Volunteers are an essential, critical support system for non-profits. They do tough jobs without much recognition and they do it because they love the cause they are supporting. Sometimes, the conditions aren't the best. It may be cold, dirty or even stifling hot, and yet, they still show up to work hard.
In Texas, the summer heat has been brutal, even debilitating at times. Countless days well over 100 degrees. Non-profits will do what they can to make the volunteer conditions as good as possible, but in the end, mother nature is in charge. Upgrades can be expensive and are often not a feasible solution. That's why dedicated volunteers are worth their weight in gold. They are the ones willing to come out and help, when others would rather stay inside.
There are lots of creative ways to try to keep volunteers happy in this heat:
- Ice cold water, lemonade, sodas, etc.
- Snow cones and popsicles.
- Fans
- Hats and visors
A great idea is to ask your volunteers what would make them feel more comfortable. They usually have good suggestions that might be worth implementing!
Click here to watch the story about our great volunteers on YNN.
News and updates from The Settlement Home for Children.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
A Collection of Collections
Designers recommend showcasing a beautiful or unique collection by displaying it as a collection. As I was browsing through our Garage Sale prep area, I realized that we had items from a wide variety of collections. So maybe you are looking to add to that set of figurines or maybe you want to start a new collection. Here's a few ideas to get your shopping juices going.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Need More Ideas on How to Give Back?
If this summer heat is fogging up your brain and you're out of ideas, alas, I'm here to offer you some new ideas on giving back!
1. Encourage your children to donate their unwanted toys. (Or maybe finally get rid of the ones you've been holding on to for so long.) Toys, games and stuffed animals can be an important donation. Stuffed animals can be used as a coping mechanism for abused children. We give each child one when they come to The Settlement Home. If your children aren't using it, pass the toy along for someone else to use and love.
2. Clean out your garage and closet and donate your items at our Lakeway Donation Drive Day on August 6 at Papa Murphy's in Lakeway. We will collect donations from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
3. Bake some cookies for your favorite charity. Volunteers love cookies too. Make everyone smile by baking some love into cookies, muffins, cupcakes, etc. and share them!
4. Have a skill you can volunteer? Are you a photographer, writer, graphic designer, etc.? Odds are your talents would be greatly appreciated at a non-profit.
5. Use social media. Does your favorite non-profit have an event coming up? Sent it to your friends, post it on your page, Tweet about it. You get my drift. Just spread the word and help raise awareness and funds.
1. Encourage your children to donate their unwanted toys. (Or maybe finally get rid of the ones you've been holding on to for so long.) Toys, games and stuffed animals can be an important donation. Stuffed animals can be used as a coping mechanism for abused children. We give each child one when they come to The Settlement Home. If your children aren't using it, pass the toy along for someone else to use and love.
2. Clean out your garage and closet and donate your items at our Lakeway Donation Drive Day on August 6 at Papa Murphy's in Lakeway. We will collect donations from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
3. Bake some cookies for your favorite charity. Volunteers love cookies too. Make everyone smile by baking some love into cookies, muffins, cupcakes, etc. and share them!
4. Have a skill you can volunteer? Are you a photographer, writer, graphic designer, etc.? Odds are your talents would be greatly appreciated at a non-profit.
5. Use social media. Does your favorite non-profit have an event coming up? Sent it to your friends, post it on your page, Tweet about it. You get my drift. Just spread the word and help raise awareness and funds.
Monday, July 18, 2011
How $25 Can Make a Difference
It's no secret that our Charity Garage Sale is truly unique and amazing. It is a shopper's dream. But there's an important aspect to the Garage Sale that can easily be overlooked, the Giving for Living program.
Sundays at the Garage Sale are special. Each year, The Settlement Club hosts our community outreach program, Giving For Living. Over 50 Central Texas non-profit agencies distribute shopping certificates to their clients who are in need of assistance. The certificate enables the recipient to receive free admission and a pre-set amount of free merchandise from the Garage Sale. This program provides essential personal and household items, such as clothing, children's toys, shoes, kitchen items and more, to individuals and families deemed to be among those most in need throughout our community. In order to continue to provide this service to the clients of our sister agencies, The Settlement Club solicits donations to cover the cost of the value of each certificate.
This is a way to make something amazing, like our Garage Sale, even better. Get involved by sponsoring one of these certificates and help us help those in need in the Central Texas area.
If you would like more information on sponsoring Giving For Living certificates or if you know of a non-profit agency whose clients might benefit from the certificates, please email development@settlementhome.org.
