Giving Back: Infant Gowns

The TAP project ended yesterday--thanks to everyone who either donated or supported TAP restaurants. I was looking online for other ways to help children in distress, and I came across the humanitarian aid site on the LDS church website. They have guidelines for school kits, infant kits for orphanages, or hygiene kits--and instructions for either mailing the kits or dropping them off to distribution centers where they will mail them for you. They have patterns for toys, clothing, booties, mittens . . . many things that don't cost a lot of money, but that can make a big difference in a child's life. One project that I would like to try is the infant layette gown pattern. It looks like something I might actually be able to handle sewing . . . we'll see!

There are also cute patterns for dolls that I would like to try if I can get brave enough sometime. The knit mitten pattern seemed a little bit confusing to me, but the crochet version seemed doable. The booties looked really cute and easy as well.

I would like to complete some of these newborn kits, as time and money allow. If you would like to do some as well, the contents of the kit are:
Place the following items in a heavy-duty, two-gallon sealable bag. Remove the air before sealing
· 4 single thickness cloth diapers, approximately 25x27 inches Birdseye Cloth or diaper flannel, 100% cotton. No pre-fold or disposable diapers
· 4 diaper safety pins
· 1 pair booties or baby socks
· 2 bars of soap 3.5-5 ounces each (Ivory or other non-allergenic brand)
· 1 receiving blanket (36x36 – 45x45 inches)
· 1 layette gown--No footed sleepers, buttons, zippers or strings Size: Newborn to 6 months, Fabric: cotton knit

Do you have any links to other worthy humanitarian organizations or projects? If so, I would love to hear from you. The next big UNICEF fundraiser is in October--so I am looking for other ways to "give back."

Giving Back: Water Week is Here!

WEll, it is finally here. World Water Week. I wrote about the Tap Project a few weeks back, but if you missed it--this is a fantastic UNICEF fundraiser to help provide clean, safe drinking water to those in need. About 4,200 people die every day from preventable disease due to contaminated drinking water. By donating $1 this week, we can help change that.

These are difficult economic times--but I believe that most of us can spare $1. If you are planning to eat out any time this week, please check out this website first, and support a restaurant that has pledged with the Tap project. If you can't afford to eat out--we are in that category ourselves--then please simply text "TAP" to UNICEF (864233) to make a $5 donation (to read the fine print, visit here.)

There are many things in this world that are horrible, and we have very little control over. This is one thing that we can change--one dollar at a time. One dollar can provide a child with safe water for 40 days--a big difference in someone's life. This is a fundraiser powered by volunteers all over the country, and it is a cause I really believe in. If you do make it to a TAP restaurant this week, I'd love to hear about it!

Giving Back: Small Things Can Be Really Big

Sometimes when I think about wanting to make a difference in the world, I get overwhelmed by the enormity of it all. There is so much suffering in so many places--genocide, thousands of displaced families, children dying of starvation and lack of proper sanitation or clean water . . . the list goes on. It is hard not to feel inadequate when I have too few resources to effect dramatic change everywhere I see pain. But I have seen through example and come to believe that as long as we are giving, even in very simple ways to people around us, great cumulative changes will be effected in the long run.

Randy's grandmother is the perfect example of this. She has given unselfishly her whole life, and now she is a little slowed by age and health--but still giving. She has made thousands of little newborn hats which have been donated to hospitals, like these ones:
The ones on either side were given to Wesley, and the pink one I'm saving in case I have a little girl someday. They are washable and warm, and were such a blessing when I had a tiny baby in the winter. It is a simple thing--warm hats donated to new moms who don't have a lot of money--but it makes a difference.

There are a group of women who get together once a month in my church congregation who tie quilts to donate to a local hospital and women's shelter. I have been able to join them on occasions where my schedule permitted, and it was a lot of fun. Acts like this are within the capability of all of us, and do by increments change the world.

Giving Back: Tap Project

Living where I do, I feel very blessed. I may complain from time to time about living in "poverty," (my husband is a full time student until next August) but in actuality I live a very privileged life. I never go without food, I have a warm, comfortable apartment, and as much clean water as I could want. I have struggled for a long time trying to come up with ways in which I can make the world a better place. I know there are so many people out there without the luxuries I enjoy, and I feel so strongly that it is my obligation to serve as much as I can. But knowing and feeling horrible that there are innocent children dying around the world from poor sanitation and nutrition is one thing; knowing what to do is another.

I have admired UNICEF for many years, and the work they do on behalf of children around the world. After I graduated from University I looked into getting a job with them, but you need at least a masters degree in order to qualify, and at this stage in my life I can't go back for more school. A little while ago I was surfing around the web and started reading some articles on the UNICEF website, and discovered that they have really great opportunities for volunteer work, and all kinds of support to get you started. From little things, like trick-or-treating for UNICEF (a great way to help your kids learn the value of giving back) to buying Christmas cards that benefit children . . . there are kits and pamphlets all online for you to find something that fits you.

This month is world water month, trying to raise awareness to the shortage of safe, clean drinking water. About 4,200 children die every day as a result of water related illness--all of which could be prevented. The Tap project was organized by UNICEF to raise money in order to provide sustainable wells for communities in need throughout the world, as well as educate teachers on proper sanitation practices. Restaurants partner with UNICEF to encourage their patrons to donate $1 for the water served at tables for free. With one dollar, UNICEF can provide one child with clean water for 40 days--which is so much.

There are several ways you can donate.
If you go to tapproject.org, you can look up restaurants in your area that are participating. Then, during water week go out to eat. Go with your family, or take a friend. Take your husband on a date! Then donate the dollar at your table.
If you are not inclined to eat out, or don't have the time/money--you can just text "TAP" to UNICEF (864233) to make a $5 donation.

If you want to be more involved, you can help recruit restaurants in your area. You have until March 8 to sign one up.

This project has made me more aware of what I can do, and at the very least more thankful for the basic necessities that I very often take forgranted. I hope the next time you go to the sink to rinse a dish or get a drink, you'll be thankful too.