Power Dressing for a Good Cause: Cate Blanchett Wears All-black Ensemble to Help Launch Charity Appeal in Sydney

She's one of Australia's biggest stars and today she lent her support to one of the country's biggest charities.
Dressed in an all-black ensemble, Cate Blanchett took time out of her busy Hollywood schedule to speak at the launch of the Salvation Army's Red Shield Appeal.

The 44-year-old captured the attention of the room as she spoke about her blessings in life.

Read full article here.

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How To Choose The Right Organization For Your Charity Donation

The Salvation Army Is A Responsible Steward  Of Generosity In Your Community.

As of 2011, there were well over one million tax exempt charitable organizations operating in the U.S. The prospect of combing through that list to find the one charity that best sums up your beliefs – and where your money can do the most good – is a daunting task. It’s important to conduct the appropriate research to ensure your charitable dollars are going to the right place, but there are easier ways to find the right match than looking for that needle in a haystack. If you’re currently struggling to find the proper charity for your dollars, here are five things to consider:.

1. Use Reputable Online Resources
When conducting research online, always stick with unbiased and reputable websites. If you want to learn more about a specific organization, that organization’s website may not be the best place to get it, as it’s more than likely going to present only positive information..

In addition to finding unbiased information, another challenge is finding accurate information. Many of the websites that aggregate lists and manage databases may be out-of-date or just plain sloppy. Instead, research your favored charitable organizations at the Better Business Bureau’s website or at the website CharityNavigator. Both are great resources for finding the right organization for you..

2. Make Sure the Organization is IRS-Approved
When you give money to a charitable organization, you do it to help people in need. However, you don’t want to get left out in the cold when tax time rolls around. Make sure the charity you donate to is approved by the IRS as tax-deductible. You can obtain a full list of all approved organizations from the IRS website..

3. Investigate Administrative Costs
Another thing to look at when choosing the right charity is its administrative budget. According to the American Institute of Philanthropy, administrative costs should be 40% or less to ensure a healthy charity, but you can certainly find lower than that. For example, according to the BBB, the administrative costs of The Salvation Army as a percentage of total revenue in 2010 were just slightly over 10%..

4. Contact the Organization
It’s perfectly acceptable to contact the organization in person to find out more about where your dollars are actually going. You can learn the details of how funds are dispersed, the specifics of who is helped and in what time frame, and you can also try to suss out if the organization is actually a charity or more of an advocacy group. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with donating to an advocacy group, but if the organization in question is one, your money may not go directly to those in need..

5. Review the Privacy Policy
Be sure to review the privacy policy of any charitable organization that makes your shortlist. If they sell or provide your personal information to third-party organizations, and that’s a problem for you, stay away. Also see if they have a general policy of releasing donation information to the public, and make sure that’s something you’re comfortable with before signing that check..

Final Thoughts
Once you’ve decided on an organization, remember to follow the letter of the law regarding your tax deductions for charitable donations. Anything over $250 requires a receipt, and make sure your documentation is bullet-proof. If your donation is non-cash, such as old household items or clothes, clearly list every item in detail and be sure to value them accurately. For a complete list of the rules and regulations concerning charitable contributions, check out the IRS Publication 526. Donating is a great way to both give back to the community and lessen your tax burden, but only if you do it by the rules.

The Salvation Army is a responsible steward of generosity in your community. According to The New York Times, the organization is “widely considered exemplary among nonprofits in handling cash collections.” You can be sure that 82 cents of every dollar The Salvation Army spends goes directly to support community service programs – far exceeding the Better Business Bureau’s guideline of 65 percent. Consider choosing The Salvation Army for your next charitable donation, especially as Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) crews of The Salvation Army continue to meet the needs of natural disaster survivors from coast to coast. Visit https://donate.salvationarmyusa.org/ to make a donation online. You can also call 1-800-SAL-ARMY to make a donation over the phone or text “STORM” to 80888 to make a quick $10 donation via your mobile phone.

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Thrifty Shoppers Rediscover Secondhand Fashion

Keren Charles remembers how embarrassed she was the first time she set foot in a thrift store more than 20 years ago to buy black pants for her first job.

"I didn't want anyone to see me," said Charles, a 37-year old administrative assistant from Atlanta. "In high school, there was really a stigma attached to it. People thought you were either poor or homeless."

Now, the fashion enthusiast says, about 97% of her closet consists of secondhand clothes, vintage dresses and all kinds of sequined accessories. Her favorite find is a navy blue Bill Blass chiffon evening gown potentially worth hundreds of dollars that she scored for $5 at Goodwill. Her last visit to a mall -- a rare occurrence -- was months ago, to use a gift card.

