Nonprofit travel groups can use your help
Sunday, December 28th, 2008http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/12/28/TR4J14RARD.DTL
Because many Americans make their charitable contributions during the holiday season, I pause each year at this time to recall (often in nearly the same language as last year) several nonprofit organizations that perform services for our fellow human beings in the field of travel. Their identities scarcely change from year to year, yet their activities are as valuable as ever - and each accepts tax-deductible contributions.
– Wilderness Inquiry, now entering its 32nd year, is the Minnesota-based organization (808 14th Avenue S.E., Minneapolis, MN 55414, (800) 728-0719, www.wildernessinquiry.org) that enables disabled people (including those with slight mental disability) to go on adventure trips by inviting able-bodied volunteers to join them. On canoeing expeditions, treks and other active vacations, groups consist of both disabled and able-bodied people, the latter assisting their less-mobile fellow humans to enjoy the thrill of adventures in the out-of-doors. Charges are kept low by the contributions that others make to this extremely worthy nationwide tour program.
– U.S. Servas (1125 16th St., Suite 201, Arcata, CA 95521-5585, (707) 825-1714, www.usservas.org) hopes to promote world peace by encouraging travelers to mingle, converse and stay with foreign residents on vacation trips. It registers people willing to accommodate foreign visitors free of charge in their homes, and registers others desiring to enjoy such home stays, and then advises its carefully screened members of the identities of Servas members at their destinations. In continuous existence since 1948, it defrays heavy administrative expenses through contributions, among other funds.
– Wilderness Volunteers (P.O. Box 22292, (928) 556-0038, Flagstaff, AZ 86002, www.wildernessvolunteers.org) sends youthful, vigorous volunteers (mainly in their 20s to 40s) into the forest areas of America’s national and state parks and other public lands, mainly to repair the damage done by heedless visitors. They restore hiking trails, clean up debris and fire sites, plant strategically located trees and even take inventories of plant and wildlife species. Although the volunteer pays a charge (in 2008, the price was $259) for the weeklong stint, most of the other costs of Wilderness Volunteers are covered by grants and contributions.
– SATH, the Society for Accessible Travel and Hospitality (its 13th World Congress takes place in Orlando, from Jan. 4-8) is the chief U.S. representative for disabled travelers, operating from 347 Fifth Ave., New York 10016, (212) 447-7284, and at www.sath.org. It advocates on behalf of the disabled seeking to travel, supplies information to them about travel programs and facilities for the disabled, and fights to make travel facilities accessible to them. If you have an acquaintance, friend or relative with a disability, you should not fail to advise him or her about SATH and its services, and you should also consider making a contribution to this remarkable travel organization.
– Hostelling International (8401 Colesville Road, Ste. 600, Silver Spring, MD 20910, (301) 495-1240; www.hiayh.org) is an operator of low-cost lodgings (”hostels”) in America and around the world, charging the most nominal amounts for rooms that are sometimes multibed dorms, but often - and increasingly - are private units housing two people. Contrary to a popular misunderstanding, hostels are now open to people of all ages; and especially during periods when young people are in school, they often are heavily patronized by middle-age and even elderly people. The organization enables a great many people to travel who otherwise could not do so, and it obviously is dependent on grants and contributions for a large part of its expenses. Though you might never have thought of this institution as an object of charitable giving, you very definitely should. And keep in mind that hostels are more than mere lodgings; they are warm gathering places where people mix and converse without barriers of race, religion, age or income.
– American Hiking Society (1422 Fenwick Lane, Silver Spring, MD 20910, (800) 972-8608 or (301) 565-6714; www.americanhiking.org) is a nonprofit that wages a never-ending battle against degradation of our nation’s hiking trails. To that end, it offers one- and two-week volunteer vacations, during which its participants pull weeds, remove fences, dig trenches and perform other useful tasks in some of America’s loveliest national parks. Like the other organizations we’ve listed, this idealistic group partially relies on donations from both individuals and the corporate world.
Arthur Frommer is a syndicated columnist. Prices and availability of discount packages are subject to change.
Group Van Deals group van rentals van rentals for groups van rental New York City and Newark Airport NJ to Miami Florida Orlando Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach Airports and beyond 12 and 15 Passenger VAN Rentals by IMAGE Van Rentals Company. New York and Florida based Van Rental with high quality service specializing in 12 and 15 passenger vans. You can travel in comfort and in numbers! The name says it all! We strive to provide our clients with excellent customer service and care. We aim to make your trip as comfortable and hassle free as possible. Rely on us to provide you with all your van rental needs. 1-888-718-0005
Rent our vans on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis, or ask us about our shuttle services. We are the market leader in 12 and 15 Passenger Vans - Conversion Van Rental and Sprinter Vans Rental and strive to provide our customers with the highest degree of service and satisfaction. Come and check out our fleet of 12 passenger vans, and 15 passenger vans at any of our offices
|
We Offer:
|
We Cater To:
|
Scouting Groups - Church Groups - Nonprofit Organizations - Conventions - Music Bands - Hotels - Limousine Companies Family Reunions - Professional Associations - Student Group Trips - Sports Teams - Summer Camps - Political Campaigns - Universities new york movers
Sports Teams Van Rental and School Van Rental