Women's Circle of Giving

We've Moved!!

2007-01-27T10:14:00.000-08:00

Come check us out!

www.womenscircleofgiving.com

AIDS WALK

2007-01-25T16:29:00.000-08:00

AIDS WALK Charlotte 2007

Many lives. One road. Walk together.
Saturday, May 5, 2007Gateway Village AtriumCharlotte, NC

Plans are underway for AIDS WALK Charlotte 2007, the largest HIV/AIDS awareness and fundraising event in the Carolinas.
Again, we need your help to make AIDS WALK Charlotte a huge success.
What can you do?· Register to be a walker today!It’s never to early to start - go to www.aidswalkcharlotte.org.· Start a team and be a team captain!Check out information online or call the RAIN office.· Join the AIDS WALK Charlotte volunteer committee!Volunteers are needed before and on the day of the walk. If you want to volunteer send an email to http://by107fd.bay107.hotmail.msn.com/cgi-bin/compose?mailto=1&msg=B25C0BCC-4BCD-4C07-B122-194C30B5A3F0&start=0&len=5402&src=&type=x&to=events@carolinarain.org&cc=&bcc=&subject=&body=&curmbox=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000001&a=592ae4c9fbc9ef9f1e0da1820ae8b7dcb379a1638f738ed37cfe6727640918fe.· Host a kick-off party!Generate excitement about AIDS WALK Charlotte by planning a special event.· Be a corporate sponsor!Sponsorship opportunities are available online or by calling the RAIN office.
AIDS WALK Charlotte Contact Information:Nathan Smith, Manager of Community Resourceshttp://by107fd.bay107.hotmail.msn.com/cgi-bin/compose?mailto=1&msg=B25C0BCC-4BCD-4C07-B122-194C30B5A3F0&start=0&len=5402&src=&type=x&to=n.smith@carolinarain.org&cc=&bcc=&subject=&body=&curmbox=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000001&a=592ae4c9fbc9ef9f1e0da1820ae8b7dcb379a1638f738ed37cfe6727640918fe 704.372.7246 ext. 161

ONE

2007-01-25T16:18:00.000-08:00

Dear ONE Member,
Thanks to your efforts, 2006 was an incredible year for the ONE Campaign -- but now all our hard work is in jeopardy. $1 billion in funding to fight poverty has been eliminated from the budget.
This is a catastrophic u-turn in the fight against extreme poverty.
You can prevent this loss by contacting your representatives now and urging them to take action.
One billion dollars represents so much more than the time that you and other ONE members spent calling and e-mailing Congress. To countless people living in extreme poverty, those billion dollars are the difference between life and death. It is the promise of a better tomorrow, with bed nets to fight malaria, life saving medications, and schools for children.
Right now, the new Congress is set to pass a year long Continuing Resolution (CR) which will keep government funding at 2006 levels through 2007. This means that any gains we made in 2006 would be lost.
Thankfully there are Members of Congress working hard to see that our progress is not rolled back. Dick Durbin and Sam Brownback in the Senate and Barbara Lee and Christopher Shays in the House of Representatives have written letters to the Congressional Leadership urging them to fund some of the crucial poverty-fighting assistance that was allocated in 2006.
Ask your Members of Congress to sign-on to the Durbin-Brownback and Lee-Shays letters.
To make sure that Congress understands the importance of this issue, we will be faxing your letters directly to your elected leaders. Then, next week ONE volunteers will be visiting Congressional Leadership offices to deliver the letters by hand.
Click here to send a letter to your representatives and urge them to co-sign the Durbin-Brownback and Lee-Shays letters.
Congressional Leadership is deciding right now how to allocate a very limited amount of funding, and it is up to you to make sure that they fund poverty-focused development assistance. As a constituent you have your representatives' ears, and it is up to you to let them know that extreme poverty is a priority for you, now and in the future. Sending a letter now will let them know that you care deeply about ending extreme poverty.
We have a chance to save hundreds of thousands of lives, but only if we let Congress hear this urgent call. We can't let one more year go by where the scale of our response is outpaced by the emergency of global AIDS and extreme poverty.
Please take a moment to send a letter to your representatives and urge them to co-sign the Brownback-Durbin and Lee-Shays letters.
Thank you for your voice,
Josh Peck, ONE.org

Pink in the Rink

2007-01-11T13:50:00.000-08:00

Sunday, Feb. 11, 4:00pm

Players will be wearing pink jerseys that will be auctioned at the end of the game. All funds raised will be divided among CBF, Mary Kay Ash and the American Cancer Society.

Wear pink to the game & receive a FREE ticket to an upcoming game.

First 600 in the door receive a pink t-shirt with event logos.

Purchase tickets at www.gocheckers.com & type in CBF in the promo code area to ensure $6 of your ticket purchase will go to support CBF.

About CBF: Carolina Breast Friends (CBF) is a local breast cancer group for all women. CBF's mission is to create a positive environment for breast cancer survivors by providing an atmosphere that focuses on healing, self-exploration, and empowerment through knowledge. Funds raised from this event will help create "Project Pink House." A house in Charlotte for social gatherings, counseling services, fitness room, nutritional education, rooms for overnight stays, and more.
_________________

Saying Goodbye to 2006!

2007-01-05T11:27:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it's been a year!

Look at what all we've done!

