National Day of Care Provides Way to Reach Africa for Christ-Americans to spread awareness, give funds on Feb. 10
by Staff
October 25, 2007
ALBUQUERQUE, (christiansunite.com) -- The National Day of Care, held on Feb. 10, 2008, provides Americans an opportunity to respond to the world's biggest disaster, HIV/AIDS, which has caused 15 million children to become orphans.Though it is intended to be a day for all individuals, groups and businesses to donate to groups that help orphans, the Church is urged to lead the endeavor.
"AIDS is rapidly turning Africa into a continent of parentless children," said Ronna Jordan, founder and president of the National Day of Care, a Christian nonprofit organization endorsed by President Bush and World Vision. "This continent can be reached for Christ if we respond to the orphan crisis."
Participants of the National Day of Care are encouraged to donate to their denomination, a relief organization, or ministry of their choice which helps African orphans or other children in crisis in the U.S. and around the world. They are also encouraged to learn about programs that support orphans and needy children in their area where they can volunteer. Donations made to the National Day of Care are used to support special orphan projects and partnerships in Africa, including World Vision, Save Africa's Children, Samaritan's Purse, Grace for Africa and Ikhayalethemba Village in South Africa.
Church leaders and pastors can go to www.nationaldayofcare.org to sign up to receive a free packet which includes promotional videos to show the congregation, brochures, posters, bulletin inserts and more.
"We want people to be enthusiastic about making a difference in a child's life," said Dr. Michael Hattabaugh, director of the National Day of Care. "Imagine what can happen when all pitch in - we can save Africa. That's the goal of the National Day of Care."
According to the United Nations, nearly 3 million people died of AIDS last year, and nearly 75 percent of those infected with AIDS are in sub-Saharan Africa. The UN predicts that there will be 25 million orphans due to AIDS by 2010.
The National Day of Care was founded in 2005 by Ronna Jordan. After taking teams of volunteers from the U.S. to work in African orphanages in 2000, she organized teams and raised money for them during the next few years. However, Jordan realized these efforts were only assisting a small group of children and those affected by AIDS, and that it would be much more effective to mobilize the entire country to help - specifically through the Christian community. Now, the National Day of Care is a nationwide initiative, lead by church groups, individuals, civic groups and businesses.
"This is a historic opportunity for our country and a defining moment for the Church," said Jordan. "We can help shape the future of Africa."
To generate awareness that millions of children both in the U.S. and abroad need "a roof over their heads" and to raise funds for children in crisis, Dr. Hattabaugh will live on the roof of Chick-fil-A restaurant from Nov. 12-18 in Albuquerque, N.M. The goal of the event, titled "Get Mike Down," is to raise $200,000 for the National Day of Care effort and to benefit a local children's hospital. Supporters can donate online at www.getmikedown.com.
For more information about the National Day of Care, visit www.nationaldayofcare.org or call toll-free at 1- 800-220-8776.
