1. Sparrow Clubs are not just about raising money, even though we have proven to be a very effective way to support urgent financial needs of sick kids and their families. Equally important, we provide an inspiring outlet for kids to express compassion and do community service. We seek to bring out the best in youth by taking their eyes off themselves and offering a chance to help a real child or classmate in need. In the process, their own self-respect is enhanced. Sparrow Projects help to infuse a wonderful sense of mercy, dignity and charity into schools, communities and youth culture.
2. We administrate "adoptions" of qualified kids in medical need as Sparrow Projects. Through the Sparrow Application process, the organization identifies screens and prioritizes children with a significant need for medical and financial assistance. Then, we adopt the children in need (Sparrows) to local schools or youth groups (Sparrow Clubs). When schools have a Sparrow Club, it alleviates issues of fairness and prevents other families from going directly to schools to assist them.
3. We provide legitimate, tax-exempt status for Sparrow Projects as a 501(c) 3 charitable and educational non-profit. Every Sparrow is assigned a designated tax-exempt Project Account (Sparrow for John) which is open for community-wide donations. Sparrow Clubs USA takes the burden off schools and administrates each designated Sparrow’s Project Account by making bank deposits, receipting and accounting for all direct donations. Then we distribute funds for our Sparrow's medical and family's maintenance expenses with a Check Request system that allows for both appropriateness as well as great flexibility in meeting the family’s most urgent needs.
4. We provide a legitimate, tax-exempt way for the business community to support Sparrow Clubs and Projects through our sponsorship program. Local businesses and/or organizations pledge Sparrow Cash that kids must "earn" for their child by doing community service. Participating students receive a personal Sparrow Check service voucher (which also identifies their sparrow and sponsor) |
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to document their total hours of qualified community service and credit dollars toward their Sparrow. Sponsorships also fund Program Support Services to Sparrow families and/or schools. Many businesses become repeat Sparrow Project sponsors because of the great return on investment.
5. We help Sparrow families to feel ennobled by their participation in the Sparrow Project. They realize that the Sparrow Project is NOT all about the money kids and their communities raise for them. Sparrow families see their child affect the lives of hundreds of youth who get involved. It is a cause that infuses compassion, courage, character and conscience into youth and school culture. The family’s humble dignity and sincere appreciation for the students can make a lifelong impact on these heroic young helpers.
6. Sparrow Clubs provide wonderful service-learning and character education experiences for students. We provide training, materials and inspiring assemblies to facilitate Sparrow Projects at no charge to the school! Students are looking for a great cause that grabs their hearts and meets real needs of other kids. Families in crisis are greatly inspired by their support. Students meet genuine needs in the community while feeling the personal rewards of helping a child. Sparrow Clubs are ideally suited for public or private schools that require and/or recognize community service.
7. We enhance media exposure for kids and schools who are doing heroic things within school districts. Positive press coverage shares the "good news" within a school and community. Sparrow Projects are fun and unite the students and school in a common cause.
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