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Helping Out The Underprivleged


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so i watched some video today about the poorest city in america and the lives of some of the kids in it. it was really sad and i felt really bad and feel like i take so much shit for granted. it made me want to give back to the community, but not just by like giving money to a charity. i want to actually do stuff, maybe find a really nice family who is in need of some money, and help an individual family out. I want to be able to see the smiles on peoples faces when i help them out......idk, just throwing out whats in my head right now....anyone do any type of charity work? anyone interested in starting to do some? any ideas?idk today i just realized that helping out others makes me soooo happy. I would love the feeling I would get if I helped a struggling family get on their feet to improve their lives.maybe this could lead to running an organization to help the less fortunate, maybe it will just lead to me helping out a few times or donating a few bucks to some causei wold just like to hear some thoughts from people...maybe we could organize something to do during wsop, who knowsposted this on pokerhaus too...

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When I was in high-school I did some Big Brother/Big Sister type stuff, basically spend some afternoons hanging out with some children who didn't have a family and needed some guidance. I enjoyed it and would do it again, kudos to anyone involved in any type of charity.

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When I was in high-school I did some Big Brother/Big Sister type stuff, basically spend some afternoons hanging out with some children who didn't have a family and needed some guidance. I enjoyed it and would do it again, kudos to anyone involved in any type of charity.
ya big brother/big sister seems like something i would be interested in...ill have to look into that
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i know around here, there are a couple of local charities that you can sponsor a family with. This happens mostly at xmas, but you would basically donate "x" amount of dollars for their turkey dinner groceries and presents for the kids. When i was in school, we had done soemthing similar as a classroom project.BigBrothers/BigSisters is also an awesome idea. there are alot of kids out there that just need someone to spend some time with, a positive influence and someone they can trust/confide it for guidance.I'm sure your local shelter/foodbank could also use some help, maybe serving lunch/dinner once in a while.

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Good post NNB, this is something I'm very passionate about as well and spend a lot of my time doing. I am totally down for helping put something together.The biggest thing I currently do is work with the Autism Society since my son HAD Autism and the people there that helped us were fantastic. I mainly just talk to new parents going through the same thing and provide insight on what we did with my son and mainly lend an ear and hope. Even had the privledge of talking with a few FCP'ers about this over the phone.My biggest time investment by far is with youth sports. I run our local softball league which has about 200 girls and takes up pretty much the entire spring, plus I coach both my kids teams. Not really a charity, but certainly an investment into the community and children.A thing I used to do every weekend that I loved, but have not done so much lately is working with local ministries in 'the projects' basically walking around, picking up children, walking them to a bible school type service, feeding them snacks etc and taking them back home. I can't describe how awesome it feels to see some of these kids who are in such ridiculous situations and circumstances that you wonder if they will ever make it out of the projects. We stopped doing 'garage sales' about 3 years ago and donate all of our clothing, furniture and toys to Goodwill.My wife has always wanted to help build a house for Habitat for Humanity and that is something we are planning on doing this year.The only two charities outside of the Autism Society that I financially support are the Firefighters and Police Department because I just believe in what they are doing is so important and their pay sucks.Another passion that I have found is I have a limited ability to do basic web design so I have been able to help a few local charities by doing free websites. Most recently I finished a website for a yearly Memorial Day 5K/10K run where all funds support a local Crisis Pregnancy Center.Oh yeah, and I donate my time here on FCP for a lot of donkeys organizing silly online tournaments and things. And I DONATE to some people on Poker Stars from time to time.

