Does Anyone Knit, Crochet, or Sew?

If you are one of those gifted crafters who produces more than s/he can use, there are charities that can really benefit from your skills.

Here is a link that will take you to a page listing 10 worthwhile charities that could use your donations.

{LINK}

Everyone Else is Way Ahead of Me on This . . .

The death toll for the earthquake in Nepal is over 7,500 as of today, with more than twice that injured, and after shocks have continued hamper rescue efforts. The devastation has flattened entire villages and destroyed Historic and World Heritage sites, many of which will never be replaced.

 

It is feared that this year's harvest will be reduced or even lost because manpower has been turned to rescue and survival, rather than agriculture. This will compound and prolong already unimaginable suffering. 

 

If you can help, even the smallest donation to the general fund so that Red Cross can put it where it is needed most would help greatly. If Red Cross is not your cup of tea, no problem, give where you feel most confident. If you would like suggestions for alternate giving, there are some included in the links below.

 

 

Here are a couple of posts with some relevant information and links on giving:

• How to Donate Wisely.
• [Update] How to Donate Wisely.

 

Red Cross   Direct Link for Red Cross Donations

I Can't Think of a Better Mission. Can You?

The mission of Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is to assist the U. S. Marine Corps in providing a tangible sign of hope to economically disadvantaged children at Christmas. ...

The primary goal of the Foundation is ... to deliver, through a new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them into becoming responsible, productive, patriotic citizens. ...

Please help a child in need this Christmas. We all need hope. . . .

Hope is the thing with feathers—
That perches in the soul—
And sings the tune without the words—
And never stops—at all—

And sweetest—in the Gale—is heard—
And sore must be the storm—
That could abash the little Bird
That kept so many warm—

I've heard it in the chillest land—
And on the strangest Sea—
Yet, never, in Extremity,
It asked a crumb—of Me.

- Emily Dickinson

As I write this, the Philippines is being blasted . . .

 by what is believed to be the worst tropical storm in history,

 Typhoon Haiyan.

Please keep the people of the Philippines in your thoughts/prayers and give to disaster relief if you can. Below is the link for the Philippine Red Cross and you can find more choices under the 'To Reach Out' tab at the top of this page. Also: How to donate wisely & An update on to How to donate wisely.

* Philippine Red Cross *

{Photo Source: rixlauren}

If You'd Like to Reach Out & Help With the Relief Efforts in Oklahoma . . .

SAFE AND WELL

I hadn't heard of this before, but it is a wonderful idea. After a disaster, you can let your family and friends know that you are safe and well, bringing them peace of mind. 

Register Yourself as “Safe and Well”     
                     &  
Search for Loved Ones

Concerned family and friends can search the list of those who have registered themselves and find a loved one’s first name, last name and a brief message.  

  
RED CROSS (central & western Oklahoma region)

REGIONAL FOOD BANK of Oklahoma

AID and SHELTER Information

Here are a couple of posts with some relevant information and links on giving:

• How to Donate Wisely.
• [Update] How to Donate Wisely.

I Have Some Catching Up to Do

I've been out sick for a week or so, and happily, the blog just went on its merry way, on a sort of auto pilot. But . . .

You know how folks with OCD feel compelled to complete their tasks for fear that something bad will happen? Well, I have a hard time disconnecting from the news (whatever the source) for fear that I will miss something. This isn't a fear that I won't know everything. More like a fear that something will sneak up behind me, and there'll be no defense. . . . I was out of touch and bad things happened. I'm sorry.

Yeah, I know. But therapy is expensive.

My heart breaks for those whose lives have been marred by tragedy. I feel so insignificant, inconsequential, and there is so little I can do. But this is not about me. There is so much I'd like to say, but what it all comes down to is, these people need action not words. Many of them are going to have overwhelming medical debt to compound their suffering. I could not be the one to jump hurdles or rush into the smoke and flames, but I can give the little bit I have to help someone else. I hope you'll join me.


Here are a couple of posts with some 

relevant information and links on giving:

• How to Donate Wisely.
• [Update] How to Donate Wisely.

