School Supplies Drive, Final Stages!

...Less than 2 weeks left!

Right now, we are coming to the final stages of our “2016 School Supplies” campaign!

We are so very grateful! You’ve made it possible for 167 students to start the year off prepared with the materials they need, having raised a total of $1,675!

But, there are still 533 kids without funding for their supplies. Right now, we would like to review how you can still help us raise the final $5,330 of our $7,000 goal:
5
✩ Dimes for Dreams Cans: If you aren’t already, please keep filling up those cans! We will be collecting the cans closer to the end of this campaign. (Don’t know what “Dimes for Dreams” is? See the bottom of this email!)

✩ Facebook, Email, Text, Sing it from the Mountain-tops!: Please “share” about this campaign on your social media (here’s our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/unitingdistantstars), post our flyers (attached below) wherever you have access to, and use your gift of word of mouth!

✩ Make a Donation!: All donations are 100% tax-deductible! Please donate via PayPal (go to our website and click “donate” button) or send a Check payable to "Uniting Distant Stars" at:

Uniting Distant Stars

4010 Lawndale LN N

Plymouth, MN 55446

And prayers/good thoughts sent our way are of course always welcome and make all the difference, as well.

Thank you so much for all that you do. You truly are rock-stars!

Uniting Distant Stars

______________________________

Dimes for Dreams: http://www.unitingdistantstars.com/2016/03/uniting-distant-stars-dime-for-dreams.html

Do you have a jar or little bowl at home where you dump your pocket change at the end of the day? Replace that container with a “Dimes for Dreams” can, and just like that, you’re effortlessly raising money for our youth in Liberia. Read more about it by clicking the link above, and to order a can of your own, reply to this email, or call UDS Co-founder, Heather Cannon-Winkleman at: 612-232-7541.

For free, a UDS team member can deliver one to your home as well, or we can mail you one!

Printable Flyer:

A New School Year!

...School is just around the corner!

For UDS students, a new school year means so many exciting things.

It means being back with friends and dedicated leaders. It means getting the chance to learn about this incredible world we live in. And it means discovering how to go about in it as individuals with hearts, minds, talents, and dreams, totally unique to them.

As we start this new chapter, we are so filled with gratitude for the ways you’ve lifted these stellar youth.  We would like to thank you, (and thank you again), for the ripple of positivity you have created in their lives!

Right now, the end of our “2016 School Supplies Campaign” is fast-approaching. For this year’s campaign, we hoped to provide 700 students attending 3 different schools with basic school supplies.

According to a recent poll, the average American student spends upwards of $600 on school supplies, back to school clothes, and electronics. The same amount could support 60 liberian children and youth, with each student costing a total of $10!

So far, you’ve made it possible for 167 students to obtain the materials they’ll need, having raised a total of $1,675.

We are at nearly 25% of our $7,000 goal! If you can think of anyone who would like to join in supporting this effort, please forward our information along. Alternatively, below is a printable flyer which can be posted at church, work, or at coffee shop pin board near you!

Donations can be made by PayPal (go to website and click donate button) or send Check payable to "Uniting Distant Stars" at:

Uniting Distant Stars

4010 Lawndale LN N

Plymouth, MN 55446

✩ To keep in mind:✩

The 3 highest donations made by the end of this campaign will not only receive acknowledgment on the site, but will also obtain special recognition when the school supplies are delivered to the students in September, in the form of a PSA Video! UDS students will get to express directly to you, through digital media, their appreciation for your continuous and selfless support.

Again, we want to thank you most sincerely for your support; be it through monetary contributions, sharing our message within your own circles, or directing prayers our way.

Your influence is felt with gratitude all the way across the world!

Thank you, (and thank you again),

Uniting Distant Stars

UDS Youth & Children, Singing for Joy!

Dear Star Supporter,

You make our hearts sing! Your big-heartedness provided over 250 children with school supplies for their first four years at Russ Wood Christian Academy (2012). Then, just last year, City of Joy and Rogma International Schools were also added to our school supply distribution list, making our goal this year to provide for 700 students!

Your continued generous support and outreach to others can ensure these 700 students receive their much needed school supplies this year!

So far, you have graciously raised $1,661 to buy 166 students school supplies in September. This is nearly 25% of our $7,000 goal! In searching through our archives, we found this video of the children at Russ Wood gathered outside, having just received their school supplies in 2012.

These children feel your compassion immensely, on a daily basis.

And, as a token of our appreciation, we would like to remind you that the 3 highest donations made by the end of this campaign will not only receive acknowledgment on the site, but will also have special recognition arranged when the school supplies is delivered to the students in September. Your names will be recognized in a PSA video by the very students your donation supports!

A donation of $10 will lift these children up in song. A donation of $50 or more will have them singing and dancing. And, a donation of $100 or more will bring them joy beyond measure.

