Top 10 Reasons NOT To Give. . .

Top 10 Reasons TO Give

10

"My budget is tight and the economy is uncertain."

Through payroll deduction, I can choose to give small, painless amounts every payday. Or, it is easy to give a one-time donation to the charity of my choice.

9

"I don't know what my money is being used for."

100% of the money I donate goes directly to the charity I designate. There are over 500 approved charities, and most of them have web sites with mission statements and contact information so I can get the details on what my donation will be used for.

8

"One small gift won't make a difference."

Can you imagine the cumulative impact on Utah if every state employee donated just $1.00 a payday? Over $619,000 would be raised. If every state employee gave $5.00 a payday, over $3,098,000 would be raised.

7

" I need charity for myself."

Learning more about the charities makes me realize that there are many others who are worse off than me. If I contribute now, the organizations will still be there for me in the future if I or my loved ones should have to use its services.

6

"I've had a problem donating in the past."

One of the advantages of donating through the Charitable Contribution Campaign is the charities have already been approved. To qualify for my support, charities must be in compliance with Consumer Protection, have current IRS non-profit, tax exempt status and be approved by the Charitable Fund Board. The pledges are processed with accuracy and accountability.

5

"I already give to my favorite charity on my own."

I can expand my gift to my favorite charity. Through payroll deduction, I can give more than through a one-time donation. Charities can better plan for their needs knowing at the end of the campaign what to expect the following year. Administrative costs are lower for the charity with one large distribution to process rather than sporadic multiple individual donations.

4

"I'm mad at my boss."

This campaign is designed for state employees to come together, make a difference and show others that the public sector cares about the community. Working together with my co-workers can create a sense of teamwork and camaraderie. This year, I'm going to ask my boss to give!

3

"What's in it for me?"

Giving can be an inspiring and self-satisfying act. It gets my mind off my own troubles for a while. Someday I will look back with pride on my participation in the Charitable Contribution Campaign.

2

"Why should I donate my hard earned money?"

If I can part with my money, I know that money isn't the most important thing in my life. Taking a look at all I have gives me more of a perspective of how fortunate I really am.

1

"I gave at the office."

Oh wait, this IS the office.

Wherever a man turns he can find someone who needs him.

~Albert Schweitzer

Diabetes Research Institute

American Soldier Severely Wounded in Afghanistan

Receives Historic Islet Cell Transplant

A 21-year-old airman severely injured while serving his country in a remote area of Afghanistan is recovering after several surgeries and an unprecedented islet cell transplant that saved him from living with severe diabetes. The Diabetes Research Institute played a major role in this historic effort.

“I almost died – twice from loss of blood – and once from the problems with my pancreas,” said US Senior Airman Tre F. Porfirio, whose entire abdominal cavity needed to be restructured. “I have a child on the way. That is all I could think about [when I was shot.] I thought I was done.”

After being struck from behind by three high velocity bullets on November 21, 2009, Porfirio was operated on twice in field hospitals and then air lifted to Walter Reed Army Medical Center, where he came under the care of Dr. Craig D. Shriver, chief of general surgery. Porfirio’s pancreas was damaged beyond repair, but removal of the organ would instantly cause the most brittle form of diabetes.

Walter Reed doctors then contacted the Diabetes Research Institute’s scientific director, Dr. Camillo Ricordi, who immediately agreed to help. The organ was removed and shipped from Washington, D.C., to Miami, where members of the DRI team spent six hours isolating the insulin-producing islet cells from the airman’s pancreas.

Dr. Ricordi, a pioneer in the diabetes field, is world renowned for developing the method to isolate islets from the pancreas. The islets were flown back, and Dr. Ricordi assisted Walter Reed surgeons via the Internet in successfully infusing the isolated cells into Porfirio’s liver on Thanksgiving Day.

“It makes me feel good that while we are fighting to find a cure for a disease that affects 240 million worldwide, we can actually help one person at a time when the occasion presents itself,” said Dr. Ricordi.

“There’s no other patient in the world who has had their entire pancreas removed for trauma, survived, and had the pancreas islet cells put back in the liver and have them function 100 percent perfectly. Tre is not on any insulin. His sugars are normal. He really is a one-of-a-kind case,” stated Dr. Shriver.

Thanks to your ongoing support and others who are committed to help find a cure for diabetes, this soldier was spared from living a life of diabetes. Your continued efforts will ensure a cure for all people living with this relentless disease.

“Tre is a hero,” Dr. Ricordi said. “He risked his life in the war against terrorism, and it’s a miracle he is alive.”

