DAY 30: COOKIES FOR CANCER

It is day 30 of the 30 day challenge!! Woo hoo. Tomorrow I will recap all the charities and their needs plus a small area to give to make up for Easter  day.

Today I am featuring a great charity called Cookies for Cancer and it's local chapter here on the Eastern Shore called The Cookie Mom'sters!! 

There is a high incident of pediatric cancer on the Eastern Shore . Two such families that we know have been personally effected by cancer.  You can follow their stories by clicking on the links provided.  Warrior Shepard and Liam's Journey

This Saturday will be a family fun day at Halliday Park in Bay Minette to support pediatric cancer research .  There will be a silent Auction, food, games, live music and a great bake sale.

Please consider donating some baked goodies to be sold. I will be home Friday night and glad to pick them up!  Come on down on Saturday for some great baked good, fun times and a punch in face to cancer!!

We need your ooeey gooey, yummy, sticky sweet goodness to sell this Saturday!!

Alison Hill
251-463-3511

DAY 29: ARC OF BALDWIN COUNTY

It is a wet Tuesday my friends. The rain has kept me home quite a bit today. We have cleaned out almost every nook and cranny around here. I am ready to load up on the 1st of May and donate away. Remember I will be glad to pick up anything you have and make sure that it goes to the best place.

I have gone through my books, and it was hard to do . I love books. Along the way I discovered a few DVD's and CD's that I want to dona te.
In doing my research of charities in our area I think I found the perfect place. ARC of Baldwin County provides quality services  to persons with intellectual disabilities and/or developmental disabilities throughout their life. 

 Among their requested needs list that you can access here, they had listed CD's and DVD's.

I have got a bunch of Cd's that I now have on Itunes
  or that really just don't suit my taste anymore. ARC likes to have music for the recreation and art rooms so anything is welcome.

SO give up your Barry Manillow and that secret CD of The Cult you've been hoarding and pass it on.

DAY 28: CAMP GRACE

It is time to start to go through the hardest of de-cluttering: The kids toys

As tempting as it is to go through it all when they are gone, involve them at least partially. One component of the 30 for 30 plan is to share generosity with the next generation. Want to be a giver  then raise one. Your legacy will live on.

Many outdoor recreational toys are needed right here in Mobile at a place called Camp Grace.

Camp Grace is a privately owned and operated property of over 220 acres in Mobile, Alabama whose  mission is to create a fun and adventurous environment that existing organizations can use for their campers and participants.  They work with a variety of organizations that focus on providing recreational camping experiences for children with health issues such as  arthritis, cancer , diabetes and various disabilities. 

So dig out those hula hoops, sidewalk chalk, squirt guns and Frisbees and let me know when I can pick them up for you.

Check out how you can volunteer at Camp Grace. They are preparing for their summer camps.

DAY 27: GUATEMALA LANDING ZONE

It is time to get down to some basics, by getting in your closet and going through your shoes and your kids shoes to give to an organization called Guatemala  Landing Zone  . Shoes will be given to the young and old.   

Guatemala Landing Zone  is headed by my friend Mart Purvis. Mary is a Baldwin county resident that has moved to Guatemala  to share her life with the people there. She is building relationships with students and sowing into their lives to help them make critical choices. Monthly meetings with the students teach them lessons about family, personal values, self-worth, building a relationship with Jesus, how to combat peer pressure, and many other subject.  Mary has also started a feeding program and sponsorship for the children . Check it out here. 

Shoes are a much sought after item in Mary's village.  Plans to send a large shipment in June are already in place .

Opportunities to take then in person are also available. Who knows we might get to go together . 

DAY 26: YOUR LOCAL POLICE/FIRE DEPT

Today is a simple one. Check with your local fire and police departments to see if they accept stuffed animals . Often times they need stuffed animals for children that are transported to social services when parents is family members are arrested.  It is a comfort to them in a confusing situation .

Also a great way to thank your local authorities is to take them a great pot of spaghetti or some cupcakes just to say thank you for a job well done.

Invest locally. It's a your hometown!!! 

