Do your research.

A co-worker and I discussed an emotional non-profit this morning that a club at her daughter's high school had decided to endorse.  It was one of those organizations that targets the younger generation with viral videos, slick marketing and trendy paraphernalia.  A handful of students jumped on it and away it went.

Until one student said - wait, what do we know about this group? Thankfully, someone decided to question. The daughter began to discuss it at home, where her mom taught her to research and learn more before jumping in with both feet.

The mom brought it to work, where I said - wait one skinny minute and let's do some investigating on their IRS 990 forms, other websites involving their name, etc.  Turns out, this group seems to be scamming money for an issue that was resolved four years ago, but most people don't realize it's over. The board and employees are mostly family members, which tosses up another red flag. There was enough negative vibes that I would shy away from it, and it seems the students are turning away, as well.

A great lesson was learned, however, for students who are at the age where they are being tapped to become involved in all types of organizations and causes.  DO THE RESEARCH FIRST.

If you need a tool that is great for digging into tax documents, which isn't a bad place to start, I recommend GuideStar. It's free to sign up to view tax documents for non-profits.  There are other things you can do there, too, read and leave reviews but I don't put a lot of merit into that type of discussion.  I would trust people I know more than those I have no idea what the motivation is behind their review.

Anyway, having been in the non-profit business for a few years myself, I know there are so many wonderful organizations out there who are wonderful financial stewards of "other people's money," investing in extremely worthwhile causes that are truly impacting lives in a very real way.  But you always have those who are shady and sketchy that give honest folks a bad name.  Make sure you know the difference.

Help Japan.

I know the news media has shifted on to other stories, leaving the ongoing tragedy in Japan behind.  I understand this story is old news and they need to move on to something else that is breaking for their headlines.

Mission to the World is still very involved in the recovery of Japan, with missionaries working together with locals to help feed and clothe people in the impacted areas.

This Link will take you to their website, where Roger and Abi Lowther of Grace City Church Tokyo have sent updates concerning their progress in delivering food, water and clothing to affected areas.

It's amazing. God's work is amazing. I hope you'll take a moment to read some of the blogs to learn more.  Roger has a Blogspot Blog Here.

Say a prayer for these brave missionaries and those helping in providing relief for those in need. These people are truly gifts from God that they were in the right place to help and show God's love to the people of Japan.  My heart breaks for those who have lost everything - forget material possessions, but their loved one's lives. Keeping them in my thoughts and prayers.

Weekend Wants

This weekend, I want to encourage you to consider prayer for those impacted in Japan by the horrible events surrounding the earthquake and tsunami. I do not believe we can begin to comprehend what they are currently facing - hundreds dead, hundreds missing, families displaced across the region, and total devastation.  Suicides are up - people are not seeing a light at the end of this tunnel. Please help them.

Many of us are familiar with ARC - learn more about what they are doing to assist in Japan by clicking here.


I hope you will read this excerpt from missionaries who are serving in Japan. Their words are powerful and help open our eyes to what is going on - on many levels - in Japan. Operation Crash is an organization of Christians helping in Japan right now. Read more. (Christian Relief, Assistance, Support and Hope).

Anyway, HOWEVER YOU CHOOSE TO HELP - through donations, flying there to help yourself, through your prayers - please help. My weekend want: to help those who are suffering. Thank you!

Weekend Wants - Tweaked a little!

Ok, I know I usually post random cool things that I would love to have during the weekend at some point.

There is no way I can do that this weekend. I got all kinds of great stuff that I really needed for the house. Awesome RED muffin pans, towels, cookbooks, candles, cheese grater, sewing machine case, pans, and all kinds of other stuff. There is just no way I could or would post wants after all this.

So instead, I'll post a few nonprofits that would love to have you share with them. Maybe a few dollars, but also donations of gently used items, your time, or just your support by telling others how great they are!

• United Way - find your local United Way here: www.liveunited.org
• Salvation Army - find your local Salvation Army here: www.salvationarmyusa.org
• American Red Cross - www.redcross.org
• USO - www.uso.org

I know there are a host of non-profits in your community that aren't nationally based like these. They are grass-roots efforts from someone who cared and started an organization to fulfill a need in your community.  Examples?

• Anderson Free Clinic - a free medical clinic in Anderson, SC: http://andersonfreeclinic.org/
• Clover Area Assistance Center - basic needs assistance, financial literacy classes, dental clinic in Clover, SC: http://cloverareaassistance.org/

There are so many more. So consider finding one of these non-profits that speaks to you, pulls on your heart strings or engages your interest and get involved. Become their champion! :)