Tips for thrifting


WEAR A THRIFTING UNIFORM: Some stores don't have dressing rooms or if they do, lines are long. Wear leggings, a close-fitting top and shoes that are easy to slip on and off so you can try on clothes without getting undressed.

BRING A LIST: To avoid getting overwhelmed or buying too much, make a list of wants and needs. Bring your inspiration style diary or tear sheets to serve as a visual guide of must-have pieces. Buy only what you need, pieces that you will love and wear immediately.

SHOP FOR ACCESSORIES: Silk scarves, leather purses, vintage jewelry, and belts are inexpensives way to update your wardrobe. Look for basic essentials that your accessory wardrobe may be missing, like a pearl necklace or black leather bag.

TRY OUT TRENDS (AND CLASSICS, TOO): Thrifting is an inexpensive way to determine if you like a certain style so go ahead and experiment. Stock up on classics like black pants, blazers, button down shirts, denim shirts and denim jackets.

SHOP THE LABEL: Labels will identify if a piece is a vintage or designer item, if it's worth the price, and care instructions.

In fact, more people have been sharing Charles' enthusiasm for secondhand clothing in recent years. Goodwill Industries, one of the most recognizable names in secondhand shopping, says it has experienced an 84% increase in revenue from the sale of donated goods from 2007 to 2012, from $1.9 billion to $3.5 billion.

Secondhand clothing and vintage items are showing up in couture, street wear, even everyday office wear. Besides the incentive of saving money, thrifting has also become trendy. Hip-hop duo Macklemore and Ryan Lewis won a 2013 Billboard Music Award for their hit song "Thrift Shop," which brags about "looking for a come up" in a thrift shop.
More people are discovering thrift store shopping because of the recession, said Maureen McGill, co-founder of Manhattan Vintage, New York's biggest vintage fashion market for more than 30 years. But, she believes that the love of vintage style and the thrill of the hunt will keep people coming even during good economic times.

"Vintage is the root of fashion. This is where fashion comes from. Designers use it as inspiration," she said.

What is a thrift shop, exactly?

There are three types of shops that sell used clothing, according to the Association of Resale Professionals. A resale shop buys merchandise from individual owners; a thrift shop is run by a not-for-profit organization to fund charitable causes; a consignment shop pays the owners of the merchandise a percentage when and if the items are sold.
Even thrift stores that have been funding charitable causes for decades are enjoying the popularity. Some days, a line starts forming outside Atlanta's Nearly New Thrift Shop at least 30 minutes before it opens, said Camille Kessler, president of the Atlanta chapter of the nonprofit Junior League, which benefits from the store's proceeds.

More customers began coming to the store at the start of the recession almost six years ago, and sales have been steadily increasing, Kessler said.

"We really hope this trend is here to stay."

Growing interest in the trend inspired Charles to organize a fashion show with the help of other local fashion bloggers. All clothes modeled were purchased from thrift shops, and nothing cost more than $20.

This year's winner was Neshanta Davis and her two-piece polka-dot short set, which included a matching bow tie. Davis, who is also an avid thrift shopper and stylist, says that not knowing what you will find is the best part about thrifting.

Neshanta Davis's two-piece polka-dot short set and matching bow tie cost less than $20.

"What I love about thrifting is the thrill of it, the challenge in finding something unique that everybody else isn't going to wear," she said.

The recently popularity may be great for new shoppers and for business, but it's not so great for longtime regulars like Charles.

"The competition is kind of fierce now," she said. "You're in the thrift stores, and you're seeing so many other people, but it's still better than shopping at a department store."

Source: http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/11/living/thrift-store-style/index.html?hpt=hp_t3

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How To Choose The Right Organization For Your Charitable Donation

As of 2011, there were well over one million tax exempt charitable organizations operating in the U.S. The prospect of combing through that list to find the one charity that best sums up your beliefs – and where your money can do the most good – is a daunting task. It’s important to conduct the appropriate research to ensure your charitable dollars are going to the right place, but there are easier ways to find the right match than looking for that needle in a haystack. If you’re currently struggling to find the proper charity for your dollars, here are five things to consider:

1. Use Reputable Online Resources
When conducting research online, always stick with unbiased and reputable websites. If you want to learn more about a specific organization, that organization’s website may not be the best place to get it, as it’s more than likely going to present only positive information.

In addition to finding unbiased information, another challenge is finding accurate information. Many of the websites that aggregate lists and manage databases may be out-of-date or just plain sloppy. Instead, research your favored charitable organizations at the Better Business Bureau’s website or at the website CharityNavigator. Both are great resources for finding the right organization for you.