DAY 25: THE LIGHTHOUSE

Welcome to Friday!!  I am back from my road trip and doing my laundry. It was a very fun and successful trip in which I have learned that I will be selling my plasma, blood, and one kidney in order to pay for college. I plan to blog more on that tomorrow at
www.5inthetribe.blogspot.com 

I am not a clothes horse so I literally took about half of what I own on this trip, therefore I decided to purge the rest of what I have. So being in the closet of a woman today  I am featuring The Lighthouse , a women's shelter for those of domestic violence . 

The Lighthouse is a women's shelter located in Robertsdale  that is committed to providing support, preventing violence and promoting justice for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.  The Lighthouse serves more than 2,000 victims of domestic violence and sexual assault every year. They  employ 17 individuals that include licensed counselors, social workers, and criminal justice professionals.  Along with items that are needed The Lighthouse also has a vast array of volunteer opportunities.  Check them out, you may just be the talent, muscle or story sharing that is needed at just the right time.

They have listed their immediate needs as the following:

Immediate needs

• TOILET PAPER & PAPER TOWELS
• DEODORANT
• TOOTHPASTE
• TWO-IN-ONE SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER
• WOMEN’S SOCKS
• WOMEN’S UNDERWEAR – ALL SIZES
• LAUNDRY DETERGENT
• LYSOL AEROSOL SPRAY

I plan on donating sock of which I have too many but also purchasing underware for the shelter as I head to Target to replace my own ratty ones. Elastic gone and two holes is just really signal for  um.. well that I've let myself go a bit-  yeah just a smidge.   Anyway along with the give aways of what I do have I am also increasingly aware of the fact that I can think of someone's  needs as I go about fulfilling my own.  Each Target, Publix, Farmers Market or restaurant is an opportunity for me to pick up a little something for someone else.  I can do a little here , a little there and let it add up to drop off at the end of each month.  I could buy an extra chicken sandwich in Chik fa la and pray to come in contact with someone else.  I want this thought process to rub off on...no rather rub off IN me. I want generosity to become a permanent part of my DNA.

Let me know if you have anything to donate to The Lighthouse and I promise I won't think your weird if you ask me to pick up a package of panties. Your welcome to drop them at my house too just make sure you put them in a labeled bag, because well let's face it dropping drawers at my door without a description could get you labeled weird.

Alison Hill

251-463-3511

alison_hill@bellsouth.net

DAY 24:YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY

Today we are in every room of the house looking for one specific item: BOOKS

 Gather up those mysteries, romance and autobiographies and put them in a box along with cookbooks, how to manuals and self help to donate to your local library.  Have your kids go through their books and drop them all off at the library while you check out a few more treasures. 

Most libraries have a book nook where they sell books at extremely low prices as well as donate to schools and surrounding communities . 

Reading is a joy everyone should have!!

Here is a link to the Foley  library and book shop.www.foleylibrary.org 

 Google your own neighborhood and find yours. 

Always glad to pick up your donations or receive on my front porch 

Alison. 251-463-3511

DAY 20: DONATE YOUR PRAISE

I will have to make a 31st day in April to have my 30 for 30 . Because today is all about the
celebration of being loved by
JESUS!!

So offer up your praise today  in song, in prayer, in love, in service, in food, in words, adn most of all in demonstrative love in action!!!

HE IS RISEN!!

DAY 23: 15th PLACE

Still on the great adventure college road trip and I am working on my 30 for 30 from the hotel bathroom.  I am gathering the complimentary soaps, shampoos and lotions to use in hygiene kits a friend and I are putting together for the homeless at 15 th place in Mobile .

 So get underneath  your cabinets and gather  those complimentary items when you travel or pick up some travel items at Walmart. Things like shampoo, lotion, deodorant and bar soaps are great .    

Let me know if I can swing by and pick them up or drop them at my place 7371 Saluda Blvd

DAY:22 PRODISEE PANTRY

As I write this I am in Nashville Tennessee on a college tour with my youngest. So due to the hectic schedule and the sticker shock I am experiencing of the next four years I will get straight to the  point. Prosidee Pantry is a great organization that supports low or no incone families with food each month. They are all  volunteer run and also provide additional assiatance for families with needs. 

