Congratulations to the December 2014 Recipients of $500 worth in FREE Promotional Products!

Ryan's House for Youth of Whidbey Island, WA is tackling the issue of how to best provide for the hundreds of homeless teens in their area. They believe that providing a safe atmosphere where the students can safely return each night should not be a privilege... it should be a right.

The organization has five acres of donated land, as well as local contractors, architects, builders, and surveyors who have all pledged to volunteer their time and resources to help build a suitable shelter. Here the homeless kids will receive regular meals, clean clothes, a place to take a hot shower, the support and mentoring of caring adults, as well as the shelter they need, which allows them to stay in school and be responsible adults later in life.

To learn more about this important project, please visit their website at
www.ryanshouseforyouth.org

The Santa Anita YMCA Special Needs Swim Program of Santa Anita, CA is helping children participate and succeed in a sport that develops character and confidence. Many of these children may not have the opportunity to be part of an athletic team at their schools. This swim team provides recognition for their swimming skills and allows them to receive the attention they deserve for the dedication.

Swimming is a great activity for special needs children. They develop greater muscle strength, increased physical endurance and flexibility, as well as better self-control and behavior outcomes.

The group leader who wrote to us at MARCO felt that a personalized promotional gift for each member of the team would be a special treat. When people receive promotional products it fosters a sense of belonging and makes one feel appreciated. We hope the free imprinted water bottles that they receive will make these children feel as special as we know they are!

To learn more, please visit
www.ymcala.org/santa-anita

Winona Volunteer Services, a non-profit based out of Winona, MN got their start in 1973. They help over 900 families each month in need of food, clothing, and emergency assistance. A food bank is open 5 days a week for those who are unable to provide meals for their families. They also offer a home delivery service to provide hot meals and a friendly face to the elderly or those who need this assistance. A staff of over 200 volunteers helps to keep all these programs running smoothly.

Their Coordinated Assistance Program provides everything from diapers to uniforms-which help people get and keep jobs. Rental assistance is offered to those who qualify, as well as transportation services, such as bus passes, to help people get to work and back as needed.

To learn more about this amazing organization, click on their website
www.winonavs.org

The Guardian Angel Society is helping children in Syracuse, NY to build a path and life to success.

In 1997 Father Joseph Champlin realized that many children were stuck in a cycle of poverty and despair. Unfortunately, many were not graduating from high school. He believed that money should never stand in the way of a child's desire for quality education.

Today, this organization provides tuition assistance as well as mentoring and tutoring support to underprivileged children in the community who come from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds. Scholarships can be applied for by families who qualify for aid and wish to continue their child's education at one of their schools or academies.

In 2013, graduation rates for Syracuse public high schools was at 48.4%, according to the NYS Education Department. Guardian Angel Society scholars had a 100% graduation rate that year!

To learn more about this life changing organization, see their website at
www.guardianangelsoc.org