April’s 30 Days Can Save a Life

One COTA Mom Shares Her Family’s Journey to Transplant and the Selfness Donation that Saved Her Son’s Life

Every day in April (National Donate Life Month), people across the United States are encouraged to stop and think about saving lives. April is a chance for Americans to make a special effort to celebrate the tremendous generosity of those who have saved lives by becoming organ and tissue donors, and to encourage others to follow their example.

Why are these 30 days of April so important to raise awareness about becoming an organ and/or tissue donor?

Ø The need is growing on a daily basis.

Ø Currently there are 105,720 people on the organ waiting list in the United States.

Ø Each day, 77 children and adults get their life-saving organ transplant, but 19 others die because an organ did not become available in time.

For one Texas COTA family who beat the odds, National Donate Life Month is an important time to share their son’s transplant journey, and to acknowledge the anonymous family whose donation turned anguish into joy.

Weylin Kleinman was born on July 14, 2000, in Round Rock, Texas, several months after doctors had, while he was in utero, spotted what they thought was a cyst in his stomach. Tests done immediately after his birth showed an underdeveloped baby inside Baby Weylin’s abdominal cavity. Doctors removed it one week later and within days of the surgery discovered that Weylin’s small intestines were not functioning -- leaving the infant no way to process food. Weylin’s overworked liver also failed.

His parents, Kristi and Paul, were told Weylin’s condition, called fetus-in-fetus, was profoundly rare with only 50 to 75 cases documented worldwide in more than 200 years. Weylin was put on organ waiting lists at hospitals in New York City, NY, Pittsburgh, PA, and Omaha, NE -- all of which specialize in children’s transplants. And the family’s long and nerve-wracking waiting process began.

According to Kristi, “Once we started down the pathway of researching organ transplants, we instantly knew we were going to need help financially. Many of our friends and family members started trying to raise money for us on their own, but they were struggling to be successful.”

“While I was on a visit to the transplant unit at Pittsburgh Children’s Hospital, I met a fellow transplant family who was using the Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA). They explained to me the many benefits associated with COTA, and told me how much trust they had in the organization. I fell in love with COTA on the spot and called my family and friends in Texas to discuss the concept.”

Almost immediately the Kleinman’s friends and families rallied together to work with COTA. According to Kristi, who was still far from home with a very sick baby, everyone was elated and that elation gave her a sense of encouragement and hope that her son’s life would be saved. She said, “I could not believe how fast a COTA training team could get to Texas from Indiana. The relief came to me almost as quickly, once I knew our volunteers were working with this incredible organization.”

Over the coming months, the COTA team orchestrated bake sales at major retailers, hosted Easter egg hunts at the Dell Diamond (a local AA baseball team) and managed coin collection canisters located throughout their community. In addition, family members told Kristi working with COTA allowed donors generosity to be rewarded through the tax deduction for their gift. COTA also helped to open the door to the media for this transplant family, and according to Kristi, “our adorable baby was embraced by even more members of our loving community.”

COTA provided a much-needed distraction while Kristi and Paul waited for a suitable liver and small intestine to be donated. The family’s transplant-related expenses mounted -- even during the long wait for transplant. The COTA team raised more than $75,000 -- and every penny was, or will be, used to cover his transplant-related expenses, including renting a medical transport jet when the family received ‘the call’ in Texas and had a window of only a few hours to get to Pittsburgh so Weylin could receive a second chance at life.

Weylin’s transplant surgery lasted 12 hours and came with a price tag of $1.8 million. Even more wrenching was knowing that a three-year-old girl was killed in an accident. Her family’s decision to donate her organs gave Weylin his second chance. Since receiving that selfless gift of life almost a decade ago, Kristi has become a vocal supporter of organ donation; she is a major supporter of National Donate Life Month activities.

“Another jaw-dropping aspect of COTA is the relief in not having to search for more funds once your child is blessed with donated organs,” said Kristi. “COTA tried to prepare me for how overwhelming it is when the organs come and the transplant actually occurs, but I figured after all of the waiting, this would not be the case with me. I was wrong.”

“This is truly one of the miracles you receive when working with COTA. Their professionals have seen so many families go through this traumatic event, and they know how to make sure you are ready for what you are about to endure. With COTA, I never once worried about the huge medical bills or the cross-country check ups or any of those transplant-related expenses that we will have for the rest of Weylin’s hopefully long life.”

Weylin has not experienced one bout of rejection since his small intestine and liver transplant nearly a decade ago. He plays on flag football and basketball teams. He loves his little sister and video games. He argues with his mom about homework and bedtime. He and his family travel from Texas to Pittsburgh for an annual check-up where they are able to show off the miracle performed there on June 8, 2001.

Weylin’s second chance at life was possible only because of a family from thousands of miles away who, in the face of their own personal tragedy and grief, made the decision to donate life.

The Children’s Organ Transplant Association is a national charity that provides fundraising assistance for children needing life-saving transplants. COTA’s priority is to assure that no child or young adult is denied a transplant or excluded from a transplant waiting list due to lack of funds. 100 percent of all funds raised in honor of patients are used for transplant-related expenses. For more information, visit www.cota.org or call 800.366.2682.
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Macy's Teams Up With the National Park Foundation in Effort to Raise $1 Million

(BUSINESS WIRE)--This year marks the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, and consumers might well ask: what difference can any one of us make? Macy's (NYSE:M) announced today three ways it is making a difference: a cause marketing campaign to generate much needed support for national parks, renewed sustainability efforts to reduce Macy's impact on the environment, and giving back to local communities through volunteer efforts.

“Helping to protect the environment is an important priority for our customers and associates”

Starting on April 5, Macy's launches its Great Give Back campaign highlighting the work of the National Park Foundation, providing a matching grant to customer donations for a total fundraising goal of $1 million. This amount is added to the $5 million already donated by the retailer and its customers since 2008.

"This year, Macy's support is connecting more than 100,000 young people to their national parks," said Neil Mulholland, president and CEO of the National Park Foundation. "Macy's contributions have helped support programs including First Bloom which brings urban youth into the national parks to design and plant their own gardens; as well as our upcoming Electronic Field Trip to Bryce Canyon, which will connect classrooms around the country and world to one of our most amazing national parks."

The Great Give Back campaign runs through April 30 in all Macy's locations and on macys.com. Customers are encouraged to make a point-of-sale donation in any denomination, and Macy's will make a matching grant up to $500,000.

From April 17 to 25, Macy's is an official partner of the National Park Foundation for National Park Week . Eight park locations have been selected for volunteer projects, assisting with vital programs including habitat restoration, trail maintenance, and land/river clean ups. The eight efforts around the nation are:

* Atlanta: Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area - First Bloom planting and trail work
* Cleveland: Cuyahoga Valley National Park – First Bloom planting
* Los Angeles: Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area – Trail restoration and maintenance
* Minneapolis/St. Paul: Mississippi River National Recreation Area – Park cleanup
* New York City: Gateway National Recreation Area – Ground maintenance and repairs
* San Antonio: San Antonio Missions National Historical Park – First Bloom planting
* San Francisco: Golden Gate National Recreation Area – Habitat restoration and trail work
* Washington, D.C.: National Capital Parks East/Fort Mahan – Trail maintenance

"Helping to protect the environment is an important priority for our customers and associates," said Terry J. Lundgren, Macy's chairman, president and chief executive officer. "Macy's is proud to partner with the National Park Foundation for the third year in a row. This year, we've added the new element of volunteering time in the national parks, and we're delighted to invite community volunteers to join our Macy's Partners in Time participants in the parks."

Additionally, Macy's, Inc renewed its commitment to sustainability with new corporate goals through 2013. Since 2008, Macy's has:

* Encouraged nearly 1.5 million customers to switch to online billing statements vs. paper statements;
* Decreased use of office paper by 34 percent and paper used in marketing by 23 percent;
* Increased the proportion of recycled or certified paper used in our marketing materials to 63 percent and in our shopping bags to 82 percent;
* Installed active solar power systems at 40 stores;
* Invested in energy efficiency projects and consumption reduction initiatives to reduce total energy use by 10 percent (in addition to a reduction of 9 percent in the previous five years);
* Substituted biodegradable packing materials instead of foam "peanuts" in shipping online orders;
* Pioneered efforts to reduce the number of empty trucks on the road through the “Empty Miles Service" program, matching trucks/trailers with other shippers to minimize empty loads

Macy's, Inc has set new sustainability goals for 2013, including:

* Reduce energy consumption on a kWh per square foot basis by another 8 to 10 percent;
* Host an additional 15 to 25 percent of renewable energy sources;
* Reduce the amount of paper used by at least another 10 percent;
* Increase the percentage of recycled (10 percent PCW or higher) and/or third-party certified paper in marketing materials to 70 percent of total (up from 3 percent in 2006);
* Increase the use of sustainable building materials in all major construction projects by 20 percent

"Giving back is one of Macy's core values," said Lundgren. "Through our efforts with the National Park Foundation and our commitment to sustainability, we're proof that one company can make a big difference."