Some folks prefer to contribute to the Pantry by purchasing items for their shelves. Prodisee Pantry accepts unopened non-perishable food items as well as household cleaning supplies and personal hygiene 

But here is a super fun fact for you :  Prodisee Pantry can purchase food for pennies per pound. For instance, we can buy a 24 cans of fruit or vegetables for $4.86.  Prodisee Pantry’s operates solely on contributions. How awesonw woukd it be for your to put awar $4.86 per week to give to rge pantry?  that is less rhan a starbucks    !!!!

Your non-perishable food or monetary donations allow the Pantry’s shelves to remain stocked and ready to serve those in need. And, those needs are constant. Currently, the Pantry serves more than 250 families per week 

For more info:  www.prodiseepantry.org or 251-626-1720

DAY 21: THE GIVE AWAY

Today I am featuring the Baldwin House Assisted Living and The Snook Center.  Both have wonderful loving staff that care for the elderly.  They have not requested anything specific but I have a wonderful idea . Many of you received an  Easter Lilly or other flowers to celebrate Easter.  Why not take your flowers and plants to one of these fine places and give it to a resident.

 While you are there stay a while. Meet a new friend, talk with the staff about their need and opportunities to volunteer, And by all means if you have kids TAKE  THEM!!!

DAY 19: HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

It's Easter weekend.  Many of you may have lots of family plans today in preparation for tomorrow's celebration.  So I will get right to it. Today I am featuring Habitat for Humanity Baldwin County.  There are numerous ways to get involved through building, volunteering to work at the Restore and donating to the Restore and shopping there too.

If you have any furniture, light fixtures, trim, blinds, rugs, paint , tile or bathroom and kitchen fixtures this is the place to donate too. You will also find all kinds of treasures there for your home. Contractors often donate what they have left from a recent build.  Check them out in several locations or call them to schedule a pick up of your donated items.
Just think how much room you will have in your house when you donate that big item that no longer holds anything because you have already emptied it donating its contents.

DAY 18 : RONALD McDONALD HOUSE

DAY 18: RONALD McDONALD HOUSE

It is a Good Friday, Indeed. This morning I was a bit umm... unawake. Have any of you caught on to the fact that I’m not really a morning chick? Anyway since it was taking me a while to get it together, I decide to sip coffee a bit longer and read a devotional in my inbox from Sheloves.

 It spoke of heaving our burdens on to the Cross. The author was writing from an abandon concentration camp, where there were unimaginable burdens. One sentence in particular caught my attention. She wrote " And even here , in my own life , when I don’t suffer well, and I don’t give thanks.. This place is marked by His holy fire too."  That phrase “suffer well” stayed with me. We have some friends that our middle daughter babysits for that have a child with leukemia. Those two words in the same sentence child and leukemia give me shudders just like they do you. But this family is a shining example of how to “suffer well”. No they don’t want their kid sick.  Yea they are upset, angry and feel helpless at times. But they have chosen the route of giving all trust to God. They refuse to have anything but life spoken over them. They ask for prayers and extend the privilege of entering into their suffering to watch God act. You can follow their story on Facebook at Warrior Shepard.  

For 3 years their son will receive treatment at USA Women’s and children’s in Mobile. The   Ronald McDonald House  of Mobile provides a supportive home environment offering care, compassion, and hope to families with seriously ill and injured children at USA   Since it’s opening  14  years ago The  Ronald McDonald House has served over 5,300 families and is often referred to as  "The House That Love Built .Check out their wish list here of items or consider providing a week night meal with a group of friends or organization.

 One of the simplest ways to help is found in your recycling bin and is a great family project.  Aluminum tabs from cans raises approximately over $6,000 each year for Ronald McDonald House of Mobile.  It is one of the easiest ways to contribute to such a giving organization. You can drop by to pick up your tab collector top houses at 1626 Springhill Avenue or call 251-694-6873 to get them mailed to you.  When you are ready to return the tabs, bring them in or mail them back.  

Today on Good Friday no matter where you are in life, may the One who suffered well inspire you to share the suffering of others and together may we finish well.

DAY 17: THE HOPE CENTER

Welcome to Thursday. I should probably try to throw in some catchy "throwback" theme here, but I got nothing. I hope you are cleaning out your home, being free of things you don't need and are feeling good about passing it to those who do.  I also hope you have gained a sense of control and awareness about your "stuff". As you were going through things if you discovered how much you have that you didn’t need I hope it will encourage you to make better purchasing decisions in the future.

