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 9: FAMILY PROMISEo

I can't believe it is day 9 already.  I have talked to some really great people that run great organizations. I have received some great donations and am scheduled to pick more up soon!

As I am cleaning out my home and researching the needs of my local area I realize that the very act of walking through my house and gathering my possessions to give away  is a reality that many in our community do not have.  I was shocked to learn that over half of the homeless are women and children and that families are the fastest growing segment of the homeless population.

 The Baldwin County School System counted 642 homeless school age children last year.  This was a shock to me, The homeless are our neighbors and there are many wonderful ways to help them. 

Family Promise , an Interfaith Hospitality Network, has  a community response to the issue of homelessness in Baldwin County, specifically homeless families with children. Working with local

churches, Family Promise provide over night lodging, meals and hospitality to assist families in regaining their housing, their independence and their dignity.  More host churches are needed. Please consider speaking to your pastor or board about being involved.  Participation doesn't require the pastor to take anything on but rather a coordinator from the  members to help organize the use of the church facilities. 

When I called Family Promise to see what their most immediate need outside of host churches was I  was surprised at it's simplicity.  It's laundry detergent. Families have an opportunity to wash their clothing while lodging and laundry detergent is in great demand.  How easy and yet how effective.  We all want to be dressed in fresh clean clothes. 

 Got any leftover laundry detergent that the kids didn't like? Hubby couldn't handle the Lavender scented gain. I've got a perfect place for that. Next time your at Target, Publix or Sam's buy an extra.

One for your family one for another family. Counponers take this on as a challenge! How many free laundry detergents can you donate this week?  As always I'll be glad to pick it up (even if it's the Sam's 50 pounder)  

Together we can do this.

Ready, Set, Bless!

Check out Family Promise to donate, tell you church about or even help a family register for help

at www.familypromisebc.org .

They are located at 20511 County Road 36 Summerdale, AL  251-947-5641

You know how to find me

Alison Hill

251-463-3511

alison_hill@bellsouth.net

Share and comment please

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 FIVE: REVIVE ECUADOR

 

Here we are at day 5 already!! We have dug through our craft areas, ventured into dangerous territory of our teenager's room, and sought out those beautiful but never to be worn again formals.  Nice job!!  I for one already feel the freedom coming on.

Today's challenge may have some of you stumped at the title.  Ecuador? 

Not exactly what you would might  expect on a 30 for 30 homespun charity challenge.

Revive Ecuador was started in 2012 by  Spanish Fort residents Ronnie and  Nancy Calvert.

Ronnie has served numerous years at SF United Methodist Church in youth ministry. I bet some of you and your children may already be familiar with him.  

When one of our locals has served our community faithfully and has their heart lead to our neighbors around the world, we can be the support system they need to bless others.  I reject the  "Compassion needs to stay at home " mantra. It is not a here or there, us or them mentality. That's the wrong conjunction. We are called to love . It's a  Here AND there, Us AND them action. So once a week I will feature such an extension charity.

Ronnie and Nancy will be serving as missionaries for a project called The  Shoeshine Boy Outreach, through Compassion International, a loving and financially transparent organization that serves up some hands and  feet of Jesus every day. The latest project for the Shoeshine Boys of Ecuador  has a great opportunity for us on the Eastern Shore and especially Spanish Fort.  I once heard Spanish Fort described as a great little drinking town with a sports problem.  To say we are competitive is to say water is wet.

Any resemblance to a parent you know
is completely coincidental.

 The Shoeshine Boys range in age from 8 to 16 years and money for their families by shining shoes n the city. They love to play soccer and need lots of sports jersey's so they can make  up teams. The jerseys can be from any sport baseball, soccer, Lacrosse, basketball it doesn't matter.  We have a plethora of old team jerseys from The Maniacs, Red Hots, ESVC, SF Lady Toros,  Pink Panthers and plenty of All Star teams. 

So go dig out those past team jerseys and donate them towards the Shoeshine Boys hall of fame.

Let me know if you need a pick up
Alison Hill
7371 Saluda Blvd
251-463-3511
Comment on the blog or FB me

And please share this post with your friends.