To read the complete article, visit http://www.diabetesresearch.org/ or call 800-321-3437 for more information.

Charity code for Diabetes Research Institute is 1510

Water For People

Today there are still 884 million people around the world without access to safe drinking water and 2.6 billion who do not have adequate sanitation facilities. Daily about 6,000 people die from water-related illnesses, most of them children.

Since 1990s Water For People has helped communities in developing countries to improve their quality of life by supporting locally sustainable drinking water resources, hygiene education programs, and sanitation facilities. Water for People works in eleven countries around the world: Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Malawi, Rwanda, Uganda, and India. By carefully researching and surveying areas the program thrives to cover entire regions with solutions that will last. Most of the effort is done in rural areas where a lot of work is done in single households, in communities, and schools.

Water For People aims to build a world where “all people have access to safe drinking water and sanitation, and where no one suffers from water-or sanitation-related disease”. Since 1990s the number of beneficiaries has increased yearly. In 2009 the organization helped over 325,000 beneficiaries.


Water For People utilizes new mobile technology Field Operations Watch (FLOW)  to map and monitor their work. According to Water For People "FLOW will dramatically improve, simplify and hasten post-project monitoring and reporting". To read more about FLOW and see it in action visit http://www.waterforpeople.org/programs/field-level-operations-watch.html.

Website: http://www.waterforpeople.com/

Charity Code: 4105

EarthShare

Natural disasters affect us all, from the direct victims and their friends and families to those who were unaffected but still hope to make a difference in the lives of those who survived. Once the dust settles and the water subsides, we come together to rebuild what has been lost. EarthShare member organizations are leading the charge on the ground to resurrect areas damaged by natural disasters, bring hope and renewal to areas that have been devastated, and lay the groundwork for a future less susceptible to an unpredictable planet. One gift to EarthShare helps these organizations continue and build upon their successes, and helps to ensure a safer, more sustainable world for us all.

EarthShare members are working in communities around the world to help respond to natural disasters, rejuvenate the communities affected, and restore the natural systems that have been damaged. In the aftermath of China’s devastating 2008 earthquake in Sichuan Provence, The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) was on the ground with relief and assistance. In the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, WWF, a member of EarthShare, worked with other first responders to provide food, water, fuel-efficient stoves, satellite phones and other immediate needs to the victims. Since then, they have been working with local community members and government officials to survey and rebuild the Sichuan panda preserves, one of the few places where these magnificent bears can still survive in the wild. The hallmark of WWF’s approach is to teach local Chinese environmentally-friendly construction techniques, which they can then use when reconstructing their own homes. In order to prevent illegal poaching and timber-cutting, which destroy panda habitat, WWF has begun teaching earthquake victim alternate livelihoods, such as tea cultivation, beekeeping, and pepper farming. These new skills help lift the Sichuan people out of poverty while giving pandas a safer place to roam. Through their innovation and care, this EarthShare member has helped turn a tragedy into an opportunity for a better future for Sichuan’s people and pandas alike.

When the devastating flood waters of Hurricane Katrina receded from New Orleans, EarthShare members were there to help the city re-build. Groups such as American Forests began mobilizing volunteers, planting trees, and restoring wetlands. In the words of American Forests’ executive director Debora Gangloff, “Trees grow healthier communities—and they add life to the community.” Through their restoration efforts, EarthShare members helped bring life back to New Orleans and the rest of the gulf coast, turning wreckage and devastation into neighborhood parks and tree-lined streets. Furthermore, by restoring and protecting the Gulf Coast wetlands, EarthShare members are helping to prevent future damage to this area. Wetlands act as a giant sponge, holding in storm waters and releasing them slowly later. When they are drained or paved, as many around New Orleans were prior to Hurricane Katrina, this water has nowhere to go, and massive flooding results. EarthShare members know the benefits an intact environment can bring, and are working with volunteers, legislators, and other community members to restore the Gulf Coast wetlands, in the hope that a tragedy on the scale of Katrina will not happen again.

Unpredictable though they may be, the one thing that we know about natural disasters is that another one will strike—sometime, somewhere. EarthShare members will be there to help, restoring natural areas, providing relief to victims, and helping to rebuild communities and the environments they depend upon. One gift to EarthShare helps the efforts of all our members—efforts that go a long way towards making our planet a safer, cleaner, greener place for all of humanity.

Charity code is 3000
Website: http://www.earthshare.org

Prize Drawing

This weeks prize winner is Sally Stewart, DOPL. Congratulations Sally!