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so i watched some video today about the poorest city in america and the lives of some of the kids in it. it was really sad and i felt really bad and feel like i take so much shit for granted. it made me want to give back to the community, but not just by like giving money to a charity. i want to actually do stuff, maybe find a really nice family who is in need of some money, and help an individual family out. I want to be able to see the smiles on peoples faces when i help them out......idk, just throwing out whats in my head right now....anyone do any type of charity work? anyone interested in starting to do some? any ideas?idk today i just realized that helping out others makes me soooo happy. I would love the feeling I would get if I helped a struggling family get on their feet to improve their lives.maybe this could lead to running an organization to help the less fortunate, maybe it will just lead to me helping out a few times or donating a few bucks to some causei wold just like to hear some thoughts from people...maybe we could organize something to do during wsop, who knowsposted this on pokerhaus too...
Big Brothers/Big Sisters -- good idea. But realize you are becoming a part of that kid's family and to do it right, you have to become someone (usually THE ONE) they rely on. Know your responsibility to them. It's a great idea, BTW.Local animal shelter -- they are usually short staffed everywhere. OBV you have to like animals.Festivals / community events -- arts festivals, music festivals, etc. always need helpzoo, museum, art center, historical society, etc. -- all rely on volunteersschools -- they always need volunteers churches -- ask what you can doRed Cross -- obvHabitat for Humanity -- laborLocal conservation district / parks dept / env. organizations -- if you like the outdoors, they will find something for you to dospecial needs / human service -- from special needs residences to special needs schools and your local / county human services departments, special needs resource agencies and charities are chronically understaffed. Elder assistance -- from simple (rides to grocery stores) to complex (in home assistance) there IS someone in your community (prob on your block) that could really use your help and would be ecstatic for your simple company. That's off the top of my head. From time to time, we all need to think about our good fortune and our obligations to share it with others in the form of time and human caring. (/soapbox)
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Good post NNB, this is something I'm very passionate about as well and spend a lot of my time doing. I am totally down for helping put something together.The biggest thing I currently do is work with the Autism Society since my son HAD Autism and the people there that helped us were fantastic. I mainly just talk to new parents going through the same thing and provide insight on what we did with my son and mainly lend an ear and hope. Even had the privledge of talking with a few FCP'ers about this over the phone.My biggest time investment by far is with youth sports. I run our local softball league which has about 200 girls and takes up pretty much the entire spring, plus I coach both my kids teams. Not really a charity, but certainly an investment into the community and children.A thing I used to do every weekend that I loved, but have not done so much lately is working with local ministries in 'the projects' basically walking around, picking up children, walking them to a bible school type service, feeding them snacks etc and taking them back home. I can't describe how awesome it feels to see some of these kids who are in such ridiculous situations and circumstances that you wonder if they will ever make it out of the projects. We stopped doing 'garage sales' about 3 years ago and donate all of our clothing, furniture and toys to Goodwill.My wife has always wanted to help build a house for Habitat for Humanity and that is something we are planning on doing this year.The only two charities outside of the Autism Society that I financially support are the Firefighters and Police Department because I just believe in what they are doing is so important and their pay sucks.Another passion that I have found is I have a limited ability to do basic web design so I have been able to help a few local charities by doing free websites. Most recently I finished a website for a yearly Memorial Day 5K/10K run where all funds support a local Crisis Pregnancy Center.Oh yeah, and I donate my time here on FCP for a lot of donkeys organizing silly online tournaments and things. And I DONATE to some people on Poker Stars from time to time.
If I didnt take a phone call just now, I would have been first. Nice post.
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so i watched some video today about the poorest city in america and the lives of some of the kids in it. it was really sad and i felt really bad and feel like i take so much shit for granted. it made me want to give back to the community, but not just by like giving money to a charity. i want to actually do stuff, maybe find a really nice family who is in need of some money, and help an individual family out. I want to be able to see the smiles on peoples faces when i help them out......idk, just throwing out whats in my head right now....anyone do any type of charity work? anyone interested in starting to do some? any ideas?idk today i just realized that helping out others makes me soooo happy. I would love the feeling I would get if I helped a struggling family get on their feet to improve their lives.maybe this could lead to running an organization to help the less fortunate, maybe it will just lead to me helping out a few times or donating a few bucks to some causei wold just like to hear some thoughts from people...maybe we could organize something to do during wsop, who knowsposted this on pokerhaus too...
agree with all of this but esp this, even tho its kinda backwards selfish but not rly w/e. Id def be down to help organize, toss out ideas etc. The majority of Gainesville that isn't student-related is super poor and Ive looked into the big brother stuff, just havent pulled the trigger yet.
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agree with all of this but esp this, even tho its kinda backwards selfish but not rly w/e. Id def be down to help organize, toss out ideas etc. The majority of Gainesville that isn't student-related is super poor and Ive looked into the big brother stuff, just havent pulled the trigger yet.
It just became premeditated. Enjoy life in prison.
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Good on ya NNB.MtDesmoines posted:special needs / human service -- from special needs residences to special needs schools and your local / county human services departments, special needs resource agencies and charities are chronically understaffed. Elder assistance -- from simple (rides to grocery stores) to complex (in home assistance) there IS someone in your community (prob on your block) that could really use your help and would be ecstatic for your simple company. This^^^^

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Weird. I was thinking of posting the same thing in a thread lately so i'm glad it came up.As far as money goes, what would be the mostwhile charity and why? I realize everyonehas there own do to personal or family issues so include them as well and say why.

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Good post. When I was going through high school I was involved in programs that mentored younger kids from bad homes and volunteered at a special needs camp during the summer. As I got into the work force in a management setting I always tried to host a charity event every year and offered the services of my restaurant at no cost to multiple causes. I've always found the act of being selfless kind of selfish personally as I take a ton of joy out of it. I intended to do more as I got older but some how life got in the way and have spent a lot of time thinking about it and talking about it with friends recently. I'm a big believer in what you said and would much rather find a way(s) to help people other then just sending a check and am hopeful that I will soon get back to a place where I can do more of this.In fact this is my lotto dream that I share with people whenever we have the what would you do if you won conversations as I'd like nothing more then to be able to walk into the childrens hospital/cancer ward and give families money to help them through the process.

