Be The Change

MMy parents did something very special for Christmas!

In lieu of stuffing our living room with presents this year, they gave us each the gift of giving.  We were all presented with a check and a "challenge" to share the money that we were given.  After a few days of thinking about how we wanted to "pay it forward," we all shared our intentions of how we would give our money away.  Ann gave to a Women's Center in Afghanistan...with whom she has some personal connections.  Chris gave to a young boy, in his practice, who needs help with medical expenses after losing part of his leg in a boating accident.  My mom gave to a friend who dedicates several months a year serving in Mexico.  My dad gave to a friend who runs the local recycling center in our hometown.

Phil wanted to give to the homeless men and women who we see within our community.  Instead of giving them money, he used the money to create bags full of food.  We keep the bags in our cars so that we can pass them out when we see a homeless person.  Here are some of the items that we used:

Phil's conveyor belt

A couple of the finished bags.

Corrie gave to a friend who is in the midst of a long, expensive adoption process.  After years of infertility, she and her husband are hoping to adopt from Ethiopia.  Clare gave to the Little Red Wagon Foundation.  A young boy from our area is walking across the country, with his wagon, to raise money for underpriviledged children.  Check out his website: http://www.redwagonfoundation.com/ or watch this video on Good Morning America.

We are so blessed, and I can't think of a better gift than blessing others.  Thank you, Mom and Dad for "being the change!"