Our prize drawing next Monday will be for a $100 Flemings Steak House Gift Certificate. Anyone who has donated during the campaign is eligible to be in the drawing.

Check them out at http://www.flemingssteakhouse.com/

Following is a chart showing the Charitable Fund Drive Participation percentage donated by Divisions. Don't let another Division pass you by--take the time to submit your donation today.

Thanks to everyone who has already donated, either through payroll deduction or one-time donation. We only have two weeks left, so this is your chance to participate. Lets finish off the Campaign with a bang! I expect to pass through life but once. If therefore, there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, and not defer or neglect it, as I shall not pass this way again. ~William Penn

American Cancer Society in Utah

Did you know…As of July 1, 2010, American Cancer Society in Utah issued 12 research grants for a total of $1,800,000.

Did you know…
American Cancer Society in Utah gave over 275 free wigs for women going through chemotherapy valued over $8,500 in one year!

Did you know…American Cancer Society in Utah volunteers provided 390 rides for cancer patients to get treatments last year in our Road to Recovery program!

Did you know…
240 women going through chemotherapy attended free American Cancer Society of Utah Look Good Feel Better classes receiving makeup kits valued at $250 and professional advice on skincare, makeup, wigs and scarves last year!

Did you know…American Cancer Society of Utah Patient Navigators have given information and referral to over 1,500 newly diagnosed cancer patients last year!

Did you know…American Cancer Society of Utah has 4 volunteer run Cancer Resource Centers assisting over 1,200 cancer patients and caregivers in St. George, Cedar City, Murray, and Ogden with a new one opening in Provo.

Did you know…American Cancer Society of Utah Patient Navigators and volunteers have served over 1,450 medically underserved cancer patients which was 500% over the previous year!

Did you know…American Cancer Society of Utah gave 18 scholarships last year to youth cancer survivors from Orem, Logan, Riverton, West Haven, Draper, Salt Lake City, Moab, Layton, Redmond, Sandy, Kaysville, Eureka, Provo, Farmington and Green River, WY to attend college this year valued at $60,000!

The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. Founded in 1913 and with national headquarters in Atlanta, the Society has 14 regional Divisions and local offices in 3,400 communities, involving millions of volunteers across the United States.

For more information anytime, call toll free 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit http://www.cancer.org/


Charity code for the American Cancer Society, Salt Lake District is 1004

Bailey's Story

Eleven years old border collie Bailey had been to the animal shelter already once before and was again looking for a new home. He is a sweet dog who was obedience, and crate trained and had great manners. Still he had only been gone 1.5 years before he was back at the shelter because Bailey's second owner could no longer take care of him. When Bailey was returned to the shelter he had a mass on his eye and a lump on his chest. The shelter vet cleaned his teeth, fixed his eye and gave him a new chance in life. My friend Sarha found Bailey at the animal shelter when he was recovering from his surgery. It was love at the first sight.   Six months later Bailey and Sarha did their first visit as a therapy dog team:

"Today Bailey had his first therapy dog visit at the nursing home. Wow, I knew he was a great dog but didn't know what to expect!  Bailey did perfect!  He loved meeting the old folks and getting pets and attention.  He would lay his head in their lap for them to scratch his ears.  He sure loved it. We met one couple and Bailey just loved the man. The husband is in good health but is there living with his wife, who has alzheimers. Very sweet couple.  Bailey let the man scratch him all over, wiggling his body in enjoyment.  He was just smiling the whole time. The husband loved Bailey and told me I could go but I have to leave Bailey. <g>  It was a very nice visit and I will be going back to seeing them again.  We met wit several other people too.

Then when we were getting ready to leave and a lady approached us and asked if I would come visit with her mom who was sitting at the park. She is in hospice care now but she said she had many dogs in her lifetime and knew her mom would just love to visit with Bailey. I agreed to go visit with her. We walked across the street to the nursing home's park. Very lovely area with a huge fountain and flowers everywhere.  She was covered up in a blanket and the woman told me that her mom was very cold dispite the warm sun they were sitting in. When we approached the woman she was shivering and looked 'asleep' with her head down. The daughter held her hand and said , "Mom.. look what I found" and the woman lifted her head and smiled. She said, "do you want to pet the dog? It is a border collie, isn't he beautiful".  And the mom said "yes"  so I walked closer and told Bailey "okay, go say Hi" and Bailey walked up to her and  put his head on her knee, she reached down and scratched his head.. Bailey just kept his head on her lap so I kneeled down so I could hear her (she talked very softly) and she said to me "Dogs are such wonderful creatures, you have no idea how much this means to me." By this time she had taken the blanket off of herself.  She just kept stroking Bailey and he just kept enjoying it , very calm and relaxed. A few minutes later, the daughter asked her mom if she was cold and she shook her head 'no'. We stayed for a few minutes longer and than got ready to go. As we were saying our good bye, she grabbed her daughters hand and said, "I'm very warm now." I was so happy I could cry to hear her say that.  Bailey had taken her mind off of how she was feeling and her body temperature went up. What a wonderful feeling that I could take 10 minutes out of my time and make someone feel good for the rest of the day. I couldn't be more satisfied and pleased. As we were walking away, the  daughter called me and said "My mom just said that Bailey is a beautiful dog and thank you for letting us visit".

