Hey! I heard that…
as i said… shhhhh….
lean in a lil…
not THAT close!
ah better… thank you.
You see, I have a little secret to tell each of you.
Let’s just keep it between us shall we?
When it comes to donating, I find that I am not really drawn to the corporate type non-profits. In my (possibly warped) mind …big organizations tend to have equally big patrons; and while I don’t dispute their value or necessity in society, I rarely enjoy giving to those causes. It has somehow become so terribly impersonal and I cultivate relationships with value in my life… I don’t just want to be another name on yet another list. (Isn’t that just a touch horrible of moi?) Subsequently, I like knowing where my hard-earned dollars go, and often with those places – it’s a big ol’ mystery that feels unappreciated.
There are so many people who fight for awareness on the ‘big’ issues- as there should be, after-all they are causes for a reason. However, as someone living with not so common issues (Bipolar Disorder, Tourettes Syndrome) I am understandably drawn to a different sort of genre. The people who fall somewhere in the middle of the spectrum. The person who doesn’t make little enough to receive assistance, but doesn’t make quite enough to meet their bills some months. That sorta thing. Who represents that crowd? The crowd most of us fall into, or have at least been in at some point within our lives.
What gets to me – what really gets to me – are everyday heroes. Seemingly ordinary folks – like you & I … giving of their time, their belongings, their skills towards a common cause or a goal. Communities who rise together and help an ailing neighbor, or a group of children in need of a place to play. A mother who organizes a picnic for their child’s teacher who was unfairly let go. The people that spur hope at every turn. I want to know the individual stories behind the illnesses we rally to fight against. I like a face to a name. I am inspired by those who not only hold onto hope, but fight for hope – even in the most dire of circumstances.
Sob stories, and a woe is me attitude? … do nothing but infuriate me. They are a dime a dozen these days, and more often than not have that boy-who-cried-wolf feeling to me. If I have learned only one thing in this life – it’s this: We may not be able to control the things that happen to us , or around us in life – but we CAN control how we react to them. We can choose to see the light, even on the darkest of the days … and if there truly is no glimmer of light, we can somehow…find a way to embrace the darkness. To walk through it. We can control our reactions, and our attitudes. As someone living with a mental illness – I can attest to just how difficult this can be some days – and yet it’s still a possibility. I love possibilities, don’t you?
I love helping people who choose to take action in their lives. Today’s giveaways (yes multiple ones – woo!) … both stem from two people I believe are everyday heroes; and I hope you are at the least… just a touch moved by them too. Additionally, I am doing something I almost never do too – asking a favor of you. – If you are at all touched by these women, would you consider helping their causes? If you can’t help financially consider promoting this on your own blog, websites and twitter.
Sidenote: Please know, if you can’t it’s okay too – there are still giveaways I’d love for you to enter, and noone will think less of you. I want each of you to give with intent, and authenticity – and would never put pressure on you to do so. It’s a personal choice and one that I happily respect!
Giveaway/Story # 1:
One of the most generous artists I have met online (and in person last summer!) is Donna Cook. I swear folks — this woman is always helping people, giving of herself in her everyday life, as well as online — she is just one of those special people that lives her life in a manner we all aspire to. A true, generous soul… and I feel blessed to have met her. She is one of those everyday heroes I spoke of, and takes action – as well as the woman she is helping.
She recently has been trying to help ‘Save the Sawmill Strays’ . Her story reached me on a multiple of levels, and I felt a compulsion to try to help. I donated the lil’ bit of money I could, and am trying to spread the word… as an animal lover, and someone who once loved doing work camps … perhaps, I just found this oh-so-relatable. I’ll show you an excerpt of her story here, but i encourage you to click through to the blog she set up, and page through all the posts. I have a feeling you will be as touched as I was… and just a dollar or two, would go a LONG way in this project. Nothing would make me happier, than seeing her reach her goal!
Here’s a tiny excerpt of their story — but you REALLY need to go read the backstory too to understand.
