Holiday Charity Drive - Where should the money go?

[Paul G]

We will be starting our annual charity fundraising drive in November. Last year we donated the money to the American Indian College Fund.

Where should the money go this year?

I need to hear your suggestions soon so we can begin the drive in November.

Thanks

[Paul G]

Any ideas??

[Fat Albert]

I like the ideas from the other post:
Elders
Single Mothers
students
"parents out there that maybe can't afford to make outfits for their children and would benefit greatly from a contibution of outfit making materials. "

I would lean to the elders myself. But I wonder how to choose? There are a lot of elders, orphans, etc....

[tradish_wiyan]

How about an organization like the Boys and Girls Club, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, etc...something like that would benefit.

[sweetkwe69]

Maybe something for single parents in college that are in need of daycare. Or something for the elders hmm

[DeusExMachina]

I'd say making sure the elders have warm clothes, food and utilities for the winter, and that the kids have warm clothes and food and mebbe an x-mas present or two.

[Singing Eagle]

My suggestion is to give the funds to an Aboriginal organization that is working on language development and retention.

[Ojidanowe]

Every contribution sent to the NDN-AIM Emergency Fund is sent to help people
in emergency needs on Indian Reservations, particularly heat in winter in the
form of propane, electric and/or wood. In the summers, fans and/or
air-conditioners.( We have found that fans are easier on the electric bills during the
summer)

Requests come in from people on the Reservations through word of mouth to
help those in dire need.

The funds have been given for heating, cooling and other emergencies and the
money orders, checks, etc. that have been sent have gone to the heating and
cooling Companies for those in need. These transactions are verified both by the
Companies as well as the individuals to whom the fuel and help was
distributed.

All transactions are listed, kept and filed and thank-you notes are sent. To
those who donate $10.00, a thank you note along with a bumpersticker is sent
which reads:
[email protected]
Making a Difference in Indian Country
These donations are ' NOT TAX-DEDUCTIBLE'. Records are kept of all
transactions...including banking statement and online NDN-AIM statements, the latter of
which are and will be posted twice a month. The names of the people to whom
the donations were given are not posted on List for their privacy and security
but names are kept on file with the secretary: similarly names of people who
donate are not posted onlist .

The Emergency Fund is divided into three parts:

The Regular fund which goes for emergencies which can also be used for fuel
help.
The Fuel fund is strictly used for fuel: propane, electric, wood
(donations intended strictly for the fuel fund are marked as such on check,
money order and/or note)
The fund for the Defenders of the Black Hills provides help for the many
projects which the Defenders are involved with....The Black Hills, Bear Butte,
Grasslands, other Sacred Sites, , etc.

No money is taken out of the Fund for office expenses ( paper,
bumperstickers) or salary...these expenses are donated by the secretary. There is also a CPA
and an Attorney who advise and are kept advised of the fund and these
expenses are also donated.

SUPPLIES FOR EDUCATIONS:
NDN-AIM List is also collecting labels for education and any labels sent
to the postal box for NDN-AIM will be sent to Indian Schools which are
participants in the ' Labels for Education' which Campbell soups and other companies
have offered. Labels have and will be continued to be sent to the Indian
Schools in the Country. The information received and sent are on file.

[WolfTears]

Elders thats my vote

[Mato Winyan]

I vote for the poorest rez in the states.... everyone is in need... elders on down. I know several people that are involved with organizations and would make sure the money goes to the right places.. Sad to say all organazitions out there cannot be trusted. :(

[Paul G]

We need to start coming to a consensus. Remember we aren't talking about thousands of $$$. Last year we raised about $300.

[Peacekeeper83]

find a group that provides coats and shoes for children of low income families...there was a time in my life that one of those groups helped my kids with some clothes..you hate asking for help...but it makes a difference..

[WolfTears]

Ok I have an idea how bout we try to help our friends in Cali that got burned out by the fires . I will be happy to donate two of my sand painting ! I will be happy to send you a pic of them they are about 8x10 one is larger . Done in teals an coral . Yes they are framed an ready to hang . I will sign them an number them . Just let me know!

[Paul G]

I like that idea SingerDad, do you have a suggestion for which one?

[Paul G]

Alright, I say the Cherokee Youth Center, what does everyone else think. I'm going to start the fund raising next week, so we need to decide.