From a reader:

“I am a volunteer with local charity Neediest Kids, an organization which helps provide tens of thousands of students in the Washington Metro Area, including Petworth, with the things they need to succeed. Last year, we were able to help more than 32,000 the 600,000 K-12 students in the area by supplying clothing, backpacks, eyeglasses, meals, healthcare, school supplies and more. Furthermore, Neediest Kids offers this assistance in a confidential manner with the student’s dignity and pride in mind.

This winter, we are working with the Washington Wizards to offer some amazing auction packages, the proceeds of which will directly help even more school children in the area. The online auction (at http://www.cmarket.com/auction/AuctionHome.action?auctionId=89736172) is live now through March 14, 2010. Some sample packages are:

Gimme Five:
Bid for Ten “High Five Kids” to line the tunnel and give a high five to Wizards as they enter court for Indiana vs. Wizards game. Also includes watching the game in a great suite for 18 fans; two Parking Passes; catered food; Wizards Swag and recognition on Jumbotron for your special event.

Rock n’ Roll in Cleveland:
Win 2 Round Trip AA tickets to Cleveland to enjoy an astounding Wizards vs. Cavaliers game with 2 club level seats. Have a smashing good time with this package that includes 2 nights at a Cleveland Marriott, dinner for 2 and 2 tickets to Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame.

Many of these packages are once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and the purchase of a single package could help hundreds of students.

For those unable to bid, but still interested in helping, Neediest Kids also has a text campaign for $5 donations directly through any major U.S. mobile carrier. To donate, text “NEED” to 90999, or use the widget on www.neediestkids.org. Also, Papa John’s is donating $1 for every pizza ordered online when you enter the promo code “NEED” before ordering at www.PapaJohns.com.

More information on the organization and these new campaigns can be found at www.neediestkids.org.”