At the start of the new millennium, leaders from 191 nations, including the United States, agreed on a plan to cut extreme global poverty in half by 2015. Together, they created the eight Millennium Development Goals.

The Episcopal Church reaffirmed its commitment to the MDGs at the 2006 General Convention, including the committing at least 0.7 percent of the budget to the MDGs. Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori has stated that these goals are a priority of the Episcopal Church.

Here are some suggestions of how you can contribute to the accomplishment of these goals, right here in Southwest Florida and abroad.

Do you know of a program that should be included on this list? Send information to Communications Director Jim DeLa.

Catholic Charities of DeSoto County: After-school tutoring program
A free after-school and summer tutoring program for farmworkers’ children in Arcadia.

Needs
1. Healthy snacks
2. Volunteer tutors – Tuesday and Thursday afternoons in Arcadia
3. Copy paper, colored pencils, Crayons
4. Payless gift certificates for shoes

Items may be dropped off at the diocesan office in Sarasota, DaySpring Conference Center near Ellenton or St. Margaret’s of Scotland Church in Sarasota.

Kids Club @ Pink Citrus Park
On-site outreach program for families of farmworkers sponsored by St John’s Episcopal Church, Pine Island.

Needs
1. Arts and crafts supplies
2. Healthy snacks
3. Donations to pay for the rental fees for the trailer
4. Volunteers for the 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month kids program

Items may be dropped off at St. Hillary’s Church on Fort Myers, the diocesan office in Sarasota, DaySpring Conference Center near Ellenton or St. John’s Church in Clearwater.

The Millennium Development Goals are:

1. Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
2. Achieve universal primary education
3. Promote gender equality and empower women
4. Reduce child mortality
5. Improve maternal health
6. Combat HIV and AIDS, malaria and other diseases
7. Ensure environmental sustainability
8. Create a global partnership for development with a focus on debt, aid and trade.