As we were leaving the park, one of the patients we had visited before was being visited by (what looked like) his daughter and wife. He also had alzheimers and seemed not be aware of what we were doing there during our visit but he talked about GSD's that his daughter had. Well, on our way out we saw him with his family and his wife said "We heard ALL about you, he hasn't stopped talking about your visit with him, Thank you! ".  I talked with her for awhile about Bailey and what a great dog he is. She thanked me a million times for taking time to visit with her husband.  I was overwhelmed with emotions and gratification!
 I was chocked up as I walked away but not because I was sad... but because I was very happy and felt good that I could make a difference in so many peoples lives in one short hour of my day.
Even though it is sad to see people in these situations there is positives in doing therapy work and that is to give when people need to receive the most, putting smiles on their face, my face and Bailey's face."

Websites: 

Pet Partners http://www.deltasociety.org/Page.aspx?pid=183 Code: 4088

Intermountain Therapy Animals http://www.therapyanimals.org/ Code: 2506

No More Homeless Pets http://www.utahpets.org/nmhcms/  Code: 1032

The Happy Factory

Miracles happen when people willingly serve others. When Charles and Donna Cooley became aware that many children have never had a toy, they formulated their motto, "We may not be able to make a toy for every child in the world that needs one--but we're going to try!"

They named their workshop "The Happy Factory" because of the happiness it brings to them and to the children who receive the wooden toys. In the process, they have learned that toys are not simply playthings, but tools that help unlock a child's ability to think and to cope with the world around them. The best toys are toys that represent love - personal toys not community toys. Simple toys that stimulate the imagination. Toys that last a life time and beyond.

What started as a hobby has turned into a full time labor of love. Since their humble beginnings, The Happy Factory has welcomed volunteers of every age--including juvenile offenders in three state correctional facilities. There are no paid salaries. The Happy Factory is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. All the materials they use are donated and all of the toys are made by volunteers. Every toy is donated to a child in need. The toys are made of scraps of hardwood donated by a local cabinet maker. Unfortunately, there are a few expenses for wheels and axles, saw blades, building maintenance costs and other miscellaneous items. The Happy Factory workers are toy makers, not fundraisers. It costs approximately forty cents per toy for wheels and axles. They gratefully accept donations of materials, time, and money. Over 1,000,000 wooden toys have been distributed from The Happy Factory.



Donna tells this story, We received a phone call from Ed Ebert, who had a Happy Factory branch in St. George, Utah He said that his neighbor, Fred Anderson, who helps Ed make Happy Factory Toys, had received a phone call from a grandson that is serving in the military in Iraq.

The grandson said that they left their base the other morning on an assignment. Just outside of the base a little girl was sitting in the middle of the road and she wouldn't move. They got out of their vehicle to talk to her and she pointed to a spot in the road where the dirt had been disturbed. They checked it out and found a landmine had been placed there and they removed it. The little girl had seen people place it there the night before. She was holding some items in her hand, one of which was a Happy Factory toy. She said that the Americans had given it to her and she like the Americans and didn't want to see them get hurt.

What goes around comes around!

The Happy Factory has been traveling from Cedar City to our Charitable Contribution Campaign Kickoff for many years. They have handed out hundreds of their toys to the Department of Commerce employees. We appreciate the toys we have received as well as the toys they have distributed all over the world.

Charity Code is 1046
Website is http://www.happyfactory.org

I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do.
~Edward Everett Hale

Prize Drawing

Participating in the Charitable Contribution Campaign is a winning proposition. You are able to donate to the charity of your choice, which is a win-win for you and the charity. We want to thank you for participating with the opportunity to win a prize basket each week of the campaign.

As soon as you submit your donation, either on line or to your division representative, your name will be entered in the drawing. Your name will remain in the drawing pool until the end of the campaign. So the sooner you donate, the more chances you have to win.

