charities

project night night
Project Night Night is dedicated to improving the lives of homeless children, one sweet dream at a time. To this end, Project Night Night donates individual tote bags each filled with a security blanket, an age-appropriate book, and a stuffed animal to children in homeless shelters. Every child who receives one of our Night Night Packages leaves the shelter owning a book which encourages reading and family bonding, a security blanket which can be cuddled, and a stuffed animal which can become a cherished friend. We have one objective – to deliver our Night Night Packages to every homeless child in the country who needs one. We donate over 20,000 Night Night Packages each year. www.projectnightnight.org

cystinosis research network
Cystinosis is a rare disease that primarily affects children. Without specific treatment, children with Cystinosis develop end stage kidney failure at approximately age 9.  Lara's extended family has been personally affected by this disease.  The Cystinosis Research Network is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and advocating research, providing family assistance and educating the public and medical communities about Cystinosis.  The vision of the Cystinosis Research Network is the discovery of improved treatments and ultimately a cure for Cystinosis.  www.cystinosis.org

one warm coat
One Warm Coat is a national non-profit organization that assists in the donation of coats. OWC helps individuals, groups, companies and organizations across the country collect coats and deliver them to local agencies that distribute them free, to people in need. The organization’s mission is to ensure that anyone who needs a coat has one. Providing this simple, yet vital, need helps people live productive lives year round. Since inception, more than 750,000 coats have been collected and distributed through One Warm Coat activities. www.onewarmcoat.org

craft emergency relief fund
The mission of CERF is to strengthen and sustain the careers of craft artists across the United States. CERF accomplishes its mission through direct financial and educational assistance to craft artists, including emergency relief assistance, business development support, and resources and referrals on topics such as health, safety, and insurance. CERF also advocates, engages in research, and backs policy that supports craft artists’ careers. www.craftemergency.org

stand up for kids
The mission of Stand Up for Kids is to help homeless and street kids. We do this, every day, in cities across America. We carry out our mission through our volunteers who go to the streets in order to find, stabilize and otherwise help homeless and street kids improve their lives. Our focus goes beyond street outreach and extends to deterrence and resource programs that we provide in schools and via the internet. But all facets of our mission are guided by the mandate that our volunteers shall tell kids they care about them and then, at every point, prove it.  www.standupforkids.org