Linda recently returned from sub-Sahara Uganda where she sponsors 20 orphans through Hope 4 Kids International. The organization's mission statement is to "bring hope to kids in the greatest need around the world through health, dignity, joy and love."
"My time in Uganda was the experience of a lifetime. It was the most abject poverty I have ever seen, but the people were humble, loving and so grateful. Most live in thatched roof huts without floors. Malaria and HIV are prevalent. I went thinking that I was going to help them and they changed me in ways that will stay with me for a lifetime."
Since 1985, when Linda Booker became an angel, she has touched the lives of thousands of Valley children. That was the year she started a program that today is called Christmas Angels.
Every year, in August or September, the Valley Realtor starts collecting toys and clothes for needy children. Booker and her volunteers set up Christmas trees in participating Wal-Marts, Arrowhead Community Bank and Compass Banks in the Sun City area. On the trees are names of children and what they would like for Christmas. Customers are invited to buy presents for the children and leave them with the Customer Service Department. Volunteers collect the gifts and arrange for their delivery to the children.
Mary Kay BEARD launched The Angel Tree ministry in 1982 and has reached millions of prisoners' children with the love of Christ. Vist Website
Hope 4 Kids International
In 1990 Linda started with her 1st child to adopt - a young girl from Africa with World Vision. To date Linda has adopted 25 children that she contributes to per month from all over the world from Chili to Uganda to India. The children come from World Vision - Compassion International Missions of Mercy - Hope 4 Kids International.
In November 2004, Tom Eggum, Founder/President of Hope 4 Kids International, handed out quilts made by Linda Booker and friends to Linda's adopted kids and other children in Uganda.
Uganda Blankets (Hope 4 Kids International)
Linda has also provided over 2500 pairs of shoes to children in Romania and Russia and is involved with building a Medical/Dental facility in Uganda through Hope 4 Kids International.
Back Pack to School Program
Help get the upcoming school year off to a great start for underpriveleged kids in the Valley! Just stuff a new backpack with clothing (sizes can range from 5 to x-large, for 5-year-olds to high school seniors) and school supplies (pencils, erasers, crayons, spiral notebooks, calculator, etc.) - whatever you can fit inside!
Then drop-off the backpack at the Realty Executives office at 59th Ave. & Loop 101, now through September 15. All gifts are tax-deductible! Through “Backpack to School,” you can restore dignity and pride to the children of our community.
Habitat For Humanity
Habitat For Humanity - For the past 6 years Linda has been the #1 supporter through Realty Executives and has built a complete home herself.
Against All Odds Program
Linda is the Founding Funder for "Against All Odds" program for Peoria School District. It is a program that honors High School Seniors who are graduating High School that have had either physical or emotional situations that would have stopped another student from graduating. They are honored at a banquet and given College Scholarships.
Step Up For Youth
Thanks to the volunteer leadership of David Kimmerle and a Step Up For Youth campaign cabinet that includes community leaders Linda Booker, Barry Edwards, Steven Frate, William Kelleher, Arlene Kulzer, Dennis Landauer, David Livingston, Colleen McPherson, David Sardella, James Tocker, D.P.M., and Rod Williams, the Glendale/Peoria YMCA will soon be significantly expanded to accommodate the growing number of community residents who utilize this active and often overcrowded Y branch on the campus of Thunderbird, The American School of International Management, on a regular basis.
Community Involvement:
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Board Member Hope 4 Kids International
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CASA/Center Against Sexual Assault
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Sponsorships:
