ELLINWOOD — Star of Hope of Ellinwood has several upcoming trips planned in order to strengthen the roofs of the buildings at its school sites in Haiti. They encourage anybody including youth group or adults that might be interested in going to go.

Volunteers who do go pay their own way. The next trip, planned for the last week of February, will cost about $1200; $1,000 of which is the cost of the trip and $200 for the cost of materials.

"It's a very humbling experience," said Lisa Milton of Hudson. She went to Haiti a couple of years ago with her teen daughter who inspired her to go.

"I've never seen anything like that poverty," she said. Milton was surprised at how hard their lives are in a third world country.

"They don't have government services," the volunteer said. "I was a little overwhelmed and felt guilty with all of the needs.

"I could have been born there. How blessed I am I live in America," she said.

Milton added that the Haitians struggle every day for food.

"It's so comforting how rooted they are in faith. American people aren't so open."

Her daughter, Christa, would recommend it as a trip to other teens. "It's so inspiring. It gave me a better appreciation of those who have nothing and their faith in God."

The trip was an eye opener for her and left her with more appreciation for the quality of life she has in the U.S. "I knew there was a lot of poor people, but not to the extent of Haiti. I want to go again."

Barry Parker of Great Bend has been on several Star of Hope trips, but his last trip was after the huge earthquake in January 2010.

"They (the students and orphans) needed somebody so bad," he said. "They were in school when it (the earthquake) happened. Some lost parents.

"We spent lots of time playing games with them," Parker said. "I think it made a difference in all of our lives. We take a lot for granted.

"In the evenings, we would share that it felt like we'd made an impact," Parker said. "I realize how much God has blessed us here.

"Star of Hope takes very good care of you," he said. "Once you go, you want to go again. If we can touch one life, it's worth it."

However, the need for donations remains. "Those who cannot go can make it easier on those who do go by donating to our StarTeam expense fund, and if they are an employer, by making is possible for the members to get off work for the trip," Barry Borror, U.S. director of Star of Hope.

BY KAREN LA PIERRE - Greatbend Tribune - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

See story at http://www.gbtribune.com/section/40/article/46279/

Elisabeth Notagay thanks Star of Hope and her sponsors for support

Star of Hope announces the election of Skip Yowell to the Board of Directors

Ellinwood Kansas, January 14, 2013:

Mr. Skip Yowell has been named to the Star of Hope Board of Directors. Mr. Yowell joins other volunteer board members as they guide the organization in the pursuit of its mission.

Skip brings a lifetime of experience in the business world and a passion to help youth. He is a cofounder of JanSport and today remains an ambassador for the brand.

In 2007 Skip published his first book, "The Hippie Guide to Climbing the Corporate Ladder and Other Mountains". Most recently, in 2010, JanSport released a documentary film about his life called "The Skip Yowell Story".

Keeping with his passion to help young people, Skip currently serves on the boards of the Outdoor Industry Association and the Big City Mountaineers. Big City Mountaineers is a non-profit that encourages under privileged youth to better their lives through the magnificence of nature.

Skip Yowell grew up in western and central Kansas. He now resides in St. Peter, Kansas with his wife Winnie.

Star of Hope International, America, Inc.is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that equips children across the world with knowledge, physical well-being, spiritual growth and social skills through educational programs and local and international partnerships. For more information contact Star of Hope® at (866) 653-0321.

HOME MENU

Fiscal Cliff" Will Be Reached Next Week

Dear Friends of Star of Hope:

Now that it appears the Fiscal Cliff negotiations have failed, many Americans are making year-end charitable gifts rather than allowing their assets to be taxed at potentially very high rates.

As you consider the charitable gifts you will make to close out the year, I ask you to please remember Star of Hope and our work on behalf of children across the world.

The current tax cuts are set to expire December 31 - next Monday. Even if some are renewed at the last minute, many others are likely to be lost. But if you make a year end gift to Star of Hope, not only will it allow us to continue helping the children we serve, but it may reduce your future tax liability.

(For those who would like to make a gift of stock or appreciated assets, please call our office at (866) 653-0321. We are ready to assist.)

Changes in the federal estate tax exemptions are sure to be made. You may reduce your taxable estate, and ensure that your assets are used as you wish, by making a contribution to Star of Hope by December 31st.

Your generosity helps enable children to grow into educated, healthy adults who contribute and participate in their communities and have heard the gospel clearly presented.

