Children Mending Hearts - Help them Mend Haiti

Our involvement in art is allows us to connect deeply to the world and open ourselves to new ways of seeing things.  According to an article written by Fran Smith, Why Art Education is Crucial, and Who's Doing it Best, years of research have proven that it is closely linked to academic achievement, social emotional development, civic engagement, and equitable opportunity...all of which we want for our children and demand form our schools.

Lysa Heslov, understands this and founded Children Mending Hearts (http://www.childrenmendingheart.org/) in 2008 to help children express themselves creatively.  Her organization conducts art workshops in America with local homeless children's organizations and internationally with NGO's supporting children in conflict zones.

On February 21, 2011, Lysa's organization and Sean Penn's organization will be embarking on a mission to Haiti where they will be lending their time and talents to help the children in Haiti as their country continues to mend itself after the horrific earthquake that rocked it a year ago.  This is a scene of debris in Haiti one year after earthquake struck.  As you can see the reconstruction progress has been slow.

Photo: J. Swicord, VOA

Lysa has reached out to ask for assistance in donating gently used items of the following:  digital cameras, photo paper, and used laptops you may no longer need.  In addition, Haiti is in desperate need of boy's underwear (briefs or boxers).  Please extend your help if you are able to and send the donated items to:

Children Mending Hearts

13741 Venture Blvd.

Sherman Oaks, CA  91423

I would love it if you would join me in this cause.  Your help will be deeply appreciated by all the children that will be affected by your kindness.  Thank you, in advance, for your assistance.

"Art open the closets, airs out the cellars and attics.  It brings healing."  (by Julia Cameron from her book The Artist's Way)