December 2011 - Gifts from the Heart by Independent Record

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November 26, 2011

f you don’t know what to give the person on your giving list who has everything, then let us suggest you consider a Gift from the Heart. A thoughtful gift in the name of someone you love, to a nonprofit agency that really does need your help and assistance. Whether you are making a donation as a gift for Christmas, as an end of the year tax donation or a planned gift, we know these nonprofit businesses will appreciate your kind and thoughtful generosity at any time of the year. Thank You.

TOTAL OF CONTENTS Budgeting your charitable donation..................................................4 What to do when a charity calls your home..................................6

AMERICAN FEDERAL.......................................................11 ARCHIE BRAY FOUNDATION.............................................9 CARROLL COLLEGE............................................................5 FLORENCE CRITTENTON...................................................6 GOOD SAMARITAN MINISTRIES....................................13 HATS FOR ORPHANS..........................................................4 HEALTHY MOTHERS HEALTHY BABIES.......................15 HELENA FOOD SHARE.......................................................2 INTERMOUNTAIN...............................................................10 LEWIS & CLARK HUMANE SOCIETY............................14 MONTANA AUDUBON.........................................................8 MONTANA INDEPENDENT LIVING PROJECT..............13 MONTANA SUPPORTING SOLDIERS............................12 MONTANA VETERANS FOUNDATION............................16 OPTIONS WOMEN’S CLINIC...........................................10 ROCKY MOUNTAIN DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL.............8 SHODAIR CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL..................................4 THE FOUNDATION FOR ANIMALS...................................7 THE FRIENDSHIP CENTER................................................7 UNITED WAY........................................................................9 WESTMONT........................................................................15

Why do the poor give more................................................................7 Seniors are target of charitable fraud..............................................8 Giving makes a body feel good..................................................... 10 Save money on taxes by donating to charity............................ 11 Things to consider before donating via the internet................. 12 Resons people give........................................................................... 13 Be charitable without spending money........................................ 14

November 26, 2011

Budgeting your charitable donation Donating to charity is a selfless act that helps keep charities afloat. In many instances, the programs and services offered by charities are the only options for the less fortunate, who rely on charities to provide some of the most basic human needs, including food and shelter. That said, the global economic struggles have been hard on everyone, and charities are no exceptions. Many donors who once gave freely have been forced to cut back on their donations or stop making them entirely, putting charities in a precarious position. Generous men and women who still want to donate but need help figuring out a way to do it should consider the following tips.

determine your monthly budget It’s impossible to comfortably donate to charity if you don’t have a firm grasp of your budget and spending habits. Track monthly spending for a few months, and examine anything you might be able to cut back on. Some recurring costs can be drastically reduced, and men and women might be surprised to learn just how much they can save. For example, those who purchase a cup of coffee each morning at a coffee shop might spend roughly $2 per cup, which is $14 per week and nearly $60 per month. However, if those same men and women made coffee for themselves each morning, the cost of doing so is considerably less. That minor change to a daily routine can save as much as $50 per month, or $600 per year. When examining monthly spending, determine a budget you can live with and then put any money you save toward a charitable donation. Chances are your life won’t change at all, but you will make a difference in the lives of the people who rely on the charity you choose to support.

Generosity knows no season. This holiday season, as you plan your charitable giving, please remember the children at Shodair with a special gift. Become part of a legacy of caring that began in 1896 and continues today.

With Christmas just around the corner, why not consider giving a tax deductible donation to Hats for Orphans? Hats for Orphans is dedicated Go to www.hatsfororphans.org to sending handmade knitted and click on “Picture Album” toward the bottom of the and crocheted hats with Home page to see pictures individuals who are going to of children from around the other countries to work with world receiving the hats orphans and street children. people from around Since 2005, hats have been the United States made especially sent to countries on five for the orphans. different continents. Many children have been blessed If you would like to honor through as simple a gift as a loved one with your donations, a handmade hat. We accept we will send a letter to the individual you are donations of hats honoring to let them know about your donation. throughout the year as Financial donations may be sent to: Hats for Orphans, 2944 Pleasure Rd., Helena, MT 59601. there are orphans and Donations of hats may be dropped off at street children out Elkhorn Mountain Realty located behind Wal-Mart. there in the world. November 26, 2011