All donations are 100% tax-deductible, and can be gifted according to the following methods:

Donation by PayPal (go to website and click “donate” button) or Check payable to "Uniting Distant Stars" at:

Uniting Distant Stars

4010 Lawndale LN N

Plymouth, MN 55446

     ​ ✩ ​✩ ​✩ ​✩ ​✩ ​✩ ​✩ ​✩​

Please share this email with others to ensure all 700 young students attending City of Joy, Rogma International, and Russ Wood Schools will be given school supplies in September.

Alternatively, feel free to post our attached flyer at your church, coffee shop, or any other place that has a community board!

We so appreciate your light and generosity,

Uniting Distant Stars

John Zarzar gives thanks for your contributions to UDS’ Academic & Vocational aid programs!

Recently one of our computer students, John Zarzar, expressed in an email to National Youth Leader, Anna Bertch, his joy and praise to everyone who has contributed to supporting the children and youth in Liberia. Your contributions are literally changing the world. 

This young man is fairly new to our computer training program, but immediately he saw what all of you, our community at Uniting Distant Stars, is doing to support these students at with their education and vocational training needs.

John was also proud to share that he graduated from Open Bible High School on Thursday, August 4th.  Here his email:

​“Hi Miss Anna we Liberians are grateful to God for You. Thanks for your love towards our country. And to the Board and members of the board of uniting distant stars globally. May God Almighty increase your leadership ability, give you wisdom and empower in you knowledge. The fact that Liberia will rise one day it will be through yours andother’s contributions in terms of Vocational and Academic aid and others. You are blessed. John M. Zarzar,Jr. student uniting distant stars (Liberia).”

John gives Thanks to you, who contributed to Academic and Vocational Aid.

​

We are so grateful for John's email because his feedback confirms our unified resolve to Liberian children & youth. Since our last email on Wednesday, we raised another $426 (22%) and have a grand total of $1,536. 

The 700 children of City of Joy, Rogma International, and Russ Wood schools are in desperate need of school supplies for next month, as they will be starting a new year. 

​Your generosity in 2015, gave joy and smiles to these children from City of Joy, Rogma International, and Russ Wood Schools (left to right).

You can continue to move this campaign upwards in meeting our $7,000 goal by donating $50 or more today. Your gift is tax-deductible, but importantly priceless to the bright children you are helping. 

The first five individuals to donate over $75, until today August 14th, will receive special mention on our site for the month of September as “Honorary Donors.” (For those who have already made contributions of $75 and more, your names will be featured as well!)

The 3 highest donations made by the end of this campaign will not only receive acknowledgment on the site, but will also obtain special recognition when the school supplies is delivered to the students in September, in the form of a PSA Video! UDS students will get to express to you through digital media their appreciation for you themselves.

Please donate by PayPal (go to website and click donate button) or Check payable to "Uniting Distant Stars" at:

Uniting Distant Stars

4010 Lawndale LN N

Plymouth, MN 55446

The kindness you are showing these children is truly appreciated. They will have an opportunity to express their gratitude with a handwritten “Thank You” letter for donations of:

• $100 or more, you will receive a letter from one student.
• $500 or more, you will receive three letters from three different students representing each school.

Your letter will be emailed during the months of September and October.

Sincerest Thanks for Supporting Children and Youth in Liberia!!!

6th Annual School Supply Drive for Liberia

You gave these supplies to this Rogma Student.

Uniting Distant Stars is happy to announce our 6th Annual School Supply Drive in supporting three community primary schools in Liberia: Rogma International, City of Joy and Russ Wood Christian Academy. Last year, we discontinued collecting and sending supplies in the U.S. because of the exorbitant costs and constant delays from shipping Trans-Atlantic. We now buy the supplies in Liberia, which helps boost their economy, after recent stagnation by the Ebola Crisis. By donating as little as $10, you can help one student start the 2016/2017 school year with a smile.

You gave these supplies to this City of Joy Student.

We're starting this year's campaign with $650 from recent donations, which is almost 10% of our goal: $7,000. We are serving 700 students attending these three schools, so that equates to $10.00 per student. The families of these children are not able to provided these much needed supplies. Again, your generous gift  by cash, check or credit card will equip these young students with the supplies they need to be successful during the upcoming school year. Your contribution buys notebooks, pencils, pens, and much more.  

You gave these supplies to this Russ Wood Student.

As an added incentive, you will receive one of the following:

• If you donate $100 or more, you will receive a hand-written Thank You letter from one student from any one of the three schools. 
• If you donate $500 or more, you will receive three hand-written Thank You letters from one student from each school. 

Letters will be scanned and emailed during the months of September and October after the students receive their gifts of school supplies from you. 

Anna Bertch, Uniting Distant Stars National Youth Leader, had donated to one of our prior campaigns and she shares how one of these student hand-written letter touched her heart. Please read her post "My Thank You Letter". 

Please donate either by Check or PayPal as follows:

Check: please make out the check to Uniting Distant Stars and mail the check to: 

   Uniting Distant Stars or UDS

4010 Lawndale LN N
Plymouth, MN 55446

PayPal: click the button below to donate by credit or debit card.

