Being a single mom has given me a new perspective on a lot of things. At this stage in my parenting career, one of the most difficult parts of being on my own is figuring out how to make ends meet financially. We are making it work and while I am enormously grateful for what we’ve been able to accomplish as a family, I have to admit that it hasn’t been easy.
We have everything we need, which is a blessing I recognize daily, but I know what it’s like to go without. Just last month we found ourselves in a tight spot and we were forced to resort to gas rationing (a.k.a. stay home as much as possible). When we ran out of shampoo and conditioner, we washed our hair with castille soap and vinegar (not something I’d really recommend). But we had enough to eat and warm beds to sleep in and it was only a few weeks before we filled up the gas tank again and bought ourselves some proper hair care items. In the grand scheme of things, no big deal.
While I’ve only had a glimpse at what it’s really like to struggle in poverty or fight hunger, I have a great appreciation and admiration for the people and organizations that devote themselves to easing those kinds of burdens. As a parent, I want to raise kids who not only appreciate their blessings but who also seek out ways to be of service to the people around them. Having been the recipient more than once of other people’s kindness and generosity, I am always looking for ways to pay it forward and give my kids the opportunity to experience the change of heart that always accompanies service and community involvement.
We recently had the opportunity to participate in another SIMPLE Giving program with Champions for Kids. The Snacks for Students program made it simple for us and other people in our community to donate items for children in need. Best of all, we were able to connect with our own local Boys and Girls Club to benefit kids right here in our own community.
We’ve had the opportunity to work with Champions for Kids and SIMPLE Giving before and every time it has been an incredible experience and learning opportunity for our family. I’m raising compassionate and generous kids who value community and appreciate the things that they have. I am so glad we’ve been able to connect with our local food banks and youth based organizations in our own neighborhood.
The kids had a fun time gathering snacks at Walmart and more significantly, they were able to take the boxes of donations right to our local Boys and Girls Club and see firsthand what a difference people’s donations at Walmart could make (find participating Walmart stores here).
In the Snacks for Students program, Champions for Kids, General Mills, Kellogg’s, Emerald and Kettle Chips joined forces to make it simple for communities to provide basic resources for students through in-store donations. All of the donations made in-store will stay in the local community and be distributed through school districts and youth-based organizations.In addition, Champions for Kids, General Mills, Kellogg’s, Emerald and Kettle Chips will provide 13 awards, totaling $45,000, to school districts and participating youth-based organizations based on the total number of donated items collected in each store.
You can get your family involved in easy service projects too! Champions for Kids and SIMPLE Giving make it so easy! Since 2004, Champions for Kids has served more than 5.4 million children across all 50 states through in-store donation campaigns, service projects and community events. Champions for Kids makes it simple to give kids in your community the resources they need to thrive. Check out how you and your family can get involved.
This post was sponsored by The Motherhood and Champions for Kids. All opinions and experiences are entirely my own.
Julie Ellis says
It is a pity that during my college career was not anything like that, cheap and nutritious food that is necessary for the student before classes. Now I have to buy them for my children;)