RAS NEWS & EVENTS

The Lean On Me Program
The Annual Bikes for Africa Project


The Lean On Me Program; founded by Mary Trask
In the winter of 2002, Lean On Me was created to fulfill a twofold vision:
1- To help those most in need.
2- To awaken a spirit of community volunteerism.
In the years since, thousands of volunteer hours have served in, and empowered, dozens of important projects under the inspiration and guidance of Lean On Me.

The Current Lean on Me Project:

In White Center Washington, 1500 individuals—a third of whom are children—will be recipients of our kindness and our bounty this year. Here is a community where one in five children live in poverty; twice as many as the USA overall. One in three families here does not earn a livable wage.

Welcome to one of the most exciting and fulfilling events of the year, when more than one hundred volunteers bring food, new or like-new clothing and new toys to hundreds of struggling families at the Annual ARAS Harvest Festival. These families are also offered free haircuts, massages and chiropractic adjustments from professionals on our staff. The people we seek to serve are moms and dads who are determined to get out of poverty and to make good lives for their children and often it is this experience of generosity and love from others that helps turn their lives around. Over the years we have seen The Harvest Festival be an effective step in helping families regain their balance and move upward. For our volunteers this is an unforgettable experience of giving and really making a difference!

	Complimentary groceries.
	Free new toys: one for each child and each adult.
	Personal health care services such as massages, chiropractic care and haircuts.
	A craft-center where kids will make treasures to take home.
	Shopping for free clothes (new, or like-new) for the whole family.
	Holiday treats and beverages.

If you would like to be a part of the team or if you have items to donate, please let us know right away. We are in need of financial help for clothes, food and toys. Donors of $500 or more are recognized as Harvest Festival Sponsors and they may choose to have their names or the names of their businesses displayed on posters at the Festival. (good publicity when media cameras are rolling.) Yet your contribution of any amount will be deeply appreciated. If you would like to help, please call us now at 425-868-8448 or email Mary Trask at arasmtrask@earthlink.net or Bob Trask at bob@arasfoundation.org.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Here Are Several Ways

	Join the ARAS Service Team at the Harvest Festival on Saturday, November 3, 2007 (plus 2 hrs. before and after event for set up/break down) in White Center, Washington.
	Call for directions at 425-868-8448 or send an email: arasmtrask@earthlink.net
	Set up a donation spot at your school or church to collect new or like-new toys, clothes and non-perishable foods.
	Ask your school to donate their unclaimed Lost-and-Found Items to ARAS.
	Ask your club, friends or church to help out.
	Make a contribution of new toys, clothes and non-perishable foods.
	Attend a clothes-sorting party; call 425-868-8448 or Email: arasmtrask@earthlink.net for times and places.
	Volunteer time between 8am -7pm on Nov 24th when Toys-R-Us hosts the Harvest Festival toy-drive at their Bellevue Washington store.
	Donate money. You can become a sponsor for a contribution of $500 or more.
	Bake or buy cookies to be served with beverages to our guests as they select their items.
	Remember: all donations are tax-deductible.

Information and Pictures of The Harvest Festival 2006

The Annual Bikes for Africa Project
In Ghana the only means of transportation for most families is on foot or by bicycle. There is a shortage of bikes however, so most people cannot attend schools and work without walking miles from their homes...
Read more and see our photos

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