Sotara Barnaby, Montana's 2011 Children's Miracle Network Champion

To give your special gift, please call 444-7548 or donate on-line at www.shodairlegacy.org. 2755 Colonial Drive, Helena, MT 59601 • www.shodairlegacy.org 4

determine what you can afford to donate

It might sound cliche, but every little bit does help when it comes to charitable donations. Individuals who want to donate but can’t afford a substantial donation should know that charities do not turn down a donation for being too small. In fact, there’s no such thing as a donation that’s too small. Consider the case of the United States. With an overall population well over 300 million people, if every American donated just $5 a year to charity, the result would be more than $1.5 billion in charitable donations. Donations big and small add up, and men and women should donate whatever it is they deem they can afford. If you can’t afford to make a financial donation, donate your time instead. Charities are in constant need of reliable volunteers.

gradually build your donation

Much like you might save up to buy a new car or a new television, you can also save up to make a charitable donation. Each week, deposit a small amount of money into a savings account and then donate what you’ve deposited once a year. This often takes the sting out of making a substantial donation, and you aren’t liable to miss those extra few dollars a week you deposit into your savings account.

Do you think you can’t make a difference? Because you can’t write a big check, you believe your gift isn’t important? Wrong. Every dollar in contributions touches a life – whether for education or service. Here’s how you can make a difference right now: $1,000 – Puts a Carroll degree in reach for a low-income, first generation student through a cash grant scholarship. $500 – Buys books for the library or a needy student. $100 – Together with similar-size gifts, supports student volunteer projects in Guatemala, Mexico, and disadvantaged cities in Montana and the US.

Every dollar matters. Be a part of creating a better tomorrow.

Give online www.carroll.edu/giving

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November 26, 2011

Answering the call

FLORENCE CRITTENTON

What to do when a charity calls your home

Changing the Future... Two Lives at a Time

for 111 years

n order to meet their goals and provide the services and programs to the less fortunate, charities must solicit donations. For larger charities with name recognition and big budgets, securing donations can be easier than it is for lesser-known charities with more financial restrictions. But regardless of the size of the charity, they all must seek donations in order to stay afloat, and some still employ telemarketing campaigns. Nowadays, many people are caught off guard when reached at home by a telemarketer. That’s because many countries have established laws that regulate telemarketers, some going so far as to institute do-not-call legislation that restricts certain telemarketing calls. However, politicians and nonprofit organizations are widely exempt from such regulations, and charities use that exemption to their benefits. When receiving a call from someone working on behalf of a charity, consider the following tips.

v Know who you’re talking to. It’s easy for unsuspecting people to be victimized by con artists over the phone. Con artists can pose as charities and ask for personal information, including credit card numbers. Never give this information over the phone, and never make a donation over the phone. But even if it isn’t someone with ill intentions calling, always ask who the caller is affiliated with. Some might be directly affiliated with the charity, while others might work for a for-profit telemarketing company soliciting donations on the charity’s behalf. That’s an important distinction, as any donation made through the latter will result in a portion of that donation going to the for-profit telemarketing company. The percentage going to the for-profit company might be substantial, so donors might want to make their donation directly to the charity instead.

For over a century, Florence Cri�enton has helped young families build brighter futures. Please become a member of our Legacy Society by naming Florence Cri�enton in your will.

v Solicit information yourself. It’s never ideal to donate to a charity over the phone, particularly if you have never donated to the charity in the past. Should a solicitor call your home, request that they send information about the charity, including its annual report, mission statement and past and future projects. The charity should have no issue with this, but if they do politely end the phone call.

