Used Laptops
Dear friends:
The Children’s Guardian Fund is a 501(c)3 non-profit which supports the many needs of the 1400 children in our area who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, abandonment---or all of the above. Working with court-appointed individual Guardians Ad Litem ("GAL's"), who visit the kids in their homes and know their situation, we respond to requests for items and services that the State of Florida does not provide: car seats, cribs, high chairs, driving lessons, prom dresses, bus passes, bicycles, summer camp, sports uniforms, birthday cakes, car seats, diapers, clothes, musical instruments, dressers, mattresses, bedding, swimming lessons, and (our biggest expense): tutoring.
As you might imagine, the Covid situation has made life for kids without parents even more difficult. Now, the greatest unfulfilled need of these kids is technology, so that they can attend school remotely, look for jobs, do research for school assignments, etc. For years, working with a volunteer tech company in Sarasota, we have been providing laptops upon request to kids in foster care. These are not new laptops (or Ipads)---they are "old" pieces of equipment that are unused because new laptops/Ipads have been purchased. When an "old" laptop or Ipad is donated to the Children's Guardian Fund, we turn it over to a group of retired tech geniuses (called "STUG": Sarasota Technology Users Group) who know how to make the devices useful again. With help from Microsoft's charitable division , which donates hardware and software, STUG wipes all information from the old laptop or Ipad and then completely refurbishes it, installs new hard drives and software, and returns it to CGF for distribution to kids in foster care/relative care.
CGF has been partnering with STUG for years, but never in the face of a pandemic which is keeping kids at home and increasing the need for laptops. Many of our relative caregivers used to have a "family laptop" which everyone shared.
During Covid, suddenly all the school-aged kids in the household needed a device at the same time.
If you have an old laptop/Ipad you do not need, please let me know. I will pick it up for the tech team, which will wipe the drive (more about that below), update the hardware and software, and donate it to one of "our" kids. You will have made space in your closet and helped a child who needs all the help he/she can get!
For more information about the “wiping” of donated computers: https://youtu.be/PdjtJh86jgQ
Thank you very much!
Cynthia Craig, for the Children's Guardian Fund
973-818-7299
The Children’s Guardian Fund is a 501(c)3 non-profit which supports the many needs of the 1400 children in our area who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, abandonment---or all of the above. Working with court-appointed individual Guardians Ad Litem ("GAL's"), who visit the kids in their homes and know their situation, we respond to requests for items and services that the State of Florida does not provide: car seats, cribs, high chairs, driving lessons, prom dresses, bus passes, bicycles, summer camp, sports uniforms, birthday cakes, car seats, diapers, clothes, musical instruments, dressers, mattresses, bedding, swimming lessons, and (our biggest expense): tutoring.
As you might imagine, the Covid situation has made life for kids without parents even more difficult. Now, the greatest unfulfilled need of these kids is technology, so that they can attend school remotely, look for jobs, do research for school assignments, etc. For years, working with a volunteer tech company in Sarasota, we have been providing laptops upon request to kids in foster care. These are not new laptops (or Ipads)---they are "old" pieces of equipment that are unused because new laptops/Ipads have been purchased. When an "old" laptop or Ipad is donated to the Children's Guardian Fund, we turn it over to a group of retired tech geniuses (called "STUG": Sarasota Technology Users Group) who know how to make the devices useful again. With help from Microsoft's charitable division , which donates hardware and software, STUG wipes all information from the old laptop or Ipad and then completely refurbishes it, installs new hard drives and software, and returns it to CGF for distribution to kids in foster care/relative care.
CGF has been partnering with STUG for years, but never in the face of a pandemic which is keeping kids at home and increasing the need for laptops. Many of our relative caregivers used to have a "family laptop" which everyone shared.
During Covid, suddenly all the school-aged kids in the household needed a device at the same time.
If you have an old laptop/Ipad you do not need, please let me know. I will pick it up for the tech team, which will wipe the drive (more about that below), update the hardware and software, and donate it to one of "our" kids. You will have made space in your closet and helped a child who needs all the help he/she can get!
For more information about the “wiping” of donated computers: https://youtu.be/PdjtJh86jgQ
Thank you very much!
Cynthia Craig, for the Children's Guardian Fund
973-818-7299
Thank You! Santa's Boot for Children First Update
"The boot runneth over" -over on the floor, over into the gallery. Alison and I stared with amazement at what you have provided for these children and their families.
In addition, thanks to Sue Bassett-Klauber, we had a corporate sponsor. Hardley's children's store at St Armand Circle donated boxes of not only books and pajamas but socks in Christmas ornaments, children's umbrellas and Sue tells me more will be going directly to Children First next week. Look what you started!!!
