I've been both a volunteer and a donor for this foundation and they do so much good -- for both the forests and mountains of Southern California and for our children. As the volunteer arm for one of the busiest forests in the nation, the San Bernardino National Forest, they run the popular Big Bear Discovery Center and educate thousands of kids and adults about our natural world. Their AmeriCorp Urban Conservation Corps provide dozens of at-risk young adults the skills and education to be productive members of society. I strongly support them.

I met founder Sybil Erden in the 90s when she operated the Oasis Sanctuary out of her home, and have watched it grow into a large, sorely needed refuge for parrots and other birds. I've been to their new facility where dedicated volunteers give their parrot friends - they treat them as family - the best lives possible. We give each year to this foundation and will continue to do so. We have four parrot family members of our own, which we plan to have in our lives as long as possible, but it's heart-warming to know they may have a place to live when we pass away. That is, if people continue to support the Oasis Sanctuary Foundation so they can take more of the numerous homeless, unwanted and abused birds that continue to be an issue.