Gift Bags for OFA Recap

Our gift-bag making for the Orphan Foundation of America (OFA), a nonprofit that helps former foster children become successful adults, was a wonderful success! Some members donated money for supplies. Some members made bags on their own and donated them. And some members donated time on Tuesday, December 7 to assemble the bags of hot chocolate and candy (while listening to holiday Wizard Rock songs, of course). Each group was asked to make 50-100 bags and our chapter made 126 gift bags! Great work, Carpe Futurum!

Be sure to check out the Gift Bags for OFA project page for all the info about the project and a gallery of photos.

Coverage:
A local news reporter was also on hand to find out more about our project and our chapter of the HPA. Not only did she write a story on us and take some photos, but she also excitedly pitched in and helped us make the gift bags! Check out Julie Bergh’s story on us in the Giving Patch section of BurkePatch: http://burke.patch.com/articles/group-inspired-by-harry-potter-makes-gift-bags-for-orphans We hope the story inspires others to help out in their communities. And if anyone reads it and wants to be a part of Dumbledore’s Army, they’re in the right place! Just subscribe to this blog and come to a meeting.

The article got some attention already. Ann Sharp, Senior Staff Assistant for Constituent Services of Braddock District Supervisor John C. Cook, sent us a wonderful, encouraging e-mail:

Hello –

My name is Ann Sharp and I work for the Braddock District Supervisor, John Cook. Part of my job is keeping an eye out for what the community is doing to help themselves and others, and I was fascinated with your Harry Potter/Carpe Futurum Chapter and what you have chosen to do to help those in need. Reaching out to those young adults leaving foster care is a great way to help, and I just want to congratulate you and your group for what you’ve chosen to do to help others during this holiday season.

I’m going to keep your organization bookmarked, and I look forward to seeing what other activities you may be doing over the next year.

I hope you enjoy your holidays.

Sincerely,
Ann Sharp

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this project to make it a success 🙂