My wildest dream is for Bev to be able to start a No-Kill Shelter. That’s my wild dream and maybe her’s as well, but what she wants to do right now is spay and neuter the 4 adult dogs as soon as possible, and then generate some income to have the pups spay and neutered when they are old enough. Maybe out of this will grow the dream of a No-kill shelter. Perhaps in our semi-wild dreams we can generate income to build some additional kennels on Bev’s lease, so that these animals can stay safe.
We are hoping that animal lovers all over the world will help us with a donation to our “Chip-In” account. I trust Bev, but you all don’t know her. I am hoping that those of you I have met “on-line” will trust me.
She has discovered a local source that will assist low income families in paying for spay and neutering services. My plan is to work with Bev, sending her payment for the first surgery and then additional payments after she sends the receipt for the previous surgery. This may not really be necessary, but I wanted the internet community to know that I am making every effort to insure that the money goes for the animals. I know that Bev will use it for the animals. I’m hoping in my wild dreams, for enough money to help build a few more kennels.
In an effort to help them both, and the poor animals that Bev saved — I am offering up a free colored digital collage sheet of choice (except the inching along sheet) to anyone who donates at least $1.50 to her cause. and anyone can enter to win my giveaway, which is 10 ..count em 10… printed collage sheets (my choice) and 1 digi sheet of your choice (except the inching along sheet)– so even if you can’t contribute, you can still win. Let Donna know when you chip in, you want a collage sheet or let me know that you donated, and I’ll check with her. Chip In by clicking here! Donna doesn’t even know I am doing this yet — How fun!
Giveaway/Story # 2:
A little while back I was approached by Kary to use one of my free for personal use only textures in a digital scrapbooking kit she created.; ordinarily I wouldn’t allow a commercial use … but this time? I was moved.
Here, read why…
This year I made the commitment to walk nearly 80 miles over the course of two weekends as a participant in two Avon Walk for Breast Cancer events. I will walk in Houston Texas the weekend of April 4, 2009 and again in Chicago Illinois during the weekend of June 7. I am excited, nervous and honored to be walking with so many others who have also made this amazing commitment to help raise awareness and funds for this devastating disease. I lost my own mother to breast cancer almost 18 years ago to breast cancer; I miss her very much and miss having a “mom” to share my life with and talk to. I wanted to honor her and DO something to make a difference in the lives of others who are living with and fighting this battle. Funds raised for the Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Crusade support their mission of providing access to care for individuals who cant afford it, and in finding a cure.
As a computer teacher and digital artist, I thought one way I could use my unique talents was to design and sell a digital scrapbooking kit. The kits theme is primarily geared towards the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, as I thought it could be used by anyone participating in the walks across the country to help document their journey before, during and after their walk. But I purposely made the kit very large so anyone who purchased it could easily use it in his or her own digital scrapbooking layouts. 100% of the net profits of the sale of this kit will go towards the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer.
I love the personal meaning behind this – and it’s a great example that some bigger causes, know how to still stay personal. This kit folks? Is AMAZING! Seriously — look at what all you get… then look how little it costs!
- 12 pieces of digital scrapbook paper – each is 300 dpi and 12×12 in size. Papers come in a variety of patterns and shades of pink
- 6 “torn edge” brushes for Adobe Photoshop or Photoshop Elements. These brushes can help you achieve a simple torn edge on your digi paper
- 9 vintage inspired photo frames
- 3 sets of complete alphabets that include lower and upper case letters, numbers and special characters. The three styles of alphabets are GLITTER TEXT (73 characters in all), PINK METAL TEXT (97 characters) and PINK PLASTIC TEXT (98 characters).
