THE LANDON EXCHANGE

Nonprofit organizations exist to help people and better communities, but where you live can make a significant difference when it comes to getting help from charities. A child that lives in Houston has a world of help and resources available to them and their family. Unfortunately, the story is far different for children living in less populated areas. In Harris County, there are 10,868 registered charities. In Leon County, there are 65 and only 24 made over $25,000 in annual gross receipts in 2008 according to the National Center for Charitable Statistics.

Karen Eaton has lived in Buffalo, Texas for 8 years. Coming from Austin, she was accustomed to a multitude of nonprofit organizations and community outreach programs around every corner. The more time she spent in Buffalo and the surrounding areas, the stronger her desire grew to begin an organization that reached out to the people of Leon, Limestone, and Freestone Counties.

In February of this year, Karen met the great-grandmother of a young boy with Autism. Through casual conversation, it became apparent that the local resources available to this 5-year-old and his family were not significantly improving his quality of life. At that point, Karen promised that she would find a way to fund the necessary therapy this joyful little boy needed.

Shortly after, Karen and her husband, Richard, founded The Landon Exchange. The organization is committed to bringing financial relief to children in Limestone, Leon, Freestone, and Harris Counties with the help of community citizens and local businesses. The Landon Exchange focuses on helping children with health needs including medical bills, food, clothing, shelter, and medical supplies. Other help may be provided after careful consideration by the Board of Directors. All recipients must show financial need.

The Landon Exchange, founded with the heart to help the community, also established an “Exchange Program” with the goal to reach more people than the organization’s funds allow. When a child and their family receive financial help from The Landon Exchange, they are asked to give back to the community in a positive and impactful way. Recipients can visit nursing homes, clean the park, or volunteer at a local nonprofit among other things. The intent of the program is to foster the invaluable character traits of service and appreciation in the community.