2. Make Sure the Organization is IRS-Approved
When you give money to a charitable organization, you do it to help people in need. However, you don’t want to get left out in the cold when tax time rolls around. Make sure the charity you donate to is approved by the IRS as tax-deductible. You can obtain a full list of all approved organizations from the IRS website.

3. Investigate Administrative Costs
Another thing to look at when choosing the right charity is its administrative budget. According to the American Institute of Philanthropy, administrative costs should be 40% or less to ensure a healthy charity, but you can certainly find lower than that. For example, according to the BBB, the administrative costs of The Salvation Army as a percentage of total revenue in 2010 were just slightly over 10%.

4. Contact the Organization
It’s perfectly acceptable to contact the organization in person to find out more about where your dollars are actually going. You can learn the details of how funds are dispersed, the specifics of who is helped and in what time frame, and you can also try to suss out if the organization is actually a charity or more of an advocacy group. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with donating to an advocacy group, but if the organization in question is one, your money may not go directly to those in need.

5. Review the Privacy Policy
Be sure to review the privacy policy of any charitable organization that makes your shortlist. If they sell or provide your personal information to third-party organizations, and that’s a problem for you, stay away. Also see if they have a general policy of releasing donation information to the public, and make sure that’s something you’re comfortable with before signing that check.

Final Thoughts
Once you’ve decided on an organization, remember to follow the letter of the law regarding your tax deductions for charitable donations. Anything over $250 requires a receipt, and make sure your documentation is bullet-proof. If your donation is non-cash, such as old household items or clothes, clearly list every item in detail and be sure to value them accurately. For a complete list of the rules and regulations concerning charitable contributions, check out the IRS Publication 526. Donating is a great way to both give back to the community and lessen your tax burden, but only if you do it by the rules.

The Salvation Army is a responsible steward of generosity in your community.


According to The New York Times, the organization is “widely considered exemplary among nonprofits in handling cash collections.” You can be sure that 82 cents of every dollar The Salvation Army spends goes directly to support community service programs – far exceeding the Better Business Bureau’s guideline of 65 percent. Consider choosing The Salvation Army for your next charitable donation, especially as Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) crews of The Salvation Army continue to meet the needs of natural disaster survivors from coast to coast. Visit https://donate.salvationarmyusa.org/ to make a donation online. You can also call 1-800-SAL-ARMY to make a donation over the phone or text “STORM” to 80888 to make a quick $10 donation via your mobile phone.

Source: http://blog.salvationarmyusa.org/2013/06/17/how-to-choose-the-right-organization-for-your-charitable-donation/

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Salvation Army Volunteer of the Year Nominations

The Salvation Army National Captial Area Command is honoring the women, men, and teens who are making a difference in the lives of people in need on May 16 from 5-7 p.m. during the annual Volunteer Appreciation Reception at the Pepco Edison Place Gallery located in the Chinatown section of DC.

It is the Army’s way of saying thank you to those people who are doing the most good through the donation of their time. The event is wrapping up activities surrounding the 2013 local observance of National Salvation Army Week, and the reception is occuring on the closing evening of the photographic exhibit Others which spotlights The Salvation Army’s legacy and impact in the National Capital.

At the reception, awards are being handed out to volunteers from area Salvation Army offices throughout the District, capital region of Maryland, and Northern Virginia. One lucky person or group will be named Volunteer of the Year. Below is the entire list of nominees from the National Capital Area Command.

The Salvation Army depends on, and is grateful for, the donation of time from people living in the community in order to successfully carryout the organization’s mission of meeting human needs in His name without discrimination. In 2011, nearly 5,000 hours were donated to The Salvation Army by volunteers. If you, a family member or friend would like to make a difference through the donation of time, please click on GET INVOLVED and then Volunteer for more information.

Amazing Gospel Souls
Harbor Light Center
The Amazing Gospel Souls is an ensemble of musicians which formed in Lorton Prison. The story of the group is amazing in that all of the members have battled, and yes conquered, drug addiction. Now living on the outside, AGS plays at churches and events around town – for free. On many occasions, they have brought their talents by to the stage in the Harbor Light Center Chapel.

Hervey Machen
Prince George’s
Hervey Machen is an active Advisory Board Member at the Prince George’s County Corps. He has participated at the Corps for nearly 30 years. Each year at Christmas time, Hervey takes responsibility for several kettle locations including identifying volunteers to stand and ring the bell at a kettle for an entire day at a time. A member of the local Kiwanis Club, he has faith in the work of The Salvation Army.

