Poverty

VH1 Top 20 Celebs: Oprah Winfrey

Submitted by gweiner on Tue, 11/24/2009 - 16:40

Oprah Winfrey, the Queen of Giving, has donated over $300 million dollars to global charities.

Show Schedule

Tue 11.24, 5:00 PM
Thu 11.26, 11:00 AM
Tue 12.1, 11:00 AM
Mon 12.7, 5:00 PM
Fri 12.11, 5:00 PM
Wed 12.16, 12:00 AM
Wed 12.16, 5:00 PM

VH1 Top 20 Celebs Gone Good: Alicia Keys

Submitted by gweiner on Tue, 11/24/2009 - 16:02

Find out how Alicia Keys is making a difference around the world by donating her time to educational issues in the U.S, and as co-founder and ambassador to Keep a Child Alive.

Show Schedule

Tue 11.24, 5:00 PM
Thu 11.26, 11:00 AM
Tue 12.1, 11:00 AM
Mon 12.7, 5:00 PM
Fri 12.11, 5:00 PM
Wed 12.16, 12:00 AM
Wed 12.16, 5:00 PM

Submitted by TBFT on Wed, 02/08/2012 - 23:49

the problem:

Imagine what it would be like if your childhood memories were filled with abusive parents, starvation, and mistreatment. Imagine having no home and no stability. And what would it be like to have no belongings; or maybe if you were lucky enough to have a few measly things in your possession, how it would be like to carry them around in a plastic bag. What you have imagined is the life of a foster child.
For my Independent Research Project, I would like the chance to attempt to make a difference in these children’s lives by starting a non-profit organization called Tote Bags for Teens (TBFT). The mission of this organization would be to better the lives of foster children by giving them some sort of assorted ‘bag’ be it a tote bag, duffel bag, backpack, etc. filled with different essentials and toys. TBFT would hand-make tote bags and buy other bags and supplies through donations or have these items be donated directly. With the start-up of TBFT, the children shelters in the Austin area will receive the donations. TBFT will also join in partnerships with other non-profits in the area with the goal to better the lives of foster children in the hopes to make a greater impact on the community.
However, the end of this project will not be the end of this organization. Because, to truly make a difference in the lives of foster children this organization must thrive and expand to the long-term goal of reaching out to children nationwide. Ideally, through the research of this project, I will start up this organization and have it successfully grow and find a way to keep the organization running long past the presentation of the project.

vital stats:

people impacted:

people involved:

why it's important:

This project is important to me because a few years ago a former CASA kid of my mom's commited suicide by throwing himself infront of an 18 wheeler on an interstate. His reason? He was outaging the system, had literally nothing of his own, and felt like no one actually cared about him. Since then, I have become more and more interested in condition and care of foster children. Until I am old enough to foster care for myself, or be a CASA sponsor there was really nothing I can do to help their situation. Then this idea came to mind shortly after the teenager's death mentioned above. Since then it has grown and developed and now I am starting it through my school as an independent research project.

the plan of action:

My plan of action is to get a fiscal sponsorship while the 501 c3 is getting approved, and make the totebags and recieves donations. The organization would start benefitting children in the Central Texas location, and as it grows with more support and volunteers I plan to expand this range of benifit until it is nation-wide.

how you can get involved:

Others can help by sending supplies to make the tote bags, donating duffel bags and backpacks, as well as things to put into them like school supplies and hygiene products, and also money as well. They can also volunteer their time by making tote bags themselves. Once the organization is officially a 501 c3, I plan to have sew-a-thons where volunteers can come help in the process of sewing totebags together for the foster kids.

project updates:

Submitted by ChanB12 on Tue, 02/07/2012 - 18:21

the problem:

The problem I am trying to solve is poverty by donating jeans to anyone who needs something to wear because so many people need shelter and clothing is a form of that.

vital stats:

people impacted:

people involved:

why it's important:

This project is important to me because I did not know that the majority of homeless people were teenagers just like me and that the first thing that they ask for when coming to a shelter is jeans. In America, that is the basis of what we wear. I am blessed to be able to buy a pair of jeans, so I want to also bless someone who is less fortunate by giving them a nice pair of jeans to wear also. I would never want to see a teen or anyone be homeless or clothes less; this is why I felt in my heart to be a part of Teens for Jeans.

the plan of action:

My plan of action is to continue to collect as many jeans as possible at school and in my community via church, friends and family to donate to people who are homeless and less fortunate before the deadline of February 12. This alone will impact so many people by showing that there are people who care and that there is hope even in a pair of jeans.

how you can get involved:

n/a

project updates:

Submitted by jlc226 on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 21:16

the problem:

I am trying to solve the problem of poor education in impoverished countries such as Ghana. In an orphanage in Dodowa, I want to give the children a solid basis of education so they can hope to strive for a better life someday. I want to give them the tools and inspiration they need to succeed. I want them to know that someone is here who cares about them and wants them to do well not just academically, but in life. I plan to start a scholarship program for a fourteen year old girl in this orphanage who wants to go to medical school after running away from an abusive home. She told me that she does't think she will be able to because of financial reasons (the orphanage can barely pay for food let alone college). I want to give her the chance that so many people in America take for granted. I want to give her the opportunity to succeed and achieve her dreams.

vital stats:

people impacted:

people involved:

why it's important:

This is important to me because being adopted, I feel close to these children. I feel that if I was not adopted, I could have been just like them. I could have been living in an orphanage or aborted before I was born. I feel lucky to even be alive and to be blessed with the life that I have. I want to share my opportunities and education with those who need it the most.

