Lifesong for Orphans/ Both Hands Foundation Approved!

We were informed today that we have been approved by Lifesong for Orphans to do a Both Hands project in our community for a widow. This means a couple things. First of all, it gives us an account with this non-profit foundation for people to make tax-deductible donations to our adoption account. This can be done through the new Paypal link underneath our fundraising thermometer (can donate by credit card through that button even without a Paypal account), or by check through the mail to:

Lifesong for Orphans
PO Box 40 / 202 N. Ford St.
Gridley, IL 61744

In the memo line on the check, please specify our name and account # -- Abbott/#2708 adoption

Also, please be aware that Paypal has a fee of 2-3% of the amount you donate, so what Lifesong will receive for our account, will be less than you specify originally. To avoid this fee, if you want, just send the check instead. Also, I have to mention here, that the IRS requires Lifesong to mention since they're non-profit-- know that your donation officially is to the organization, Lifesong for Orphans, and technically has full discretion of use of funds, but they intend to honor your request to use all of your donation to your specified account. It's just a technicality for tax reasons. None of your donation goes to administration costs. 100% goes to our account.

Let me explain a little about the Both Hands project. It works a lot like those who run a marathon or play a game of golf for a charity/ special cause, in that the 10 volunteers from our community send out support or sponsorship letters to raise money to spend 1 day working together on a widow's house. The project is anything from landscaping, to deep cleaning, to home improvement project of some kind. Once we finalize our 10 volunteers, we will be choosing the widow from our community soon and begin working with her and finding out what she needs done around her house. We will set aside one day, probably in early May to work on her house. Between now and then, we'll be sending out the sponsorship letters, working to get needed supplies donated, and general planning for the project. All of the sponsorship money goes to our Lifesong account to help us raise money for the adoption.

We are excited about this opportunity to fundraise and be a blessing to widow in the process!

Psalm 68:5-6a-- "Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation. God settles the solitary in a home."

James 1:27-- "Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world."