Week 25: Creative Give-a-ways!
There are people in every community that are in need. It might be money, food, safety, opportunity, or friendship. In fact, it would be pretty safe to say that everyone in a community is in need of something!
In terms of charity, most places have people or organizations that help take things from the "giver" and pass them along to the "receiver." It is a system that makes sense and works, with benefits to both those who have something to offer and those who have a need. Undeniably, there are also barriers and challenges to the traditional donation processes. Pride, access and equity are among them.
Our community was a recipient to a very generous donation of little girl blouses. Our issue was that these shirts were so dated (nearing ugly) and there were SO many of them that we resisted just "giving" them away in the traditional sense. The shirts would have been like a uniform for the poor - which was not what was intended!! Instead, we arranged to have them all distributed among child care facilitates as painting smocks. Now all the children's clothes (whether they have a big or small wardrobe selection) are protected during messy play.
We are curious to discover more creative, low barrier ways to get free "stuff" to the people who need it.
Here is an idea from North Carolina that made us smile...
“Sock It To Me” Wed with the Alexander County Partnership for Children
The Partnership for Children received a donation of over 600 pairs of socks including socks for men, women, and children. They advertised for people to bring a bag and pick out and up to seven pairs of free socks per person (socks for a week)! They were available on a first come first serve basis.
How about giving away warm pj's and books at an evening story-time?
What about food to celebrate - not just to fill empty stomachs?
In what ways can you help connect people who can barter?
Have some more???
I think the Neighborlink Breakfast Club at Alberni elementary schools is label free...children who've already eaten, who choose to skip breakfast to go, or those who have little to eat at home are all welcome to come share fruit, toast and yogurt along with a story a few morning a week. More importantly, along with the meal, they're given a smile and friendly attention in the morning from adults who care. What a great way to give and recieve!
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