For more informa�on contact: ANGELA AZURE � Annual Giving Oﬃcer

v Don’t be too quick to hang up. It’s almost human nature to hang up the phone the moment you realize it’s a telemarketer or solicitor on the other end. However, this can be a disservice, particularly if you’re planning on making a charitable donation but haven’t yet found the right charity. If the caller isn’t interrupting a meal or being overly aggressive on the phone, stay on the phone and discuss the charity. Ask about its history, its future, its goals, and anything else that comes to mind. This can save you some

406.442.6950 x221

901 N Harris, Helena, MT 59601

aazure@ﬂorencecri�enton.org www.ﬂorencecri�enton.org

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Why do the poor give more? I

n times of an economic uncertainty, it can be difficult for the average person to come up with a few dollars to donate to charity when they might be struggling to pay their bills. However, statistics indicate that people who have the least to give tend to give the most. A 2009 report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that income groups who made between $10,531 and $19,301 gave 4.3 percent of their income to charity. Those who made roughly $150,000 and up were less apt to give, donating only around 2 percent of their incomes. These numbers are not an anomaly. For decades, surveys have shown that upper-income people don’t give away as much of their money as compared with the poor, who are often very generous. Analysts have tried to determine what makes a person who has less money give away much of what they have even if it means compromising their own standard of living. Although the rich and the poor may have compassion enough

to give, the lower-class may be better able to relate to those who are in similar situations. These poorer people may be more connected to other poor people around them. Upper-class individuals may be more detached from the plight of the less fortunate. Many of the more charitable givers of lower economic standing tend to be religious or spiritual as well. Some have said that they believe the more they give away the more they will get in return, which is often a basis for charity in the first place. Others quote being less worried about money and poverty is a reason they give. Still, there are others who give simply because it makes them feel good. Living with minimal means can often be a challenging time, and putting a smile on someone else’s face could be a way for poorer people to brighten their own days.

Answering the call continued

legwork down the road, and might just provide some valuable insight into an organization you might otherwise never have considered for a donation. v Use the recourse available to you. If a phone call from a telemarketer or a volunteer working for a charity is truly bothersome, then ask to be removed from their calling list before hanging up the phone. Keep in mind the person on the other end of the line is simply doing their job and might even be volunteering their time to help a good cause. If you want the calls to stop, be as pleasant as possible and ask to be removed from their list. Don’t vent frustrations out on the caller.

LEGACY FOR MONTANA ANIMALS LEAVE A

The Friendship Center provides Safe Shelter, a 24 Hour Crisis Line, Support Groups, Information and Referrals, Legal Advocacy, Emotional Support and other Services to Victims of Domestic or Sexual Abuse.

PLEASE HELP animals, both domestic and wild, by including THE FOUNDATION FOR ANIMALS in your charitable giving plan.

ALL GIFTS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE.

All services are Free and Confidential.

YOUR GIFT WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

Your support offers safety and hope to those who are rebuilding their lives after the trauma of abuse.

For more information call 406-443-6532

The Friendship Center is a 501(c) tax exempt organization. All contributions are tax deductible.

The Friendship Center, 1430 Sanders, Helena, Montana 59601 (406) 442-6800 www.thefriendshipcenter.org SERVING BROADWATER, JEFFERSON, LEWIS & CLARK, MEAGHER, AND POWELL COUNTIES

P.O. Box 389, Helena, MT 59624 mkfa@mt.net • www.foundationforanimals.org November 26, 2011

Seniors are targets of charitable fraud

onating money to charity is one of the most selfless things a person can do. Unfortunately, criminals can easily prey on these selfless acts, using a person's desire to help the less fortunate for their own personal gain. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, seniors should be especially mindful of fraud schemes. That's because seniors are considered easy targets for criminals for a number of reasons. The FBI notes that seniors are most likely to have a nest egg and an exceptional credit rating, making them very attractive to criminals. What's more, seniors are more likely to be ashamed if they feel they have been

victimized and therefore are less prone to report the fraud. But seniors should know that con artists don’t discriminate when it comes to their victims, and people of all ages are victimized each and every year, particularly during the holiday season when men and women most commonly donate. Before donating to charity this year, older donors should take the following precautions to reduce their risk of being victimized by con artists posing as charities. j Get off the phone. Seniors are commonly victimized by con artists over the phone. No reputable charity will want you to donate over the telephone. Instead, the charity will

