Change Through Chores

Activity: Chores

Age: Over 4

The weekend of February 11th my church is undertaking a huge project - the fundraising, packing and shipping of A MILLION MEALS for those in need. These meals will primarily be sent to those still struggling for survival in Haiti, and other starving children around the world. Clearly this is no small undertaking, and for the first time, even the preschool children have been enlisted to help. You can imagine my delight when my 4 year old came home with an envelope and 'chore' coupons to raise money for other children in need.

I am sure we are all familiar with the 'chore' coupons; who didn't give the "free car wash" or "take out the trash" coupons for father's day! It hadn't occurred to me however, that my kids might be ready for this step. How wrong was I!! Schuler threw herself into it, performing such tasks as helping sort the laundry, making her bed, wiping the table off after dinner and sweeping. Each time she cashed in her coupon, another quarter went into her collection envelope. Since each meal only costs a mere $0.19, she felt a real sense of accomplishment knowing every completed job meant another child could eat. Powerful stuff.

For more information about the A Million Meals project, click here. But clearly this idea can be tailored to fundraise for any organization or cause. Try it out and send me the results. I would love to post more 'chore' coupons success stories!

Celebrate by Giving Back

Type: donation

Age: any

A couple years ago a friend of mine introduced me to the blog of one of her friends. This mom/photographer/blogger has an amazing way of capturing the everyday trials and joys of parenthood and I loved reading through her posts - especially those when she was expecting her second child. However, I'll never forget sitting a my computer, tears streaming down my face, as I read about her daughter, Nella's, birth and the realization that she had Down Syndrome. As a mom, I know the feeling of spending so much time praying for a healthy child, and thankfully so far I have been blessed. But it still hit very close to home.

Out of this difficult time, however, an amazing thing has happened. This talented mom, Kelle Hampton, used her talents to bring light and awareness on this issue. In fact, many of you may have read her story in Parent magazine. For those of you who didn't, her blog (and the story) can be found here.

So how does this all relate to our little hearts? Recently little Nella turned one, and in order to celebrate this milestone, the ONEder Fund was created to raise money for awareness and opportunities for those with Downs . Is your little one celebrating a milestone of their own soon? Perhaps a gift in honor of your special child could be made to the ONEder Fund to help other special children!

The Return of the little hearts project!

Wow, it is good to be back!! I can't believe that it has been 7 months since my last post. I certainly never planned to take that kind of hiatus, but as they say "Life Happens". The reason, in large part, was the little blessing shown to the right. My third daughter was born in August, giving us 3 girls under 5. Needless to say, life was (and still is!) hectic. I realized quickly that I really need to pare down my commitments and focus on my family first - which unfortunately meant putting the little hearts project on pause.

Now that we are back in the swing of things though, I am excited to rekindle this blog with some great new ideas. Several weeks ago when I was thinking I might be ready to start again, it seemed everywhere I turned different ideas were right in front on me. Certainly someone much bigger than myself was saying it was time to pick up this passion and start sharing - here are some ideas to get you started!

So look for new postings coming soon, and please please please share your ideas and success stories with me as well! Lots of love - Holly