The Benedict family discovered how virtual volunteering could help them make a difference together

(3BLMedia/theCSRfeed) October 25, 2010 - A computer powers up and a family logs on in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. At the same time, an orphaned teenager logs on at a computer lab in sub-Saharan Africa. Through the miracle of the Internet and web cameras with built-in microphones, Linda Benedict and her children connect with their "Net Buddy," Tumi, through a program created by Infinite Family.

Thousands of African children are orphaned every year by AIDS, usually left to fend for themselves, care for younger siblings, and sort out life's challenges. The ratio of children to available adults in many areas is 12 to 1. Infinite Family has created an internet mentoring program that allows adults and families all over the world to provide love, friendship, and guidance to these parentless children thousands of miles away.

Linda learned about Infinite Family from Dana Gold, a fellow church member who is a program director with the organization. They are one of many nonprofits that have posted virtual volunteer opportunities on VolunteerMatch, making it simple and convenient for people that want to help remotely.  Linda's husband and three kids were as excited as she was to jump in — so it really is a family affair!

"Each time I've done anything as a volunteer, I've always gotten more out of it than I put in." Linda shares, "Tumi has changed our life."....

Click here to read the rest of the Benedict family's story. | Read more stories of engagement & social change.

About VolunteerMatch

VolunteerMatch is a national nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities by helping great people and great causes to connect. Our award-winning online service, www.volunteermatch.org, makes it easy to find a way to make a difference by location, expertise, or availability. VolunteerMatch provides many of the nation's most recognized businesses, campuses and organizations with Web-based solutions to facilitate and track volunteer engagement at local and national levels. As the #1 ranking for "volunteer" on Google and Yahoo!, the VolunteerMatch network regularly welcomes more than 190,000 visitors each week and has become the preferred volunteer recruiting service for tens of thousands of participating nonprofits across the country.

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