As we begin to say farewell to 2010, many of us are thinking back on what we’ve done for our sponsored kids over the past year. We’ve written letters, sent cards, mailed in family gifts, and participated in the Compassion blog.

Some of us became Advocates. Others traveled far and wide, visiting our children in person.

But many of us are still looking for our place in this ministry. Many of us feel a pull on our hearts and we’ve prayed for an opportunity to do more for children in need. We have talents and gifts. We are ready to bring them to the table.

I have a suggestion.

I’ve become inspired by the stories of ordinary, everyday people who, with nothing more than an idea and some elbow grease, organized events and brought in funds for children in poverty ^[3]:

• The homeschooling mother of four who planned a 5K run for Compassion’s Child Survival Program in Ethiopia;
• The summer Bible study group who organized a yard sale to benefit the Global Food Crisis Fund;
• The little boy who started a penny drive at his school when he heard that the people of Haiti needed tents after the earthquake;
• The blogger who donated $2 for every comment left on her blog in one week;
• The businessman who started the Junky Car Club, encouraging people to trade in their luxury automobiles for budget cars and donate the difference to children in need.

If you are reaching for that next level of involvement in Compassion’s program, I challenge you to find your opportunity in the area of fundraising.

We have this spot where we can share our fundraising ideas and experiences. Bake sales, aluminum can drives, Compassion parties, golf tournaments, lemonade stands – this is the place to bring it.

If you’ve organized an event already, please share what you did. What worked? What didn’t work? What would you do differently?

• If you have fundraising ideas, big or small, please share them. If you have an idea that you would like to implement, comment here and communicate with others who may be able to help or encourage.
• If you have an event coming up, post the date, time and location.

By simply posting, you are doing something for the children. You are offering information that may inspire others to great heights. And children in need will reap the benefits.