ALBUQUERQUE, Dec. 14, 2007 – While American consumers are spending billions of dollars on Christmas gifts for family members this season, orphans in the U.S. and millions of orphans overseas have no families to call their own. With these quick suggestions from the National Day of Care, churches, businesses, civic organizations and individuals can give orphans the gift of hope this holiday season.

1. Read the Facts – Educate yourself by reading up-to-date news about the plight of orphans and create and distribute a fact sheet to help educate your friends and family.
    
2. Spread the Word – Talk to your family, friends, church and community organizations about getting involved and encourage them to contact the National Day of Care.
    
3. Collect change – Ask individuals to put their loose change in a specified container and make the donation to a relief organization.
    
4. Sponsor a Child – Provide food, clothing and basic essentials for a less fortunate child around the world. The National Day of Care can recommend sponsorship organizations.
    
5. Raise Funds – Organize a yard sale, benefit dinner, or a walk-a-thon and donate the proceeds to a humanitarian group that helps orphans.
    
6. Schedule a Speaker – Ask someone who is involved in assisting orphans to speak to your group or business.
   
   
7. Do a Construction Project – Provide materials to build or repair a local orphanage.
   
   
8. Parties with a Purpose – Give the amount of money you would have spent on a group or office party to a relief organization.
   
   
9. Collect School Supplies – Encourage co-workers or members of your organization or church to fill boxes with school supplies for children at a local orphanage.
   
   
10. Fill a Birthday Box – Fill a box with items such as balloons, streamers, confetti, candles, and cake mixes to be sent for birthday parties at a local orphanage.

The National Day of Care is an annual observance which encourages all Americans to respond to the millions of children in Africa orphaned because of HIV/AIDS as well as other national and international crises. Participants are encouraged to donate to The National Day of Care, a nonprofit which supports special orphan projects and partnerships in Africa. In 2008, the National Day of Care will be observed on Feb.10.

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