If I had a billion dollars

School is back in session, and "fall"--while not here weatherwise--is in the air. Our family even picked apples yesterday at Skytop Orchard in Flat Rock, NC. When our children were in preschool, teachers would give us a form to fill out that asked us things like "what does your child enjoy doing with you?" and "what do you do together as a family?" Well, the answer to that last question was "not much" besides hang out. So, we decided to become "seasonal fruit pickers." Strawberries, apples, pumpkins (I know, not a fruit).

But back in the world of giving back, I remain fascinated by Leon and Sandra Levine's generosity. I mean really, if you have the resources to give, what a great time to start handing out the money! Where would you give? Here are some programs I would fund:

1. The Community Arthritis Project, or "CAP," from Arthritis Services. This program bundles services (exercise, talking points, testing) and brings them to seniors at local community sites during the lunch hour. They collaborate with the Department of Social Services Senior Nutrition Program. I love this program for its simplicity and its ability to bring direct relief to people in pain. If you or a family member have suffered from "Arthur Itis," you know how important programs like these are for underprivileged members of the community.

2. Friendship Trays. This important service not only provides nutritious meals for homebound elderly, handicapped and convalescing people, but also human contact and a friendly face. My grandfather participates in a similar program in another state and--although he complains about the food--he is glad to see the driver every day.

3. Seigle Avenue Partners Freedom Schools of Charlotte. Using a model developed by the Children's Defense Fund, this program provides "critical summer and after-school enrichment through a model curriculum that supports children and families around five essential components: high quality academic enrichment, parent and family involvement, civic engagement and social interaction, intergenerational leadership development, and nutrition, health and mental health." Read this great article by Taylor Batten in the Charlotte Observer.

4. A Child's Place. This nonprofit provides support to homeless children in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. As of May 2009, there were almost 3,000 homeless children in CMS. A Child's Place provides stability and support services for children and their families. Check out this "Charity Spotlight" by WCNC to learn more, and follow up with this more recent piece on the need for school uniforms.

To Do: Make your own "wish list" of how you would donate money around the area. Make a habit of regularly checking out the Charlotte Mission Possible website. This collaboration by local media outlets lets you keep up on the charity/nonprofit news and needs in the region.