Eight years ago, a nation watched as hundreds of New York’s bravest made the ultimate sacrifice to help those in need.

Since then, a group of students at one Villa Park middle school has helped raise money each year on the anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks for their local fire department, while at the same time learning about the men and women that would come to the rescue in the event of a fire.

Students in the blind and visually impaired program at Albright Middle School in Villa Park spent part of their time in summer school making everything and anything patriotic, including American flag pillows, patriotic bracelets, and red, white and blue fans to sell to students, faculty and staff during two lunch periods today.

The school is part of Salt Creek School District 48, where the visually impaired program consists of more than 50 students. About 15 of the students were in the summer school program, and almost all of them participated in helping make the crafts.

Cindy Rukavina, a teacher in the Albright program, said the students have been doing crafts each summer since 2002, and have made nearly 50 different crafts to sell this year. Rukavina said the crafts not only assist with developing skills, but also help the students learn about what happened on Sept. 11, 2001, as well as what firefighters do for the community.

“It’s our way to honor our local firemen who put their lives on the line every day,” Rukavina said. “They would give up their own life to help our own kids, especially the vision-impaired kids who need extra help. … We feel it’s our duty to do something nice for them.”

Later this month, Villa Park firefighters will come to Albright to pick up the money raised by the craft sale. Last year, the sale raised more than $180. Villa Park firefighter/paramedic Matt Sauter said the department uses the money to purchase hats, stickers, and other items to give to children during speeches about fire prevention.

“One of the best fire prevention techniques in the fire service is giving away handouts and educating kids and parents,” Sauter said. “Giving them the opportunity to know that someone will be there and to trust us if we yell to follow us in the event of a fire is important. … It’s good to reassure them we’re going to take care of them if we’re needed.”

Source for complete article: http://www.mysuburbanlife.com/villapark/news/x1170598697/Students-lend-firefighters-helping-hand

BURLINGTON, ON–(Marketwire - July 15, 2009) - The 12for12k Challenge, a social media-driven charitable effort, has partnered with Eye Care For Kids during the month of July. The purpose is to raise funds for visually impaired youth from poor and low-income families to get the treatment they need. By harnessing the power of social media to influence positive change, 12for12k and Eye Care For Kids hope to raise more than $12,000 to help treat kids in need across the state of Utah, including rural areas and Native American reservations.

“When a child’s vision is impaired, it affects more than just their eyes; it affects their learning, confidence and futures. What we take for granted thousands never know because of their economic situations, which is why we are thrilled to dedicate our efforts this month to helping Eye Care For Kids make sight a reality for children in need,” said Danny Brown, founder of 12for12k.

According to state statistics, as many as 65,000 kids currently need the services that Eye Care For Kids provide. Not only can this help with education and learning difficulties, it can prevent more serious long-term damage as well.

“Sight is such a critical component to education and life experience, especially for a child,” said Joseph Carbone, Founder and President of Eye Care For Kids. “Social media is arguably one of the fastest and most influential forms of influence in our world today, and we are confident that 12for12k’s efforts will help raise awareness of this important drive to bring sight to children in need.”

The 12for12k Challenge works to raise $12,000 per charity for 12 different charities in 2009 by getting 1,200 people to donate just $10 each to a different charity each month. During the month of July, 12for12k will dispatch messages through its network of thousands, leveraging social media tools like Twitter, Facebook, blogs and others. In addition, other events will take place including Masquertweet, a special charity live event in New York. For more information, please contact Danny Brown at Danny@12for12k.org or visit Danny@12for12k.org or visit www.12for12k.org.

Source for complete article: http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/The-12For12K-Challenge-1017762.html

Running in a marathon? Trying a triathlon? Want to host a swim-a-thon?

If you’re competing in a race, Race to Cure Blindness!

Race to Cure Blindness is a free fundraising program where participants utilize a marathon, triathlon, bike race, or other racing event as a platform to raise money for the Foundation Fighting Blindness.

If you would like to use your racing efforts to raise money for the Foundation, the Race to Cure Blindness is an excellent way to make your participation more meaningful and motivate you when the going gets tough. Just ask Stuart Frantz who raised over $30,000 through his participation in the ING Georgia Marathon using Race to Cure Blindness. Stuart felt compelled to do something as he watched his friend Dan’s life very suddenly and dramatically change after begin diagnosed with a retinal degenerative disease. “I was very happy to finish the marathon,” says Stuart, “but most important, I am hopeful that one day the money we raised will finish the race to find a cure for Dan.” Read Stuart’s full Story of Hope here.

And it’s not just for runners! Maybe you are on a bowling league that is organizing a bowl-a-thon. A new mom or dad who would like to participate in a stroller-a-thon? Even kids can join us by organizing a hop-a-thon or dance marathon at their school.

Race to Cure Blindness is uniting people all across the country in a very worthy cause…to further the mission of the Foundation Fighting Blindness. We hope you’ll join us!

Visit www.RacetoCureBlindness.org to view our list of upcoming races. If you don’t see your race listed, contact your local Foundation Fighting Blindness Office or call 888-683-5555 and we will post if for you.