Giving Together in 2009

Families greeted 2009 with a bit more apprehension than usual. Many of us find ourselves with new financial challenges and are tempted to tighten our purse strings. Yet our neighbors in need find themselves in even worse circumstances than they did a year ago. It is times like these that show the true character of a community.

We at Sacramento Parent challenge you to join us this year and truly serve our community. If money is tight, give of your time; give the things you don’t need to someone who really does need them. This is an incredible opportunity to teach our children about giving to others—just because. We all have something to give.

Here are some of the organizations that Sacramento Parent will be supporting this year.

Sacramento Parent starts off the year by donating to PEACE for Families! At the 2009 Babies and Bumps Event in Roseville we raised $3250 for PEACE for Families. Thanks to everyone that helped contribute to our event and this awesome organization.

P.E.A.C.E. for Families provides comprehensive services for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault throughout Placer County. The organization offers a full range of intervention services such as a 24-hour crisis line, sexual assault/domestic violence emergency response, counseling, emergency shelter for battered women and their children, and transitional housing. Education activities include community presentations and workshops on issues and prevention of domestic violence and sexual assault. Thanks to PEACE for Families, victims of domestic violence in Placer County have a safe place to go.

The Extra Mile is bringing awareness to the plight of health care for the children of Sacramento's inner-city. Jason Harper, Founder of The Extra Mile Run began serving on the campus of Oak Ridge Elementary School in the heart of Sacramento's roughest neighborhoods. Today he challenges each of us to “Be Change.” You can do this by becoming an extra mile runner or by sponsoring a runner. Extra Mile Runners seek sponsors for every mile they run. The goal is for each runner to raise $1000 to cover back pack, academic supplies, school shoes and clothes, enhanced nutrition, and on-going health care. One hundred percent of what is raised goes to secure these needs for every student. Go to www.ExtraMileRun.com to get involved. Learn more about Jason and The Extra Mile in our June 2008 article "Iron Man," and our February 2009 article "Still Going the Extra Mile for Children's Health Care."

Sacramento Children’s Museum has been in the works for several years and is thrilled to announce they will be opening in January 2010! The Museum’s exhibits are being carefully designed to nurture children’s imaginations, build their confidence and competence, and encourage them to test, tinker, laugh, create, and wonder! (And the Sacramento Parent staff is just too excited for words!)

Right now the museum is looking for a team of volunteers to help spread the word, raise funds and take care of all the millions of details that need to happen before they can open their doors. To get involved see www.SacramentoChildrensMuseum.org.

Mustard Seed School was established in February, 1989 to help meet the needs of homeless children. Many school age children do not attend school because of their homelessness. Some lack immunizations, birth certificates, or other documents; some are in transit; and almost all lack a support system. In spite of their situations, these children are eager to learn and be accepted.