the plan of action:

I will speak with a local newspaper very soon to try to get an article published about this scholarship program. I want people to know this young girl, Rosemary's, story. I want others to understand the horrible things that she went through in hopes of them being inspired by her strength. I will accept donations and put them aside in a special account for her. Because she knows nothing of my plans to do this, I will surprise her on my next trip to Ghana with the scholarship money and give her the hope and tools that she so desperately wants to succeed.

how you can get involved:

Others can help by donating to the Rosemary Scholarship Fund.

project updates:

Submitted by AlejandroV on Sat, 02/04/2012 - 19:00

the problem:

From a young age mostly poor kids start getting into inappropriate lifestyles for their age, such as having to work in rough environments or getting involved in illegal activities. I truly believe that besides education and family, children are influenced by the toys they have. If a child do not have any toys their mind will fall into many directions, but if a kid has something to play with their mind will be just imagining positively.

vital stats:

people impacted:

230

people involved:

why it's important:

What it is important for me is that there is less criminals walking in the street and to share a one of my favorite festivities with kids that are not as lucky as I am. I love to help people, and it is a great experience to see how the children react to the presents you give him. In a way, I felt I was Santa Claus, spreading love and happiness throughout a community trying to make a change in someone’s life.

the plan of action:

My plan of action was to collect used toys and buy candies from thanksgiving to December 18th. I spread the word in my family and friends. Little by little people donated used toys in good conditions that they didn’t wanted. Then I clean them and pack them before Christmas and in the 24th in the morning I went to a poor community and give presents to random kids to show them that there is hope in life and that nothing is impossible to achieve.

how you can get involved:

In my project everyone can help! All types of donations are accepted, the only requirement is that they are toys or objects in good condition so that other kids can use them. If you do not have any toys to donate, but you are willing to give money it is accepted too. Money is used to buy presents, but mostly it is used to buy necessary items like soap, shoes or food to help the poor families.

project updates:

1 comment

Submitted by zenith@carolina... on Sat, 02/04/2012 - 06:48

the problem:

My project's goal is provide a sense of security to children who are in situations that are frightening and difficult. I am hoping that what I do provides some hope and comfort for a child who is suffering.

vital stats:

people impacted:

3,000

people involved:

why it's important:

I believe that to have a better world we have to take care of the children of the world. Children in difficult situations can develop insecurity, low morale and even anger for the world. Even a small act of kindness might reverse some of these negative effects.

the plan of action:

I joined the SAFE organization and opened the only SAFE chapter in my city. People are encouraged to send in their no longer wanted stuffed animals. I also hold drives in my town, at my former elementary school. Once I receive the animals, I inspect them, clean the ones that need it and get them organized for donation. I then make contacts with various organizations in town. I have a routine drop off at the Emergency Housing. During Christmas I work with Toys for Tots and I have a contact in the police department who uses these toys for children in domestic violence, crimes and fires. I have now partnering with a girl scout troupe to give them an opportunity to volunteer on my project.

how you can get involved:

So far, I have donated over 3000 stuffed animals to my community, Jamaica and to Guatemala. I provided over 400 beenie babies to an impoverished church in our community. Others can help by finding a SAFE chapter in their community and bring those unwanted stuffed animals so that they can bring comfort to children everywhere!

project updates:

Submitted by mcwilliams65 on Fri, 02/03/2012 - 21:22

the problem:

Our mission is to put clean safe water within reasonable access of every person in the Republic of South Sudan. The people in the South Sudan have little clean drinking water, and we wish to fix that. With every penny, we get one step closer to another well.

vital stats:

people impacted:

1,000

people involved:

why it's important:

I've been working with this organization for the past 4 years. Every year my school organizes a walk to raise money for Water Is Basic. The leaders of the organization are truly amazing people and inspiring as well. I personally have been working to help others in places such as Sudan and Kenya for years.

the plan of action:

In previous years, we have organized a walk at my school, and to walk you must pay 5 dollars. We also make T shirts and sell them at the work in order raise money as well. Every quarter mile or so we have a water station for the walkers to help them out, and our group cheers for them along their entire walk! We only do about 2 miles in order to keep it short and sweet, but the money we raise is amazing! By offering volunteer hours at your school, you also get more people to participate!

how you can get involved:

Anyone can help! People can cheer during the walk, work a water station, help sell shirts, or work with the money! It's amazing!

project updates:

Submitted by yefreeman on Wed, 02/01/2012 - 23:37

the problem:

Encouraging Youth Volunteerism to improve human services in our community for the underserved

vital stats:

people impacted:

1,500

people involved:

100

why it's important:

Our youth can have a huge impact by volunteering in non-profit agencies. We have seen the success in Okaloosa County

the plan of action:

I created a Youth Volunteer Organization called Youth United.United Way loved the idea of a Youth based program to encourage volunteerism and promote leadership development.

how you can get involved:

Volunteer in your community!

project updates:

Submitted by orangechicken4ever on Wed, 02/01/2012 - 22:32

the problem:

1 in 8 homeless people in the U.S. is under the age of 18

vital stats:

people impacted:

people involved:

why it's important:

Living in a relatively affluent community, the realities of teen pregnancy and homelessness are not often thought about.

the plan of action:

Offer an ice cream party to the homeroom class that collects the most jeans. By offering an incentive we are hoping to get more people motivated to help.

how you can get involved:

n/a