We're entering the time of year for charitable donations! Not only is it wise to make any planned donations before the end of the year for tax deduction purposes, it's also the perfect time of year for thinking of those less fortunate and lending a helping hand. Here are 10 good reasons for donating to Sammy's House this year:
1. Cuts to Special Education
Public schools in Central Texas have had to make budget cuts over the past year that in many cases have drained special education programs of their funding. Because of these cuts, many school-age children with special needs aren't receiving the same level of instruction they would normally receive. This is where Sammy's House steps in -- our curriculum supplements, supports, and reinforces the special education curriculum offered in the schools.
2. Keeping Parents Employed
Many of the children at Sammy's House are medically fragile and need around-the-clock care, supervision, and medication dosage for conditions such as cancer. Our staff are trained to care for these vulnerable children, thereby helping ensure that parents don't have to miss work to care for or check up on their child.
3. Evidence of the Benefits of Early Childhood Education
Sammy's House is a child care center, but our services go above and beyond mere babysitting. Our teachers work hard to offer a diverse, varied, and interactive curriculum that develops children's motor, sensory, social, and verbal skills.
4. The Big Impact of Giving to a Small Nonprofit
Although large, multi-million dollar nonprofits undoubtedly perform necessary work in our communities, a donation made to a smaller nonprofit (such as Sammy's House) often has a greater impact because the budgets of these organizations are so much smaller. Each dollar you give is valuable to us and goes directly to keeping our doors open.
5. Keeping Families Safe and Intact
Our respite care program provides a valuable community service by giving parents a much-needed break from caring for their special child. This is extremely important for children with severe medical issues or behavioral disorders, such as autism, that require constant care and supervision. Studies have shown that children with disabilities are four times more likely to suffer child abuse or neglect than other children. Respite is an important step in preventing abuse and neglect by temporarily relieving parents of some of the burdens of child care.
6. Continuity and Integrity of our Mission
Sammy's House is still managed and run by the original family that founded the organization more than 10 years ago. Everyone at Sammy's House is dedicated to our mission of serving children with special needs and their families, and several of our staff send their own children to Sammy's House.
7. Support Local Organizations
Austin is a city that prides itself on the number and variety of local organizations that choose to make their home here. Sammy's House was founded in Austin and has been part of the Austin nonprofit community for over 10 years. If you're an Austinite who believes in supporting local establishments that help our people and our economy, Sammy's House is a good choice for your donation dollars.
8. Job Creation
Sammy's House continues to grow its staff to keep up with the demand for our services. We currently employ 18 staff members, and plan to create even more jobs in the coming year as we plan for the opening of our second location further north.
9. Getting in the Holiday Spirit
This is the time of year when we recognize the importance of family, togetherness, and goodwill towards others. There is no better, more meaningful gift you can give this year than the gift of helping a child succeed.
10. Sammy's House Needs You!
Did you know that approximately 35% of our budget comes from you, the community? Over a third of our organizational budget is made up of donations from businesses and individuals who have seen the value of our mission. Sammy's House is thankful for each and every donation we receive -- no matter how small.
Keep an eye out for our winter fundraiser mail-out over the next few weeks! Please email sammyshousedev@gmail.com if you would like to be added to our list.
