First Annual 12 Days of Christmas Raffle-thon!

Welcome to the first ever 12 Days of Christmas Raffle-thon!!! If this is your first time visiting us, please take a look around our blog and web-site and see what we have been up to. It has been a productive year, and we have already made a big difference in the lives of several children and their families. We hope to continue to make a difference and help many more children and their families.

Our first fundraising project was started in April 2009. We raised funds for Janet in Zambia. She needed money to continue school, a bed, and food.

Since April 2009, we have completed 16 fundraising projects!! That means 16 surprised children and their families have the things they needed to make their lives better. We are now hoping to complete a few more before the year is out. Some of these fundraisers are quite close to completion. Imagine if we could help a total of 20 this year (in only 9 months time)!

This is a breakdown of how we plan to make a monetary dent in these fundraisers:

Dec.1 will be the first raffle. The raffle will cost $1 to enter, and the more you donate the more chances you have to win. $1 = 1 raffle ticket. The raffle will start at the beginning of the day and will run until midnight (CST) of the same day. You will know if you won by the next morning.
So, how do you enter the raffle? Well, each day is a different raffle that benefits a different child’s fundraiser. Pay close attention to the link that will be provided for the raffle each day. The raffle tickets must be purchased by donating to the FirstGiving page provided in the day’s post. When you purchase your tickets, leave a comment- in the “comments” section, put in the e-mail address you want to be contacted at if you win.

So, go ahead, a lay your head down for the night. Make sure you are back here tomorrow, Dec. 1st for the first raffle. (or you can go ahead and take a sneak peek at the web-site: www.makeachangemac.webs.com )

Educational Computer

If you missed out on the educational laptop deal I mentioned months ago, this is your second chance!! However, unlike the laptop, this desktop does not speak Spanish. This would be a great computer for any child aged 3 to 8 years old who is English speaking. The retail price of the computer is $49.99, but you can get it for $7.99!!! Limited time only, while supplies last... So, if you want it, click here At check out, enter code 20FRIEND to get the 20% off of the $9.99 price. Enjoy! (no, this is not a paid advertisement, but I do like to share what I find with those who keep in touch with me on my blog)

Sale $9.99
Original $49.99

This replica of an office desktop computer is sized perfectly for the younger set.
30 interactive learning activities, including language, math, logic, games, keyboard typing and music
large LCD screen with fun animations
adjustable-height keyboard
auto shut-off feature
Desktop computer uses 3 "AA" batteries, not included. Ages 3 and up.

Warning: Choking Hazard.
Small parts. Not for children under 3 years.

Meet Akenda Joshua

For whatever reason, Akenda Joshua was not at school when Hellen gathered my group together to take a group picture. She finally caught up with him & gave him his uniform. He was very happy to learn he has a sponsor. (He looks pretty happy to me)

December Fundraiser Update & Important Announcement

Here is the December update a couple of days early. I am putting this out early because it will be hectic with posts starting Dec.1. Here is what we have:

Project #14~ Jonathan (Heather) http://www.firstgiving.com/igp4jonathan
Project #15~ Maria & Ullysette (Robyn) http://www.firstgiving.com/betterlatethannever
Project #16~ Crystal & Gema (Su) http://www.firstgiving.com/icecreamigp
Project #17~ Maila (Steve) http://www.firstgiving.com/householditems4maila
Project #18~ Adriana (Candace)
Project #19~ Yamileisy (Dee)
Project #20~ (Stephanie)
Project #21~ Jerry (Wilfredo)
Project #22~ Joyce (Heather G)
Project #23~ Maria (Holly)
Project #24~ Ariela (Camille)
Project #25~ Rosalie (Tamara)
Project #26~ Sabrata (Cherise)

Now, for the very exciting announcement. I have agreed to continue with the fundraisers past project #26. What does this mean for you?

Well, if you would like to have a fundraiser or additional fundraiser, now is the time to get in your requests. The new maximum fundraiser amount will be $300 (fundraiser around the $200 mark are preferred because we can get them funded quicker). If you want a $300 fundraiser, you will need to donate $75 to other MAC fundraisers before yours can start. Dec 1 is the perfect time to start donating because not only will you be staking your claim on your future fundraiser, but you will, also, have a chance to win a new prize every day for 12 days!!

