We are the Great-Grandparents of a little Great-Granddaughter who was diagnosed with a rare childhood cancer at 11 months old. Thanks to the love and support of the Sparrow Club and a wonderful family dynamic our little girl is now tumor-free and ready to turn 2 years old in early August. Seeing all the events, fundraisers, etc. sponsored by the Sparrow Club from our home in Florida made us feel much more connected to the process happening in Oregon. We'll be forever grateful for the spirit of the Sparrow Club.
Sparrow Clubs USA has provided a wonderful support system for one of my best friends and her family in a time when they really needed it. Cancer affects all of us at some point, but I never would have expected it to affect Olivia, especially not right before her first birthday. The amount Rita, Olivia and Jakey & all their family have gone through this year is completely amazing, and not something you would ever wish on anyone. But I have to say that in a time where things were bad, I felt comfort knowing that this family had been taken in, supported and lifted up by an amazing group of students whose focus was to help.
In our world today it's so easy to get caught up in all the negative, all the violence, all the mainstream news that is just so overly negative, but this organization and these students who choose to participate are real heroes, they should be the news stories we see, stories showing that compassion for one another is still around. They give families in need a support system to lean on, and the monetary assistance they provide through their fundraisers is obviously a big help, but this is about so much more than money. It's about seeing someone and wanting to make a difference, no matter how big or small. Sparrow Clubs USA is a life changing organization and I hope that more schools around the country take on this program because it is truly amazing. Thank you to the Aloha Warriors for taking Rita, O and Jake in...I don't think you all will ever be thanked enough or know exactly how much of a difference and how many lives you touch through your hard work and dedication, your efforts reach far beyond the individual families that you take in each year!
Sparrow Club has given a family very close to me opportunities they did not have. It has been amazing to see just how above and beyond people with Sparrow Club have gone for Olivia and her family. This organization truly is a blessing. Many times the actions and kindness of others towards Olivia and her family have brought tears to my eyes. So glad they were able to give such a special family an amazing gift of love and generosity.
My niece, who was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 1, lives 2,500 miles away from me. Her father (my brother) is active duty army and stationed just as far away. She was adopted as a sparrow from Aloha High School and I can barely put into words how much that means to me and the rest of my family. It is heart breaking to be so far away and be able to do so little for her and her mother through treatment. The sparrow program has been there for support financially and emotionally with things that we could not do so far away. They have included her older brother in all of their activities showering both kids with love and kindness through this horrible time. I am forever grateful to the sparrow club and all the kids that have volunteered for being a light to my family while there was so little I could do.
As a single mother of two, one diagnosed with cancer before the age of 1, Sparrow Clubs USA has been beyond a life changing event for my family. No mother ever thinks about or wants to hear the word cancer. It is devastating. But the one thing that lifted my two children and myself up during the longest year of our lives was the kindness, support and generosity that Sparrow Clubs brought into our lives. I am now able to attend college, be a mom, work part-time, AND continue to be with my daughter for her medical because Sparrow and all involved are wonderful and terrific. Sparrow Clubs USA is a fabulous way for communities, small or big, to come together for one selfless purpose. It has made me a better person and has taught me that the good in the world prevails! Thank you to Sparrow Clubs USA!
Let me just start off by saying any person who is involved with Sparrow will be inspired and love every minute they spend with this organization. It's so cool to be able to spend time serving someone who is probably less fortunate then yourself. I go to Aloha High School and we have been adopting a Sparrow (child who is sick with a medical condition). The thing that's so unique about Sparrow is that it affects every type of student at our school. I've seen kids that don't have a passion for learning and don't like school decide to volunteer for Sparrow and become super passionate about it. I would suggest all schools to begin doing this program and for anyone to get involved by volunteering or getting a group you are a part of involved. You won't be let down by Sparrow!
CJ Eytel
Sparrow Clubs USA has impacted me more than any other organization I have volunteered for. Watching a school and a community come together has motivated me to give back as much as possible. I would recommend this volunteer opportunity to anyone because it is one of the most humbling experience a person can go through. I have been involved with Sparrow for four years now and it is one thing that every year I look forward to starting. I am from a very blue collar community so being able to raise money through service and other student led events has been a blast. This year we tried out some new events like an online fundraiser and men's volleyball. We raised as an entire community over 18,000 dollars for a little girl and her family. To know that we were able to give them that large amount of money just shows that a little effort and some hard work can take a community a long way.