Empowering and supporting youth to become strong, responsible adults.

want you to familiarize yourself with their mission and history and then make a donation based on your research. If a caller wants you to donate over the phone, simply request they mail you information about the charity and then hang up. If they’re a reputable charity, this should not be a problem. If the caller continues to pressure you for a donation over the phone, just hang up. A caller soliciting a donation might be a con artist, an employee of a for-profit fundraiser or an employee of the charity itself. Ultimately, if you decide to make a donation, don’t do so over the phone. Instead, send that donation directly to the charity to Dave Menke, FWS

� Margaret Stuart Youth Home for boys and girls � Youth on Track to Adulthood Independent Living Training Program � Jan Shaw Therapeutic Youth Home for girls � Holdover Program � Runaway and Homeless Youth Program � Family Support Services � Supported Independent Living Services � Transitional Living Program

PO Box 1717 Helena, MT 59624

www.rmdc.net

YOU CAN BE THE WIND BENEATH THEIR WINGS ACROSS THE BIG SKY! MONTANA AUDUBON

Founded in 1976, Montana Audubon promotes the appreciation, knowledge, and conservation of Montana’s birds and wildlife. We are the umbrella organization for Montana’s nine grassroots chapters, serving 4,000 members statewide. Donations can be made at: www.mtaudubon.org (406) 443-3949 PO Box 595 Helena, MT 59624

449-3038

November 26, 2011

ensure the charity receives the entire donation, instead of a portion going toward a fundraiser. j Don’t feel pressured. No reputable charity pressures prospective donors into making contributions. That’s because they don’t need to. A reputable charity can afford to keep its lights on and its programs running with or without your donation. If a caller or a letter is pressuring you to donate, don't succumb to that pressure and kindly decline to donate. j Dont let “gifts” pressure you. Another tool employed by con artists or even less reputable charities is to send “gifts” to prospective donors. These can

include mailing labels or cards. The hope is that recipients will feel pressured into donating once they receive a gift. However, a charity that is worth a donation does not need to resort to such tactics, which are a waste of resources as well as a dishonest way to solicit donations. Seniors should not feel compelled to donate because they received free mailing labels. j Verify all information. Con artists are especially good at impersonating a reputable charity, sending e-mails with a well known charity’s logo but a link that directs donors to a different Web site entirely. Never make a donation without first verifying a charity's

also important for seniors to keep records to avoid fraud. Many con artists prey on seniors by pretending to represent charities seniors have donated to in the past. By keeping records of all past donations, seniors can easily verify if they have donated to a specific charity in the past and whether or not the person on the phone or the author of an e-mail or letter is telling the truth.

information, including how your donation will be used and how much of the charity’s budget goes toward the services and programs it provides. Charity Navigator, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping givers make smart donating decisions, recommends donors give to charities that direct at least 75 percent of their budget on programs and services related to their mission. To avoid donating to a fraudulent or unworthy charity, research the charity and make sure your money will be going where you intend it to go. j Save all records of donations. It's important to save records of any donations for tax purposes, but it's

During this season of giving, please consider a gift to the United Way Endowment Fund in the name of a loved one. Your gift allows you to:

LIVE U NITED OF LEWIS & CLARK AREA

Seniors should exercise caution when speaking to people soliciting charitable donations over the phone.

Together with our 36 partner agencies, serving our neighbors in Lewis & Clark, Broadwater & Jefferson Counties

• achieve your own financial goals • take advantage of tax savings • make a lasting gift that will ensure the ongoing health and well-being of people in our community

Help world-class clay stay that way...

Support the Archie Bray Founda�on!