 

Below is our flyer created by Anna. Please print our PDF copy (click here) to post on community boards at your favorite coffee shop, restaurant, or anywhere else flyers are allowed. Please share this blog post on your social media sites to help these 700 students receive their school supplies at the start of the year September. 

Thank you for your continued generosity and kindness in supporting the education of young children in Liberia! 

My Thank You Letter

In response to a recent donation I made to UDS, I received an email with a scanned image of a letter written to me from one of the recipients of my donation: Jeremy S. Poguah.

Here’s what Jeremy wrote to me: “Hi Miss Anna Bertch, I greet you with God love. I write to express my thanks to you for the computer lab you people open for us. I praise God so much for you and your family. I hope to see you one day in our country Liberia. We also express many thanks to the Uniting Distant Stars for helping us with our learning. May the Lord bless you.”

This sweet letter has become a treasure to me, and a printed copy now hangs framed on my wall. As part of our 6th Annual School Supply Drive, you too will receive this joy from one of our students when you make a donation of:

1. $100 or more, you will receive a letter from one student.
2. $500 or more, you will receive three letters from three different students.

The students will receive their school supplies in September and the letters will be emailed to you during the months of September and October.

Your generosity has led to immense changes in the lives of these youth, and they would love to express their gratitude to you!

When both recipient and donor are lifted alike, it becomes apparent that the contributions of time, money, and prayers is worthwhile. I would like to express my own personal gratitude for these kids and for the important work Uniting Distant Stars is doing.

Many Blessings,

Anna Bertch, Uniting Distant Stars National Youth Leader

Liberia: Delivering School Supplies to City of Joy

Our generous Star Supporters helped spread joy to not one, but three schools with our 2015 school supply drive. This year we changed our campaign from collecting and shipping supplies from the U.S to purchasing them in Liberia as means to support their struggling economy. Our cups overflowed with joy on August 6, when of our lost 2014 shipment finally arrived. This miraculous moment increased our outreach by 200%. During September and October, UDS volunteers and youth group attended three back-to-school programs at City of Joy, Rogma International and Russ Wood Christian Academy to deliver supplies to their respective students.

On Sunday, September 6, City of Joy School in Congo Town held their school opening program. Pastor Nathaniel J. Gray founded this small primary school, which shares the same building as his church, to serve young children in his community. Pastor Gray partnered with Hossana Children Foundation, founded by Godfrey Solomon and Bernice Nyuma. These two young men and woman work together to improve the lives of children in their community. Both organizations are fairly new and working without an office or any sizable budget.

The morning of the program, UDS volunteers were busy sorting, organizing and placing the supplies into individual packages for each student. They also prepared popcorn for each student to receive with their package.

Left to Right: UDS Volunteers--Mohammad Sesay (gray shirt), Princess Fomba, Fayiah Nyuma (striped shirt), and Moses Lahai (not pictured) carefully prepare each school supply package for City of Joy.

UDS Liberian Co-Founder and Country Director, Kelvin Fomba, was invited as the guest speaker for this program. The event attendees included school staff and teachers, parents and guardians, students and members of the community. Kelvin opened his talk about UDS programs serving children and youth. He then invited students to visit our newly opened Learning Center to help with their homework. He ended his talk with a call-to-action to support City of Joy. The response was tremendous! Up to seven scholarships were given along with other financial and in-kind donations. It was nice to know how UDS supporters stimulated this community's desire to do more to serve young students attending grades pre-school to sixth.

Standing from left to right: Pastor Nathanial J Gray (City of Joy), Kelvin Fomba (UDS), Godfrey Solomon and Bernice Nyuma (Hossana), Daniel Lloyd (UDS volunteer and Russ Wood Vice Principal), and Moses Lahai (UDS volunteer)

Later in the program Kelvin and Moses Lahai presented each student with their gift packet of supplies and a bag of popcorn. They were assisted by Bernice Nyuma (Hossana) and our newly formed UDS Youth Group. The next four photos show students receiving their wonderful gifts made possible by our Star Supporters.

This program also showcased some talented young people. Our youth group organized and performed a popular song that lifted people out of their seats to dance. City of Joy students performed skits, sang songs and danced in celebration of their joyous day!

UDS Youth Group beautifully singing a popular song.

City of Joy students joyfully sing to their adorning audience.

All the photos from this day show how our supporters' generosity and kindness put smiles on the faces of City of Joy students knowing their education matters.

Please visit UDS Facebook album to see more photos of City of Joy's program.

Our next two recipients of our 2015 school supply drive campaign are Rogma International School on September 13 and Russ Wood Christian Academy on October 11. UDS started supporting Russ Wood in 2012 and were eager for the students to receive their supplies in our youth-made backpacks. These backpacks were part of project piloted in 2014 during the height of the Ebola crisis.

The continued support, encouragement and concern for our youth in Liberia from our generous community is forever appreciated. Our work is made possible, because of your support. All of UDS is extremely grateful for that!

Photos and videos taken by Rodney John, UDS Volunteer