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Record-A-Thon Harnesses Remarkable Volunteer Power, Bringing Books to Life for Students With Print Disabilities

Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic’s Record-A-Thon Hosted by RFB&D’s Georgia Studio

Where: RFB&D Studio, 120 Florida Avenue, Athens, GA 30605

When: April 19 & 21, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., April 20, 9 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.,
April 22, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Delta Gamma sorority session 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
April 23, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Throughout the week at RFB&D’s Georgia studio, volunteers and volunteer readers will put in extra hours transforming textbooks into audiobooks – enabling students with visual and learning disabilities to learn through listening and achieve educational success. Sherri Goggin, Mrs. Georgia 2006, Athens Banner-Herald columnist, author and founder of Bundles of Joy gift bag program, is the honorary chair. Sheriff Ira Edwards, UGA basketball coach Mark Fox, former Mayor Doc Eldridge; Georgia State Representative Bob Smith, Athens Banner-Herald editor Don Nelson and other volunteers will fill the recording booths. The public and media are welcome to visit.

The Georgia volunteers will join thousands nationwide in the Record-A-Thon campaign to record books, raise funds and increase awareness about RFB&D and people with visual or learning disabilities. A national non-profit offering the largest audio textbook library in the country, RFB&D provides life-changing access to the printed word for over a quarter-million students and veterans.
For more information, contact:

Eleanor Cotton
Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic
Georgia
ecotton@rfbd.org
(706)-549-1313

Doug Sprei
Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic
Washington, DC
dsprei@rfbd.org
(703) 581-2498

Visit RFB&D at www.rfbd.org
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Belk Spring Charity Sale on May 1 to Benefit Local Charities and Schools

Fall Charity Sale raised more than $4 million for hundreds of nonprofits

Belk invites Georgia charities, schools and other nonprofit organizations to participate in its Spring Charity Sale on May 1. The event will once again benefit communities throughout the company’s 16-state market area. The last Belk Charity Sale held November 7, 2009, raised more than $4 million for hundreds of participating nonprofit organizations.

Charity Sale tickets are available now at no cost to participating local, nonprofit organizations for sale in advance of the event. All proceeds from each $5 ticket sold will be retained by the charity. Beginning Friday, April 23, tickets may also be purchased at Belk stores with all donations equally divided among the participating charities and schools in each local store. There is no limit to the number of tickets charities can sell, and no limit to the amount of money that can be raised. Belk provides tickets and collateral materials at no cost to the participating groups.

The four-hour, in-store shopping event offers an excellent fundraising opportunity for participating organizations and a chance for customers to support worthwhile charities and take advantage of special discounts on purchases made during the event.

In exchange for a $5 donation, customers will receive a ticket admitting them to the Charity Sale on May 1 from 6 to 10 a.m. and entitling them to merchandise discounts ranging from 20 to 70 percent on purchases throughout the store, including special savings on rarely discounted brands. Customers will also receive $5 off their first purchase of $5 or more at the event, and Belk cardholders will receive double Rewards points for card purchases. Belk Elite cardholders will receive triple Rewards points for card purchases.

On May 1, beginning at 6 a.m. when doors open, the first 100 customers in each store will receive free Belk gift cards ranging in value from $5 to $1,000. In addition, all participating charities and schools will be automatically registered to win one of three $1,000 donations from Belk in a company-wide drawing.

The event, held semi-annually since Fall 2007, has raised more than $18 million for participating nonprofit organizations in Belk markets throughout the Southeast.

Charity representatives interested in taking part in this one-of-a-kind fundraising event should contact their local Belk store manager for more information. In order to participate in the Belk Charity Sale, organizations must have an IRS Section 501(c)(3) designation from the Internal Revenue Service.

About Belk, Inc.

Charlotte, N.C.-based Belk, Inc. is the nation’s largest privately owned mainline department store company. It operates more than 300 Belk stores located in 16 Southern states. The company was founded in 1888 by William Henry Belk in Monroe, N.C., and is in the third generation of Belk family leadership. Its Belk.com Web site is designed with many special features to make online shopping exciting, convenient and easy for customers. It offers a wide assortment of fashion apparel, shoes and accessories for the entire family along with top name cosmetics, a wedding registry and a large selection of quality merchandise for the home. 
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Volunteers Are Urgently Needed for Free Health Clinic for Uninsured

/PRNewswire/ -- Volunteers are urgently needed for a one-day, free health clinic in the Atlanta area this month that is expected to serve more than 1,000 uninsured Georgia residents.

"More than 18 percent of Georgia's non-elderly population is uninsured, demonstrating a great need for access to free medical services," National Association of Free Clinics (NAFC) Executive Director Nicole Lamoureux said. "In addition to providing needed medical services on the day of the event, this clinic is designed to connect the uninsured to ongoing medical resources."

The C.A.R.E. (Communities Are Responding Everyday) Clinic is scheduled for March 27 at the Georgia International Convention Center near Atlanta from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. It is sponsored by the NAFC and the Georgia Free Clinic Network (GFCN), which includes 18 free clinics around the state.

"Medical volunteers are urgently needed including doctors of medicine, doctors of osteopathy, nurse practitioners, physician's assistants, registered nurses, licensed vocational nurses, emergency medical technicians, medical administrators, licensed clinical social workers and more," GFCN Executive Director Donna Looper said. "We also need non-medical volunteers to help with documentation, logistical support, patient intake and translation, as well as to be patient greeters and escorts."

Volunteers can find out more information and register online at http://www.regonline.com/Atlanta_CARE_Clinic. Those interested in attending the clinic as a patient may call 1-877-233-5159 to make an appointment now.

"It is important to note that being uninsured is not the same as being unemployed," Lamoureux said. "About 83 percent of uninsured people have jobs. At past C.A.R.E. Clinics, we found that many of the patients worked at two or more jobs but did not receive health insurance benefits. Some even worked as nurses or for insurance companies but still did not have insurance themselves."

Dr. Craig Dietz, the Clinical Director of the Kansas City Free Clinic, has been a volunteer at all of the previous C.A.R.E. clinics that were held in Houston, New Orleans, Little Rock, Kansas City and Hartford. At these clinics over 7,000 uninsured people received free medical care. "Being involved in these clinics has been a rewarding experience," says Dr. Dietz. "We look forward to working with the Georgia community and adding to the approximately 7,000 previous C.A.R.E. clinic volunteers to help put on this important event."

About the National Association of Free Clinics:

The National Association of Free Clinics is the only nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization whose mission is solely focused on the issues and needs of more than 1,200 free clinics and the people they serve in the United States.

Founded in 2001 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., the NAFC is an effective advocate for the issues and concerns of free clinics, their volunteer workforce of doctors, dentists, nurses, therapists, pharmacists, nurse practitioners, technicians and other health care professionals, as well as the patients served by free clinics in communities throughout the nation.

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Fayette Relay For Life Searching for Cancer Survivors

The American Cancer Society of Fayette County and the Relay for Life Organizing Committee are searching for local cancer survivors who would like to participate in the 2010 Relay For Life of Fayette County and the annual pre-event Survivor Dinner.

Relay For Life is an annual fundraiser and the signature event of the American Cancer Society. The purpose of the rally is to raise money to fund research and development towards patient treatment, cancer prevention, and to help find a cure for cancer. At Relay teams of 10 – 15 people join together to raise money through pledges, or selling merchandise or food during the night long walking event.

Relay For Life is also about honoring some very important VIP’s; local residents who have survived cancer. Relay For Life is an event that helps survivors feel part of a very special community and celebrating life with them. Cancer survivors are treated as honored guests at Relay and are the guests of honor at a Survivor’s Dinner which is sponsored by Piedmont Fayette Hospital. This year’s Survivor Dinner will be held Friday, April 23th at the New Hope Baptist Church in Fayetteville.

Ellen Hester will be the motivational speaker at this year’s Survivor Dinner. Ellen is known for her unique and humorous presentations, often done in character. Attendees of the Survivor dinner are sure to be enthusiastically energized and entertained by Ms. Hester.

Survivors can register to attend Relay For Life on-line at www.relayforlife.org/fayettecounty. Follow the Survivor/Caregiver link under Event Information. Invitations to the Survivor Dinner will be mailed to all registered Survivors. Registration forms are also available at the Fayette County American Cancer Society (ACS) office located at 301 Kelly Drive, Suite 3, Peachtree City.

For more information about the Relay For Life event and the Survivor's Dinner, please contact Jody Abigando, Survivor Development Chairperson at 770-719-6098 or by email at Jody.Abigando@piedmont.org.
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Coweta Outreach

Shiloh Chinese Christian Church, Coweta Community Church and Community Welcome House have joined together in providing food, clothing, counseling and referral services the second Saturday of each month. This outreach program offers a soup lunch and information. The location is Coweta Community Church, 310 Millard Farmer Industrial Blvd, Newnan, GA.
Contact Mrs. Amy Tai for information at 770-502-2306 or by emailing shilohsccc@yahoo.com.

Special Olympics Georgia Receives Grant from The Home Depot Foundation

/PRNewswire/ -- Through its fourth annual Building Community Day program, The Home Depot® Foundation has awarded $20,000 to Special Olympics Georgia (SOGA). The donation will be used to grow the State Competitions which also includes the Healthy Athletes free health screenings at all events.

"We are excited and honored to receive this support of both collaboration and funding from The Home Depot Foundation," said SOGA Chief Executive Officer Georgia Milton-Sheats. "This incredible and positive recognition and support will assist us as we expand and enhance our programs for children and adults with intellectual disabilities in the Atlanta community and statewide."

