I have been working throughout the past year on all the steps required to start a non-profit organization. You would think that the government would make it a bit easier (and more affordable) to try to do something good, however we have jumped over most of the hurdles and we're up and running (YAY!).
My organization is called Friends Across Borders (FAB). Our mission is partnering schools in the United States with schools in Morocco to raise awareness while creating an awesome educational experience through incorporating this organization into their geography classes, writing curriculum, etc. The benefit to the schools that will partner with us in the United States is that the students will develop friendships through letter writing, e-mailing, and using other forms of social media. The benefit to the schools in Morocco we have partnered with is that we will be raising money all the while.
kaylanreabold@gmail.com if you would like to donate, more information, etc.
My goals for the upcoming months are to arrange a 5k, sell donated snacks at local sporting events, to get more schools involved and to brainstorm with the children about some other fundraising ideas. In the school district I work in, we'll be starting a recycling program. I will partner with a student group here. I will then take all of the bottles across the border to NY where we get 5 cents on each bottle we deposit!
Of course, I would love for you all to help me find schools to partner us with, but mostly, I would like to ask you to make a donation. Our bank account is at Chase Bank. You can write a check to Friends Across Borders. I will then give you a receipt with our tax ID number so you can write it off. Please keep in mind that $15 is enough for 1 student to have a year's worth of education and transportation in this particular region of Morocco. If you donate $15, you're supporting 1 child, $30 is 2 children, $100 is enough to support almost 7 children, $1000 is enough to support almost 67 children (!!!) and so on - you get the point.
The children in this region walk 5 miles to school (each way - so 10 miles a day). They do not have bikes or buses. Many do not have shoes. They do not have books, notebooks, or writing utensils when they arrive. They don't have proper classrooms or desks. Many times they are learning by sitting on the floor. Together we can make a huge difference. Doesn't that feel good?
This project is so close to my heart as my boyfriend's family is from this region. He started this project in France and now we are working to have an even bigger impact than his organization in France. Shouldn't we prove to those Frenchmen that we have bigger hearts!? Shouldn't we let it be known that we care about education? We are in contact with the Moroccan government and the media there. Upon our arrival with the money we will be bringing to them, this will be televised. We will have t-shirts with the names of the people that donated. This is a great way, if you know anyone that owns a company, to get notoriety for being so generous.
Please, during this holiday season, take a few moments to write a check to a great organization. We desperately need money to get over there and get these students the items they need.
I cannot express to you enough how much this would mean to me and to the children of the region of Azilal. Please reach out to me at
Thank you!