Put in your requests as soon as you have them ready, so that I can get you on the list. This is what I need in order to order your special needs donation break down:
the child's full name
the child's ID #
your full name
What, if anything, you would prefer to give your child (IGP is one of the most valuable things you can give, if the family is willing and able to start a business).

One more thing, the child MUST be part of the Children International program. We can not at this time do FirstGiving fundraisers for Christian Upliftment Primary School children because they have not gained their non-profit status & become registered on FirstGiving yet.

Send your requests to this e-mail By the way, I am not going to assume anything, so if you haven't told me that you want a fundraiser, I won't put you in for one. Please let me know your intentions by December 15th. Thanks!

12 Days of Christmas Raffle-thon

Don't forget to mark your calendars for Tuesday Dec 1. That is when the first raffle will launch!! This will be very exciting, and I hope everyone has fun. I don't want to spoil the surprise by telling you what is coming up because that wouldn't be any fun... I can tell you that Steve, Su, and myself have each put together 3 gifts (for a total of 9), and I am waiting to hear from the 4th person. All proceeds from the raffles will go to Children International, and help some of the needy children we have current fundraisers for.

Make sure to put us out there on Facebook, Twitter, and any forums or other online groups you may use. The more $1 donations we get, the more children we can help! Let's make this Christmas a fun one for our sponsor kids & their families!

A Christmas Package for Paola from Barbara

Barbara wrote:

I love the wicked look on Paola's face as she squeezes the button that makes the snowman sing and blush. Rosa seemed just as surprised as she is obviously cracking up.

This is probably the first Christmas that they have ever received gifts so I am so pleased that they made the family happy. They looked equally pleased with the computer and other things you sent.

The contents of Paola's Christmas package were as follows:-
1 Singing blushing snowman
3 large red and white Christmas stockings each containing
a disney ball, tiny stuffed animal with santa hat and a Teddy Bear sweater.
1 red reindeer horns head band
1 light up Santa head band
1 blue foam reindeer horns head band
1 Christmas colouring book

For Maria
A pair of red pyjamas
A white top
A set of top/pants and hat with rabbit design and padded hanger
A pair of shorts

For Paola

Pale turquoise top
A small green stand up toothbrush
A Winnie the Pooh sticker album and two pages of stickers.

Comments from a Field Officer

Paola was glad to receive the package from her sponsor

Paola letter was as follows

Dear Barbara
I want to tell you about Paola. She was very amazed of all the gifts that you send and is very happy that you are so good to her and her family. She liked all the gifts that she received. Paola likes a lot the pictures of you with your loved ones. Paola also wants you to have a Merry Christmas and may God keep blessing you a lot. Paola loves you a lot.

Sincerely.

A Package for Paola from Barbara

Barbara wrote:

Even though this parcel was sent in August it was given out to Paola on the same day as her Xmas parcel which was sent much later and arrived really early.

Here is a copy of the letter written by a Field Officer.

Dear Barbara

Paola is very happy for the special package she got. She thanks you very much for the crayons, the pair of pant, the T-shirts and all the other nice things you sent her. She really wantw to start colouring the Dora the Explorer book. Paola still doesn't go to school, bt next year she will start kindergarten. Paola loves you very much and she thanks you for all the things you do for her. She's like to meet you someday. Paola hopes you're doing fine. She sends you kisses and hugs.

Sincerely.

Additional comments. Paola looked very happy and thankful for the gifts she received from Ms. Rogers.

The package contained warm clothes for all 3 siblings as follows.

2 Sweat suits
3 T-Shirts
1 dress
3 jackets
1 hanger
3 bags with candies
1 pencil
1 Dora Colouring book and crayons

Henry's Family Still Needs Help

As I wait to hear back from the field about how much more money the family needs in order to get their restaurant business up and running, Henry's annual report came in. The family income has dropped a whole $120 a month. Their income has always fluctuated because of unemployment/starting a new job. When I first began sponsoring Henry in 2007, their monthly income was $25, and their "sanitary facility" was listed as "an open field". At the end of 2008, their income had spiked to $225 (the best I have ever seen). However, right before that report, both of the parents were without a job, when his mother lost her job as a house cleaner.