Sparrow Clubs is an awesome organizations where kids can come together within their school and community to raise money for a child whos been through a lot and whos family might need help. It really opens up everyones eye to all the blessings they have by realize there are some people out there that are not as fortunate. This year Aloha and the community had so many wonderful opportunities like "beautify aloha" a 5k run and even a sparrow dance. Helping out the community was easily the best part of all the involvement because I really got to feel like i was helping out this years sparrow but also betting the community. The dance was another great way to raise money by getting a group of friends together and bump some fun music. Working with sparrow clubs the last few years has been a great experience and so eye opening, i really love all that sparrow clubs do and how they simultaneously bring schools closer together. Im very proud of Aloha for raising ruffly 18,500 for Baby Olivia!
Sparrow is an opportunity to give back to someone within your community who is fighting for a chance. This year Aloha adopted a little girl named Olivia who has Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare childhood cancer. As a school we put on a dance, race, run, and other fun activities to raise money. We were the most successful we have ever been, and raised of $18,000 for Olivia and her family. Sparrow has taught me how to give back and to be thankful. I have had the opportunity to work hands on with Sparrow for the past three years. I love this organization and I love having the opportunity to help. The most impacting moment was having the opportunity to sit down and talk to Olivia and her family. It was such a wonderful experience and I have forever been changed by it.
In the Sparrow Club at my high school we adopted a sparrow and raised 18,000 for her. It was amazing because we were suppose to be the school with less money compare with other schools but we have a really big heart. In our community we care bout each other, so when people heard the story about our sparrow they donated. It was a team effort and there were lots of people involved in raising money and volunteering time to make sparrow successful. It thought me that a little kindness can make a lot of difference in someone's life. It felt good helping out because I was part of something big and I would recommend this to any and everyone.
The Sparrow Club has significantly impacted me increasingly over the years as I have become more and more involved. It amazes me how much such a small act of kindness can go a long way. To believe that one kid started it all shows how much impact a person and the school community can make in people's lives. I really feel that Sparrow has brought people together as well as help the kids and families in need. Sparrow is a great organization and I personally believe that it should be expanded to other areas around the country and even in other nations. As strong and helpful as it is now, I know that if Sparrow were to become a bigger organization we would see more lives being impacted and changed forever, continuing the chain reaction that that one kid had once hoped to start.
Sparrow Clubs USA is the mosst amazing organization i have ever been apart of! This organization helps people in need on a first hand basis. My high school adopted a sparrow and we raised over $14,000 for our sparrow! The whole school was doing all they could to raise money for her. From meetinf with the sparrow and their family, i can see howbig of an impact Sparrow Clubs USA on them. Helping families in need within my community is an amazing feeling and brings uncommon people together with one common goal. Working closely with Sparrow Clubs USA changed my life and my perspective:)
Being introduced to the Sparrow Club has completely changed my outlook on volunteering. It is a fantastic way to raise money for a good cause, and it also helps communities join together even more. I have never seen my school be so excited to donate money and time for our adorable sparrow. The fact that it has spread to schools throughout the state has opened my eyes because I love witnessing students gather to help another person in need. Sparrow has motivated me to always be involved in organizations that provide financial aid to anyone who needs it. No matter rich or poor, if you want to find a way to support a person or a family, it can be done! Sparrow has taught me that.
I started truly learning about sparrow this year. This was my first year in leadership and after truly understanding what the sparrow program was about I quickly made it my own personal goal to help raise money. I worked with Mrs. Livingston and we started a facebook page for our sparrow Olivia which quickly grew within our school and our community. I love sparrow and I have seen how helping others also helps you. After helping sparrow I would always have this sense of joy and accomplishment that I would not gain from doing anything else. It is a great organization that helps people realize the true importance of life which is charity and generosity.
The Sparrow Club Organization has not only changed my life but all the lives of kids who are in medical need. The foundation has helped me become more compassionate towards little kids and made me appreciate and grateful for life. The organization impacts the whole school that the Sparrow is apart of, and many schools participate in this wonderful and amazing program. Lives are defeniltey changed.
