Defenders of Wildlife: Wildlife Adoption

Defenders of Wildlife// www.defenders.org

If you're still searching for a Christmas gift for those on your list that are hard to buy for, I think I may have a solution.  If they're an animal lover or really have a passion for making sure that we protect endangered species, you will love what the Defenders of Wildlife web site has to offer.

Bats would really love your help// www.defenders.org

Defenders of Wildlife is a nonprofit membership organization that has a mission of protecting all native animals and plant species in their natural environments.  They also work in educating the American public on the importance of preserving the wildlife and resolve conflicts that are facing the wildlife.  Defenders of Wildlife also goes across the borders and safeguards habitats and builds relationships through educating the public outside of the United States on why this wildlife is important.  90% of contributions received go directly to programs and services that protect the wildlife and 10% goes towards fundraising.

This Snowy Leopard could use your help// www.defenders.org

There are numerous types of animals that you can 'adopt.'  Please note, when you adopt an animal or purchase an adoption package, you are not adopting a specific animal.  You are furthering the amount of money that will go towards protecting that species.  You will receive a plush toy in the animal's likeness, but you are not assigned to a specific animal.  Whether you like brown bears, red wolves, snowy owls, sharks, penguins or much more, you are sure to be able to find an endangered species that you would like to contribute to.

Sea Otters could really use your help// www.defenders.org

All animal adoptions include a stuffed plush animal, a personalized adoption certificate, an animal fact sheet and a wildlife activities book.  Today, your small donation can help causes such as helping prevent Wyoming from being able to kill all wolves, prevent hunters from killing penguins or polar bears for sport, protect marine wildlife from oil spills, and much more causes.   These gifts make great birthday presents, thank you gifts, Christmas gifts, and any special occasion gift.  If you have a heart for these animals, this organization truly puts their money where their mouth is.  Also, check out their gift shop for some more cute pieces that will be sure to protecting these endangered species.

KNO Clothing

KNO Clothing is an apparel company that is much more significant than making sure you look fashionable--it is about ending homelessness for good.  For every purchase you make, KNO Clothing donates a piece of clothing to the homeless and/or donates money to organizations that focus on providing support to those experiencing homelessness.  They donate 50% of their proceeds to help put a stop to homelessness.  The organizations they back are spread across over 150 communities throughout the United States.
The financial contributions have allowed these partners to ensure housing for over 19,000 people.  Also, since 2010, KNO Clothing has been able to hand out over 1200 pieces of clothing to the homeless.  Below is a diagram of how the process works.

Kno Clothing// www.knoclothing.com

Kno Clothing// www.knoclothing.com

Kno Clothing// www.knoclothing.com

Kno Clothing// www.knoclothing.com

Did you know that in the United States over 3.5 million people experience homelessness?  These homeless people include the mentally ill, military veterans, business people, moms, dads, cousins, brothers, sisters and friends.  Check out KNO Clothing's web site and help end homelessness.  Living in a home is a basic human right--nobody should have to live out on the streets.

Kno Clothing// www.knoclothing.com

Squiggly Apparel: For the Boys

Squiggly Apparel// www.squigglyapparel.com

The boys I'm referring to might not be typical boys, but this is a very important organization that I am highlighting today.  Promoting awareness for testicular cancer, Squiggly Apparel serves as a fun apparel company that supports this far-too-common form of cancer.  Their products encourage conversation about the topic and saves lives in the long run. 

Squiggly Apparel// www.squigglyapparel.com

Squiggly Apparel was created in Delray Beach, Florida in 2012.  This apparel company is evolving into a well-known for-cause company concerned with testicular cancer.  Squiggly Apparel noticed that there were many organizations all over the world supporting other types of cancer, but they noticed a lack in organizations that focused solely on raising money in support of those affected by testicular cancer.  They 'swam' into the market to help 'support the boys.'
A big amount of every apparel purchase goes directly towards testicular cancer research.  This apparel company has effectively been gaining support and awareness of testicular cancer and been a true conversation starter.  Who would have known that a little purple 'swimmer' logo would sell so well.  You can buy socks, shirts, a tie and much more.  They have mens and womens apparel as well as accessories.  The most expensive item on the web site is the ladies polo at $27.  Not too shabby.