2006 Calendar of Events
~February 24~
Benefiting Hemby Childrens Hospital
~May 5~
Benefiting Room at the Inn
~July 14,~
Benefiting Loaves and Fishes
~August 25~
Girls Night Out at Soho Cafe!
~September 29~
Benefiting Shelter for Battered Women
~October 28~
WCOG Octoberfest!
~November 24~
WCOG Family Event
~December 8~
Benefiting The Humane Society of Cabarrus County

Making a Difference

2007-01-05T11:24:00.001-08:00

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has"...Margaret Mead

Silver Bells

2006-12-05T10:16:00.000-08:00

WSOC TV is doing a Silver Bells program where you can register online to "adopt" a senior. Once you have signed up you will get a name and wish list along with instructions on where to drop off your gift. I know there are several programs out there to help children around the holidays but I rarely for seniors. Once you register you can see a list of seniors along with their wish lists and you make your own selection.

http://sb.advancingit.com/

Campbell Soup & The NFL Making a Difference!

2006-12-05T10:10:00.000-08:00

Campbell Soup has a promotion for each city with an NFL franchise. Go to the web site below & vote for the Panthers. For each vote they will donate a can of soup to the Charlotte Soup Kitchen. Here's a way to help those less fortunate than us without reaching into our wallets. No matter where you are, you can always make things a little better for someone else.

http://www.chunky.com/clickforcansvote.aspx

Light to Unite

2006-12-03T10:31:00.000-08:00

Bristol-Meyers is donating a dollar to AIDS every time someone goes to their website and moves the match to the candle and lights it. Please, please do it....and tell this to your friends to spread the word....it only takes a second to raise a dollar! https://www.lighttounite.org/

Harris Teeter Harvest Feast Food Drive

2006-11-21T15:46:00.001-08:00

Join WBTV and Harris Teeter to help stock local food bank shelves this holiday season. Through November 26, buy a $5 or $20 Harris Teeter gift card at the checkout register. The gift cards will be distributed to food banks such as Second Harvest Metrolina and Loaves and Fishes to use in stocking their shelves. Last year, over 25 tons of food was donated. It's easy to lend a hand and help those struggling to make ends meet during the holidays.

Angel Tree

2006-11-21T15:22:00.000-08:00

Angels will be available for adoption at the following locations beginning November 1, 2006:

Scott Clark's Toyota City

6801 E. Independence BlvdCharlotte, NC 28227

704-535-1972

Black Lion

10605 Park Rd

Charlotte, NC 28210

704-541-1148

8261 Concord Mills Blvd

Concord, NC 28027

704-979-5466

20601 A Torrence Chapel Rd

Cornelius, NC 28301

704-895-9539

Circle K

1308 Sharon Rd West

Charlotte, NC 28210

704-556-9345

8925 Pineville-Matthews Rd

Charlotte, NC 28226

704-542-3841

1766 Hwy 160 W

Fort Mill, SC 29708

803-548-3226

1830 Celanese Rd

Rock Hill, SC 29732

803-366-4007

9101 Sam Furr Rd

Huntersville, NC 28078

704-895-8991

701 N. Graham St.

Charlotte, NC 28202

704-333-6104

2926 Selwyn Ave

Charlotte, NC 28209

704-375-7511

9726 Monroe Rd

Charlotte, NC 28270

704-547-8477

1246 East Blvd

Charlotte, NC 28203

704-335-0144

7301 Plaza Rd

Charlotte, NC 28215

704-568-7169

9201 Lawyers Rd

Charlotte, NC 28227

704-545-4318

Angel Tree!

Stampin Up Sale Benefiting WCOG!!

2006-11-21T05:40:00.000-08:00

Hey Ladies,

I am having a HUGE SALE this Sunday Nov 19th thru the 24th till midnight! All orders will be at least 5% off. Order $50.00 or more and get 10% off! Don't forget I am starting a stamping Club from Jan. 07 thru June 07. Sign up now and get a free gift! Any questions? Have fun Shopping!!!!

Elana

Click here: Stampin' Up! - Customer Homepage

I will donate 10% of the proceeds back to WCOG from anyone who orders and mentions they are with WCOG.Thanks! Have a great Thanksgiving!

Kids Can Make A Difference Too!

2006-11-13T05:30:00.000-08:00

Kids frequently ask us for information about what they can do to make a difference. So, we decided to create a What Kids Can Do page where you can come for ideas about how to get involved.
We also hope that you will email your accomplishments to us for posting on the What Kids Can Do page. That way, we can all learn from each other.