When I was in 8th grade I was first introduced to sparrow clubs when Aloha High School's Sparrow Nakawana came to my school. I did not know very much about the sparrow program then but I was touched by the story of the first sparrow. I learned how Damion did not have much to give but his sacrifice started a reaction that has not stoped. As I have become a student at Aloha and a member of the leadership class I have become more involved in the sparrow program and have learned how it works. I have come to realize that it takes a lot of hard work and planning to organize sparrow fundraisers by a lot of dedicated people. I also takes a caring community that is willing to put there whole hart into something. I believe that
Aloha high school, is a great example of a caring community. Aloha High school is one of the poorest schools in it's area but we are one of the best at giving. I think that the students at Aloha do such a great job because they can better understand what it is like to be in a hard situation like the sparrow families. In many ways the Aloha community is much like Damion. they do not have a lot to give but they have big harts and are willing to do whatever they can.
This year I have had the opportunity to serve as the Aloha ASB Treasurer. I really enjoy this job because I am able to count the money are school donates and keep a record of all the ways we get money. I believe Aloha is so successful because we have a variety of different service opportunities for all kinds of different people. We have many after school activities like letter writing, cleaning the school and a road clean up. This year we added on line donations and a 5k run put on by my friend Matthew. I helped out at the run and was amazed at how many people from the community came to the event to help Babe O. I really hope that this tradition continues and that we can continue to get more of the community involved. Sparrow clubs has touched me and has helped me realize that the world will always be a good place when there are passionate people that are willing to serve for a good cause.
I have been involved in Sparrow for the past 5 years when it was started in 2009 at my middle school. It has provided everyone in my community an opportunity to come together and unite in one cause. Consequently, my community (Aloha, OR) has acquired a family feel and become a lot closer.
Sparrow has given me an opportunity to be apart of something bigger than myself and help young kids who truly need help and support. If you are looking for a service opportunity to help someone in need, your search is over. Join Sparrow Clubs and be apart of a world changing organization.
Sparrow club has greatly impacted my life. This year was my first as an Aloha high school leadership student and has really helped me connect with the Sparrow this year. It was amazing to see the number students that gave their time to help our sparrow Baby O out. Sparrow Club has given me a better perspective on life, it has shown me that when people work together for a good cause they can accomplish great things.
At Aloha every year we adopt a Sparrow as a school. sparrow has made me more grateful for what I have and more willing to help others. Through the Sparrow program I have become more involved at school, met new people and have a better outlook on life. I love doing the work we do for Sparrow because it is for such a good cause. I hope that I have touched the Sparrow's heart as much as they have touched mine.
The sparrow club has really impacted both myself and my school. this program has been touching students hearts for 5 years now at Aloha High School. it has been giving students the ability to reach out in ways they could not otherwise help. I'm so happy to have been a part of this program for four years now because it has taught me new things and let me help those in needs! Thank you to sparrow clubs for being a part of our school and helping our school strive to new heights and share the program in the future!
I think this organization is one of the coolest and greatest organizations that really includes high school kids. Sparrow really bring the community and high school closer together. Speaking as a person who's family has been affected by cancer it is truly amazing the things a high school an accomplish.Sparrow also give the kids at a school who are not apart of leadership a way to giveback to a child in need witch is priceless.
Sparrow has impacted my life tremendously. It's so amazing to be given the opportunity to personally help someone in need. It has opened my eyes, as well as my school's, and my community's to the beauty and kindness in giving. I'm thankful to be a part of such a neat organization as it inspires so many people to creatively help in any way they can. Sparrow brings out the generosity and love in the hearts of so many, as has the power to touch thousands of lives. I hope that everyone will someday have an opportunity like this to give back to the community and help a child in need.
Sparrow has impacted my life in so many ways. I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to get close to several sparrows at Aloha High School, which has been an amazing experience. Sparrow has impacted the way I look at my life and it has helped me gain a positive attitude. Not only does sparrow help the family in need, but it also helps teenagers to think less about themselves and more about others. Sparrow is amazing because not only does it help the family, but it beautifies the community and changes our outlook on life.