Through its Building Community Day program, sponsored in partnership with the Georgia Center for Nonprofits, The Home Depot Foundation connects with some of Atlanta's most effective nonprofit organizations, which are focused on building communities through innovative programs and collaborative partnerships that fall outside of the Foundation's usual areas of giving. Twenty nonprofits participated in roundtable discussions and workshops focused on the theme of 'Social Innovation: Inspirational Ideas and Practices for Maximum Impact.' Each organization received a $20,000 grant at the end of day to support their work on a broad range of issues facing the Atlanta community.

"We are delighted to support and celebrate nonprofits in our hometown that have a long-standing commitment to making Atlanta a healthier and more sustainable city where families can thrive," said Kelly Caffarelli, president, The Home Depot Foundation. "Special Olympics Georgia deserves enormous credit for the work it is doing, particularly in these difficult economic times, and we are glad to be part of their efforts."

SOGA continues to serve people with intellectual disabilities through year-round sports competitions and training, health screenings, leadership opportunities, family networking and more throughout the state. Find out more at www.specialolympicsga.org.

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Mayfield Milk and Girl Scout Cookies: A Perfect Combination

What could be better than enjoying a cold glass of delicious Mayfield Milk? A glass of Mayfield Milk with your favorite Girl Scout Cookie!

From February 15 to March 30, Mayfield Dairy will be donating a portion of milk sales proceeds to Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta (GSGATL).

In addition to the donation, Mayfield President Scottie Mayfield says the dairy is also giving milk lovers a chance to save money. During the promotional period, Girl Scouts will be handing out the coupons at Girl Scout Cookie Booths at select locations while supplies last. With each Girl Scout Cookie purchase, consumers will get a coupon for a $1.00 off a gallon of Mayfield Milk.

“We’re excited about our partnership with Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta,” said Mr. Mayfield. “Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence and character, and we’re happy to help this great organization provide girls with the skills they need to be outstanding members of our community.”

“The Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta is thrilled Mayfield has partnered with us through our Girl Scout Cookie Program,” said Marilyn Midyette, CEO for GSGATL. “Their support will help our local troops operate camps and provide financial assistance to girls who can’t afford membership costs.”

“My favorite Girl Scout Cookies have always been Thin Mints,” said Mr. Mayfield. “No matter which cookie is your favorite, there’s nothing better than dipping one in a glass of Mayfield Milk.”

About Mayfield Dairy Farms
Founded in 1910, Mayfield Dairy Farms offers a full line of milk, cultured and ice cream products. Based in Athens, TN, the dairy serves nine Southeastern states. Tours of the dairy’s plants in Athens, TN and Braselton, GA offer an inside look into the history, production and great flavor of Mayfield products. To learn more about Mayfield Dairy Farms, visit www.mayfielddairy.com.

About Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta, Inc.
Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta Inc. serves approximately 41,000 girls and nearly 18,000 adult members in 34 counties in the metropolitan Atlanta area, northwest Georgia and a portion of Polk, Tenn. Our mission: Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. For more information on how to join, volunteer or donate to Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta call (770) 702-9100, or visit www.gsgatl.org.
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Airmen, Soldiers Continue Deliveries to Haiti

By Air Force Airman 1st Class Jason J. Brown
Special to American Forces Press Service

Airmen and soldiers assigned here (Joint Base Langley-Eustis, VA) and at Fort Lee, Va., loaded nearly 70 tons of gear and supplies and more than 70 soldiers aboard two C-17 Globemaster III transports Feb. 8 and 9 in support of Operation Unified Response in Haiti.

The 633rd Logistics Readiness Squadron team worked alongside airmen from Travis Air Force Base, Calif., and soldiers from Joint Base Langley-Eustis and Forty Lee to load the gear and people aboard C-17s from Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii.

Air transporters from the 633rd LRS have worked around the clock since Jan. 14, ensuring the aircraft are properly loaded, said Air Force Master Sgt. Anthony McCray, the squadron's air terminal operations superintendent. The team performed joint inspections with deploying units and validated all aircraft load plans for proper weight distribution and sequencing.

Soldiers loaded vehicles, palletized cargo and gear as troops from Fort Lee's 530th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion boarded en route to provide security, fuel systems and water purification management in Haiti.

"The Air Force trains soldiers through an affiliation program how to load aircraft properly," said Air Force Staff Sgt. Aaron Harris, a 21st Airlift Squadron loadmaster. "They knew exactly what to do and really helped expedite the process."

Airmen use planes that are most readily available to carry cargo and people from support bases to Haiti and back. As a result, crews from around the country man aircraft from different bases, all while visiting installations that serve as hubs.

"We need to be able to respond as quickly as possible, so when the alert comes in, we take whatever plane is available," said Air Force Airman 1st Class Alex Bartels, a loadmaster from Travis who accompanied the Hickam-based C-17. "It saves time and money and helps us be as efficient as possible."

The Haiti relief operation has kept the 633rd's airmen very busy.

"Last year, we moved approximately 1,500 tons of cargo," said Air Force 2nd Lt. Larry Ingersoll, the 633rd LRS officer in charge of air terminal operations. After the Jan. 12 earthquake, the squadron's airmen moved 746 tons of relief supplies in only 25 days, just 7 percent of the year.

Since the beginning of the operation, 633rd LRS Airmen have loaded 24 aircraft with cargo and more than 200 people bound for Haiti.

(Author Air Force Airman 1st Class Jason J. Brown serves in the 633rd Air Base Wing public affairs office.)
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Headgear Donates Shoes and Shirts to Hatian Earthquake Victims through Soles4Souls

Headgear, INC announced Tuesday it will donate 5,000 pairs of shoes and 100,000 shirts to Soles4Souls, the international charity dedicated to distributing new and gently worn shoes to those in need all over the world. The shoes are in support of Soles4Souls commitment to send more than 1.3 Million pairs of shoes to the devastated region.

Soles4Souls has partnered with other organizations on the ground in Haiti to transport and distribute the aid. More than 100,000 pairs of shoes, including work boots, rain boots, children’s athletic shoes and clothing items, have already been distributed in Haiti. The shoe charity announced it will continue to send shoes to the region throughout 2010 as part of their sustainable efforts to help Haiti in the rebuilding efforts.

“The mission to bring hope to the people of Haiti is well underway,” said Wayne Elsey, Founder and CEO of Soles4Souls. “With the help of our friends at Headgear, INC, Haitians can begin to rebuild their lives and look forward to a brighter day.”

"We are proud to be partnering with Soles4Souls to aid the relief efforts currently underway in Haiti. Our donation is a token of our strong commitment to our communities and consumers alike. We hope our shoes and clothing can provide hope and happiness to those in need."

For more information on how to get involved and donate to the victims in Haiti, visit www.giveshoes.org.

About Soles4Souls®
Soles4Souls is a Nashville-based charity that collects shoes from warehouses of footwear companies and the closets of people like you. We distribute these shoes, free of charge, to people in need around the world. Since 2005, Soles4Souls has given away over 7 million pairs of new and gently worn shoes (currently distributing one pair every 9 seconds). The shoes have been distributed in 125 countries, including Haiti, Kenya, Nepal and the United States. Soles4Souls is a 501(c)(3) recognized by the IRS and donating parties are eligible for tax advantages.

About Headgear
HeadGear, Inc. designs, markets and distributes a full collection of men’s, women’s, and youth clothing and accessories. Founded in 1992 as primarily a cap wholesaler, HeadGear has expanded into a full line of apparel and accessories and markets a strong portfolio of brands such as the premier lines of Blac Label, Blac Label Pink, and True Ambition footwear.
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First Lady Perdue Joins ‘Bearable Hugs’ Campaign

Stuffed Animals Distributed to Patients at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta

First Lady Mary Perdue teamed up today with the Division of Child Support Services (DCSS) and the Fatherhood Program to collect teddy bears and other stuffed animals for children as part of the ‘Bearable Hugs for Georgia’s Children’ campaign at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. The toys will be given to children receiving care at pediatric facilities, women’s shelters, law enforcement agencies and other children’s organizations throughout Georgia.

“It’s a blessing to see the smile a little stuffed animal can bring to face of a child,” said First Lady Mary Perdue. “This small gift helps a law enforcement officer to calm a child involved in a tense domestic situation or a hospital worker bringing comfort to a child.”

Individuals, churches, businesses and other organizations will participate in the Bearable Hugs for Georgia’s Children campaign by dropping off donations of teddy bears and other stuffed animals at any DCSS office throughout the state. The stuffed animals will be distributed on February 11th and 12th, 2010.

“Last year we collected over 4,000 stuffed animals which benefitted children served by 82 different organizations around the state,” said DCSS Director Keith Horton. “We hope to collect even more stuffed animals this year.”

“The Bearable Hugs campaign is a wonderful way for all Georgians to help children facing illness or other difficult circumstances, and I am honored to be a part of this community project,” said Mrs. Perdue.

The Division of Child Support Services helps Georgia’s children by enforcing the parental responsibility to financially support children. The Fatherhood Program serves non-custodial parents who are unable to pay their child support by helping them find employment and other services that promote self-sufficiency so they can support their children.

