"Think of giving not as a duty but as a privilege..."

Yet another year is coming to close and we approach the season of Thanksgiving and Christmas. I especially love this time of year as many do not because of the gifts, but the time we get to spend with family, friends and just kind of wind down the year. 

Every year around this time Sheena and I try to contribute or donate to someone that is less fortunate and try to help them enjoy the season as we do. We donate money through out the year but during this time, we try to adopt a family and actually get them the items that they need/want. We also try to avoid big organizations that usually receive plenty throughout the year and focus on the not so large organizations.

Sheena did all the research and found this great organization (Christian Homes and Family Services). They have eight apartments that offer up to women with unplanned pregnancies free of charge. In addition to providing for a birth mother’s physical needs, they also help them continue her education, provide counseling, and help her think through and plan for life after her baby is born.  Most importantly, if she choose to place her baby for adoption, they will help her select a wonderful, Christian couple to be her baby’s parents. 

We chose to buy each of the eight occupants all the necessary items that were listed and basically made care packages. Usually these are all donated items, but we decided to buy them all brand new basics to get them started. It sounds pretty easy, but there were a few exhausting trips to Walmart and a lot of toting things back and forth. 

The next feat was to get all these items to Abilene, TX which is where the organization is. Luckily, a board member from the organization lives in Katy and was more than willing to haul it out there. I was actually contemplating making the 6 hours drive out there, its the least we could do. 

Here's a few of the items we bought:

• Bible (Women’s Devotional or Daily Devotional Bible preferred)
• Journal
• Pens
• Frying pan, small pot and cookie sheet
• Cooking utensils such as a knife, spatula, wooden spoons
• Plates, glasses and flatware for no more than four
• Cup towels and dishcloths
• Dish Drainer
• Sheets for a twin or double bed
• Pillows
• Bedding sets
• Bath, hand towels, and washcloths
• Bath mat
• Standard shower curtain
• Shampoo, conditioner, bath and hand soap
• Deodorant and body lotion
• Disposable razors
• Toothpaste and toothbrush
• Mouthwash

It is so easy to cut a check to someone or hand some cash to a worthy cause, but when you have to spend some time to actually do something meaningful it is a little more WORK (I'm lazy if you didn't catch on). This was the biggest task we've taken on and it took me a little time to get ramped up on doing the work. Sheena on the other hand blows my mind on how energetic and enthusiastic she was through the process, it says a lot about her. After our second trip to Walmart and slowly seeing the accumulation of items that we were going to donate, I could only imagine how the person on the other end would feel. It was all worth it!

I've always wanted to help out the community and figured monetary contributions would suffice BUT it is definetly more rewarding getting knowing that you have personally made a difference. Since we have been doing this the past few years I hope I can continue to do this not just once a year but through out the year. We have so much and are blessed beyond belief and there are people that are in need 365 days out of the year. Lastly, Introducing the act of giving to my daughter can only help her be a role model in this world, and I think it was just a great bonding experience for the family. 

My favorite little helper!

Allie thought it was fun to be trapped in a box! Simba was not having it.

I've got you cornered now doggie!!

Below is the link to Christian Homes.

http://www.christianhomes.com/


Let us not be satisfied with just giving money. Money is not enough, money can be got, but they need your hearts to love them. So, spread your love everywhere you go.
Mother Teresa






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