I'm always full of good ideas, but somehow, I lack the know-how to always follow through on them. I was recently reading a post on Sandy's Simple Recipes wall on Facebook about a backpack. Just a picture of a used backpack, noting how "lonely" it was since school was over. There were comments about what to do with those backpacks. It hit me then-"why not send them to the tornado victims in Oklahoma?" I posted this comment on her wall, and this beautiful thing happened. She put in touch with Evie's Garden's, whose family is collecting items and donations for a family they've "adopted" in Moore, OK, and anything that that family can't use is being given to others who are in need at this very difficult time.
She later shared this story with me:
"I want to share something with you... this family we adopted (my closest neighbor, it's his sister and her family). After the tornado hit, and before they could get back to their home, looters came in. The fifteen year old had been mowing lawns and was saving his money. He had $157 in his wallet. Someone took the money out of his wallet and threw it back down." Through her Facebook page, she raised the $157 and then some to return to the boy.
This was my reply:
"I come from a family that didn't have a lot, though I am an only child, I was raised side-by-side with my 6 cousins that lived next door most of my life. My Grandfather was a wonderful man, and the closest thing I ever had to a Dad. He taught us to Love Thy Neighbor, Respect Your Elders, and work hard for what you want, and the best in life will come to you. So, that child, being part of a large family, and working hard to earn that money that was so easily taken, has had "the best in life returned to him", proving my grandad right. Though I think the most important thing is this child has learned that love, bottom line, is what matters most. He still has his family and his life, to lose that would be far more devastating than $157."
I have since partnered with Evie's Garden's, and I am offering to forward any purchases made through my store to this wonderful and kind-hearted woman, whom along with her sister and niece, is providing a way for us that can't be there to help these families rebuild their lives, and make it through their darkest hour.
*Delivery confirmation tracking information will be sent to purchaser of donation items.
*Photo Courtesy of ireport.cnn.com