Dianne Morales
DC Women’s Auxiliary
Diane is a member of The Salvation Army of Washington’s Women’s Auxiliary. She is being nominated for all the hard work she puts into the group. She is well organized and pays meticulous attention to detail. Passionately driven, Diane is always thinking of the ways to improve fundraising by the Women’s Auxiliary. Ultimately, this helps the organization to assist families in need.

George Brown
Prince William
In 2012, George Brown volunteered as The Salvation Army Prince William Corps Kettle Coordinator. It was his first year. In this role, he accepted the day to day responsibility of the kettle program’s operations including all of its workers, route schedules and driving. Every evening, he assisted the Corps leadership in counting the funds brought in daily at each kettle location throughout the area. Corps Officers Captains George and Robin Hackbarth say George Brown’s selfless giving of his time had a significant impact on the Corps.

Nicole Frias
Turning Point
Nicole is a volunteer intern at Turning Point Center who has been helping weekly at the transitional housing facility since the first part of this year. She is learning the fundamentals of the social work profession including how to conduct entry assessments, and is also working on the skills needed to build a good rapport with clients while helping them assess their strengths and needs. More than showing up occasion, Nicole is making a significant contribution through the donation of her time at Turning Point.

Kankunda Klingenberg/St. Patrick’s Episcopal School
Grate Patrol
Kankunda Klingenberg oversees the St. Patrick’s Episcopal School’s (SPES) participation with Grate Patrol, The Salvation Army’s homeless program which helps people without a permanent place to call home. SPES has volunteered for about 14 years. Twice a month, Kankunda, and other group members, prepare a nutritious dinner for the clients served by the ministry. During the fall and winter, soup is given out from the Grate Patrol van and in warmer months it is generally bagged lunches. The value the group brings to the Grate Patrol is immeasurable. Their dedication to the program is nothing short of incredibly.

Monique Thompson
Solomon G. Brown
Monique is a volunteer who helps at Solomon G. Brown Corps located in the Anacostia section of Southeast DC. She helps with all corps programs including recordkeeping, in the kitchen, and teaching several classes. As needed, she is always willing to help perform other tasks. According to Corps leadership, Monique doesn’t have to be asked to do a task. If there is something that needs to be done, she will take the initiative and automatically do it. She is uplifting and always provides encouragement to those around her.

Carmen Murphy
Sherman Avenue
A long time volunteer, Carmen helps at the Sherman Avenue Corps on Monday, Wednesday and Friday with the community feeding program on and off for about 6 years. She also pitches in and provides help with the free food giveaway at the Corps on the last Thursday of each month. Delightful and pleasant with a loving and gentle spirit, she is always smiling. It is a characteristic that those around her find inspirational.

Jane Gadee
Alexandria
The leaders of The Salvation Army Alexandria Citadel Corps describe Jane Gadee a model Advisory Board member. First to sign up for service groups and committees within the board, she is always willing to offer council and assistance whenever called upon. Jane is continuously looking for new ways to include more people in the work of The Salvation Army, including her family, friends, and coworkers. Where some are asked to participate, Jane is always asking the question, “What else should I be doing?” The Salvation Army is blessed to have Jane in its corner willing and committed to doing the most good.

Madeline Madison
Fairfax
Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, Madeline regularly volunteers as receptionist at The Salvation Army Fairfax Corps. She began volunteering during the 2011 Christmas season, and has been helping regularly ever since. Among the duties Madeline has taken on are sorting canned foods, organizing the pantry, filling food box orders, answering phones and providing information regarding social service requirements. In 2012, Madeline volunteered no less than 720 plus hours working every week except for personal vacations or illness. Bilingual, speaking Spanish fluently, Madeline is a real asset to the community we serve. Corps leaders say her faithfulness to the work of The Salvation Army is an inspiration to everyone.

 

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eBay Makes It Easy to Donate to the Salvation Army of Northern Virginia

Did you know that anybody can sell and donate a percent of sales to the Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center of Northern Virginia?

Through eBay Giving Works, the program that helps sellers list items on eBay to benefit nonprofit organizations. Any eBay seller in good standing can create an eBay Giving Works listing.

The Salvation Army of Northern Virginia would like to thank eBay Giving Works for making donations easy for eBay Sellers.

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News Anchors Strut In Salvation Army Fashion Show

A team of local news reporters, hit the runway to help raise money for the Salvation Army.

The event is one of the group's major fundraisers. Last year's show brought in more than $90,000 for programs such as the homeless shelter and the Boys and Girls Club.

The 600 guests Tuesday enjoyed a luncheon and silent auction, along with all the fashions from Miss Jackson's.

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