Make your heart feel good :)

Hi Friends of Maneeza,

About a week ago I posted the following Status:  

"Can one of my friends direct me to any refugee families or organizations that are trustworthy that I can support with a donation? I would especially like to see some kids get help. A few friends and I have some $$ we want to do our hearts some good. Facebook friends, if you want to join, message me directly, I'll let you know when I locate something."

All of you who were contacted, wanted to help!  You guys are great. . . . 

1.  It is me Maneeza, not a spam link :)

2.  I did some research, and while all the orgs seemed great the group I decided to support is this one:

https://www.facebook.com/events/442216709295746/

They are partnering with the Internaitonal Refugee committee. 


Here is how I decided:

1.  I am already on the board of a great org that helps orphans and Widows (Childrenofwar.org), I wanted an effort that specifically was helping Refugees ... hence why I searched for a new organization.

2.  I wanted to make sure this would help ANY Refugee .. regardless of Country of Origin or Religion.  This one does.  So even though it is through an Islamic Center, ANY refugee is getting help.  This is why they need translators etc as well

3.  I wanted to see where the money was going.  This is resettlement efforts in Oakland California.  We can even go visit those we are helping.   That is important as we can always write a check.  But for those who want, you can also visit the families.

4.  I wanted the folks involved to be trustworthy.  My two friends who are spear heading this effort I have known for about 15 years.  They are good people.  I didn't even know they were working on this!

5.  I wanted the effort to allow for more than just monetary donations.  This one does .. please see form below: 

6.  I wanted to make sure the donation was tax deductable .. which it is. . .  IMPORTANT:  If you need your own individual tax receipt, you should donate directly.  If you don't care, donate through this site and I will make a bulk donation.  (if you donate, please tell me how much so I can keep track of our total :))  You don't have to, but I would love to know.

So friends, here are your choices:

1.  You can donate anonymously or known through this Gofundme website.  And I will make a bulk donation on our behalf . . . This is for those of you who just want to send some money and make your heart feel better.

2.  If you would rather donate directly .. go for it!  The point is to help them, that is all :)

Here is a FORM  to help you with all kinds of donations:
Link to interest and donation links


3.  If you would rather donate something other than money ... do that too!

4.  If you don't like this org for some reason donate to any of the other ones that were pinged on my post .. Just take a minute and please do donate.

This initiative inspired me.  It makes me want to do more.  I will let you know next time :)

Thank you!
Maneeza