I have adjusted my thought process quite a bit through this. I hope to make wiser choices in the future, aid my finances in a better direction and make sure that I stay in control of my stuff and don’t let my stuff control me. I have also found a wonderful bonus to featuring these charities. I can actually make my purchases count. I can be a good steward of my financial gifts by being specific with my choices. Where to donate my items, my time and my money. I can shop at the Yellow Cottage rather than Target, buy jewelry for a birthday present from Under His Wings or eat out at the Ransom Cafe instead of Olive Garden. These are intentional choices that take time.  It takes effort to not default to the most convenient source. But it is worth it.

 Slowing down and having enough time to devote purposeful attention to others and to share these moments with our families is valuable. These choices have the power to involve. I have never actually bonded with my kid in a Target checkout line (and I do love me some Target). But if I take my family eat with the homeless or explain why our purchases at Habitat provide financial aid for us and a future for someone else I have a far greater hope of real treasure sticking in their hearts. I hope my kids start to "get it" a whole lot sooner than I did. Time will tell. But I hope in the truest sense of the word for things yet unseen.

 

In that spirit the charity I am featuring today is The Hope Center.

The Hope Center is ministry of 3 Circle Church that provides counseling, medical and dental services at low cost. Professional medical volunteers serve daily to meet the emotional, physical and spiritual needs of the uninsured or under insured.  I personally have two friends who have used these services. They would not otherwise have tended to themselves without this option due to the cost of medical care. Our family’s physician has been on staff for several years dedicating her time and attention to those needing her care. With so many struggling financially or without work, The Hope Center is true to its name offering hope when it seems as though there is none.

 A strictly volunteer run entity, The Hope Center always welcomes donations that supply the office such as copy paper, pens, and stamps. One of the greatest medical needs are diabetic supplies, pantie-liners and gowns. If you have recently changed monitors or had a gestation diabetes during pregnancy you might have a few sealed test strips or needles that you don't know what to do with. Do you have any unopened bottles of Tylenol or Advil hanging around? I have a bad habit of getting a headache at Walmart and buying a bottle only to realize I had 3 unopened ones at home already.  Besides these items the greatest need at the center is for medical volunteers. They have recently added two more doctors and are in need of medical staff and nurses. 4 hours a month is all they ask. If you have a medical background or know of someone who does let them know about this need. There are roughly 720 hours in a month, giving 4 to the Hope Center can make a big difference.

 

The Hope Center is located on Hwy 104 just east of Hwy 181. You can reach them at 251-990-3112. Donate, use or spread the word about this great place.

 

***Just a side idea is you are interested. It costs $15.00 for a doctor’s visit. Why not give up a meal out and donate some money to cover the cost for someone in need?  Let me know if you do. How great would it be if 30 people did this and we covered a month of visits? One a day!! That is how it works. Everybody’s little makes a lot!!!

 

Let me know how I can help you

Alison Hill

alison_hill@bellsouth.net

251-4563-3511

 

 

 

 

DAY 16: RAISE THE ROOF

Morning all. Or maybe closer to afternoon by the time this post arrives. I am on Spring Break after all so my time clock is not as tightly wound.   I have been storing all my items to drop off in our spare bedroom but think I will have to move to the garage soon. Still in need of all the items I have listed in previous posts so let me know if you need a pick up and please spread the word to your friends .

Speaking of the garage I asked my husband to go through his tools and products in his workbench. This was an undertaking best left to him. I wouldn't know a sprocket from a side saw.  I was able however to locate a few extra boxes of shingles and 3 boxes of roofing nails leftover from our roof replacement a few years ago.  After putting one box aside for repairs , I knew just the place to donate to.  Raise the Roof is a home repair ministry through Dauphin Way United Methodist Church.  Inspired by the parable of the paralytic whose friends climbed to the roof and lowered him to be healed by Christ, Raise the Roof seeks to be a temporary presence in home repair and a permanent presence in friendship in the Taylor park area of Mobile.

