MEET OUR VOLUNTEERS
The PG Family Foundation, home of ZARA'S CENTER in the USA, embraces volunteers of all ages who believe in their own power to 'make a difference'. Members of this ad hoc group are engaged in a wide range of efforts including, but not limited to, those listed below.
Please contact either of our offices (in the US or in Africa) if you or your
organization would wish to raise funds or volunteer to benefit Zara's Center
2009
A DRIVE FOR SCHOOL SUPPLIES
ANDREA AND JULIA GOLDWASSER (2009)
Heading back to school in the fall of 2009, Andrea and Julia Goldwasser wanted to do something meaningful to help kids in Zimbabwe. They organized a drive at their high school in Upstate NY, encouraging classmates to donate the same kinds of 'back to school items' they would wish for themselves. They also asked for donations to cover the costs of mailing. Their efforts were very successful, including many boxes of basic school items, and over $500 in checks and cash. Funds remaining after mailing will be donated to Zara's Center for general operating support.
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER -- SHARING BOOKS
Last year, The Eightnotes, from Park School of Baltimore sang "Ithemba Lami," a South African song (for their winter concert). When Deborah Putzik Briggs, executive director of the PG Family Foundation heard the concert, she invited them to sing "Ithemba Lami" in New York with Liyana, a group of traveling musicians from Zimbabwe who sing a song by the same title, penned by lead performer Prudence Mabhena.
When the Eightnotes returned to school they conducted a text book drive -- to collect teaching/learning materials for use by peers in Zimbabwe. These books will be on their way to Africa this Spring with a collection of other school supplies and related items -- a gift from Next Gen donors at The Park School of Baltimore.
When the Eightnotes returned to school they conducted a text book drive -- to collect teaching/learning materials for use by peers in Zimbabwe. These books will be on their way to Africa this Spring with a collection of other school supplies and related items -- a gift from Next Gen donors at The Park School of Baltimore.
TAKE THE LEAD
With motivation and love from Eileen Patrick, who is one of the most outstanding runners in the 'over 40' category, Zara's Center embarked on its first collaboration with the New York Road Runners (NYRR), sponsors of the ING New York City Marathon. Inspiring results were reached by Eileen's team of six runners, who raised more than $100,000 to enable Zara's Center to reach new goals. With our teams' great success in 2009, the NYRR have graciously stepped up their partnership to provide 15 running places for Zara's in 2010. Our team will once again be led by world-class runner, Eileen Patrick of NYC.
For more info, see 'Eileen's Challenge' on this site's 2010 ING Marthon section.
For more info, see 'Eileen's Challenge' on this site's 2010 ING Marthon section.
2010
RECYCLED WITH LOVE
There are so many ways to ‘give back’. Volunteers at Temple B'rith Kodesh in Rochester, New York, have stepped up to answer the call to provide sturdy fabric bags (made out of recycled blue jeans) that will be used by the children at Zara’s Center for Aids Impacted Youth (in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe) to carry their books to school and food to their families. The bags will be sent to Zimbabwe by the PG Family Foundation, from New York City that sponsors Zara’s Center. The Foundation would welcome additional donations of bags from community organizations and individuals. ‘How to’ instructions are in the adjacent column.
TEMPLE B'RITH KODESH
TBK is committed to programs in the areas of social justice, social action, and interfaith endeavors.
To read more:
http://www.tbk.org/tikkun/socialjustice
To read more:
http://www.tbk.org/tikkun/socialjustice
Blue Jean Book Bags
‘How to’ Make a Blue-Jean Book Bag
Supplies: Pair of jeans, Scissors. Sewing machine, or needle and thread. Decorations.
Instructions: Zip the jeans and turn them inside out. With a pair of fabric scissors (a parent's job), cut off both jean legs 3 inches from the crotch. Set aside. Next, fold the cutoff jeans, matching up the side seams as you would to press front and back leg pleats. Using a sewing machine (or a close, even hand stitch), sew closed each leg opening 1 inch from the cut edge. Trim the denim 1/2 inch from the stitching. Turn the jeans right-side out. For a handle, thread a cotton belt through the belt loops and tie the ends together. Decorate the bag if you wish. Place a note inside to send your personal messages or even a picture of yourself to close the circle of caring and love.
Supplies: Pair of jeans, Scissors. Sewing machine, or needle and thread. Decorations.
Instructions: Zip the jeans and turn them inside out. With a pair of fabric scissors (a parent's job), cut off both jean legs 3 inches from the crotch. Set aside. Next, fold the cutoff jeans, matching up the side seams as you would to press front and back leg pleats. Using a sewing machine (or a close, even hand stitch), sew closed each leg opening 1 inch from the cut edge. Trim the denim 1/2 inch from the stitching. Turn the jeans right-side out. For a handle, thread a cotton belt through the belt loops and tie the ends together. Decorate the bag if you wish. Place a note inside to send your personal messages or even a picture of yourself to close the circle of caring and love.