The past few weeks I've been having a blast purchasing gifts for the children we are sponsoring. I have to say that $60 does not go as far as I thought. I’m grateful for all of the people who have been purchasing candy for this project since that has allowed me to stretch my purchases even more. In total we raised $832 of which $262 was from candy sales.

The wrapping and packaging is all done (not so much fun) and I dropped off all the remaining items on Thursday at the OSC headquarters. They were all so helpful and organized so it made the drop off very easy.

I was amazed to see how many packages were there for all the different locations throughout the state. It was also cool so see just how many people also drop off homemade items like hats and mittens. I’m sure any young kid who doesn’t have a great family life and may not even have grandparents would love to receive these items.

I am very proud to be part of this program and to see what wonderful and caring sponsors exist in NH. Though I have had a roller coaster of emotions throughout this process I will ALWAYS participate in this program one way or another.

Thanks to all my sponsors and for the volunteers at OSC for making this a successful senior project, where we sponsored 16 children in total.

Great news, I received 20.50 point towards the OSC fundingfactory recycling program. I sent in over 40 items and have received credit for 12 items so far. Waiting for them to add the other items to my account. This is a great program but its too bad no one really knows it exists. If more people knew that they could help children without spending a penny I'm sure more people would. I would think that most household in NH have a printer or two, if not many business in the area do and probably throw these items away.

Wow, shopping for 11 children was a blast. It was a really great experience. It's interesting that most of the case sheets show that the kids only want a few toys.  Almost all of the kids though need clothes especially winter jackets and snow pants.  Though $60 doesn’t really go far these days, when the sales are on it's amazing how much more you can get.

This week I also spent 3 hours at the SEA headquarters helping match sponsors to case sheets. Again, each time that I read these case sheets I'm amazed that there are so many children in NH in need of basic necessities like pants, shirts, pjs. We need to get the word out that kids right here in NH need help. I'm not really sure people know just how many children are in need.

Yesterday I received some of my case sheets and wanted to share with you a little bit about the kids we will be helping this year.

2 ½ year old girl – Lives with her parents at “nana’s house” because both parent were laid off within 3 weeks of each other.

4 year old boy – Was diagnosed with PPD (a form of autism) this past spring. His mother is a single mother and struggled with the reality of this diagnosis and arranged to have the child live somewhere else. 

That placement did not work so he was placed in foster care. His mother is now making an effort to regain custody and care for him.

4 year old boy – Lives with single mother, has moved a lot father has no contact. Very busy curious child who loves to be outside.

18 mo girl – Lives with single mom at fathers parent’s house. Dad is incarcerated in California.

 
You can't read these and not feel a huge tug at your heart, at least I can't! Reading these also makes me proud to be part of a group of people who want to make a difference and help these families.

This week I will be working at the SEA Headquarters helping match sponsors to case sheets. I will blog at the end of the week to let you know how the matching of the case sheets go.

I have set a goal to raise money to sponsor 10 children this year. To do that I have asked for donations from friends and family, I'm selling candy at my parents work and I'm asking for old phones and ink cartridges. Through the fundingfactory.com organization the SIEU - Operations Santa Claus is given money for each recycled item. 

My first kick-off event was at the Bow High School Open House on September 24th. There I raise approximately $190. I have also raised $370 from friends and family and an additional $115 in candy sales. I have over 13 phones and 18 cartridges which will bring me beyond my goal of 10 children....yeah.

Since there are so many kids in need I am going to keep going and see how much more I can raise so that the OSC can help as many kids as possible. It would be great to get the word out to other students throughout the state so that they knew that they too can help make a difference in the lives of children in NH.

My next few updates will let you know where I'm at in passing my goal

For years my family has participated in Operation Santa Claus by sponsoring three children, one for each of us kids. When I was younger it was a lot of fun buying the gift for the kids but to be honest I really didn't understand the reason behind it I just had fun buying things for other people. Well, last year, my experience changed. When we were checking out of the store we asked if there would be discounts for buying for this program. The answer was no but to my surprise the cashier started to cry and began thanking us for what we were doing. It so happens that her family had received gifts from this program and she was very appreciative of what we were doing. From that moment on I knew that I had to work this into my Senior Project.