They need your help TODAY!

UPDATE: Many, many thanks to everyone who donated today. I am pleased to say that the "Throw Us a Bone!!" project has been fully funded! There are still a few other projects that need your contribution, but I am very grateful to everyone who responded to this challenge so far.

It has been about two weeks since I started my DonorsChoose drive, and so far only one person has made any donations. I definitely appreciate that person's generosity, but I was really hoping to get some of these other projects funded!

Now, as Janet has noticed, one particular challenge is down to the wire. Called "Throw Us a Bone!!" this challenge was put up by Mrs. P who is going to be teaching anatomy and physiology in a rural south Mississippi community, and she's in need of resources like skeletons and models to teach her high school class. IF IT DOES NOT GET FUNDED TODAY, IT IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN.

As it stands now, the project needs $699. That is not an impossible amount to raise. If only 70 people donated $10 the project would be fully funded. Given that this blog is currently averaging nearly 600 visitors a day, I don't think it's too much to ask to throw a few spare bucks to a needy classroom.

And keep in mind that you can win some prizes if you donate. If you donate more than $5, send your electronic receipt to scienceblogs@gmail.com and you will have a chance to win some cool swag like Sb flash drives, laptop sleeves, mugs, or a subscription to SEED. Once the contest ends, too, you will be entered into a drawing to win an iPod Touch, all for donating at least $5.

And don't forget that Mrs. P's challenge isn't the only one that needs some help. There's only two weeks left to help fund some of the other projects I have decided to feature, and I know that we can get them funded. Please, if you have some cash to spare, skip pizza or take-out this weekend and give it to some needy kids instead.

I'll even sweeten the deal a little. If every project is funded by the end of the month, I will post a preview of one of my book chapters here for you all to see. If not, it stays on my hard drive, but I would much prefer otherwise!