Here are some ways you can start to MAKE A DIFFERENCE:
(1) Education
The first step in helping end hunger is talking about hunger. Begin teaching your family and friends what you know about hunger. As you learn more, develop and teach hunger workshops to students in other classes and other schools.
(2) Volunteer
Hunger is everywhere including the city or town you live in. Find out what organizations are helping those people who are hungry. Find out what you can do to help... and do it!
(3) Write Letters
The purpose of writing letters to alert government officials, newspaper editors, local business leaders, producers of television news programs, etc. of the knowledge you have gained about the root causes of hunger and what can be done locally or nationally to eliminate it. Writing letters demonstrates that when people with a common purpose combine their skills and energies the results are magnified. Even while you are educating others about hunger and working with local organizations to end hunger's causes, it is also important to write letters to elected officials, newspaper editors or television news producers, and company presidents because this can often lead to getting policies changed. If you can get government officials and members of the media talking about their ideas then you will have a better chance at winning support for your cause and possibly getting laws changed or instituted to improve people's lives. Some topics include: homelessness, hunger and the elderly, children, unemployment, unequal education, environmental protection, discrimination, the media's role in educating about hunger, etc. Choose an example related to your community's needs or one currently being discussed in your newspapers.
(4) Give Testimony
Young people have two distinct advantages over adults when it comes to testifying before legislative bodies --- they stand out in the usual crowd of adults, and committee members know that children have no vested interest in getting a particular law passed other than their own passionate belief that the law will protect people or their natural surroundings. Helping shape legislation this way is an extremely empowering and exciting experience for young people. It can set the foundation for a lifetime of activism and community involvement. There is a great deal of preparation that must be undertaken in order give effective testimony.
Here are two suggestions on how to begin: You and your classmates may already have a specific idea on what can be done in your community, such as turning a vacant city lot into a community garden or urging the local Department of Education to insure students who need them get free breakfasts and lunches or school supplies.
Another way to approach this is to support a cause already underway in your community. Pay close attention to related hunger issues being debated by the media. When issues have received media attention there is often an outspoken, visible leader pushing for legislation. If this leader's ideas connect with yours, you can call the legislator after you have researched the topic and tell her you want to testify.
Note: It is essential that you and your fellow classmates research your issue thoroughly before approaching City Hall or the local school board. (For instance, who owns the vacant lot? Does the surrounding community want it turned into a garden? Are they willing to help tend it? How will it help the community? How will the food be distributed?)
(5) Fund-Raising
BAKE SALE - Everyone's favorite! Include baked foods from around the world.
NEIGHBORHOOD FLEA-MARKET - Students and their families can get their books, used clothes, tapes or hand-made crafts together to sell. Ask them to donate part or all of their profits to a particular cause.
COSTUME BALL - Hold this event around Halloween. Give it an international theme. Charge admission.
READ, DANCE OR WALK-A-THON - Collect pledges from family, friends and community members for each hour or mile students walk or dance, or for each book read.
STUDENT-FACULTY PLAY-OFF - Compete for the benefit of others. Choose a sport - volleyball, basketball, etc., and invite the rest of the school as well as parents to watch and cheer. Sell tickets or charge admission at the door.
TALENT SHOW - Hold a student-faculty talent show. Sell tickets. Advertise the event. Donate the proceeds.
JUSTICE-QUILT RAFFLE - Organize reading groups in your classroom. Have each group read and report on three or four books related to social justice. Choose books from the resource guide found in Finding Solutions To Hunger: Kids Can Make A Difference Teacher Guide by Stephanie Kempf. Each group must illustrate a fabric panel for each book and include the title of the book and the author. The panel can depict a central theme of the book or a favorite scene. Use fabric paint. When all the panels are finished, have students and parents sew them together in quilt form. Hang the quilt in the school lobby and raffle it off. Donate the money to a local hunger organization or use it to fund a hunger commercial for radio.
ART SHOW - Hold an art contest where local artists and students enter up to three pieces of their art at $5 per entry. Try to get a local gallery owner to donate space for the event and recruit local celebrities as judges. You could also sell this artwork and donate a portion of the proceeds to your favorite organization.
POETRY READING - Hold a poetry reading in your favorite cafe. Get students or family members to volunteer to read their own or other's poems related to hunger, homelessness, discrimination, etc. Pass the hat and ask diners to contribute. Explain where the money will go. Try to get local news coverage for your event --- this will also appeal to the restaurant owner whose establishment gets free advertising!
COMMUNITY AUCTION - Ask families, friends and community businesses to donate their specialties - including skills - to be auctioned off. Be creative! Some teachers and students have had themselves auctioned for a day of baby-sitting, or a day of museum-gazing with a small child, etc. Teachers have made videos of their classroom over the course of the year and auctioned them off to parents. Restaurant and theater owners can donate dinners and seats to shows. This takes some organizing but can raise lots of money for your cause and will alert the community and get everyone involved as well. Students can create posters, canvas the neighborhood for donations, etc.
FAST - Give up one meal a week or give up junk food for one week and donate the money to a cause. Get the school involved by going around to other classes and explaining where their money will go. Place large containers in each classroom in which students can place their change.
SEASONAL CELEBRATION - Hold a seasonal pot-luck dinner. For instance, in autumn ask participants to bring a seasonal dish. Eat outside under colorful trees. Organize simple games and activities to attract children to the event - leaf rubbings, scavenger hunt, story-telling, autumn poetry readings, etc. Charge admission.
CAR-WASH - Students can hold a weekend car-wash to raise money or they can make themselves available to run errands, do yard work or walk dogs, etc. Have them make up fliers to advertise their services and explain where the money will go that is earned.
BIRTHDAY DONATIONS - On birthdays students can ask parents, friends and grand-parents to make a donation to a special organization instead of buying a gift. Students can do the same for other people's birthdays. Make up a card for the birthday person explaining that a donation was made in honor of his/her birthday to a local organization. Explain how the organization works.