Squiggly Apparel Mens Tie// www.squigglyapparel.com

The main point is that this is a great cause that is often thought of as 'taboo' in society.  Testicular cancer is the most common cancer among men ages 15 to 35.  Also, testicular cancer affects many types of men.  Testicular cancer is relatively rare (it was projected that about 7,600 cases would happen in 2012.)  However, if you add it up, that's still quite a bit of cases a year.  The instances of testicular cancer have nearly doubled in the past 40 years.  Check out the Squiggly Apparel web site and check out their clothing as well as the information they have about testicular cancer.  It could save your life!

1 Face Watch

1 Face Watches// www.1facewatch.com

First off, I want to apologize for not posting yesterday.  Work has been really hectic as of late and I had to commit to wrapping Christmas gifts last night and getting a little bit of much-needed R&R.  I hope you understand.  I just wanted to clear that up.

Second off, today I am featuring a really cool product that only costs $40 a piece and allows you to 'change the world, one face (watch) at a time.'  You can buy a really cool watch and support either AIDS, cancer, the hungry, the environment, the thirsty or those affected by breast cancer.  Each watch you order comes with a metric which provides you with the information of how they carry out their business model by your purchase.  They seek to be as transparent as possible.

1 Face Watches// www.1facewatch.com

Below is the breakdown of what your purchases can do.  In this case, $40 can go a long way.  Not only are these watches charitable, but they also look really cool.  I'm definitely envious of people who have known about this company before I did.  I always feel like I'm way behind in finding out about things like this.  However, I'm glad I'm finding out about this now and able to tell you about it.  If you check out their web site, you will find out the specific charities each watch is associated with as well as information regarding the quality of the watch.  Simply put, you can be the change you wish to see in the world--but you have to make the move in the right direction.

1 Face Watch// www.1facewatch.com

SmileSquared

SmileSquared// www.smilesquared.com

I think, that sustainability is such an important idea to encourage our children (the future) to take part in.  SmileSquared takes the idea of sustainability and sells sustainable toothbrushes that biodegradable and recyclable.  Not only are these products less harmful on the environment, but they will also donate a toothbrush to a child in need.  This idea of 'buy one, give one' means so much more to me than 'buy one, get one.'  Another great feature of this product is the price: they're only $5.95.  Sounds like a guilt-free purchase to me.

Smile Squared// www.smilesquared.com

The idea for SmileSquared came after a trip to Central America in which the founders of SmileSquared, Eric Cope and his wife, saw the impact of the lack of dental hygiene on the individuals they met.  They noticed that children especially were missing out on taking part in brushing their teeth and how that contributed to a lack of self-esteem and a lack of quality-health.  SmileSquared hopes that they challenge others to rethink what they buy and why they buy.  The toothbrushes, while small, make a huge impact on the lives touched by this company.

Smile Squared// www.smilesquared.com

Check out the SmileSquared web site and prepare to be blown away by the power of one toothbrush.  You will find pictures of beautiful young girls and boys whose lives have been transformed by the power of a toothbrush.  You have the power to help save lives, one toothbrush at a time.  Restock your toothbrushes today.

