Blog For A Cause

BLOG FOR A CAUSE

We can make a difference, and we should. I have mentioned before about the press releases I receive in my email on a daily basis. Offers to review products or promote something or other. Well, this got "my wheels" spinning, and here is the end result.

The holidays are quickly approaching, and I know it is going to be very difficult for many families this year. If one person can make it better for one child, ten people can make it better for ten children and on and on....


Know that, no matter what, those who are seriously ill need that smile and will truly appreciate it. Poverty, joblessness, are devastating enough. Only saving grace may be a tiny glimmer of hope. Children with catastrophic illnesses, however, know their lives and future is completely beyond their control. At the same time, we can be thankful that we have been blessed with so much...

I am asking that some of the products you receive to review or give-away please take and donate instead starting November 1st through December 15th. You can do it for 1 week or 6 weeks. You can do it for some or all. If you are willing to ask I feel certain that many companies will donate directly, as well.

There is a great children's charity that I found online, reputable, trustworthy, and for a good cause. Certainly there are enough bloggers who can participate, and readers, as well, to help make dreams come true this season...if only for a moment, a memory, perhaps, for the future. And the inspiration that comes from the caring of strangers, near and far. Would it not be wonderful to turn around the negative image some may have formed of "mom bloggers" who do product reviews and give-aways for "self-serving" interests?

The Children's National Medical Center in Washington, D.C., keeps "Dr. Bear's Toy Closet" stocked with toys and games for young patients. They do have some basic guidelines for donations.Please make sure your donations:

* Are NEW (toys, stuffed animals, blankets, or clothes) to meet the hospital’s infection control requirements.
* Meet consumer product safety codes – a toy’s package will say if it meets the codes.
* Include only non-toxic materials (toys or craft kits with glue or markers) – the package will say if it is.

No recall toys please...

Now you can either send the donation directly to them at:

Volunteer Services,
Room 1180
Children’s National Medical Center
111 Michigan Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20010-2970

I am willing to send the item(s) for you if you contact me directly for my address.

I am hoping there will be enough bloggers to participate and toys, clothes, and whatever else that we can send to the local Ronald McDonald House in Philadelphia also. The Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House accomodates families from across the country, actually abroad, also, whose children are receiving treatment at CHOP. As you probably know, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia is the #1 children's hospital in the country. Again you can send donations directly to them or I will send them for you.

Ronald McDonald House
3925 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104


PLEASE grab the BLOG FOR A CAUSE button <a href="http://s618.photobucket.com/albums/tt266/abbysmom15/Decorated%20images/?action=view¤t=OperationChristmasChild.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i618.photobucket.com/albums/tt266/abbysmom15/Decorated%20images/OperationChristmasChild.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Write a small or big very big post about it, and maybe some your readers will participate too. I am all too well-informed of the devastating illnesses and accidents that affect young children on a daily basis. The only time I see Dr. Daddy near tears is when, in a cracking voice, he describes a diagnosis or emergency treatment for a little one...How can we not have heart?

Also I think it would be a great idea to keep a list of the companies that have been supportive in this process. Some, I'm sure, will gladly send a donation. Please send me an email with the company (ies) that should be included and I will update this list daily. We should appreciate, honor, and support those who do more than help themselves. As a mom and as a consumer I want to support the companies that care.

You can see my passion about children with devastating illness and the charities that help them. Let's prepare for this holiday season with some true meaning.

To reiterate:

1. Please commit to donate children's items received for reviews some or all.

2.You can have items sent directly to me and then I will send items for you (ask me for my address) OR Send the donated items to:

Volunteer Services,
Room 1180
Children’s National Medical Center
111 Michigan Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20010-2970

or

Ronald McDonald House:
3925 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104

3. Post the badge and help me spread the word.Please copy and paste the following code: <a href="http://s618.photobucket.com/albums/tt266/abbysmom15/Decorated%20images/?action=view¤t=OperationChristmasChild.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i618.photobucket.com/albums/tt266/abbysmom15/Decorated%20images/OperationChristmasChild.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>