New shared articles/Home for the Holidays

I have been very selective about what gets added to the "we've done the research for you" section, in an effort to give you only the most important and relevant information. If you're really interested in housing, homelessness, social justice, or philanthropy, please check it out. Today's add is from Tactical Philanthropy and is about Google Finance's new effort to provide a centralized source for information about nonprofits- and the ability to create forum for user/donor interactions with each other and with the agencies. I'm a strong believer in all things Google- they are constantly adding relevant and practical tools that make my life easier. Another Google thumbs up goes to Google.org, their foundation arm. They are taking a venture capital approach to social change that I believe is the future of philanthropy. Anyways, check it out, and research Google.org if you have a chance.

Other news- Home for the Holidays today was a great success, in my opinion. Our social service and job fair was a hit, we were able to serve many needy families with toys AND provided food to take home for their whole family. Thank you to all the volunteers who made this event possible! By the way, HOME took the opportunity to get some important data from guests. In the next month or so, we'll have some really interesting information (with zip code level data, for all you dataheads) on the current needs and issues in the County. This is probably the most comprehensive and largest survey of Osceola families living in poverty that's been done for a long time (if not ever). I can already tell you just by glancing at 50 or so surveys that food security is a HUGE issue for our families. Almost all respondents reported that they "sometimes" or "often" worried about not having enough food to feed their family. Wow. We need to work on that.

As for the HOME campus update, site work is in full swing, and we are looking at a matter of weeks until move-in. Expect a big announcement early next week (no, it's not an open house date, but it's just as exciting). We have gotten lots of calls for donations since the Sentinel ran a blurb about our needs last week. Thank you to all who have donated- it is much appreciated. Sphere: Related Content

Home for the Holidays, Part One

Home for the Holidays Committee to Restructure the Charity Event in Order to Better Serve the Needs of the Osceola County Community

With the national and state monetary slump also impacting key Osceola County business, government and non-profit sectors the Home for the Holidays partners had some tough decisions to make in planning for their traditional, holiday event scheduled for Sat., December 15th at Osceola Heritage Park. In year’s past, Home for the Holidays consisted of a hot turkey dinner, entertainment, and a toy store. 2007 event planners will forgo the hot meal in favor of a canned food allotment designed to feed a family for days rather than hours. “Redesigning Home for the Holidays will increase the impact, beyond the scope of the event, while also allowing abundant giving and volunteer opportunities for area families and individuals,” said Paul Owen, Chairperson. The event’s core activity, a toy store, will once again make it possible for eligible parents to catch some holiday spirit while making selections from thousands of donated toys. By eliminating the party portion of the event, and all the related costs, more than $20,000.00 was shaved off the budget. Organizers have already seen a decline in donations as traditional supporters grapple with decreased revenues and employee layoffs. “It is our hope that people untouched by this economic downturn will step up to do their part. Their help is needed more than ever at this time of year,” said Donna Sines of Community Vision.

Here are a few ways residents can help struggling families this holiday season:

Donate Time

Volunteers are needed prior to and the day of the event to:

• Sort canned goods
• Stock toy shelves
• Provide personal shopper support during the toy give away

Individuals and families can call Sue at Community Vision – 407-933-0870 to volunteer

Donate Toys

Toys for Tots toy barrels are located at many businesses and government buildings. All toys donated in Osceola County stay in our community.

Donate Dollars

Make checks payable to HOME and mail to:

Home for the Holidays, 1502 B Village Oak Lane, Kissimmee, FL 34746

Donate Food

The following list of grocery items will help feed a family of 4 for 4 days:

2 Instant Potatoes

1-Peanut Butter

4-Canned Fruit

2-Canned Tuna

4-Canned Vegetables

2- Hamburger Helper / Package Dinner

2 each- Dry Pasta/Rice/Beans

2-Canned Beans

2-Cereal

2-Canned Tomatoes

2-Canned Soup

1 each- Cake Mix and Canned Frosting

Food bags can be dropped off at the Barney Veal Center located at 700 Generation Point, Kissimmee, FL 34744

For additional information… Call Cara at 407-933-0870

To register and qualify for free toys and food call Connie at 407-846-8532. You can NOT register just by going through your child's school. You MUST attend one of the Council on Aging's registrations- your school counselor can provide information.

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