The Archie Bray Founda�on for the Ceramic Arts is an interna�onally renowned residency program and a leader in Helena’s cultural and economic vitality. The Bray provides free access to the highest quality in ceramic art, pu�ng world-class clay right at your ﬁnger�ps. Through ar�st residences, public exhibi�ons, classes, workshops, and collabora�ons with local schools and businesses, the Bray helps make our wonderful community even be�er. More than half of the support that sustains the Bray comes from Helena and Montana. For informa�on about how you can be a part of this exci�ng community, contact us today.

archiebrayfoundation | 2915 Country Club Avenue, Helena, MT 59602 | 406/443-3502 | w w w . archi ebray. org November 26, 2011

Giving makes the body feel good T

he warm and fuzzy feeling that arises when helping others is what drives many to donate money or do good for others. Studies show that altruism may actually have profound physiological effects. Scientists have determined that the feelings of happiness associated with doing good can be traced to a particular pleasure center of the brain that can be viewed and measured with brain scans. There are physical components to doing thoughtful or charitable things, according to a 2008 report in The New York Times. This bodes well for donations as the recession continues to hit the country in a big way. Individuals who are facing layoffs or pay cuts may still dig deep into their pockets for charitable donations because they seek the high that donating provides. And it isn’t just financial donations that make a person happy. Any type of goodwill toward others is a way to generate the endorphins and moodboosting properties of altruism. That means there are plenty of opportunities that can boost feelings of happiness. j During the holiday season, write a “Letter from Santa” to a less fortunate child and include a gift card to a toy store so that he or she can get a treat. j Visit seniors in a retirement community or assisted living facility and sit and chat for a while. j Knock on an elderly neighbor’s door and find out if you can help out with any chores around the house.

j Bring a friend breakfast or lunch simply because you were thinking of them and wanted to surprise them. j Take in the trash cans for your entire street, especially if the weather is nasty. j Tell a fast-food employee or another hard worker that they’re doing a good job. Complaints come easy in the service industry, but praise is often hard to get. j Volunteer to watch neighborhood children so other mothers and fathers can get a much-needed break. j Don’t ignore a phone solicitation from a charity organization. Get more information and do your best to donate. j If you practice a religion, go to your house of worship and participate in community togetherness. j Hold a door, smile at someone or offer to get something down from a tall shelf in a store. It's the little things that can bring pleasure. j Share something you have with another person who doesn't. That may mean generator-supplied electric power during a power outage, a special snack at school lunch, a tool, a piece of clothing or whatever you can think of. There are so many ways to give to others, and one of the biggest benefits is the smiles and positive feelings giving provides.

�� Compassionate counsel for those facing an unintended pregnancy.

How are the children? Your gift, in honor of family and friends, will help restore the emotional well-being of a child and make Helena a healthier community.

�� Free pregnancy testing and ultrasound services. �� Classes, resources and referrals to equip clients for their journey.

Your Local Crisis Pregnancy Help Clinic Changing Hearts and Saving Lives… One Woman at a Time Your support is truly appreciated!

Make donations online at www.intermountain.org

Find out how you can help by visiting: optionsfriends.com or call 422-1011 November 26, 2011

Save Money on SUPPORTING Taxes By Donating to our communities Charity W

e’ve all heard the saying about nothing being certain but death and taxes. As the calendar year comes to a close, many people might be thinking about how to reduce their taxable income from 2011. Charitable giving is one way to pay less in taxes. In many cases, tax-deductible charitable giving can save a person considerable amounts of money in the long run. The added bonus is that it can feel good to give as well. Making charitable donations can save a person thousands in tax dollars, provided the correct steps are taken.

1 2

Ensure the charity is a tax-exempt organization eligible to receive tax-deductible donations.

community giving

Be sure to keep all receipts for charitable giving throughout the year. Generally donations less than $250 can be recorded with a cancelled check. Other donations will need a written acknowledgment from the charity.

Itemize donations when filing tax returns. If noncash donations were given (such as clothing or automobiles) be sure to complete the applicable tax form.

Figure out the fair market value of items being donated that aren’t cash. This will help determine the value of the charitable deduction when it’s time to file a tax return.

OVER 100 NON-PROFITS in the Helena and Townsend COMMUNITIES RECEIVED SUPPORT from American Federal and its empoyees in 2011. We encourage you to give back to your community this Holiday Season and throughout the year.

