The Carlos Vieira Foundation, a non-profit organization that has been raising money for special causes since 2007 is expanding its direct help program into Madera County. 

Its main focus is to help families that have loved ones with autism. Through many types of fundraising they have been able to provide specific grants to families living in Merced and Stanislaus Counties that have children with autism. 

The CVF organization is made up of members of 51 FIFTY Enterprises out of Livingston, California. 51 FIFTY is a brand that started in 2007 with a NASCAR team owned by Carlos Vieira who also is a driver. Since then, 51 FIFTY has expanded into an apparel company, sunglass company and more recently an Energy Drink Company. To further help the foundation, a percentage of all energy drink sales go directly to the foundation to help families living with autism.

Volunteers are needed to take to the streets on Tuesday, March 6 to sell special editions of The Fresno Bee for the 25th anniversary Kids day event benefiting Children's Hospital Central California. The event is sponsored by a number of media organizations and Children's Hospital.

Volunteers are needed throughout the day, but particularly in the early morning hours of March 6.

Papers are sold on Valley street corners from 5:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Kids Day editions of the Fresno Bee feature heartwarming patient stories and photographs. They are sold in 20 different cities throughout the Central Valley.

This year's fundraising goal is $450,000.

Only two more weeks to nominate a special kid for the 2012 Kohl’s Cares Scholarship Program. Kohl’s recognizes kids ages six to 18 who have made a positive impact on their community through volunteerism. Nominations will be accepted now through March 15th.  Over $440,000 will be awarded to over two thousand kids.