New Years Resolutions

We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.

    - Winston Churchill

 

Its time for a New Year's Resolutions. Today I have been thinking about what the world would be like if everyone made giving back part of their commitment each year. The entire world would shift. In a big way. It doesn't just impact the person or child on the receiving end. It impacts the giver.

Consider making room in your resolution for becoming more involved. Whether its volunteering in your community, or giving to a cause.
HALO's resolution is to become a more sustainable organization. In 2011, we are asking our donors to help us grow by meeting a specific HALO need on a monthly basis. One of these campaigns is called 1for30. It is a great opportunity for donors to be the meal sponsor for a day each month at a HALO Home. Feeding 30 kids for an entire day each month makes a huge impact and it lasts all year. Plus, donors will receive updates each month on the kids they are supporting.

If one of your resolutions is to become more involved by giving, consider becoming 1for30. Click here to learn more.

Happy New Year! Here's to an exciting 2011!

Chasing Santa

Last night was the Holiday party for The HALO Center in Denver. The Center is located in Five Points which is known as one of the roughest places in Denver.  My afternoon meeting ran late and I got stuck in traffic so I arrived fashionably late.

As I drove by and peeked in the window, it was magic. The bright red room was packed with children, presents, decorations, and love. Later, Santa came out and the kids went nuts. The best  part for me was watching the older kids who usually have an "I'm way too cool for this" attitude. Nobody's too cool for Santa.

Three months ago, there was nothing like this in the area. Now, these kids come to the center every day and for a meal, tutoring, art therapy, karate classes, and other workshops. Nikki Cady, Volunteer HALO Denver Director,  has lead our team with a heart full of nothing but love for the children and a vision of hope for their futures. Last night, that was so evident. I posted this video of the kids chasing Santa, but you will need to turn your head to the side to view it :)

This Holiday Season, HALO children around the world are in a better place because of people like Nikki. On Christmas morning, I will imagine the kids in India receiving their gifts of traditional clothing made by a local tailor or the girls in the Mengo home getting new school clothes for next year. My heart is full just knowing the children will feel loved by their caretakers and so excited to open their gifts.

I am incredibly thankful for our donors and volunteers. They are spreading love around the world. Literally. If you would like to see opportunities to give a Holiday gift for a child in need click here.

Inspired by your answers

The collaboration of community makes our mission thrive which is why find joy in asking others to invest in the future of the world. Here are few inspiring answers to questions I have asked lately:


Will you raise awareness? Our Program Director, Lacy Voight spoke at her old high school's assembly in Jefferson City, MO to share her story of why she is involved with HALO and how taking action on compassion can truly impact the life of others. Click here to check out the article.

Will you give advice? When brainstorming about our sustainability goals with a HALO donor last week, she came up with a great idea... We should find a matching donor for HALO Meal Sponsors. By the end of the conversation, she was offered to be that donor. She offered to match donations (anonymously) up to $20,000 for anyone who becomes a meal sponsor for the children of HALO.  For anyone who will donate $30 monthly, feeding 30 children for one day each month, she will match their first year of giving. We have until Dec 31st to reach our goal of 55 meal sponsors and thanks to our generous donor, their donation will be doubled. Click here to read more. And yes, it is true... a donor can sponsor meals at a HALO home for the entire day for $30.

Will you lead? Last week was our first annual Branch Retreat, bringing together our Directors of Branches to share vision and make ambitious plans for the next 3 years. The room was sparking with big ideas from dedicated people making the leap to voluntarily lead and bring a community together, fully supporting children in need. 

Will you give resources? Our volunteer graphic desiners, Jennifer Grammer, Maggie Miller, and Karina Ginavan used their amazing talents to put together our Holiday Gift Guide. It is designed to give people the chance to use their resources by making an impact with their Holiday gifts this year. If you haven't seen it yet, take a peek here. It is incredible.

Will you give time? As part of the retreat, Chelsea Herzberg, our KC HALO Center (volunteer) Intern shared a breathtaking video of the youth who have been coming to the center. She later wrote to me about how her time at HALO has changed her life. I asked her to post this truly inspiring story on her blog.

Will you share skills? I had a meeting yesterday with a man who owns numerous Martial Arts schools in Denver. He has dedicated his life to sharing Taekwondo with the world and has recently found a passion to bring it to at-risk children in his community.We are going to work together to bring his life skills program to children at the HALO Center in Denver.

Each of these make me realize that this is just the beginning. With true collaboration from our communities, nothing will stop us from reaching the children who need it most. The appreciation for our personal upbringings, opportunities, and environments inspires our desire to share what we have with those who don't. Thank you for being part of the collaboration.