Together, we can accomplish miracles!

I have talked about my Mom's group before and truly feel they are an amazing group of women.  Included are women of all walks of life and in all stages of life.  What do we have in common?  We are Moms.  We care about children and families.

A couple of days ago, a fellow Mom who happens to be a teacher shared a story with us.  I'd like to share it with you:

"What is $0.30?  This quarter and nickel is a symbol of love, a symbol of gratitude, and a symbol of selflessness.  How?  I will explain.  A very poor 7 year old girl approached me this morning with her fist clenched.  She told me she had a gift for  me.  She went on to say that she had nothing that was special enough to give me but she wanted to tell me thank you for loving and helping her.  She opened her hand to show me these coins.  She then explained it was her entire piggy bank.  It was pennies but her mom wanted it to be more special so she traded the pennies for the larger coins.  I asked her if she wanted to buy something nice with the coins instead of giving them away and her response was almost enough to bring tears to my eyes.  She said, "There is nothing more nice than how kind you are to me and I want to thank you.". This friends is why I am a teacher."

Then our teacher friend shared a little more.  These children were refugees and after a home visit she found they had nothing.  No toys.  No school supplies.  Barely any clothes for school.  What they did have was hard working family members and a drive to learn.  They were working hard with very little but were not giving up.  Within hours, this was being posted on the personal Facebook walls of many of our members:

"Friends - a fellow mom/teacher is teaching in a school where one child takes home a stuffed animal home each night, from the classroom to cuddle because they have no toys.  We have lots of moms helping to rectify this, collecting toys, clothing, furniture, etc.  I would like to do a school supply drive and put together kits the kids can have at home.  Collecting crayons, pencils, paper, easy reading/picture books, scissors, stickers, glue stick, whatever you might have.  Please let me know if you might have anything. (verbage stolen from Julie)."

I have several reasons for sharing all of this.  

First, when you doubt that there is any kindness, caring or compassion in this world, think of this teacher and the way that she cares for these children and the way that these various people who may only have the fact that they are Moms in common came together to help a class of children and their families.

Second, even if you don't have much to give, give something back.  These children will be thrilled with their new pencil and a box of crayons.  To many, it's not much.  To these children, it's the start of an education.  I'm sure there is something in your community that you can donate too.

Third, I never cease to be amazed when a group of people are able to put their personal feelings or animosities aside to come together for the greater good.

Some call it Paying it forward.  Some call it banking good Karma.  Some just call it the right thing to do.  What ever you call it, just do it!  You will be amazed at how you feel and what it brings into your life.  The way your heart feels so full.

Even if you don't have the ability to give a lot, give a little.  A box of crayons is Fifty cents.  I might not be in a position to donate $50 to get a child's school supplies but if 25 of us donated $2, it's covered.  Even if you are only in a position to donate that extra glue stick from the pack of 4 you had to buy because your child's teacher requested 3.  It's one less glue stick that they need to buy.  

It really is the little things.  Little things add up.  

Give of yourself.  Give back.  I'm sure that each one of us has been given a break sometime, somewhere, even if it was the smallest gesture.  If may take a little bit of your time out of your day but that time may absolutely make the day for someone else.  

Within a few days, items had been donated, arrangements were being made to gather and get it to the teacher.  What started as a way to help one child has grown into helping about 30 and creating an in-class book in a baggie library for the kids.  All because one person donated a gently used book.  Another donated some crayons.  Yet another gave some scissors.  And someone donated that glue stick.  

It starts small people!