How do you create community connections? I like to volunteer my time and donate in-kind products to orphanages and women's shelters. Children are my weakness. It kills me when I go somewhere and see a child struggling. I'm also a big believer in empowering women and not just women, girls in general, of all ages. I have been extremely fortunate in my life to always have a wonderful support system of family and friends but not everyone is that fortunate. There are lots of women out there struggling to get by day by day. Women who have lost their jobs, been abused, are homeless that feel like the world has given up on them. There are so many women and children living in shelters that need our help and I have made it my mission in life to help as many as I can!
A couple of days ago, I was getting my monthly "big box" shopping list ready. This is a list of all the items that we purchase in bulk for the month or so. As I was going through my Sam's Club coupon booklet, I saw an add for their new app, Sam's Club Healthy Living Made Simple. I downloaded it and the first thing I saw was the November/December issue of Healthy Living Made Simple magazine. In this issue, I saw an article titled: Volunteering: A Gift To Yourself. After I read it, I knew that it was a sign for me to find a way to help out even more. I added a few more items to my list and the next day, I headed out to shop.
I arrived at Sam's Club with plenty of time on my hands to walk the entire store. I grabbed all our household items that were on the list and then headed over to the beauty/wellness aisles. I wanted to purchase items that women would need to look and feel their best. I know that personally I love to smell good, have soft hands and a nice lip balm. This little bit of pampering helps me feel better about myself everyday. I wanted to share this with the women at the shelter where I donate clothing and items throughout the year. I purchased yummy smelling soap bars, whitening toothpaste for a great smile, deodorant/antiperspirant, healing hand cream and lip balms.
When I got home, I packaged it all together in a box and attached a quote to the front of the box. I made sure it was something that would empower the women through this difficult moment of rebuilding their lives.
I delivered my box to the shelter a couple days later. There was so much joy and so many tears to something so simple. Something as simple as hand cream and lip balm gave them so much happiness. While I was there, I made sure to grab a "Wish list" from the main office. So many items on this list that I can help out with on a monthly basis. I may not be able to get everything but I have decided that I am setting aside a little money every month so I can donate items from the list. I also signed us up as Kids Volunteers, where JC and I come in once a week to read stories and help the kids with their homework.
During this time of the year, it's easy to get caught up in all the holiday hoopla and, but remember Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks for all we have and help those who don't have so much. Too busy to help right now? Well there are plenty of days throughout the year where you can sign up to help those less fortunate!
Sam's Club is a great one-stop shop for purchasing food and personal care items in large quantities at a great price, making donations easier and more convenient.
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How do you volunteer your time an d create community connections?
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