recyclables for haiti

After 5 months I finally cashed in my recyclables for a grand total of $43.25. Again, not much but it's something. This time I donated to World Vision to the Haiti Earthquake Relief fund. Things in the media have died down about Haiti, but it doesn't mean the people have stopped hurting. Thank you to:

Grandma
Auntie Joy
Mom
My roommates - Jenny & Jenny
My co-workers - Gina & Susan
Gus S.
Tina L.
Matt S.
Sam Y.
Win & Melody L.
Greg & Charissa P.

You guys rock.

recyclables for good update

Ok, so it's taken me awhile, but I finally would like to report that we have raised $60.20 total for International Justice Mission (IJM) and Seattle Urban Academy (SUA)! Thanks to Auntie Joy, Charissa, Eric L., Grandma, Gus, the Hung family, Jen J. K., Sam Y., Shin, and Tinz for all of your goods. If you are impressed by the fact that I earned $60.20 in cans and bottles alone, you shouldn't be. I was only able to raise that much because my college friend, Tracy T. generously offered to match whatever I raised in September. SO THANK YOU, TRACY. YOU ROCK. Here is a picture of Tracy and me in college. Left to right: Jeannie, Me, Tracy, Krisi. Man, do we look like babies:


Now, here is a quick snap shot of each organization and why I support them.

IJM
A human rights agency that secures justice for victims of slavery, sexual exploitation and other forms of violent oppression. IJM lawyers, investigators and aftercare professionals work with local governments to ensure victim rescue, to prosecute perpetrators and to strengthen the community and civic factors that promote functioning public justice systems.

IJM's justice professionals work in their communities in 12 countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America to secure tangible and sustainable protection of national laws through local court systems.

Why I support them: I believe it is central to God's heart to protect those that are oppressed and victims of slavery. I like how IJM works with the local governments and "continues to build networks with aftercare and other social service and government providers to ensure long-term care of clients." They aren't just about rescuing people, but seeing their lives permanently transformed.

If you feel led to contribute to this org, click here.

SUA
SUA is a non-profit, alternative high school school located in Seattle, Washington that provides a safe haven for struggling students, where they can learn community values and be nurtured in the academic, spiritual, and social arenas of their lives. Through vital partnerships with community service organizations, SUA has helped its students attain a high graduation success rate. From 2001-2009, the graduation rate for SUA seniors was 94% and 90% of SUA graduating seniors went on to a 2-year or 4-year college.

Why I support them: First of all, because my aunt has been the executive director and principal for the past 13 years. This is a picture of her and her grandson.

Moreover, I am inspired by her very clear calling to reach out to at-risk youth who have lost hope for themselves. I love how she finds deep joy through experiencing "Christ's grace and power to call forth life in all of us" and through her commitment to "building up academic excellence and sending young people out to pursue higher education with vision and purpose". I also find it awesome that 66% of her staff have advanced degrees and have chosen to serve students through this non-profit program rather than through public or private education.

Here's a video that highlight some of the teachers and students from the program:



And, if you are interested in supporting SUA, click here.

I lagged big time on collecting recyclables from everyone for November. I'll probably collect through December and split the money for each month. November is for Kiva, and December is for Blood:Water Mission. If anyone wants to match what I get by the end of this year, let me know!!

send your recyclables!

Hi all, just wanted to let you know I'm still collecting recyclables to cash in at the end of this month! I'll be cashing in for IJM and Seattle Urban Academy (my auntie Sharon's school!!), so get me your stuff, especially if something like this happens to you:

Jennifer: higakichan

me: yes?

Jennifer: so

on sat

after the gym

i saw this homeless person

who was wheeling a cart full of recyclables

and i thought

well

i have all these things in my car

i could just give it to this guy who looks like he could really use it

so

i ran him down

opened my car truck

and yelled, "EXCUSE ME, SIR!"

"DO YOU WANT SOME CANS?!"

at which point

he bolted

took off, really.

booked it down the street

looking back at me

like i was going to kill him and stuff him in my trunk.

anyway

long story short.

i still have all these things b/c that man thought i was going to hurt him

me: omg

However, if a homeless person or someone in need does accept your recyclables, by all means give them to him/her.

children of the night

I finally got around to cashing in recyclables for August! PEOPLE. We raised $30.75 for Children of the Night!

I first heard about this organization through my friend, Win who has a friend named Maddie that works (worked?) for this organization. Basically it's a shelter in Los Angeles for children ages 11 to 17 that are victims of child prostitution, rape, abuse, drugs, and are trying to escape the streets. They have a 24-hour hotline and a program that provides a Primary Caseworker to each individual who coordinates medical care, psychological care, academic assessments and other social services as needed. Residents follow a highly structured program that includes attending an on-site school where they study a curriculum individually tailored to their specific needs so they can reach age- appropriate grade levels in all subjects before leaving. They formulate “life plans” and attend independent living classes, as well as participate in sports, recreational activities and health education.

Thanks to:

Jennifer J. K.
Gus S.
Tinz L.
Mom
Auntie Joy
Grandma
Eric L.
Sam Y.
Wade C.
Crystal I.

...for your generous contributions. 30 bucks might not seem like a lot, but every little bit makes a difference. If you're interested in donating or getting involved with the organization, visit their website! Next month is IJM! Send your cans and bottles my way!

P.S. I've decided to donate 100% of proceeds to each non-prof. Taking a cut from such a small amount is silly.

worthy causes

Ok. So a lot of people have been coming out of the wood works and started giving me their recyclables. I've decided that I cannot hoard all of this cash for myself, so I want to start donating all proceeds* to a non-profit organization. Every month I will donate to a different organization. August and September will be: Children of the Night and International Justice Mission.

What other orgs should I donate to? Please give me suggestions for the rest of the months for this year!

*Edited as of 9/27/09.

you guys rock.

Jennifer K: i've only had 1 soda today, but i'll try to drink more so you can have more canz

Me: JEN

no! your health is more impt to me
Jennifer K: what? i already drink 1-2 a day

if i just increased my intake by 1

it won't be that bad.

i'm drinking for you!

What a friend! My mom also collects bottles and cans and drives them down from the Bay Area when she visits. Thanks to Mom, Grandma, Auntie Joy, Tinz, Sam, Eric, Wade and now Jen for contributing to my recycling effort. You guys rock.

what's up?!

Late in 2008, I started on a recycling kick. Not for Mother Nature. But for the sheer purpose of getting some extra cash. So I don't sound like a complete miserly jerk, I did put the money I earned toward dinners I cooked or bought for some of the girls at youth group. Anyway. Let me tell you it has been a complete cultural experience. I have interacted with people I never would talk to and or care to hang out with. When I first dropped off my recyclables, I had people yelling at me in Spanish, Cantonese, and Vietnamese instructing me how to sort my plastic and glass bottles. Homeless men would give me tips on where there were other centers that gave more money per pound. It might sound ridiculous, but I like the sense of community I feel when I am there.

Anyway, all this to say, I usually get $8, maybe $10. But today I hit the jackpot! Today I turned in this:


And I got $28.75. WHAT'S UP, ROSEMEAD?