For more information about the Division of Child Support Services or the Fatherhood Program, go to www.ocse.dhr.georgia.gov.
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East Cobb Church of Christ Accepting Donations for Haiti from Feb. 10 to March 12

Walmart Transportation is assisting the East Cobb Church of Christ (ECCOC) to bring relief to the millions of Haitians affected by the earthquake. ECCOC has a long history of serving families in North Haiti and is seeking donations of food, summer clothing, school supplies, toys and cash donations to fill a 53-foot Walmart trailer that will be located on the church property. Walmart has volunteered to transport the trailer from ECCOC in Marietta, Ga. to Miami, Fla. where the donated items will then be shipped to Haiti to aid victims of the earthquake.

Suggested donations include:

· Non-Perishable food and sundry items
· Eating utensils
· Plastic containers
· First Aid Kits
· Hygiene products (e.g. toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, etc.)
· Summer clothing
· School supplies
· Toys and recreational items

For more information please call 770-587-5999 or visit: http://www.eastcobbcoc.org/drupal/content/please-help-us-fill-container-haiti.

February 10– March 12, 2010

Collection dates and times:

Saturdays, February 13 to March 6
· 10:00 a.m.-12:00a.m.

Sundays, February 14 to March 7
· 8:30 to 9:00 a.m.
· 10:30 to 11:15 a.m.
· 12:30 to 1:00 p.m.

East Cobb Church of Christ
5240 Roswell Road
Marietta, GA 30062
770-587-5999
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Friends of Disabled Adults and Children, Too! Collecting Supplies for Shipment to Haiti

/PRNewswire/ -- Atlanta-based Friends of Disabled Adults and Children, Too! (www.fodac.org), is coordinating a community effort over the next two weeks to provide much-needed non-perishable medical supplies and relief items to the victims of Haiti's recent earthquake. FODAC is collecting blankets, crutches, walkers, orthotic braces, wheelchairs, bandages, medical gloves, etc. at the organization's warehouse in Stone Mountain, Ga. The items will be shipped to Haiti within the next few weeks.

FODAC is partnering with Portlight Strategies of Charleston, S.C., (www.portlight.org) and the Weather Underground (www.wunderground.com) to ship and distribute the items. Thanks to funding from the Weather Underground, Portlight Strategies already has staff in Haiti to coordinate the distribution effort, as well as a truck packed with supplies, en route to Haiti now by ship.

"FODAC provides over $8 million worth of home health mobility and daily living equipment each year to people with disabilities or injuries," said Chris Brand, executive director of FODAC. "Most of the equipment we provide to children and adults consists of wheelchairs, walkers, crutches and other mobility devices. However, we have a number of items such as manual hospital beds, medical supplies and extra crutches and walkers that we stockpile for international relief efforts. A disaster like an earthquake leaves countless victims with broken bones and other mobility injuries. We have the equipment to donate. All we needed was a way to get it to Haiti."

FODAC owns a 64,800 square-foot warehouse at 4900 Lewis Road in Stone Mountain, Georgia. Donors may drop off supplies between 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Saturday through Feb. 6. Directions to the warehouse may be found at http://www.fodac.org/clients/directions.php.

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Atlanta Haitian Group Galvanizing Support for Earthquake Victims

Medical supplies, shoes, blankets, disinfecting wipes, water, food items desperately needed

An Atlanta based nonprofit organization, The Haitian Alliance, Inc. (www.transformhaiti.org), announced today its plan to partner with 20 other Haitian organizations in the metro Atlanta area and Hosea Feed the Hungry to provide aid and assistance to the victims of the recent earthquake that shattered the lives of millions in the tiny Caribbean nation of Haiti.

The Haiti Disaster Relief Project was formed under the umbrella of The Haitian Alliance, Inc. to collect and distribute needed items to the victims of the January 12th earthquake. A team of local volunteers will travel to Haiti with the donated items to provide hands-on assistance with the distribution as well as real time reports of the impact of the project and information gathering to enable plans for long-term support.

An estimated 30,000 Haitians live in the metro Atlanta area. Most have family in crisis in the country and many are desperate for means to provide help as well as information on the well-being of loved ones. The Haitian Alliance, Inc., established in 2006, has at the core of its mission the education of the people and the reforestation of the land.

Mr. Saurel Quettan, public relations officer for The Haitian Alliance, Inc., said, “We must now galvanize our strengths and resources to help our brothers and sisters in Haiti. We know the depth of their sorrow and the magnitude of their loss. Haitian people are courageous and resilient, but this is more than any of them have ever had to endure. With the help of the local and international community, Haiti will rise again.”

Cash contributions are needed most and can be pledged on our website at www.transformhaiti.org. Donations of supplies are also being collected throughout metro Atlanta and surrounding areas at over ten designated collection centers. For a list of these centers as well a list of needed items, please visit our website at www.transformhaiti.org and click on “collect” or call 888-499-6509.

###

Suggested supplies:

Water purification tablets
Medicine/Medical Supplies: Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Pepto-Bismol, pain killers, antibiotics, analgesics, peroxide, bandages, gauze, crutches, wheelchairs, cervical collars, splints, and items needed for field surgery, specifically, IV anesthesia
Non-perishable, ready-to-eat foods in easy-to-open containers
Tents, cots, camping equipment, lanterns, sleeping bags
Sheets, blankets, pillows, towels
Toiletries
Port-a-potty
Solar lanterns/lamps
Clothes/Shoes
Pre-mixed baby formula, diapers
Body bags
Donation centers throughout the metro Atlanta area at the following locations:

Clayton County

Jonesboro High School
7728 Mt Zion Blvd, Jonesboro, GA 30236; (707) 473-2855

Forest Park Middle School
930 Finley Drive, Forest Park, GA 30297; Mon - Fri: 9:00 - 2:00PM, until January 22nd

Cobb County

All-N-1 Security Services
3915 Cascade Road, Atlanta, GA 30331, (404) 472-3032; Mon - Fri: 11:00AM - 3:30PM

Argyle Elementary School
2420 Spring Road SE, Smyrna, GA 30080

Fhadi
685 Windy Hill Road, Su. A, Smyrna, GA 30309; Contact: Jean Claude Ledoux; (770) 374-4588

WRFG Radio
1083 Austin Avenue N. E., Atlanta, GA 30307; Mon - Fri: 11:00AM - 6:00PM;

DeKalb County

Cafe Fasika
447 North Indian Creek Dr., Clarkston, GA 30021; Contact: Herold Ulysse; (404) 499-0997

Stone Mountain Club Intrigue
5471 Memorial Drive, Stone Mountain, GA 30083

Helen Seiz
1165 Lea Drive, Roswell, GA 30076

St. Bridgid Catholic Church
3400 Old Alabama Road. Johns Creek, GA 30022

St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church
2560 Tilson Road. Decatur, GA, 30032

Northside Women's Specialists
1015 Mansell Road, Roswell, GA 30076; Mon - Fri: 8:00AM - 3:30PM

NWS OBGYN
980 Johnson Ferry Rd. #620, Atlanta, GA 30342; Mon - Fri: 8:30AM - 3:30PM

Real Source Brokers
650 East Lake Drive, Decatur, GA 30030; (404) 819-8014; Mon - Fri: 9:30 - 3:30PM

Fulton

South Fulton Theophile Church
950 Custer Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30316; Contact: Frantz Pinet; (404) 624-9432

City Storage
726 Ponce de Leon Place, Atlanta, GA 30306; Mon - Sat: 9:00 - 6:00PM; Sun. 10:00 - 2:00PM; Contact: Jeff Ferguson; (404)853-3303

Project South
9 Gammon Ave, Atlanta, GA 30315; Mon - Fri 3:00 - 7:00PM

Marco's Pita
752 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30306; Mon - Fri: 10:00 - 7:00pm; (404) 607-0071

Mindzai Multimedia
728 Ralph McGill Blvd NE, Atlanta, GA 30312; (404) 222-9337

Wax Wednesdays at Ixtlan
2160 Monroe Drive, Atlanta, GA 30324; Mon - Fri: 11:00 - 6:00PM

The Mix at Glenwood
1263 Glenwood Avenue Atlanta, GA 30316; Wed: 7:00pm - Midnight

Village Montessori School
1610 Woodstock Rd, Roswell, GA 30075; Mon - Fri: 9:00 - 5:00PM; Sat: 7:30a - 1:00PM; (770) 552-0834

Gwinnett County

Fisherman Church
300 Merchant Drive, Norcross, GA 30091; Contact: Pasteur Leroy
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Students raise money, collect items for Haiti earthquake victims

Georgia State University students are pitching in to help the victims of this week’s devastating earthquake in Haiti.

Members of the Georgia State Volleyball Team, for example, collected nearly $1,000 in just over 90 minutes from fellow students in the campus Library Plaza on Thursday. Assistant coach Ada Bazin, who encouraged the team to get involved in relief efforts, delivered the donation to the Metro Atlanta Red Cross chapter in midtown Red Cross Friday morning.

“I was overwhelmed by the amount of giving there was on campus,” Bazin said. “Students were stopping and digging in their wallets and pockets for anything they could give. That was truly amazing. I think this tragedy has pulled at a lot of heart strings and we all hear the call for help in Haiti.”

Georgia State’s Haitian Student Association is also collecting funds for Yele Haiti and tangible household items such as clothing and toiletries that will be sent to the island community through a local Haitian church. Collection boxes can be found around campus.

The two-year-old Haitian Student Association, which is the only one in the state of Georgia, has about 70 members, some of whom are personally affected by the disaster, said president Rodney Alfred.

