At Adorama, we believe in supporting photographic causes, which is why we’ve donated storage space to Joe McNally’s Faces of Ground Zero project. Here are five more worthy projects that are worthy of your support.
1. Josephine Herrick Project
One of the oldest photo-oriented charities in the country, the Josephine Herrick Project, known until very recently as Rehabilitation Through Photography (RTP), uses cameras to help physically and mentally challenged children, adults and seniors to go beyond their disabilities. Working with schools, nursing homes and institutions in the New York Metro area, the Josephine Herrick Project is looking to expand its reach throughout the US. RTP was renamed in honor if its founder, Josephine Herrick, who started the non-profit organization in 1941 and helped over 100,000 Americans improve their lives through the use of photography and art. Donate here.
2. For Shore Photos
Founded by local photographers in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, For Shore Photos offers to restore prints, negatives and slides damaged by the storm. They offer photo drop-off locations up and down the Jersey Shore, and try to reunite owners of lost photos with their family memories. Volunteers scan the photos into a centralized web portal, and others actively search for owners of missing shots. They’re not asking for money, but if you are moved by the suffering of those who lost their homes or has severe storm damage, and you live in the region, this is a great way to help out.
3. The F.I.L.M. Project
The acronym stands for Family Images for Lasting Memories, and the organization offers free professional family portraits “to those with a life limiting illness and their families.” Crowdfunded through Fundly, the FILM Project focuses on families dealing with cancer, creating an heirloom photo that will allow the families to honor and cherish their loved ones. Photos are shot by professional photographers who volunteer their time and service. In addition to donations, the FILM Project is looking for volunteers who would undergo a training program.
4. Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep
Is there anything more difficult than losing an infant? Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep is a group of photographers who take caring, sensitive photos of parents with mortally ill and stillborn newborns and infants, a gut-wrenching concept. The organization was founded by a mom whose baby, Maddox, was born with a birth defect that prevented it from breathing and swallowing. A photographer named Sandy Puc’ took black and white photos of the parents cradling their son before they took him off life support. “Those tender photographs documenting Maddux’s eternal connection with his parents inspired Cheryl Haggard and Sandy Puc’ to begin a nonprofit organization that has provided thousands of families of babies who are stillborn or are at risk of dying as newborns with free professional portraits with their baby.” Donate here.
5. Operation: Love Reunited
Here’s a great way to support families of our brave soldiers who are deployed around the world. Operation: Love Reunited offers free photography portrait sessions to military families and members who are about to be deployed, families of military personnel who are currently deployed, and those who are coming home. Families are provided with two sessions per deployement and are given a choice of the kinds of sessions they want. Email tonee@oplove.org if you want to offer your services.