Our first weeks winner was Doug Wheelright, DPU.

This weeks winner is Gary Bowen, Securities.




Thank you to the following for their donations:

Cookie Tree
TGIF Fridays
The Melting Pot
Community Shares/Utah
Intermountain Health Care
Salt Lake Valley Habitat for Humanity

Our next prize drawing will be on Monday, October 25th. Be sure to get your donations in so you can be included in the drawing.

1% Club

I wanted to tell you all a little bit about the Governor's 1% Club.  These are State Employees who donate 1% of their gross pay to the Charitable Fund.  On the Charitable Fund website records for the 1% Club begin in 2004, which included 204 State employees and $117,000 in donations. The highest year for the 1% Club was 2007 when 237 State employees donated $159,000.  Dues to the recent recession the numbers have gone down, but hopefully we can start seeing an increase again.

During Campaign 2010 the following occurred:

·         203 State employees gave 1% or more of their annual gross pay (with special thanks to the Department of Natural Resources, Department of Transportation, and Workforce Services, who had twenty or more 1%ers.)

·         $132,366.42 in donations came from the 1% Club.

·         31% of total donation dollars came from the 1% Club.

·         The 1% Club is 11% of total donors.

Last year the Commerce Department had 8 employees that were in the Governor’s 1% Club; it would be great if we are able to increase that number this year.

In his letter to all State employees Governor Herbert included a mention of the 1% Club.

“In an effort to recognize our state employees who contribute a greater amount to the Campaign, I will recognize and commend employees who contribute 1% or more of their base annual pay. This is known as the "Governor's 1% Club." I look forward to seeing your name on such a commendation list this year.”

In the spring following the campaign all employees that are members of the Governor’s 1% Club receive a thank you letter and a small gift from the Governor.  This years gift will be a GP3100 Jumbo Desktop Wall Clock.  This silver and black, large LCD display clock can be mounted on the wall or stand on a desk. The fantastic features include an alarm clock, snooze, calendar, and thermometer. 

If you are currently contributing through a payroll deduction each pay period, you may consider increasing that amount over the next couple of years with the goal of reaching the 1% of your gross pay.  The average amount given by the employees in the 1% club is about $25.00 per pay period. And as with other deductions taken from your pay, it seems easier if you never have the money, as opposed to writing a check every two weeks. When I first started donating to the Charitable Fund I think I contributed the equivalent of a days’ pay.  I was not aware of the 1% Club at that time, but one of my co-workers received the letter and gift from the Governor.  I thought that was pretty cool and increasing my contribution the next year did not make a big difference in my take home pay.  I choose to contribute to one organization and it is a great feeling to know that money is making a difference to those they serve.

How easy is it to become a 1% member?

Take your current hourly rate and multiply it by the number of hours being paid in the current  fiscal year (2,080-The is the amount that is available on the pay plan for the current fiscal year), then find 1% of that total gross amount and divide it by 26 pay periods.  If you have any questions your Division Coordinator will be able to answer them.

Helpful table to simplify your calculation:   http://www.usecf.state.ut.us/Docs/1percent.pdf

By Carolyn Roll

Children's Educational Relief Foundation

 Commerce employee Ao Pauga tells about his involvement in organization helping the children of Samoa.                                                 


CERF President Ao Pauga gives aid to local school.

 
Children's Educational Relief Foundation

In 2004, my wife and I founded Children's Educational Relief Foundation (CERF).  CERF developed as reports were sent in regarding the closure of several elementary schools including the previous LDS church primary school and a government primary school in Apia.  In an effort to assist the children in Samoa humanitarian kits and scholarships were sent.  Unfortunately, schooling in Samoa was not free.  Students at the primary level were required to pay fees if they wished to attend school.  This past year the government of Samoa eliminated all school fees.  Children are now able to attend free of charge. 

Although Samoa no longer benefits from scholarships, there are still opportunities for CERF to assist in their educational efforts.  CERF has recently partnered with Recology who will be sending over 2000 gallons of paint to Samoa the first week of November.  The paint is expected to arrive in the island sometime around the end of November and will be distributed to schools, hospitals, and other institutions that are in need.  

Since its founding, CERF has awarded over 2000 scholarships, sent over school and health supplies to 30 schools, awarded grants to five schools for refurbishment, and this past spring awarded six scholarships to Utah High School Polynesian graduates.

http://www.cerff.org/

 

Putting together student kits in Orem.









School assembly called to distribute student and teacher kits,

and to announce scholarship recipients.







Peering inside their new student kits.