What Other Kids Have Done
1. Two Sixth grade students in Concord, New Hampshire wrote to all 100 U.S. Senators about a bill the Senate was discussing dealing with the homeless. They had done their "homework" and presented their arguments in a highly professional manner. They received responses from nearly every Senator (or a member of his/her staff) explaining the Senator's position.
2. Twelve year-olds in Sandwich, Massachusetts testified at their state capitol to help pass a law that would ban smoking on public school grounds. The law was passed and several other states adopted similar laws.
3. In Chelmsford, Massachusetts a twelve-year old started a petition and testified with friends at a town meeting to protect a wooded area from being destroyed by a condominium development project. The woods are still there.
4. Seventh grade students in South Portland, Maine conducted a program at the Portland Museum of Art entitled "Celebrating The Arts In Honor of World Hunger Education." This same class "adopted" a single parent family living in a local shelter and provided them "with a Christmas they will never forget." For more details on the program at The Mahoney Middle School, please see the Fall 1997 Kids Newsletter.
5. A Chicago community health clinic that provides services for poor, pregnant women and infants was about to be shut down for lack of funds. Fifty children organized a protest in front of the clinic drawing the attention of the media and lawmakers. The clinic remained open.
6. Fourth Grade students in Kittery Maine ran a canned food drive at their school and donated the food to the local food pantry. Representatives of the classes helped prepare the food for distribution to the clients of the food pantry.
7. Another group of Fourth Graders in Eliot, Maine conducted a fund raising event at the school and presented the money they raised to their local food pantry.
8. Fifth and Sixth Grade students at a private school in New York City produced the April 1997 issue of the Kids Newsletter. They and their teachers studied the problems of hunger for a full year. For further information on the program and their results, please see their issue of the newsletter.
9. Students from the sixth grade at a private school in New York City gave up a weekend to help raise funds for World Hunger Year. Some of them were on the phone bank during the annual HUNGERTHON radio show.
10. Students in Concord, New Hampshire hosted a "hunger banquet" for their parents. Everyone was required to bring canned food for the local food pantry.
11. A Seventh Grade student researched the topic of hunger for an honors program he was taking at his school in New Jersey. He developed a theory for ending world wide hunger and presented the results of his findings to the World Hunger Year Board of Directors. See the Kids Newsletter of October 1996 for further information.
12. An award winning video was developed and produced by a Sixth Grade class in Bellingham, Massachusetts. The students were responsible for the choreography, costumes, scenery and every member of the class performed.

WCOG Octoberfest 2006 Celebration of Inspiration!

2006-10-30T09:59:00.000-08:00

What a fun day! Plus we raised 98 dollars!!! Thank you to everyone who worked hard to make this happen! I look forward to next year.

There are t-shirts and more for sale at www.cafepress.com/wcogcharlotte !

Hair Raising!!

2006-10-30T09:22:00.000-08:00

We cut our hair for Pantene Beautiful Lengths! Sarah has offered to cut anyones hair for free if you have at least 8 inches to donate. Send me an email if you are interested. Thank you to Lani and Susan who donated their hair with me.

Nervous Before Shot..

And...After!

Support WCOG Through Avon!

2006-10-30T05:14:00.000-08:00

Here is the link to my site. Any orders before Tuesday night will count towards your donation. Make sure you choose rep delivery, payment is due upon delivery (which is by me, no shipping charges. )
Thank you so much!
Theresa www.youravon.com/theresablack

WCOG Octoberfest!

2006-09-10T14:39:00.000-07:00

Women's Circle of Giving is having a festival on October 28th to celebrate all that we've done, meet our families, and help raise money to become non-profit by asking for a small donation per person, not including kids.

There are a lot of things that we need to do and we need as much help as possible.

The main thing we need right now is to find companies to donate their time, products, and services. We have a list of things we need, well want :), and if we can get companies to donate them to us for the day then we'll let them put their sign out and/or put out a table and pass out information about their company.

Here are the list of things we need:

Food- Marc is doing BBQ, but we need Buns, Sides (Slaw, Potato Salad, Beans,Etc.), and Desserts

Drinks- Water Bottles, Sodas, and Juice Boxes (and we could also use a keg of Octoberfest too!)

Tents, Tables, and Chairs

One of those big bouncy things the kids could jump in

A Pony Ride

A Clown

A Bubble Machine

A Band or DJ

A Banner that we can use each year

And if there is anything else you can think of let me know.

Shannon is going to do Face Painting and there will also be a Crafts table for the kids. Marc has suggested Bobbing for Apples. So if anyone happens to have a big metal tub and would like to be in charge of bringing it and the apples, let me know. :)

There will be a Halloween Costume Contest. And we need prizes! I thought it would be great to be able to give the kids gift certificates to Chuck E. Cheese, McDonald's, etc. for their prizes. So the next time you're in a kid place if you could please let them know what we're doing and ask if they would be willing to do something like that.

There will also be a 50/50 Raffle. That's where half of the money generated goes to us becoming non-profit and the other half goes to the winner!

And if all of the other stuff that we need can be donated then 100% of the donations from the ticket sales will go towards us becoming non-profit.

So PLEASE help us get the word out about these services that we need and if any of you have any connections, please keep us in mind. Thank you so much for your help and dedication!

So what do you think so far?!

Under Construction!

2006-08-31T04:59:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the mess. I'm trying to liven things up, so please be patient. Thank you!

Let's Say Thanks

2006-08-11T14:21:00.000-07:00

www.letssaythanks.com

They deserve it.

Help a Fellow NC Mom

2006-08-07T13:09:00.000-07:00

This mom is living in Davidson county just up I-85 from us. Her insurance company isn't covering the cost of necessary over the counter items to help her son born with congenital icthyosis. Here's a link to sign a petition and also sample letters to mail to the NC General Assembly to make them change the covereage laws. There are some graphic pictures of her child as a newborn - you may not want to scroll to the bottom of the page if you're sqeamish. http://www.ichthyosis.us/petition.htm

Shelter for Battered Women

2006-07-21T16:19:00.000-07:00

Shelter for Battered Women
Chances are you know someone living in a violent situation--someone who isn't sure where to turn for help. United Family Services' Shelter for Battered Women offers counseling, residential services and support groups. More than a shelter, we offer the following services:
24-hour domestic violence crisis line
counseling for women and children
support groups for women and children
substance abuse program
educational groups
Heart To Heart Teen Theatre
speakers' bureau
domestic violence training
30-day emergency shelter, food and clothing
information and referral
legal clinics on domestic violence issues
All of our counseling, education and support groups are open to women dealing with domestic violence. Even if you don't need residential services, we have something for you and your children.United Family Services believes that domestic violence is destructive to individuals, families and society. We work to end violence in every home. For more information about The Shelter for Battered Women, call 704.332.2513 (24-hours).

