Have you ever seen the Facebook meme for Mother’s Day? The one that says, “My mom deserves an island, but all I can afford a candle.” Many of us probably feel that way. How could you ever give a gift that equates to all the love and care you have received from your mom? Creating such a gift is nearly impossible, and it leaves many of us in quite the conundrum each May. Scanning through every aisle, and scrolling through endless Amazon pages, there just doesn’t seem to be anything worth wrapping.
While every mother is different, and there certainly is not a one fits all option, RISE and United Way have partnered to give you a unique option for this year’s gift. Instead of buying flowers, or opting for the sweater she will never wear, give her the gift of changing lives. Give a monetary donation in your mother’s name to United Way and help families in our Parent-Child Home Program.
Children in our Parent-Child Home Program learn the skills necessary for them to succeed as they prepare for school. The Parent-Child Home Program is an evidence-based, national program, focused on helping under-resourced families. Through this program, families receive two weekly visits designed to help their children develop language and literacy skills. These sessions are convenient, as they happen in the home, and children still receive high-quality educational services. Each week, children also receive a book or toy as a gift. The early literacy specialists use this item to demonstrate ways in which parents can use the book or toy to read, play, or interact with their child. This program has proven to be very effective, and 80% of the four year-olds in this program are ready for school.
Donations to this program can be made in increments of $15, $30, $45, or $90. Alliant Energy will match each donation, up to $5000. Mothers will also receive an ecard detailing the impact of the gift made in their name.
While your mom likely deserves an entire island, we believe this option is a close second. She will have the satisfaction of knowing her gift is making a difference, and you can avoid the long checkout lines or excessive shipping fees. You win, your mom wins, and most importantly, families in Dane County win!
You can make your donation to the Parent-Child Home Program at: https://epledge.uwdc.org/servlet/eAndar.article/109/Support-United-Way’s-Parent-Child-Home-Program/SC/Mother-Day