Charities Blog

Giving Something Back

3 Ways You Can Give Back This Holiday Season

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When it comes to the holiday season a lot of people think about what they would like to receive rather than what they can do to give. When you are in that kind of mentality you are failing to see the true spirit of the holidays which is goodwill, cheer, and giving to others.

If you would like to try to focus more on giving back and want some ideas for how you can do it, look no further. Here are some of the best ways that you can do a charitable deed this holiday season, and give back instead of just receiving. [Read more…]

Originally posted on November 2, 2017 @ 3:57 pm

5 Charities That Build Homes For People

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Poverty is a problem that all seven continents on this Earth face. Though the poor people in America are living a posh existence compared to the poor people in other countries, poverty and homelessness still affect a large population of our country.

There are hundreds of charity organizations throughout the United States that do everything they can to assist struggling individuals and families, but some of them stand ahead of the rest of the pack. Check out five of the most shining examples of awesomeness, and learn a little about some of the charities that have contributed the most to our people. [Read more…]

Originally posted on November 23, 2017 @ 10:26 am

Healing With Mirrors

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Around the world today, there are people taking on valuable missions on their own to help other people. Some do get publicized a lot while the others don’t get much exposure. But just the same, they continue to pursue their mission with as much help they can get or sometimes through their own personal funds.

One very inspiring man pursuing a unique humanitarian mission is Stevo (Stephen Sumner) of Me & My Mirror.org. He is actively helping less fortunate people with disabilities notably in Southeast Asian countries. His main objective is to ease the suffering of amputees in poor and conflict-prone areas around the globe through the power of the mirror.

Stevo is an amputee himself who rides a cargo bicycle to deliver mirrors to amputees in the villages. The mirrors are no ordinary ones as they are hand-made and created using the acrylic material. His goal is to alleviate the so-called “phantom limb pain” normally experienced by amputees and improve their quality of life amid the depression and ostracizing they get from other members of their community.

Stevo is currently running a crowd fund raising campaign at StartSomeGood.com, he needs to reach the target of $5,000 for all the money to go to helping people in Cambodia who have lost limbs. Please give what you can.

me-and-my-mirror

This particular therapy using mirrors was started by VS Ramachandran in the 1990s. Ramachandran is one of the world’s renowned neuroscientists.

The mirror therapy uses a visualization technique that allows a patient to look at a mirror image of his limb in place of the one that was amputated. When this procedure is done regularly at least 10 minutes twice a day for about a month to five weeks, the amputee can be treated and cured for the rest of his life.

The therapy works by helping the brain re-wire and stop sending warning signals that causes the phantom limb pain. In fact, this form of treatment is now being utilized by the U.S. Military, the American Pain Foundation and the American Automobile Association.

Stevo believes that if only the less fortunate people in conflict-torn areas are given the chance to learn about this mirror therapy, many would greatly benefit from it. It is a very cost effective technique in that patients don’t need to buy medicines, visit the doctors or hospitals and travel to the town centers to seek treatment.

Stevo has initially helped amputees in Cambodia where landmines were widely used in the past through his own personal funds. He looks forward to collecting additional funds until February 15 from kind-hearted people to carry on his next mission for three months until May this year. Other Asian countries he plans to visit are Laos, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia, Haiti and the Balkans among others.

About the author:
Teresa is a freelance blogger and mom of two. She gets inspiration from the success stories of people strongly supporting humanitarian campaigns.

Originally posted on February 9, 2013 @ 3:09 pm

The Fistula Foundation

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fistula.jpgFistula is a non-profit organization that aims to help women who have been abandoned by their husbands after suffering the dreadful birth complication. Fistula is an injury that results from prolonged labor which cuts off blood supply to the tissues of vagina and bladder. This results in the tissues death leaving a hole through which urine and feces pass through uncontrollably. This problem exists in countries where proper health care and practices are out of reach resulting in many women without husbands left to fend for themselves. With 100,000 new cases each year in the developing world, only a fraction of these women get the help they need. A total of 2 million women are affected by fistula worldwide and from that figure, only 6,500 get the medical treatment and attention they need to continue living a normal life. The birth complication has long been eliminated with the advent of cesarean sections which is not only costly but out of reach of most developing countries. Along with incontinence, nerve damage can also result in paralysis leaving the lower extremities useless taking away their ability to contribute as productive members of society.
The organization was put up by people who saw the debilitating effects of the childbirth condition when they were on volunteer work in developing countries as members of the Peace Corps. The organization was officially put up in the year 2000 and it has brought the plight of these helpless women to the media and many charitable organizations the world over. Relying on the efforts of private citizens’ doctors and other large organizations who regularly donate supplies and equipment, the organization has managed to help many women in the affected regions of Ethiopia. The foundation currently does most of its work there but that doesn’t mean that the complications do not affect other parts of the world. Countries where health care is still a luxury, there are higher cases and they work purely to educate the public about the dangers and debilitating effects of the birth complication that is Fistula.