Excited children receiving their student packets filled with school supplies.


Website:  http://www.cerff.org/
Charity Code:  1079






Intermountain Therapy Animals

The use of animals to facilitate positive changes in a broad spectrum of therapeutic settings is becoming more accepted, appreciated and valued. Under direction of health services and education professionals, animal-assisted therapy can promote physical, emotional, cognitive, and social improvement for people with special needs.

In animal-assisted therapy (AAT) programs, volunteer teams become formally involved in patient treatment regimens, helping motivate the achievement of a wide variety of goals and objectives. As those who share their lives with companion animals will attest, there are benefits that animals can provide that oftentimes people cannot. Research is now corroborating this conventional wisdom.

Intermountain Therapy Animals works with children and adults who are physically, developmentally, or emotionally disabled, as well as others who can benefit from the unique qualities that interaction with an animal can provide. Some miraculous improvements have been made during animal-assisted therapy visits.

Caleb's Story

In July 2007 the Howard family’s car was hit head-on by a car that had crossed over to the wrong side of the road. Caleb’s mom, brother and sister were killed outright. Caleb survived, but suffered a traumatic brain injury and multiple broken bones.



Charity code for Intermountain Therapy Animals is 2506

We can do no great things, only small things with great love. ~Mother Teresa

Habitat for Humanity

Every family needs a place to call home. A place where they can dream, grow and become part of their community. But for many families, no matter how hard they work, having a home of their own will never be a reality. That is why Habitat for Humanity was created.

This innovative program does not give away homes, but provides a way for hard-working medium and lower income families to own homes in a market where housing is beyond their financial reach.

Habitat for Humanity partners with the community to provide affordable housing and no-profit, zero-percent interest mortgages to families. New homeowners and volunteers build and rehabilitate simple, decent houses under the supervision of trained homebuilders. Individuals, corporations and many others provide much needed financial support.

Habitat is a hand up, not a hand out. Each potential homeowner
• Makes a down payment
• Makes monthly mortgage payments
• Invests hundreds of hours of their own labor–sweat equity-into building
their house and the houses of others

In addition all Habitat families are required to attend education classes including consumer credit, budgeting, home maintenance and estate planning.

Habitat brings stability, pride and self worth to hard working families through home ownership by providing some measure of control over a basic element of life, shelter.

The finances of a working family are improved by gaining equity. This control and sense of investment in the community are crucial to breaking the attitude and cycle of poverty.



HABITAT FOR HUMANITY RESTORE
ReCycle—ReClaim--RePurpose
Is a retail outlet where quality used and surplus building materials are donated. Products are then sold at below retail prices. Proceeds from ReStore help fund Habitat for Humanity. It also reduces the amount of materials sent to the local landfill.

For more information or to donate material to the ReStore contact Bill or Stephanie 801-263-0136 ext 200 or email at restore @habitatsaltlake.com.

2011 Charity Code for Habitat for Humanity is 3546

Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could only do a little. ~Edmund Burke

The Adopt-a-Native Elder Program

I have the opportunity to work in the same Division as Masuda Medcalf . She has a kind heart and never hesitates if there is an opportunity to help those in need. Her energy and enthusiasm about helping others is contagious. One organization is especially close to her heart, Adopt-a-Native Elder Program (ANE). I hope you find it inspiring to read what Masuda writes about the program, volunteering, and her involvement in ANE. 

Adopt-A-Native-Elder

I attended my first Navajo Rug Show eleven years ago when some friends of mine who were volunteers invited me to the opening night of the Show.  As I walked into those rooms, I felt this spiritual presence and sense of peace among the Navajo Elders and the ANE volunteers that I cannot begin to explain.  I signed up to volunteer that night.  Today, I still feel that way whenever I work with ANE volunteers and when I am with the Elders; I think it is the feeling of knowing I am helping very peaceful and humble people.  I have also made some very rewarding friendships with other volunteers from all over the World, which keeps me coming back.

ANE takes food, clothing, simple medicines, blankets, water, firewood, etc. to the Navajo Reservation to support the Elders so they live on the Land in their traditional lifestyle.  It is done mostly through donors who "adopt" an Elder on the Reservation, which means they agree to pay $75 in the Spring and $75 in the Fall to ANE for food that volunteers deliver to the Reservation on food runs.  My kids and I have boxed foods at the warehouse located at 328 W Gregson (about 3200 S) before each Spring and Fall Food Run. 

The ANE warehouse holds volunteer hours on Tues and Friday mornings.  I go there on Fridays and volunteer with other jobs, including office work, boxing medical boxes, making blankets and quilts for the Elders, etc. 