Lend a FreeHand Dog Food

Lend a FreeHand// www.lendafreehand.com

If you have a dog, I'm sure you are very concerned about them getting the proper nutrition and love that they deserve.  Trey and I make sure that our pugs only get the best--and that means we spend a bit more on dog food than most others would.  Lend a Free Hand is a really cool organization that allows you purchase dog food for your dog and then in turn they will donate a meal to a rescue dog.  Not only do they donate dog food to rescue dogs through your purchases, but they also have worked very hard to ensure that they are selling a high-quality, holistic product.  They currently have 4 different varieties to choose from: Lamb Meal & Brown Rice, Chicken & Pork Meals, Turkey, Chicken and Duck Meals and Grain-Free with Chicken and Salmon Meals.  Their prices range from $34.95 (15 lb. bag of the Chicken & Pork Meals) to $66.95 (25 lb. bag of the Grain-Free with Chicken and Salmon Meals.)

Lend a FreeHand// www.lendafreehand.com

The mission of Free Hand Dog Food is to rescue the millions of pets throughout the United States that are threatened by the reality of possibly being euthanized.  Lend a Free Hand also wishes to provide a high-quality product that will be sold in the communities where they hope to help these formerly abused and abandoned dogs.  Many of these rescue organizations and shelters have a huge challenge in providing a good food to these pets--this is where Lend a Free Hand steps in.  Free Hand Dog Food matches your purchase with a 'pound for pound, scoop for scoop, meal for meal' program.  This program not also gives these dogs food, but it also boosts their health, thus giving them more of a chance at surviving.

Lend a FreeHand // www.lendafreehand.com

If you're interested in helping out these loving, innocent animals, check out the Lend a FreeHand Web site and find a store where this product is sold.  I'm sure your four-legged friends would love to know that you're giving back to other friends.

Lend a FreeHand// www.lendafreehand.com

Chabad's Children of Chernobyl

I've mentioned before that I have a love for children in Eastern Europe.  Everyone has different passions in their lives and the desire to help children in Eastern Europe is a passion that I hope to be able to fulfill one day.  One huge group of children that I have been praying for and have made others aware of the problems they are facing has to deal with the children of Chernobyl.  There are thousands of children living with cancer and/or weakened immune systems due to what happened on that fateful day in April of 1986.

One 'Rescue Mission' group// ccoc.net

On April 26, 1986, the Chernobyl disaster occurred when a nuclear reactor exploded in Soviet Ukraine--I wasn't even alive yet. The effects of this catastrophic event have caught my attention and more than 25 years later, I am able to help and spread awareness of this event.  Many people have forgotten about Chernobyl or they just look at it as something that happened a long time ago and beg the question as to why they should care now.  Little people know about the profound effect that this radiation has had on the children in the areas of Belarus and Ukraine today.  

Since the Chernobyl disaster, there has been over a 100% increase in cases of Thyroid cancer in these children. **This disease is rarely found in children anywhere else in the world.**  Not only has the radiation caused this increase in cancer cases, but it also contaminated soil and waterways, thus causing poor nutrition.  Add this contamination in with the depression from this event, a corrupt political regime, a struggling economy, bad medical and dental facilities and many other issues and you find the reason why many of these children and families are unable to relocate out of these areas of endangerment.

Chabad's Children of Chernobyl// ccoc.net

Chabad's Children of Chernobyl (CCOC) seeks to permanently remove children from these contaminated area--they are the only organization in the world focused on the children of the Chernobyl disaster that have successfully been able to remove these children from the area.  Some children are physically unable to leave the area for a variety of reasons, and Chabad's Children of Chernobyl sends medicine, therapeutic aids, medical supplies and other supplies to these areas.  CCOC has also been able to personally train local physicians to be able to administer treatment for radiation-related illnesses.  They have also built a mammography clinic which has been able to combat breast cancer--another form of cancer which has increased in the area and is highly correlated with the Chernobyl disaster.

Chabad's Children of Chernobyl// ccoc.net

CCOC takes these children out of the contaminated areas on helicopters on what they call 'rescue missions.'  Many of these childen have never set foot on a helicopter before or ever dreamed that they would be able to.  These kids are taken to Israel and given a home in dormitories, given a good education, given medical care, summer camp and allowed to participate in extracurricular activities.   The organization also works closely with the families of these children and encourages them to go to Israel and reunite with their children and take an active part in their lives.  Last but not least, CCOC provides aid to those living in the contaminated areas by providing food, clothing and medical attention to those who remain in those areas.  Please check out their web site and donate today!

