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I’m just going to put it out there: I love Doctor Who. I know not everyone agrees, but oh man does this one take the cake for me. It’s right up there with BBC’s Merlin (which if you haven’t watched, you should). I know this post may seem random, but the topic of “love” has been on my heart for quite a while. Love is the thing that inspires us. It inspires all forms of art, music, poetry, expression, dance, and pretty much every motive of human nature. We live for love, we are in despair when love is lacking or when it dies. Love makes us and breaks us and picks us up again. It’s real, and it is important. And love is why I love Doctor Who. So, if you wanted to hear a mild mannered but deeply personal rant about this iconic British television show, here you go…

I don’t love Doctor Who because it has great graphics. I don’t love it because the person playing the Doctor is attractive. I don’t love it because it is popular or because the story line is amazing. I love it because the Doctor is one of the best examples of love I’ve ever seen. He’s passionate about people. He cares about every living creature and will quite literally go to the ends of the universe to stand up for what is right and save those who need saving. He understands the foolishness of war and the wisdom in forgiveness. He knows kindness, pain, courage, bravery, life, death, friendship, love, loss, and the value of life better than anyone because he’s lived so many lives. Every single being is important and nothing is impossible and you never, ever give up even when it seems all hope is lost. He continues to help and care and save regardless of species, color, gender, shape, or size. His care and love for others is so strong that even when they have betrayed him, his love doesn’t end. Everyone is extraordinary if they would only take the time to be that way. And, above all else, he shows that it is not about how long you live, it’s about how you live and love in the time you’ve been given. You think Doctor Who is corny? I think you’ve missed one of the greatest examples of true love that television has ever portrayed.

If there is one thing that tugs on my heart strings daily, it is children. Beautiful, young lives with open futures and unlimited possibilities. The problem is that situations beyond their control often cause pain, anguish, and suffering to children. This happens everywhere. There is probably a young child in your neighborhood who will go to bed hungry tonight. There are many children in your city who will be abused this week. There are thousands in our nation who will be bullied by their peers this month. And there are so many more in the world who will be hungry, uneducated, un-treated for health conditions, displaced by conflict, and so much more.

I hope to introduce you to many different charities and non-profits who can provide support and aid to children in each of the above mentioned situations. However, first I’m going to start with one of my favorites: UNICEF.

As stated on their website, their goal is to support and aid children around the globe and to help provide them with the safety, health, and opportunities they deserve:

“As world leaders set out a roadmap for human progress over the next 15 years, it is vital that every child is included, and that children everywhere are at the heart of the new global agenda.”

While it seems like such a giant undertaking, they have actually made huge strides in many of their projects. For example, they have supported major campaigns to help immunize 3 million children! They also support and target such things as education, emergency aid, and child development. While many of us prefer to “stay local” don’t forget that even a small donation of $10 or $20 to initiatives like UNICEF can have a huge impact on a child’s life.

One of my favorite ways to keep up with charities is to follow them on twitter. Short and sweet updates about what they are doing and how you can help. They have MANY accounts that are country specific, city specific, even campaign specific! Depending on where your passions are, you can follow and support where you like. Here are a few of my favorites to get you started:

While I know there are hundreds of thousands of charities out there, it’s always good to know what is going on and how you can help. We don’t have to give to everything, but there are so many other ways we can support those who need our help. We all share this world together, why not try to make it a better place while we are here?! Cheers!

The Real Jade Sokoll

Compose. Think. Love.

Why I Love “Doctor Who”

UNICEF