Each January we begin planning for the big Navajo Rug Show at Deer Valley held in November - it's the highlight of the year for me:  http://anelder.org/i/5706Poster2010Cropped(Low).pdf.  This year's theme is Weaving World Peace, and as you will see from the poster link, the Elders' rugs indicate their own interpretation of how to weave World Peace.  The Show will be held November 12-14th at Snow Park Lodge.

 

 The Navajo Elders arrive on the Wed before the Rug Show; the ANE volunteers help them set up their rugs and jewelry at the Lodge, and in the evening cook a meal for them.  On Thursday Nov 11, and Friday morning November 12th, the Elders and ANE volunteers have school programs, where local schools bring their students for field trips, learning about Navajo culture, music, dance, etc.  Thursday afternoon ANE holds a Grandma Party and in the process gives them things they need at home on the Reservation.  This year, we made quilts for the 40 Elders who will attend the Grandma Party, so my friends and I have been very busy quilting. 

Friday November 12th at 6 pm is the grand opening; refreshments are catered for the event and all rug and jewelry sales are 10% off.  There will be entertainment followed by a live auction of World Peace rugs and other packages.  Saturday events include the Crowning of the Navajo Little Princess, Grandmother Weaving Demonstration and Grandma Idol Contest.  Sunday is the Flag and Veterans Ceremony, followed by a Weaving Demonstration and a Pow-Wow.  The Veterans Ceremony is very touching; Sam Tsosie, one of the original code talkers has been a part of that ceremony for the last few years.



We also started the Warming Hearts Firewood Program this year to help the Elders with badly needed firewood.  Many Elders on the Navajo Reservation still live in hogans and use firewood not only to warm their homes but also for cooking.  The program started with the efforts of celebrity spokesperson Jay Tavare (jaytavare.com), who has been in several movies including Cold Mountain, Into the West, Pathfinder, Adaptation, The Missing, etc.  Jay attends the Rug Show each year and has been bringing supporters to Utah who also volunteer their time.

 ANE is always looking for volunteers.  If you would like to volunteer at the Rug Show or year round, please let me know and I will put you in touch with the right people at ANE.

Website:  http://anelder.org/

Rug Show: November 12-14, 2010 http://anelder.org/i/5706Poster2010Cropped(Low).pdf

2011 Charity Code: 1002 

Using Your Heart and Head

Choosing a charity can be a challenge. One of the advantages of donating through the Utah State Employees Charitable Contribution Campaign is the charities have already been approved. To qualify for your support, charities must:
--Be in compliance with the Utah Charitable Solicitations Act administered by the Utah Division of Consumer Protection.
--Have current IRS 501C3 non-profit, tax exempt status.
--Complete an Application for Inclusion in the Utah State Employee' Charitable Fund Campaign.
--Be approved by the Charitable Fund Board.

Check out their website at http://www.usecf.state.utah.us/

But what if you still can't decide? There are several questions you can ask yourself to help choose a charity.

First, identify a cause that speaks to you. Do you care about the environment? Are you interested in medical issues? Are you an animal lover or are you concerned with helping children? Do you want to support the arts, or put an end to poverty and homelessness? Are you passionate about religion, education, or other issues?

Once you narrow down the kind of charity you want to choose, where do you want your money to go? Do you want to contribute to people in your community, or on the other side of the world? Do you want to make a difference locally, regionally, nationally or internationally?

Should you pick a large or small charity? If you donate to a large charity, you can be part of a larger whole. You may not be able to find a cure for cancer on your own, but you along with other donors can make a large impact. On the other hand, your single gift to a smaller organization may have a larger impact on the charity. Your donation might keep an important program running or allow a new project to launch.

Once you have focused on your interests and where you would like the money to go, evaluate the programs and goals of the organization. Most charities have websites with valuable information about their purpose, programs and vision for the future. Are these goals realistic? Do they have a good plan for reaching those goals?

Even if you select a well-known charity, take the time to find out exactly where your money is going and what it is being used for. You may want to do some research on http://www.charitynavigator.org/ which rates individual charities and how proficiently they raise money. Copies of the returns filed with the IRS are available without cost at http://www.guidestar.org/

The Division of Consumer Protection http://www.consumerprotection.utah.gov/ offers some valuable information under "facts about giving wisely."

Now that you have determined what charity to give to are you going to make a one time donation or payroll deduction? Log on to http://www.usecf.state.utah.us/ to pledge on line.