Here are a couple of established charities with

great track records:

* Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund contributions assist Red Cross relief efforts everywhere.

* Limbs For Life Foundation helps people with serious limb trauma, leading to expensive rehabilitation and prosthetics they can't afford.


And some area specific charities:

Boston

(from the Boston AG) Donors should check if charities are registered or have been rated on websites such as charitynavigator.org, bbb.org/charity or the attorney general’s Non-Profit Organizations/Public Charities Division at mass.gov/charitiesreports. Also check if websites that solicit donations match an established charity, are secure and have been linked by legitimate organizations. Visit mass.gov/ago for more tips on donating wisely.

* onefundboston.org. (Gov. Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Tom Menino established this fund after the attack.)

* Visit www.bosfirecu.com to donate. (At least six Boston police and firefighters unions set up this fund after the bombing to aid victims. It is set up at the Boston Firefighters Credit Union.)

* Visit americasfund.org/donate. Click “yes” for the question, “Is this donation in support of an event, campaign or fundraiser?” Select “Boston Marathon Relief Fund” from the next drop-down menu.

(This nonprofit has established a Boston Marathon Relief Fund as part of its existing America’s Fund to assist victims of the bombing.)

According to its website, the Semper Fi Fund has raised $74 million over the past decade to help injured or critically ill U.S. troops and their families. Assistance from the Boston Marathon Relief Fund “will start with the most critically injured and expand as we receive donations,” the website says.

Charity Navigator has given the Semper Fi Fund its highest four-star rating, and the group is registered both as a nonprofit and with the attorney general’s Non-Profit Organizations/Public Charities Division.

Texas

* The Blood Center of Central Texas. With so many injured, blood will be in high demand at hospitals and emergency stations. Consider making an appointment to give later in the month.

* Atheist Giving Aid. We don’t get the luxury of planning for when tragedies strike. 

* Catholic Charities, Central Texas works with the Red Cross and handles more long-term case management.


Also . . . 

* We might spare a thought for the victims of the Exxon Oil pipeline breaks. (if you're brave try this link to a list of American oil spills in the 20th century.)

* Remember the town of Newton, Mass. (and every other town) and the ongoing battle for common sense gun control laws that are somehow controversial now. Here is a layout of representative stances on legislation as well as other pertinent information. And here are links for contact information for elected officials?

* Continued support for the provisions of the unfolding Affordable Care Act would also be a good thing.


Perhaps one day people will only have to worry about surviving and healing, and not losing everything the worked for when they're most vulnerable.

Thank You . . .

Please join me in reaching out to others in need in this holiday season.



There are charities which directly benefit Victims of domestic violence and charities which directly benefit Needy classrooms. InforUm Promotes a Nationwide Dialogue About Housing, Poverty, and Homelessness. Register to volunteer in disaster recovery at Helpindisaster.org. There is also Habitat For Humanity, and VolunteerMatch which can help you get started. 




These are just a few of the many opportunities available. Other possibilities can be found under my 'Reach Out' tab.

It Looks Like this Post is Becoming a yearly Tradition: BEWARE THE PINK RIBBON

                                                                                       I think it bears repeating.

I know. I know. You think I am a horrible person. But before you throw rotten eggs at my blog, please listen. I have something that I need to get off my chest.

I am a woman who lost her mother to breast cancer. My mom had buried her own mother after a similar battle. That puts me next in line. Who knows, maybe I'll get lucky. But I have a sister, I have a daughter, and I have two granddaughters. That is what haunts me.

I don't mean to offend, but I look in their beautiful faces and my thoughts echo Jeanne Sather*, cancer survivor and blogger, who says:

(From a T-shirt)

I felt guilty when I was rankled by the pink Stepford like haze that surrounds cancer patients, including my mother. Sometimes it threatened to suffocate her and silence her real voice, and she felt it keenly. When she spoke about her anger and frustration she was treated like a pariah by those who should have understood her feelings best. She nursed her mother then later set about nursing herself - without peer support. I read Welcome to Cancerland by Barbara Ehrenreich, and shared it with her. We found we both agreed with her, and understood that we weren't crazy - or alone.

