My Life As A Sunshine Angel...

by Cathy
(Connecticut)

Where do I even begin? Charity is my life...it's something that I truly enjoy doing. 4 Years ago I created a group called The Sunshine Club For Children, an online group of friends whom all had one thing in common, to provide a ray of sunshine into the lives of sick children.

Our greatest achievement was our most popular "Coins For Kids" Campaign, where all of us saved our coins for a year. At the end of the year, we would cash it all in, and write out one big check in January. One year we happily reached 900.00. What an amazing feeling that was.

This year one of my very best friends has put containers around area restaurants and called it "Dining For Dimes" in such a short time, she raised 259.00 to contribute towards our July check to the Demelza House Children's Hospice.

Aside from our group, I am very involved with Toys For Tots, in which I buy 3 toys a week begining in January. By December, I have over 200 toys to donate. It's a wonderful feeling.

I have even gone as far as collecting new or gently used unwanted Teddy Bears that come from a smoke free/pet free home for the children to love and have distrubted them to TeddyCare, Toys for Tots, and Demelza House Children's Hospice.

I have also collected over 5,000 Christmas Card Fronts to donate to various children's hospices around the USA and England.

I can't tell you how many wonderful people I have met from both the United States, Italy, England, and India as well, including a dear woman who sends me 30.00 a month in order to contribute to our donations.

It's very addicting making children smile. To just know that, that one special teddy bear, or that bouncing ball, or that small toy and coloring book or envelope full of stickers, has made a child's day, is the best feeling in the world.

I have even incorporated my hobbies into donating to charity. From making and selling gift baskets to graciously and willingly donating them to charity events, and making and selling my labels, having raffles, picnics, it has all been a wonderful experience that I plan to continue doing for the rest of my life.

Thanks for listening. :)