We did an IGP fundraiser for them, but the family is still in need of funds to finish paying for the items to start the restaurant. I am anxiously awaiting news back from CI, so that this family can start their dream, and be able to provide for their children all of the time.

Here is Henry's report:

Age: 9 Gender: M Date of Birth: 10/28/2000
Height: 4 Feet 1 Inches Weight: 49 Pounds Hair Color: Brown Eye Color: Brown
2. Attends School: Yes
3. Favorite School Subjects: Mathematics
Favorite Pastimes or Sports: Listening to music, Playing with friends, Playing soccer
Chores at Home: Running errands, Washing clothes, Washing dishes
Talents or Hobbies: Drawing, Dancing
Languages Spoken: Spanish

INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR CHILD'S FAMILY:
4. Approximate monthly income for the family (in U.S. Dollars): $105.00
5. Name of Father: Deiver Age: 28 Occupation: Baker
(If not present, why?)
6. Name of Mother: Amalfi Age: 28 Occupation: Homemaker
(If not present, why?)
7. Brothers and Sisters:
Name Esneiver Manuel Age 6 Gender M
8. Child now living with: Parents

INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR CHILD'S HOME:
9. Description of Home: One multi-use room, Bathroom
Cooking Facilities: Portable gas stove
Sleeping Accommodations: Wooden beds
Home Construction: Walls Wood Roof Corrugated metal Floor Dirt
10. Facilities and Services:
Water Source/Storage: Running water in home
Electricity: Non-regulated usage
Sanitary Facility: Toilet

Jonathan O. is doing better

You may remember Jonathan O. (his name was first reported as Jonacan). He is the little boy that has been orphaned and is now living with an aunt whose main purpose in life is to make his miserable! Luckily, the orphanage will be built soon, and then, he will be able to get away permanently. In the meantime, Hellen has been working with the aunt to get her to allow Jonathan to at least come to school.

Barbara just got a repost from Kate about him, and this is what she said:

"He is doing well and enjoying school very much. He is drawing you a picture in one of the photos, which you will be receiving soon!"

Thank God for small miracles! I hope his life continues to improve. Barbara is not giving up on him, and is doing everything she can to make his life easier. I can't wait until he is safe inside the orphanage!

A Computer for the Girls

Here is the package that I sent via Steve. The girls really look excited & grateful for their life change... It must be really incredible to be in their shoes and see so much changing for the better! Next year, it will be school for both of them! In the meantime, I sent them the learning laptop that I had, also, sent to Brayan. It has eductaional games on it, so hopefully they can do some learning at home before they get a chance to start school!

This is what the field said:

List of items received:

2 Princess Coloring Posters

4 T-shirts

1 Magnetic toy

1 Bag of lollipops

1 Little Lunch Pail

1 Stuffed Lamb

1 Bag of Jax

1 Chalkboard and chalk

1 Watercolor Paint Set

1 Compu Kids Computer with lots of batteries

Comments: Paola and Tomasa received the toys from the sponsors. They were so happy for the computer they received.

Dear Sponsors,

Tomasa was very glad for the gift that you sent. She liked the stuffed lamb a lot. Rosa, the mother, thanks you for thinking of her. She, also, likes the little Tinkerbell lunch pail.

Thank you on thier behalf.

Marcela (field officer)

Dear Sponsors,

The mother of Paola is very happy for the gift that you sent for the girls Paola and Tomasa. They liked the t-shirts a lot, and Paola liked the computer the most. On behalf of their mom and Paola we thank you for thinking of them.

Marcela (field officer)

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Do any of you know the story of the first Thanksgiving? The story starts with the pilgrims who came to America from England to flee religious persecution. They arrived in 1620. There were originally a little over 100 puritans to arrive at Plymouth Rock in December of 1620. These pilgrims arrived on foreign soil, and were unsure how they were going to get food, shelter, and the other things that they had taken for granted in England.