Chabad's Children of Chernobyl// ccoc.net

Krochet Kids International

Krochet Kids International// krochetkids.org

This time of the year is the perfect time to pull out your knit hats, scarves and coats--anything to help you stay warm and look great doing so.  I love the concept of Krochet Kids International--Buy a Hat, Save a Life.  Krochet Kids International teaches individuals in developing countries how to crochet and in turn provides them with a way to make a livelihood.  Teaching these people how to crochet was more than simply giving them a new hobby, it was a way for them to break the cycle of poverty that they were familiar with.
The idea of Krochet Kids International was birthed by three close young men who shared a love for crocheting.  Their love of crochet was so synonymous with them, that they were officially dubbed the Krochet Kids by a local newspaper.  In high school, the boys would take orders from their friends and sell their crocheted items.  Once they completed high school, the boys split in different directions and attended college.  During their summer breaks, they would volunteer in developing nations and learn about the world in which they were unfamiliar with.  They soon realized how fortunate they were in their upbringings.  They decided that they wished to to do something--they wanted to make a difference.

The Founders of Krochet Kids// krochetkids.org

They began by helping in Northern Uganda.  They became aware of the plights of those that had been living in government camps due to the rebel army that ravaged the country.  Many of these people had never known of a life outside of the confines of these government camps.  They also relied on government aid and aid organizations to supply their every needs.  They became too familiar with this lifestyle.  The boys of Krochet Kids International decided that crocheting would be the perfect way for these people to craft some outstanding products.  The money that they would be able to earn would allow them to provide for their families and turn their lives around; the goal was around empowerment of these people.
Since beginning the nonprofit organization in January 2008, Krochet Kids International has expanded and has another project location in Peru.  These people are crocheting, being educated and being given the resources towards a brighter future.  The products that have been created have been well received all around the world.  Check out some of the awesome offering on their shop.  Check out Krochet Kids International today.  I think you'll love them!

The Margot Hat (Pastel) $24.95// krochetkids.org

The Barney (Classic Blue) $24.95// krochetkids.org

12/14/2012--Please Remember Connecticut

Red Cross// www.redcross.org

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In light of today's tragic shooting in Connecticut, I am not featuring a charity or charitable product for the day. I am instead begging you to do the right thing and donate to the American Red Cross.  The Red Cross is providing food, water and emotional support to those affected by the shootings.  Please keep those affected in your thoughts and prayers.  While we may never have an answer as to why this young man decided to kill these innocent people, we can rest assured that the good in people will shine through the darkness.  Please hold your loved ones close and remind them how much you love them--you never know when it might be your last moment with them.  It's always better to give than receive.  Remember the reason for the season and show compassion this Christmas season.

Save the Ta-tas Foundation

Save the Ta-Tas Foundation// www.savethetatas.org

In 2008, Save the Ta-Tas Foundation was created with the mission of finding a cure of breast cancer.  The organization started with a dream and a one donation amounting to $160 from ZogSports in New York.  ZogSports had a Play For Your Cause program where coed sports teams could designate a charity that they wished to support and compete for during the sports season.  Ever since this program was started, Save the Ta-Tas Foundation has been supported since then.

Save the Ta-Tas Foundation// www.savethetatas.org

Save the Ta-Tas Foundation has many programs that provide support to those individuals struggling with this disease.  Not only do they seek to educate others about the perils of this disease but they also seek to prevent and build support for those with this disease.  They want to fight cancer at every stage.

Save the Ta-Tas has a goal of reaching the 1 million dollar mark in 2012.  They are so dedicated to reaching this landmark that they could definitely use the help as this year comes to a close.  If you are able to donate more than $40 you will get a free t-shirt.  Be sure you act fast.

