September is National Child Awareness Month, a time when we place focus on improving the lives of children through charities. This national holiday may be a new recognized holiday that first began in Orange County, California, but it’s quickly gaining the attention of many individuals and organizations across the United States that believe in the value of our children.
In 2003, Sandra Sergerstrom Daniels founded the non-profit organization, Festival of Children Foundation, whose mission is to improve the lives of children by strengthening the charities that serve them. By providing training, awareness, and financial support, the foundation set forth to make its members’ dreams a reality. Five years later, in September of 2008, the United States designated September as National Child Awareness Month, which was lead by Sergerstrom.
How can I participate in National Child Awareness Month?
The foundation of this special month is to help strengthen the charities that support our children. There are three things you can do to participate. You can:
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Donate money to a charity of your choice that supports children.
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Volunteer with a charity of your choice that supports children.
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Donate to the Festival of Children Foundation who will then help distribute that donation to their network of children charities.
What type of charities are supported?
The Festival of Children Foundation supports children charities based on five specific areas.
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Arts and Culture
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Education and Development
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Environment
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Social Services
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Health and Wellness
How can I or my organization donate for NCAM?
Currently, Festival of Children Foundation serves over 480 different charities across the United States. Each organization differs in size, but the mission is the same, to improve the lives of children.
Donations, as well as volunteering, are important for the continued growth of the organization and the ability to help so many charities. As an individual, you are able to donate directly from the website for Festival of Children Foundation. For organizations, there are several ways to get involved including corporate sponsorships.
How can I become a member and receive funds or services for my charity?
There is no cost to become a member; however, organizations do have to go through an application process and get approved for membership. Once you are approved, you will be notified and will then be granted access to all of the services that are available. Grants will be offered once a year through their signature fundraiser, The Carousel of Possible Dreams.
Giving right now is more important than ever. During this pandemic, 90% of charities have been negatively impacted. There are millions of children in the United States that depend on the support and guidance of these charities. It’s time to come together and make a difference in a child’s life.
There are millions of children charities in the United States, many of which are rarely heard of. Help us share those charities with others!