Think Before You Pink details the many ways "supporting breast cancer awareness" can turn out to be an illusion, or worse. There are many good people and trustworthy companies, but when advertising and capital loom large in the picture, it is important to be aware and educated.

Here is a link with some important questions you should ask before buying a pink ribbon product to 'support the fight against breast cancer.' It leads to a pdf file.

Don't get me wrong, I don't begrudge anyone any thing that comforts and supports them in such a time of need. But, by the same token, those who don't share the same ways should never be made to feel wrong, as they often are, as my mother was.


My mother found comfort in the words of Dylan Thomas.

Do not go gentle into that good night, / Old age should burn and rave at close of day; / Rage, rage against the dying of the light. . . .

Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight, / And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way, / Do not go gentle into that good night.

Although she bought every colored ribbon produced for a disease or cause, she found the idea of a pink teddy bear, or many of the other pink offerings for 'survivors,' demoralizing. She was a grown woman, proud of the experience and scars accumulated along the way, and she refused to accept the submissive role of child - even symbolically.  And she hated pink; blue was her favorite color.

She never met her grandbabies, she died peacefully in her sleep after having fought to retain her independence, identity, and sense of humor. I miss her terribly. And my favorite color is red.

*Jeanne Sather has two blogs, The Assertive Cancer Patient, where she continues her work as an outspoken advocate for the cancer patient’s point of view, and Charmed Bracelets, a new blog launched in May of 2009 to sell her handmade jewelry. An example of her beautiful work is pictured above.

If You Would Like to Support Breast Cancer Research,

without supporting Komen . . . try:

Breast Cancer Action - "We demand accountability." 

See also: 'Think before you pink' campaign, demanding transparency in pink-washed product marketing.

"A cure is not enough. We have to prevent it." - Executive Director Karuna Jaggar.

 

American Cancer Society - Donations intended for breast cancer research and screening can be earmarked to support NBCCEDP (the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program). 

They have focused heavily on social disparities as they relate to cancer diagnosis and treatment, and have awarded more than $113 million in grants to researchers looking into social disparity as it relates to cancer.

 

The National Breast Cancer Coalition - They aim to promote research into causes of breast cancer and the best possible treatment for the disease, access to treatment for all women, and encourage breast cancer advocates to speak up and stand up against the disease.

While the Susan G. Komen foundation has raised about $1.9 billion for breast cancer over the course of the organization's 30-year existence, last year the NBCC convinced Congress to award more than $2.1 billion to breast cancer research. And they did it without the middleman.

 

The Breast Cancer Research Foundation - Ninety cents of every dollar donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation goes to supporting breast cancer research. (Komen only gives about 20 cents per dollar to research) 
 

Unite For Her - Unite For Her aims to help breast cancer patients integrate other therapies that would complement the care they're being given by their doctors. Think acupuncture, massage, yoga, counseling, and other treatments that address a woman's spiritual and emotional needs during what could be a long and difficult fight against cancer.

The organization's aim is to "educate, empower, and restore."

According to Breast Cancer Action's Executive Director Karuna Jaggar, breast cancer isn't overfunded; its funding is poorly allocated, being spent on organizational bloat. ...

Source: Erin Gloria Ryan, Jezebel.

[UPDATED 10/1/12 to add links and smooth prose.]

FLAG DAY . . .

commemorates the adoption of the United States flag by the second Continental Congress in 1777; it also celebrates the birthday of the United States Army. 

(Happy Birthday, Army!)

If you want to reach out to our troops for this FLAG DAY 

try:

Operation Homefront.

A Very Worthwhile Cause . . .

TalyaWren: a Zine Project

I just found this site today. 

Please help if you are able. There are many ways, and it is so needed.

~ HOW TO GIVE - AND RECEIVE ~

An estimated 100,000 U.S. children are commercially exploited sexually each year. The average age for children (female and male) entering into prostitution and pornography is 12-14, plenty are younger. Sex trafficking is no respecter of home-life, geographic location, socio-economic status, gender, sexual orientation, or ethnicity.

