Journal Donations........

For the last 3 years

I have donated stocking stuffer bags to a local charity.

The idea came to me a few years ago when

my mother in-law told me about the "shoebox" gifts her church gives at

Christmas.

I sent her a few things to contribute to the family

she was taking care of.

For these children in rural WVA this box contained probably the

only new socks, shoes, and clothes they may get for the year.

They also of course would include some candy, books, and a few toys.

This reality still exists in OUR country!

The year I was pregnant with my son

I had a lot of time to think about things when I was at home...

he was born in December.

So the holiday surrounding this time was very

different for us living on one income.

However,

I started thinking that even though it was different for us

and even though we were financially in a different place,

we still were in a better place than a lot of people.

There are 3 churches within walking distance of my home,

they feed and give shelter to the homeless in wintertime...

Let me tell you that the homeless are not always

drug addicts, mentally disturbed, or men unable to hold down jobs...

They

are

children.

They

 are

families,

who at this time

have lost their jobs

and homes

due to our failing economy...

To see young children,

teenagers,

having to sleep on a church hall floor

is just heartbreaking,

especially at the holidays.

I thought the one way I could contribute

in a small way was to make

"stocking stuffer" bags.

The first year I asked the doctor I worked with

to donate toothpaste and toothbrushes for 40 children.

I added candy and some small toys, goodies to the bags.

I donated them anonymously .

I did not want it to be for self gratification.

In the last two years I have managed to add

20 women and 10 men to the mix.

I have tried to gear the bags towards small things to make them smile

and have a treat.

I have had a few friends who have donated money or items to help out

and two other doctors who have donated the dental products

so that we could expand our numbers.

We are operating on a pretty small budget.

Last year was the first year I personally delivered the items

with my husband...

Christmas Eve I found myself looking through

the window of the church seeing

young teenage boys and men making pads to sleep on the floor.

When we got back in the car I was so

thankful for what we do have.

This year I

wanted to ask for some help from my readers

not necessarily with money or items

(although we would gladly accept them)

but instead

inspired by

the "Little birdie told me quotes"

I receive from

Brave Girls Club

I decided to try and add

a small journal with pen and or crayons.

Each to include an inspirational message.

I have felt personally like my journal and blogging this year

has helped me grow tremendously.

I am hoping that by including the journal

that children could be able to color and draw in their OWN

little book.

Adults can take time to write down thoughts

in order to have a release from the pressures they are facing..

As my fellow journalers know...

sometimes simply writing the thoughts you have in your head down

makes you feel so much better and  like you are able to move

ahead now that those things are not dancing around in your brain anymore...

So

my call is to all my crafty friends out there,

If you could take one of your creative moments and create

a journal -

it doesn't have to be huge,

under 20 pages

use paper you already have

and make a cover .

Put to use the scrap we all have lying around

and help me on this journey.

If you want to make  1 or 10

it would be greatly appreciated!

I would love to share the photos of the works that come in

and plan on documenting the whole process this year...

Even if you can only send one or you want to help in another way

get in touch with me and we can talk.

Link me to your friends,

Pass this around...

Here is throwing out a cosmic wish to the wind

to see what we can do!

Thank You so much for being here.....