Oh the weather outside is frightful....

Age:  over 2

Type:  donation

For Christmas my four year old got a pretend mailbox and several sets of blank envelopes.  She is constantly putting little scraps of paper inside, her 'letters', and leaving them all over the house for us.  Once she found out how to use the little flag on her mailbox indicating there was mail to be picked up, she started insisting we all leave letters for her as well.  The point of this being she has a minor mail obsession! 

So how to turn her love of mail into a act of kindness for someone else - why not a letter for our mail carrier!  Despite the calendar reading January, the temps here in Michigan feel more like spring, but on the next biter cold winter day we are prepared with some instant hand warmer packets in a letter for our mail carrier.  I have one little
mail girl eager to make a delivery!

Remembering our veterans

Age:  any
Type:  craft

In 2011 there were approximately 21.5 military veterans in the United States.  On Veterans Day, my girls and I had the opportunity to thank a hand-full of these brave men and woman by making patriotic themed cards and pictures.  On a sunny November day we headed to a local community center which was sponsoring an event where you could write words of thanks on cards which were delivered to a nearby veteran's hospital. 

Explaining to the girls what it meant to 'serve' our country in the military was a difficult concept for them to understand.  However, because of some other projects we have undertaken, they do get the sacrifice that soldiers have to make as far as being away from home and loved ones.  The community center also offered some suggested words of thanks that we could include in our cards.

Looking to thank a veteran?  Here are a few suggestions to get you started!

"Thank you to all the brave men and women who sacrifice so much for our country! We are proud of you - your selflessness and bravery will never be forgotten!"

"Everyday we remember the sacrifices that are being made on our behalf, so that we can remain free and safe from those who would wish to hurt us. We thank you now and always."

"Thanks for the many sacrifices you make daily to protect us. You are in my prayers."

"For all of those serving or having served, thank you!"

"Thank you for defending, and and fighting for our country and keeping us safe."

Candy Candy Candy

Age:  any
Type:  donation

Just when I think my girls couldn't possibly collect more candy than they did the year before, they some how manage to do just that!  This years haul was so impressive my oldest actually was making "candy" angels on the floor in the middle of her stash!  No worries here about what to do with all that loot however, as once again we participated in an Operation Gratitude candy collection.  This is our third year participating in a candy collection where we donate our candy to be sent to our military personel serving oversees.  For more details or to find a participating collection location check it out here!

No Tricks Just Treats

Age:  Over 2
Type:  Baking/Donation

As part of our new holiday giving plan, a Halloween inspired service project was first on our list.  We decided to support the local Ronald McDonald house with a basket of goodies.  Our local Ronald McDonald house hosts 29 families at a time, most of whom have well children in addition to their hospitalized child.  For these siblings, Halloween this year will be very different, so we hoped to spread a little spooky fun with our trick or treat inspired gift basket.  Filled with pumpkin bread, suckers, craft supplies and coloring books, we had a blast assembling it and delivering it to some very appreciative families!