Over 5 years ago, Liliane Stransky formed a non-profit organization called the Step by Step Foundation, dedicated to helping underprivileged children throughout the world. Recently, Liliane and her daughter Daniela, a youth equestrian, teamed up with Olympic equestrian medalist Margie Engle and the All In For Charity Poker Tournament to raise $75,000 for the construction of an elementary school in Haiti. Daniela participated as an equestrian, donating all of her proceeds to the cause and encouraging other youth riders to do the same.

The Stranskys also recently devised another creative way for kids in the U.S. to help kids in Haiti called the Kids 4 Kids!™ Help Haiti™ Campaign. The mission of this project is to raise funds to acquire temporary tent “classrooms” for kids in Haiti whose school buildings were destroyed by the earthquake earlier this year. Before being sent to Haiti and filled with books, desks, and supplies, the tents go to American schools for kids to decorate with their own messages of hope.

Here’s the “Step by Step” guide to becoming a part of this amazing charity effort:

1. Encourage your child’s school or district to visit www.stepbystepfoundation.com/Step_by_Step_Foundation/KIDS_4_KIDS.html and sign up for the program.
2. The Step by Step Foundation raises funds to buy the tent. Your kid’s school can help with this effort as well!
3. The tent is sent to your school to be painted and decorated.
4. The tent is delivered to a community in Haiti.
5. The Step by Step Foundation continues to raise funds with the goal of replacing the tent with a new school within one year.
6. Your school here in the U.S is kept up to date on progress, and hopefully continues to be engaged in Haiti – Step by Step works with schools to develop a curriculum associated with global awareness.

The process is simple and effective, and can really make a difference in the lives of kids in Haiti, as well as kids here in America. So far one school has signed up, and Liliane is in talks with several other districts that want to get involved.

Everyone can help, regardless of whether you have kids in school or not! $130 will sponsor a child’s education for an entire year, and as little as $25 can supply a brand-new desk and chair for a kid who deserves the chance to learn. To find out how you can help, go to www.stepbystepfoundation.com.