Good Friday morning to you!
I am all geared up this morning… woke up at 5 am, which is considered “sleeping in” these days and with a little caffeine in my system I am ready to roll because our Spring Break starts TODAY and Mom got here last night after a solo expedition from Illinois to spend our vacation with us!
First, I forgot to show you one picture from my phone the other day…
A couple weekends ago Rover went to his first birthday party {for a non-family member} and it was like Christmas morning for him. It was a jungle party and he can tell you all about it, you may not be able to understand him, but he can tell you all about it. This picture was taken right before we left and if his sisters so much as touch any of his jungle paraphernalia he completely loses it.
Now, the real purpose for my post…
I mentioned in my last post that there are currently 6,000 foster children in the state of Alabama, that’s a lot of children. Many of these children have been placed in homes, but I read this morning that 2,128 children are still waiting to be placed in homes and that is obviously the most tangible way you can help. But this morning I also want to share a way we can all support the families who are making great sacrifices to bring these children into their homes. I’m excited about working with Big House {again} to raise, not only awareness of the situation in our state, but also provide folks with a tangible way they can help not only the children but also the families caring for them! During the month of April, Big House is running a statewide swimsuit & towel drive so that these 6,000 children will have a new swimsuit and towel for the summer. How awesome is that? To give a swimsuit to a foster child may mean less goodies in your child’s Easter basket, or one less swim suit for your own child, but I can assure you that it will mean the world to a foster child and what an awesome opportunity to teach our children about loving others and making sacrifices.
So, here’s what you can do:
- Drop off a new bathing suit & towel {or a gift card for $25 to Target or Walmart which will cover the cost of a towel and swimsuit} at one of the locations scattered all across the state {or if you’re interested in being a drop-off location let them know at bighousefoundation@hotmail.com}
- Make a monetary donation online
- Volunteer your embroidery services to put the children’s names on their towels
Now, I thought I’d throw in a little incentive. As I charged my Mr. Kindle {please say that to the tune of Mr. Wendal} last night I thought it’d be fun to give one away to a contributor. Give a to a child in need and you’ll be entered for a chance to win your own Mr. Kindle. I do not personally know folks at all the drop off locations so the only way to really make this work is to take the names of those who contribute online {by putting FTOW in the designation box on the online donation form} which means you don’t even have to live in Alabama to help or if you’re local you can contribute locally {@ Bellamia my friend Katie’s shop on Westgate Parkway} she’ll have a sheet where you can sign up to enter when you drop off! On April 30th, I’ll announce hopefully that every child will have a swimsuit for the summer and the winner of the Kindle!
Now speaking of Mr. Kindle… I’m about to wrap up one book and need a new book for the beach! So what should I load before I roll out of town??
