Spring is on the way, and with it the return of warmer weather outdoor activities. This March, we’re highlighting six organizations that epitomize the active mindset, blossoming personality, and overall fun of the springtime.
Let’s dive in and explore these programs that span athletics, technology, and the arts. Consider donating to these outstanding charities, too! They make an immeasurable difference in the lives of young people as well as supporting rehabilitation for the incarcerated.
Boys & Girls Club of Greater Salem
Mission: “To enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.”
The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Salem, New Hampshire, holds a special place in the hearts of our team at Market Veep. Bill, one of our content writers, relies on his local B&G club for after school care, recreational sports, and more for his twin girls nearly every day. “I don’t know what my kids would do without the club,” Bill says. “They love competing on the swim team and we’re excited that they’ve been able to make friends from across town, which will carry on into middle school next year!” The club is a safe space for kids to keep active, develop healthy habits, and establish lifelong friendships. More than 4.3 million young people are served by B&G clubs every year!
Explore More | Donate
Dream Big!
Mission: “To help girls from low-income situations achieve their dreams by providing them with the basic items and fees necessary to enable them to participate in sports and physical activities that contribute to their health, education and overall well-being.”
Dream Big! Works alongside community sports organizations, social services, schools, and community health centers to change the lives of girls in economically disadvantaged communities. With grants and program scholarships, girls in-need are able to access athletic equipment and enjoy positive participation in physical activities and sports. Regular participation in these activities has been shown to promote self-esteem and improve academic performance. Since 2010, more than 60,000 girls have been impacted by the Dream Big! programs.
Active Bodies Active Minds!
Extra Life
Mission: "We play games so that children's hospitals in the United States and Canada have the funding they need. Since its inception in 2008, Extra Life has raised over $70 million USD for sick and injured kids."
“Play Games. Heal Kids.” It’s easy! With Extra life, gamers go on a 24 hour gaming marathon — often streamed online — to raise money for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. This popular program launched in honor of a little girl who died of leukemia. The $100 million that Extra Life has raised since 2008 has made an enormous difference in providing the critical life-saving treatments and services kids need, and 100% of all donations go directly to the hospitals.
Healthy Kids Running Series
Mission: “To engage communities and families by providing an inclusive youth running experience, inspiring kids to believe in themselves and lead an active healthy lifestyle”
HKRS has been combating childhood obesity and building self-esteem in kids since it was founded in 2009. The national, community-based non-profit provides a fun, inclusive five-week running series for ages 2-14 and will reach more than 60,000 runners in this year alone. Support HKRS to help motivate kids to lead a healthy and active lifestyle through a positive introduction to the world of running! Let’s #GetUpandGo!
Shakespeare Behind Bars
Mission: "Shakespeare Behind Bars offers theatrical encounters with personal and social issues to incarcerated, post-incarcerated, and at-risk communities, allowing them to develop life skills that will ensure their successful integration into society."
As Shakespeare once wrote, “Men at some time are masters of their fates” (Julius Caesar). Shakespeare Behind Bars believes this fully, transforming inmate offenders through the arts. Participating in theatrical encounters with personal and social issues helps the performers to develop life skills and open pathways into successful reintegration into society. The 6% recidivism rate of SBB participants shows the power of the Bard — the national average rate is 60%, a full 10 times higher than the youth and adults SBB serves!
The Entertainment Community Fund
Mission: “The Entertainment Community Fund fosters stability and resiliency, and provides a safety net for performing arts and entertainment professionals over their lifespan.”
The Entertainment Community Fund was formerly known as “The Actors Fund,” but the new name proudly proclaims the scope of their services, which span film, theater, television, music, opera, radio, and dance. Whether you’re on the stage, on camera, or behind the scenes, the human services provided by this organization are there to support life in the arts. Performers count on health, wellness, career, life, and housing services that range all the way from emergency financial assistance to secondary career development and senior care. This year marks 140 years that the ECF has worked to ensure stability for the artists who shape our country’s cultural vibrancy.
Learn More | Donate