- One set of rubber stamp alphabet brushes for Adobe Photoshop and Photoshop Elements. For those using other programs, I have also included the PNG version of this alphabet
- Two glitter borders (each 12×12) and one glitter background (slightly smaller than the page)
- Four glitter hearts and three glitter swirl flourishes to accent photographs are other parts of your page
- Four felt hearts, one sewn felt heart assemblage and one felt star
- Three cut out flowers with “deep” drop shadows
- One Queen of Hearts playing card
- Sixteen tags with and without “hangers” in four colors
- Two staples and one stitch to “attach” your tags to your page
- Seven journaling tags
- Thirteen ribbons in various styles and shades of pink. Ribbon styles include gingham, grosgrain, silver lame, satin and “word” ribbons that commemorate the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer
- Two bows
- One “pink ribbon”
- One chrome metal “pink ribbon”
- Six pink beads
- Eleven sequins in various shapes and shades of pink
- Four buttons – two of which are sewn
- One chalked edge word art “Pretty in Pink”
- Over 230 digital stickers that includes: All the host cities for the Avon Walk (Houston, LA, San Fran, Chicago, Charlotte, Rocky Mtns, DC, Boston, NYC), stickers commemorating the Avon Walk (We Walk as One, etc.) stickers with a “pink” theme (Pink Ladies, Pink Power, etc.) and tons of stars, hearts, flowers, crowns and “pink ribbons”
ALL of that for just $8.00. I plan to purchase one myself in the next few days… I’m not a digital scrapbooker, nor will I be walking — but I can use these graphics (the vintage frames alone look amazing !), and papers in my digital art. I’m more than happy helping her fulfill her goal! Will you consider purchasing one too?
The kit is currently for sale on Etsy as a digital download . If someone prefers to have the kit mailed to them on a CD, they can visit her site where they can email her to make arrangements. All of the additional pics of the kit are there as well.
Did I mention, she is also giving 1 of you a kit for free? How exciting!
So to enter today’s giveaways:
Which as a reminder are.. 10 ..count em 10… printed collage sheets of mine (my choice) and 1 digi sheet of your choice except the inching along sheet– and another person will win one of the beautiful scrapbooking kits!
Whew! I promise not to be so long-winded tomorrow, and to lighten the posts up a bit again! And quite possibly come back to edit this post, so it’s more clear — I’m totally crosseyed at the moment!
Thanks to all who take part in these giveaways, and an extra thanks to those who do me the personal favor, of helping out where they can. It means the world to me.
Chrysti
Filed under: Charity, Contests | Tagged: animals, avon walk, breast cancer, Charity, contest, free, giveaway, Pets, scrapbooking kit, strays |
Art By Chrysti 
Thank you Chrysti for promoting Sawmill Strays in your 29 days of giving. You are just amazing! Ok, I just bought Kary’s kit, now you have to help me figure out how to use all that stuff! Thank you to everyone who just takes a peek and reads about Bev and her strays. God bless all of you, and good luck to Kary on her walks. Amazing, too! Love to all!
Chrysti, What an amazing story about Donna Cook! I donated a small amount, so hopefully that will help in some way. I’m anxious to read more about her on her site… great post today, love the theme of paying it forward (so to speak).
what wonderful, inspirational stories. thank you, again, for a meaningful and uplifting post! i was touched by both stories and contributed to Donna’s cause. to answer your question, my every day heroes are teachers. they spend so much time and energy with our kids to make sure they learn the basics and beyond. i was just thinking about how we take public education for granted and how much i truly appreciate my daughter’s teachers.
I made a donation for the pupsiedogs and spread the word by offering to give away two donations on my snagging stampers group at yahoo. I bought the digi kit – now i have to learn to use it. Thank again, Chrysti, for showing us places where our hearts can help!
Chrysti your blog may have been a long read but it was an inspiring read, Thank you for sharing these two very different women with us…their stories touched me I am going to read the blogs x
I, for one, loved your “long read” and found it very inspiring. I’ve found it true in my life that the more we give, the more WE receive. I, like you, have mental illnesses (depression and severe panic/anxiety disorder) but we can choose to focus on those things or on the goodness in our lives, right? I’m learning, I”m learning. lol
I don’t have much money these days being unemployed and still (forever) waiting on disability but I gave what I could to help save the Sawmill Strays. Every little bit counts, right?
And thank you for your note to me about what I shared in my comment to your last post. You made my day. No matter how bad we might think we have it, life is good.
Peace & Love,
~Barb~
Chrysti,
Your generosity of spirit is truly touching and I wanted to thank you so much for including me and the Avon Walk on your blog. I am very excited about being able to raise money for the Avon Walk…I particularly like the fact that one of the main ways they use the money is to help people receive treatment for breast cancer who couldn’t otherwise afford it. I have a feeling that this journey I am on is going to be very moving and unforgettable…your act of kindness has certainly set things off on the right path. I look forward to seeing who wins the kit. It was made with a lot of love so I hope everyone who get its enjoys using it.
