Being busy is just part of the deal when it comes to having kids. Soccer games, baseball games, dance lessons, the list goes on. But, for one day this fall, I encourage you to take time and Do Something Great!
This is the idea behind Macaroni Kid’s first Do Something Great Day, which will be held on Saturday, Sept. 20. More than 50 publishers across the country are organizing events from anti-bullying seminars to diaper and food drives to fundraisers – all aimed at making a difference in their local community.
Here in Lebanon County, we also have a chance to make a difference. I’m partnering with Jubilee Ministries to donate items for their much-needed Welcome Kits. There’s two ways that YOUR family can help!
1. Donate items for the kits or pack your own complete kit and drop it off by Sept. 20 at any of their stores in Myerstown, Lebanon, Palmyra or Manheim, or at their Re-Build-It store in Annville.
2. We’re looking for a few families to join me and my Mini Macaronis on Saturday, Sept. 20 at 2 p.m. at their Lebanon store (235 S. 12th Street) to help pack kits. We plan to be there about an hour, but even if you can spare a few minutes to stop in and help – RSVP to me by email at alisonw@macaronikid.com.
These kits help each individual (male and female) in their Aftercare Program with the necessities we might often take for granted. Most of the time, the participants that come from prison have only the clothes they are wearing. It is a blessing to be able to provide them with items that they need. If you would like to make a whole kit, please include one of each of the following items in a bag:
- 1 bar of soap
- 1 tube of toothpaste
- 1 toothbrush
- 1 hairbrush
- 1 disposable razor
- 1 can shaving cream
- 1 bottle of shampoo
- 1 bath towel
- 1 washcloth
- 1 deodorant
- 1 pillow
- a note of encouragement
If you are unable to make whole kits, but would still like to donate a few items, they are always very much appreciated, and we can use them to pack the kits on Sept. 20. The items that are most often needed are soap, deodorant, shampoo, a bath towel, and a pillow. If you are donating items at a store, please include a note that states these are items for the Welcome Kits.
More Ways to Do Something Great
- Pick up trash around your home or local park.
- Donate your hair.
- Call or visit a relative that you haven't spoken to or seen for a while to brighten their day.
- Fight hunger. Donate to the Central PA Food Bank or another local food pantry in our area. Several churches throughout the county have programs that help families right in your neighborhood.
Join A Special Project
- Our friend Devany from StillPlayingSchool.com put together a team for the Miracle Marathon that benefits the Children's Miracle Network. While the walking has already started, it's never too late to donate! Read more about why Children's Miracle Network of Hershey has particularly touched the lives of the LeDrew family.
- The United Way of Lebanon County has kicked off its annual fundraising campaign. According to their website, 1 in every 3 people in Lebanon County use a United Way-funded service. In 2012 and early 2013, the United Way of Lebanon County raised $1.77 million and that money provided funding to 30 local human service agencies and community programs for 2013.
- Shop for items to pack a shoebox for Operation Christmas Child. I'll be working with Carol Anne Friesen to organize a special packing event in November, so watch for many more details to come!
- Donate a new pair of children's pajamas when you shop at Moyers Mum Farm. They are collecting as part of a special initiative for children in hospitals. See our article for more details.