“We’re trying to do all we can to help,” he said.

GSU also has six citizens of Haiti who are currently enrolled, three of whom are Fulbright scholars in public health. All international students from Haiti were contacted by phone within 24 hours of the disaster and were invited to make use of various campus support services, including the University Counseling Center, said Heather Housley, GSU director of International Student & Scholar Services.

“The university is very concerned about our Haitian students and their families and is helping as much as possible during this difficult time for their country,” Housley said. “We're continuing to connect with the students, to share resources and information as it becomes available and to assist the Haitian Student Association in their relief efforts as well.”

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Red Cross Aid Reaches Haitian Earthquake Survivors

/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Truckloads of Red Cross supplies arrived in Port-au-Prince yesterday and thousands of responders are traveling the streets, providing water and first aid as well as finding lost loved ones and transporting people with serious injuries to nearby health facilities.

"America's support - donations made in the United States to the American Red Cross - is reaching the hands of survivors in Haiti," said Steve McAndrew, disaster relief specialist with the American Red Cross in Port-au-Prince.

Within the convoy that arrived yesterday are 50-bed field hospitals and purification equipment capable of producing 10,000 gallons of drinking water per day. The mobile hospitals have a dedicated section to help people cope with emotional trauma. Toys and specially-trained volunteers will be available to comfort children, who are particularly vulnerable.

An additional seven truckloads of equipment and materials including medical supplies, that were on Red Cross planes re-routed to the Dominican Republic Friday, are traveling overland and are expected to arrive in Port-au-Prince by Sunday. Two flights will arrive in the capital city, carrying enough relief supplies for more than 32,000 families, on Monday as well.

The American Red Cross team and responders from more than 30 countries, totaling 100, have now arrived and are providing a wide-range of support, including food, water, field hospitals, emotional support and sanitation services, alongside thousands of local volunteers.

"We are working with the Haitian Red Cross volunteers, who have intimate knowledge of the community," said McAndrew. "Survivors are receiving aid from their neighbors, who they know and trust, with support from the international community."

On Monday, American Red Cross President & CEO Gail McGovern will travel to Port-au-Prince to join other Red Cross leaders in assessing the relief efforts and planning for long-term recovery.

"Our focus now is on the immediate relief for the people of Haiti, but make no mistake, this is going to be a massive long-term recovery operation," McGovern said.

Since the earthquake struck, more than 19,300 people have registered with the International Committee of the Red Cross-sponsored Web site (www.icrc.org/familylinks) helping to reconnect families separated during the earthquake. Almost all of the registrations were from people searching for news about their relatives, although around 1,400 people have so far used the site to say they are safe and well.

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'Phones for Haiti' Cell Phone Recycling Program Launched

/PRNewswire/ -- ReCellular today announced a new way for Americans to provide support to the millions of victims of the January 12th earthquake in Haiti. Used cell phones can be sent in by downloading a prepaid mailing label at www.phonesforhaiti.com, with the proceeds going to the American Red Cross' charitable efforts.

"The devastation in Haiti is slowly becoming all too clear," said Steve Manning, ReCellular CEO. "Sending in your used phone is a simple and effective way to help with the rescue and rebuilding efforts already underway."

There are an estimated 130 million phones retired in the United States every year. If even a small percentage of them are sent to Phones for Haiti, it would contribute millions of dollars towards relief from the devastating earthquake. ReCellular will give 100% of the phone value as a contribution to the American Red Cross; charities have already earned more than $20 million dollars in contributions through their partnerships with ReCellular.

With rescue and repair missions already underway, it is critical that funds get to the region quickly. By using the postage paid label, supporters can have their used phones to ReCellular within just a few days, allowing for the rapid distribution of funds. All phones are accepted, though newer phones will provide the most value to the charity - in some cases $100 or more.

"The overwhelming response from all Americans to the crisis in Haiti reflects the depth of generosity of the American people," said Manning. "We are proud to be able to coordinate this opportunity when the need is so great."

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CARE Deploys Additional Emergency Team Members to Haiti

/PRNewswire/ -- CARE is deploying additional emergency team members to the devastated city of Port-au-Prince in Haiti, where the worst earthquake in 200 years destroyed houses and left thousands homeless. While the exact death toll from the 7.0-magnitude quake is not yet known, it is expected to be catastrophic.

CARE has launched an international appeal for funds for Haiti that will support immediate emergency operations. CARE plans to start food distribution using stocks of high-protein biscuits from its warehouses in Haiti. CARE is coordinating with other UN agencies and aid organizations to assess damage and on-the-ground needs.

Initial reports are that homes and buildings across the city have been destroyed, including essential services like hospitals. Electricity is out and phone lines are down across the affected area, restricting available information about the extent of the disaster. Aftershocks continue to rock the area and have caused landslides outside the city.

Sophie Perez, CARE's Country Director in Haiti, was in the CARE office in Port-au-Prince when the earthquake hit. CARE's staff in the Port-au-Prince office escaped the office safely, but we are still trying to determine if all other staff in the area are safe.

"It was terrifying. It lasted for more than a minute," said Perez. "The whole building was shaking. People were screaming, crying. Last night, people were sleeping outside because they were afraid to go back inside their homes. Many of the houses are destroyed anyway. There were eight aftershocks last night. Everyone was sleeping in the streets. The whole city is affected. It is just morning here now, and I can hear helicopters working on the search and rescue. The immediate need is to rescue people trapped in the rubble, then to get people food and water. We're particularly worried about the children, because so many schools seem to have collapsed. Children were still in school in the afternoon when the earthquake hit, so there are many children trapped. It's horrifying."

Dr. Helene Gayle, CARE president and CEO, said, "This is an extremely serious situation. We currently have 133 personnel on the ground in Haiti and are deploying additional staff immediately to distribute food, hygiene kits and water, as well as to deliver emergency health services."

CARE has extensive experience responding to disasters of this magnitude. Many of CARE's staff in Haiti include emergency personnel who were part of the response to the devastating Hurricane Hanna in 2008. CARE began working in Haiti in 1954 to provide relief assistance after Hurricane Hazel. Today CARE's work in Haiti includes projects in HIV/AIDS, reproductive health, maternal and child health, education, food security, and water and sanitation.

Delta Air Lines, a long time CARE partner, is providing transportation support for Atlanta-based CARE staff into Haiti to support our Haiti Country Office team on the ground with emergency relief.

To Donate: Go to www.care.org or call 1 800 521 CARE.

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Habitat for Humanity Will Address Housing Needs in Haiti After Major Earthquake

/PRNewswire/ -- Habitat for Humanity International is currently assessing the impact on affordable housing in Haiti after a 7.0 earthquake struck near Port-au-Prince. Habitat for Humanity will develop an appropriate response as need and available resources become clearer.

"Habitat for Humanity will mobilize all available resources to address shelter solutions for low-income families affected by the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Haiti on Tuesday," said Torre Nelson, area vice president of Habitat for Humanity International's Latin America and Caribbean office. "We are closely monitoring the situation and have been in contact with Habitat for Humanity Haiti. We will begin Habitat's recovery efforts as soon as possible."

"Habitat for Humanity is sending an assessment team into the impacted area," said Kip Scheidler, senior director Global Disaster Response, Habitat for Humanity International. "Once we know the full magnitude of this disaster, we'll begin Habitat's recovery process."

Habitat for Humanity has been at work in Haiti for 26 years and will use its local expertise and mobilize resources as part of the rebuilding efforts. Habitat has provided more than 2,000 families with housing solutions through a variety of initiatives including new home construction, progressive building, home repairs and improvements. It also builds capacity in construction skills, disaster mitigation and financial literacy, and works in coordination with community and government agencies.

The number of affected persons is unknown, however, Haiti's ambassador to the U.S. has called the quake a "catastrophe of major proportions."

Habitat for Humanity's ability to respond effectively to this disaster will require support from donors, volunteers, corporate partners and other community organizations. Donations can be made at www.habitat.org.

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The Community Foundation Announces Nonprofit Toolbox

The Community Foundation's commitment to strengthening and supporting our region's nonprofit sector includes more than giving financial grants. Nonprofits can now apply for the Nonprofit Toolbox, a program that helps strengthen organizations’ management, governance and operations.

Nonprofit Toolbox awards are not financial grants; they are custom-designed packages of management consulting to help solve a key organizational challenge or problem. Organizations selected to receive a Nonprofit Toolbox will work with a specialist who will construct a package of appropriate organizational assistance.

Who is eligible to apply? There are a number of eligibility criteria for the Nonprofit Toolbox, one of which is that the nonprofit be located and providing services within the Foundation’s 23-county service area. Review the Guidelines for complete information.

Is there a deadline to apply? Nonprofit Toolbox applications are accepted throughout the year and in 2010 will be reviewed in mid-January, mid-May and mid-September. Review the Guidelines for complete details.

Click here for a full description of the Nonprofit Toolbox and to download the Guidelines and Application Forms.
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Autism Society and AMC Entertainment® to Host Sensory Friendly Films® This January

AMC Entertainment (AMC) and the Autism Society have teamed up to bring families affected by autism and other disabilities a special opportunity to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment on a monthly basis. Sensory Friendly Films® premiered across the country in August 2008, and will continue this month with a showing of Alvin and the Chipmunks 2: The Squeakquel on January 9.

Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disability that affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. It often comes with sensory challenges, such as hypersensitivity to light or sound, and children or adults affected by autism may not understand the social boundaries of movie theatre etiquette, such as not talking during the film or sitting still through most of the show.

In order to provide a more accepting and comfortable setting for children with autism or other special needs, AMC movie auditoriums will have their lights brought up and the sound turned down, families will be able to bring in their own gluten-free, casein-free snacks, and no previews or advertisements will be shown before the movie. Additionally, audience members are welcome to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing - in other words, AMC’s “Silence is Golden®” policy will not be enforced unless the safety of the audience is questioned. Tickets can be purchased on the day of the event.

Alvin and the Chipmunks 2: The Squeakquel
Saturday, January 910 a.m.

AMC Discover Mills 18, 5900 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Ste. 415, Lawrenceville, Ga. 30043
AMC Phipps Plaza 14, 3500 Peachtree Rd. NE, Atlanta, Ga. 30326
AMC Southlake 24, 7065 Mount Zion Cir., Morrow, Ga. 30260

A list and map of participating theatres is available at www.autism-society.org/sensoryfilms. This nationwide event has 87 participating theatres in 46 markets.

An estimated 30 million people in the world have an autism spectrum disorder, 1.5 million in America alone. Every day in America, 67 families learn their child has autism. These families face challenges of care, support, education, financial hardship and medical and health care issues that make autism a national public health issue, costing the U.S. economy $60 billion a year. Though there is no cure, autism is treatable and individuals with autism have tremendous potential.

ABOUT THE AUTISM SOCIETY:
The Autism Society, the nation’s leading grassroots autism organization, exists to improve the lives of all affected by autism. We do this by increasing public awareness about the day-to-day issues faced by people on the spectrum, advocating for appropriate services for individuals across the lifespan, and providing the latest information regarding treatment, education, research and advocacy. For more information, visit www.autism-society.org.

Year to Volunteer! Helping Others in 2010 Among Leading New Year's Resolutions for Americans, Survey Shows

/PRNewswire/ -- Pledges to lose weight or pay off debts typically find a way into conversations this time of year, as the anticipation of New Year's resolutions approaches. However, according to a study from Disney Parks and HandsOn Network, 2010 may see a surge of helping hands and giving hearts, as more families resolve to volunteer.

The survey, conducted by New York-based Kelton Research Nov. 18-23, 2009, found that 59 percent of Americans plan to volunteer in 2010. Interestingly, more women than men (62 percent vs. 54 percent) include volunteering as a goal for next year.

Survey results also showed that 41 percent of Americans would rather pledge to help others, such as volunteering, than resolve to do something that is purely self-serving. In fact, when asked what they anticipate they could accomplish in 2010, 52 percent of Americans surveyed identified spending more time together, followed by 30 percent who selected volunteering as foreseeable goals.

HandsOn Network, the nation's largest volunteer network, is working with Disney to help make 2010 the ideal year to realize those goals and make volunteering a family resolution.

Beginning on Jan 1, 2010, Disney Parks officially launches "Give a Day, Get a Disney Day," a first-of-its-kind initiative with the help of HandsOn Network. Through the program, Disney Parks hopes to inspire 1 million people to perform a day of volunteer service for a participating organization in 2010 by giving them a free, one-day admission ticket to a Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort theme park. Families are encouraged to visit www.DisneyParks.com to research and sign up for a volunteer opportunity in their local community.

"Disney Parks, through HandsOn Network, is making it easy for volunteers of all ages to find an organization in need," said Maggie Jones Patton, executive director of Youth HandsOn Network, the youth activating arm of HON. "There has never been a better time to start a new tradition of volunteering together as Disney Parks celebrates good deeds with a free Disney theme park ticket."

A Family That Volunteers Together ...

The Kelton Research survey also found that more parents than single adults (68 percent vs. 55 percent) plan to volunteer in some way when the New Year arrives.

Volunteerism also has its "youth movement." The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that young adults, ages 16-24, are helping lead the way in volunteerism - with more than 441,000 young volunteers in 2008 versus 2007. It also found that the youth today believe it is essential and "very important" to help others in need.

And according to Just Kid Inc., 37 percent of kids, 44 percent of tweens and 46 percent of teens said they would do more volunteering if given the opportunity. When that happens, almost all youth (99 percent) say they were satisfied with their chosen volunteer service.

How to Get Involved

HandsOn Network has 250 on-the-ground volunteer action centers across the country and connects volunteers to more than 70,000 non-profit agencies that need help. With Americans already thinking about various volunteer opportunities as their New Year's resolutions, 28 percent would be most interested in packaging donations at a food pantry or soup kitchen or helping out at a clothing or toy drive, the survey said.

Below are additional examples of opportunities available through HandsOn Network and its local affiliates. Families are encouraged to visit www.DisneyParks.com for additional ways to help.

-- Plant, weed and tend a community garden
-- Read to or spend time with children at a local daycare center or
shelter
-- Assemble backpacks or supplies for under-resourced schools
-- Help spruce up a local school, library or outdoor park
-- Visit nursing homes to play games, make crafts or share talents with
senior residents



Through volunteering, communities benefit from the small steps taken to help rebuild local areas, and nonprofits receive valuable assistance. Since 2007, the number of people working to fix a community problem has risen by 31 percent - a dramatic increase - further benefiting local communities especially during the current economy, according to Volunteering in America 2009.

Starting Jan. 1, guests may pre-register and sign up for an eligible volunteer opportunity at disneyparks.com. Disney theme park ticket quantities for this program are limited. Must be at least age 6 to participate. One admission ticket per eligible person. Other terms and conditions apply. For details, see disneyparks.com.

Survey Methodological Notes

The Disney Parks Survey was conducted of 1,000 persons by Kelton Research between Nov. 18-23, 2009, using an e-mail invitation and an online survey. Quotas are set to ensure reliable and accurate representation of the entire U.S. population, ages 18 and over. Results are subject to sampling variation. The magnitude of the variation is measurable and is affected by the number of interviews and the level of the percentages expressing the results. In this particular study, the chances are 95 in 100 that a survey result does not vary, plus or minus, by more than 3.1 percentage points from the result that would be obtained if interviews had been conducted with all persons in the universe represented by the sample.

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It’s almost Christmas...need a last minute gift idea?

Why not give a gift that will touch a heart and help a child in need?

You make a donation to the Children’s Village (at Christian City) or sponsor a child in honor of a friend or family member. It truly is the perfect gift idea. You would be helping others that are less fortunate, and your friends and family won’t get that fruitcake they will never eat!

Donations to the Children’s Village go directly to helping the children who live in the cottages at Christian City. These children have been subject to tragic situations of abuse, abandonment, and neglect. The Children’s Village provides children a safe haven, food, clothes, a solid education, medical/dental care, emotional support, and the daily guidance of loving Christian house parents.
The children at the Children’s Village need your help. By giving a gift in honor of someone, you can make an impact and finish your shopping all in a matter of minutes.

It's Easy! Here's How: Donate or sponsor a child online at www.christiancity.org or give us a call at 770-703-2636 and we will take your donation over the phone.

Many blessings to you and your family,
Bob Crutchfield
President/CEO

Please visit www.christiancity.org to make a contribution online or to find more information on our child sponsorship program.

Note: We at the Georgia Front Page and the Fayette Front Page have long supported Christian City, and the Children's Village at Christian City. It is an exemplary organization. It's great to give to local groups, to know exactly where your dollars are going and who they're helping. We invite you to donate, or to call and set up a visit so you can see how your donation can help those in need. - Janet, Editor, Georgia Front Page

Clayton State Angel Tree Volunteers Dig Deep

Just over a week before Christmas; faculty, staff and students from Clayton State University’s College of Information Technology and Mathematical Sciences (CIMS) and College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) found out that 200 children were going to go unsponsored in this year’s Salvation Army Angel Tree program.

“Everyone dug deep in their pockets to buy an additional 100 toys so that these children would receive something for Christmas,” says Mary Hudachek-Buswell, lecturer of Computer Science and Mathematics in CIMS. “This is our 10-year anniversary of participating with the Angel Tree program. Each year we feel like we can help more, and we were glad to take on more this year.”

And they did, raising more in funds and gifts in 2009 than in any of the previous nine years that these two Clayton State colleges have participated in Angel Tree.

“So even during this recession, Clayton State gave to those in more need than we are,” adds Hudachek-Buswell. “The Salvation Army officers in Jonesboro were close to tears when we showed up with two cars filled to roof with toys yesterday.”

Pictures of Clayton State students sorting the Angel tree gifts can be found on Facebook at; http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v=photos&gid=41758376990.

A unit of the University System of Georgia, Clayton State University is an outstanding comprehensive metropolitan university located 15 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta.
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Big Brothers Big Sisters & African American Fraternities to Develop Bold Plan to Help Black Boys Succeed

/PRNewswire/ -- On December 18, Big Brothers Big Sisters and leaders of the network's Black Fraternity Coalition will meet in Atlanta (Sheraton Atlanta Hotel, 165 Courtland, 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) to develop a bold strategy and detailed plan aimed at giving African American boys every opportunity to succeed. Leaders of the nation's largest donor-supported volunteer mentoring network and their fraternity partners say they will significantly increase the number of African American Big Brothers, beginning in 2010.