Kind Regards,
Kary Boan
Chrysti – You have outdone yourself! You are not only promoting giving but giving in the process. Both Kary and Donna – actually their causes – will benefit greatly from your words.
Well done for bringing these stories to everyone’s attention. It is true that everyone can do small things to help, even if sometimes it feels like you can’t make a difference.
My favourite everyday hero is my boyfriend’s uncle, Frank Mullane. His sister and her son were tragically killed by her estranged husband after a period of domestic abuse and death threats. This was repeatedly reported to the police but they failed to act in time or respond to her final, desperate 999 call. For the past 5 years Frank has been campaining for better domestic abuse policy in the police force and better representation for families in the sometimes bewildering legal system.
He has set up a charity called Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse (AAFDA) designed to help families know their rights and help with any legal issues after a fatal domestic incident. This is obviously a devastating and stressful time for any family, and there is a terrible lack of support available which Frank is trying to address. There are thankfully many large charities out there to support women and children (and a growing number of men) who are struggling with domestic abuse, but still two women a week are being killed in the UK alone as a result of this often hidden terror.
Please look at his website http://www.aafda.org.uk and pass it on to anyone who may be interested.
Sorry for also being so long-winded! But he really is a hero to me.
Cat
My favorite cause is http://www.heifer.org. It’s a pretty large organization but the work they do is awesome. Their mission is simple: help someone to better themselves and teach those same people to pass on this knowledge.
They do this with a gift of animals and education to the poor all over the world. And all they ask for in return is that the families they help then help another family by giving them the first offspring of their animal and teach them how to take care of it.
So, instead of giving someone a fish so they can eat for a day, or even teaching one person to fish so they can eat for a lifetime, the charity they provide expands exponentially throughout a village and everyone benefits over time. It is truly a gift that keeps on giving.
My cousin’s daughter was born with Cystic Fibrosis and she lost her battle with that disease two years ago at the tender age of 16. This is an organization that I gave to for many years while Jenn was sick and continue to contribute to today. I know it’s a large one with many donors but I also know how much they helped Jenn when she was still here.
My cousin has set up a memorial blog where she shares experiences of living with the memory of her daughter… about the challenges and what she calls “God-incidences” which are like a surprise “Hello” from Jenn:
“I started a new job in May at a daycare in the neighboring town. Yesterday we were cleaning out storage closets and putting all the summer things away until next year. In the bottom of a crate of hats, I found a Barney hat that looked just like one Jenn used to have. I turned it over and guess what was written on the bill? “Jenn” Then one of the other people I work with pulled out a couple of hats and there was a Lion King hat that looked just like one Jenn wore a lot. I turned it over and there on the tag was “Jenn N.” in my handwriting! What a “God-incidence” that someone had gotten these at a rummage sale when the kids were younger and they ended up in the neighboring town at the place where I went to work! What a warm feeling I got! Just like Jenn saying hello!”
http://jennifer-leann-nelson.memory-of.com/About.aspx
My favorite causes are the Society for PSP(Progressive Supra-Nuclear Palsy….which my mother suffers from) and pro-life causes.
2+2= IV (quattro)
My favorite cause is the incredible poor living right in our own backyards. We have a couple of wonderful organizations nearby that offer food and warmth during the day time and a chance to interact with the children whose needs are often neglected.
I love to play games with them and read to them (as literacy is also a big cause I am interested in).
I have also volunteered at the local hospital. It is a wonderful opportunity to give back to the community.
I like to give to those organizations that don’t have non-profit status but are definitely not-for-profit. Over the past years I have donated art supplies to inner city schools and green schools. Having been associated with an organization that collects manufacturer caste-offs and sells them for creative reuse, I seem to have lots of unique art materials stashed away. I’m always inspired with what these schools do with so little.
And 2+2 … well that depends.
