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~ Kathy M.

Friday, November 2, 2012

Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy's "Kits for Kids"



Oh, you guys, I am so excited about this one!  

Over the years, I have been creating and acquiring items to sell someday.  The thing is, I enjoy all the steps that have gone into this grand project, but I never get around to actually selling them.  Our kids and grandkids have grown up to the point that they wouldn't need or want what I have stocked up, so as far as using them for gifts, the items are not really needed.




Also, in the back of my mind, when a devastating storm as bad as Sandy or Katrina hits, I wonder what happens to the pre-schools and childcare centers.  Being a pre-school teacher at heart, I can't help thinking about the teachers going to inspect their flooded classrooms.  Or the poor bewildered children who's lives have been turned upside down by Mother Nature.
 
 


So, this time, I decided to get going and actually do something to help.  I have created a website and Facebook page called Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy's "Kits for Kids".   I have only really reserved the name so far, so don't head on over to take a look, because there isn't anything to see, yet.




My friend Gloria (the one that likes to see our food pictures when we go out to eat) lives in the hard hit state of Connecticut.  Luckily, Gloria's home did not sustain damage from Hurricane Sandy (thank you Lord for that!)

Yesterday afternoon, though, I got the idea to ask her if I can send my gift stash to her house and if she could distribute the items within her community.  If she says yes, then it will be up to her on how to divide things up.  I worked hard to make a lot of the items, and I don't want them to sit in a box someplace forever.  I like the idea of somebody that I know and trust being in charge of them.




If that turns out to be too overwhelming during this time of upheaval, then I will just divide them up myself into individual "kits".  I have been making bags out of cloth napkins that would work well to put things in.  

That will begin a new chapter of the project.  As I become more organized and get help, I would like to gift each little one with a blanket, some toys and some school supplies.




Can you tell that I am trying to figure things out as I write this post?  Well the important thing is that I have a lot of things to give away to children who may have lost everything, and I feel so happy about it!  One way or another, they will eventually fall into the right hands.



These babies are looking for a home!



I'll let you know how things go with this ongoing project.  Maybe it will give you some ideas on how you can help the storm victims.  

I just don't know how they are going to get all of that mess cleaned up in a timely manner.  Winter is coming on and it is all so terrible.  Some people haven't even been reached yet.



I would love to hear your comments and suggestions on this post, as well as any ideas that you have for helping our brothers and sisters on the East Coast.

Have a wonderful weekend, and please share what you can.

Kathy M.

This picture has been making it's rounds on Facebook, and I love it:




At Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy, if you miss a day, you miss a lot!  All material on this post is copyrighted and not for use without my permission ...Please click here to go to my home page and see what is happening in Mayberry today.
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10 comments:

Unknown said...

What a fabulous idea, Kathy! It's people like you that give such great comfort and joy (intended) to others in need...

Little Nell said...

Wonderful idea, and I'm sure it'll be appreciated.

Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy said...

Thank you, Deb and Little Nell. I appreciate your kudos!

Gloria said...

Oh, Kathy! You are such an angel to think of me/the people in my area who might need help, and want to send this to me to distribute! Please, PLEASE know that I am so grateful for your offer, but the people in my area have really not been hit too hard... We really lucked out. The harder hit areas of Connecticut are nearer to the city (NYC), meaning places like Bridgeport, which is at the beginning of the state, which is about an hour and a half away from me. I am in the Southeastern area of CT. I've been thinking as I'm writing this though, for ideas for you to use everything in your kits in your own area... One idea: donate some of the things (a few dolls, and blankets, hats) to your local ambulance service. I remember reading one time how one ambulance company had teddy bears for all the little kids who would be on the ambulance. It comforted them and they were able to keep the toys. Or do you have any homeless shelters near your area? You can send a little 'care' box to them. Or, bring some of the dolls and kid things to your local firehouse, for firemen to distribute if they go to a fire and kids are there. Or another idea: You could always contact your local Red Cross, I'm sure they'd love to have some of the things to give out! Or even your local food bank... we forget that kids come in there, and they don't care about picking out food, but they sure would probably like a new doll! Or some new school supplies too. Well, thank you, dear Kathy. Please don't think I am not grateful, but I hate for you to spend money to send me these things, when I know my area is not that bad and there are probably so many others who could really use and appreciate the items. I'm also going to write you an email... xxoo
Best,
Gloria
P.S. Please, however, continue to take your food photos for me. ;)

Gloria said...

P.S. I commented above under my other account, so I wanted to log in with my proper 'blog' account! Love you, Kathy, you are an angel - and thank you again for always thinking of me!
gv

Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy said...

Thank you, Gloria! I really want to keep the purpose of it concentrating on those who are dealing with a major weather disaster though. And, the more that I think about it, I really want to support pre-schools, if I can't figure out individuals. I might see about partnering somehow with Samaratin's Purse.

I am so glad that you guys are all okay there!

Kathy M.

Lynn said...

What a nice thing you are doing with all your hand-made goodies.

Kathy A. Johnson said...

Great idea--I'm sure you'll be able to find someone to partner with to send your gifts to those who need them. That's the good that comes out of the bad--all the people who want to help and who come forward to support others in their hour of need.

Lisa Ricard Claro said...

Kathy - What a marvelous idea! Please keep me posted on how you work things out, and let me know if I can help. I don't sew or anything like that, but I can help get the word out once you're up and running.

Tammy said...

Clever, talented, and willing to use it all for a good cause...the world needs more of you!

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