Sundays at the Garage Sale are special. Each year, The Settlement Club hosts our community outreach program, Giving For Living. Over 50 Central Texas non-profit agencies distribute shopping certificates to their clients who are in need of assistance. The certificate enables the recipient to receive free admission and a pre-set amount of free merchandise from the Garage Sale. This program provides essential personal and household items, such as clothing, children's toys, shoes, kitchen items and more, to individuals and families deemed to be among those most in need throughout our community. In order to continue to provide this service to the clients of our sister agencies, The Settlement Club solicits donations to cover the cost of the value of each certificate.
This is a way to make something amazing, like our Garage Sale, even better. Get involved by sponsoring one of these certificates and help us help those in need in the Central Texas area.
If you would like more information on sponsoring Giving For Living certificates or if you know of a non-profit agency whose clients might benefit from the certificates, please email development@settlementhome.org.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Everyone Can Do Something
Yeah, I'd like to volunteer, but what can I do that would make any difference?
If this question is holding you back from volunteering, then this post is for you. For the busy person on the go or the person who thinks they don't have anything to contribute, here are some suggestions to lead you on the path of becoming a volunteer.
What can I do to make a difference?
A lot! Maybe you're questioning your talents, but we see a happy, caring and giving person who has a lot to give. Do you have a skill or hobby? Volunteer to teach a class for children. Love to bake? Join a group that donates cakes to children or nursing homes. Play an instrument? Volunteer to teach a child to play. Can you drive a car? Become a driving volunteer who takes children to dentist and doctor appointments. There is something for everyone.
I don't have much spare time.
We all have busy lives, but the great thing about volunteering and giving back is you can find something flexible to meet your schedule. Maybe you volunteer every week for a shorter time period or maybe you just volunteer once a year for a big event. It's all important. Do something from home, like sew blankets or pillowcases to donate. Organize a donation drive, collect items and drop them off to your favorite charity. Cook or bake something and donate it to a charity, other volunteers or staff. Use online tools like Crowdrise or First Giving to fundraise for your charity of choice.
I don't know what charity to pick.
Every non-profit can use your help! Ask yourself what you are interested in. Are you close in proximity to any non-profit? Where do your friends volunteer? Where can you and your children volunteer together? Do a Google search for non-profits in your area.
It's too late for me to get involved.
No way! It's never too late to get involved. Just because a non-profit recently wrapped up a big event, doesn't mean they don't have plenty more in the works. Most charities have big events, small events, daily volunteer opportunities, weekly opportunities and more. There is rarely any kind of cut off date for signing up to volunteer.
Giving back and helping others should have a place in everyone's life. So what are you waiting for?
If this question is holding you back from volunteering, then this post is for you. For the busy person on the go or the person who thinks they don't have anything to contribute, here are some suggestions to lead you on the path of becoming a volunteer.
What can I do to make a difference?
A lot! Maybe you're questioning your talents, but we see a happy, caring and giving person who has a lot to give. Do you have a skill or hobby? Volunteer to teach a class for children. Love to bake? Join a group that donates cakes to children or nursing homes. Play an instrument? Volunteer to teach a child to play. Can you drive a car? Become a driving volunteer who takes children to dentist and doctor appointments. There is something for everyone.
I don't have much spare time.
We all have busy lives, but the great thing about volunteering and giving back is you can find something flexible to meet your schedule. Maybe you volunteer every week for a shorter time period or maybe you just volunteer once a year for a big event. It's all important. Do something from home, like sew blankets or pillowcases to donate. Organize a donation drive, collect items and drop them off to your favorite charity. Cook or bake something and donate it to a charity, other volunteers or staff. Use online tools like Crowdrise or First Giving to fundraise for your charity of choice.
I don't know what charity to pick.
Every non-profit can use your help! Ask yourself what you are interested in. Are you close in proximity to any non-profit? Where do your friends volunteer? Where can you and your children volunteer together? Do a Google search for non-profits in your area.
It's too late for me to get involved.
No way! It's never too late to get involved. Just because a non-profit recently wrapped up a big event, doesn't mean they don't have plenty more in the works. Most charities have big events, small events, daily volunteer opportunities, weekly opportunities and more. There is rarely any kind of cut off date for signing up to volunteer.
Giving back and helping others should have a place in everyone's life. So what are you waiting for?
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Developing Today for a Bright Tomorrow
At The Settlement Home for Children, there is a huge need for support from the community, both financially and through volunteer work. The economy continues to challenge many non-profits, as well as cuts in the state budget.
Marilyn Willson, Development Director for The Settlement Home, has the tremendous and important task of raising funds for today and for tomorrow.
Q: What do you love about being in Development?
MW: I love working with people and helping others understand the unique dynamics facing our children, while helping be a voice for our children. It is through developing relationships that true change can occur.
Q: Why do you think some people are hesitant to donate to a non-profit?