The African American Mentoring summit, sponsored by the Arby's Foundation, is the second step in Big Brothers Big Sisters' announcement of its unprecedented collaboration with Alpha Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi and Omega Psi Phi fraternities aimed at getting more black men engaged in long-term mentoring. Recognizing that children of color, particularly African American boys, disproportionately represent children waiting to be matched, Big Brothers Big Sisters and its African American Roundtable (internal and external advisors) have made engaging black men a priority.

Big Brothers Big Sisters, proven to help vulnerable youth beat the odds, matches and supports more children and mentors of color in long-term one-to-one mentoring than any organization in the nation. The donor-supported volunteer network has seen a steady increase in both African American Littles and Bigs (see statistics below) since 2000. Still, with boys waiting to be matched disproportionately representing African Americans; the national donor-supported volunteer network continues its intentional focus on attracting more black men.

"Alpha Phi Alpha, our first fraternity partner, as well as Kappa Alpha Psi and Omega Psi Phi know our track record -- that children in our programs are more likely to improve in school, stay out of trouble and have positive relationships with their families," said Karen Mathis, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America President and Chief Executive Officer, who will speak at the summit. "At the end of the day, we will have a specific strategy for joining forces with the fraternities to support the growing numbers of parents, most of them, single mothers, who look to Big Brothers Big Sisters to help their sons succeed."

Even as economic challenges have slowed match growth for many of the mentoring network's agencies, the national non-profit expects by year's end to have a slight increase in African American male mentors for its community-based programs. The organization attributes this year's progress in part to President Barack Obama's Call to Service and local efforts by their fraternity partners, particularly Alpha Phi Alpha, which began supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters 18 years ago with recruiting and fundraising activities. Credit also goes to the organization's Campaign for Men, an Arby's Foundation-supported marketing program and its 2009 Mentoring Brothers efforts, led by syndicated radio personalities the 2 Live Stews with support from Tom Joyner and other African American syndicated radio personalities.

At the Mentoring Roundtable, Georgia Congressman John L. Lewis and Rev. Dr. W. Wilson Goode, Jr. will share strategies with the national non-profit and fraternity leaders about how to build national movements. Goode, former Philadelphia mayor and member of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, is the father of the national non-profit's successful Amachi Mentoring Children of Prisoners program and serves on the board of Big Brothers Big Sisters Southeastern Pennsylvania. Lewis, a renowned civil rights leader, is a member of Phi Beta Sigma, another fraternity expected to join the national black fraternity mentoring collaboration. Summit leaders will also hear from African American male matches from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta.

Big Brothers Big Sisters receives referrals from longtime partners 100 Black Men, Susan Taylor's National Cares Mentoring Movement, MENTOR, and other mentoring advocacy organizations. In the past decade, Big Brothers Big Sisters has been intentional about servicing America's most vulnerable children, those of single, low-income or incarcerated parents, who are disproportionately children of color.

-- From 2000 to 2008 the percentage of African American Bigs has
increased from 8% of total to 16%--from 9,440 to 40,800. The
percentage of African American Littles has increased from 22% to
36%--from 25,960 to 91,800. This is the largest group of African
American mentors and mentees in the country. (Big Brothers Big Sisters
tracks each match.)
-- From 2000 to 2008 the percentage of Bigs of color (black, white, mixed
race and other) has increased from 18% to 34%--from 21,240 to 86,700.
The percentage of Littles of color has increased from 41% to 67%--from
48,380 to 170,850.
-- From 2000 to 2008 the percentage of African American Littles who are
matched with African-American Bigs has increased from 36% to 44%. The
percentage of Littles of color with Bigs of color has increased from
43% to 49%.
-- With its Amachi program; in the early 2000's Big Brothers Big Sisters
set out to significantly increase service to children of incarcerated
parents. As of 2009, 16% of all youth served by the national
non-profit are children of incarcerated parents -- 88% of these are
African American. Started in Philadelphia, headed by Rev. Dr. Wilson
Goode with 43 African American churches; the program includes
guidelines for its agencies on how to partner with African American
churches to mentor children of incarcerated parents.
-- Big Brothers Big Sisters' African American Task Force and African
American Advisory Council, active since 2003, in 2009 with the
fraternity collaboration has become the African American Mentoring
Action Round Table in 2009.
-- Big Brothers Big Sisters' African American Fraternity partnership
started 18 years ago with Alpha Phi Alpha (their call for 10,000
mentors) and as of 2009 includes Kappa Alpha Psi and Omega Psi Phi;
with two other fraternity partnerships possible in coming months
making Big Brothers Big Sisters the only organization with a
partnership with three African American fraternities
-- Focus groups were conducted in 2007 on how Big Brothers Big Sisters
can been connect to recruit African-American men
-- Big Brothers Big Sisters in 2008 established MentoringBrothers.org,
which has attracted more than a million new visitors in 2009, thanks
in large part to the advocacy work of syndicated sports radio
personalities, the 2 Live Stews, Doug and Ryan Stewart, Big Brothers
who used promoted Big Brothers Big Sisters on African American talk
radio programs this year such as the Tom Joyner Morning Show, Rickey
Smiley Show, Warren Ballentine, Rolling Out TV and national programs
with large black male audiences.
-- Big Brothers Big Sisters in 2009 formed a partnership with the African
Methodist Episcopal Church.
-- Big Brothers Big Sisters of America hosts Diversity and Cultural
inclusion training; workshops at its national conferences.

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Charitable Mileage Rates

The IRS has lowered the standard mileage rates used to deduct costs of operating an automobile for business, medical, and moving purposes. The standard mileage rate for employees - including nonprofit employees - will decrease effective January 1, 2010, from 55 cents per mile to 50 cents per mile. The rate for driving for medical or moving purposes will decrease from 24 cents per mile to 16.5 cents. The IRS has authority to change those rates to reflect costs incurred. But Congress set the mileage for charitable volunteers in statute and locked in the rate at just 14 cents a mile and has not adjusted the rate in the last 12 years. Because it costs volunteers as much to fill up their gas tanks as it does employees, the National Council continues to advocate that Congress eliminate this unfair treatment of nonprofit volunteers.

(rec'd via email)

Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation Challenges Individual Donors to Join Hosea Feed the Hungry in the Fight Against Hunger and Homelessness

/PRNewswire/ -- The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation (AMBFF) is providing Atlanta-based Hosea Feed the Hungry (HFTH), the Southeast's largest food bank serving families and individuals directly, with a $50,000 challenge grant in 2010. The grant, which will specifically support HFTH's operating budget in 2010 and help fund the salaries of a case manager and human services director, is also meant to inspire individual donors to support HFTH's efforts to end hunger and homelessness.

HFTH, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary of serving the needy in Atlanta and around the world, will immediately receive $25,000 from AMBFF and up to another $25,000 dollar-for-dollar match of individual contributions between now and March 31, 2010.

"We are proud to partner with HFTH, especially during this critical time when so many in our community are struggling to meet their most basic needs," said Foundation President Penelope McPhee. "We hope this challenge grant will encourage other donors to help HFTH reach out to our community's most vulnerable residents."

Because of the economy, corporate and individual contributions are down 35 percent, while monthly calls for help with human services are up a staggering 45 percent. Additionally, HFTH has announced a major capital campaign for 2010 to raise money for a new Care Center where it can better serve the working poor and homeless with critical, year-round human services like rent assistance, help to pay utilities, weekly food boxes, counseling, employment services and help finding temporary housing.

"This is a serious economic time for HFTH as we are constantly evaluating our ability to impact the needy in our community by carefully tracking service requests, coordinating with city and county agencies as well as other area nonprofit organizations to prevent duplication of services, and empowering a governing board with oversight," said HFTH Executive Director Elisabeth Omilami. "This generous gift from The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation gives us the critical financial support for program managers who regularly engage in qualitative evaluation so our clients' needs are met through HFTH programs or referral to other agencies."

HFTH's valued community partners will ensure that it continues serving those in need for another 40 years. Everyone can make a difference in helping those in need, no matter how large or small a contribution. Please go to www.hoseafeedthehungry.com for the various needs and opportunities available to give back to the community.

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Kaiser Permanente Gives $5 Million to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta

/PRNewswire/ -- Kaiser Permanente of Georgia today announced a $5 million multi-year gift to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta with the goal of improving access to care for low-income children.

The gift helps fund the construction and operation of a new, state-of-the-art hospital that replaces the existing Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Hughes Spalding facility in downtown Atlanta. In addition, half of the donation will help fund healthcare at the facility for Metro Atlanta children who are uninsured or underinsured.

"As a non-profit health plan, Kaiser Permanente understands and appreciates the important safety net role Children's Healthcare Atlanta, and particularly their Hughes Spalding facility, has in our community, especially for our most vulnerable population. We want to do our part to help it continue to serve as such a vital resource," said Peter Andruszkiewicz, president of Kaiser Permanente of Georgia.

The new Children's at Hughes Spalding facility is designed to enhance access and quality of care and reduce the care disparities and inequities that exist for many children in the metro area. Generations of families have received care at the Hughes Spalding location and consider it their medical home.

"With this new facility, all children in metro Atlanta will have access to superb pediatric healthcare, regardless of their family's income," said Dr. Rob Schreiner, executive medical director of Kaiser Permanente. "High quality health care will be provided in a safe, modern and family-friendly environment."

