Monday, October 5, 2009

::: light gives heat

i don't know what it is about the onslaught of fall. perhaps its the crisp edge in the air. or the holiday anticipation brewing. or the desire to cook delicious warm meals. and layer long sleeve tshirts with cozy sweaters. but come this time of year-- i always have an unshakable desire to give back. to help others. to make a difference. i have these desires year-round, of course. but when the weather turns, and the year comes closer to its end, i am overwhelmed with the realization that i have so much to offer. and that there are so many people who need assistance.

last year, my friend rachel and i adopted a family for christmas. both parents had hour cuts at work. they had 2 biological children, and a slew of adorable, amazing foster kids, whom they loved as their own. they were devastated to watch the mortgage lapse. and were shamed to see no presents under their christmas tree. with the help of some truly awesome people in our area, we found a quick remedy to their holiday woes. rachel threw together a quick bowling fundraiser. i hit up target with the money we had collected from our family and friends. and we spent, literally, 5 joy-filled hours wrapping nearly 60 packages--- all filled with toys and clothes and movies and coats and games. it was one of the best nights. ever.

and then we got to deliver them. oh the joy! the excitement on those little angelic faces. the jumping. the squealing. the hugging. the crying. it was incredible. it was inspirational. it made me so inexplicably thankful for everything i've ever had. it felt like christmas. real christmas. kid christmas. all over again.

so- when i started getting the "give back" itch- i immediately, in proper "instant gratification generation" fashion, went online to the website of an organization called light gives heat.
the company employs woman in Uganda. and 100% of the proceeds from the sale of their jewelry and apparel goes to ensure that these ladies maintain an income for their family.

and since shopping is indeed one of the things i do best, i figured this was a fabulous place to start. i snagged this amazing hoodie! and i seriously love this thing. i can't wait to sport it in the coming weeks. openly sharing the story behind it. and urging others to contribute to the cause.





i don't know what other fantastic projects or opportunities will come my way this year. but i can't wait to find out!

i've officially decided that exercising the heart is one of my favorite fall activities.

3 comments:

  1. My goodness.

    You are an inspiration of inspiration .

    If you don't have a fan club than I am getting ready to start one for sure.


    Thanks for writing this.

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  2. This is so great. You are so great. I bet you just brighten the day of everybody you come into contact with!

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  3. What a terrific cause that you are involved with.

    Thanks so much for reminding me what's really important.

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lovelovelove.