Not only can you donate an extra hammer, roofing nails or shingles but you can also spread the word to business and work associations who may have ready access to materials.  The repairs of 4 homes will take place this summer form June22- July 5. There is a great opportunity for adult and youth, ages 8th grade on up, to volunteer for the repairs. No experience is necessary.  

If you are not able to volunteer for labor or have material to donate consider making a meal for these hard working crews this summer or donating necessary items such as paper plates, napkins or a beloved favorite poptarts!  Call and talk with Jan Bailey at 377-6970 about how you can be a blessing!
So head to the garage and tell your husband your about to go through all his tool and donate things, I bet he panics just a bit  takes a half day at work and does the job for you!  Now that's some good delegations!!

DAY 15 MARY'S SHELTER

WEEK THREE  DAY 15

 I normally list the next seven charities here but it will have to wait until tomorrow 

Family time beckons

But today I am featuring a incredible charity that has yielded some incredible results.

I want  you to think back on ,or forward to , or look around you right now to see  those blessings in your life called children.  They could be yours or someone else's  but they are sweet ,sweet blessings.  Sometimes blessings hide behind the hardness of  life . Mary's Shelter is a place for blessing to be brought forth when life rears its ugly head. A safe place for homeless pregnant women. Mary's shelter provides a clean living environment that supports medical  care to both baby and mother. Women are able to continue their education, learn valuable job and parenting skills and receive counseling. 

After the birth of the baby transitional housing is provided until the women find jobs with a sustainable living wage.  Mary's Shelter has beautiful stories of love and hope . Check them out here.

Now that you have gone through a box of Kleenex after reading these stories, its time to get in the back of your closets and search for maternity clothes and those put up baby clothes. Unless it is a  passed down heirloom let me encourage you to just give it away. It can't bless anyone sitting in the back of your closet. It will bring more hope to someone receiving it  than sitting in the bottom of that hope chest.

Gather it up and give me a call.

Check out their need list that includes some miscellaneous items you might have on hand like baby hangers, stationary, greeting cards or bed linens.  

We all have something to simply give so others may simply live.

If you have a charity dear to your heart that you would like me to feature please let me know

Alison Hill 251-463-3511 Text or call

alison_hill@bellsouth.net

DAY 14: RANSOM CAFE

We are at the 2 week mark! I have just had the best time researching the needs of our area and talking with people! I am also exciting about those of you who have contacted me with donations. Please keep spreading  the word and giving. It takes so little to bless so much! That is just how God works. He's cool like that.

Today I am featuring a great organization called Ransom Cafe`  

It had me at Cafe`. I do love to go out to eat. As a mom it just tickles me to have someone else refill my ice tea. I am a great tipper because  basically getting my tea refilled is a spa day for me. So with food and drink in mind get into your kitchen. The most used room in your house. Time to start going through drawers and cabinets and that pantry!!  I have got a place for you that needs your grits and at least one of your 4 cheese graters. The Ransom Cafe` all about service. Service to others in need. 
The Armbruster family that runs Ransom does so with their whole heart.

The Armbruster Family

Check out the blog post here to understand how deep their affection runs for others. Ransom Café offers multiple locations throughout Baldwin and Mobile counties and operates like a restaurant but with no set menus or set prices. They have  an ever changing menu dependent on donations and foods that are able to be purchased at little to no cost. 

Ransom believes some can pay more and some may not be able to pay as much and if someone can’t afford to donate monetarily, then they can donate their time or products, or produce to be used in the preparation of the meals.  Therefore promoting  the ideal of a hand up not a hand out. They are open for lunch 11 am until 2 pm and the second Friday night of each month for dinner using theme and guest chef nights. A complete list of locations with hours of operation can be found on the home page. 

 Ransom Café  desire is to give to the community, by not only providing a basic need, but also  a mentoring program to help people learn valuable skills in order to obtain and keep employment. Cooking classes are offered for all ages and backgrounds. They also oversee two community gardens and operate The Clean Machine, a portable laundry , shower and restroom facility.  The regular needs of Ransom Cafe` are listed here and at the end of the month I will be donating my extra kitchen equipment along with fresh food items that are needed. When I head that way I will let you know. In the meantime I am going to check out the volunteer opportunities for me and my family. It is a great place to get all members of your family involved in serving others.

