How We Can Help Newtown

First, I'd like to tell all people affected by the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting that I am praying for you and thinking about you often.  I cannot begin to imagine the sorrows you are facing. As someone sitting at home hundreds of miles away, it has truly put a toll on me.  I can't touch on what it must be like to be in Newtown, especially as a parent of the precious children killed. I hope you all find peace and strength among this confusion and sadness. The Lord will care for you.

To those willing to step up, I ask you to please help.  We need to help these people who so deserately need it. 

 Question: How can I help the victims' families in Newtown?

The Huffington Post has provided us with some information about how we can help.  Watch this video to find out more: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/14/connecticut-elementary-school-shooting-how-to-help_n_2302760.html

I strongly suggest writing a letter of condolence to the victims' families. The USPS has set up a PO box just for this purpose.  This is an effective way to help the families no matter where you live and for little cost. Please contribute.

Send your letters of condolence to:

PO Box 3700
Newtown, Connecticut 06470

Hands On Nashville

Hey, guys!  I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving.  I also hope your Black Friday was full of good deals and nice gifts!  After a long time away, I finally have the opportunity for a blog update.  Today, I will post about an organization a little closer to home for myself in Nashville, Tennessee.

In 1991, a Music City resident found a desire to find meaningful ways for people to volunteer and give back to the community.  This desire developed into a stellar organization called Hands On Nashville!  Hands On Nashville's mission is to meet community needs through volunteerism.  This organization connects volunteers to issues facing Middle Tennessee such as hunger, homelessness, and environmental issues.  Hands On Nashville has been in operation for just over twenty years.

If you live in the Nashville area and would like to get involved in the community, Hands On Nashville can get you on track!  Best wishes to Hands On Nashville and the many people who they work with.  Hands On Nashville is just another example of how volunteering connects people with opportunities.

Update

Hey, friends! I'm sorry for not updating lately. I've been away due to illness, but I'll be providing another post on Saturday. Do you know of an organization that deserves a post? If so, tell me! I'll be proud to post on their behalf. Have a great evening!

Mason

Jay's Warriors - Help Him Reach His Goal!

Hey there, friends!  I have a simple request for you.  Please log into your Facebook account and "like" the page Jay's Warriors.  This page has been set up for Jay Rogers, a teen fighting Ewing's Sarcoma.  The Alabama-Tennessee football game on Saturday (10-20-2012) is dedicated to him.  Please show him some love by "liking" his page!  The goal is 36,700 "likes" by kickoff tomorrow evening.  Help us reach or even exceed that goal!

Jay, You inspire me and many.  Keep fighting!  I and many others will support you through it all. Prayers and love to you and your family!

-Mason Borneman

Facebook link for Jay's Warriors:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Jays-Warriors/357720607654499

Inspirational Quote of the Day

October 14, 2012

 

"The more difficulties one has to encounter, within and without, the more significant and the higher in inspiration his life will be."

-Horace Bushnell

 

North Dakota Association of Nonprofit Organizations

North Dakota Association of Nonprofit Organizations is the statewide membership association advancing North Dakota nonprofits through advocacy and public policy, education and training, resources and research, cost-saving programs, and leadership and networking. NDANO strengthens communities and enhances quality of life through engaging and ensuring a strong charitable sector.

That's what it takes.  We must support and advertise nonprofits in order to get the word out!  I think other states and organizations should follow NDANO's example. Way to go, North Dakota Association of Nonprofit Organizations!

Visit their website for more information:  http://www.ndano.org/

HOW CAN YOU HELP? - October

Pumpkin Decorating Contests

 

How can you help during October?  The answer to that question is fun and easy.  Have a pumpkin decorating contest!

This idea is most suitable for schools.  Allow students (you choose grade limits) to decorate pumpkins.  Set a deadline when the pumpkins need to be finished and submitted.  Choose a place within the school (or wherever the contest may take place) for the pumpkins to set for everyone to see and admire!

I can hear you now, "How does this benefit a charity or organization?"  Here's the catch:

The winner of the pumpkin decorating contest isn't decided by judges.  The pumpkin decorating contest is decided by the viewers!  Allow viewers to donate money of any amount (as small as a nickel or as large as desired) to the pumpkin they believe is decorated best.  My suggestion is to put a paper bag below or beside each pumpkin for the money to be dropped in.  Allow all of the money raised from each pumpkin to go to the charity or organization you're raising funds for.  Have a prize of some sort for the pumpkin that raised the most money, and you may want to even have a second and third place prize for contests that have excess pumpkin entries.

THIS DOES WORK!  The elementary and junior high students at my school had a pumpkin decorating contest recently.  The money raised from each pumpkin went to Relay for Life.  The winner whose pumpkin was most admired received a new bike.  There were over fifty entries, and Relay for Life benefited tremendously!

Kids have fun.  Charities and organizations benefit.  What could be better?

HOW CAN YOU HELP?  Have a pumpkin decorating contest!