The Bubel/Aiken Foundation (TBAF), Clay Aiken’s charity for children with developmental disabilities, recently announced their 3rd annual holiday gift-wrapping awareness campaign and fundraiser, Wrapping for Inclusion. Wrapping For Inclusion will take place in shopping malls across the country November 18, 2006 through December 24, 2006. TBAF volunteers will wrap gifts in exchange for donations to the Foundation.
Individuals of all abilities are encouraged to participate. “We are looking for volunteer wrappers throughout the holiday season to share their voice about the possibilities of inclusion. Schools and youth groups can make this an inclusive community service project by putting together teams of children with and without disabilities,” said Diane Bubel, co-founder of TBAF.
Last year over 1,200 volunteers wrapped for inclusion in 82 cities. The donations benefit children with and without disabilities across the nation. Monies raised help fund projects of The Bubel/Aiken Foundation including its “Let’s ALL Play” initiative that brings inclusion to recreational programs nationwide. For the third straight summer, camps for children with and without disabilities were offered by the Foundation in collaboration with YMCAs in Kansas City, Kansas and the North Carolina cities of Concord and Raleigh.
"Wrapping for Inclusion gives volunteers across the country the opportunity to share the vision of the Bubel/Aiken Foundation. By raising our voices together, we are creating a world that celebrates children for their abilities", said Bubel. "We appreciate the time and dedication of all our Wrapping for Inclusion volunteers as well as all those holiday shoppers who donated to the Foundation.” For information on how to volunteer email TBAF at wrappingforinclusion@bubelaiken.org or download the Wrapping For Inclusion manual.
The Bubel/Aiken Foundation provides services and financial assistance to promote the full integration of children with disabilities into the life environment of those without. The Foundation strives to create awareness about the diversity of individuals with disabilities and the possibilities that inclusion can bring. To learn more about The Bubel/Aiken Foundation or ways to get involved visit their Web site at www.bubelaiken.org.