So with that motivation in mind, head to that kitchen and tackle it one drawer at a time. Putting just 15 minutes a day away to de clutter and moving as fast as you can in that time will produce enormous results of freeing yourself from the bondage of "stuff" and blessing it forward.

Now go,  you have important work to do!!!

DAY 13: BRAG

Ahhh. Sunday. A day to rejoice and be rested!!  Isn't God good? I know some of you reading this may not be so sure.  Let me challenge you in whatever your circumstances are, whatever your beliefs or philosophies may be to look around you and find beauty. There is beauty just waiting to be noticed and appreciated. If your on the Eastern Shore today checkout that blue sky, warm breeze and bountiful sunshine.
 Sunday often offers us a blank canvas in my house,good weather or not, to fill up with some family fun or a little project time.  I love to work with my hands and learn new things. Talent I really don't posssess, my sister got all that. But I like to try and I appreciate  those with great artistic talent. Even if my product is not a masterpiece I have found value, if not therapy at times, in the process.
As a result  I have a gazillion pieces of leftover projects.  A little paint here, floral wire there and a mound of ribbon from a Pintrest gone wrong idea,
Hmm ...what to do with the hodge podge of creative objects?

Bay Rivers Art Guild is located in the old Daphne City jailhouse on 6th street. Not only is the building itself a repurposed wonder but its rooms are filled with inspiration, vision and instruction.

They have classes, contest, and galleries for the pleasure of all ages. They have just announced their summer art camp classes and will be filling fast.  Anything you would like to donate would be a welcome addition.  One of the most popular classes uses found art objects from recyclables to the random interesting looking paper clip that you won't use but is too pretty to toss out.  Give it to BRAG and you might just see it used in a brilliant piece and displayed in a gallery.

So get it that garage, workshop or random drawer and  create something fun today. Gather up the leftovers of old or abandon projects and give them all away to live another day.

DAY 12: YELLOW COTTAGE/ THE SHOULDER

It is Saturday afternoon and I am doing my happy dance.  It has been a busy productive week and I for one am ready to do one of my favorite family activities called “Nothing on Purpose”.

As I have been going through all our extras and being mindful to pick up a few needed extras from the store for featured charities (remember laundry detergent, dog food) I have run across a few items that don’t fit in any particular area. This is where the temptation to bag it up for goodwill comes in.  Fight that urge!!!  I do not have anything directly against Goodwill but I am a big believer in doing your research and knowing where your giving is going. It’s not like taxes where you have to no matter how bad they mismanage it. You have a choice here. Hooray!   This is the whole point of my 30 for 30, giving where it will best be blessed. 

When it is time to give my more generic items away I choose to donate to the The Yellow Cottage, located on 181. You can’t miss it. Heading south on 181 from I-10 it’s on your right hand side just before the Wal-Mart intersection in Fairhope. It’s easy to see because well it actually is a yellow cottage. 

The Yellow Cottage is a non-profit thrift boutique directly benefiting The Shoulder, a private, Christian, non-profit treatment center for those with substance abuse problems. The Shoulder has treatment facilities located in Foley and right here in my neck of the woods, Spanish Fort. I have had several friends rave about this program that aided them in their family crisis. The Shoulder is a local agency with no parent organization. They are totally dependent on the local community for our funding. Without it they cannot survive and this is why I choose to donate here.

The Yellow Cottage not only accepts furniture, household items, and fantastic clothes, but you can shop your heart out there for great stuff. Scored a killer homecoming dress last year for $10.95!!!  All donations are tax deductible. Gather up all your miscellaneous items you have found the past 11 days and head on down to the sweet Yellow Cottage.

HOURS: Mon- Fri. 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
SAT: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
20741 Hwy 181, Fairhope, AL 36532

 251- 928-8260

And if anyone you love needs help with addiction check out and support

 The Shoulder  P.O. Box 7130, Spanish Fort, AL 36577251-626-2199    

Text if you need a pick up

251-463-3511

DAY 11: DIG DEEP GIVE WELL

It’ Friday!!  Yes!!!  I hope your week of cleaning and blessing has gone well. I hope this challenge has benefited you and blessed others. I hope each of us is learning about our community and a whole new set of people outside our suburbian borders of comfort. I hope you have found organizations filled with smart, kind, and willing people waiting for friendship and kindred spirits to join them in caring for others.   Whew!! That is quite a tall order but it is out there. Go get it.