Luckily for them, they came across some natives who were already surviving off of the land. The natives taught them how to farm the land. Unfortunately for close to 50 of the pilgrims, the food did not come soon enough. 46 pilgrims perished before the fall of 1621 (less than 9 months after arriving in the US)!

When the crops came up that autumn, there was so much to eat. The pilgrims decided they wanted to share their food with the natives that taught them how to plant it. They invited about 90 natives to their 3 day harvest feast.

It's interesting to note that these two groups of people gathered together. First of all, the pilgrims were invading the land that was already being used by the natives. Secondly, they couldn't speak each other's language, so they had to come up with a different way of communicating. Thirdly, their customs were so different one from another that there was bound to be a miscommunication for which they would have had to excuse their differences and know that the other person meant no disrespect.

All over the world now, people of different cultures are coming together in more ways than ever. The computer has brought endless opportunities of reaching out to others across the oceans. Cameras take pictures that give a person a chance to see what you look like without ever meeting you face to face. Letters are sent and received, and it is almost like being face to face with that person talking to them.

Imagine what a change we can make with all of the technology we have available to us! The natives had to face the pilgrims (and maybe walk quite a while to reach their camp) to teach the how to plant seeds. We can send a wire of money to buy seeds for someone any where in the world! It is just like the income-generating projects we do. Instead of handing the person money to buy a bed or food for a month, we hand them money to start a business. In turn, this business provides them with month after month of food and other necessities!

This reminds me of an ancient Chinese proverb that came from Lao Tzu. You have probably heard it before. It goes like this: "Give a Man a Fish, Feed Him For a Day. Teach a Man to Fish, Feed Him For a Lifetime" This is exactly what we are doing with the Income-Generating Projects (IGP's) we are funding. The parents who have already received their gifts to start their own businesses are no doubt feeling the sense of accomplishment that comes from providing for themselves and their families!

What a feast we have given our children! In 7 months, our group has raised $6,236.70 for children and their families living in poverty! That is about $11,000 a year!

I am very grateful for the support of our donors, and that we can all share the joys of sponsorship together. (If you are still reading this post all the way to the end of my jabber, I have a surprise for you especially)

Starting December 1st, we are having a 12 Days of Christmas Goody Give-away! This is how it will go:

*On November 30th, I will make a post giving you an idea of some of the prizes that are scheduled to be given away.

*Then, on December 1st, you will see the first item that will be raffled off. All of the items will be nice, gift-giving or gift-receiving quality, so you can use them to fill in some of the holes in your Christmas gift-giving list.

*To participate in each raffle, you will donate to whichever fundraiser is being showcased at the time. For every $1 you give, you will get 1 raffle ticket. The drawing for each prize will happen the very next day (after all donations have been tallied).

*On December 2nd, you will see who the winner of the first prize was, and you will see what day 2's prize is that is being raffled. (The winner of day 1's prize will get their prize shipped to them immediately, and all gifts should make it in time for Christmas.)

So, save your coins or dollars because this should be fun!

A Library for Christian Upliftment Primary School!!

How many books can you buy for $50? If you are buying them for the Christian Upliftment Primary School, you can have close to 50!! I have agreed to donate books to the school, so that the children will have access to books. The books are completely free, because I am giving them and asking for nothing in return...

So, how did we get to the $50 figure? Well, somehow we have to get the books from Dallas, Texas to Kampala, Uganda. I can send a large flat rate box to Uganda for $51.25. I can send as many books as can fit into the flat rate box for that one price.

This morning, Rachel sent a $50 donation to my paypal account, and I got busy packing up the books. All of the books you see above will be included in her box to the school. There are 48 total, and are for preschool age to middle school. Some of the books included are a picture dictionary, Junior Great readers, and textbook readers for the younger kids. The package weighs a total of 14 pounds!!

Don't worry, there is still time for you to help. I will send out each package of books as soon as $50 is raised. You can donate a small amount or the whole amount. Your name will be included in a memo to Helen, and you will get to see the books you personally sent!!!

To send a payment via paypal, send it to my e-mail address: hhamilton2002@hotmail.com

Thank you, Rachel, for donating 14 pounds of books to the students at CUS!!!

