[Charity] "Girls Are Not For Sale" Drive

I recently received an email from a friend of mine in NYC who is helping out the organization called "GEMS- Girls Education and Mentoring Services." The organization specifically addresses survivors and victims of sexual exploitation and trafficking. This is a huge issue in today's society not only in the United States but all over the world.

We've talked about this subject on the show briefly last week but in order to really understand how bad the situation is and how the GEM organization helps, visit them at http://www.gems-girls.org/

They also have a documentary about the sexual exploitation titled "Very Young Girls". Here's the trailer.

To watch the full documentary you can check it out on Netflix.

My dear friend Alena is requesting items to be donated for the drive. To those who live out of the state (and others if they prefer) can donate an American Express Gift card which will be used to buy items requested rather to ship things which will be more costly. She is asking for all donations to be given by December 15th. You can contact Alena via email at coogiecruz@gmail.com or via twitter at www.twitter.com/CoogieCruz  to arrange pick ups or where to mail the gift cards.

On behalf of APOPA we ask you to please help these ladies out. Please spread the word!!!

Here are the items that are being asked to be donated...

Housewarming Care Packages*

Bedroom

Full-sized Sheets

Pillows

Blankets

Bathroom

Towels

Wash Clothes

Bath Mats

Shower Curtains

Shower Curtain Rings

Mirrors

Kitchen

Spoons, Forks, Knives

Plates

Cups

Ice Trays

Pots

Pans

Kitchen Utensils (i.e. Spatulas, Can Openers)

Tupperware

Baking Sheets

Basic Care Packages*

Toothbrush

Toothpaste

Mouthwash

Floss

Soap

Shampoo

Conditioner

Tampons/Pads

Body Lotion

Hairbrush

Elastics

Deodorant

Razor

Non-perishable Food

Ramen Noodles

Individual cereal boxes

Microwavable dinners

Juice Boxes

Microwavable popcorn

Microwavable soups

Sodas

Powdered Drink Mixes

Potato Chips

Corn Chips

Fruit Cups

Clothing (Please note: We are in need of women’s sizes ranging from XS – XXL and 0 – 16 for teens and young adults)

Undergarments*

Underwear (various sizes)

Cotton Tank Tops (various sizes)

Pajamas

Bras (various sizes)

Light-weight and heavy socks

Casual

Jeans

Shirts

T-Shirts

Skirts

Dresses

Sweaters

Winter Coats

Winter Gloves

Winter Scarves

Winter Hats

Professional Attire

Blazers

Dress Pants

Skirts

Shirts

Dresses

Blouses

Suits

Handbags

Belts

Scarves

Shoes

Sandals

Sneakers

Ballet Slippers

Office- appropriate pumps

Office-appropriate loafers

Office-appropriate boots

Winter Boots

* These items must be new and unopened.

[Charity] Help Japan

Here are some of the organizations you guys can contact in regards to donating either your time or money.

Save The Children: Mobilising to provide immediate humanitarian relief in the shape of emergency health care and provision of non-food items and shelter. Call 1800 76 00 11 or visit www.savethechildren.org

Red Cross: Donors can contribute to the relief efforts by calling 800-733-27677 or visiting www.redcross.org  Each text message is a $10 donation to the Red Cross, which will be added to the donors’ next cellphone bill.

Mercy Corps: Mercy Corp has not sent its own team to Japan but it set up a donation fund for its partner, Peace Winds Japan, and its emergency assistance on the ground. To make a donation, call 888-747-7440 or visit the website here.

Medical Teams International: Medical Teams International is also on alert and staying closely in touch with its nine partners along the coast and in Japan. To donate to Medical Teams International, visit www.medicalteams.org.

World Vision Canada: World Vision is among the first organisations to begin relief work by distributing emergency supplies and sending highly-trained staff to assess and respond to the most urgent needs. To donate, visit www.worldvision.ca

Doctors Without Borders: Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international humanitarian aid organisation that provides emergency medical assistance to populations in danger in more than 60 countries. MSF workers are already on ground in Japan, assessing the situation. For more visit http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/

DFAT: Assistance helpline: +61 2 6261 3305. DFAT hotline for Australians concerned about family and friends: 1300 555 135. Visit www.dfat.gov.au