ECW wishes to once again thank you for your giving spirit and responding to those in our community at Christmas and throughout the year.
No matter what project we take on, from socks to soup, you are always there and continue to give more than we could ever imagine.
Merry Christmas from ECW
Gail Clay
Alison Jones
Elaine Smith
In addition, thanks to Sue Bassett-Klauber, we had a corporate sponsor. Hardley's children's store at St Armand Circle donated boxes of not only books and pajamas but socks in Christmas ornaments, children's umbrellas and Sue tells me more will be going directly to Children First next week. Look what you started!!!
ECW wishes to once again thank you for your giving spirit and responding to those in our community at Christmas and throughout the year.
No matter what project we take on, from socks to soup, you are always there and continue to give more than we could ever imagine.
Merry Christmas from ECW
Gail Clay
Alison Jones
Elaine Smith
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Children First
Please note that the deadline for donations has been changed to December 7.
Children First, a longtime recipient of ECW fundraising and Outreach grants could use our help this year. For Christmas every child receives a book and pajamas. This may be their only gift this year as many parents have lost their jobs and may not be called back.
Please bring your unwrapped gift of pajamas and /or book appropriate for children infant to 5 years to the Christmas bin located in the narthex by December 7. We will see that it is delivered.
You can find these items on Amazon or stores that offer at home delivery. Please shop safely.
Look for additional hours when the church will be open for reflection and prayer so you can safely bring in your items.
Questions? Call or email Gail Clay, Elaine Smith or Alison Jones
Children First, a longtime recipient of ECW fundraising and Outreach grants could use our help this year. For Christmas every child receives a book and pajamas. This may be their only gift this year as many parents have lost their jobs and may not be called back.
Please bring your unwrapped gift of pajamas and /or book appropriate for children infant to 5 years to the Christmas bin located in the narthex by December 7. We will see that it is delivered.
You can find these items on Amazon or stores that offer at home delivery. Please shop safely.
Look for additional hours when the church will be open for reflection and prayer so you can safely bring in your items.
Questions? Call or email Gail Clay, Elaine Smith or Alison Jones
Thanksgiving Turkeys
Due to your generosity and giving spirit, ECW is able to fund 100 frozen turkeys with all the trimming for a special holiday dinner for 50 families through the ThankFull program at All Faith's Food Bank. Manatee Meals on Wheels Plus has a similar program and received funding for the remaining 50.
The Outreach Commission is providing monies to the Sarasota Meals on Wheels for 250 dinners to be delivered on Thanksgiving Day to those who are alone or can not leave their homes.
The Outreach Commission is providing monies to the Sarasota Meals on Wheels for 250 dinners to be delivered on Thanksgiving Day to those who are alone or can not leave their homes.
Episcopal Relief and Development
Disaster Season is Upon Us- WE MUST BE READY
The COVID-19 pandemic has made it clear that there is no "us" and "them" — there is only "us." For those of us who have remained healthy and safe during the crisis, this is an opportunity to care for our neighbors who have been less fortunate.
While the pandemic claims our attention both in the US and abroad, we find ourselves nearing the height of the Atlantic hurricane season. Already, we’ve seen the Gulf Coast devastated by Hurricane Laura, and we’ve also witnessed the tragic wildfires as they rage in California. The weeks and months ahead hold a great deal of uncertainty, and they ask one thing of us: Be ready.
So that we can continue to provide relief in communities across the country - and be ready to act in the weeks ahead - I ask you to make a donation to Episcopal Relief & Development's Disaster Fund.
The COVID-19 pandemic has made it clear that there is no "us" and "them" — there is only "us." For those of us who have remained healthy and safe during the crisis, this is an opportunity to care for our neighbors who have been less fortunate.
While the pandemic claims our attention both in the US and abroad, we find ourselves nearing the height of the Atlantic hurricane season. Already, we’ve seen the Gulf Coast devastated by Hurricane Laura, and we’ve also witnessed the tragic wildfires as they rage in California. The weeks and months ahead hold a great deal of uncertainty, and they ask one thing of us: Be ready.
So that we can continue to provide relief in communities across the country - and be ready to act in the weeks ahead - I ask you to make a donation to Episcopal Relief & Development's Disaster Fund.
The Big Yellow Bin
Please help fill the BIG YELLOW BIN
Below is a list of welcomed items. Please do not bring items in glass jars or cardboard boxes, and please check expiration dates.