It might be 11 in Base 3, or 10 in Base 10
In Base 10 it’s 4
Some might say 22
My everyday hero…is my best friend. She doesn’t have a “charity”, doesn’t volunteer. She doesn’t do much of anything but lay in bed. Well, actually that’s all she does. That’s all she can do.
She was in Euproe with her then-husband, almost 10 years ago. She woke up one morning and couldn’t get out of bed – which was just the beginning of being diagnosed with a very rare disease. She was given 3 months to live. And yes, that was 10 years ago. I can’t tell you how many times she’s technically died – or how many times she’s been flown (on a medical flight) across the country, to prep for a trip to Egypt for a stem cell transplant they weren’t even sure would work. She never made it out of the country because she’s just too sick.
A few months ago she came out of a 2 year coma no one thought she would ever awaken from. And even though she is now living her worst fear (having to be taken care of by someone else) and she never leaves the hospital and is in isolation so no one can go see her, her spirits are so high. She’s hysterical. She doesn’t complain – and when you talk to her, she wants to hear about you and your life. She jokes and laughs – even though she is in more pain than any of us will probably ever experience.
She doesn’t complain about her situation – and when you ask her why, she says someone has to be in this situation – why shouldn’t it be her? What would make her exempt? She says her strong (and stubborn!) spirit makes her the right candidate to battle this disease – and kick its butt. Her goal is to hang on until they find a cure – and she’s undergone countless, extremely painful medical tests in an attempt to help science find out what causes this disease and other information important to finding a cure. Since she is only one of 4 people in the world who have this – and the other 3 have already died – she’s hanging on for everyone in the future who is diagnosed with this. She’s even learned how to write medical articles for medical journals – so she has been published as an “expert” on this disease. As soon as she found out what she had, she jumped in and researched everything possible. She has even educated most doctors.
She’s just a great person. Talking to her you would never know anything is wrong with her – she focuses on the positive. She laughs and carries on – and she always cheers ME up when I’m having a bad day. She never says a word about the painful physical therapy they are trying to work with her on. She has been intubated more times than anyone can count – and she just keeps hanging on. Her attitude and outlook are amazing – and I aspire to be more like her. She’s a fantastic, phenomenal, amazing, incredible, awesome person – and I love her for it. :)
Thanks for this post, Chrysti – I’m glad you wrote this post. I wish I could help both of them out financially. I will keep them in mind and spread the word.
Katherine
What amazing stories you have posted about organizations big and small that have touched your lives and the wonderful people you know that work to help others in the world, and those who suffer the most and still share what they have. Thanks to Chrysti for offering up this forum. Off to check out some of the great groups mentioned here. May God be with all of you and those you love, and those that love you!
Wow, that’s a generous giveaway! I’d like to be entered in this one! My favorite cause, if you will, would be those who risk their lives daily for the sake of Jesus. Over 100,000 people die yearly around the world because of Christian persecution. Our media never acknowledges it, just like they never acknowledged the real reason behind the Columbine high school shootings. But it happens, a lot. They want others to know Jesus’ peace and love and will give up all for it. They know that the world they live in can take away their lives but they can’t be separated from the love of Jesus, no matter what. “If you can’t find something worth dying for, you aren’t really living.”
Hi Chrysti,
Thanks so much for featuring Donna’s Sawmill Hollow puppies story. I have added my own donation to the effort and hope that Donna and Bev will reach their goal of being able to spay and neuter all the dogs/puppies that Bev has rescued. Thanks to Bev for being such a compassionate person and for acting on that compassion and thanks to Donna for getting Bev’s story out to the public.
I’m not sure I have one favorite cause; there are so many worthy ones out there but one of my favorites is the City Mission of Las Vegas which serves the homeless folks there.
Chrysti, your blog site is great! Hope I win one of your give-aways and I would love to have one of your free digital collage sheets! Thanks. Iris
Thanks for all you are doing in supporting and promoting the causes. My fave causes help animals and also help people. One of my most faves is the handicapped riding groups that help the disabled horses and also the riders.
My favorite cause is the RoadRunner Food Bank in Albuquerque, New Mexico. They help the area homeless in so many ways and their doors are always open. Lately, alot of families have begun to show up….more and more. We as a country have so much to share….if everyone would share and give, it would be beautiful. There wouldn’t be any needy people.
