There is an amazing number of nonprofit organizations that help children. People from cities all over the country are spearheading efforts to ease each others' burdens. Each group began with a courageous person who recognized a need. These incredible organizations depend on donations and volunteer support. If you are touched by a particular nonprofit, visit its website to learn more about how to help.
Operation Smile
Operation Smile is an inspirational children's organization that was founded in 1982 with the mission of correcting cleft palates, cleft lips, and other facial deformities. Its goal is to "heal children's smiles and make the world a better place." According to the website, Operation Smile was started by Dr. William Magee Jr. and his wife, Kathleen. With the help of hundreds of medical volunteers, they have provided free surgeries for more than 150,000 children worldwide.
Locks of Love
Locks of Love is a nonprofit group with the unique mission of providing wigs for disadvantaged children who have lost their hair, and possibly their confidence, because of illness. According to Locksoflove.com, Madonna Coffman started the organization in 1997 after she and her daughter both experienced hair loss from alopecia. The wigs provided by LOL are custom-made prosthetics. Their vacuum seal enables children to play, swim and do gymnastics without worrying about their hair slipping.
National Head Start Association
Head Start began in 1965 and is the longest running, most successful school readiness program in the country, according to NHSA.org. The organization meets the needs of low income children by providing preschool, health, nutrition and parenting resources through 2,600 programs nationwide. The NHSA also works at a legislative level to secure educational opportunities for vulnerable children. Volunteers and partnership support enable Head Start programs to provide quality resources for their staffs as well as for parents and children in need.
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Big Brothers Big Sisters started in 1904 in New York City, according to BBBS.org. Ernest Coulter, a court clerk, developed the idea when he noticed an epidemic of troubled boys without role models. For 100 years, BBBS has been matching at-risk children with mentors and achieving wonderful results. Per BBBS.org, their children are less likely to skip school or use drugs and alcohol. The program also improves childrens' social skills, grades and confidence.
