10 year-old Santa in Central Florida: Feeding Abandoned Pets

Zach Wilson of Longwood, Florida is finally 10 years-old.  However he is not your typical 10 year-old, he is a boy that has a dream and is making it happen.

Last year we reported on this 9 year old Santa - this year at 10 years-old, Zach has stepped up his mission and is having his First Annunal Holiday Party to benefit his food pantry for animals.
With many families struggling in today's economy, many pets are being abandoned on a daily basis.  People can't afford to feed and vaccinate their pets. Zach makes it his mission to help as many needy pets and animals as possible.

The Animal Pantry of Central Florida offers several services such as:

• Pet food distribution to economically challenged, disabled, & elderly
• Spay and neuter programs
• Information and referrals about low cost veterinary care
• Help on finding pet-friendly housing
• We will continue to add services as funding/donations permit

Can you help build his dream?  Learn more about Central Florida Animal Pantry and if you can help, please donate.  Donations needed are not only monetary, there may be a skill you have or even office supplies!  Check out their list. Central Florida Animal Pantry is a non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization.  Your donations are tax deductible.

Follow Zach and his mission on Twitter and Facebook!

Read more.

Sue Scheff: Walk With Me Broward - Walk for a Good Cause

As many celebrate this Easter season, there are many people that suffer with disabilities and have silently suffer. The mission of Easter Seals South Florida  is to provide exceptional services to ensure that all children and adults with disabilities or special needs and their families have equal opportunities to live, learn, work and play in their communities.

Easter Seals has many events to raise money and awareness to those with disabilities. Coming soon is Walk With Me Broward 2010! This is a great experience for the entire family. On April 24th, 2010 at Markum Park in Weston, there will be a 5K Family Fun Walk.

Registration begins at 8:00am and the walk begins at 9:00am.

Money raised through Easter Seals Walk With Me will support a variety of local services in South Florida including: Children's Therapy Services; programs for children with autism spectrum disorder; Child Development Center; Culinary Arts High School program; Adult Day Care for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and memory loss; and in-home respite care.

For more information contact Paula Mejia at 305.547.4713 or pmejia@sfl.easterseals.com .

If you are located in Dade County, keep May 15th, 2010 open for Easter Seals Walk With Me Miami 2010.

Read more - click here.

Sue Scheff: Students Offering Support, Inc.

SOS means a lot of things to different people, however in South Florida, SOS is Students Offering Support which is a non-profit organization designed to bring a positive impact into our community through charitable causes and much more.

Recently SOS sponsored "Bowling Against Bullies" to help the Josie Ratley family with their major medical expenses from the tragic incident that happened last week. 8th grader Josie Lou Ratley was a victim of what some are calling, text rage. She is currently in a medically induced coma at Broward General Hospital in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

"Violence is not the answer," said Laura Sanchez Slik (pictured in slideshow), President a non-profit youth organization (SOS) sponsoring the event. "We're doing bowling against bullies. It was an idea that we thought of [to fight] teen violence. Teens helping teens - that's what we want to show."


"We just want to get it out there to all kids our age. It's not the way to go - violence is not the answer to everything," said Ryan Zighelboim, another organizer. - CBS4

Read more and watch slideshow - click here.

Sue Scheff: Sneakers for Students - Over 300 Smiles

At this time of the year finding stories that warm your heart helps to get you into the spirit.

In Greenville, South Carolina an entire school received the gift of generosity, compassion and a pair of New Balance sneakers to the entire student body! This wonderful donation came from NewSpring Church. About a month ago, church officials contacted Principal Leda Young and today was the magically day that put a smile on over 300 students faces.

Sadly, Alexander Elementary School is in an area of 100% poverty. NewSpring Church, with Pastor Howard Frist, handed out the new sneakers to the children today. Needless to say, this will be a Christmas they will remember for a long time.

According to WYFF4.com: "It's a very emotional day not only for students but for staff. Sometimes children don't understand circumstances they live in. We work with students daily and see the challenges. So we're happy to see students receive the shoes," said Principal Young.

Do you want to learn more about NewSpring Church? Join them on Facebook.

Merry Christmas and a great start to a fantastic New Year....

Also read on Examiner.

Sue Scheff: Give Holiday Cards that Give Back

Do you send holiday cards? Why not give cards that give back? Cards That Give is a source for charity greeting cards that give you an opportunity to give to organizations that do good all year round! Cards That Give lets you know how much of the overall cost of the cards benefits the charities, and whether that cost is tax deductible.

Are you interested animal welfare? You will find links that support the ASPCA, the Humane Society and other groups. Are you into the arts? Museums, Autism Speaks, Special Olympics, New York Botanical Gardens, American Cancer Society, and so many more! There is a complete list of charities you can choose from that participate in Cards That Give. You can also search by charity type.

Do you have a charity you that you would like to be part of Cards That Give? Review the criteria and see if you can be part of this wonderful and beneficial organization.

Take a look at the gallery of charities and cards. Check out some of the meaningful and heartfelt cards that not only will bring joy to the person receiving it, will benefit a charity.

Reminder: Holiday Safety Tips
Gifts that are priceless
Click here to subscribe to my articles.
Also on Examiner.com