Make A Difference
Founded in 1909, United Family Services has a rich history of providing quality and needed services to families in our community. Our services are supported by gifts from individuals, foundations, government grants and United Way of Central Carolinas, Inc.Donations are never taken for granted at United Family Services. We recognize that when we receive a gift, be it large or small, our responsibility is to manage the funds in the most prudent way possible and as the donor requested.

Monetary Donations
Make an online donation to United Family Servicesor mail your donation to: United Family ServicesPO Box 36667Charlotte, NC 28236

Memorial and Tribute Gifts
With Memorial and Tribute gift donations of $25 or more to United Family Services, a special personalized Memorial or Tribute card sent directly to the recipient.

Other ways you can help
Share your time through our various volunteer opportunities.
Make a wish list donation.
Help victims of domestic violence by participating in our cell phone donation program.
Support UFS when you grocery shop at Bi-Lo. Call 877.426.6783 and sign up as a Bi-Lo Booster for UFS (#1491).Together, we can make a difference.

Wish List Donation
United Family Services also gratefully accepts donations of items found on our Wish List.

Counseling & Education
Modeling clay
Teddy bears
Coloring books/crayons/stickers/drawing pads

Crisis Intervention & Advocacy
New sweat suits and T-shirts/cotton elastic waist shorts (all sizes)
New toothbrushes, toothpastes, mouthwash, washcloths
New ladies’ and children’s underwear (all sizes)
Gallon Ziploc bags
24-to 100-piece kids’ puzzles

Domestic Violence Services
Diapers—size 2 and up
Used cell phones (no larger than 6 in. X 3 in. and no older than five years
New or used twin-size bed sheets; blankets
Paper towels and toilet paper; paper cups and plates
35MM film
Umbrellas
Alarm clocks
Tickets to local attractions (Carowinds, Discovery Place, ImaginOn, etc.)

General Program
Office supplies (paper, pens, ink cartridges, fax cartridges)
Office desk
Paper shredder
Portable easel w/ carrying case
Display board
Movie and restaurant gift certificates

Volunteers
Court Advocates (must be available during daytime hours)
Office and Data Entry Assistants
Spanish-English Translators
Child-care
Volunteers 704.367.2705

Mission
To inspire individuals, families and communities to find solutions that create a better future
http://www.unitedfamilyservices.org/

http://www.unitedfamilyservices.com/howyoucanmakeadifference.html

The Winner Is...

2006-07-18T05:13:00.000-07:00

The Battered Women's Shelter!!
So this will be our next benefactor. I'll compile a list of donations needed.

Afterwards will be the Humane Society then the Mecklenburg County Jail.
And for those who have issues with giving to the inmates, I hope you reconsider and let this be a time to grow and reach out instead of harboring ill will.

If we could read the secret history of our enemies, we should find in each other person’s life sorrow and suffering enough to disarm all hostility.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

And remember, we may make a difference enough to change someone's life. Maybe someone we help could become someone who helps others.

Book Exchange

2006-07-13T07:38:00.000-07:00

Rickell thought it would be fun to do a book exchange. If you would like to participate just bring a book or books (write your name inside) and we will have a table set out to put all the books on. Then you pick out whichever book or books your interested in reading. When you're done reading them, just bring them back to the next circle and we'll do it all over again. Sounds fun to me!

Raffle Prizes

2006-07-01T06:05:00.000-07:00

We need some!!! If you know anyone who owns their own business or makes something (jewelry, etc.) they would be willing to donate, please hook us up! :)

Sticks of Hope

2006-06-25T12:28:00.000-07:00

Visit sticksofhope.com NOW to send special messages and words of inspiration to kids with cancer via virtual ice cream frozen pop sticks. These “frozen pop sticks of hope” will be counted up, and at the end of this year, Nestlé Ice Cream will donate 25 cents to City of Hope Cancer Center, for each of the first 200,000 messages sent. Keep in mind, only 7,000 messages have been sent so far, so they really need your help! You can send as many as you like, and for every FOUR you send, a full dollar will be donated. Let’s help reach the 200,000 messages goal!

Get a Free Bracelet and Help Raise Money for Cancer Too?!!

2006-06-14T16:07:00.000-07:00

Go to this link and order your free bracelet - it costs you nothing, but every one that is ordered, Merck Pharmaceuticals donates $1 for cervical cancer research. http://www.maketheconnection.org/

"Tell Someone"

Share this with as many people as possible and encourage them to do the same.

We all Need To Get The Word Out!

You get two bracelets per kit. One kit per address!

A Simple New Project

2006-06-09T13:00:00.000-07:00

Can Tabs.... Many Ronald McDonald Houses work with local recycling centers to receive money for collecting tabs from aluminum cans - including those from soda cans, vegetable and soup cans, and pet food cans. The Ronald McDonald House Pop Tab Collection Program was established in 1987 by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Ronald McDonald House community. To date, more than 400 million pop tabs have been collected, generating more than $4 million. http://www.rmhc.com

Soup Labels and other products.... For every 1,100,000 eligible labels we receive Campbell's will purchase a new Dodge mini-van for the Ranch. The mini-vans are used to transport children to and from school, appointments, and extracurricular activities. http://www.stjudesranch.org/Content/campbells.asp
Eligible Labels: http://www.stjudesranch.org/Content/eligible_products.pdf

200 Tabs and Counting!!!

..towards our goal of 1,000,000 tabs!!

Start collecting those tabs and labels and we will have a collection box at all upcoming circles!

