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OUR
Stories
Did you know a group of penguins is sometimes called a waddle?!?
Take a look at some of the recipients that have joined our "waddle"!
Program Recipients.
Throughout the years we have been able to help a variety of cases. While the circumstances may vary from the critical diagnosis of a loved one, loss of family, or the hardships of foster care, our ultimate goal remains the same. We provide life-affirming experiences to individuals or families facing a difficult environment. We believe in the transformative power of travel and experiences to help people remember to live in the moment, embrace the positive, and not let challenges steal their joy.
OUR stories
Our First recipient
Andrew; a 13-yr boy with mental health challenges who receives Therapeutic Staff Support Services from Community Council was our first one to join the waddle. Within one year Andrew’s father died of cancer, his home burned to the ground and his primary caregiver—his paternal grandmother—became overwhelmed and moved away.
Bukoo's Waddle learned about an amazing summer camp that teaches children how to design and build their own video games, and we knew that this would be perfect. We sent Andrew and his personal staff support worker to Villanova University for the week-long camp where he made some great friends, even better memories and a pretty awesome video game.
Allentown Art Museum School Trip
We had the honor of sponsoring a trip to Allentown Art Museum for 20 students and 5 chaperons from Lehigh Valley’s Children Center’s Fowler Center. These students will now have a new memory that they can carry-on.
Father Daughter Dance
We helped sponsor seven young ladies, that were residing at the Philadelphia Red Cross Shelter, attend Philadelphia’s Tri-States Area’s Daddy Daughter Dance. Our contribution included 4 tickets to the dance and a trip to a hair salon for all seven of the young ladies.
Penn State Bound
Lady, a senior at a local Philadelphia High School, did everything she needed to get in to college. She was accepted into Penn State University with a full scholarship. However, her scholarship did not cover her room and board deposit and her family was not in the position to assist. Bukoo's Waddle was able to step in and make the deposit securing her seat in school.
Girls on the Run
5 young ladies between the ages of 11-13, from the Germantown section of Philadelphia, trained to participate in their first marathon. Most of them did not own the proper attire to stay warm during their race. Bukoo's Waddle donated hats and gloves for their big day.
Kencrest Community Living
Nominated again by KenCrest staff members, one holiday season we helped two homes gain sensory rooms. One of the homes was a residence for two men with autism, while the second home was a residence for one young man with autism and another whom is deaf. The staff at KenCrest has witness positive results with sensory rooms; however, there is not always room in their budget to provide this to all of their residence since the items are quite expensive.
National Read Across America
In honor of 2014 National Read across America month and to celebrate what would have been Dr. Seuss’s 110th birthday. Bukoo's Waddle donated books to overwhelming eager readers at West Philadelphia’s Universal Bluford Charter School. And participated in two reading session including Kindergartners, 3rd and 6th graders.
Global Leadership Academy
Over the course of some time, one of our team members collected a variety of Halloween costumes. This year, we were able to donate those costumes to Global Leadership Academy, in West Philadelphia. The Halloween costumes were used as prizes as part of the school’s positive behavior reward program.
Philly High School Cheerleaders
Philip Randolph Career & Technical High School’s cheerleaders, in North Philadelphia, were in desperate need of new uniforms. They have been using hand me down uniforms for several years now. Health Partners Philadelphia and Bukoo's Waddle sponsored new uniforms for the girls just in time for their championship competition.
Medical Device Dependent
Julio was discharged from the hospital after being born dependent on medical devices. Bukoo's Waddle was able to provide a new sofa bed and dining set for him and his family.
Transport for Educational Advancement
Ms. Pierre-Louis is an immigrant from Haiti with a 1 year old son living with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. She came to the US in pursuit of a better education with the hope of becoming dentist. Her Case Manager, from Health Promotion Council, nominated her to receive assistance with transportation to and from school. Bukoo's Waddle was able to cover Ms. Pierre-Louis cost of public transportation for the semester.
A Supportive Father
A single father found it hard to support his 5 year old son due to a chronic illness limiting his ability to work. Needing assistance with paying his utility bills; we were able to donate money towards his growing electric bill. This father, nominated by a family member and a dear friend, was a true representation of grateful. Even though Bukoo's Waddle was only able to make a contribution, this gentleman showed the greatest appreciation.
African Americans for Educational Opportunities
In the City Philadelphia there is another non-profit organization called African American for Educational Opportunities. Their goal is to provide scholarships to children from inner city giving them the opportunity attend non-public schools. Offering students and their parents a choice for their education. Bukoo's Waddle heard of their cause, and donated towards their scholarship fund just in time for the start of the 2015 school year.
Single Mother of 5
This doting single mother of 5, based in Philadelphia, was need of a simple boost. We donated Giant supermarket and Target gift cards as well as toys for the holiday season for her children.
A Mother Lost Before the Holiday
5 children had the unfortunate destiny of losing their mother, and sole parent, 3 weeks before Christmas. The children have been taken in by their Aunt, who has 3 children of her own, and their grandmother. We donated a $300 Giant supermarket gift card, $300 Target gift card, as well as toys and games for the children’s 2019 holiday season.
Mother Emanuel AME Church
In the summer of 2015, tragedy struck South Carolina when the shooting at Mother Emanuel AME Church happened. Daniel’s Island initiated a fundraiser for the victim’s family where the first $50,000 raised would be matched by their own Daniel Island Community Foundation. We made sure to make a donation towards this cause.