Address any questions concerning charitable donations to a knowledgeable tax preparer or accountant. November 26, 2011

1400 Prospect • 28 Neill • 2090 Cromwell Dixon 416 Broadway Townsend americanfederalsavingsbank.com |

Things to consider before donating via the Internet D

onating to charity has never been easier. Thanks to the Internet, donors can now visit their favorite charity's Web site and make their contributions in a matter of seconds. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a stark contrast from the old days when donors needed to contact the charity for a mailing address, then write a personal check and drop it off at the nearest post office. Despite the convenience of making an online donation, there is some risk involved as well. Criminals posing as charities victimize millions of people each year, taking advantage of donor generosity and costing the real charity donations many sorely need. While donating via the Internet remains the easiest way for donors to give to their favorite charities, it never hurts to take a few precautions.

Familiarize yourself with the charity. Never make a donation

to a charity you're unfamiliar with. No reputable charity is hanging by a thread and facing eviction if they don't get your donation as soon as possible. Take time to familiarize yourself with the charity, its goals and the minor details, such as the charity's name, status in the eyes of the local government, etc. One

of the tricks con artists frequently employ is to set up a dummy charity with a name that sounds similar and a Web site that appears the same as a reputable charity of a similar name. If donors aren't careful, they could find themselves donating to a criminal and not the charity they intended.

that these letters and e-mails are frauds, they still work. Don't fall for them. Each is a fraud and simply opening the e-mails could leave you susceptible to hackers and online criminals. If you get any such e-mails, don't even bother to open them. Just move them to your trash folder.

Only donate via a Web site that uses encryption technology. n

All reputable charities employ encryption technology for online donations. The easiest way to determine if a Web site donation and data transmission page is encrypted is to look at the Web address. The letters "https://" should precede the URL. If the site just has "http://" before the URL, then it isn't encrypted and the data you enter, including your credit card number, isn't safe. When in doubt, contact the charity over the telephone.

Peruse the privacy policy. Online privacy

policies can be lengthy and don't exactly make for exciting reads. However, it's best to at least peruse these policies before making a donation. The policy should include which information you share will be collected and who will have access to it. The policy should also indicate how the charity plans to use that information and how you can change or update the information once you've shared it. If the policy isn't specific or you are not comfortable with it, you can always donate via a personal check.

n Beware of chain e-mails. Most people have heard of the chain letter e-mails from Nigeria or the e-mails that boast every time the e-mail is forwarded money is going to a specified charity. But in spite of the relatively widespread recognition

Proudly Supporting our Troops and Veterans!

The Internet makes it easier than ever before to donate to charity. But donors must still exercise caution when sharing information online.

n Keep records. Charitable donations can be tax-deductible, so

donors should always keep records of any donations they make. Keeping records also provides a measure of security for donors should a problem arise down the road. Upon making a donation online, donors should receive a confirmation e-mail within minutes or at least before the following business day. Save this confirmation e-mail as well. If you never receive it, contact the charity to make sure the donation went through. Using the Internet to make a charitable donation is convenient and effective. However, donors must exercise caution whenever they share personal information online.

Montana Supporting Soldiers sends care packages and letters throughout the year to our deployed troops. You can show your support by donating items or funds for shipping. Cards and letters are also important morale boosters.

We also support our wounded warriors and our veterans. | Helena, MT 59604

Montana Supporďż˝ng Soldiers | Box 4964 406-227-8824 | www.mtsupporďż˝ngsoldiers.com | msstroops@gmail.com November 26, 2011

VOLUNTEERS WELCOME!

Reasons people give S

olicitations for charitable donations take place every day, but not everyone is successful in their efforts to raise funds. Although many people would love to donate to charity, solicitations from organizations are competing with the demands of everyday life. The successful solicitor is one who recognizes the reasons men and women decide to donate.

i They want to leave a legacy that showcases ideals or causes. i They want to set a positive example for others, including their children. i They are emotionally attached or have a personal connection to a certain cause. i They want to memorialize someone close to them. i They want to feel like they are changing someone’s life. i They were raised to support charity. For more information contact:

i They feel a sense of closeness to a particular group.