I donated to One Million Ta-Tas Shirt// www.savethetatas.org

Save the Ta-Tas Foundation really prides themselves on their ability to give back 80 cents of every dollar earned to achieve their goal.  This is important because about 1 in 8 women throughout their lifetimes will develop breast cancer.  Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women behind lung cancer.  Many women who develop cancer have no genetic predisposition of cancer; they have spontaneous onsets of this deadly disease and had no time to prepare or no way to tell that they would develop it.  Since its inception, Save the Ta-Tas Foundation has been able to fund 5 researchers to help try and cure cancer.

Save the Ta-Tas Foundation provides several ways for you to get involved in the fight against breast cancer.  They encourage creative ways to raise money to go towards fighting breast cancer--from lemonade stands to bra decorating contests, etc.  They believe that every little bit counts towards such a bit fight.  Check out the Save the Tatas Foundation web site and get involved! Chances are, you have been affected by this disease or you know someone who has.

Pencils of Promise (PoP)

Pencils of Promise// www.pencilsofpromise.org

It all started with a pencil.  A young boy answered the question of what he wanted the most in the world with "a pencil."  The possibility that this pencil was able to provide this young boy with was astounding.  For the next five years, the founder of Pencils of Promise backpacked across the world giving out thousands of pens and pencils.  This small act of compassion sparked conversation between children and parents.  Because of these critical conversations that these pencils were able to spark in these families, the need for an international nonprofit organization was big.  They hoped to plant leaders on-the-ground in villages to support students and help them succeed in school.  They also set out a plan to build schools so that they could nurture this education throughout the world--they began building schools in 2008.

Pencils of Promise// www.pencilsofpromise.org

Once PoP decided to begin building these schools, they had only $25 dollars to begin this venture.  Since then, the work that this organization is able to accomplish has become a global movement of sorts.  They have learned about the importance of education and how, if nurtured correctly, it can grow in such a wonderful thing.  This organization truly relies on each volunteer, each dollar and each pencil to keep helping people around the world.  'One Pencil, One Child at a Time.'
You can check out their web site and see which projects are currently being worked on.  There is an interactive map that you can check out and see which parts of the world are being covered.  You can also read about upcoming builds and find information pertaining to them.    There is a Pencils of Promise store that you can purchase some goodies from and you can also donate on their web site.  I encourage you to take action and help these children learn in the best environment they can be provided with.  Read more about all of the good that is coming from Pencils of Promise. 

$25 Educates a child for a year
$100 Provide school supplies for one school for a year
$250 Educate ten children
$2,500 Sponsor a classroom
$10,000 Builds a new school classroom
$25,000 Build a new school
100% of all proceeds go directly towards educational programs

Rice Bowls

Rice Bowls// www.ricebowls.org

FILL BOWLS, FIGHT HUNGER.  Rice Bowls is a nonprofit organization that began in the 1980's in Spartanburg, South Carolina.  The purpose of this organization is to provide orphans with food all in the name of Jesus Christ.  The idea was developed by Dr. Alastair Walker who witnessed firsthand the severity of world hunger after visiting developing countries.  With the help of his congregation, a plastic rice bowl coin bank was created.  The rice is significant because rice is a dietary staple around the world.  Over the past few decades, the concept of Rice Bowls has remained the same--they seek to help organizations collect money to help change hunger all over the world.

Rice Bowls// www.ricebowls.org

In part due to the global orphan crisis, Rice Bowls was able to partner with Christian orphanages in Sub-Saharan Africa and India in 2007 and has been working with them since then.  Rice Bowls, while such a worthy organization and able to help so many people still does all of their administration, operates, and manufactures all of their Rice Bowls in South Carolina.  To date, Rice Bowls has been responsible for raising tens of millions of dollars to help fight the global hunger epidemic.