Hurricane Sandy Adopted Family
During the 2012 Holiday Season it was important for Bukoo's Waddle to support victims of Hurricane Sandy. We adopted a family of four consisting of a single mother of three children. After the storm circumstances left the mother unsure of if she would be able to provide presents this year to her children. With the efforts of Shorehelpers.com, which connected us to the family, we were able to make sure the children had presents under the tree.
Fatherhood Education Group
Every Tuesday in West Philadelphia, there is a group of 20 fathers that willing participate in a workshop to become more educated on parenting matters. These fathers, who do not have much, have made the conscious decision to do all they can to become the best parents even though they have limited financial resources. Most of the fathers did not know how they were going provide presents during the holiday season, but Bukoo's Waddle had the ability to step-in and donate Christmas presents for all of their children.
Book Drive
Bukoo's Waddle had an opportunity to assist another community organization that supports literacy through holding annual book drive for schools where purchasing books are not currently in the budget. To help, we collected as many books as we could to send in support of their efforts.
Homebound
Bukoo's Waddle, on behalf of Maggie Davidson at East Cooper Meals on Wheels recommendation, helped Carol Rowland’s house become wheel chair enabled by collaborating with Southeastern Custom Homes. Carol Rowland is a homebound wheel-chair user currently living alone and was in need of a ramp outside of her home to easily enter and exit. Our local partner, Pam Chambers, Director of CMK Home Care of Charleston, was able to manage the project by teaming up with John Jordan and Lee Blackmon of Southeastern Custom Homes. Southeastern Custom Homes provided complimentary building service and donated all of the supplies used for Ms. Rowland’s ramp.
Fire Damaged Home
A single mom has been displaced while her home was being repaired from fire damage. We donated toys, as well as $100 target gift card for the holiday season.
Single Mother of 3
A single mom was nominated by one of her children’s teacher, because the teacher saw how much effort this mom puts in for her kids and their extracurricular activities. This mom has been unfortunate to where she has only been able to find part-time work. The teacher asked Bukoo's Waddle to give her a little “boost” during the 2019 holiday season. We were able to donate presents for the children as well as a $100 gift card to Target.
Breast Cancer Survivor
After 15 surgeries and a double mastectomy, this single mother of 3, tries her hardest not to ask anyone for help. She was nominated to receive a boost for the 2018 holiday season. Bukoo's Waddle donated a visa gift card to her for her to be able to select presents for her children.
Fire Before the Holidays
A grandmother lost her home, that housed an additional 5 family members, right before the 2018 holiday season. While the family feels blessed to have escape the fire with no bodily injuries their home and personal belongings suffered significant damage. We were able to donate Target gift card to help replenish their home necessities as well as a Giant supermarket gift card.
Kisses for Kyle
Bukoo's Waddle donated 30 tickets for cancer patient families to attend Lehigh Valley Phantoms Kisses for Kyle cancer awareness game.
Kencrest
Nominated by a staff member, Brooke a young lady with Down ’s Syndrome was unable to receive state funding for her care-giving. As a result she had to go to work with her parents on a daily basis. Bukoo's Waddle was able to step-in and provide a donation that would allow Brooke to attend art classes during the day on Tuesdays and Thursday. As a thank you Brooke gifted us a piece of her artwork.
A Great Loss
In early April 2014, we were notified of the death of a young man leaving his young son behind. On top of his family having to suffer through the traffic loss, they also had to concern of not being able to afford funeral costs. Bukoo's Waddle came to help by donating $500 towards the funeral, on top of launching a viral campaign that accumulated over $10,000, to help the family.
IMPACCC – Music School for Special Needs Students
This wonderful music school was in need of some percussion instruments and a printer. We provided a donation of 2 drum sets, two tambourines, xylophone, and bongos. We also made sure they received an all-in-one printer.
Silver Legends
Leon Scott, the owner of Silver Legends jewelry store in Philadelphia, has held his head high in the midst of challenging times. Due to the COVID 19 outbreak, he was forced to close his store and rely on those who would shop online. Eager to open his store again once yellow phase began, he was faced with an even worse road block. During a riot, his store was destroyed. Windows were smashed, glass cases were shattered to pieces, and a cash register was stolen along with jewelry left in the store. Organizations heard his story, and offered donations, however, he kindly declined saying that others needed it more than himself. BW was able to donate money to put toward fixing his store. He was very grateful, and kind in accepting our donation.
mother and children
An Indianapolis mother and her three children, facing ongoing life challenges, were gifted tickets and spending money to attend an Indianapolis Colts game. The experience gave them a chance to step away from their struggles and enjoy a day filled with excitement, laughter, and togetherness. It was a meaningful reminder to cherish moments as a family and find joy even in difficult times.
Tickets to joy
A Florida family with young children, their mother, and grandparents received an all-expense-paid trip to Disney World after the father was paralyzed and later lost his life from a tragic accident. This was their first trip ever to Disney World! The surprise getaway included park tickets, accommodations, and spending money for souvenirs and meals, allowing them to focus fully on making joyful memories together. The experience gave the children moments of magic, the mother a brief sense of peace, and the entire family a shared feeling of hope. Through laughter, love, and togetherness, they were able to experience joy even in the midst of tragedy.
joyful escape
A Philadelphia mother and her two children, recovering from a traumatic experience that left them without a safe home, were gifted tickets and spending money to attend Disney on Ice. The special outing offered a joyful escape and a chance to smile again after a period of fear and uncertainty. Surrounded by music and magic, the family was reminded of the strength of love, healing, and the kindness of others.