We would like everyone to meet (if you haven’t met already) our friends at Project Cuddle! They are a very deserving and worthwhile charity that helps prevent baby abandonment and has helped save the lives of hundreds of babies since its inception 10 years ago.

Please check out their website at www.projectcuddle.org and show your support!

Also, through January 31, 2007, BabySwap will be donating 15% of the proceeds we receive from all our service provider listings to Project Cuddle. To sign up through BabySwap, please visit our website at www.babyswap.net.

Thanks for swapping!

Laura and Scott

My pick this week is from Lena’s Notebook (yes, that’s me).

We are now selling a long-sleeved version of the “Just Tryin’ To Matter Tee.”

I am so excited because ALL PROCEEDS from the sale of this shirt and the short-sleeved version, from now until the end of October, will be donated to the fight against breast cancer, specifically, to The Judy Ride Foundation(www.judyride.org). Read the rest »

Wear a blue wristband and help people with Cystic Fibrosis breathe easier. Show your support for the 30,000 people with CF by wearing this bright blue rubber wristband and raising awareness for the need for a cure. Money generated from the distribution of these “Breathe” bracelets will support the vital research and care programs of the CF Foundation. The word “Breathe” and www.cff.org” appear in block letters on the wristband. Buy wristbands here. $2 each, 10 wristbands minimum.

In 2003, the Komen Foundation celebrated the 20^th anniversary of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Race for the Cure®, the largest series of 5K runs/fitness walks in the world. Nearly 1.4 million people are expected to participate in more than 100 races in 2005.The Komen Race for the Cure® Series raises significant funds and awareness for the fight against breast cancer, celebrates breast cancer survivorship, and honors those who have lost their battle with the disease. Learn more about the race on The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation website.

Here’s a picture of one Clever Parent who recently ran in the Knoxville, Tennessee Race for the Cure.

- Caroline, mom to Anastasia, 2 (and expecting #2 in a few short months) having just completed the October 2005 Knoxville, Tennessee Race for the Cure

American Cancer Society
www.cancer.org
Stated Purpose: “to [eliminate] cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, [save] lives, and [diminish] suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and service.”American Heart Association
www.americanheart.org
Stated Purpose: “the reduction of disability and death from cardiovascular diseases and stroke.”

American Lung Association
www.lungusa.org
Stated Purpose: “to prevent lung disease and promote lung health.”

American Red Cross August 2005
www.redcross.org
Stated Purpose: “to provide relief to victims of disaster and help people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies.”

AmeriCares Foundation
www.americares.org
Stated Purpose: “to provide emergency medical and other disaster relief aid to areas throughout the world”

Arthritis Foundation
www.arthritis.org

CARE USA
www.careusa.org
Stated Purpose: “to serve individuals and families in the poorest communities in the world.”

Helen Keller International
www.hki.org
Stated Purpose: “to save the sight and lives of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged; and to combat the causes and consequences of blindness and malnutrition by establishing programs based on evidence and research in vision, health and nutrition.”

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
www.cff.org
Stated Purpose: “to assure the development of the means to cure and control cystic fibrosis and to improve the quality of life for those with the disease.”

Doctors Without Borders USA
www.doctorswithoutborders.org
Stated Purpose: “to deliver emergency aid to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, natural and man-made disasters, and exclusion from health care in more than 70 countries.”

Food for the Hungry
www.fh.org

Goodwill Industries International
www.goodwill.
Stated Purpose: “to enhance the quality and dignity of life for individuals, families, and communities on a global basis, through the power of work, by eliminating barriers to opportunity for people with special needs, and by facilitating empowerment, self-help, and service through dedicated, autonomous local organizations.”

Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind
www.guidedog.
Stated Purpose: “to assist the blind; to breed and train guide dogs; to train the blind to use these guide dogs; to do everything necessary or desirable to improve the independence of the blind and educating the public about opportunities for the blind in our society.”

Habitat for Humanity International
www.habitat.
Stated Purpose: [to work] “in partnership with God and people everywhere, to develop communities with people in need by building and renovating houses so that there are decent houses in decent communities in which people can live and grow into all that God intended.”

HOPE Worldwide
www.hopeww.org
Stated Purpose: “to strive to prevent poverty, care for the needy and empower individuals, communities and institutions to rise out of their situations.”

Humane Society of the United States
www.hsus.org
Stated Purpose: “to create a humane and sustainable world for all animals, including people, through education, advocacy, and the promotion of respect and compassion.”

International Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinemia Foundation
www.iwmf.com
The purpose of the Foundation is to provide information, resources, a communications network, and experience on how to live with WM, plus encouragement to those affected by this rare and incurable blood cancer.

Lance Armstrong Foundation
www.laf.org
Stated Purpose: “to enhance the quality of life for those living with, through and beyond cancer…to promote the optimal physical, psychological and social recovery and care of cancer survivors and their loved ones.”

Multiple Sclerosis Foundation January 2005
www.msfocus.org
Stated Purpose: “to strive to ensure the best quallity of life for those coping with multiple sclerosis through the development of support services…”

Muscular Dystrophy Association
www.mdausa.org
Stated Purpose: “to support worldwide research at hundreds of universities and hospitals to find the causes and cures or effective treatments for 40 neuromuscular diseases.”

Oprah’s Angel Network August 2005
www.oprahsangelnetwork.org
Stated Purpose: “inspiring people to make a difference in the lives of others…seeking to support and fund organizations and individuals dedicated to assisting people with basic human needs, regaining dignity, and educational initiatives

Oxfam America
www.oxfamamerica.org
Stated Purpose: “to create lasting solutions to hunger, poverty and social injustice through long-term partnerships with poor communities around the world.”

Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
www.komen.org
Stated Purpose: “to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease by advancing research, education, screening, and treatment.”

United Cerebral Palsy Associations
www.ucp.org

United States Fund for UNICEF
www.unicefusa.org
Stated Purpose: “to promote the survival, protection, and development of children worldwide through fundraising, education, and advocacy.”

United Way of America
www.unitedway.org
Stated Purpose: “to improve people’s lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities.”

Volunteers of America, Inc. - National Office
www.volunteersofamerica.org
Stated Purpose: “to reach and uplift all people and bring them to the knowledge and active service of God by serving people and communities in need and creating opportunities for people to experience the joy of serving others.”