Volunteer Opportunities

2006-06-09T12:14:00.000-07:00

Quick Kicks: Volunteer coaches are needed to organize and teach kids for this indoor soccer league for boys and girls ages 7-12 and teen boys ages 13-18. League practices and games are at Methodist Home Recreation Center. Youth practices are on Thursdays from 6pm until 9pm. Teen practices are Tuesdays from 6pm to 9pm. Prior coaching experience is preferred. For further information, contact Lori Saylor at 704-336-5478 or email saylola@co.mecklenburg.nc.us.
Charlotte Symphony: Volunteers are needed to help out at the Charlotte Symphony¹s free concerts held on Sunday evenings during the month of June. These concerts take place at SouthPark Mall. The volunteers will help collect donations from concert attendees. (The concerts are free, but donations are accepted.) Volunteers will receive a voucher for two free tickets to a concert during the Symphony¹s 2006-07 season. For more details or to sign up, contact Heather Shaughnessy, Annual Fund and Events Manager, at 704-972-2003, ext. 226 or email heathers@chalottesymphony.org.
Charlotte Film Festival: The 2006 Charlotte Film festival will take place from September 15 -17. Several opportunities are available for volunteers before and during the event. Volunteers are needed in every department with opportunities ranging from tearing tickets to helping organize special events. For more information, please view the website www.charlottefilmfestival.org/volunteers.htm or contact Louis Gurgitano at 704-241-1753 or volunteers@charlottefilmfestival.org
Avon Walk for Breast Cancer: The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer is looking for volunteers to help get ready for the organization¹s 2006 event, scheduled for October. Pre-event volunteer opportunities include: office duties, community outreach, training walk leaders and attending Volunteer Nights every Thursday evening. To learn more about the event or to volunteer, please contact Jenny Mayer at volunteer.charlotte@avonwalk.org.
Ada Jenkins Center: The Ada Jenkins Center has several opportunities available for volunteers. Individuals are needed to serve as Shoppers for Loaves and Fishes pantry, where volunteers work three-hour shifts choosing and bagging items for families. Adults are needed until the end of the school year to tutor elementary students and help with homework in the After School Program. Also the Boys and Girls Club is looking for people with experience in dance, step, flags or percussion to help high school students. For further details please contact Sue Mitchell, Volunteer Coordinator, at 704-896-0471 ext. 117.
Seigle Avenue Partners: This agency provides educational and support programs for children and families living in Charlotte¹s Belmont neighborhood. Volunteers are needed to serve both as mentors, and as tutors at after-school programs for elementary and middle school students. Mentors must commit to at least one hour per week, and tutors can help at the afterschool program for one or two hours between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. For further information, please contact Volunteer Coordinator Macie Bennight at 704-371-4922 or adminsap@bellsouth.net.
Citizens On Patrol: Through the Citizens On Patrol Program, volunteers assist Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department officers by handling tasks that do not require a sworn officer. These include assisting disabled motorists, checking on the welfare of elderly residents and assisting with special events. Volunteers receive approximately 50 hours of classroom training and go on patrols with officers and existing Citizens On Patrol to apply what they¹ve learned. The next training sessions will begin shortly. For more information, contact Sarah Chastine at 704-336-5511 or schastine@cmpd.org.
Metrolina Association for the Blind: The organization has several volunteer opportunities available for interested individuals. These include: Friendly Visiting reading, talking, running errands for or just visiting with visually impaired individuals; Taping reading letters, recipes, articles or novels into a recorder for use by people with visual impairments; or House Work helping with small repairs or yard work for visually impaired residents. For more information, please contact Kelly Austin at 704-887-5129 or kaustin@mabnc.org.
Computer Room Monitors: At the Albemarle Road Recreation Center, volunteers supervise the computer lab, assisting participants in preparing for a computer literacy skills test. Volunteer shifts are weekdays from 3pm through 5pm, and 5pm through 7pm. More information is available by contacting Lori Saylor at saylola@co.mecklenburg.nc.us or 704-336-5478.
Family Financial Literacy Coalition: Volunteers are needed to help out in several areas for this organization, which provides free tax assistance services for low and moderate income taxpayers. Potential volunteers can work as counselors, receptionists, appointment coordinators or technical coordinator, and should have good computer skills and personal interaction skills. For more information on these opportunities, contact Sharon Barnhardt at stbarny@earthlink.net.
Storytime Sharers: Energetic, entertaining volunteers over the age of 18 are needed Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1 p.m. to read and tell stories to kindergarten through second-grade classes at The School at Thompson. The School is part of Thompson Child & Family Focus, which serves children with emotional and behavioral issues as a result of abuse and neglect. All you need to participate is the ability to share a story with expression and enthusiasm. For more information or to sign up, contact Rachel Eldridge, Volunteer Services Coordinator, at 704-536-0375 ext. 252, or reldridge@thompsoncff.org. Tutoring for Charlotte Emergency Housing: Charlotte Emergency Housing is looking for volunteers to help tutor the children staying at its shelter located at 2410 The Plaza. Because the number of children staying at the facility at any particular time varies, the need for tutors will vary as well. More information is available by calling Brooke Young at 704-335-5488 or emailing her at brookey@charlotteemergencyhousing.org.
Refugee Resettlement Office: The Refugee Resettlement Office of Catholic Social Services needs volunteers to support its ESL program. Volunteers will help with activities ranging from tutoring in homes or classrooms, to childcare and computer tutoring. A commitment of 90 minutes to 2 hours per week for a minimum of three months is required for volunteering. Training will be provided. For more details, please contact Jennifer Girard, ESL Coordinator, at 704-370-3255.
RAIN: The Regional AIDS Interfaith Network is seeking volunteers to join the organization's "CareTeam" program. Participants provide transportation and other types of assistance (cleaning, yard work, laundry, etc.), to people living with HIV/AIDS. Special training is provided by RAIN, and is required for all volunteers. For more information, contact Akilah Luke, Program Coordinator, at 704-372-7246 (x113) or a.luke@carolinarain.org.
Guardian ad Litem: Volunteers for this program dedicate 10 to 15 hours of time per month to serve as an advocate for abused or neglected children whose cases are in the North Carolina court system. Responsibilities include staying current with the child's case and making recommendations for the child's safety. In Mecklenburg County, contact Tracie Watson, at 704-347-4161. In Cabarrus County, contact Felicia Wilson at 704-784-4151. Nevins, Inc.: This organization provides a host of volunteering opportunities for those who want to assist individuals with developmental disabilities in our community. There is a special need for volunteers with experience in grant writing, job placement and donor prospecting. Those interested can contact Melanie Genwright at 704-596-1372, ext. 202, for more information.

