William Penn Life, 2003 (38. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

2003-05-01 / 5. szám

For Starters

A boxful of hope

Association begins fifth annual collection drive for Operation Christmas Child

PITTSBURGH - The Home Office is now accepting donations for the WPA's fifth annual Operation Christmas Child campaign.

Many members and branches have already prepared their gift-filled shoe boxes and still more will be ready by the time the WPA hosts its annual bowling tournament later this month.

The big question is whether we will be able to collect yet another record number of donations. Last year, members and friends of the WPA donated 880 shoe boxes. That topped the 709 boxes collected in 2001...which topped the 526 donated in 2000...which topped the 354 donated in 1999, the year of our first OCC campaign.

In four years, the WPA has collected 2,469 shoe boxes, along with nearly $14,000.

Topping last year's total is a great challenge. But, even greater is the need for what those shoe boxes bring at Christmas to children living in crisis situations throughout the world. With just a little bit of effort, money and time, you can make a huge impact on the life of a child. Your shoe box may not contain a solution for poverty, famine, homelessness or war, but it will contain something desperately needed-hope.

Participating in OCC-2003 is easy. First, fill an old shoe box with items every child could use: personal care items like a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, washcloth or comb; fun things like coloring books, crayons, picture books, yo-yo's, rubber balls or other small toys; and stuff kids enjoy, such as jewelry, hair ribbons, sunglasses, writing pads, watches or hard candy.

Next, enclose a check for $5 (made payable to "William Penn Association") in each box to cover shipping and other costs.

Finally, deliver your shoe box to our Home Office, your branch officers, or one of OCC's collection centers.

We will also accept donations of loose items which we can pack in shoe boxes. You can also make a monetary donation with which we can buy items for additional boxes.

All boxes and donations are due at our Home Office by Sept. 15. We will be collecting donations at all WPA events this year, including the bowling and golf tournaments, General Convention and WPA Picnic.

For more information about the WPA's OCC-2003 campaign, call our Home Office toll-free at 1-800-848- 7366. To learn more general information about Operation Christmas Child, please visit the website of Samaritan's Purse at

www.samaritan.org.

a variety of gift items

HYGIENE ITEMS: toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, washcloth, comb, brush,etc.

OTHER: hard candy, gum, ball caps, socks, T-shirt, hair clips, small picture books, sunglasses, etc.

Grants available for youth-led service projects

The International Youth Foundation will provide grants to youth leaders and their emerging projects that promote social change and connect youth with local communities. Award recipients will receive a $500 grant and funds for a disposable camera to photo-document their project for an online photo gallery.

Youth-led projects supported by YouthActionNet will have clearly defined goals and have potential for growth or further replication. Award recipients will also have the opportunity to take part in an online journal and contribute to a booklet of case studies highlighting the work of young people bringing positive change to their communities around the world.

The program is open to all young people ages 18 to 24. Both individuals and groups may apply. Individuals applying must have a leadership role in a youth-led initiative that works to create positive change in their community. Groups and organizations applying must be youth-led and have as part of their mission the goal of creating positive change in their community. International Youth Foundation money may be used for Join Hands Day progams.

In 2003,10 recipients will be selected in each of two rounds of awards. Complete program guidelines and application forms are available at the YouthActionNet website at www.youthactionnet.org.

Deadline for applications is Oct. 1,2003.

William Pen Life, May 2003

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