When comparing plans that charge by minute, look for:

1) A flat rate. The price should be same any time of day or night.

2) No service fee. This will save you $4 to $8 up front. You may need to use a credit card, or use certain amount of service, to get this benefit.

3) Billing increments of one minute (or less), and a one minute (or less) per call minimum. Nothing should be billed in higher than one minute increments.

Avoid services that advertise a per/unit price. Don't assume 'unit' means 'minute'. It doesn't.

Avoid plans that require you to sign a multi-month or multi-year contract, and avoid plans that require you to use a certain amount of service each month. You can find low rates without these restrictions.

Do keep in mind that primary rate long distance companies advertise is interstate (state to state) rate. If you regularly make in-state long distance calls, be sure to check and compare those rates as well.

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In part two, we'll look at high usage plans, and list some items to compare side by side when selecting a plan.

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(2) Paint-A-Mural Community Events - Community organizations are instrumental in helping us bring beautiful murals in to as many institutions as we can. Paint-a-Mural events are entertaining, stress-relieving, and a great way to bond with your community members. We provide a color-coded canvas with mural drawn in, almost like a big coloring book. The volunteer's job is to paint, paint, and paint.

(3) Local Stores are Getting Involved - Stores are even getting involved. Some stores have decided to Display our pre-drawn canvas murals, cut in to smaller pieces for easier handling. These stores are able to show local community that their store is a charitable organization and at same time get eager children into their store to help paint murals. After completion, we clean up mural and donate it to an organization of their choice.

(4) Patients Can Join In - Patients enjoy chance to get out of their rooms and do something uplifting and entertaining. Their minds are focused on happiness and they forget about their pain, if only for a short while. And even when they can't participate first hand, we try to get them involved in experience by providing outlets such as coloring and watercolor paint-by-number books that they can enjoy in their beds.

Please visit ArtistsHelpingChildren.org to see more about what we are doing, and how you can help our cause.