If you are attending church you can leave your items in the narthex; otherwise, the bin by the angel fountain outside the sanctuary doors is there for you to drop off those extra items from your trip to Publix. Any day, any time. Thanks to the Food Bank, we now have a lid on the bin to keep rain off.
Canned tuna chicken or salmon
Peanut butter in plastic container
Jelly, squeeze bottle in plastic container
Canned soups, stews, chili
Canned vegetables
Trail mix or dried fruit
Canned fruit in own juice or water
Powdered milk
Dried beans
Enfamil formula
Diapers
Baby wipes
Desitin cream
Baby food in plastic containers
In these times it may be more feasible to contribute monies online, especially for you who are not getting out to shop.
Go to https://mealsonwheelsplus.org/ or call 941 747 3663 or make out a check to All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church, memo line Manatee Food Bank.
Thank you for supporting ECW and Outreach
Below is a list of welcomed items. Please do not bring items in glass jars or cardboard boxes, and please check expiration dates.
If you are attending church you can leave your items in the narthex; otherwise, the bin by the angel fountain outside the sanctuary doors is there for you to drop off those extra items from your trip to Publix. Any day, any time. Thanks to the Food Bank, we now have a lid on the bin to keep rain off.
Canned tuna chicken or salmon
Peanut butter in plastic container
Jelly, squeeze bottle in plastic container
Canned soups, stews, chili
Canned vegetables
Trail mix or dried fruit
Canned fruit in own juice or water
Powdered milk
Dried beans
Enfamil formula
Diapers
Baby wipes
Desitin cream
Baby food in plastic containers
In these times it may be more feasible to contribute monies online, especially for you who are not getting out to shop.
Go to https://mealsonwheelsplus.org/ or call 941 747 3663 or make out a check to All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church, memo line Manatee Food Bank.
Thank you for supporting ECW and Outreach
ECW News
After months of no news from ECW, I am pleased to tell you that we have sent another installment of $1000 to Our Little Roses in Honduras. As you recall we set aside $2500 as a result of our fundraising efforts and your generous contributions. Because of the pandemic and unrest in Honduras we sent $1000 in the spring. It got there and was much needed. I found out that there was a dollar for dollar match if monies could be received by July 15. We met the deadline and your $1000 became $2000.
If you would like to see what your contribution is doing to help these girls go to:
Our Little Roses Foreign Mission Society olrfms@ourlittleroses.org
Gail Clay
Gift from a Parishioner
Recently, All Angels received a $2,000 gift from a parishioner to be used for meals for children during these difficult times. The Outreach Commission elected to provide $1,000 to Children First and $1,000 to Meals on Wheels of Manatee County with a request that these gifts were to be used for meals for children.
If you would like to see what your contribution is doing to help these girls go to:
Our Little Roses Foreign Mission Society olrfms@ourlittleroses.org
Gail Clay
Gift from a Parishioner
Recently, All Angels received a $2,000 gift from a parishioner to be used for meals for children during these difficult times. The Outreach Commission elected to provide $1,000 to Children First and $1,000 to Meals on Wheels of Manatee County with a request that these gifts were to be used for meals for children.
Education for Ministry Classes Forming Across Diocese
Across the diocese, there are many Education for Ministry classes and groups offered by parishes that are forming this summer. Education for Ministry, or EfM, is a four-year certificate program for laity under the direction of The School of Theology at Sewanee, The University of the South. The EfM program is preparation for the ministry to which we all are called. The Diocese of Southwest Florida supports this important ministry to laity, through our various parishes. Groups begin meeting in September and run for 36 weeks. Registration starts each summer.
If you are interested in finding out more about EfM or in registering for a group, please call Deacon Martha Goodwill at (941) 556-0315 or email at mgoodwill@episcopalswfl.org
If you are interested in finding out more about EfM or in registering for a group, please call Deacon Martha Goodwill at (941) 556-0315 or email at mgoodwill@episcopalswfl.org
ECW News
We are happy to report that your generous support and donations to the Mardi Gras event are on the way to those in need.
As you recall, we held the monies for Our Little Roses because the situation in Honduras has been so tenuous. They are under martial law. We have been advised by the home office in Miami that funds are getting through. Their budget is $70,000 a month to pay staff and buy food. Their income is from donations, which are down, and sponsorships. So our monies are badly needed. "A Godsend," the director told me, coming at this time. The girls are safe and well cared for and there is no virus at the school.
The ECW executive board decided to send $5500 in two installments to the Miami home office where it will be wire transfered to their bank in Honduras.