Paola's Halloween Package

Dear Barbara,

Paola, Tomasa, and Maria loved the gifts you sent for them. Rosa, their mother, liked them a lot too. They are so thankful that you think of them. Tomasa liked a lot the costume you sent. She thinks the she will look so pretty dressed as a fairy.
The three kids became very happy for all their gifts and they hope you're doing well. May God bless you. Rosa, Paola, Tomasa, and Maria send you kisses and hugs.

Naomi- Field officer

Jonathan's Package Pictures & Updates for MAC!

These are the pictures that I didn't include in Jonathan's post last week. I got them scanned when I scanned the last batch of items yesterday. As you can see, he got the same things that Mwanza did in his school package. I especially like the top picture that shows him using the US Maps book. So sweet!

Now, for the updates about Make a Change... I want to thank all of you who have followed this blog, shown support to the children, helped fund the projects that we have done so far for over 15 children and their families, and CONTINUE to do so!!! You all are amazing!!! This group has evolved and grown because of your support, so thank you!!!

We have some great things planned for the near future, some are under wraps for now but will be released at the appropriate time (I promise!). Without going into all of the details, I just want to give you fair warning... You will want to be here for the November 30th post, and for all the posts that happen at the beginning of December. It will be fun, and will help us kick off the Christmas holiday.

Now, I have a question for all of you. If you are reading this post, then you are probably a regular contributor to this group. I want to get your feedback. Here are my questions for you:

1. Do you have a wish list for Christmas? If so, what is on your wish list?

2. What are some of your favorite things you have ever gotten for Christmas?

3. What are you planning to give others for Christmas this year?

In answering these three questions, please keep your answers to gifts that are $25 or under. This will be a big help on the surprise Christmas project that I will announce at the end of this month.

Thank you for your help!

A Letter from Henry

I received a letter from Henry yesterday. This is what he had to say:

Dear Mrs. Heather,

We hope you are very well. We are very well, and I'll be on school vacation soon. I do well in school. We had a week off from school recently, and I played a lot with my friends and my cousin came from Barranquilla. We went to the beach with him and my uncles, and I had a lot of fun. Thank you for remembering me and my family. The last pictures I received are very beautiful. We always remember you and we send you God's blessings, and we wish you success in your life.

With no more to say,

Goodbye with love,

Henry

A Small Package for Mwanza

Doesn't he have the sweetest smile?!

I sent most of my CI children a small package for the beginning of the school year this year. They all received the same things (An activity book of US maps, a blank notebook, colored pencils, markers, pencil sharpener, Spiderman beach ball, and watercolor paints).

Mwanza's package arrived on 9/28/09 and was delivered to him on 9/30/09.

Here is his letter (although he is 14 years old, this is his first year back to school after years of not being able to attend):

Dear Heather,

How are you today with your family? I and my family we are fine. Thank you very much for the things which I have received. I have received crayons, markers, books, sharpener, and beach ball. My sponsor, I am very happy and I appreciate you a lot. Thank you very much and God bless you.

Yours,

Mwanza

A Stove & a Table for Paola & Her Family

I received a letter, photos & special needs follow-up report for rhe items we purchased for Paola and her family. This was the first donation, and this is what was purchased:

1. a gas cylinder

2. stove with two burners

3. table

4. gas refill

These are the comments from the special needs report:

*What were the child's/family's comments when the gifts were delivered?

Paola and her family became so happy for the gift they received from the sponsor. They looked very happy when they received the benefits.

*How will the gifts benefit the child and/or family?

Paola received a stove, a cylinder of gas, and a table. In the past, they used to cook in a fire, so it's going to be more healthy and safer to cook in a stove.

*Additional Comments:

The cost of the gas refill increased, so the excedent will be covered by the agency.

Here is the letter from the field officer:

Dear Donor,

Paola and her family are doing fine and they're very happy for the donation you sent them. Everything will be very helpful to improve the living conditions of the family. The gas cylinder and the table are very useful for them. Everyone in the family thank you very much and they hope God keeps blessing you. They send you their best, send you hugs and kisses. Paola loves you very much and she hopes you are doing fine.

Sincerely,

Noemi Enriquez (field officer)