I defiantly give Sparrow clubs a five, as it was a wonderful opportunity for me to grow and learn. This month my school embraced our sparrow - baby Olivia through volunteer work. Our school came together devoting time, money and love to this wonderful little girl. I have personally had numerous opportunities to serve her through service including pulling ivy at Hyland Park, writing letters to people in need, and helping make cards for a suicide awareness video. As a leader in student government at my high school, I was able to work with and fully appreciate our sparrows situation, as well as the effort our school has put into raising money to help. From what I have heard these children use our support to find the strength to keep going. I love this program and everything it is doing.
I helped sparrow in the past but didn't quite know exactly what I was doing to help. I entered the leadership class at my school this year and got to see what we do for our sparrow behind the scenes. I also got to meet our sparrow and find out how wonderful she is. Not only do be get the opportunity to help out a child in need but we also find out about ourselves along the way. I love Sparrow Clubs and all of the work that they do for children in need.
I was introduced to Sparrow through my leadership class this year. Through helping fund for Baby O, it has shown me how meaningful service is to others. During our Sparrow Assembly I saw vividly remember Baby O's mother(Rita) bawling during our slideshow. She was so thankful for all that we have done and continue to do for Baby O. I additionally learn the importance of leaders in the world. As leaders it is our duty to unite no matter our differences, and fight to make this place a better world for the next generation.
Sparrow has always been a success at my high school Aloha. We spend the entire month of April raising money for a child and their family that has many burdening medical bills. This non-profit always bring in a lot of money from my school of Aloha because everyone becomes attached to our Sparrow. This year our sparrow’s name is Olivia and she is the cutest little girl ever! This is the most successful non-profit that I have ever come in personal contact with. I would definitely recommend Sparrow to anyone that needs a purpose or a drive to raise money.
I am a student at AlohaHigh school and i have had a very wonderful experience with sparrow. The clubs and activities provide a great opportunity for kids (including me) to gte involved and help. I think it is a very fun experience as well as rewarding. Although the story is heart warming many tears are shed along the journey kids take supporting our sparrow. The sweaters and T-shirts are a nice bonus after donating money as they are very cute and let others know you support the cause.Overall my sparrow experience has been a great one and i look forward to the future years being involved in such a heart warming fundraiser.
I was introduced to Sparrow Clubs through student government this year and it has been a great experience! Through community service, fundraisers, and donations my school is able to help our sparrow "Baby O" who was diagnosed with cancer just before her first birthday. Our community has rallied around this lovely child and she has become a part of our family. It is eye opening to see how many people are willing to be involved. Sparrow is a great organization with a great purpose and I'm so glad I have become involved with this program.
I am a student in Student Government at Aloha High School and we were the first in my school district to have a Sparrow. Seeing the students in our school rally around our Sparrow and actually want to help was extremely impacting. I was able to see the students begin to care about a child in need and become their extended family. Sparrow has now spread to other schools in our district and everyone I meet from other schools always love it.
My children and I have been involved in Sparrow Clubs as volunteers for years in Portland. It has taught my children to give back to their community by helping others. Sparrow Clubs has also taught my children that no matter how young you are, you can make a difference. It is a wonderful organization that makes a huge difference to all Sparrow Children and their families.
Being a part of the Sparrow Clubs USA organization has been something just wonderful. I found out about Sparrow Club when I was in Middle School but I didn't get involved much until i got into High School. Once I was a part of being involved, I realized it was so fun and just a beautiful thing to do! Not only that but seeing the whole school actually participating and getting involved in committing their time towards the sparrow child and family. It's just something rare to see the whole school be up for it. And that's what I love about the Sparrow Organization. It gets the people that you least expect to be involved in helping out someone who needs it. I Love it!
The sparrow organization is absolutely fantastic. My school adopted it and we've done it for a few years now. It's amazing to see how much our school cares and how much we are united as one in service. We all work together towards one common goal to care for our sparrow. We meet our sparrow at the sparrow assembly and everyone works really hard to pull everything together. it's great that we get to meet our sparrow because then we want to help her even more. Everyone buys the sparrow t-shirts and bracelets and donates money. A few people even raise money for sparrow through senior projects. Whats really cool is that we have the ability to turn service hours into money for our sparrow. So our whole community benefits in the service provided. This is a great program and I would reccomend it to anyone.