The Rice Bowls Web site cites 6 easy steps on how to get involved with Rice Bowls:

1. Give the bowls out to your group.
2. Announce a gathering date. (4-6 weeks after start date)
3. Inspire everyone to fill their bowls.
4. Collect the bowls on the gathering date.
5. Break ’em open and add everything up.
6. Submit funds here or send a check with the return slip.

One cool thing is that these Rice Bowls are absolutely free to you to use and fill up.  Just submit a request for bowls and they will ship them to you.  They also have some really cool t-shirts that you can purchase on their web site.  You can donate money on their web site as well if you'd rather not order a Rice Bowl.  Encourage your group or organization to take this challenge and raise money to fight hunger.  The Bible tells us numerous times to honor God by giving to those in need.  I think it's very important that this is on your heart throughout the year.  Even though it is almost Christmastime, it might be a great fundraiser to do year round.

Punjammies (by International Princess Project)

Punjammies// www.punjammies.com

Next time you go to sleep in your new comfortable pajamas, you can take comfort in knowing that they were hand-crafted by a woman who has been rescued from a life of prostitution.  Punjammies are unique and high-quality pajamas created in after-care facilities that home women who been released, escaped from or were rescued from forced prostitution.  While being forced in prostitution, these women were brainwashed into believing that they were an item that would be used for another's gain.  
Many of these women were sold by their families into this life or driven by desparation.  Also, it's not uncommon for women to be trafficked from another country.  These women were slaves in every sense of the word.  Every woman has a unique story to tell.

Punjammies// www.punjammies.com

These women face an uncertain future when they are able to escape this life that has been plagued by prostitution.  High-quality after-care centers are the best chances for many of these women to be able to live normal lives while also getting theraphy for their emotional, psychological and physical scars.  Not only is it difficult to re-acclimate into society, but many families will not accept these women with open arms once they discover they have been a prostitute.  These after-care facilities also provide medical care, education, emotional safety and a community to create a new and better life than they had before.

Punjammies// www.punjammies.com

Punjammies come into the story by allowing these women to feel a sense of pride and dignity after being able to create beautiful pajamas to be able to sell.  These women are able to leave the brothels behind and have a new opportunity for happiness.  These women are taught how to sew in the after-care programs and slowly but surely begin to transform into women who used to feel they had no value but now they have a purpose.  You can help transform these women from feeling hopeless to knowing there is hope on the horizon.  When you wear these Punjammies, you are wearing hope for these women.

NEELIMA Full// http://www.punjammies.com/collections/small-styles/products/style4-gram5-full  Only $39.00

They even have shorts and tops and tanks and hoodies!

NAYANA Mini// http://www.punjammies.com/collections/all-mini-punjammies/products/nayana-mini  Only $19.00

Check out Punjammies and buy some as Christmas gifts! Also, check out the International Princess Project today!

Meals on Wheels Association of America (MOWAA)

Meals on Wheels Association of America// www.mowaa.org

Meals on Wheels is well-represented in the United States as well as in the United States Territories providing over 1 million meals per day to seniors in need.  Through over 5000 Senior Nutrition Programs, the organization is able to serve meals to Senior living facilities as well as directly to the homes of seniors who have difficulty in traveling out of their homes to get their meals for the day.  Meals on Wheels is able to reach hundreds of thousands of seniors through these Nutrition Programs.  Meals on Wheels employs professionals in these Senior Nutrition Programs and also is supported by an 'army of volunteers' reaching about 1.7 million individuals.  This amount of volunteers is said to be the largest amount of volunteers supporting an organization in the nation.

