by Ray Campbell
As you are reading this, the weather outside is turning warmer in most parts of the United States. Children are out of school, or soon will be, and spending the long days swimming, playing ball, riding bikes or on any number of other activities. Families' thoughts turn to vacations. Many of us are getting ready to attend the ACB national convention in Orlando, Fla.
All of this makes one feel warm all over. Want to increase that warm feeling? It’s simple. Either join the ACB Monthly Monetary Support (MMS) program or increase your contribution through this program. Becoming a part of MMS or increasing your contribution will make you feel warm in several ways.
It will warm your heart to know that with your help, individuals who are blind or visually impaired do not have to tell a stranger their PIN number just to make a purchase. It will warm your heart knowing that you are helping to spread the good work of ACB all over the world through "The Braille Forum" and ACB Radio. It will warm your heart knowing that you are helping ACB fight so that the United States joins with 180 other countries around the world and makes its paper currency independently identifiable for people who are blind. And, if you choose to designate up to 50 percent of your contributions to a state or special-interest affiliate, it will warm your heart knowing that you are supporting worthwhile programs and services to children, adults and seniors living with a visual impairment all over the United States.
Want to warm that heart of yours? It’s simple. Just contact the ACB national office at 1-800-424-8666 and request an MMS contribution form, or go online at www.acb.org and submit your contribution electronically. You can choose to have your MMS contributions deducted from a checking or savings account or charged to a credit card each month. Remember, if you have been in the MMS program for a long time and your credit card information changes, or your bank information changes, please submit a new contribution form as soon as possible with the revised information so we can keep your support coming. There will be plenty of chances during the ACB national convention in Orlando to fill out these forms. Watch your convention newspaper, listen to the floor announcements and check at the registration desk for more information.
There is something in all of this for you, above the warm feelings you will receive. You have the opportunity to win great prizes like a Braille Plus from the American Printing House for the Blind, a Victor Stream from HumanWare, or an Olympus digital recorder from LS&S Group. And you can help us spread the word to those who aren’t necessarily members of ACB but who care about our work, encouraging them to participate in the MMS program. Simply request MMS brochures when you call to obtain your contribution form.
Add to your summer warmth this year by joining MMS or increasing your contributions. You’ll be glad you did. If you have any questions, please contact Ron Milliman by phone, (270) 782-9325, or via e-mail, [email protected].