I first became aware of Sparrow Clubs via the Bend LaPine School District, as my child's elementary school adopted a "sparrow" and I began to hear inspirational stories about their interactive support and caring for this child and his family. Later, the local office of my company became a corporate supporter of Sparrow, as well. Finally, when the Sparrow Clubs launched a major fundraising campaign and solicited multi-year donor support to help ensure a more stable level of funding and help the organization provide a more predictable level of support to its "sparrows", my wife and I stepped up as inaugural members of the Sanctuary Giving Society. I truly believe in the Sparrow Club USA's mission and the way that it empowers and helps not only the sparrows, but the young people who rally around the sparrow and their family, as well.
Review from Guidestar
My granddaughter became a recipient of the generosity of Sparrow Clubs. She was premature and so had a hole in my heart. They helped her and my daughter with the hospital bills and provided a wonderful Christmas for them through the company that adopted her. The assembly they held at Central Christian Schools was very professional and totally involved the children where I am the secretary. Children in Kindergarten through 12th grade were filling out their community service hours and so pleased to help their Sparrow. It is a win win situation for everyone involved. Thank you Sparrow Club!
Review from Guidestar
Sparrow has helped our family through a very difficult time in our lives. We are so very grateful for all they have done. Sparrow is such an amazing full circle charity that helps not only the families, but also the kids, businesses and communities that are involved. It is truly a deserving charity.
Review from Guidestar
Sparrow Clubs is an amazing organization! It has a huge impact on families and children in need.
Review from Guidestar
Attending fundraisers and contributing to the Sparrow Club in the past did not give me the insight into how important the organization was until 2010 when my son became the "sparrow" at Sisters High School. Still reeling from the devastation the economy had made of our personal finances we learned our son had lymphoma at the start of that year.
At a time when the world seemed to have turned against us, our spirits and hope was revived by the caring and compassion we received from the community, special individuals and organizations and in particular the Sparrow Club. The full measure of the help we received can not be adequately expressed. Surely that is the case for many of us who have been touched by these "angels".
I have been blessed to partner with Sparrow clubs as a classroom teacher for a number of years and for the last two as our school's sparrow club advisor.
Sparrow clubs provide a unique opportunity for children to develop compassion. It is rewarding to guide students through the process of identifying a need and developing a plan for serving others while earning money for a special family in need.
My Kindergarten students have adopted our school/church hallway as our service project. Once each month the students wash the walls. The students identified this need as our halls were "pretty messy." The students decided if they washed the walls once each month it would help our custodian and it would make our school look nice in addition, our school is in a church so all of the people worshiping there would also have a clean hall to walk through.
I especially appreciate the vouchers. Students fill out a voucher for each service project. There is an area for the students to share how doing community service felt. For our youngest students we modified the voucher to include a box so the children could draw a special picture for our Sparrow friend. One comment I recall from our most recent hall washing was, "Washing the walls was really hard. I thought it would be fun and it was at first but then it was lots of work but it was worth it for Caroline and for everyone who walks in the halls."
Sparrow clubs provide an opportunity for students to learn the value of hard work, the satisfaction of a job well done and the joy of helping others.
Review from Guidestar
The Sparrow club is an amazing organization with a big heart.
It helps children/young adults show compassion for other children in need and teaches empathy that will last a lifetime. For the Sparrow child and his/her family at becomes a bridge to the community knowing that they are not alone in their struggle.
Review from Guidestar
Sparrow Clubs has been an amazing program for my school, the students here, the family and Sparrow and our community. It is beautiful to see high school students rally around a sick child and their family. As an advisor, I am honored to see, firsthand how this organization touches a school, individual kids, the sick child and their family and the community that is served. Once a Sparrow child becomes a part of your life, he or she is a part of you forever. I love Sparrow Clubs and I love educating the heart and soul of high school students through this program.
Review from Guidestar
Sparrow Clubs USA has been a blessing in my life. I have been a member of my school's club since seventh grade, and i am now a senior in high school. Not only have i seen the amazing impact that the organization can have in others lives, I have experienced it first-hand, when i was a sparrow for my school in seventh grade. The work that the employees and volunteers of Sparrow Club is so vital, and keeps the organization running and growing. I have been blessed to have them as a part of my life, and have chosen to give back by being a member, and current leader, of the Summit High School Sparrow Club. Seeing the smiles on the faces of the Sparrow family when they know the work that we are doing, makes us want to do more. Sparrow Clubs USA is amazing.