Locks of Love

2006-05-26T12:37:00.000-07:00

Another way we could help others would be to donate our hair! I know you guys already think I'm crazy, but I thought this would be a great and FREE way to help those in need. Locks of love takes hair donated and makes wigs for those who have lost their hair to cancer. Just read over the guidelines and think about it. I thought it would be fun if a group of us let our hair grow out at least ten inches and then all go to get it cut together! You can look at their website for some more information on them. www.locksoflove.org

Guidelines
~We accept 10" minimum hair length (tip to tip), not wigs, falls, or synthetic hair
~Please bundle hair in ponytail or braid.
~Hair needs to be clean, dry, placed in a plastic bag, then padded envelope.
~We need hair from men and women, young and old, all colors and races.
~Hair may be colored or permed, but not bleached or chemically damaged (if unsure, ask your stylist).
~Hair swept off the floor is not usable.
~Hair cut years ago is usable if it has been stored in a ponytail or braid.
~Hair that is short, gray, or unsuitable for children will be separated from the ponytails and sold at fair market value to offset the cost of manufacturing.
~You may pull curly hair straight to measure the minimum 10".
~The majority of all hair donated comes from children who wish to help other children.
~Layered hair may be divided into multiple ponytails for donation.

*Please note: Anyone can cut your hair as long as the above guidelines are followed.

Avon Walk for Breast Cancer

2006-05-18T17:03:00.000-07:00

One of our members, Lynde, is going to walk in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. If you are interested in joining her you can register at www.avonwalk.org or if you would like to help her reach her goal of $1800 then you can donate here http://info.avonfoundation.org/site/TR?px=2440234&pg=personal&fr_id=1200&s_tafId=5684. Thank you for your support!

Loaves and Fishes Food Drive!

2006-05-08T16:51:00.000-07:00

LOAVES & FISHES BAGGING LIST

Canned Items
Beans - any kind - kidney, navy,
pinto, pork & beans, etc. (16 oz)

Soup (10 oz)

Vegetables (16 oz)

Fruit (16 oz)
Peanut Butter (18oz)

Meat - canned - any kind - plain
or with noodles

Fruit Juice - any kind - bottled, canned
Dry Items
Cereal (box or bag)

Macaroni & Cheese (box)
Rice
Dry Milk (quart)
Crackers (stack)

Muffin mix (box)

Extras (Canned and Dry Goods)
Non-Food Items
Toilet Paper (rolls)

Soap (bars)

Toothpaste

Diapers & Wipes (1 package of each)
*** Toothbrushes (adult and child sizes)

*** Baby Formula and Baby Food -- be generous

Priority Needs

Canned Fruit
100% Juice
Pork and Beans
Peanut Butter
Canned Meat
Soup

Loaves and Fishes
making ends meet

What a Success!

2006-05-08T16:13:00.000-07:00

We raised $134 towards becoming non-profit and a bunch of donations for Room at the Inn. I couldn't be happier! I hope everyone had as much fun as I did.
We voted, and our next charity is Loaves and Fishes. They will provide barrels or totes, so if your church, school, or work, would allow us to set one out during the month of June, let me know.

Our next circle will be on Friday July 14th at 7pm!

Celebrating the Moms at Room At The Inn!

2006-04-25T07:58:00.000-07:00

On May 5th we will have our second circle in honor of the mothers at Room At The Inn. Everyone who has shown interest should have received an evite to the event. If not please send me an email and I'll send you one ASAP. There is a list of items needed lower on this page. You can also email me if you have any questions.
We need to start thinking about food! What are you bringing? Please post in the comments. Someone suggested a Mexican theme since it's Cinco De Mayo. You can also let us know what you think about that. Also any other ideas you have please share. Thank you so much for everything and I can't wait to see everyone in just a few weeks!

Don't forget! There will be a $1 and $5 raffle to raise money to become an official non-profit organization, so bring some cash!! :)

Interview With Delilah

2006-03-26T05:35:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago I was privileged enough to get on with Delilah. Please take a minute and turn up the volume on your computers to listen to me nervously speak with Delilah about our group and next event! (OK. You're going to have to wait on that part until I can figure out how to link to a sound file. :D) But if you want to see something funny you can click on Delilah's link, scroll down and look on the left hand side. Yep that's me, halo and all! :D Wait though! Click on the picture and you'll see a beautiful picture of the most beautiful people I know. ;) Thank you again ladies for all of your support.

Hemby Childrens Hospital

2006-03-21T07:45:00.000-08:00

We delivered the bears and books to the childrens hospital. I went with my mom and sister. It was such a moving experience that I will never forget. I will never forget their little faces and their bright eyes and big smiles. What a blessing it was to meet such brave wonderful little human beings. Each one of you helped to put a smile on their faces. Thank you.

