Tuesday, May 27, 2008

General Donations

I am frequently asked why general funds are so important. This is such a great question because funds for specific programs are talked about often and are vital to any program. Donations designated for specific programs keep those programs running on a day to day basis, support specific children, and meet specific needs. So, why are general funds so important?

I recently received a long list of items that were purchased and services received at the Humble Hearts School for the Deaf in Kenya. All of these needs were met because of general donations to the school. Approximately $1,670 was sent to Humble Hearts for general needs in April. In addition, one sponsor generously sent socks for any child who needed them.
The list of needs that was met is extensive....latrines were drained, mattresses were purchased for the preschool class, charts and posters were purchased for classrooms, pads were purchased for the older girls, chairs were added to the library and staff room, textbooks were purchased for the high school kids, the electric bill was paid, and medication was purchased for children with malaria and colds.

Although vitally important, none of these items are covered by sponsorship fees. Who would ever want to sponsor the draining of a latrine? Yuck! But because general funds were available to Humble Hearts, this vital need was met and children are less likely to become ill.

So next time you wonder if general funds make a difference, please remember this list of what was provided for the children of Humble Hearts in April. Every single dollar makes a huge difference.

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Sichuan Earthquake

All of us were devastated to hear of the earthquake in China a week ago. The numbers of lives lost and children left orphaned is still unknown. Family members are still searching for each other, and rubble is still being sifted. But, in all the devastation, stories of wonderful acts of kindness are emerging.

I recently received some of the most heartwarming pictures I've ever seen. The Mama's Wish program supports orphaned and severely impoverished girls by providing them with the opportunity to receive a high school and college education. These girls come to school with very little, and completely rely on sponsors for their financial support. Many attend the Tongren school in the Qinghai. We were expecting to hear the worst news about these amazing girls, but were thrilled to learn that all of the Mama's Wish girls and their teachers were safe after the earthquake hit.

What was equally overwhelming to me was the generosity these extremely poor children have shown in the face of the devastation. Students wrote our facilitator in China expressing their concern for her and her family. But more than that, they participated in a fundraiser at their school for victims of the earthquake. At first glance you might not think much about that. But what must be understood is that these girls don't have the $1 US it costs to take the bus home on the weekend. Their families, if they have one, have an average income of less than $100 a year. Many have seen family members die because of untreated, basic illnesses.

And yet, they lined up to help those less fortunate.

I have always said that the kids in our programs are my heroes. They take the worst circumstances and completely change lives....their own and others. I am honored to know them.

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Friends Around The World


Since Angel Covers began, people around the world have offered their help and support for children around the world. Recently, individuals have been posting about the need for a new Angel Cottage on their blogs and posting our widgets so others have the opportunities to donate. Because of these efforts, funds continue to be raised for this project. With Father's Day rapidly approaching, please consider donating a brick in your dad's honor. http://www.angelcovers.org/angelcottage.html


Marcia, of Magnolia and Friends, is another perfect example of the generosity of others. Marcia has graciously decided to give Angel Covers 100% of the profits from the sale of her Friends Of Magnolia Dolls. http://www.magnoliaandfriends.com/ These dolls come in a wide variety of outfits and are adorable! Marcia's generosity is going to touch the lives of children around the world. This about all of the kids in your life who would love one of these!

Thank you to all of you who help each and every day. I don't know who all of you are, but I know your caring for children is truly making a difference.

Friday, May 2, 2008

Education

For years Angel Covers has worked from the basic belief that without education, no one is able to achieve all they are capable of becoming. We have children you can sponsor at schools around the world, donors have generously given to our general education fund, and our auction is a wonderful success each year.

Because of your support, children in China and Kenya have been able to go to school. They are now getting the education they need to succeed in the world. Classroom floors have been cemented, books have been purchased, posters are on the walls, and tuition is paid. Tommy is a perfect example. In the LWB Believe in Me school in Jingzhou, he is 2 years old and is learning to hold a pencil, count to 10, and is developing his social skills. Because of your donations through gift cards for education programs, Angel Covers was able to provide the needed funds for Tommy to stay in school for the next year. http://www.angelcovers.org/giftcards.html

Purchasing note cards made by children in Kenya has provided new roofs, floors, and books to children at the Humble Hearts School. Many of these children walk miles each morning to attend school. They are trying to beat the odds and your support of them through gift cards and the purchase of note cards is making their dream a reality. http://www.angelcovers.org/greetingcards.html


For my children and many others throughout the United States, school is coming to an end this year and it's time to think about gifts for teachers. Please consider an education gift card or a box of these beautiful note cards for your child's teacher. Your gift will not only show your gratitude toward your child's teacher, but will also help children around the world.