Thank you to everyone who responded to last week’s post, in which we were offering a $250 donation from Pongo to a charity randomly chosen from among readers' submissions. We hope the post served to promote awareness of a great variety of charities! But only one could be selected, and without further ado, the winner of the $250 is…
Camp Heartland/One Heartland, a Minnesota-based non-profit organization committed to improving the lives of children, youth, and their families around the world who are impacted by HIV/AIDS and other significant life challenges.
Our reader Victoria submitted Camp Heartland/One Heartland as her charity of choice, and we're pleased to be able to donate $250 to this deserving organization.
Quick Facts about One Heartland
- Since 1993, One Heartland has provided summer camp experiences to over 7,000 children impacted by HIV/AIDS.
- More than 75% of One Heartland's participants live in poverty.
- Campers come from all over the country to attend programs at sites in Minnesota, California, and New York, plus an international expansion is being planned.
- Programs and services are provided free of charge to all participants through the generosity of thousands of individuals, corporations, and foundations.
Congratulations to Victoria and to One Heartland! Pongo's $250 donation is on its way!
Related Links:
Learn more about One Heartland.
See the original post, including the complete list of charities submitted.
Can you post a blog about how to tactfully and respectfully handle inappropriate job leads?
At the beginning of December, my company informed me, with heavy heart, that I will be laid off as of January 2nd.
When this happened, I took Pongo's great advice and reached out to my network with my resume and asked for their assistance.
It ABSOLUTELY worked. I am so grateful to have my "network" beating the streets for me however, I am being inundated with leads for jobs that even if I wanted to, I could not entertain.
I think their gesture of mentioning that their Dental Office is hiring an receptionist is so kind and warm. I would never want to offend them by saying I not only need more challenge professionally (alot more), I also need more money for my family situation and frankly, my experience is worth more money than that.
How do I tell my husband's aunt that the cashier position at the local supermarket that she found for me won't cut it. She means well, and in her day - this would be a great job for a young, busy mom. She is old school and stodgy and would think I'm just too big for my britches if I tried to explain that I am one of THOSE women who has a CAREER, not just a job. When she checks back in with me and asks, "Did you go down there and fill out an application?!" I feel guilty whether I say Yes or No.
Many of these wonderful people (rightfully so) have no idea how much I make now, or have made before I landed here 7 years ago however they all know how talented, resourceful, and savvy I am at work. Many of these folks are in positions similar to the ones they're recommending.
Here is why it confounds me: If my boss was losing his job - I would NEVER presume that he could just go work as data entry clerk. I would assume he would look for something equal to what he earns/does now, wouldn't you?
Here is how I have been responding when these people are thoughtful enough to mention one of these positions: I thank them and let them know I'll look into it and then I give them a copy of my resume. I hand off the resume partly to encourage them to continue to think of me, but also to urge them to read between the lines a bit and see my depth of experience.
I may reach a point where one of these positions is going to save my family but until I am there, how do I not offend them but stay honest?
Help!
Hey Jes,
Great comment! I just wrote you a response to this over at a different post.
Click the link below to go to the other post and see my reply! - Julie
There are a lot of charities which depend on donations to keep their good work going. There is a huge list of charities and I hope everyone will consider donating a littlle, even just a dollar or two, to your favorite charity. The santa outside the mall makes it convenient too! :) Happy Holidays.