A few weeks ago I shared that I was participating in the Energizer Light Up a Life campaign as part of the Champions for Kids Simple Service Project. Today I would like to show you the kit my family and I put together and tell you about the organization we donated it to.
After researching several organizations in our area we decided to donate our kit to Valley Crisis Center. We chose this non profit organization because they work with all of the homeless children from the main shelter as well as battered women. Valley Crisis Center began as a 24-hour crisis hotline and has since grown into a full service organization that helps domestic violence victims and their children. I also found out that they host a weekly meeting with all of the children to teach them about safety, nutrition, abuse, and arts and crafts.
For our kit we gathered some personal care items such as soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss.
The safety items we included were Wet Ones wipes, band-aids, a mini first aid kit, sanitizer, an Energizer flashlight and batteries. My daughter picked the flashlight out at Walmart. When we donated the bags, the first thing my daughter said was that there was a pretty princess flashlight in there. She was so excited! This was the first time I fully explained to my toddler the importance of giving. She understood the concept pretty well and keeps asking when we can go back to visit her “friend.” One of my goals as a parent is to teach my children to give back to those in need. My son has been going with us to donate for years and I’m happy to now share these experiences with my daughter as well.
We also made sure to include coloring books, crayons, gloves, and water. These sesame street bags were cute and fun to hold all the supplies in. The lady that helped us said that the children often only have the clothes they’re wearing, so coloring books and toys makes them really happy. Hearing this really puts things into perspective. It makes me appreciate everything we have been blessed with and encourages me to give back even more.
My goal is to start collecting art and safety supplies to donate several times a year. Even if it means picking up one coloring book every time I go to the store. I want to start compiling large kits that will hopefully help out all of the children in need in my community. I know the need is great and I can only do so much but little by little this is a goal I will accomplish. Just like the Mother Theresa quote I mentioned last time “If you can’t feed a hundred people, then just feed one.” I will forever hold this quote in my heart, because I know that I can help one child out at a time.
This was a wonderful campaign to be a part of. It was a simple way to help out a child in my community. I am now one of the 20 million people Champions for Kids is seeking to mobilize by 2020. I encourage you to make a kit for a child in your community as well. Even if it’s a small kit, please know that this will make a difference in a child’s life. Think of the impact we can make if we do this together. If you make a kit please report it to the Champions for Kids Simple Service Project.
How sweet! Isn't it amazing how giving children are? You daughter didn't complain about donating the really cute flashlight but instead wanted to go back and visit her friend. If only we could learn from children!
Love this post!
It always make you feel good to give back. 
This is just awesome Crystal!!! I love those flashlights and I know the kids will too!!!
What cute bags you put your kits in, and I love that your little one helped you with the project!
Love this! So thoughtful, practical and sweet!
Those are really cute bags for the kits, great project you are involved with.
http://www.newlifeovernight.blogspot.com
Aww! Love it! The bags are so cute!
Love the bags! The small first aid kit was a great inclusion as well!
The bags are so cute! I'm hosting a bloglovin' blog hop and I'd love it if you would join in. You can find the instructions on how to add bloglovin' to your site at http://www.thenymelrosefamily.blogspot.com/2012/02/bloglovin-blog-hop.html. Bloglovin' is so much easier to follow your favorite blogs than LF.
Your kit is great and I'm sure that it will be put to good use at the shelter. It's so sad that those organizations have to exist in this day and age but it's a fact that they do. And you're absolutely right! We can all make a real difference if we each do one SIMPLE little thing for the kids in need each month!
Incredble!! What a great example for your children! y’all did a fabulous job! thank you so much for sharing at Uncommon!
Bonnie
That is so awesome! I just got to help out with a similar project for an Eagle Scout Project. Thanks for sharing and raising awareness!
We’re just starting a link up party and love it if you’d share there (if you are interested): http://www.waywardgirlscrafts.com/2012/03/wayward-weekend-week-6.html
This is such a great and loving idea, I’m heading over to champion for kids to check out more about the campaign. Thanks so much for sharing:)
Would LOVE it if you could share this on my link party Serenity Saturday
Natasha xx
http://www.serenityyou.blogspot.com
What a beautiful and wonderful gift you are giving, not only to the people who are in need, but also your own children. Thank you for being such a great example and for sharing that too!
This is such a great idea! We are so glad that you linked up to “Strut Your Stuff Saturday.” Hope you’ll be back next week! -The Sisters
That is such a wonderful gesture of generosity and service. I’m sure it will make a lasting impression on everyone involved.