March 12th, 2010
Now that I’ve transitioned to the non-profit sector, I’m more cognizant of philanthropic references – newspaper articles, web stories, community bulletins, etc. For example, this weekend’s PARADE magazine cover story which boasted the uplifting headline: “COMPASSION COUNTS MORE THAN EVER”, immediately caught my eye.
The news isn’t good; it’s great! Despite today’s bleak economic climate, Americans are continuing to give back in a big way, donating their time and/or hard-earned money to a cause they feel passionate about. According to the article, almost all poll respondents (98%) have engaged in at least one activity to make an effort, and 91% have been motivated to do so in the past 18 months.
Although we all have our own personal “pet charities” (and of course, we here at KWN wish WE were everyone’s charity of choice!), I can’t help but smile knowing that there are so many people countrywide who are contributing/volunteering/helping others despite any personal (financial) cutbacks they may be experiencing. “Public service” is no longer about fulfilling X number of hours because you “have to” – it’s now about people who WANT to.
Thanks to Facebook and my love of running, I’ve contributed more money to causes in the past year than I have in the past ten years and although it may sound smug and self-serving, doing so makes me feel good about myself. How can I not contribute to a friend who is raising funds and/or awareness on behalf of their child’s autism or grandmother’s Alzheimer’s? I’ve entered races which have benefited both local and worldwide organizations, motivating me to “kill two birds with one stone” (exercise + goodwill = feeling great!). So, let’s keep the movement of generosity going and use your resources (time, money, skills) to contribute to the greater good. As the old adage goes… “You’ll be glad you did!”
-Susan
Facility Coordinator
Posted in Blog, Wish Department | No Comments »
March 12th, 2010
I’ve recently passed my one year anniversary here at Kids Wish Network and I can tell you it’s been a year to remember! Looking back, I never thought I would end up working at a non-profit children’s charity but I couldn’t be happier. I graduated college almost 6 years ago (yikes!) and after “finding myself” for a few months, I went to work for an insurance company. I worked there for 3 years before moving to Florida. When I got hired at Kids Wish Network I wasn’t sure what to expect. Working for a children’s charity is a job that, on a semi-conscious level, I knew existed but it never crossed my mind to actually work for one.
To say the least, I am glad I accepted the job offer. I get to interact with hundreds of kids (some in person, some via pictures) and I get to see smiles and hear stories and just really enjoy them! It’s the unexpected things in life (illness, new job, unfamiliar surroundings) that make people unsure and uneasy. I wasn’t sure how things would work out for me here but this is one unexpected thing I’m glad I didn’t shy away from.
I can’t see what year two has in store for me…. Ch-ch-ch changes! =)
Margo
HOTM Facility Coordinator
Tags: life
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March 12th, 2010
There are many days here at Kids Wish Network that I think about how much I like doing what I do. It’s usually because I have spoken to a potential wish family about a referral I received for their child and they are extremely surprised and thankful. Their kind words to me really help reinforce how important and amazing this job and Kids Wish Network is. Kindness goes a long way in life.
I really feel blessed to be able to play a small part in spreading hope to these families and granting wishes to these children. I can’t imagine what it would be like to have a sick child. I am not a parent yet but I hope to be one day, and I pray that my child is healthy.
I have seen so many different illnesses and things that can go wrong during a pregnancy since working at Kids Wish Network. I hear a lot of families say that their child who has an illness or disease is a miracle. I believe that all life is a miracle, but I’ve now adopted the thought that the children who are born completely healthy and without any medical issues are the true miracle children. It always baffles me when I read about one of our wish kids who was born with a life-threatening condition all because one chromosome or one little thing was off. It is scary to think that this situation happens on a daily basis. I know that I am not exempt from something like this happening when I have a child; I just pray it doesn’t.
I know that many moms and dads and grandmas out there are dealing with taking these children to doctors’ appointments and hospitals and praying that the next prognosis is a good one. Sometimes they are fortunate enough to hear that good news: sometimes they aren’t. But one thing is for sure, it is always nice to feel comforted and to hear a kind word even if the news isn’t great.
One thing in life that I would like to be remembered for is that I always tried to be kind. The next time you are angry or impatient while standing in line at the bank, grocery store or gas station, before you say something you regret to the person in front holding up the line, stop and take a second to imagine what they might be dealing with. Maybe they just lost their job. Maybe their kids are sick. Maybe they are wondering what they will eat for dinner or where they will sleep tonight. Take a deep breath and force a smile as they pass you. Kindness makes everyone feel better.
~Elizabeth
Wish Department
Tags: kindness
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March 2nd, 2010
It’s no secret that it is cold EVERYWHERE! I have gotten more use out of my sweaters in the past few months than I have since I first moved to the “sunshine state.” I am originally from the north, so I know cold; I have shoveled my fair share of snow. However, living here in Florida has made my blood very thin and now I freeze very easily.
Right now it just so happens that I am calling northern states: mostly Michigan, Ohio, and Maryland. I know they are getting hit pretty hard, weather-wise. When I talk to potential sponsors I almost always ask how the weather is. Most people laugh and explain how cold it is and then they ask me how weather is my way. When I tell them it’s in the 30’s, they laugh and say we’re having a “heat wave.” No matter how much I defend how cold I am, I get no sympathy from my fellow northerners. I just want to tell everyone out there who is getting hit with the unseasonably cold weather to stay warm and keep that heated blanket handy!
Megan
Development Department
Tags: cold, warm
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March 1st, 2010
This week I’ve been pondering the similarities of the people I speak with all over the country. I’ve come to the realization that Tom Hanks, in the movie “Forest Gump” said it best: “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get.”
I used to think that people were all the same whether they’re in a big city or a small town, but I’ve come to find out that’s not exactly true. Sometimes it’s about the sense of community and sometimes it’s the individual. I often speak with some pretty great people who work for the city or the chamber; or they belong to a service organization; or they work at a local business and they want to provide me with as much help as they can – sometimes this means getting a group of people together to lend a helping hand. They know that if everyone comes together as a group they can be a huge part of granting a wish for a local child.
Sometimes I just happen to call a person who wants to do it all! They want to come up with the ideas for raising funds and end up organizing the whole thing! Right now I’m working with two fabulous ladies, one in Michigan and one from California. They came up with the idea of having dinners and raffles to help wish children in their communities. They’re not only doing all the leg work, but they’re doing it with a huge amount of enthusiasm as well!
Whether it’s a group or that one special person who gets the ball rolling, it all comes down to heart. If I’m lucky enough to find that special person that group with a big warm heart, there’s no stopping them! People are like boxes of chocolates, and I’ve been lucky to find some really sweet ones!
Megan
Development Department
Tags: people
Posted in Blog, Development Department | No Comments »
