Academic Foundation for International Cultural Exchange (AFICE)

Did you get the opportunity to travel as a student? The Academic Foundation for International Cultural Exchange (AFICE) is a non-profit, educational foundation that gives high school students from various countries a chance to live in the United States as they learn. AFICE is looking for families to host exchange students. To watch Hilary Clinton explain in a video, go to http://afice.org/host-an-exchange-student.html

Recycling for Charities

Recycling for Charities (www.RecyclingforCharities.com) allows you to recycle your old cell phones, cameras, MP3 players, laptops and PDAs, and lets you choose what charity you want the proceeds to go to!

SD Coastkeeper

The San Diego Coast Keeper protects San Diego's inland and coastal waters through education and community involvement. An easy way for you to help is simply reporting a problem: any time you see sewage spills or pollution incidents, report them, here http://www.sdcoastkeeper.org/act/report-a-pollution-incident.html

New or Expecting Mom? Win a Bassinet!

Are you a new mom or a mom-to-be? Arm's Reach is giving away an amazing Co-Sleeper brand Bassinet on Piece of Me, an excellent for moms!

The Co-Sleeper Bassiet comes in it's own carrying case and has room to store items below where the baby sleeps. It is valued at over $150!

The giveaway can be entered here:
http://www.makingmyamericandream.com/2011/05/keep-baby-close-at-night-with-co.html?showComment=1306427569430#c2401480590855259760

Old Globe Theater - The Life of Riley play

Did you know that the Old Globe Theater in San Diego is supported by events and donations? If you've ever enjoyed a play at the Old Globe, you've helped to support the arts. This month, treat your family to the new comedy "The Life of Riley" at the Old Globe: http://www.theoldglobe.org/tickets/production.aspx?PID=8115

Monarch School District

The Monarch School District, located in San Diego, seeks to educated and empower students impacted by homelessness. They are looking for donations of items such as used computers as well as those who can arrange for educational field trips. To view the school's full wish list, go to http://monarchschools.org/get-involved/in-kind-donations

Children's Dental Health Association of San Diego

The Children's Dental Health Association of San Diego is a school-based outreach program that helps disadvantaged children with dental health needs. They provide low-cost access to dental care and need your help in the 2011 contribution drive: http://www.childrensdentalhealth.org

The San Diego Fire Rescue Foundation

The San Diego Fire Rescue Foundation is an organization founded by former fire fighters that helps provide the necessary equiptment and training needs for of the San Diego fire department, when funding is not sufficient. To find out about upcoming fundraising events, go to http://www.sdfirerescue.org/

The Laubach Literary Council of San Diego

The Laubach Literary Council of San Diego is a non-profit  organization dedicated to helping improve local communities by teaching non-native speakers to read and speak English. If you know someone who may be interested in enrolling in a program, go to http://laubachsandiego.org/enroll.htm

My Girlfriend's Closet

My girlfriend's Closet collects gently used clothing and distributes them to homeless and needy teenage girls throughout San Diego County. Have a teenage girl who can't seem to stop growing? Consider donating some of her clothing. Or you can volunteer to sort and distribute clothes together. Call 619-226-6853 for more information.

Birch Aquarium at Scripps

The mission of the Birch Aquarium is to " provide ocean science education, to interpret Scripps Institution of Oceanography research, and to promote ocean conservation." How about adopting a fish?! To keep their 5000+ fish healthy, the aquarium needs continual support. Your tax-deductible gift each month can help support the feeding and care needs of the fish. http://aquarium.ucsd.edu/Members_and_Friends/Adopt_a_Fish/

Fertility Socks

Yes, you read correctly...Fertility Socks! This organization sends brightly colored socks to women struggling with infertility. Why? The founder started the organization after her own struggle with infertility, realizing that she spent so much time in stirrups, she wanted something cheery to focus on during procedures. You can donate a pair of socks to a woman facing infertility or you can sign up to receive a pair if you've been affected by infertility. Go to FertilitySocks.org

Coalition for improving maternity services

The goals of the Coalition for improving maternity services are to improve birth outcomes, reduce the cost of giving birth and encouraging healthy family practices from the very start of life. For a list of free webinars for parents and parents-to-be, go to http://www.motherfriendly.org/webinar.php

Ruth's House

Founded in 1992, Ruth's house is a non-profit organization that seeks to supply clothing to people in need, by operating a thrift store where unique items can be found! In Matthew 25:36, it says "When I was naked, you gave me clothes to wear". This is the scripture behind Ruth's house. Check out the unique items they have for sale now! http://ruthshouse.org/common/index.php?com=RPEF&div=AA&nav=AA&page=A12

San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research

The San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research is one of the biggest research centers for zoos in the world. They have been around since 1975 and focused on preserving and protecting rare and endangered wildlife. When you take your family to the zoo, you actually help support the Zoo Institute for Conservation Research!

