Blogging has been low on my list of priorities lately, hasn’t it? I’m in a period of transition, & am trying to get used to some changes in my life, i.e., a new position in the office, new hours for David, etc. I’m not the kind of person who processes change very quickly, so my bandwidth is currently, as they say, exceeded. 🙂

That being said, it’s Giving Tuesday, so I thought I’d take a minute and encourage you to participate in supporting a few well-vetted organizations and/or people who are changing the world. These are groups where I can guarantee you, your money isn’t lining the pockets of some CEO or golf course. I have real issues with the gigantic organizations who have 7-figure salaried CEOs, for real. The following organizations are local, provide resources with integrity, & are vested into our communities. The funds are going straight to the animals, kids, or families in need, and each of these organizations exist to make the world a better place:

1. Pet Rescue Services: This animal rescue agency is run by two elderly people who have dedicated their lives, resources, and home to rescuing animals of all kinds. It’s where we got Noodle the Hot Mess Mutt, & I can’t speak highly enough about their dedication to caring for the defenseless. They’re currently having donations matched today, so it’s a great time to donate. Click here for the donation site.
2. Victory Christian Academy: Anyone who’s been involved in Christian education knows how monumental it is to a.) add a high school, and b.) have your own building. VCA is doing both at the same time, and are just over halfway to their fundraising goal to cover the renovations of the new-to-us building off of Forder. Click here for more information, and to donate. As a parent, there’s nothing greater than to see your kid make their own profession of faith, in their own words, and to state their belief in Jesus. VCA had a huge part in planting that seed in Jericho’s heart, & we are forever thankful for the solid, Bible-based education he’s receiving. With smaller class sizes and teachers who truly minister to the kids, VCA has been a great “nest” for Jericho for the past 5 years, and we are so proud to call it “our” school!
3. Hannah’s Hope: Hannah’s Hope is a ministry founded by a woman who had a baby in the NICU for an extended stay. She knows first-hand how difficult NICU life can be, so she puts together care packages for moms & dads who are facing the same struggle. They get numerous items to make their stay a bit easier (socks, notebooks, lotion, etc.) along with faith-based items to share the comfort of the Holy Spirit while they go through the stress of watching their infant fight for survival. I have a personal connection to this group, & I absolutely love their mission. This isn’t a tax-deductible donation that I know of, but it is a more-than-worthy cause. Click here for more information.
4. National Share Organization: Share was a huge help for David & I in the first years after we lost Hannah. They serve as an organization to support families who have lost a child due to miscarriage, stillbirth, & neonatal loss; unfortunately, their services are needed now more than ever. From assisting with finding mental health support, to hosting annual walks to raise awareness of the blinding statistics of infant mortality in the U.S.A., Share was and is a godsend to so many. Click here for more information.

I know this is a short blog, but with so many organizations looking for funding, if you’re wanting to support a non-profit organization but are also wanting to make sure the money goes to the right place, this list should help. Please consider making a financial donation this Giving Tuesday to any of the four groups listed above. Thank you!