Monday, December 6, 2010

Giving back + Giveaway!

Although we're all beyond busy during the Holidays, I think it's super-important to find time to give back to the community, pitch in and generally do good.

Here's what I've been up to :
-Last week I sewed labels on 20 cut-and-tied fleece blankets for Project Linus (and there were TONS more that others made and labeled - go PL 'Blanketeers'!)

-I helped load a big-rig with lots of bikes and helmets for a local non-profit called Turning Wheels for Kids (although I can't volunteer at their 'bike build' on Saturday now because DH has to go to Seattle. Boo.).

 -And, I helped sort a mountain (no kidding) of toys for the group Toys for Tots.

All of this volunteering only took a couple of hours of my time, but was so fun and rewarding. In addition, I am making an effort to be more kind to my friends, family...and myself. I know I could do more to give back, but at least it's a start.

Sooo... In the spirit of the Season and inspiring others to "do good" I am thinking a giveaway is in order!

You could win one of my handmade, 100% wool felt 'Urchin' bowls (as pictured above in a lovely soft orange called "nectarine"--jingle bells NOT included)

THE DETAILS: Just leave a comment below telling me what you've done to give back, OR something nice you are planning to do, OR a link to your favorite charity or non-profit organization. Please be sure to leave your email address. I'll select a winner, at random, next Monday morning 12/13/2010. Do good ... and good luck!

P.S. If you're interested in making your own URCHIN bowls you can purchase the pattern here.
:-) Amy

9 comments:

Mama Pasta School said...

Just wanted to say I have one of your bowls and I love it! Thank you!!

Ms Rebecca said...

What a great idea! We've been raising awareness for Cerebral Palsy, organizing a book drive and a fundraiser! It's a family affair. My 3rd child who is 22mo. was diagnosed in February. It helps us process the grief.

Burnt Toast said...

I'm a big believer in helping individuals and families become autonomous and Norwood Centre is doing that in Edmonton's inner city. They provide free children's programs for low income families as well as support for parents. I am grateful to have them in my community.

http://www.norwoodcentre.com/index.html

Domestic Diva said...

We give to friends and neighbors routinely (who doesn't?), but we also volunteer around our city in order to give to those we don't routinely come in contact with.

Gill said...

I support a local charity set up in memory of a local GP to help local people
Gill

Soursop Greetings said...

you are such an inspiration! I teach English to foreigners who live and are trying to adjust to life in America.

I found you on etsy forums, and am also having giveaway, come find me!

http://soursopgreetings.blogspot.com/

Callie said...

I gave a homeless man a thanksgiving dinner
heidijaneblankets at comcast dot net

Sheila said...

Ooh, I love it! What a great little bowl! I may have to try making a few of my own. (In the new year, when the dust settles...)

I don't really do anything particularly large to give back, but I do lots of little things. I give money to The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto (I was a patient once upon a time...), I always give to the Canadian Diabetes Association when they do a pick-up, and I have a bag of food waiting for my next trip to the supermarket, where I'll drop it in the bin for the local food bank. Every little bit counts!

Gayatri said...

I am a graduate student at Purdue University and I volunteer with the Boiler volunteer network ( http://www.purdue.edu/odos/sao/bvn/aboutbvn.php ) which helps local community and also the Purdue ASHA chapter ( http://www.ashanet.org/purdue/ ) which works towards raising funds for various different non profit organisations in India that provide education to underprivileged children.