Originally posted on April 29, 2011 @ 6:53 am

Putting Disabled People to Work

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The sight of a disabled child or person who pushes himself to earn a living despite having deficiencies in some parts of their bodies or from their manner of thinking is something that should inspire the normal man. Putting aside their current situation and status to give them a reason to live is the most important factor that touches the hearts of people who see them.

Disabled People Who Want To Live Normally

There are a lot of foundations that have taken this cue and even gone to the extent of helping them earn their keep and efforts through referrals and sponsorships. Working for a cause is the best term to generalize everything that these disabled people invest. Rarely would you see people putting time for such people who make the best out of what they can.

People who have some deficiencies cannot live normally but in most cases, it is the disabled people who seem to show more promise because they know that in their hearts that there is so much to accomplish if they are given a chance to be side by side with the normal and fortunate people of today.

[tags]disabled, charities, foundations[/tags]

Originally posted on September 30, 2010 @ 5:30 pm

Bringing Science and The Spirit Together

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Below are three astonishing experiments with DNA which proves that
DNA can heal itself according to the “feelings” of the individual as
reported recently by Gregg Braden. In his recent program entitled
Healing Hearts/Healing Nations: The Science of Peace and the Power
of Prayer, Gregg Braden discussed how in the past we lost huge
amounts of information from ancient spiritual traditions (when the
library at Alexandria burned we lost at least 532,000 documents),
and that there may be information in those traditions which could
help us understand some of the mysteries of science.

To this end he reported on three very interesting experiments. Gregg Braden started
off as a scientist and engineer, before he began pursuing these
larger questions.

EXPERIMENT #1

The first experiment reported was done by Dr.Vladimir Poponin, a
quantum biologist. In this experiment, first a container was emptied
(i.e. a vacuum was created within it), and then the only thing left
photons (particles of light) they measured the distribution (ie the
location) of the photons and found they were completely random
inside the container. This was the expected result.

Then some DNA was placed inside the container and the distribution
(location) of the photons was remeasured. This time the photons were
LINED UP in an ORDERED way and aligned with the DNA. In other words
the physical DNA had an effect on the non- physical photons.

After that, the DNA was removed from the container, and the
distribution of the photons was measured again. The photons REMAINED
ORDERED and lined up where the DNA had been. What are the light
particles connected to?

Gregg Braden says we are forced to accept the possibility that some
NEW field of energy, a web of energy, is there and the DNA is
communicating with the photons through this energy.

Originally posted on September 13, 2010 @ 6:36 am

A Charity for Deafness Guidance

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When you organize a charity, even medical science may need a hand. The gift of medicine and helping out people who may have some deficiencies on their health is pretty much a growing concern and considering that many people today are suffering in terms of seeking medication and assistance for various health issues, good causes such as charities are a great way to help them out.

One of these medical problems deals with hearing. The number of people who suffer from deafness is apparent and while there are medical solutions to it, they do not come cheap. Some have to console themselves with the fact that money talks and unless some good soul or program is raised, the inevitable task of enjoying the sense of hearing will only remain a goal for them.

In a move not to really help cure deafness immediately, worthy causes such as the ones being undertaken by the charity Deafness Research UK can do their small part by distributing pamphlets and guiding people suffering from deafness. In the pamphlets, guides and practical advice will be given to help concerned people, something that can really count a lot if people would read on it.

Vivienne Michael, chief executive of Deafness Research UK, commented: “Through the ‘Trouble With your Ears?’ leaflet, we aim to raise awareness of ear problems and give them more prominence on the public health agenda.”

She suggested that the provision of good-quality information could both improve people’s health while at the same time lower the burden placed on doctors by reducing the number of avoidable ear problems.

