Randy Barker, Post Closing:
“On our Day of Giving, I’d like to simply share one way I give to a cause near and dear to the Benchmark Family:
Brain Treatment Foundation.
I’m certain all of us, especially during the holiday season, order a lot of things on Amazon. Did you know it’s easy to have up to 1% of all your eligible Amazon purchases donated to a favorite charity such as Brain Treatment Foundation? That’s exactly what I do. It’s simple: once set-up, you almost don’t even have to think about it. You also get a periodic statement detailing how much you and others have contributed.
From Amazon’s website: How to login to Amazon Smile?
To get started with AmazonSmile, visit smile.amazon.com on your web browser and sign in with your Amazon.com credentials. Choose a charitable organization to receive donations, or search for the charity of your choice. Select your charity and start shopping! To join AmazonSmile from the mobile app, open the app and find “Settings” in the main menu. Tap on “AmazonSmile” and follow the on-screen instructions to turn on AmazonSmile on your phone. Of course there are many causes to contribute to but I have chosen Brain Treatment Foundation and here is what my Amazon Smile screen looks like:”
Mary Rumfield, Post Closing:
“We try and do something every year for the Texoma Family Shelter. They are the only shelter in my county that provides temporary housing for homeless families. They have been doing this for over 30 years! Not only do they provide shelter, but they also help people find a home and set them up with clothes and household items once they have found a home. The Shelter also assists their residents find employment. They are 100% funded by donations. I have put some information about them below.
One year, we asked just a few days before Christmas, if they still had a child they needed adopted for Christmas and they asked if we could please adopt a family. There were 5 children and the mother in the family, we weren’t quite prepared for that, but with some help from friends and coworkers, who were so generous to give to another charity at the 11th hour, we were able to provide this family with a really nice Christmas. My daughter helped me with this and we had more fun Christmas shopping for this family then we ever have had Christmas shopping. Some years we don’t adopt anyone but we always make sure to at least drop off a few loaves of pumpkin and banana bread and tons of Christmas cookies. (Everyone can always use a good homemade Christmas Cookie). There are several resale organizations in the area that work with the shelter and offer free clothing and household items to residents of the shelter. The Shelter also has a resale store. We always make sure to donate any of our donatable items to one of these organizations. They have helped so many families get back on their feet and into a home.”
Lauren Pinto, Closing:
“I have worked with an animal rescue organization for 7 year called Brittany Rescue in Texas (BRIT) based out of the DFW area. It has been so rewarding to give bad and make a difference and work with a small group of other amazing volunteers. My responsibilities have been in fund raising, transport, fostering & and many other fun events. We mainly focus on Texas and surrounding states saving and rescuing Brittanys in need.”
Barbara Kozisek, Sr. Underwriter:
“I live in a community of 20 attached townhomes and every year my neighbors come together to donate necessary food items and new, unwrapped toys for those less fortunate. We collect them all and drop them off at our local fire station. #payitforward”
