First Book

First Book provides new books to children in need addressing one of the most important factors affecting literacy – access to books. An innovative leader in social enterprise, First Book has distributed more than 60 million free and low cost books in thousands of communities. First Book now has offices in the U.S. and Canada. For more information about the nonprofit First Book please visit www.firstbook.org or call 866-393-1222.

Medical Research Junior Board Foundation

The mission of the Medical Research Junior Board Foundation ("MRJBF") is
to support pediatric medical research conducted at the Children's
Memorial Hospital and the Children's Memorial Research Center.
To date, the MRJBF has helped Children's Memorial Foundation raise over
$1 Million Dollars for pediatric medical research initiatives conducted
at the Children's Memorial Hospital and the Children's Memorial Research
Center.

Currently the MRJBF is supporting Dr. Mark S. Wainwright, MD, PhD. Dr.
Wainwright is a pediatric neurologist whose clinical work and research
focuses on acute brain injury. A major emphasis of his research is to
advance understanding of the mechanisms of pediatric brain injury in
order to improve treatment and outcome from this kind of injury.

Kids Korps USA

Kids Korps USA is a nonprofit youth volunteer organization that engages young people, ages 5-18, in community service. Its mission is to instill in America's youth the spirit of giving while providing valuable education in leadership and responsibility.

Founded in 1995, Kids Korps has grown into 65 chapters nationwide and has served more than 1,000,000 people through its various volunteer programs, attesting to the tremendous impact that youth can have on the community.

As youth and teens learn the meaning of giving back, they develop leadership skills and gain a perspective on how they can make a difference in the world. Discover more about the way kids can benefit through youth volunteerism in Teaching Kids to Care, a new book by the founders of Kids Korps USA.

Children's Memorial

Children's Memorial Hospital, Chicago, is recognized as one of the top pediatric hospitals in the country by rankings published in U.S. News & World Report. Its physicians are on the faculty at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine. As a not-for-profit organization, Children's Memorial relies on philanthropy to help provide care to more than 113,000 patients and their families every year.

1st Touch Foundation

1st Touch Foundation is a nonprofit organization based in Sacramento, California. Sacramento is the hometown of the organization's Founder & President Chicago Cubs' first-baseman, Derrek Lee. The 1st Touch supports local efforts promoting education and growth opportunities for our community's youth. Funds raised from your BookStork purchases will continue to support these worthy programs and efforts.

In addition, The 1st Touch Foundation is dedicated to finding the approximate 3000 patients in the United States with Leber's Congenital Amaurosis (LCA). Our effort is called Project 3000, and it is the ambitious plan to identify and provide genetic testing for every LCA patient in the nation. We raise awareness at a variety of events throughout the country. The eventual goal is to further scientific understanding of LCA and advance the prospects for treatment and ultimately a cure.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago

The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.

Unique Qualities

• Distinctive
  Our Clubs give more than 18,000 kids places to call their own ­ actual neighborhood-based buildings. Our Clubs are symbolic of the community and the programs and activities offered at the Clubs are designed solely for youth.
• Constant
  Our Clubs are open every day that schools are open ­ even weekends and many holidays ­ to provide kids with positive and productive outlets for their energy.
• Knowledgeable
  All 28 Boys & Girls Clubs have full-time, trained youth-development professionals who also serve as positive role models and mentors. "The Club staff with Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago made me into the leader I am today," said Gennie Mae Cook. "I have been accepted into a family where success is not only a possibility, but the expectation."
• Affordable
  Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago reaches out to kids who cannot afford, or may lack access to, other community programs. Dues are a low $20 per year, even though we invest $1,000 in every child who walks through our Club doors.

Global Green USA

The US affiliate of Green Cross International, Global Green, is a national environmental organization addressing three of the greatest challenges facing humanity: stemming global climate change by creating green buildings and cities; eliminating weapons of mass destruction that threaten lives and the environment; and providing clean, safe drinking water for the 2.4 billion people who lack access to clean water. With the help of advocacy from those such as Brad Pitt, Global Green received a $2 million grant from Bush Clinton Katrina Fund to help build a greener New Orleans.

About Global Green USA

Global Green USA is a national environmental group that works in partnership with local governments and other public entities to demonstrate the benefits of green building and smart solutions to climate change. Global Green provides options for establishing green building programs that protect local quality of life and the environment, provides training for staff and constituents, and encourages the development of incentives for green building projects.

Mission

Global Green USA is a national environmental organization addressing three of the greatest challenges facing humanity:

• Stemming global climate change by creating green buildings and cities.
  
• Eliminating weapons of mass destruction that threaten lives and the
  environment.
• Providing clean, safe drinking water for the 2.4 billion people who lack access to clean water.

To find out more about Global Green USA, or to become a member, please visit them on the web at: www.globalgreen.org