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 7: THE HAVEN

Today ends the first week of the 30 for 30 challenge. And we are doing great!! It has been a successful week with fabric, beads, and sports jerseys collected and scheduled to pick up. Thank you to all who responded and re posted the blog links. I am hearing from your friends and building up awareness for our communities needs!!

Tomorrow I will post the next 7 charities I will be featuring so you can start to get them fixed in your mind as you go about your routine and spring cleaning.  15 minutes a day in one area of your home can free you up and bless it to someone else. I am moving the charities the Ridden Word and Ransom Cafe to next week as I need to find out their most immediate needs first.

Today I am featuring a warm , fuzzy little non profit that you just want to squeeze the cheeks  and love forever.  Yes it is  sweet kittens and puppies looking at you unmercifully from The Haven.

Yes he is looking at you.

  Now before you think I'm about suck you into the adoption game, here me out.  Adoption is always available at the Haven and its a great way to find your family's new best friend, however I am not in a pet getting position right now.  Our lives are way to busy to have additional animals, we just would 't do  justice to adopt right now.   But there are others ways to help out these adorable critters at The Haven.

Here is a link to their wish list, check it out there may be something you haven't used in forever and can donate. Perhaps the next time you're  buying food for your critter you can pick up an extra bag for The Haven.

There just aren't words.

I'm partial to tuna.

They need non pet items also to keep the shelter running  like towels, bleach, office supplies and printing services.  We have leftover heart worm and Frontline meds from a previous dog that we are going to give.  If you have recently lost a pet I encourage you to consider working through your grief by blessing forward your pets items or better yet volunteer your time and attention to the animals.

The Haven is located at 559 S Section St, Fairhope, AL.
Call to see how you can help (251) 929-3980

As always if you have anything to give you can drop it off at
7371 Saluda Blvd
or contact me for pick up
Alison Hill
251-463-3511
alison_hill@bellsouth.net

**I am still in need of uniforms for Baldwin County students and men's clothing for the Watertfront Rescue.  So keep that in mind if your a power organizer and are planning on dedicating a whole day or weekend to your efforts.  Remember I'll be glad to come pick up  anything you can donate. Also don't forget when your prom is over to look through all your formals for Emily's Closet.

DAY 6: WATERFRONT RESCUE

 Today I ventured into my husband's clothing area.   I am married to an unusually tall man. He is 6' 5 and wears  a size 14 shoe.

That is one big boat.

I love my freak of
nature size man.

His neck is 17 1/2 inches thick. When he first started out in business it was suits and ties and casual Friday was a dress shirt and suit pants.  I had a heck of a time trying to find clothes that fit him properly.  Thank goodness those proper dress days are gone and he can show up in khaki and polos.

We still keep a few suits and dress shirts  around for formal occasion and interviews, but the rest we take to Waterfront Rescue.

When it came time to donate Marc's clothes I just kept picturing homeless men preparing for an interview and what if that man was a freak of nature size like my man.  I thought that would just stink having to worry about a job and then find something decent to wear.

So go find your man and take his clothes to Waterfront Rescue , located at 2365 North McKenzie Street  in Foley. (Phone: 251-943-4581)  You can even schedule a donation pick up right from the website or as  give me a call to pick them up. ( the clothes , not your man :)

Call if you need me
Alison Hill
251-463-3511
alison_hill@bellsouth.net

DAY FOUR: EMILY'S CLOSET

Spring is in the air.  Literally you can see it with all that pollen, but it leads to the beautiful array of flowers that we cherish. Spring ushers in another type of beauty:

Prom Season . 

Ahh yes the air is alive with hormones, hair appointments and dress choices, that will lead to one beautiful night where teenage girls blossom. It is an exciting  time. It can also be an expensive time. 

Those expenses can be daunting especially the cost of the dress. This is where Emily's Closet makes such a difference. 

Emily's Closet offers all Baldwin County high school girls the opportunity to select a free prom dress to wear for the big night. The dress boutique sets up at local high schools during prom season offering assistance in finding that perfect dress. The Heritage Junior Women's Club provides the inventory through donations of dresses from the community.

Let's not go here.

My three girls have provided me with lots of dresses that just won't get worn again.  If your closet if filled with a few of those "only worn once" dresses , think about donating it to Emily's Closet. What a great way to bring joy to another girl the way it did for yours.  Let's face it every girl want to be beautiful and NOT get stuck with mom's old frock.
Offer her a beautiful choice. 

Now that prom season is upon us, dig in the back of that closet and see what treasures you can find. If your prom is this week, no worries. Tax deductible  donations  are accepted year round at the North Baldwin chamber of commerce and of course I will willingly be your pick up lady (and email you tax receipt to you - what a deal!) 

The story behind  Emily's Closet here 

North Baldwin Chamber of Commerce info here 

And of course let me know how I can help!!

Alison Hill

251-46:-3511

alison_hill@ bellsouth.net

Comment here or FB me

DAY TWO: UNDER HIS WINGS

Here we are at Day Two.

We are still in the artsy- crafty area of our home, which in the words of my sweet husband "Our entire house is an art project"  ha!  Bless the man that lives in Estrogenville!

I am also going to ask you to look into your personal jewelry box today as today's donation is beads, broken jewelry and jewelry making supplies.


Under His Wings, located in Robertsdale,   provides six months of residential Christian care as well as a regionally accredited educational program for teenage girls in crisis.

Along with preparing these young women to become positive influences in their community they also work with the families of the residents to break negative cycles and create healthy homes.

The girls have recently launched a jewelry business. They are learning a creative art, business and marketing skills along with good stewardship.

Do you have a pile of broken necklaces that you plan on fixing or take to the jeweler's one day?
How long has it been there?  I have had a stockpile that I looked at yesterday and realized that one necklace was broken by the baby.  That baby is now 13.   It's time to let go.

I also came across a ton of alphabet beads, earring clasps and spacers.  I think this was the middles child's attempt to not be bored in the summer of 2009.  Speaking of earrings I have at least half a dozen  that have no match.  It's time to move on. All this stuff is just taking up free rent in my home and reminding me of unfinished stuff.

Seriously?
 I have held on to the obnoxious heart one this long??

Don't throw it out.  Bless it out!!!

Right now, go gather those leftover pieces of summer projects. Go through your jewelry.
Donate that broken necklace, that stray earring and that perfectly good necklace from the 90's. It is not coming back in style.
The girls at Under His Wings will take these broken pieces and make whole beautiful design out of them.

Kind of what is happening with their lives right now.  Love is taking their brokenness and crafting them into the beautiful design that God made them.
What a great privilege to be a part of that.

He will cover you with His feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; 
His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart." - Psalm 91:4

Drop off or call me for pickup:
Alison Hill
7371 Saluda Blvd
251-463-3511
alison_hill@bellsouth.net

Check out Under His Wings @ www.underhiswings.info to find out how else you can help this wonderful organization.