These are but a few examples of what we plan for the New Year;

• Water wells in Haiti and Argentina

• Replacement church buildings in Haiti and a new building in Argentina

• Enhanced nutrition for our kids

• Training and services to families caring for children with disabilities - Romania

• Teacher training

• Economic opportunities for people in Haiti and Argentina

I thank you for your continued generosity to our work and our cause.

God Bless you and Happy New Year

President & CEO

You may donate by clicking Donate now

As you consider the charitable gifts you will make to close out the year, I ask you to please remember Star of Hope and our work on behalf of children across the world.

Now 2014 is quickly coming to an end, and 2015 will be here before we know it. We get caught up in the end of year activities and we forget about making year-end gifts.
These gifts, large or small, are important to us as it allows our work to blossom and the return on investment is seen in the children's eyes.
Looking over your charitable giving plans between now and Dec. 31 can help assure maximum benefits for you and your family as well as Star of Hope. Giving sometimes helps you meet personal goals as well spiritual goals.
There many ways you can make a gift before the end of the year that will provide you with valuable benefits and help further the work.
These benefits include tax savings on this year's return and bypass of capital gains tax on the sale of your property.
Here are three options for year-end giving:

A. Make a deductible gift of cash
While all gifts mailed or hand-delivered by Dec. 31 qualify for the charitable deduction, gifts of cash are the most common and the easiest way to give. If you itemize your tax deductions, gifts of cash are deductible up to 50 percent of your adjusted gross income (AGI).

B. Make a deductible gift of securities
Making gifts of stocks, bonds, and/or mutual funds directly to Star of Hope can bring extra tax savings. If you have held such assets longer than one year, the gift can be deducted at full fair market value, not just the original cost. Giving this way enables you to bypass capital gains tax. Gifts of securities are deductible up to 30 percent of AGI. Please ask your expert too.

C. Make a deductible gift of real estate and avoid taxes
If you own appreciated real estate that you no longer need, consider gifting this property to Star of Hope for the benefit of your personal cause weather it be; education, health, spiritual leadership or other. Star of Hope will sell your property tax-free, and you will receive a charitable tax deduction for the fair market value of the property and avoid paying capital gains tax.

Now is also a good time to review your estate plan as well.
Many want to make an impact on the world, to leave it in a better state after we are gone. A bequest is one of the easiest ways to have a lasting impact on the people and organizations that mean the most to you. You can create a bequest of any dollar amount, gift specific property, or designate a percentage of your estate in your will or trust.
Ten percent can make a big impact. Your generosity will make a difference for years to come.

Our desire is to create Godly men and women! Join us!

Contact Mark Presson or Barry Borror on 1 (866) 653-0321 for more information on year-end gifts.

God Bless you and Happy New Year

Star of Hope

You may donate by clicking Donate now

In some ways giving during the Christmas season can be every bit as daunting as going to a black Friday sale at a technology superstore! The solicitations and information from each non-profit and mission can overwhelm the best of us. How do we choose? How can we truly be a cheerful giver?

Idea #1 – Pick a cause that excites you, not one about which you feel guilty. If you want to be a cheerful giver, give to something that gets you passionate enough to share it with your friends. We’ve all seen images that make us want to help from a sense of guilt. Rather, give to an organization whose vision and goals get you excited.

Idea #2 – Be generous, but not foolish. No matter how much we give, the needs are there and often we feel we should give more. But if we give beyond our means, it ceases to be fun and becomes poor stewardship on our part.

Idea #3 – Do your research. In addition to the material before you, check out other sources to be sure the organization is legitimate. Sites like www.guidestar.org can serve as a great resource to help you relate what the organization says with what it truly accomplishes.

Idea # 4 – Give locally as well as globally. We live in a big world, but hurting people can be found everywhere, even in your own neighborhood. Find non-profit organizations and ministries to give to in your city as well as some that work nationally and internationally.

Idea # 5 – Give more than your money; give your time. It is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season. To be a cheerful giver, give of yourself this year and serve somewhere. It is more likely you will find greater joy in this than any other activity.

Idea # 6 – Talk to your friends and family about giving. They might have some great non-profit organizations they know about and can offer insight through their experience.

Idea # 7 – Check out organizations that have local offices. They offer the advantage of being able to visit and talk with someone you might know.

Remember, when you begin to think, “What can I possibly do to help end hunger around the world? I can’t even help the hungry people on this street!” -- Mother Teresa responded to this question with, ”you just need to do the thing that’s in front of you. No more.  No less.”

Barry Borror
President & CEO
Star of Hope
www.starofhope.us