Please check out the pictures from our trip to the hospital by clicking on the flickr tag in the side bar.

Planning Our Next Event!

2006-03-17T04:55:00.000-08:00

Our next gathering will be held on May 5, 2006 at 7pm. The location will be posted at a later date as soon as all the votes are in. This gathering will benefit Room at the Inn. There are 4 mothers (19, 21, and 24 years of age) and 4 babies (21 month old boy, two girls who will be about 4-5 months old, and a newborn) in residence and 50 outreach families. They can use just about anything for mom or baby. Here's a list of items:

-diapers and baby wipes
-baby accessories (bibs, bottles, rattles, hats, socks, shoes, etc.)
-baby blankets
-infant clothing
-children's clothing
-toys
-cribs, playbens, bassinets
-high chairs
-baby carriers
-strollers
-maternity and non-maternity clothes
-hygiene, personal care, and grooming items for mom and baby
-single beds
-dressers
-small appliances
-dishware

*New AND Used Items Are Greatly Appreciated!

**They will have a new food pantry up and running within 1-2 weeks and would be grateful for any canned or dried foods (or baby food)!

Here are the moms sizes:
Mom L: size 18 or 20 pants, size X-large shirt, size 10 shoe
Mom K: size 12 pants, size medium shirt, size 8 shoe
Mom B: size 3 pants, size small shirt, size 6 1/2 shoe

Their ages are 19, 21 and 24.

There will be a $1 and $5 raffle at the next event so bring some cash!!!!

To the Wonderful Women in my Circle

2006-02-27T08:40:00.000-08:00

"When I was little, I used to believe in the concept of one best friend,
and then I started to become a woman. And then I found out that if you allow your heart to open up, God would show you the best in many friends. One friend is needed when you're going through things with your man. Another friend is needed when you're going through things with your mom. Another when you want to shop, share, heal, hurt, joke, or just be. One friend will say let's pray together, another let's cry together,
another let's fight together, another let's walk away together. One friend will meet your spiritual need, another your shoe fetish,
another your love for movies, another will be with you in your season of confusion, another will be your clarifier, another the wind beneath your wings. But whatever their assignment in your life, on whatever the occasion, on whatever the day, or wherever you need them to meet you with their gym shoes on ! And hair pulled back, or to hold you back from making a complete fool of yourself ... Those are your best friends. It may all be wrapped up in one woman, but for many it's wrapped up in several... One from 7th grade,
one from high school, several from the college years,
a couple from old jobs, several from church, on some days your mother, on some days your neighbor, on others your sisters,
and on some days your daughters. So whether they've been there 20 minutes or 20 years, Pass this on to the women that God has placed in your life to make a difference."

Author Unknown

Congratulations!! We raised 23 bears, 70 books, and 22 movies for Hemby Childrens Hospital!

Thinking Ahead..

2006-02-21T13:44:00.000-08:00

I thought our 2nd meeting could be either on May 5th or 6th and could be a Mother's Day theme for "Room At The Inn". This is a place where young moms who decide to keep their baby but have no where to go can turn. They give them a place to live and help them get on their feet. They even provide babysitting for the mothers while they work. We need to decide whether we would like to do a Friday night again or a Saturday Brunch. We'll have a vote on Friday night.

Also something to think about, I need help coming up with a mission statement. We'll have an idea/thought box to put your ideas in. So start thinking! :)

How to Win Door Prizes

2006-02-15T11:45:00.000-08:00

1. Be the First to Arrive!
2. Drive the Farthest!
3. Bring the Biggest Bear!
4. Bring the Biggest Donation! Meaning, this time, the most bears and books. (This will also include general donations as well. Canned Goods, Clothing, Any New or Gently Used Items, Etc.)

More to Come!!!

Looking for People With Connections

2006-02-09T08:46:00.000-08:00

We need a meeting room for the next get-together! And we need it for free! Know anyone?

I was thinking of doing a dollar raffle to raise money(this will be for the next meeting). So if anyone has any connections with a salon, restaurant, car wash, etc. And could get a gift certificate to be one of the prizes please let me know. Thank you in advance!

The First Meeting

2006-01-18T06:25:00.000-08:00

The first meeting will be held on February 24, 2006 at my house. The theme is Books and Bears and will benefit the children at Hemby Children's Hospital of Presbyterian Hospital. Please send an email through the link to the right if you would like an evite.

I will list below all of our needs. (Anything non-perishable will go towards later meetings.)

-~~Cups~~
-~~Plates~~
-~~Napkins~~
-~~Name tags~~
-~~Door Prizes~~
-Pens
-Drinks (I need a couple of people to please volunteer and bring drinks instead of food. Water bottles, soda, wine, etc. TIA!)
-Finger Foods
-Desserts

Please sign up to bring any of the above items in the comments below. And also put anything else you think we will need that is not listed. And, if you had already purchased something that someone else is bringing, go ahead and bring it, we can always use it next time. Thank you for everything ladies!

We will always except any kind of donation at any time. If you have an item that you know someone can use but you're not sure what to do with, bring it and I will find the right place for you. Whether men's and women's clothing for the shelter, kids movies you no longer watch for the childrens hospital or childrens homes, or baby items for Room in the Inn. You can even bring canned goods for the local food pantry or coloring books and crayons for the childrens hospital and I will deliver it for you. Whatever it is, bring it.

Thank you! I'm very excited about our first meeting! We have 1821 people coming so far! Maybe I should start looking into a meeting room for next time!