Now, more than ever, with all that’s happening in our world, so many Americans need a little help. Because of this, the TODAY show's Al Roker is once again hitting the pavement and traveling across the country to lend a hand.
For the seventh year in a row, Al is scheduled to travel the country with a large truck filled with goods that meet the needs of five different charities across the U.S.
Learn more about the organizations he visits and how you can help:
Day 1: Boise, Idaho
Organization: Idaho Youth Ranch
Contacts:
Web site: YouthRanch.org5465 W. Irving St.Boise, ID 83706Roberta Renee, (208) 377-2613, Rrene@Youthranch.orgThe ranch provides troubled children and families a bridge to a valued, responsible and productive future.
The donors: Lowes, JCPenney, Office Depot, Columbia Sportswear Company, Nike, Sara Lee, Ariat, Scholastic Library Publishing, Converse, Mazda, Penske, Eaton Corp., International Truck & Engine
Day 2: Boulder, Colorado Contacts:Web site:ESRP.com
Caron Newman - Director
303-438-5773
2861 Eldora Ski Road
Nederland, CO 80466
Eldora Special Recreation Program (ESRP) is a program offering unique skiing and winter sports recreation opportunities for physically and mentally challenged individuals. Founded in 1975 as an independent non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization, we operate from our own modular facilities at the Eldora Mountain Resort.
Our mission is to provide integrated recreational opportunities for people with disabilities that will foster independence through the acquisition of lifetime skills. ESRP is also a member organization of Disabled Sports USA and Professional Ski Instructors of America Rocky Mountain Division (PSIA-RM). We serve the disabled population with instructional programs in adaptive snowboard, alpine and nordic skiing, which include downhill sit-ski, mono-ski and pull cross country skiing.
The donors: Columbia Sportswear Company, Subaru, Rossignol, Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), Nike, Converse, Office Depot, Scholastic Book Fairs, Jonnyboy Enterprises, Sara Lee, Enabling Technologies, Bombardier Recreational Products/Ski-Doo Snowmobile, Penske, Eaton Corp., International Truck & Engine
Day 3: Albuquerque, NM
Organization: Cuidando Los Ninos
Contacts:
Web site: Cuidandolosninos.orgPeter Moulson505-843-6899
A daycare center for homeless children and their families. They serve children between the ages of six weeks and five years. The mission of Cuidando Los Ninos (CLN) is to provide high quality child care and therapeutic services to meet the special needs of children experiencing homelessness, as well as support services that assist and strengthen their families as they become re-housed.
The donors: Graco, Chrysler, Columbia Sportswear Company, JCPenney, General Mills, Gerber Products, Huggies, Scholastic and Back To Basics Toys, Peg-Perego, Nike, Converse, Office Depot, Hewlett-Packard, Sara Lee, Enfamil, Penske, Eaton Corp., International Truck & Engine
Day 4: Oklahoma City, OK
Organization: Oklahoma City Indian Clinic
Contacts:
Web site: (405) 948-4900, ext. 159
Rita Wright, Community Development Director
4913 West RenoOklahoma City, OK 73127
The Oklahoma City Indian Clinic addresses the unique social, cultural and health needs of Native Americans residing in urban settings. It provides services to over 16,000 patients representing over 200 federally recognized tribes. Forty percent of their patients are children ages 0-18.
With a community of children who are particularly at risk for obesity and type 2 diabetes, the clinic works to promote lifestyle changes, fitness and staying healthy. It encourages participation in their Turtle Camps. About 200 children ages 7 to 12 sign up annually to swim, hike, canoe, learn how to eat healthy, but also celebrate various aspects of Native American culture through traditional dancing and games.
The donors: Jeep, Carrier Generator, Columbia Sportswear Company, Beech-Nut, Sonic, America's Drive In, Speedo, General Mills, BabyGap Home, Office Depot, Trek, JCPenney, Nike, Converse, Kiehl's, Moore Medical a division of McKesson Corp., Frontier City, ComfortHouse.com, Champs, Sara Lee, Scholastic Book Clubs, Penske, Eaton Corp., International Truck & Engine
Day 5: Atlanta, GA
Organization: Wilderness Works
Contacts:
Web site: Wildernessworks.org
Bill MicklerWilderness Works(404) 441-1087644 Memorial Drive, SEAtlanta, GA 30312
Wilderness Works is an exciting outdoor adventure and experiential education program serving economically disadvantaged children in urban Atlanta. They provide year-round cultural, recreational and outdoor adventure experiences. Wilderness Works programming gives a child expectations and requirements. Wilderness Works includes a point system so that eligibility in highly sought after activities, including summer camp, hinges on accumulating sufficient points through charitable projects throughout the year.
The donors: Nissan, Hewlett Packard, Penske, Gold Bond, LOWES, Office Depot, Schwinn, Spring Air, Natura World, Nike, Converse, Cricketzzz, General Mills, Scholastic Library Publishing, Champs Sports, Sara Lee, Telebrands, The Coleman Company, Dick's Sporting Goods, Columbia Sporting Goods, JC Penney, Sam's Club, Marina Maher Communications, Segway