The National Inclusion Project recently announced their 7th annual holiday gift-wrapping awareness campaign and fundraiser, Wrapping for Inclusion. The campaign will take place in shopping malls and stores across the country throughout the 2010 Holiday season. Volunteers will wrap gifts in exchange for donations to the National Inclusion Project.
The National Inclusion Project opens doors for all kids to be included together and experience all that life has to offer. They conduct programs with community partners to teach others how to be inclusive so that kids with and without disabilities can experience life long benefits. They believe no child should sit on the sidelines.
“You can help ensure no child sits on the sidelines by volunteering to wrap and spreading awareness about the benefits of inclusion throughout the holiday season. Schools and youth groups can make this an inclusive community service project by putting together teams of children with and without disabilities,” said Faye Parker, board member of the National Inclusion Project.
Last year over 1,200 volunteers wrapped for inclusion nationwide. Donations raised help fund Let’s ALL Play, which provides inclusive recreational programs nationwide. Through Let’s ALL Play and National Inclusion Project partners over 20,000 children with and without disabilities, have benefited, and thousands of staff members and organizational leaders have been trained to understand the value of inclusion and to deliver quality programs for all children, including those with disabilities. Children with and without disabilities participate together in swimming, games, arts and crafts, and team building, but more importantly all children enjoy a sense of belonging – no longer on the outside looking in, but always included.
Not only does inclusion place a high value on the life of each person, it ennobles society by demonstrating what it means to be kind and accepting. "Wrapping for Inclusion gives volunteers across the country the opportunity to share the benefits of inclusion and make a difference in the lives of children now and for generations to come,” said Parker. "We appreciate the time and dedication of all our Wrapping for Inclusion volunteers as well as all those holiday shoppers who will donate to the National Inclusion Project.”
For information on how to volunteer email Aron Hall at aronhall@inclusionproject.org or click the Wrapping for Inclusion “Get Involved” box at www.inclusionproject.org.