springs)
BeaconLightBarberandSalon.com (Lighthouse Point)
BodyHeatTanning.net (Coral Springs)
JazziHair.com (Boca Raton)
Hair Mirage (Deerfield Beach)
For only $15 (Value $50 and more!):
Empire Appraisal (FREE Home Appraisal)
DeerfieldJazz.com (1 month Jazzercise)
MartinoTire.com ($$$ toward services)
Mobil Auto Detail (Car Cleaning)
CJ’s Drafthouse (954) 428-9129
33441 E Hillsboro Blvd
Deerfield Beach, FL
For more information and updates, join Pray for Josie Lou Ratley Facebook Group today.
Watch the slideshow of a few of the generous vendors listed above.
Tags: Bullying, Community Service, Donations, Facebook, Fundraisers, Josie Lou Ratley, Josie Ratley, Parenting, Sue Scheff
