Over the past three years, LIParentSource.com has opened my eyes to the Long Island non-profit sector, how large it is and all of the amazing things that it accomplishes.  There are so many non-profit organizations that have been founded and operate here on Long Island and stand for a variety of causes - arts & entertainment, awareness, disease, help - there are so many to count.  We've worked with so many non-profits over the past three years and hope that we have opened your eyes to their causes as well.  But with as many organizations as we have worked with, there are so many more struggling to get their message out, fundraise and recruit volunteers. 

We want to take this time to remind you to read about the non-profits that we  Spotlight>> each month and think about the different ways that you can help them.  Volunteering is not always a huge time or financial commitment and there are so many things that you can do very easily.  It's really important for us to teach our kids about the importance of volunteering and empower them to make a difference within our community.  For our users who work for or run a non-profit, send us your information and post your volunteer needs here>> (it's free!).  Parents, do you volunteer? Tell us about what you do by e-mailing us at info@liparentsource.com.  Your experiences can help others looking for ways to help and spread the word about the organizations you work with.

Did you enjoy your SNOW DAYS? Most schools on Long Island have had more snow days this year than are built in to the school calendars.  If your school has not yet notified you, call your district office and ask how they are going to add the missed days back in.  Nothing wrong with planning ahead and knowing what scheduled vacation days are going to be spent in school!

Another school break is coming up on us pretty quickly!  If you are considering an out of town VACATION, be sure to check our Travel Reviews>> for information on locations and reviews from other families. Spring Break is a great time of year because depending on how far you want to travel, it can include skiing, beach time or something in between.

TAX TIME is right around the corner.  Did you know that if you made a cash donation to help with the Haiti Relief Efforts between January 11 and March 1, 2010, it will be deductible on your 2009 tax reutrn? This includes any donations made via text message.  Make sure to consult with your tax advisor.

The OSCARS are this Sunday! Scroll down>> to print out your ballot to see how close you come to predicting the winners! We've also got a great contest going on in honor of the Oscars, so be sure to enter here>>.  Speaking of contests, congratulations go out to Debbie, Norma and Leslie, who along with their families will be our guests at the Diabetes Research Institute Foundations 2010 Kids Party for a Cure>> this weekend!  Have a great time and we can't wait to meet you there!

We've recently found out that some e-mail providers have been filtering LIParentSource E-NEWSLETTERS.  If you haven't been receiving our e-newsletter every week, please add our domain, LIParentSource.com, to your company's list of "safe" senders.  You can also contact your IT department to do this if you are running into deliverability issues.

Have a great week!

THE KIDS KLOSET CONSIGNMENT SALE is coming back April 23 - 25 at Suffolk County Community College's Sports Complex in Brentwood.  With over 30,000 items, this will be the biggest and best sale yet! 

If you've never been to The Kids Kloset sale before, put it on your "must-do" list.  It's a one-stop shopping experience for everything kid related.  Find everything from clothing to toys to baby equipment and everything in between at deeply discounted prices up to 90% off retail!  Come to shop of course, but know that you can also earn money by cleaning out your closets and being a consignor! Visit The Kids Kloset online>> to find out how.

For the April sale, Kids Kloset Founder Gail Roca, has come up with yet ANOTHER way for you to make money - and all you need to do is join The Kids Kloset's referral program and tell your friends about the sale!  It's simple...sign up for the program and you will receive a unique referral number and flyers with that referral number on them.  Hand out the flyers and for every flyer turned in at the event with your referral number, you'll earn $1.00.  Pass the flyers out to your friends, your family, your childrens' daycare, schools - wherever you go.  The more you pass out, the more you earn! To sign up for the referral program, e-mail thekidskloset@aol.com with DOLLARS FOR FLYERS in the subject line.  And don't forget to mention that LIParentSource sent you!

Below is only a partial list of upcoming events and activities so be sure to click on our EVENT CALENDAR so you do not miss anything.

Use the PARENT PLANNER to click on events and resources you are interested in and click PRINT MY PLANNER to print or email your list.

LOCAL RESOURCES | PARENT PERKS DISCOUNTS | NEWSLETTER ARCHIVES

Once Upon a Treetop is a fantastic entertainment center designed for imaginations young and old. Believe us - you have never seen anything like it on Long Island!  Whether your child feels like dressing up like a princess, being on stage in their own private music show or banging on some drums with buddies, they will find a great way to have fun in the interactive little city that includes a 1950's diner, a train depot, a grocery store, a musical playhouse, and a construction zone.  If that's not enough, there's plenty of room and activity in the three story self-contained play unit for kids to let loose, have fun, and climb through the one-of-a-kind, 16 foot tall authentic tree house. Imagine - a real tree house! Even toddlers are sure to have fun in their private, BIG-KIDS-KEEP-OUT play garden designed with little hands and feet in mind.

From magical, unique birthday parties to daily open play to an assortment of educational and fun classes for children of all ages - Once Upon a Treetop has it all under one roof! Come down and bring your imagination to play and experience what Once Upon a Treetop is all about!

PS - Be sure to bring socks. Once Upon a Treetop loves their little city so much, they like to keep it super clean!

Once Upon a Treetop is located at 151 Dupont Street in Plainview and can be reached at 516.349.1140.  Don't forget to check out our Parent Perks section for a great discount & free play passes with you register for a spring class before March 9!

The Oscars are this Sunday, March 7!  Print this year's OSCAR BALLOT >>  or View the OSCAR WEBSITE >> for more great information.