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Inside the Dream
The first year I volunteered with Inside the Dream I saw something incredible. I watched shy, introverted teenagers slink into the room looking down at the floor, shifting their feet, usually wearing everyday jeans and t-shirts. Many of them didn't make eye contact and when they spoke it was usually quietly. The children and teenagers were all there as they didn't have the funds to purchase outfits for their graduations, formals and proms. They were hoping to find donated dresses, tuxedoes and accessories so they could attend the important milestone in their lives in style with their friends. As the day progressed and they "shopped" around the large room with volunteers slowly and carefully putting together outfits, I watched as more and more smiles appeared. The kids started to stand taller, started to speak louder, shoulders were no longer slouched and they started to joke around with others.
As outfits came together, so did confidence levels. Tears came to many eyes as teenagers that were so quiet and shy a few short hours earlier emerged in new outfits proudly displaying what they had found. It was truly then that I saw the power in clothing, the power a beautiful dress could have on a shy teenager who was now smiling, feeling great about herself, surrounded by supportive people, how a tuxedo helped young men stand taller and more confident. The day wasn't just about building outfits, it was about building young people's self-esteem.
We remember the important garments in our lives. I can think back to every major milestone in my life and remember pretty much what I was wearing even if I can't remember all the details of the day. There is so much symbolism in the clothing we choose for special occasions - we want those garments to tell the world more about us, to represent who we are. That's why Inside the Dream is so special. The kids get to find the perfect outfit to celebrate who they really are - and for one day, they don't have to worry about the cost.
Please visit Inside the Dream for more information about how you may donate to this wonderful charity. It needs dresses, tuxedoes, shoes and accessories as well as many other items which are listed on the site.
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Plan
Founded in 1937 as Foster Parents Plan, for about $1 per day through Plan you can be involved in the life of a child in another country. This is one of the most rewarding, enriching experiences you will ever have. You may be giving but you are truly getting so much more in return! To come home at the end of the day to a stack of bills, only to find a wonderful note from your Sponsor Child giving you an update on his life, including some drawings and news about what is happening with his family and friends is a wonderful gift. I so look forward to meeting my Sponsor Child in person in the next few years. I have watched him grow through letters and pictures for many years now and am so thankful for his presence in my life. He has taught me so much.
So many people want to get their children involved in a charitable life from an early age but aren't sure how. Sponsoring a child in another country is such a great concept for a family. Exchanging letters between people and countries is so rewarding on many levels. My nieces often do drawings for me to send and get so excited about it. It opens up conversations about different countries and cultures. Think about sponsoring a child through Plan either as an individual, family, work group or classroom. Or check out one of Plan's latest projects Because I am a Girl, and this thoughtful contest, all part of a global campaign to raise awareness of the unique barriers to survival and development that girls face simply because they are girls, and how investing in girls can change the entire face of the developing world.
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Hope For Children Foundation
There is a great program in place in Toronto and probably one similar in your city. For the last 6 years, a group of us have participated in the Adopt-a-Family Christmas program. In 2008, our network grew to 32 participants involving several groups of friends, companies and individuals. We are assigned a family and are told their first names and items they really need and a few they would love to have. Many in the group buy presents and lovingly wrap them. Some companies donate products and many donate money, allowing us to buy much needed gifts and then we have a big wrapping party. Much care is taken to wrap the gifts with beautiful bows and ribbons knowing half the joy for the children will be in the unwrapping. Helping a child stay warm in winter with a coat or helping parents keep food on the table by buying much needed sheets or towels is what this concept is all about.
This program would be so happy to have new participants, either families or companies or schools. Even in tough financial times, it is possible to sponsor a single child and make a difference in her world. Hope for Children Foundation helps children in many ways but this is a small way we thought we could participate in one of its programs.
