Interview - Random Hacks of Kindness Junior

As Professional Organizers we are always encouraging our clients to focus on experiences instead of stuff. Part of that process also includes great places to donate time or money. We spoke with Patrice from Random Hacks of Kindness about this cool organization.

For the busy person, what is Random Hacks of Kindness Junior, Inc?

Random Hacks of Kindness Junior runs one day programs for girls and boys in 4-8th grade. The programs (aka "hackathons") are called Kids Coding for A Cause. At the hackathons the students are placed in groups with a computer science mentor and a representative from a local nonprofit. The objective is for the mentor to lead the students through the design and coding process of a prototype smartphone app for the nonprofit.

This is not your traditional hackathon where the objective is a finished product. The core mission of our program is to expose the students to kindness and social good through the lens of technology. We are more interested in the creation of technology, specifically the ideation and design process as it applies to a local community nonprofit. No prior coding experience is required.

How did the organization get started?

I taught a computer science teacher at a school in Newtown, CT for 6 years. During my 6th year, I became interested in expanding the students understanding of the impact that technology has on their lives, and the potential it can have to make a difference in the lives of someone else. I went to my first hacakthon and realized that this would be a great way to give them first-hand experience in creating technology for some one else. I modified the model to match the needs of my students by introducing mentors to help them through the day and required the participation of nonprofits so that my students would interact directly with some in need. I held my first hackathon at Fraser Woods Montessori School in May 2013.  I then went on to create the nonprofit Random Hacks of Kindness Junior in 2014.  We held our first hackathon at Trinity College in April 2015.  Since then we have held over 30 hackathons, reaching over 1000 students, 300 mentors and 300 nonprofits.

What geographic area and ages do you cover?

We run hackathons all over CT and beyond.  The hackathons are for 4-8th graders. We also invite high school students and college students to participate as computer science mentors. We provide mentor training as needed.

Besides monetary donations, how can people help?

We could use help getting the word out about our programs.  So we encourage people to follow us on Facebook or twitter.  We welcome help with mentor and nonprofit recruitment. We also could use skill based volunteers in the areas of marketing and grant writing.

Can you discuss some of the successful events you have had in the past?

We recently held our 4th annual girls only hackathon at Westover School in Middlebury, CT. Here is information from that program.

We will be holding a co-ed hackathon on Saturday, June 2, 2018 with FactSet Research Systems at their corporate office in Norwalk, CT.

Interview - Homes For Our Troops

Not only is Homes For Our Troops a great organization but they understand the importance of using a home's space wisely, for instance, they make sure kitchens are designed with pull-down cabinets. We spoke with Teresa about their mission and how you can help.

For the busy person what is Homes for our Troops?

Homes For Our Troops is a national nonprofit that builds and donates specially adapted custom homes to severely injured post-9/11 Veterans, to enable them to rebuild their lives.

What is the origin story for your organization?

Homes For Our Troops was started by a Massachusetts contractor in 2004 who built a home for an injured Veteran in Massachusetts. Since that time, HFOT has built over 250 homes in 42 states.

Who qualifies for a home and if so, how does the process start?

To qualify for a home, Veterans have to meet a few basic criteria including being injured in the theater post 9/11; retired or in the process of medical retirement from military service; qualify for the VA’s Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant Program. Learn more about our selection process here: hfotusa.org/help.

If someone wants to help, what can they do in addition to giving money?

There is plenty of ways to help! We hold events for each project across the country where the community is invited to attend and welcome the Veteran home. You can find out if there’s a build in your area by checking our interactive map at hfotusa.org/map. If there are no builds near you, holding a fundraiser is a great way to support our mission. We’re even happy with people spreading the word about our organization through social media and word of mouth. Learn more about how to get involved here: hfotusa.org/get-involved/support_our_mission.

What are some of the projects that stand out or gave you extra inspiration?

Everyone of our Veterans has an inspiring story. Read about some here: hfotusa.org/rebuilding-lives.

Interview - The Undies Project

At House to Home we are big on donations. About half of our clients have a difficult time letting go of items, but knowing that it will go to someone in their community helps easy the transition. We spoke with Laura & Lucy at The Undies Project to learn about how we can all help those in need.

For the busy person, what is the best description of the Undies Project?

The Undies Project is a unique nonprofit that collects and distributes new underwear to men, women and children in need.

What is the origin story, how did it start?

The Undies Project was set up in November 2015 by Lucy Langley and Laura Delaflor to fulfill the basic need of new underwear among our low income neighbors.  Underwear is the most under donated, and most needed, item of clothing. Hygiene and physical comfort are only a part of this basic human need. New, clean underwear also provides dignity and self esteem.

How do people donate (drop off) and what type of donations are you looking for?

We receive donations of new men's, women’s  and children underwear of all sizes as well as new and gently used bras. Donations can be mailed to 10 Steep Hollow Lane, Cos Cob CT 06807 or can also be dropped off at the following permanent locations: Wesport: Soleil Toile (24 Post Rd. E), Greenwich: Inside the Armoire (45 E Putman Ave) or Stamford: Professional Physical Therapy (83 Harvard Ave.).

You suggest holding a donation party, what is that?

A donation party is a cool party with all your cool friends and instead of a hostess gift you ask your friends to bring a donation of a pack or packs of undies to give to those in need. After the party you can mail us your collection to 10 Steep Hollow Ln, Cos Cob CT, 06807, or let us know you have humongous collection and we will arrange for a quick pick up. Thank you in advance for holding a donation party! : )

Any interesting tales from the trenches since you deal with unmentionables?

Most of our stories are on the sad side, so I’m only going to share the most recent one of when someone came up to us and in a very low and ashamed voice said, “ Thank you so much for what you do, you can’t imagine what it is like to go to work with disintegrating underwear, your generosity helps me feel better about myself and with this I can do my work better”.

This basic human need that our low income and homeless neighbors have, has been overseen for so many years. It is time to start talking about it and taking action!

Gifts That Keep on Giving (you a headache)

Thanks to free trade and the rise of plastic, toys are relatively inexpensive and easy to find. When you factor in birthday parties, the December holidays, carnivals, amusement parks and family vacations the sheer number of toys in one's household can be overwhelming (for more on this phenomena check my son’s bed). In addition to stopping the siege before it starts by switching focus from stuff to experiences, there are some easy steps you can take that will help eliminate a toy story with an unhappy ending.

Can GI Joe go in the microwave?

Find a time to recycle or throw away broken or soiled toys. Also, inexpensive toys with missing pieces should go. Any age-inappropriate toys should be taken out of circulation. Any sentimental toys should be sent to live with the keepsakes and out of the playroom.

The work of children is play

Watch how your child actual plays with toys and study their interests. Toys that you may think are cool often collect dust. Instead of a lot of unused toys focus on getting toys that your child will love. Take toys out of circulation and rotate them in and your child will think they are new.

A good home

While Goodwill does not take toys many places do. Preschools go through toys fast so help them keep up with demand. Used toys should not go to hospitals and check to make sure none of your donated items have been recalled. The VVA will pick up toys as well as most other donates you may have. Additionally, there are worthy places for your donated toys in Fairfield County.