Meals on Wheels Association of America// www.mowaa.org

The mission of Meals on Wheels is to end senior hunger by 2020.  This is a huge feat, but with the support system that stands behind the organization, MOWAA believes that they can achieve this goal.  The goal, they say, can be achieved by recruiting over 6 million people to stand up and pledge that they will do what it takes to end senior hunger.  Senior hunger is a huge problem in this world.  Research has revealed that over 8 million senior citizens in the United States alone face the threat of hunger.  Through an approach MOWAA calls the four pillars, Meals on Wheels believes that can end senior hunger.
The Four Pillars:
1.) The National Campaign for Community Impact--enables local Meals on Wheels programs to serve more meals through grants and other resources.  This campaign also allows seniors to live independently in their own homes by ensuring that a MOWAA worker will show up every day and give them a heated meal and serve them, it provides the local organizations with the ability to maintain and repair their much-needed equipment and also enables them to serve more meals
2.) The Meals on Wheels Leadership Academy--through what is called 'The Academy', MOWAA empowers leaders in the senior nutrition field by training them, giving them skills and educating them with best practices to succeed in serving these seniors.  MOWAA even provides scholarships to volunteers who couldn't otherwise attend 'The Academy.'
3.) The National Response to Senior Hunger--by forming public and private partnerships to end senior hunger, MOWAA is able to raise awareness of this issue, conduct more research on the extent of senior hunger and identify emerging trends such as how Senior Nutrition Programs in rural areas face unique challenges as compared to those in thriving areas

Meals on Wheels Association of America// www.mowaa.org

4.) Capacity Building--MOWAA is focused on constantly being there for its local programs and providing whatever they may need to be successful and working towards the mission of ending senior hunger, they also remain transparent financially by having their financial statements available to the general public and they work diligently to keep their overhead costs as low as possible

Meals on Wheels Association of America// www.mowaa.org

If this program speaks to you, I think you should get involved with it.  Chances are, there will be a local program near you that you can join.  You will never understand how grateful these seniors will be to have a warm meal hand-delivered to them by somebody who truly cares.  Many of these senior citizens are lonely and you might be the best part of their day.  Check out their web site and get involved.  Whether you know somebody who needs this service or you think you'd like to donate financially or become a part of ending senior hunger, there are so many great ways to become involved.  You can even buy the Meals on Wheels Family Cookbook on their web site.  Help end senior hunger because they deserve this service.

Kids Play Int'l

Kids Play Int'l// www.kidsplayintl.org

Three-time Winter Olympian Tracy Evans formed Kids Play Int'l in 2008 after being inspired by a voluneer trip she took in Africa.  On this trip, she was able to experience firsthand the excitement that sport was able to bring to these impoverished kids.  Evans noticed that these children had little access to sports in their communities, and she was determined to turn this around.  She was committed to bring a year-round community sports education program to these kids in developing nations.
After recognizing the power of sports in her own life, Evans knew that bringing sports to these kids would empower them like they were able to empower her.  This program would teach these kids life lessons and be fun and engaging.  Kids Play Int'l operates under the nonprofit organization People Helping People International.

Sara Evans, founder of Kids Play Int'l// www.kidsplayintl.org

Kids Play Int'l is supported by an awesome team of 'Athlete Ambassadors' that is made up several Olympians who are able to encourage these kids and provide them with best practices to share their passion for the importance of this organization.  The organization has three programs that it supports Let's Play!, Girls Dream Big and Travel with a Purpose.
Let's Play!-- a community sports education program that allows these kids the chance to play sports and also learn to succeed off the field by learning fairplay, gender equity, problem-solving, etc.
Girls Dream Big--helps locate at-risk girls and encourages them to finish school and gives them life skills; there is even a scholarship fund that they set up that gives them a means to obtain this education
Travel with a Purpose--allows desiring volunteers to travel and bring sports equipment to these rural communities and work together to create equipment rooms while experiencing the purpose of this organization and meeting some of these worthy kids

Kids Play Int'l// www.kidsplayintl.org

 There are many ways that one can get involved if this is truly a program that you are interested in getting involved with.  You can Travel with a Purpose, you can donate money, you can have a fundraiser, you can host a party with a purpose or you can be an Athlete Ambassador (if you have been or are currently a professional athlete.)  Check out their web site and help these kids find joy through playing sports.