Boxers for Christ

Boxers for Christ, a part of the United States Institute of Amateur Athletics, trains young athletes to box and strengthens their bodies while at the same time their mind, through the Word of God. They are looking for people to help the boxers with sports mentorship or transportation. For more information go to http://usiaa.org/currentneeds.asp

American Red Cross needs Blood Donors

The San Diego Chapter of the American Red Cross (and many others) accept donations of blood throughout the year. These donations are used in times of crisis and for those with trauma in need of lifesaving blood. To donate blood, call 1-800-RED-CROSS ((1-800-733 2767).

UPC (Great Thrift Stores!)

UCP of San Diego County serves people with disabilities such as Cerebral Palsy with vital services. Here's a fun way to help out - SHOP! at the UCP Thrift stores in Chula Vista, Lemon Grove, Pacific Beach and City Heights. I have gotten many a "deal" there and some of the clothes are even brand new! Check out the website for hours and addresses: http://ucpsdthrift.org/

Mardi Gras Princess: A Cinderalla Story

Do you have a little girl who loves plays? The Joan Kroc Center is hosting Mardi Gras Princess - A Cinderella story, at 7:30pm on Friday May 13th and Saturday May 14th.  Advanced Tickets are $15 for a Child and $18 for an Adult. The location is 6845 University Avenue. Call (619) 444-3836 for more information.

Second Chance Program

Second Chance helps break the cycle of poverty, homelessness and drug abuse by promoting job training, affordable housing and counseling. Low on cash but wanting to help out? Check out the list of items that Second Chance would like donated - you may already have some! Tools, business attire, laundry soap, towels....you know there's too much clutter in your house anyway! Or is that just me? :) http://secondchanceprogram.org/donate.html

Girls on the Run! and Sparkle and Shine 5k!

Girls on the Run is a character development program for girls in 3rd through 8th grade, which teaches them to be healthy and celebrate their bodies. On Sunday, May 22nd, you can help Girls on the Run by participating in the Sparkle and Shine 5k Run! All the details are: http://gotrsd.org/events/our-5k/spring-2011-5k/

Spell-City

Spell-City is an El Cajon-based non-profit organization that teaches phonetics and spelling to both children and adults, especially those who have dyslexia or who are learning English as a 2nd language. They have volunteer positions open as literacy tutors as well as other positions and are happy to accept donations. Please visit http://www.spell-city.com

Prom Boutique with the SHARE ministry

The SHARE Ministry at the Rock Church of San Diego is having their 3rd annual Prom Boutique. The event will be Saturday, May 7 from 2:00pm - 5:00pm at the Jackie Robinson YMCA, 151 YMCA Way; San Diego, CA For information about donating your items, go to their facebook page, at http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Rock-Church-Share-Ministry/170696562983179

San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy Walk

The San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy is one of San Diego's largest Coastal wetlands. On Saturday, May 14 from 10-11am, join trained naturalist for a walk on the trails of the reserve. The location is at the Nature Center, 2710 Manchester Avenue, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA. For more details go to http://www.sanelijo.org/welcome-san-elijo-lagoon-conservancy

North County Lifeline Art Event

North County Lifeline is an organization made up of counselors, therapists, social workers, mediators, youth leaders and volunteers, all coming together to help nurture local families, solve community problems and strengthen the youth. On May 14^th, North County Lifeline is hosting Oceanside’s Linksoul gallery, an annual youth art exhibit and auction. Last year’s event raised $20,000! This year, appetizers will be served courtesy of Oceanside’s Fish Joint restaurant.  Call Donald Stump at (760) 842-6250 for all the details1

Cookies for Kid's Cancer

Do you need a gift for an upcoming birthday, house warming, get well, thank you, party, graduation, wedding reception favor or new business client? Check out Cookies for Kid's Cancer! Cookies for Kid's Cancer sells and ships a variety of different cookies, and 100% of the money goes to funding pediatric cancer research! To buy them, go to http://www.cookiesforkidscancer.org/buy_cookies_s/34.htm