COTE DE TEXAS: Sister, Can You Spare A Dime?

Sister, Can You Spare A Dime?

 

 

woodbourne

Woodbourne:  Donated in 1926, the main building was once the summer home of philanthropist Enoch Pratt.

 

Maybe it’s the weather – we had to turn our air conditioner back on this week.  Or, it could be the landscaping – my yard is ablaze with pink roses that just bloomed.   Or it could be that in the past two days, the leaves on the trees have finally begun to fall.   Whichever it is – I got a shock when I tried to make an appointment for hair coloring for the following Saturday.  “Sorry, we’ll be closed”  - Closed?  But why?  “It’s Christmas Eve.”

I almost fainted.  Surely, Christmas wasn’t next week?   I don’t know how it crept up on me, but it did.   Next week?   Hopefully, you are better prepared than I am for this holiday season.    One other missing clue that Christmas was just around the corner was I hadn’t heard from Meg of Pigtown Design who works at Woodbourne.   For the past two years we have written a story about donations for Woodbourne, but it wasn’t until yesterday that Meg finally contacted me to say that the video had gone live.

 

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Woodbourne located in Baltimore, was founded in 1798 to assist children who had suffered in the aftermath of the Revolutionary War.  Today, Woodbourne is a refuge for children and teenagers who need either guidance or a home.   Those referred to Woodbourne by city and state agencies have nowhere left to go for help.  These extreme cases are amongst the most difficult to treat.  They might have severe mental health issues, they might be traumatized by physical or mental abuse, or they might be suffering from drug addiction or they might come from homes where drug abuse is rampant.  Some youths seeking treatment at Woodbourne actually live there, hoping to reclaim their lives through the excellent treatment and education programs Woodbourne offers.

 

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Each Christmas, these youth are videotaped by a professional – telling what they wish for Christmas.  Their wishes are a combination of their hopes and dreams for the season, along with a plea for a particular gift.  Meg, along with others who work at Woodbourne, take these donations and go shopping – hoping to fulfill their wish. 

This year, the children produced the video themselves – which was the cause for the delay.   I realize that everyone is busy and rushing around, but I ask that you please take the time to watch this short video and if you desire to make a donation to Woodbourne.  Each and every penny raised by this video goes directly towards purchasing a gift for these young people who will not otherwise receive a gift.

Their requests are simple, most ask for what our own children have and take for granted.  One child asks for a remote control helicopter, another wants a cell phone, one asks for a few CDs, while one teen wants a video game.   One teenaged girl asks for a cell phone…and her family.  Hopefully Woodbourne will receive enough funds to grant each child one wish. 

There are more requests not shown on the video:   one of the children asks for shoe-strings – not regular shoe strings, but the fat, colorful kind that teenagers put in their sneakers.   Many asked for batteries so they can play their hand-held games.   And as it is each year, a popular request is colored pens and pencils and sketch pads.

This is the third year I have shown the Woodbourne video, and I realize that times are hard right now with our bad economy.  Asking for a donation probably isn’t a very popular thing to do. But, if you are able to “spare a dime” – I know these young people will truly appreciate your generosity and caring spirit. You are their only chance at having just a small glimpse of the Christmas that we all share with our families.

 

To watch the video – just double click on the arrow below.  To donate, please follow this link HERE.  To donate actual items, look at the wish list HERE.

 

 

 

Thank you so very much for considering making a donation.

25 comments :

  1. We had to turn our ac on in Austin last night. We have donated to Megs org the last 2 years and will do it again. Thanks for the spotlight reminder.

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  2. Joni... the children and staff at Woodbourne join me in thanking you (and Ben) for your amazing generosity. Thanks to you, and to all of your amazing readers, for the past two years, the children at Woodbourne have had a Christmas to remember. And I do know that they remember, because they talk about it all year long. And know that someone cares for them.

    Thank you so much for sharing this video.

    xo

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  3. Joni, this is wonderful. Thank you for sharing and making a difference!

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  4. Joni and Meg,
    Appreciate the reminder to donate to this worthy cause.
    During this season of sharing, Woodbourne's work reminds us of the importance of a caring family.

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  5. I donated last year and again this year from an email from Meg. So glad to do so, and I hope that everyone will open their hearts to give to those in need this holiday season~

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  6. I have been reading a book about American society in the 1700's - obviously it wasn't an ideal system in many ways. However, it was expected of those who were well off to be charitable and help the less fortunate. In fact, they were looked down upon by their peers if they did not help in some way. We do need to give if we can. Thanks!

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  7. Since you introduced this wonderful organization we've made a donation each year. The young people are asking for so little that it pulls at my heart strings, it's the least we can all do.

    Happy Hanukah Joni!
    Debra

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  8. Such a wonderful cause Joni.Thank you for reminding us all!

    xoxo
    Karena

    Art by Karena

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  9. Those sweet, sweet children. I just want to hug them all. Breaks my heart that there are beautiful children out there who are craving love and acceptance. Good on you Joni for raising awareness. A-M xx

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  10. Happy holidays folks as I'm just visiting different blogs. Richard from Amish Stories

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  11. Thanks Joni for the reminder. Donation made. It is so easy with PayPal. Hope Christmas is a little Brighter for those children this year. Blessings to you and Ben and Happy Holidays to your family.
    ~ ~Ahrisha~ ~

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  12. Thank you for the information on Woodbourne.....it is the first I have heard of it and will look forward to you mentioning it every year..... there are sooo many ways we can help the children of this country who have not had the family we take for granted.... even in our own little communities. I hope this inspires much more giving to such worthy precious children who need our love in some way.

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  13. Thank you, Joni, for encouraging us all to be mindful of those in need. Your blog is a favorite of mine, (and so many others) and it is all because of your true and genuine personality shining through...this post is a perfect example of that. Thank you for your inspiration! May you have a Blessed New Year!

    Lisa

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  14. Thank you for posting this important holiday reminder -- I also read Pigtown Design and am making a donation.

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  15. Thank you all so much for your generous donations!

    Have a wonderful Christmas!!!

    Joni

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  16. A wonderful post for a great organization. I do hope that everything works out for the kids and that they are blessed this holiday season.

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  17. I had never heard of Woodbourne. Thanks for the opportunity to help. Merry Christmas!

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  18. Thank you for the great information! Merry Christmas!

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  19. If we can do or sponsor some outdoors actiity in Texas just give a shot.

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  20. Thank you for shining the light on a type of brain disorder not many people want to diacuss.....mental illness...you are brave.
    We are happy to contribute.
    I have enjoyed your articles for years...they have been my source of joy through many dark days of navigating our 18 year old sons mental illness.
    God Bless,
    Jen in CA

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  21. Wishing you and your family a Happy Hanukkah.

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  22. a beautiful message joni and a reminder of how fortunate we are and how others less fortunate need our help
    a happy Hanukkah to you and yours!
    debra

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  23. HI
    I'm quite pleased with the ifonrmation in this post.nice and useful!
    thank you!

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  24. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  25. Can never get to many decorative reefs right?

    http://www.beststairrods.com/

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