Are you someone that is looking to make a change in the world? Do you see good deeds being done and want to do your part? Maybe you have a personal attachment to a certain organization. Whatever the case may be, non-profit companies depend on the support of outside/public funding. It is downright imperative to their survival. As you go about your day making plans, please take the time to make a plan to help.
There are so many ways that we can help in our community. Some non-profits are looking for supplies, while some simply need volunteers. Of course, there is the traditional financial donation that allows organizations to stay afloat. Not to mention, some of you are looking for tax breaks, donating to a non-profit allows you to write that donation off.
There are many non-profit organizations in and around the Winston-Salem area that are looking for help from people in our community. People like you! At Macaroni KID Winston-Salem we will be highlighting a different non-profit organization weekly nominated by our readers. If you have a non-profit organization you would like to nominate please email us at mackidwinstonsalem@macaronikid.com. All nominations must be made by a current subscriber of Macaroni KID Winston-Salem. This week, we recognize:
Kaleideum
Downtown
390 South Liberty Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
North
400 Hanes Mill Road
Winston-Salem, NC 27105
Initially intended by the inventor as a scientific tool, the kaleidoscope evolved as a timeless and wondrous toy that delights children and adults throughout the world. With an appeal that spans the ages, this optical instrument is constructed with mirrors and loose, colored objects such as beads or pieces of glass. When held up to the light, the individual sees colorful patterns that shift and change as the kaleidoscope is turned or shaken.
The kaleidoscope itself is a free-choice learning experience, subtly encouraging the individual to explore and learn more about our world. Each time a child or adult engages with and manipulates the kaleidoscope, the outcome changes, revealing an image that is new and different … but equally beautiful.
Inspired by the blending of art and science, Kaleideum is a perfect representation of a timeless space where children and adults can find their Muse. By climbing the Beanstalk, exploring constellations in the Planetarium, creating a story in the Enchanted Forest, or discovering the forces of motion in our wind tunnel, Kaleideum is a place of constant change and challenges — helping inspire wonder, curiosity, and lifelong learning outside the boundaries of a formal classroom.
Multifaceted, open-ended experiences prompt children to test theories, seek answers to questions, think critically, and explore at
their own pace — all skills that are necessary for their success in a world that constantly changes and continually surprises, yet remains wondrous for all ages.
Kaleideum North
In 1962, four women, on behalf of the Junior League of Winston-Salem, introduced a new idea for a nature science center that would become a permanent part of the educational and recreational landscape for Winston-Salem.
By January 1964, the decision was made to locate the center in the barn at Reynolda Estate, which was graciously made available by the Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation. Through the cooperation of Wake Forest College, the 100 acres surrounding the building were also made available for outdoor study and conservation. Plans for the center included educational programs in the natural and physical sciences, displays, dramas, field trips, nature walks, and a small planetarium in the barn’s silo. On December 12, 1964, the Nature Science Center officially opened its doors, allowing generations of Piedmont Triad residents and visitors to experience scientific inquiry through informal, hands-on, experiential learning.
The science center was co-sponsored by the Recreation Department of the City of Winston-Salem, the Winston-Salem Foundation, the Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation, and the Junior League of Winston-Salem. During October of the following year, there was a formal ribbon-cutting and dedication. Over the years, the center moved to its present location on Hanes Mill Road, changed its name to SciWorks, expanded the exhibits and revised the mission to reflect its responsiveness to the changing needs of the community.
Kaleideum Downtown
The Children’s Museum of Winston-Salem, now Kaleideum Downtown, was conceived by the Junior League of Winston-Salem as its 75th anniversary gift to the community. The Museum opened its doors on November 20, 2004, after a successful capital campaign.
In 2011, the Children’s Museum of Winston-Salem was honored to be awarded a $150,000 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Museums for America program. Museums for America is the nation’s largest federal funding program for museums. Reviewed by panels of professional peers, these grants are highly competitive. The Museum’s grant funded a new interactive playscape – Kaleidoscape – and six additional, outdoor, participatory art installations.
Kaleideum
The Childrens’ Museum and SciWorks began talks of a possible collaboration in early 2015. On July 1, 2016, the two museums officially merged with a mission of “Inspiring wonder, curiosity, and lifelong learning in our children and community through interactive play and discovery.” The merged organization announced its new name — Kaleideum, a combination of kaleidoscope and museum — on February 7, 2017.
* To make a financial contribution to Kaleideum: https://kaleideum.org/support/donate
*To volunteer with Kaleideum: https://kaleideum.org/support/volunteer/
*To become a member of Kaleideum: https://kaleideum.org/support/memberships/
Kaleideum relies on the time, talent, and expertise of dedicated volunteers! We are currently in need of volunteers for special events and to work in our Outdoor Science and Environmental Park.
