Back-to-school days are here and there’s no avoiding it. Store supplies are already diminishing and specials on fall clothes, shoes and backpacks fill the flyers. I usually like to take advantage of the weekly specials starting in July but this year we were a little late getting started.
Typically, I look for the cheapest notebooks and pencils and supplies and then get sucked into the pleas of my children for one or two of the more expensive picture folders; however, this year I was invited to participate in a back-to-school with purpose campaign by DaySpring.com and a blogging group called Collective Bias to use a gift card they sent to fill two backpacks – one for my child and one to give away.
At Wal-mart, we found the new inspirational line of DaySpring notebooks with sayings like “Life is forever. John 17:3” and another one with a funky cover saying: I am an alien. I am not of this world, nor do I call it “home.” My desires are not for earthly things that will fade, corrode or burn. I set my heart & mind on things above. My faith & hope are in God alone and I eagerly await His return for me. I’m a citizen of heaven. (Scriptures: I Peter 2:11, I John 2:15-17, Colossians 3:1-3, I Thessalonians 4:17 and Phillipians 3:20). Out of several options with cool colors and fun designs, we picked up a few for us and some for our giveaway bag. The themed notebooks and supplies are also available online on the DaySpring.com website.
So, now I had a bag filled with pens, pencils, notebooks, paper, tape and much more. There are so many good causes and I found a great one right near my home. In Phoenixville, we found a local non-profit called Mom’s House, Inc. of Greater Philadelphia, which is a free state-licensed daycare for single parents attending school full-time. Children are accepted from six weeks up to four years of age and are given meals, diapers and other essentials to prepare them for pre-school. In exchange for services, parents are expected to go back or stay in school (high school, GED, technical school or college) and work to get passing grades, provide three hours of service each week and attend monthly parent meetings.
As the parents who use their services prepare for the Fall semester, so do the staff here – painting school rooms, spreading mulch and stocking supplies. Director, Dottie Frey, says, “We need volunteers to help in the classroom for morning or afternoon shifts during our hours which are 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. We are also happy to help students complete their community service requirements for school.”
Mom’s House is gearing up for their Fall fundraiser – a 2nd annual wine tasting that includes a silent auction on October 23 in the Kimberton Arts Hall. Because they run solely on donations, they also accept memorial gifts, adopt-a-mom donations and community support through goods and services. Currently, they are well-stocked for the fall but gift cards for ongoing expenses are highly appreciated according to interim executive director, Wendy McKeon.
Think about what you can do to get your kids active in the community – finding inspirational ways to live with purpose no matter your income level. Teach your kids to give daily – from the frugally free smile to a positive word to collecting change in a baby bottle. Getting kids involved is one of the best ways to encourage a spirit of giving and hard work.
In the Phoenix, August 21, 2010
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