Door To Grace is a Portland, Oregon-based movement whose mission is to “restore life to rescued children.” Please visit their site —DoorToGrace.org— for further literature on what compels them and how they are responding to the needs of child survivors, like providing a holistic approach to their care.


If you do not have the funds to give, please find other means to contribute to create positive change, both in the lives of these children and your community. If you do have a dinner out or a movie ticket to spare, or however much more, please consider donating to Door To Grace, and please consider giving generously. 100% of the money donated will go to Door To Grace.

Remember Those Who Served . . . Those Who Still Serve . . . and Those They Leave Behind . . .

Todd Heisler The Rocky Mountain News

The night before the burial of her husband's body, Katherine Cathey refused to leave the casket, asking to sleep next to his body for the last time. The Marines made a bed for her . . .

OPERATION HOMEFRONT

Ways you can help:

• Food Assistance
• Auto Repair
• Moving Assistance
• Vision Care
• Homefront Celebrations
• OH Villages
• Financial Assistance
• Travel and Transportation
• Home Repair

• Essential Home Items
• Morale Donated Items
• Morale Holiday Programs
• Community Events
• Wounded Warrior Wives
• Military Child of the Year®
• Army Homefront Fund
• Homes on the Homefront

If You Would Like to Support Breast Cancer Research,

without supporting Komen . . . try:

Breast Cancer Action - "We demand accountability." 

See also: 'Think before you pink' campaign, demanding transparency in pink-washed product marketing.

"A cure is not enough. We have to prevent it. The cures we have aren't working." - Executive Director Karuna Jaggar.

 

American Cancer Society - Donations intended for breast cancer research and screening can be earmarked to support NBCCEDP (the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program). 

They have focused heavily on social disparities as they relate to cancer diagnosis and treatment, and have awarded more than $113 million in grants to researchers looking into social disparity as it relates to cancer.

 

The National Breast Cancer Coalition - They aim to promote research into causes of breast cancer and the best possible treatment for the disease, access to treatment for all women, and encourage breast cancer advocates to speak up and stand up against the disease.

While the Susan G. Komen foundation has raised about $1.9 billion for breast cancer over the course of the organization's 30-year existence, last year the NBCC convinced Congress to award more than $2.1 billion to breast cancer research. And they did it without the middleman.

 

The Breast Cancer Research Foundation - Ninety cents of every dollar donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation goes to supporting breast cancer research. (Komen only gives about 20 cents per dollar to research) 

Unite For Her - Unite For Her aims to help breast cancer patients integrate other therapies that would complement the care they're being given by their doctors. Think acupuncture, massage, yoga, counseling, and other treatments that address a woman's spiritual and emotional needs during what could be a long and difficult fight against cancer.

The organization's aim is to "educate, empower, and restore."

According to Breast Cancer Action's Executive Director Karuna Jaggar, breast cancer isn't overfunded; its funding is poorly allocated, being spent on organizational bloat. ...

Source: Erin Gloria Ryan, Jezebel.

Reaching Out to Folks in Need

There are many ways of reaching out to people who are in need.

You can tailor your giving to your abilities and resources and still make a positive difference in the lives of those less fortunate. A quick look on the internet will bring up tons of organizations ready to accept your donations.

~ of money, resources, or time ~

YOU CAN: 

Give Money, Give Clothing,

Give A Bag Of Groceries, 

Give Toys,

Volunteer At A Shelter, 

Volunteer At A Soup Kitchen, 

Volunteer Your Professional Talents, 

Volunteer Your Hobbies, 

Volunteer For Follow-Up Programs, 

Volunteer At Battered Women's Shelters, 

Tutor Homeless Children, 

Take Homeless Children On Trips, 

Employ the Homeless, 

Help The Homeless Apply For Aid, 

Join Habitat For Humanity, 

Write To Corporations, 

Contact Your Government Representatives (Find your state representatives), 

Push For State Homelessness Prevention Programs, . . . 

- from the Just Give Guide.
They have much more information there, check it out.