Review from Guidestar
I've volunteered for Sparrow Clubs USA and have been amazed by the synergy that helps not only children in medical crisis, but helps the community while inspiring compassion in healthy kids as well. Perhaps the sick do more for us than we could possibly offer them in return.
Review from Guidestar
I have been involved with Sparrow since the beginning. It is so heartwarming to see the difference that it makes in the lives of the Sparrows and their families. Just as importantly is the kids in the schools that raise the funds for their Sparrow. It is a way for kids to get a glimpse of what a difference they can make in the life of another person. They learn the power of not only what an individual can do but also power of their whole school working together. It is a wonderful way to fully engage a community.
Review from Guidestar
I have been a Donor to Sparrow Clubs over the years. It brings Businesses and Schools together to support families in need do to a medical issue. The Schools sponsor a child called a "Sparrow" and the kids in the school do community services and funds raisers to assist the family. It promotes people helping people and shows that you can make a difference in people’s lives by caring and giving.
Christmas 2010 a local business held a can food drive and called the local Sparrow office to donate the food to a family in need. I was fortunate to be in the right place at the right time and able to pick up the food from the local business and deliver it to the family. The local business was familiar with Sparrow and initiated the food drive on their own, in hopes to make a difference. The family was gracious in receiving the gift and having a good “medical” day. The pantry was refilled on Christmas Eve, the mom was saved a trip to the store, the siblings were excited to see what was in the boxes, the baby “having a good medical day” was content to be home, to share Christmas with his family. The spirit of Christmas was portrayed in the Giving and Gracious Receiving.
Review from Guidestar
I've been the advisor of Sparrow Clubs at my school for several years now. We took a few years off, and have one again this year. I had forgotten how great it makes everyone feel to be able to surround a child and family with love, blessings, prayers, and support. Despite the hard economic times, the families at my school are once again rising to the occasion and blessing our new Sparrow beyond my expectations.
Sparrow is such an excellent organization, and I'm thankful that it has weathered the rough economic times. Despite working with a bare bones staff, it is still working hard to serve those children and their families.
Review from Guidestar
My daughter was a Sparrow 5 years ago. By being a Sparrow, it allowed us to educate her immediate community (her class and school mates) about her medical issues to give them a better understanding about why she missed so much school and why she could not participate in many activities. Many of the on campus Sparrow Club members stood beside her as other, less understanding children, "bullied" her as they had for so many years. The on campus Sparrow Club stood up for my daughter and help give her a voice when she felt she did not have one. My daughter felt she had friends for the first time in years. Learning about my daughter's health issues allowed her class and school mates to understand that people are different and everyone has issues that may not be able to be seen - I saw acceptance of each other grow on campus.
Now, 5 years later, I am proud to say that my daughter is actively involved in her high school Sparrow Club and although they may not know that she was once a Sparrow herself (she still misses much school but hides the pain she feels on a daily basis), she helps Sparrow Club members gain an understanding of patience and tolerance. She is able to speak to the Sparrow family and help them understand why allowing their child to be a Sparrow is so beneficial to the kids on campus.
Sparrow Club is a unique organization that has a positive effect on the entire community. Sparrow Club brings grace and dignity to those with medical issues while it teaches children that showing kindness and respect can make a big difference and help ease pain. I have seen hearts grow and for that I will forever be grateful.
I served on the finance committee for Sparrow Clubs and was greatly touched by the story behind this non-profit. This organization locates schools and businesses interested in helping local families which children in medical need.
The school "adopts" a family with a child in medical need. The business pledges money to the school. The school children "earn" the pledged money for the family by performing a certain number of community service hours. Once the community service hours are fulfilled, the pledged money is given to the family to help with household and medical expenses.
The results of this system are amazing. Obviously, the family gets much needed money. But, in addition, the community as a whole benefits as do the children. I've read some of the letters written by the school children where they talk about how raising money for this family made them feel better about themselves. Removing the "culture of me" that is persistent in children today reduces bullying, as well.
This is a great organization with a great cause.
Review from Guidestar