I encourage you to go to their website to see how they are coping.
www.ourlittleroses.org
The remaining monies, $5000, was going to be directed to Rev Dee's medical mission to Honduras. In speaking to her, her team will not be returning to Honduras in the foreseeable future. She is in agreement that we should use the funds locally as the need is so great. We assured her that we will support her when it is safe for her and her team to return.
In reviewing locally charities, the executive board of ECW made the decision to donate $5000 to the Community Foundation of Sarasota where it will be matched by the Patterson Foundation. We designated Manatee and Sarasota counties. The funds will assist families directly in need to pay bills and meet their immediate needs. Please check out their website at: wwwcfsarasota.org
Gail Clay, President ECW
As you recall, we held the monies for Our Little Roses because the situation in Honduras has been so tenuous. They are under martial law. We have been advised by the home office in Miami that funds are getting through. Their budget is $70,000 a month to pay staff and buy food. Their income is from donations, which are down, and sponsorships. So our monies are badly needed. "A Godsend," the director told me, coming at this time. The girls are safe and well cared for and there is no virus at the school.
The ECW executive board decided to send $5500 in two installments to the Miami home office where it will be wire transfered to their bank in Honduras.
I encourage you to go to their website to see how they are coping.
www.ourlittleroses.org
The remaining monies, $5000, was going to be directed to Rev Dee's medical mission to Honduras. In speaking to her, her team will not be returning to Honduras in the foreseeable future. She is in agreement that we should use the funds locally as the need is so great. We assured her that we will support her when it is safe for her and her team to return.
In reviewing locally charities, the executive board of ECW made the decision to donate $5000 to the Community Foundation of Sarasota where it will be matched by the Patterson Foundation. We designated Manatee and Sarasota counties. The funds will assist families directly in need to pay bills and meet their immediate needs. Please check out their website at: wwwcfsarasota.org
Gail Clay, President ECW
Thank You From Children First
A Message About Outreach: Where Your Donations Go
Children First: Children First serves the most at risk children and families in Sarasota County. During normal circumstances, our families struggle. In these extraordinary times, our families are facing a crisis of magnitude never seen before. They are struggling to meet the most basic needs of their children, while living with fear and uncertainty of their health, employment, housing and their child’s education. We must be a lifeline for our families and we need you to help. The four ways we are helping at this time are:
1. Prevent learning loss
2. Ensure basic hygiene
3. Support mental health
4. Provide emergency food
Meals on Wheels - Plus: We are providing food to seniors who are isolated during the stay at home order. In the month of March, the number of seniors requesting assistance from Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee increased by 30% over the prior month. We are providing food to families via our Food4Families program, distributing thousands of meals each Friday to provide nutrition to families over the weekend In the last three weeks, we have provided 34,500 meals to families via the Food 4 Families program. We are providing food to nearly 100 food pantries and partner agencies in Manatee County We have already experienced a 20% increase in food being withdrawn from The Food Bank of Manatee and we anticipate the needs to grow exponentially over the coming weeks and months
Over the next several months, we will purchase thousands of dollars of food, leveraging our wholesale buying power, to provide food for people in need in the community.
1. Prevent learning loss
2. Ensure basic hygiene
3. Support mental health
4. Provide emergency food
Meals on Wheels - Plus: We are providing food to seniors who are isolated during the stay at home order. In the month of March, the number of seniors requesting assistance from Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee increased by 30% over the prior month. We are providing food to families via our Food4Families program, distributing thousands of meals each Friday to provide nutrition to families over the weekend In the last three weeks, we have provided 34,500 meals to families via the Food 4 Families program. We are providing food to nearly 100 food pantries and partner agencies in Manatee County We have already experienced a 20% increase in food being withdrawn from The Food Bank of Manatee and we anticipate the needs to grow exponentially over the coming weeks and months
Over the next several months, we will purchase thousands of dollars of food, leveraging our wholesale buying power, to provide food for people in need in the community.
Charitable Giving
During this time many of us are looking for ways to help but want to be sure our monies get to where it is needed.
The Community Foundation of Sarasota (a vetted local organization) is sponsoring a Giving Challenge on April 28 and 29. Your contribution will be matched dollar for dollar.
Go to givingpartnerchallenge.org to learn more about this event which supports more than 700 nonprofits in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSota counties.
The Community Foundation of Sarasota (a vetted local organization) is sponsoring a Giving Challenge on April 28 and 29. Your contribution will be matched dollar for dollar.
Go to givingpartnerchallenge.org to learn more about this event which supports more than 700 nonprofits in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSota counties.