Photo Source.

This Song ALWAYS Brings Tears to My Eyes

That's how I know life hasn't beaten the humanity out of me.

We have debts and struggle, just like everyone else. But we are acutely aware of how easily things could be much worse. 

The number of folks on corners with signs has exploded in the past few years; some asking for work, some looking to get someplace else, some just trying to stay alive. 

And if you look into their eyes you will see profound sadness mixed with a kind of surprise. They never expected to be here asking you for a hand out.

On payday I will be making a donation to help someone else.

Please join me.

We don't have much, but even a few dollars can make a difference.

(There are links to several charities below the video

& on the side bar at left)

Give whatever and wherever you feel comfortable, but please give. 

Local organizations that aid the homeles and those living in poverty are always in need of volunteers. Your time is a valuable gift, too.

This was originally written during the depression (1931) by Yip Harburg,
who was later blacklisted during the McCathy era.

LINKS (Click on the logo to go to the site):

Stop Family Violence

All State funding was cut for programs to prevent family violence

and help victims in California.

DonorsChoose

Connecting you to classrooms in need

It won't cost you a thing

You click and the advertisers donate

Red Cross

Direct Link for Red Cross Donations

Please, Spare A Thought for Our Neighbors in the Midwest

At the time of this post, the death toll in Joplin, Mo. after the 5/22 tornado, is 117 and it's expected to rise, with no estimate yet on the number of injured. 

The death toll from 2011 tornadoes stands now at 455, the deadliest year for tornados since 1953. -- Lane Turner

Chue Vang reacts after coming home to discover that her home was damaged after a tornado struck northern Minneapolis May 22. At least one person was killed and at least 29 were injured in the storm. (Jerry Holt/The Star Tribune/AP

Residents begin digging through the rubble of their home after it was destroyed by a tornado that hit Joplin, Mo. May 22. The tornado tore a path a mile wide and four miles long destroying homes and businesses. (Mike Gullett/AP)

Residents of Joplin, Mo, walk west on 26th Street near Maiden Lane after a tornado hit the southwest Missouri city May 22. (Mike Gullett/AP)

Photos via. THE BIG PICTURE. 

(click to embiggen)

  If you wish to donate:

A general donation to a charity you trust is the best way. This leaves the charity free to address the most pressing needs

in the best way possible. 

A couple of choices:

The RED CROSS.

The SALVATION ARMY.

Several links live permanently in my sidebar

for whenever they're needed.

You Can Help SAVE A MOTHER

Save A Mother educates women about pregnancy, nutrition, immunization, delivery and care of the child. Save A Mother has a complementary benefit in saving the child.

Many other regions in the world are in a similar situation, and we hope to bring this special effort to  other countries with the help of contributors just like you.

We believe that one preventable death is one too many. 

We urge you to Save A Mother and together we can save a million mothers.

To Donate CLICK HERE.

DEVASTATION

Over 200 are dead after over a hundred separate tornadoes left a trail of destruction across five states in the American South. The nation appears headed for a record number of tornadoes this year. -- Lane Turner.

Faye Hyde sits on a mattress in what was her yard as she comforts her granddaughter Sierra Goldsmith, 2, in Concord, Ala. April 27, after their home was destroyed. 

 

A wave of tornado-spawning storms strafed the South on Wednesday, splintering buildings across hard-hit Alabama and killing nearly 200 people in four states. At least 58 people died in Alabama alone. (Jeff Roberts/The Birmingham News/AP)

 

The Big Picture documents the destruction down south.

TO DONATE: I have provided links here for

THE RED CROSS, 

and

DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS.

The permanent links for both are in my sidebar.

[Update] HOW TO DONATE WISELY

GiveWell is a website that performs charity research,
and their advice:

We believe that

• Those affected have requested very little, limited aid. Aid being offered far exceeds aid being requested. (Details below.)
• Charities are aggressively soliciting donations, often in ways we feel are misleading (more on this in future posts).
• Any donation you make will probably be used (a) by the charity you give it to, for activities in a different country; (b) for non-disaster-relief-and-recovery efforts in Japan.
• If you’re looking to pursue (a) and help people in need all over the world, we recommend giving to the best charity you can, rather than basing your giving on who is appealing to you most aggressively with images and language regarding Japan.
• If you prefer (b), a gift to the Japanese Red Cross seems reasonable.