If you can't donate financially, consider giving of your time and personal skills. This can be very valuable to the organization you are helping, and makes you feel great!



The purpose of life is not to be happy - but to matter, to be productive, to be useful, to have it make some difference that you have lived at all. ~Leo Rosten

The Christmas Box House

(https://www.thechristmasboxhouse.org/site/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=15&Itemid=18)

The Christmas Box House provides temporary shelter and assessment services for children up to the age of eleven who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect or abandonment. Instead of spending the night in less comfortable circumstances, they are able to arrive at the House where the staff is immediately available to talk to them and explain what is happening, what will happen, and why. The House staff provide a sense of caring, warmth and continuity at a very difficult time in a child's life. The children receive mental, emotional, and physical help until an appropriate placement has been set up or until their environment at home is safe.

I have worked personally with the staff at the CBH. Six years ago two of my grandchildren were removed from their home and placed in the CBH. They were there for six weeks before I was able to take custody and adopt them. They still talk about their experience and the care and counseling they received at a very frightening and traumatic time.

Thank you, Christmas Box House for taking care of my grandchildren and for being there for all the other children who are in need of a loving safe environment.

For ongoing volunteer opportunities please go to: www.youth.slco.org and click on "Volunteer"

The 2011 Charity Code for The Christmas Box House is 1090.

If anyone has an experience with any charities they would like to share or would like to spot light one of them, please let me know. The approved list of charities are at http://www.usecf.state.ut.us/Docs/2011CharityCodesAlpha.pdf



"The world is moved along, not only by the mighty shoves of its heroes, but also by the aggregate of tiny pushes of each honest worker." -Helen Keller

Charity Fund Kickoff

I had the unexpected privilege of being asked to join the Commerce Fund Drive Campaign Committee just this past week and I jumped on the opportunity to help with the kickoff. In my previous employment, I had participated in many community fund raising activities and am always eager to help when I can.

During the kickoff event, I was able to observe the interaction with our employees and the organizations that came with their displays and information about their charities. The best way for me to summarize what I saw is this:

There are many people (and animals) who are in need. Times are tough and money is tight right now, but this event made me realize how many organizations there are who rely solely on the kindness of others. I would encourage you all to make at least a small donation to at least one of the participants who came to the event, or another charity of your choice. Payroll deduction has always been my method of delivery and it has worked out well for me. Even if you donate a few dollars per check, it can really add up for those who need it most.

If there was an organization who came to our event that you would like more information on, they all have websites you can visit. I am encouraging all of you to visit them for more detailed information and contact information.

The charities that attended the kickoff were:

Adopt a Native Elder
Alzheimer's Association, Utah Chapter
And Justice for All
Art Access/VSA Utah
Best Buddies for Children with Mental Retardation
Breast Cancer Foundation
Community Health Charities
Crossroads Urban Center
Fourth Street Clinic
Intermountain Donor Services
Intermountain Therapy Animals
Make-A-Wish Foundation of Utah
Rescue Mission of Salt Lake
Rocky Mountain Rescue Dogs
Ronald McDonald House Charities
Salt Lake Valley Habitat for Humanity
The Happy Factory
The Road Home
Utah Faces
Utah Open Lands
Wasatch Community Gardens
Westridge Academy







Thank you to all of you who attended, we had a great turnout, and I was able to meet some really nice, new people who work right here in my building!

Again, please give what you can, and if you can't make a monetary donation, I would encourage you to donate some time to help out in our community.

Sincerely,
Allyson Robinson

If you haven’t got charity in your heart, you have the worst kind of heart trouble. –Bob Hope

Quiz Winners

Thanks to everyone who submitted their Charity quizzes. We have twelve people who got every question right. They are:

Amy Corak--Consumer Protection
Carlos Alamilla--Real Estate
Cyndy Nelson--Office of Property Rights Ombudsman
Elliot R. Lawrence--Office of Property Rights Ombudsman
Ken Barton--Securities
Masuda Medcalf--Admin
Rachell Oaks--Corporations
Shauna DeWolf--Consumer Protection
Sheila Johnson--Admin
Su Chon--Office of Property Rights Ombudsman
Tim Davis--Corporations
Valarie Stewart--Public Utilites

Congratulations! You really know our charities and the Employees Charitable Campaign. Out of those who scored 100%, three winners were drawn. The winners are:

Cyndy Nelson
Valarie Stewart
Ken Barton




They were each awarded a gift basket filled with donations from The Cookie Tree, Salt Lake Valley Habitat for Humanity, The Happy Factory and Community Shares/Utah.