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Awesome post NNB, and it's great to hear other stories as well. Hospitals are always looking for help of volunteers's especially now with the nursing shortage. Even at places like old age homes or foster homes with foster families. As well as Mental Health Care Centers. Our unit adopts a poor family each Christmas we buy food, clothing and gifts, when we take it out to there homes the smiles on the faces as well as the tears just melts your heart. I do volunteer with a few different projects around the mental health field and crisis centers. I use to coach a girls softball team would like to get back into that once I get fit again.

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NNB has been indirectly helping many underprivleged poker players over the last few months amirite? :)But on a serious note, this is a great post we should always try and keep our eyes open to those around us who struggle on day to day basis.

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so i watched some video today about the poorest city in america and the lives of some of the kids in it. it was really sad and i felt really bad and feel like i take so much shit for granted. it made me want to give back to the community, but not just by like giving money to a charity. i want to actually do stuff, maybe find a really nice family who is in need of some money, and help an individual family out. I want to be able to see the smiles on peoples faces when i help them out......idk, just throwing out whats in my head right now....anyone do any type of charity work? anyone interested in starting to do some? any ideas?idk today i just realized that helping out others makes me soooo happy. I would love the feeling I would get if I helped a struggling family get on their feet to improve their lives.maybe this could lead to running an organization to help the less fortunate, maybe it will just lead to me helping out a few times or donating a few bucks to some causei wold just like to hear some thoughts from people...maybe we could organize something to do during wsop, who knowsposted this on pokerhaus too...
i coached a basketball team in an autistic league and it was one of the most rewarding things ive ever done..i think its awesome youre lookin to do some good..gl
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Part of my job is to create ways to connecting people like NNB with the service opportunities they're looking for. My main advice:* Don't start your own organization. Someone near you is doing the same thing. It wastes resources to duplicate efforts. Partner with them or offer your skills and time instead.* The most important thing is to just try something. It might not be the right fit, but it will give you momentum.* The library is a really easy place to volunteer, especially for people like us who have strong computer skills. Libraries often have "learn how to use a computer" classes and tutoring. It's very easy to participate as a tutor, and your help is super appreciated. Rose's recommendation of the library is good too.* If you know people in small nonprofits with no staff - arts organizations are frequently in this situation - they probably lack the volunteer support they need. But keep in mind that they probably also won't be as organized, so bear with them.* If you have management experience, coaching a nonprofit board of directors on governance, strategic planning, or fundraising is really rewarding.* Sometimes simply introducing a nonprofit to a potential supporter shifts their entire future. Know someone at a corporation with community-minded interests? Introduce them to your favorite nonprofit. Know someone with money? Tell them about your favorite nonprofit and why you are hoping they build their base of support.* Sites like VolunteerMatch, HandsOn and Idealist are good ways to connect with organizations in need.* There are an infinite number of ways to serve. Volunteering is only one. Donating, sharing your skills, advocating for causes you believe in and even smaller things like using less water or energy are all ways to strengthen your community.

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Part of my job is to create ways to connecting people like NNB with the service opportunities they're looking for. My main advice:* Don't start your own organization. Someone near you is doing the same thing. It wastes resources to duplicate efforts. Partner with them or offer your skills and time instead.* The most important thing is to just try something. It might not be the right fit, but it will give you momentum.* The library is a really easy place to volunteer, especially for people like us who have strong computer skills. Libraries often have "learn how to use a computer" classes and tutoring. It's very easy to participate as a tutor, and your help is super appreciated. Rose's recommendation of the library is good too.* If you know people in small nonprofits with no staff - arts organizations are frequently in this situation - they probably lack the volunteer support they need. But keep in mind that they probably also won't be as organized, so bear with them.* If you have management experience, coaching a nonprofit board of directors on governance, strategic planning, or fundraising is really rewarding.* Sometimes simply introducing a nonprofit to a potential supporter shifts their entire future. Know someone at a corporation with community-minded interests? Introduce them to your favorite nonprofit. Know someone with money? Tell them about your favorite nonprofit and why you are hoping they build their base of support.* Sites like VolunteerMatch, HandsOn and Idealist are good ways to connect with organizations in need.* There are an infinite number of ways to serve. Volunteering is only one. Donating, sharing your skills, advocating for causes you believe in and even smaller things like using less water or energy are all ways to strengthen your community.
thx for this post and thanks everyone for their contributionsi think what I am leading towards now is going somewhere after wsop and spending some time there to help out. All this stuff sounds good, but I want to be hands on and I want to help people that are REALLY in a rut and have a direct influence on them.
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