PHOTO: Each image is offered as a limited edition of 10 prints.The project aids Doctors Without Borders.











 

Overall, though, a gift to Doctors Without Borders seems to us like the best way to effectively “respond to this disaster”.

We feel they are a leader in transparency, honesty and integrity in relief organizations, and the fact that they’re not soliciting funds for Japan is a testament to this. Rewarding Doctors Without Borders is a move toward improving incentives and improving disaster relief in general.

GiveWell goes on to give evidence supporting their recommendations at the same link.

HOW TO DONATE WISELY

There have been many articles written on this subject,

so I'll just reiterate the most salient points.

1. Send money, not stuff - It makes it much easier to get what is needed where it's needed as quickly as possible.

2. Give to organizations that are already mobilized, and find a nonprofit you trust - This helps ensure your gift will touch those who need it as quickly and effectively as possible.

3. Give a non-earmarked or restricted gift - Nonprofits are most effective if they can choose how they spend their money, and money does not go unused in one place while there is still need in another.

4. Waiting for a while is not wrong - It takes some time for charities to figure out how best to respond, and rebuilding will be a long process, so your donations will likely be needed for a long time to come.

SOME CHOICES:

(in addition to those I've already posted)

You can donate directly to 

THE RED CROSS or SAVE THE CHILDREN In Japan, Via THIS LINK.

The Chronicle of Philanthropy, has a long list of organizations that are actively working on the relief effort at this time, including:

- - Doctors Without Borders.

- - Helping Hand (USA) For Relief and Development.

- - Shelter Box.

- - Project HOPE.

- - National Disaster Search Dog Foundation.

- - K.I.D.S.

- - Medical Teams International.

- - Mercy Corps.

I am only one, but I am one.  

I cannot do everything, but I can do something.  

And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do. 

~ Edward Everett Hale.

Below is a list of charities and relief organizations you can donate to in order to help bring aid to those affected by the worst earthquake in Japanese history.

 - courtesy of The Daily What.

Image: Details from Kent Ng's Tribute "Stay Strong Japan!"

• The American Red Cross has set up a special designation for disaster relief efforts in Japan. To donate, click here, or text REDCROSS to 90999 to instantly donate $10.

• International Medical Corps says it is putting together relief teams and supplies to aid Japan “and other affected countries.” Donate here.

• GlobalGiving’s Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund.

• World Vision’s Disaster Response Fund.

• Click here to donate to AmeriCares’ emergency relief response.

• Save the Children’s Japan Earthquake Tsunami Children in Emergency Fund.

As always, the main Red Cross donations link is in the side bar of this blog.

[EDITED TO ADD from HufPo] 

Salvation Army personnel are organizing efforts in Tokyo and will soon send a team to help the severely damaged city of Sendai, Japan. To contribute to earthquake relief, text 'JAPAN' or 'QUAKE' to 80888 to make a $10 donation or visit SalvationArmyUSA.org. 

Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is sending two three-person teams to the Iwate and Miyagi prefectures in Japan. To learn more about the organization's efforts or make a donation, visit Doctorswithoutborders.org.

Other relief organizations are also sending representatives to disaster sites, including AmeriCare and Shelterbox. 

MercyCorps is gathering donations for its overseas partner, Peace Winds Japan, which currently has personnel on the ground distributing emergency relief in Japan.

Along with an appeal for monetary donations, Operation USA has also announced efforts to collect bulk corporate donations of health care supplies. If you are interested in donating bulk medical items, visit OpUSA.org.

For any who have loved ones abroad, Google has stepped up to help. Along with a tsunami alert posted on its front page, Google has launched the Person Finder: 2011 Japan Earthquake to help connect people that may have been displaced due to the disaster. Google has also launched a crisis response page filled with local resources and emergency information.