Source

Originally posted on December 10, 2010 @ 9:50 pm

The Limited Choices of People Seeking Aid

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Hunger in the World of Poverty

Around the world, it cannot be denied that there are a lot of people who are experiencing poverty and issues regarding their manner of living. A lot would depend on where they are situated, the country and of course the manner of living that majority of the region is experiencing. Not all countries are blessed with a good economy to which people can find a way to survive with the available jobs to choose from. Some are just plain unlucky to be situated in them like Vietnam, Africa and so on.

The good thing about the world is that people from other countries do not hesitate to lend a helping hand to the best of their abilities. Help in any form cannot be measured and people in need do not really have much choice. Hence beggars really cannot be choosers in this case.

Help in the form of food, clothing and other materials essential for living is being sent to most parts of the world. Some would even render volunteer work and services just to reach them. In a sense, they can call themselves lucky that there are people who still care for what the world has to deal with today.

Originally posted on August 25, 2010 @ 1:43 pm

The Easiest Way Create Your Own Personal Foundation

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Have you ever wanted to start your own foundation or charity? Perhaps there was already a charity close to your heart, an issue you’ve always felt strongly about, or even something which involves a family member or friend?

Well heres a great idea I stumpled upon – you can now start your own private and personal foundation, complete with website, with easy ways for people to donate online. And you need much money to do it. Read on:

At Independent Charities of America, you can now set up your own personal, private, online foundation.

Through a simple process, you will be able to:

* Deposit contributions to your own foundation by credit card, check, or securities transfer at any time. The deposits you make to your foundation are charitable gifts, fully tax deductible to the extent permitted by law at the time you make the deposit.

* Nominate gift distributions from your foundation to charities, churches, or schools of your choice at any time. You are not limited to the charities found on this site.

* Accept email “proposals” from charities seeking funds, an option you can turn on or off at any time.

* To see an example of how this works, you can take the tour at the organization’s website here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the required contribution to my donor advised fund?

A: Your initial contribution to open a donor advised fund is $250. There is no minimum requirement for subsequent contributions.

Q: How often may I contribute to my fund?

A: As often as you like.

Q: What is the minimum requirement for recommending grants from my fund?

A: $25.00 per recipient.

Q: How do I receive a receipt for my contribution to my fund?

A: A receipt is issued by email. The summary report of all transactions in your account is also printable.

Q: May I allow funds to accumulate in my account in order to grow into a substantial amount?

A: Yes, and many donors do so. You can wait up to five years between deposits and nominations, providing you nominate at least 5% of the balance every year.

Q: Can someone other than myself or my family make a contribution to be credited to my personal/family foundation?

A: Yes, they can.

Q: If our club creates a foundation, who will get the tax deduction?

A: The club itself, if the club is the entity that makes the gift to ICA. The members receive the tax deduction if it is the individual members who make the gift to ICA.

Q: Can I contribute non-cash or non-stock gifts, such as real estate?

A: No, ICA can only accept check, credit card, or securities contributions.

Q: Can someone other than myself make nominations for distributions from my fund?

A: Yes, anyone with whom you share your email address and Personal Giving Number.

Q: I’m an employer. Can I have an at-work fund drive using the ICA system and let my employees fund their accounts by payroll deduction?

A: Yes. The employer needs to make special arrangements with ICA to facilitate reporting. This is easily done. Inquire by email to [email protected].

Originally posted on July 30, 2010 @ 12:40 pm

Charities Not Getting As Many Goods Donations

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donated-clothesWhen you give to charitable causes, what do you normally give? Do you prefer giving cash? Or maybe you would rather give in kind?

I remember that, as a kid, my mother would much rather give in kind. Not only did we not have that much spare money, she would also say that it is much better that the people who need things can get the things they actually need. This would also lessen the temptation to use the money on other things that may not be urgent needs. I have come to adopt this way of thinking most of the time.

That is why, when I read an article on Penn Live about donated items becoming less, I felt a tinge of sadness and worry. It got even worse when I read the reason behind this. Apparently, instead of people giving old or used items to charity, people now tend to make use of eBay and other similar venues to get rid of their stuff.

But you know, you can’t really blame them. The economic times are crazy, and even those who were relatively well off are finding themselves in trouble. Who would blame people when they try to make some extra money in most any way they can? At least they are not doing illegal stuff, right?

Still, this is an eye-opener for me, and I hope that it will be the same for you. Perhaps it is time to re-examine our spending and giving habits. Perhaps there are some things that we can afford to give to those in need.

Photo courtesy of thaths

Originally posted on April 12, 2009 @ 8:58 am