My grandkids are also my fav cause. LOL Five kids in one family, the dollars just don’t go far enough. I help in anyway I can. Dental, medical, clothing, medicine!! Giving at home first is always the best way to start.
Thank you Chrysti!!!!! For everything!!!!
Hugging you
SueAnn
My hero was my grandmother . I came from alot of angry and verbal abuse but she was alway there for me . she taught me kindness and and love . i still kiss her today and wish she had lived to see what my life had become . she would be very proud .
robin krieger
The person who doesn’t make little enough to receive assistance, but doesn’t make quite enough to meet their bills some months. That sorta thing. Who represents that crowd?
I certainly do, I was the higher earner out of hubby and I, when i got hurt and was unable to work, we lost MORE than 50% of our income. In addition when our son and his friend moved out we also lost that little bit of extra $.
My WC isn’t even close to settling and who knows how long it will take SS to approve me.
I am not posting to be chosen, so please don’t put my name in.
I am just posting to say thanks for being for the underdog!
we deal with mental disease in my family as well. plus all the other goodies, and a house that is falling apart.
so…YOU Chrysti are one of my heroes :) (for appreciating the underdogs)
Hugs,
Susan
Thanks so much for highlighting these two deserving causes. I love animals and really appreciate the work that Donna is advocating for. I have, in the past, helped to spay/neuter stray cats to help keep the local population under control. And as for Kary — my mother-in-law is a two-time breast cancer survivor, so I doubly appreciate the fact that she is walking and raising money. It’s something I’m not physically able to do. I made a small donation to Donna and would like to be considered for the giveaways.
My hero is my mother. She works on behalf of developmentally disabled adults. She has helped to build a home for them, and regularly advocates for the residents in her program. She gives of her time, her money, and her heart, selflessly, to see that they have a better life. She’s been an excellent example to me on how to live a life of service. She’s 78 years old, and in declining health, but she still is as active with her group as she can be.
Blessings,
Cindy
I guess my cause would be World Vision and helping the rest of the world and right here at home! have enough to eat.
With all the excess and millionaires and BILLIONaires we have on this planet, it’s insane anyone has to be starving.
Thanks for raising awareness Chrysti!
Cheryl
2 + 2 = 4
I am very dedicated to the March of Dimes, which helps to try and prevent preterm labor, and other causes, mostly baby related. Anything having to do with children and babies is near and dear to my heart. I have four children and it truly breaks my heart to see sick children and such and I think everyone needs to donate, be it time or money, or just a nice card to make them smile, to these causes. We need to get rid of all of these horrible diseases, and without money, research to beat these illnesses will not be possible.
Julia Carter
Every person that takes the time to give a hug, smile, kernel of hope to any creature in need is and are my heroes.
Chrysti,
I didn’t mind the long post AT ALL. Nice to hear about these 2 heros. I gave a little bit to Donna’s cause and also plan to purchase a kit from Kary.
Since reading your blog I’ve just donated some money I would have spent on art supplies to a family going through tough times. The Father is out of work and raising 4 children on his own; His wife (their Mom) who was the “bread winner” died from a massive heart attack right after Christmas. What seemed like a nice amount to spend on collage supplies is insignificant in helping them out of their situation…but I thought of your blog posts and the fact that every little bit helps and felt better. After all, I couldn’t have spent it so thoughlessly after hearing about them.
There are SO many heroes and worthy causes out there but I think right now my favorite hero is YOU!
Your blog has touched so many people, myself included, and they are going on to spread the kindness to others…much like dropping a pebble into a pool you’re reaching out and touching so many with the ripples.
I’m sure you will be blessed because of it.
