Throwing Darts in the Dark....

Today I was watching something on television - not really paying attention but hearing something and it struck me that helping others is sometimes like throwing a dart in the dark - seriously.  We keep aiming at what we believe helps and sometimes we get it right - we make that all allusive bulls eye!  I have a passion for babies and children and for someone my age, kids are inclusive of young adults.  I dabble in all sorts of things and excel at none but I feel a passion for all that I do.

 For each of us there is a gift that we can offer - even if you don't sew, knit, crochet or any of that crafty stuff - you have something to offer, much to give.  I was once told that sometimes we have to just do something, even if it is not the right thing - do something.  Get involved, look around and seek to find out what the need is and how you can help to provide a solution.  Even if it is way left of the bulls eye - it can still hit the board - even in the dark!  Give it a try and the joy you will feel will warm your heart and give you so much more than gave!  Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, to all the people you can, as long as you ever can.

Care Bags 4 Kids

If you haven't heard of this group you definitely need to visit their web page at www.carebags4kids.org!  This a wonderful group formed by Annie Wingall in 2000 when she was only 11 years old.  They are a 501 (c) (3) not for profit and the provide Care Bags filled with new essential, helpful, fun, safe, and age appropriate items for children/youth (ages baby-18 yrs.) who are in need.  It is so easy to get involved with this group and it takes very little time and effort to make such a difference!
Here is a note from Annie about a fund raising project they are working on.  Please help if you can - it only takes a minute!

"Care Bags Foundation is in the running to win a monetary donation in a charity contest sponsored by Integrity Cleaning & Restoration, L.L.C! If we win by getting the most “Likes” on Integrity Cleaning & Restoration  L.L.C’s. Facebook page, they will generously donate $1 to us for every “Like” up to $1,500! Right now we are in the lead with 233 votes, but we still need your help!
Here is the link to their Facebook page where you can vote and see how many people have recorded their "Likes".To place your vote for us,“Like” Care Bags Foundation. We are the third charity listed on their Facebook page. Just click on the “Like” directly below The Care Bags Foundation listing to cast your vote. (Comments do not count for a vote, only “Likes”).
You have one week left to vote and can only vote once, so place your vote now! If you’ve already “Liked” us, a BIG thank you to YOU! Since each vote equals $1, you can still help us by getting your friends and family to vote too! You have until 10:00 PM on December 20th to vote!
Spread the word and be a part of helping Care Bags Foundation win funds that will go directly back to helping us help deserving kids in need!
Thanks for your kind and loving support!
Annie & Cathy Wignall"

The Binky Patrol

We have talked about the Binky Patrol here before but I can't seem to say enough.  ;o)  This past year, the founder of the Binky Patrol, Susan Finch, was recognized by the Red Dress Society in her hometown of Portland, Oregon.  This is a wonderful tribute to someone who has not only formed a wonderful organization, but she has given so many of us an opportunity to make a difference in our own little part of the world.

Not only does Susan run a very busy chapter as well as the headquarters for this national organization, she has set forth a business model whereby anyone who is willing to network and put in some effort, can run their very own Binky Patrol Chapter.  This gives each of us an opportunity to find the needs in our own area and build a chapter that can work to fill those needs.  We launched our chapter in West Columbia, South Carolina last February.  We are the only chapter in our State and we are so excited to be reaching our first anniversary on the 28th of this month.  The Binky Patrol is all volunteer - we work with donations of fabric and materials and ready made quilts and blankets as well as many other items such as hats, booties, socks, slippers and more.

For years, I had dreamed of having my own non-profit to do just what the BP does.  I was able to set up our chapter and get going without all of the expense of starting a non-profit on my own and therefore all of our efforts have gone into the results - making comforting covers for kids in need and so much more.....   You cannot imagine the true bliss of doing something like this until you have participated.  We are a young chapter and have many ideas and dreams of growing but none the less, we have had a wonderful year and though small, we have accomplished much.  I cannot thank our little group of talented women enough - Anita, Andrea, Nancy, Jill, Ruth, Linda and Sandra.  We are very excited about what 2011 will bring and so enjoying adding love to each and every item we deliver.  As said by Deepak Chopra, Love without action is meaningless, Action without Love is irrelevant.  Take action today and contact a chapter near you and get involved.  www.binkypatrol.org