MW: In order to make a donation or volunteer for a non-profit, you have to recognize that this issue is in your own backyard and not overseas and that can be a hard realization for many. Once they address the needs that are currently facing our community, than many step up to the plate to do what they can.
Q:What do you like best about fundraising for The Settlement Home for Children?
MW: I am proud to say that 92 cents of each dollar goes directly to programs and services for our children. We have maintained operating and fundraising percentages to a true minimum, thus we are able to fulfill our mission.
Q: Any parting words for our readers?
MW: I encourage people to really find what they're passionate about and support that. If you are passionate about helping abused children, come out to The Settlement Home and take a tour. I guarantee that your perspective will change!
Have your own questions for Marilyn? Contact her directly at mwillson@settlementhome.org
Marilyn Willson, Development Director for The Settlement Home, has the tremendous and important task of raising funds for today and for tomorrow.
Q: What do you love about being in Development?
MW: I love working with people and helping others understand the unique dynamics facing our children, while helping be a voice for our children. It is through developing relationships that true change can occur.
Q: Why do you think some people are hesitant to donate to a non-profit?
MW: In order to make a donation or volunteer for a non-profit, you have to recognize that this issue is in your own backyard and not overseas and that can be a hard realization for many. Once they address the needs that are currently facing our community, than many step up to the plate to do what they can.
Q:What do you like best about fundraising for The Settlement Home for Children?
MW: I am proud to say that 92 cents of each dollar goes directly to programs and services for our children. We have maintained operating and fundraising percentages to a true minimum, thus we are able to fulfill our mission.
Q: Any parting words for our readers?
MW: I encourage people to really find what they're passionate about and support that. If you are passionate about helping abused children, come out to The Settlement Home and take a tour. I guarantee that your perspective will change!
Have your own questions for Marilyn? Contact her directly at mwillson@settlementhome.org
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Top 5 Ways to be a Positive Change in a Child's Life
Want to change the world? How about starting with one child.
By reaching out to just one child in need, you can change their life in so many positive ways. All you need is a willingness to spread joy, love and patience with a troubled child. Become that positive role model and just see how you can change a child's life. And while you're at it, maybe even change your own.
To get you started, here's an easy list of ways to change a child's life starting now.
Top 5 Ways to be a Positive Change:
1. Sign up to become a mentor or volunteer.
2. Use your talents to teach a class.
3. Donate items a child might need - both basic items and fun items.
4. Get your company to become a sponsor or hold a fundraiser to support a children's treatment center. Go a step further and deliver the check or items to the treatment center and tour the facility.
5. Report your efforts to friends and family and get others involved!
Need more suggestions? Visit us at http://www.settlementhome.org/.
By reaching out to just one child in need, you can change their life in so many positive ways. All you need is a willingness to spread joy, love and patience with a troubled child. Become that positive role model and just see how you can change a child's life. And while you're at it, maybe even change your own.
To get you started, here's an easy list of ways to change a child's life starting now.
Top 5 Ways to be a Positive Change:
1. Sign up to become a mentor or volunteer.
2. Use your talents to teach a class.
3. Donate items a child might need - both basic items and fun items.
4. Get your company to become a sponsor or hold a fundraiser to support a children's treatment center. Go a step further and deliver the check or items to the treatment center and tour the facility.
5. Report your efforts to friends and family and get others involved!
Need more suggestions? Visit us at http://www.settlementhome.org/.
Friday, July 1, 2011
New Program is Just Around the Corner
The new Independent Living Program is in the planning and execution stages, getting ready to officially start this fall! This new program will help our young ladies learn to live independently while providing support to help them succeed.
On Thursday, we were extremely thankful to be the recipients of some wonderful donations from Silicon Labs. Silicon Labs held a month long donation drive, where employees purchased and donated basic living necesities for the Independent Living apartments. Donations included items like dishes, soap and shampoo, trash cans, organization items and much more! These donations are so important because purchasing those basic items, even small things like shampoo and conditioner, can add up quickly! With these donations, our girls can move into these apartments and focus on their schooling or job.
We can't thank Silicon Labs enough! Here's a photo of just some of the many great donations we received!
On Thursday, we were extremely thankful to be the recipients of some wonderful donations from Silicon Labs. Silicon Labs held a month long donation drive, where employees purchased and donated basic living necesities for the Independent Living apartments. Donations included items like dishes, soap and shampoo, trash cans, organization items and much more! These donations are so important because purchasing those basic items, even small things like shampoo and conditioner, can add up quickly! With these donations, our girls can move into these apartments and focus on their schooling or job.
We can't thank Silicon Labs enough! Here's a photo of just some of the many great donations we received!
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