From Susie Huhn

Executive Director

I am beginning to think we are suffering from bad news fatigue, if there is such a thing. For the last few years, the headlines have been so toxic we no longer respond.  Day after day we read about unemployment, the real estate market, homelessness, poverty and violence. We read about the sorry state of education and healthcare for Arizona’s children.

So  I was delighted to read “What America Cares About,” a wonderfully uplifting story summarizing recent research conducted by Penn Schoen Berland LLC.

Ninety-four percent of Americans believe it is important to be personally involved in supporting a cause in their communities. More than 75% feel the actions of one person can improve the world. This reminds me we are still compassionate, caring people who truly care about others.

The good news, I decided, is that doing “good” is so commonplace it just isn’t “news!”

We see goodness every day in the individuals who donate time, money and goods to Casa de los Niños. We see it in our foster parents, who open their hearts and their homes so children can experience the joy of family.  We see it in our staff members who go above and beyond – every day of the week – to make sure our children and families aren’t forgotten.

If it is time for you to feel good about doing good again, April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. What a great time to re-connect with Casa de los Niños. What a great time to help the children.

There are dozens of easy ways you can help our kids. Throughout the month of April, restaurants and businesses will be holding promotions that benefit Casa de los Niños. By patronizing them on these days, you will be helping our agency. You can do a small “event” yourself. You can do a diaper drive among your friends. You can do a fun little fund-raiser at work.

There are hundreds of simple ways you might remind your friends that child abuse is still a major concern in Tucson. There are hundreds of simple ways you can help Casa de los Niños.

It may not lead to a headline in the newspaper, but it will mean something far more important. Not just to us but to you!