Helping Those Born Too Early
This is a first for me. I tend to be brand loyal for many things and tout the benefits in person and in writing. But I have never felt so strongly about an item or cause to agree to become an official ambassador. That is, until now.
I have very vivid memories of collecting dimes to put in the March of Dimes display card at our local 5-and-dime Ben Franklin store. At the time I was in 2nd or 3rd grade and didn’t fully understand what the donation would be used for. I only knew that kids needed help and I wanted to help where I could.
I never kept count of how many dimes I collected. My greatest joy was being the person to fill in the last empty slot on the card, knowing all of it would now be put to good use. There was something sad to me about a half-filled card. It was money that had so much potential to help, but was ‘stuck’ until others also gave. Sometimes I dug a little deeper just to be able to send the card on its way.
We all have stories of a friend or family member that has been touched by the risks associated with a prematurely born child. I personally have seen it happen with a couple family members and while some have experienced no long term side effects, others have been stricken with lifelong disabilities or even death.
That’s why I’m proud to be able to do my part in raising awareness of the March of Dimes’ latest campaign. For over 75 years the March of Dimes has been helping families prevent birth defects and infant mortality associated with premature births, and now through their #imbornto initiative, you can help by purchasing through select retailers. These are not companies that you’ve never heard of, they are powerhouse brands that you are already visiting and using in your everyday life.
As an example, Chef Emeril Lagasse has teamed up with Martha Stewart Living to help raise at least $30,000 for the March of Dimes by giving patrons the opportunity to add a donation to their check at participating Emeril Restaurants in New Orleans, Las Vegas, Orlando and Charlotte.
And for every baby photo uploaded with a caption about what they’re thankful for with the hashtag #thx2u, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia and Meredith Corportaion will make a $10 donation.
From April 15 to June 21, Kmart will donate $1 from the purchase of each mother/baby puppy ornament to the March of Dimes.
Visit eBay’s Charity Shop for Mother’s Day gifts where proceeds from your purchase support the March of Dimes. From April 30 – May 11 you can also make a donation to the March of Dimes during the checkout process when you make any purchase on eBay.
These are but a few examples of the great companies that are stepping up to help our tiniest and weakest members of society. Check out the many other organizations that are participating by visiting the March of Dimes’ special #imbornto site and be sure to start saving your dimes and help me and the MoDSquad spread the word!
Hi Scott, great to see the March of Dimes partnering up with the blogging world. Thanks for letting us know how we can help support this important organization.
Kimberly
http://fiftyjewels.com
I agree! So nice to see, we’re so happy to support!
March of Dimes is one of those rare organizations that I have never heard anything bad about. In fact, I have met a lot of people who they have helped and say that when they could find no one to assist them then March of Dimes was there for them. I’m so glad I’m seeing a campaign of theirs where others are jumping on and helping out.
Thanks Scott for doing your part and sharing this post and the March of Dimes 🙂 Good things need to be shared! Thank you!
March of Dimes is such a great organization – I love seeing shared in the blog world. How great that so many companies are working with them as well 🙂
This is such a great organization, we help out whenever we can and hear about it. I love all the ways they are helping to make a difference!
I’ve heard of the March Of Dimes, but never really knew what it was. Thank you for the great introduction! Congrats on being an ambassador, and thank you for your hard work.
This is such an amazing cause. I have a good friend, 1 of her babies was born a preemie.
When I was a kid, a local chain of stores had a NICU incubator that they filled with money for March of Dimes.I think that really sort of hits home with people, and they give a little more.
MOD has a special place in my heart. I know what it is like to have a preemie and I know how much they support parents of babies born early.
What a great way to give back with little effort- I will have to pass this onto my sister, who has a 9 month old. Maybe she can even share a few photos for me to tweet!
Even in times when I was so broke my kids and I had to eat hots and spaghetti several times a week, I always gave to March of Dimes. It is a charity I believe in and trust to use the money for helping children have better lives.
Ah March of Dimes is something to stand behind! I remember raising money for it in school as well. I think its important for everyone to stand behind some kind of fundraising organization. I tend to do the American Cancer Society because I also do the yearly fundraising climb for it, but babies, babies have no voice and they need the most help. Love March of Dimes.
March of Dimes is a great organization! I remember those cards also!
Hello, I was wondering if anyone knew what the term is for those cards for collecting coin donations. Also, if a business has one of these cards that it’s customers fill up, does the business get any tax right offs?