It's hard to find someone who doesn't want to support efforts to relieve hunger and poverty, which continue to be a problem even in developed countries. But donating money or non-perishables to food banks, while philanthropic, can feel a bit detached—and therefore easy for consumers to overlook. Family-to-Family, a non-profit hunger relief program is looking to change that by making charity personal.
Family-to-Family links middle class or well-to-do families to less privileged counterparts in poor rural areas of the United States. There are two options for sponsoring a family. With the first option, the sponsoring family actually shops and packages shipments of food and other essential items—such as warm winter gloves, over-the-counter medicine or shampoo—once a month. Alternatively, a family may choose to send a gift certificate or check in the amount of USD 35 earmarked toward the purchase of food each month with an essential item. Families also are encouraged to write letters to get to know one another, making the mission all the more personal.
The organization, which was started with a meagre 17 names of families who desperately needed support, now serves more than 700. In the past, we’ve featured initiatives like Kiva and C4-World, both aimed at patrons in wealthy countries supporting businesses and individuals in developing nations. Unfortunately, poverty also exists in those donor countries. For example, Family-to-Family aids people in Mingo County, West Virginia where many residents do not have running water or telephones. Entrepreneurs who want to lend their business sense to making the world a little brighter for the less fortunate: take note!
Website: www.family-to-family.org
Contact: famtofamily@aol.com
Spotted by: Roderick Cremers
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I like this idea too. I have been looking for something like this or similar in Western Australia for a while. If there is any information on AU activities I'd be glad to hear it. Chris Lees
this is so great .. i always thought some of the org. sometimes doesn't meet the needs and this is tailored to meet the needs of the people... keep up the good work..
My husband passed away on April 14, 2008. Although we were seperated, but still legally married all funeral costs to my surprise are my sole finacial responsibility.{burial;transfer from San Bernardino Mortuary to Carson Cemetary; Caskets;etc.} I myself am not in good health-suffering from ephizema. Have you any assisance for someone in my position? Or have any information that could be useful to me in this situation. The mortuary will preserve my Husband, Bob, on ice for 2 weeks. I would appreciate any information, help or otherwise.
Thank You
Di Ann Church
(760)246-9368
I like this idea. It does make aid giving more personal and less corporate through a company / institution. This could also serve to teach children about poverty and need around the world in a more real way rather than in the classroom.
Mark Bowness
Mark Bowness | June 12, 2007 10:02 AM