Get in on the Giving with your Family

Why Me and Sherry's House needs your Shaw's receipts.

Let's start the holiday season before Thanksgiving this year by reaching out to help children and families in need.

baystateparent wants to make a difference! We've listed five charities that need some extra support this holiday season. Do you know of others? How does your family help?

Please email your recommendations and family stories to Carrie Wattu at editor@baystateparent.com by December 1.

In the meantime, get in on the giving!

Jen's Jackets, Franklin

Jen Ballarino was a substitute teacher who couldn't bear to see her kids coming to school without coats or warm clothes in the middle of winter, so she often bought clothes for them.

Ballarino, a Franklin native, died of brain cancer in May 2008, but her love for children continues through her namesake charity, founded by family members Ken and Lindy Conroe.

Jen's Jackets collects and donates winter clothing for children and adults and distributes them to three family shelters in Holyoke. Together, these shelters service nearly 300 children. Because of the tough economy, there will be an even greater need this winter.

The Jorge Family Benefit is on November 21 at the Portuguese Club in Hudson.

Clean, gently worn winter coats, ski/snow pants, boots, hats, mittens and scarves are desperately needed as well as clothing for infants through adults.

For drop-off information, please contact Lindy Conroe at jensjackets@yahoo.com

The Jorge Family, Ayer

(Please see baystateparent's feature story on the Jorge Family on page 32 of this month's issue).

The life-long medical and rehabilitation costs of the Jorge's terrible ordeal with flesheating bacteria are astronomical, and far beyond what their family can endure alone. To say they need help is an understatement.

Please donate a raffle or silent auction item for the Jorges' November 21 benefit at the Portuguese Club in Hudson. One hundred percent of all money generated will go directly to Monica Jorge and her family.

If you wish to make a direct financial contribution, you can do so by donating to "The Monica S Jorge Fund" at Sovereign Bank. (EIN Tax ID # 61-1569551).

For more information, call 774-551- 6800 or visit http://www.myspace.com/spaceformonica

The African Community Education Program (ACE), Worcester

ACE runs a Saturday school for African immigrant and refugee children. The program offers help with English and math, homework and school projects. It also sponsors fun and educational field trips.

ACE directly benefits the children, and indirectly their families, as kids do better in school and feel a sense of community.

This year, ACE needs boys and girls warm winter clothes, footwear and outdoor gear (coats, hats, mittens) for ages 10-19. Used items are welcome! Drop off donations at the front desk of Catholic Charities in Worcester, where ACE's Director, Kaska Yawo, works during the week. Please specify that it's for "ACE."

Email acechildren@gmail.com or contact the director, Kaska Yawo, at 508-395-8001 if you'd like to donate your time, talent or funds to the program.

DCF Kids Fund, Massachusetts

The Department of Children and Family Services' (formerly known as DSS) goal is to provide basic necessities and enrichment opportunities to 45,000 plus Massachusetts children.

The DCF Kids Fund is a 501c3 entity; 98 percent of your donation goes to helping the children.

Your contributions of gifts and funds will ensure that every single child in DCF care has a special and memorable holiday season.

Please make checks payable to the DCF Kids Fund, Inc., and send to: DCF Kids Fund, Inc. Ms. Saf Caruso, Executive Director 24 Farnsworth Street, B oston, Massachusetts 02210 Phone: (617) 748-2368 Email: Saf.Lerman-Caruso@state.ma.us If you have items to donate, please notify Sef Caruso.

Why Me and Sherry's House Shaw's Receipt Program, Central New England

Since 1985, Why Me has provided hundreds of Central New England children and families with the emotional and financial support they need to fight cancer. With the completion of Sherry's House, the Why Me organization is now able to provide eight bedrooms for families whose child is receiving treatment at UMass Medical Center in Worcester or at Boston area hospitals. Temporary housing is available to families from throughout the United States & Puerto Rico.

You can help this year by purchasing everyday groceries and saving the receipts. Here's how: 1. Collect register receipts from Shaw's Supermarkets and Star Markets. This includes receipts from all six New England States. Ask your friends, family, business associates, neighbors, etc. 2. Mail register receipts to Paula Mondino at Why Me, Inc., 1152 Pleasant Street, Worcester, MA 01602. Please only submit receipts dated January 30, 2007 or later. Receipts submitted from before this date will not be accepted. Please only submit "intact," original receipts. Receipts that have been torn or cut will not be accepted (credit card information can be blocked out but NOT cut off.)

In the short period of one year, Why Me raised approximately $1500 with this program. This year, with just a minimal effort, Why Me believes that they can raise even more.

For other ways that you can help, view Why Me's wish list and holiday card program at www.whyme.org. Call 508-757-7734 for more information.

Compiled by Carrie Wattu