MILP - 34 N. Last Chance Gulch Suite 500, Helena, MT 59601 406-442-5755 or toll free 1-800-735-6457 www.milp.us

i They need a tax deduction. i They want to belong to the “in” trend of the moment.

Thank God for Angels! Where would any of us be without the angels—invisible and visible—that are right there when we need help?

3067 N. Montana Avenue

BH-20182190

Greetings and Merry Christmas! My name is Alea Werner I am a Mom, a recipient of Good Samaritan services and now employee as our ministry receptionist. My family and I moved here from Connecticut to care for my ailing grandmother. When we came we didn’t have jobs and were quickly referred to Good Samaritan Ministries for help with clothing and other essentials; we had no warm clothing. On one of these visits to the store an employee suggested I apply for a cashier position; within a week I was working as a full-time cashier. This truly was a blessing and wonderful opportunity, I’ve never had benefi ts before or paid days off in any job I’ve had in the past. Soon, I was looking for another challenge at work when the position of receptionist opened and I took this opportunity. I now can say I have many new skills and have worked with so many coming into the offi ce in the same position I was in when we moved here. I have two children Izayieh and Makila and another miracle on the way. My children are the world to me and I am now able to work hard with benefi ts to put food in their tummies, keep them warm and loved. Also, now I have the ability to get them to their doctor’s appointments without fear of loosing my job which added stress to my life. I have learned many lessons here at Good Samaritan Ministries but most importantly; not everyone is out to get you and that there are people you can trust and who care about you. Maybe these feelings were because I always felt on the fringes of society... not belonging or being part of. I have a job that helps me make a difference!

The Assistance Ministry depends on angels, like you, who contribute time, talent and treasure so that people in need today find an answer to prayer here at Good Samaritan—for a past-due utility or rent bill; clothing, furniture or baby items; help with an unexpected auto repair, prescription or medical expense. Because you are generous, we can be, too, and everyone who comes needing an angel finds one here. And…every dollar you donate goes to help another. Our overhead is paid-in-full by Thrift Store sales. Please, be an angel and give to Good Samaritan Ministries this Christmas.

442-0780 Please help us make a difference and meet our mission. November 26, 2011

Be Charitable Without Spending Money M

any people equate charity to financial donations. But individuals can be charitable with their time as well. According to Charity Navigator, a nonprofit organization that monitors charities, Americans gave more than $290 billion to charity in 2010. Thirty-five percent of all donations went to religious organizations. Much of these contributions can be attributed to people giving to their local place of worship. Donations toward educational services and programs were the second most common types of donations. Although charitable giving through monetary donations are important, men and women can donate more than just money. Here are some ways to do just that.

Donate hair. There are many different charities that collect hair for

individuals undergoing cancer treatments that resulted in hair loss. These charities collect hair of lengths between 8 to 12 inches and turn the locks into wigs for the needy.

Give your time. Many different organizations are understaffed and can always use the helping hands of volunteers. Check with organizations in your area to see if any need some extra help. Also check with a son or daughter's school. Some schools can use volunteers in the library or other special curriculum classrooms where staffing has been reduced because of budget cuts. Offer free services. Professionals, such as accountants,

attorneys, teachers, and tutors can donate their services to others, especially those who are unable to afford them in an unstable economy.

Raise awareness. You can be the mouthpiece for an organization or special agenda. Either spread the word door-to-door, draft letters or make public speeches.

There are many

Donate your stuff. Before tossing unused items into the trash,

assess these items and determine if they're still useful. There are many places that will accept noncash donations, be it clothing, electronics, children's toys, etc. For example, half-way homes that house abused women and children who have left dangerous situations can typically make good use of noncash donations and accept them willingly.

benefits to

Donate blood. Blood banks are often in short supply. Blood supplies

services or

making financial donations. But donating time,

Give the gift of hope to a homeless animal Make a gift “in honor of” or “in memory of” a loved one; two or four-legged! Happy holidays from the staff, board and animals of the LCHS! Lewis & Clark

Humane Society

YES! I want to make a donation in honor/memory of a loved one to the Lewis & Clark Humane Society!

typically diminish during natural disasters or storms and need donors are needed to help replenish supplies. Type O blood is the universal blood type and can be transferred to anyone. Those with Type O negative blood are really in demand because their blood donations are vital for accident victims and babies needing transfusions. Only about 7 percent of the population has Type O negative blood, according to the American Red Cross.

belongings are additional ways to make a difference.

