Above : the National Cat Protection Society ’ s shelter ; right : volunteers with SmileOnU
TOP : COURTESY OF NATIONAL CAT PROTECTION SOCIETY ; RIGHT : COURTESY OF SMILEONU clean and comfortable spaces for the cats with access to large , enclosed patios and special areas for kittens . Meanwhile , the local retirement home features floor-to-ceiling scratching posts , a Newport Pier replica with cat-sized steps to reach the elevated pier as well as a “ lifeguard tower ” overlooking “ waves ” made of corrugated aluminum and a colorful mural of the beach . Trained and loving staff and volunteers look after the feline residents , who receive high-quality food and individual attention ; there ’ s even a fully equipped medical clinic on-site . The organization also offers community education about the humane treatment of animals and the importance of spaying and neutering , in addition to bringing cats to senior living homes for animal-assisted therapy . Financial contributions and donations of cat toys , food and the like are welcome . ( natcat . org )
HearAid Foundation Committed to providing hearing aids , services and care to financially disadvantaged adults , children and infants , HearAid Foundation has been working since 2009 to help people hear well — as quickly as possible . All that ’ s required is a straightforward application and assistance is typically granted within days of approval . According to the foundation , many health insurance providers don ’ t cover hearing devices . Although some qualify for government assistance , this often involves months of red tape . HearAid Foundation aims to fill that gap for the community ’ s most vulnerable . Hearing loss can lead to depression , social isolation , balance problems and vertigo . In infants , early intervention is key as the first six months of life are critical for forming pathways in the brain that are needed to hear . The organization accepts financial donations as well as contributions of new or used hearing aids and other assistive devices that are in good condition . ( hearaidfoundation . org )
SmileOnU A humanitarian organization providing free dental care around the world , SmileOnU has been offering dental cleanings , fillings , extractions and even full-mouth reconstructive surgeries to those in need in the U . S ., Cambodia , India , Guatemala and other countries . The organization was founded by BB Maboby , who was born in a refugee camp in Thailand to parents of Cambodian and Pakistani descent and moved to the U . S . as an infant . After later graduating from college in 2009 , she worked as an oral surgery representative in California before establishing SmileOnU , to which she now dedicates all of her
time . The nonprofit is supported by dental providers who volunteer to relieve pain and improve oral health , which impacts overall health and can boost self-confidence as people can smile without feeling embarrassed . SmileOnU also educates people about the benefits of good oral health and tooth-loss prevention . Mobile dental outreach serves LA , OC and San Diego while international dental clinics include a trip to Kenya in 2023 . Donations help support the nonprofit , whether through financial contributions or choosing the SmileOnU charity when shopping on smile . amazon . com . ( smileonu . org )
Living The Dream Foundation From VIP concert access to meeting their heroes , hospital visits and surprise gifts , the Living the Dream Foundation grants “ dream day ” wishes of kids and young adults with life-threatening illnesses . The idea is to offer these rich and rewarding experiences that promote the message of “ Living the Dream ” no matter what your affliction , and provide lasting memories as a way to maintain hope and stay positive . The organization was founded in 2007 by Scottie Somers , who was born with cystic fibrosis and has spent much of his life in and out of hospitals . When doctors started noticing his positive attitude , they asked if he could help inspire other patients who were struggling . Through these experiences , Somers has developed a genuine love and compassion for anyone affected by chronic and terminal diseases as he has been . Early on , Somers worked in the music industry and played in a band , somehow missing
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