Tuesday, December 11, 2012

The Greatest Gift

This week started in a state of urgency for HALO. I came into the office Monday with an email from The Woodland Foundation that stated the following: The Woodland Foundation will offer forty $1,000 scholarships of $1,000 for each donor who signs up to give $84 per month as a HALO Hero or donate $1000. These scholarships will be given in the name of the person or family that the donor indicates for the Holidays. The urgency: HALO has until December 31st, 2012 to find 40 compassionate donors who want to take advantage of this gift opportunity. 

At first I was a bit overwhelmed about all this but now I find myself excited. It is ironic that our life skill for this month is compassion, which means being aware of a need and having the desire to help. Our team brainstormed for an hour about how we are going to get the word out. All we can do is make people aware of the need and share the opportunity. So, here's the deal:

It only costs $1000 for our international youth to attend vocational college and learn a skill that they will have for the rest of their lives. $40,000 of scholarships means 40 youth could reach their dreams of going to college. One pledge will not only be helping one youth reach their potential, but their future and family will be impacted for years to come. 

Here is an example of one of our youth who will be impacted by this program: Mark has lived in a HALO home for 3 years in Uganda because he lost both of his parents. He is now 17 years old, reaching the age he will be on his own. He dreams of becoming an electrical engineer and says, "I want to use my skills to earn a living for myself and my future family". Now imagine if you could give Mark this opportunity...




So for your gift this year, consider giving a scholarship in your family's name or ask for one from Santa. It truly is the gift that gives for years to come. That's compassion in action.

Please contact us if you are interested in this opportunity. HALO will send a scholarship certificate in your family's name to the address you indicate. Click here or call 816.472.4256 to become a HALO Hero and Begin a Dream for a youth like Mark.

May your days be merry and bright,

Rebecca