It’s been a little while since I’ve posted about our service projects. The last few months though we have been using the money made from affiliate links (thank you guys for clicking and buying!) to help friends in need. They have been private matters so I haven’t written about them, but just wanted you to know the money has been being used for good still. I think it’s great to help in large ways, with large charities but sometimes it’s more important to help the ones close. That is also why I wanted to find something local for this month’s project with Rowan. When I heard our church was teaming up with 2 other churches in the area to host a community lunch and backpack drive I knew we needed to help.
It was such a rewarding day! Not only because we were helping out so many families in the area, but to see Rowan and her friends getting involved was priceless. I can’t explain how important it is for me to teach her how to serve others in this way. Watching her get excited about giving out the backpacks and school supplies was so awesome. Especially seeing her give out the backpacks that we bought at the store. I know how hard it was for her to give that sparkly princess backpack that she wanted so badly out. There are a lot of things I want to teach my girls, but having a heart to help others is top on the list. God has blessed us with so much and I never want to take that for granted. I have a lot on my heart that I want to share about that day but I think I will just let the pictures do the talking. All together we were able to give out over 150+ backpacks that were each stuffed with school supplies.
When Kev was walking the girls back to the car, these 2 cuties saw he had a camera and asked if he could take their picture with their new backpacks. So cute!!http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenloveskev/9597507013/
oh my god, precious. what a beautiful family and such big hearts 🙂
This is amazing. This is very important to me to share with my little one as well. At 2.5 I sometimes feel like it is too soon. But seeing Rowan makes me realize I need to take action. It’s never too early to teach the littles such important lessons. This post has inspired me to stop thinking and start acting!! September is going to be the month we give back with our sweet little girl in tow. There is now way to learn about giving more than doing. Thanks so much for this much needed nudge!!
This is sooo cool!
I had actually seen a post bout something like this at a church near me.
I don’t have one myself but this is something I’d definitely be interested in.
Way to go Jen!
You and your family, just precious! (:
Love that you are finding tangible ways to teach your girls to be grateful for what they have and to generous to other. We are working to instill the same values in our kids and it be can a struggle sometimes. It looks the backpack drive was a big hit – great pictures!
It’s not only great that you take part in helping others, but I like that you share it on here as well and inspire people!
xo Jennifer
http://seekingstyleblog.wordpress.com
I have it clear that we have more and we were lucky we help those who do not have it for whatever reason. I think that you have had a great idea. You are great. Kisses and happy Tuesday.
I loved reading this post! Sometimes when I go through my blog roll all I see are posts of outfits and recipes… it’s nice to see a post on volunteerism! And what a great trait to past on to your daughters. They are blessed to have a mother with such a giving heart 🙂
Awesome jen! You are starting so young–and it will stick I am sure!
This will be the “normal” way to live for your girls and you will be so glad.
Aloha-
You have moved me to start this with my 3 girls. I’ve been thinking of ways to get them involved in service. Can you tell me some other things y’all have done.
This is a great tradition you have started with your daughters. I do want to make sure you got the permission of the parents of the 2 children to post their pictures on the internet. Concerned mother here!
Hi Jen,
Great that you did this and are raising awareness through the blog, but I am a little uncomfortable with the final picture. You say that the kids asked Kev to take their picture, but did they (or, really, their parent(s) given their young age) give their informed consent to have that picture placed on a public blog? It just seems that being in a financial position where you need to attend a backpack drive isn’t necessarily the kind of thing a family might want everyone who accesses this blog to know about, plus there are obvious issues with posting clearly identifiable photos of other peoples’ kids online.
I hope I’m overreacting and that you sought the appropriate permissions, but having worked in child welfare, I just didn’t feel right not raising this with you.
All the best.
Did my comment get deleted? I was just asking the same as this previous poster. I wasn’t negative, just a question!
Totally agree with above poster. Lovely project but I feel really weird seeing pictures of minors on your blog, especially those on the receiving end of a charity drive. I doubt you’ll post this or answer this if you do allow it, but did you and Kev have permission to post the photos of those kids, as well as all the other people there seeking assistance? I can’t imagine all those people would want to be splashed onto a public blog. Thanks, just concerned.
I agree and find it odd that you would post the photo of these children on your blog. Even if you had parental permission, I think it’s inappropriate.
Just to clear the air. I did ask permission from the parents.