 

Today I am featuring a charity that if you have any dealings with me at all you have heard about. My family has been so privileged to be part of Dig Deep Give Well.  If DDGW is new to you click on the link and find out how a fewBaldwin County homesteaders have encouraged our local community to build 7 water wells in Tanzania and bring up the next generation for service in the process.

 

My 3 chicks wearing Maasai wedding crowns

KK being a multi-tasking mama

I am often asked what church or parent organization DDGW is associated with and my answer is always the same. “We aren’t backed by any church, we’re just 10 Jesus freak families that want to love others and give clean water.”  That’s us, all volunteer. We’re Catholic,Church of Christ, Assemblies of God, non church affiliated and

We love that God loves us!!!

 

Every summer we venture toTanzania for our well project and to share the love God has for all people. We take as many kids between the ages of 14-21 that want to go. We feel strongly in building up the next generation to be the "other" generation not the “me” generation.   

Everyone pays their own way.  I have witnessed the hard working, creative efforts of these kids over and over to earn money for their plane fare. 

 

This Saturday is one such effort. We will be at Spanish Fort Chick fa la washing cars from 10-2!!  Hard working kids will be ready and willing to scrub that horrible pollen off your beautiful car. It is on a donation basis. Give if you can – don’t if you wont. Either way I guarantee you a clean car.

  Rest assured of all the things you will give your money to on Saturday, none will have the lasting investment that a few dollars to one of these students can.  The blessing of hard work receiving a donation turned into an experience of service, kindling a passion to a change lives for others and to an influence a generation leaving an incredible heritage of love.  Now that’s a tall order that can be filled with a little help from everyone.

 

 

.

Check out this summer’s project here.

 

 

To find out how you can help or donate directly to a student fund go to

DDGW at

www.digdeppgivewell.org

 DDGW

DAY 10: SOUTHERN SPIRIT

It’s Thursday!! Yeah.  I know so many of you are posting your throw back Thursday pics. Many of them are before digital days and the backgrounds are filled with “life”, which is code for “all the messes before cropping came along”. Speaking of throw backs and messes, I’ve got a perfect challenge to intertwine both. 

We are still working in those really “off” limits to the public places in our homes, pulling out things from the laundry room and the garage. Yes the garage that place that was built to house your vehicles but instead provides a residence for everything you ever purchased but don’t know what to do with.  I need you to get in there and go through that pile of sports equipment.  It should be easier now that you have pulled out those old bikes, leftover dog food and various art objects.  I want you to dig deep for softball gloves, bats and balls.  

We start ‘em young at the Hill house so we have just about every size glove, cleat, ball, bat and face mask you can imagine.  Our youngest is now taller than me, so it is safe to let it all go and give it to Southern Spirit.

 

Southern Spirit is  a non-profit, amateur youth sports organization that provides elite level training to athletes of all backgrounds and abilities.  Believing that every athlete should  have  the opportunity to fulfill their dreams on and off the field, the organization offers free coaching and training services to area high schools and city leagues. The Hill girls have worked with Southern Spirit coaches and they are a top notch set of professionals with passion to give all athletes a great future. Often times an athlete or area does not have the necessary equipment to develop their God given abilities. This is where you and I come in.

Gloves and catcher’s gear are the most need items.  No matter how old or beat up your gloves are they can be refurbished to almost new.  According to head coach Coby Makin  “We can take the worst shape glove, strip it down to the laces and recreate a great piece of equipment for an athlete that might not have access to any.”  Southern Spirit will host area camps in June where refurbished equipment will be given away.  Collecting everything by the end of April will be perfect timing to rework the equipment in time for the camps. Check out your inventory.  I bet you have a few throwbacks in your mess that you can donate.  Pass this on to any coaches or players  and check out Southern Spirit at

www.trainatthefieldhouse.com

 

Or their FB page: Southern Spirit

Let me know if you need a pick up

Alison Hill

251-463-3511

alison_hill@bellsouth.net