Last minute charitable giving? Consider Shriners

For those of you looking for a worthy recipient of a last minute, end of the year charitable contribution, we'd suggest Shriners Hospital for Children. Our family made Shriners the major focus of our charitable giving this year. This blog has cataloged just a few of the numerous stories about the organization and its efforts on behalf of children with limb differences and other related conditions.

You can specify funds for a particular hospital or donate to the charity in general. We directed our support to the Twin Cities facility.

Scottish Rite Hospital patients giving back through race

The Dallas Morning News had a couple articles recently on patients and patient families helping to give back to the hospital that has helped them through the White Rock Marathon. From the December 7, 2008 story Running for a cause at White Rock:

"We knew our baby had hand and feet differences," said Butts, 27, from her home in Midland. "We were scared to death. Scottish Rite made us feel safe."

...Butts knew she could support Scottish Rite by participating in the race after passing the marathon display case on her initial tour of the hospital. During the car ride home, she contacted running friends, who helped her organize a team.

...The Butts' mission now is to do as much for the hospital as they can. "We're committed to giving Will the best we can," she said. "What a relief it was to have a place that is top in the world. Everyone there goes above and beyond with every detail. And, they don't charge a cent. We want to raise money to give back."

Limb Difference Web Round-up: Pistorius Banned; Range of Motion Project

A collection of recent limb difference related items from around the web:

• Oscar Pistorius likely banned from Beijing Olympics
• Chicago Public Radio updates its previous coverage of the Range of Motion Project and its efforts in Guatemala

Limb Difference Web Round-up: Alaska Parity Campaign

A collection of recent limb difference related items from around the web:

• Spina Bifida sufferer and amputee completes the Ironman Triathalon
• ChickSpeak Blog profiles actress and congenital amputee Aimee Mullins
• ACA launches Alaska prosthetic parity legislative campaign