Gift is from: _____________________________________________

Payment: � Check

� Cash

Address: ________________________________________________

� Credit card no. ________________________________________

City/State/Zip: __________________________________________

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November 26, 2011

City/State/Zip: __________________________________________ Please clip this coupon and mail by Dec. 17th to: Holiday Gift Certiﬁcate c/o Lewis & Clark Humane Society PO Box 4455 • Helena, MT 59604

“Connecting with our community every day.”

Since 1973

Your tax deductible donation helps West Mont continue our mission of serving Montanans with disabilities including: ��

Operating 11-Group Homes in Helena Vocational Training and Employment Respite and Medical Care Recreational Activities

Your support is important and greatly appreciated. No donation is too small. Do you want to make a difference in someone’s life? West Mont is now hiring. Training Provided � Competitive Pay � Great Benefits

For more information, please call 447-3100 or visit our website at www.westmont.org. West Mont • 2708 Bozeman Avenue • Helena, MT 59601 BH-20181756

Celebrating 27 years of promoting and improving the safety, health, and well-being of Montana’s children, families and communities

Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies – MT

• We give cribs through Safe Sleep for Baby – A SIDS prevention program utilizing home visiting nurses.

• We collaborate with the MT Children’s Trust Fund to keep families strong and infants healthy and safe by building: (1) Parental resilience; (2) Social connections; (3) Knowledge of parenting and child development; (4) Concrete support in times of need; (5) Social and emotional competence of children; and (6) Healthy parent-child relationships.

• We help prevent shaken baby syndrome by teaching parents about ‘The Period of PURPLE Crying’ and how to cope with stress.

www.hmhb-mt.org

Give online: or send to: HMHB–MT • 400 North Park Ave • Helena, MT • 59601 • 406-449-8611 November 26, 2011

All donations received by December 31 will be matched.

The Montana Veterans Foundation Mission & Willis Cruse House The Montana Veterans Foundation is designed to assist homeless veterans in improving their quality of life and providing comprehensive support which enables veterans to achieve greater self sufficiency. The Foundation provides a safe, secure living environment—the Willis Cruse Transitional Living Facility—as well as personal and program assistance and access to a wide range of coordinated human services including mental health and medical treatment, addiction recovery, vocational support, job placement, mentoring, and life skills training. Created by veterans for veterans, the Montana Veterans Foundation's goal is to offer integrated, holistic, clinically sound, and fiscally responsible human services to the veteran population. To drop off donations or to learn more about the Willis Cruse House visit us at 1112 Leslie Avenue, Helena MT or call us at 406449-7666. Donate

Join a Community of Serving Those Who Served. With Your Annual Donation of $25 You Can Give a Homeless Veteran a New Start for a New Year!

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Veterans Thrift Store The Veterans Thrift Store acts as a work program for unemployed veterans. Veterans that work or volunteer at the thrift store learn life skills including personal accounting and small business management. All proceeds from the store go to support Foundation programs and helping other veterans.

New Website To learn more about our services to the veteran community in Montana please visit our new website. Watch videos, follow news updates, donate online, and sign up for our newsletter.

www.mtvf.org

Service Center: The Thrift Store is also a service center for veterans in need of resources. Veterans that need information, referrals, or survival gear are encouraged to come to the store and talk to a staff person or call 406-449-3222. Volunteers: The Thrift Store is always looking for volunteers from the community to work alongside our veterans at the store. All proceeds from the store go toward supporting our work program and assisting other veterans.

To donate make a donation of your time, money, goods or services please contact the Membership Services BH-20181760

DONATE

Montana Veterans Foundation * Membership Services 1002 North Benton Avenue, Helena MT 59601 406-459-2667 * info@mtvf.org