I would like to share a very important and worthy cause….check the links section, and if you have the time, go to the beginning to read Daisy’s entire story.
the disease is EB, and there was a special of discoveryhealth about a kid from the UK, who had it, he lived far longer than they thought ans lived to age 29, in his interviews he told people “to have the special test (an add on to the amniocentisis) and if you are carrying a child with this disease– abort it” Right now in the UK and the netherlands there is legislature for euthanasia for this disease, MD, spina bifida, and another. Anyway…
Daisy won’t live long, and her life is one full of pain. She is my great-niece.
http://www.beautifuldaisy.com/
I didn’t even know! I will glady donate to Donna’s cause. I am so excited because while we have been on ZNE’s design team together for the past two years, I have not met her IRL, but we are going to be roomies at the convenzione this year!!!! I’m so excited, she is a dear and so helpful always. Good choice for a shout out on your blog, we should all aspire to be as giving of ourselves.
xoxo
Pam
I give to a lot of causes…mostly local… food bank, crisis intervention, my Church, holiday helpers, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, and all the little kids that come to the door collecting for ball teams, school trips, and such; as well as to individuals who just need a hand up…. But, the one big thing I give to is the special fund that my brother and sis-in-law set up years ago to help raise money for local kids with Cystic Fibrosis. Their granddaughter was born with CF and struggled with it all of her 16 years, finally losing the battle while waiting for a double lung transplant two years ago today. My niece (her mom) has continued to work to raise money to help find a cure for this disease. We continue to support their family in this effort.
PS: I did give a donation to the Sawmill Strays. What lovely ladies you featured today.
I would have to say I have two favorite local causes. The Girl Scouts, and the Local Food Banks.
I think both do an amazing service to our community, and in such different, yet similar ways.
It is so awesome to me that our Mannahouse Food Bank is open every Thursday for anyone who is in need of food, they can come and get food to feed their family. It is a wonderful service, and there are so few opportunities like this in our world today.
Also- I am a volunteer for the Girl Scout program in our community, and I love being able to help the girls to “feed” them, and provide them a place to become women of courage, character and confidence. I work with the older girls and it is so cool to see how much they want to make a difference in the world, in a possitive way. They are always looking for ways to make a change without the praise and glory, that often comes with it, but just to do it, because it is the right thing to do.
Letha
PS- 2+2=4 :0)
One of my favorite cause is the local food bank donating food and money. The food bank also has a thrift store run by volunteers. Some times I find items that I have donated. Oh yes, I shop there to support the food bank… they have books sometimes they are NY Times best sellers. Clothes, once in a while I find things that are pretty new! I always look for things to alter and check the linens and crafts for lace and fibers to use. In the caste off jewlery there are great finds… In know many people are too proud to shop in a thrift store.
I watch so many people go in the other door for food, familes and the elderly. I pray we are able to provide for our family always, but know there is help if needed.
Chrysti you are an amazing woman. THANKS for bringing so much forward for others to think about!
2 +2=4, but my favorite hero was my mom. She’s gone now, but she raised 6 kids of her own, took in innumerable foster children as well as teenagers who needed a home because of parental problems. she was a volunteer with catholic social services and we never knew who she would bring home. everyone was welcome at our house and my childhood was a blast.
Hi Chrysti,
Wow! These ladies are both wonderful, just as you are, and I will definitely post at my blog about these causes. I’m a huge animal lover as well.
My favorite causes are those that deal with animals, such as the local no-kill animal shelter in my town, or those that deal with women and children, such as the Woman’s Center in Carbondale.
2+2=4
Wow, so many heroes and so many worthy causes. Every worthy cause that comes along is a chance for another person to be a hero and do what’s needed. Those are my heroes. The people that can see the stuff that needs to be done and do it. And the people (like you) who have a voice and use it to encourage others to help…to chip in, just a little…
So that’s my challenge this year…not to turn a blind eye to those who need help, but to think of ways I can help, even if it isn’t with money. Thanks Crysti
i ‘ve adopted all my cats and they are always spayed and neutered
my dad has two adopted grey hounds-
contributes to animal shelters and i have a ‘ help feed a rescue a pet’ button on my blog
just by clicking it- sponsors help feed animals-there are many other ways to help on the site-ck my blog for the button
http://www.crookedheartart.blogspot.com
every time any any one can help another is just one way to pay it forward
thanks tabby :)
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[…] #1: Chrysti over at Art by Chrysti was kind enough to feature my digital scrapbooking kit over on her blog. It garnered some sales that I would have otherwise not been to create. And more importantly, it […]