I felt compelled this morning to write this post. Maybe because I’ve recently come across several ways that I can do something simple to help those in need. Maybe because God is pulling on my heartstrings and reminding me just how selfish and wrapped up in my own life I can be. Maybe because people need help.
Probably because of all those things.
So I’ve put together a list of 3 simple ways you can give back this weekend and help those who are far less fortunate. And I urge you, encourage you, compel you to pick at least one. Look outside yourself this weekend; think beyond your busy schedule and your family activities and focus some time on giving back.
I know it can be hard. It’s hard to remember to do ANYTHING outside of our own list of to-dos. And it’s hard to find the extra finances to give to someone else – I get it.
My family lives on a tight cash budget; I feed a family of 5 each week; we have a mortgage payment and a car payment; stuff breaks… we have to pay to fix it; we pay to put a child through preschool; we pay to put our kids in extra curricular activities. My story is completely ordinary and probably not unlike yours.
We are all struggling. But then I remind myself that we in the U.S. are in the richest 2% of the world. Can you believe that? Did you know how rich you are? Ever since hearing that statistic, I no longer joke about being “poor,” because, come one – we are so filthy rich!
The fact that I am able to rattle off all that stuff that I have to pay for is a blessing. And yet it is so easy to get wrapped up in myself and forget about the other 98% of the world.
Well I say, at least for this weekend, enough is enough. Commit to one of these or one of your own ways and let’s BE THE GOOD, let’s be the selfless. And let’s get the kids in on it! Explain to them what you are doing and why. Raise up a new generation of givers and DO-ers.
3 ways to BE THE GOOD this weekend:
1. Send sanitary pads to Kenya
(photo source: we are that family)
This popped up on my Facebook feed this week and I so saddened by the thought. It had never crossed my mind that menstruation and missing school would go hand in hand for anyone. These poor girls can miss out on up to 5 days of school every month or stop going to school entirely just because they have insufficient access to water and hygiene facilities, separate toilets and a lack of sanitary supplies (source). The good news is – you can help! It’s pretty simple to run to Target and grab some packs of sanitary pads and mail them this weekend (you were probably going to Target anyway, right?). Get the details on We Are That Family.
2. Give to child cancer research
(photo source: psiadoreyou)
Did you know that September is Childhood Cancer Awareness month? My friend and blogger, Candy, battled teen ovarian cancer and shares about her experience and the importance of talking about teen cancer in her post this week. Do yourself a favor and read it. Don’t quote me on this (how’s that for being a reliable blogger? At least I’m forewarning you), but I believe I read that Childhood Cancer Research only receives 2% of all cancer research allocated funds. That is staggering and heartbreaking. Ready to help? An easy way to do something is to buy a discounted deal on PSIAdoreYou.com – 10% of all sales goes to the families of a child battling cancer, to help them financially in their courageous fight. PS I Adore You sells everything from clothing to kid’s toys to artwork and jewelry from independent designers – I, myself, have offered my products at a discount on their site several times. They are doing good things. You can even visit their blog and read about their cancer cutie of the month to understand who they are supporting and why. You can also donate directly to the cause and help fund Childhood Cancer research through the American Childhood Cancer Organization here. With a few clicks and a credit card number, you can do some real good in a really easy way.
3. Put together blessing bags for the homeless
My family used to do this on a regular basis, but I’ve really fallen off the bandwagon lately. Each month, I would use $20 to put together 2 “blessing bags” that I kept in my car. They were filled with things like toothbrushes, cleansing wipes, a granola bar and a $5 gift card to McDonald’s. Whenever I drove by someone on the street corner holding up a sign asking for help, I was able to roll down my window and ask if they would like some supplies. I’ve never been turned down and I never ended the month with one in my possession. Get more details and ideas here.
Pretty do-able, right? Challenge yourself this weekend, friends!