The new building will help to transform the care of the 71,000 inpatient admissions, emergency department visits and outpatient appointments made every year. The facility features brighter colors, child-friendly surfaces, interactive entertainment centers, a consumer library, child life specialists and up-to-date equipment.

"Kaiser Permanente's generosity is a wonderful example of how groups within the health care industry are working collaboratively to solve important issues, as well as serve the most vulnerable population -- our children," said Donna Hyland, President and CEO, Children's. "We are grateful Kaiser Permanente has entrusted these funds to us so that together, we can serve Georgia's children now and in the future."

The multi-year gift includes a $1 million donation from Kaiser Permanente each year through 2013. Overall in 2009, Kaiser Permanente has provided more than $21 million in community benefit funding to improve access to care and coverage for low income populations, support to safety net clinics, scholarships for health professions, an educational theatre program, and grants that promote healthy eating and active living.

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Amerigroup Foundation Supports Empty Stocking Fund

/PRNewswire/ -- The Amerigroup Foundation announced today that it is awarding a grant of $10,000 to the Empty Stocking Fund, Inc.

For more than 80 years, the Empty Stocking Fund has brought holiday cheer to underprivileged children in the Atlanta area. Through contributions received from Atlanta citizens, local businesses and foundations, the Empty Stocking Fund provides gifts for tens of thousands of children from birth to 13 years of age in nine Georgia counties -- Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale counties. During the 2008 holiday season, the Empty Stocking Fund distributed more than 210,000 items to over 52,000 children. The organization was able to coordinate their efforts with the participation of two full-time employees and more than 4,000 volunteers.

"Each year, the Empty Stocking Fund helps many children see their holiday wishes come true," said John E. Littel, Chairman of the Amerigroup Foundation. "We at Amerigroup support and admire the organization's mission to empower parents and guardians of children living at or below the poverty level by providing them with an opportunity to give their children gifts during the holidays."

"The Empty Stocking Fund sincerely appreciates the generous grant from the Amerigroup Foundation and the volunteer support of the Atlanta office of Amerigroup, which will greatly assist our efforts to provide toys and gifts to over 50,000 underprivileged children during the 2009 Christmas holiday season," said Don Crawford, Executive Director of the Empty Stocking Fund.

The Amerigroup Foundation periodically awards grants to vital community organizations, including community health centers, service organizations, and local programs that have made a significant difference in the communities served by its corporate underwriter, Amerigroup Corporation. Through its subsidiaries, Amerigroup Corporation administers publicly funded health care programs such as Medicaid and Medicare for state and federal governments. Amerigroup Community Care of Georgia currently brings health care services to 236,000 Georgia citizens enrolled in Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

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Today Management, Inc. Collected Food for the North Fulton County Charities Food Bank

/PRNewswire/ -- Today Management, Inc., an Associa Company, held a two-week Food Drive to collect canned food and dry goods for the North Fulton County Charities Food Bank. The Food Banks of North Fulton have suffered from decreased donations and increased needs. Gracious donations from employees, clients and vendors went to help replenish needed resources for the Food Bank.

After learning of the low levels of donations and food at the local Food Banks, Today Management staff quickly organized a two-week collection period and asked vendors and clients to help with the cause with food donations. On Tuesday, November 24, 2009, the Today Management team loaded up a large SUV with canned goods and dry food and delivered it to the North Fulton County Charities Food Bank.

"Our staff felt a warm sense of giving as we pushed grocery cart after grocery cart up the ramp to fill the food bank shelves," said Kelley Brewster, President of Today Management. "We hope our efforts helped ensure no family went hungry over the Thanksgiving holiday."

Since 1984, Today Management, Inc. has been providing community association management and developer consulting services to the greater Atlanta area. Today Management's sole focus is providing exceptional customer service, management and accounting services. Together with Associa, Today Management is also able to offer a variety of supplementary programs and services specifically designed to meet the unique needs of today's community associations.

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Payless ShoeSource Announces Non-Profit Partners in Southeast Region to Join Payless Gives(TM) Shoes 4 Kids Holiday Giving Program for Children

Payless ShoeSource Announces Non-Profit Partners in Southeast Region to Join Payless Gives(TM) Shoes 4 Kids Holiday Giving Program to Give $1.2 Million in Free Shoes to Children of Families in Need

/PRNewswire/ -- Leading family footwear retailer, Payless ShoeSource, announced today that more than 750 nonprofit partners located across the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and in 10 Latin American countries have officially joined Payless in its Payless Gives Shoes 4 Kids program, a grass-roots effort aimed at giving more than $1.2 million in free shoes to children of families in need this holiday season.

Payless will give more than 77,000 total gift coupons redeemable through Feb. 28, 2010, toward a new pair of kids' shoes at any of its more than 4,500 stores located in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and in Latin American countries including the Dominican Republic, Trinidad & Tobago, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, El Salvador, Panama, Honduras, Nicaragua and Colombia.

A total of nearly 150 nonprofit partners chosen from the United States' Southeast region include, among others:

-- Kids to Love Foundation (Huntsville, AL)
-- Our House (Little Rock, AR)
-- Horton's Kids (Washington, DC)
-- Clothes to Kids (Clearwater, FL)
-- YWCA of Tampa Bay (St. Petersburg, FL)
-- Albert T. Mills Enrichment Center (Atlanta, GA)
-- Family Scholar House (Louisville, KY)
-- Great Expectations Foundation (New Orleans, LA)
-- We Care Community Services (Vicksburg, MS)
-- Florence Crittenton Services (Charlotte, NC)
-- Epworth Children's Home (Columbia, SC)
-- Agape Child and Family Services (Memphis, TN)
-- CHIP of Roanoke Valley (Roanoke, VA)



To see all of the selected 2009 Payless Gives non-profit organizations in your region, state or city, please visit www.paylessgives.com.

Payless said that all the charity partners should receive their free shoe gift coupons by today along with a personal letter from Matt Rubel, chairman and chief executive officer of Collective Brands, Inc., the parent company of Payless, and LuAnn Via, chief executive officer and president of Payless, with a special request to get the coupons into the hands of the children that need them in time for the holidays. The quantity of gift coupons per agency is based on agency size and the number of constituents served and includes an average of about 100 coupons per charity partner. Many non-profit partners will also provide transportation for group shopping trips to the local Payless stores and already shopping trips have been coordinated for children in Los Angeles, San Juan and Cincinnati by charity partners.

"Kids have already started shopping for their free shoes," said Rubel. "Last year's program was truly amazing and we saw our charity partners coordinate directly with our local store teams to hold special shopping events outside of normal store hours -- many partners and store teams went above and beyond with special touches that included hot coco and other treats for the kids in addition to the free shoes," said Rubel.

"Already this year we've heard similar stories including NFL Hall-of-Famer, Anthony Munoz, and his foundation giving limo service and lunch for a group of second grade children in Cincinnati. Free shoes is an amazing gift to these kids, but to be able to shop with a super star athlete like Anthony makes it all even more special. We are thrilled with the hundreds of charity partners who are joining us this year in our massive holiday giving effort, and we look forward to seeing the smiling faces and hearing the heartfelt, inspiring stories that will result from this year's program."

The company launched the application phase for the Payless Gives Shoes 4 Kids program on Oct. 15 with a call-to-action to the non-profit community to apply to be Payless partners in the shoe-gifting campaign to build a network of hundreds of localized organizations across the Western Hemisphere. This grass root approach is critical for immediate, direct access to kids in need at the holidays. In a 21-day application period, the retailer received nearly 3,000 applicants at its application website www.paylessgives.com and inquiries from nearly 37,000 visitors representing 109 countries across the globe. The application period is now closed.

Payless said its Payless Gives Shoes 4 Kids non-profit network includes a total of more than 750 agencies: more than 670 charities in the United States, more than 70 in Canada, five in Puerto Rico, and 20 throughout Latin America.

"We were overwhelmed by the response from the non-profit community to join us in this important effort - to give a free pair of shoes to children in need this holiday season," said Payless CEO Via. "Our intent is to work with and through a diverse network of localized non-profits that have direct and immediate access to the children. Our chosen partners - more than 750 in all -- represent every state in the U.S., as well as organizations across Canada and in Puerto Rico and 10 Latin American countries in which we have stores. Together we've created a diverse international network of non-profits located in small towns, mid-sized and large cities, as well as rural areas so that we can blanket these countries and most effectively reach those in need."

Payless initiated the Payless Gives Shoes 4 Kids program last year in response to the economic crisis, its impact on the underprivileged, the significant need across the United States for children's shoes, and to support smaller, localized nonprofits with a tool to assist them in helping those in need during the holidays. The retailer expanded the program internationally across the Western Hemisphere for 2009 because the need for children's shoes continues, the need is international and Payless is in a strong position to help.

A striking number of children don't have shoes that fit. Studies show that properly fitting shoes can enhance self confidence in children and aid in their proper development and growth. As well, with rising unemployment and food costs, it is difficult for parents to cover basic needs, thus making the holidays an even more stressful time for struggling families.

Greater Horizons of Kansas City, also a nonprofit, served as the independent third-party to manage the bulk of the selection process, based on Payless' core selection criteria, for the Payless Gives Shoes 4 Kids charity partners. For a complete list of the Payless Gives Shoes 4 Kids partners, please go to www.paylessgives.com.

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