This past Christmas I was blessed to be able to spend the day with a Busy Babies group in KW.
Busy Babies is a weekly, year-round parenting support and education program for financially disadvantaged and often socially isolated parents (typically moms only). The program offers free resources like baby clothing, food vouchers and bus tickets at Trinity Church in downtown Kitchener.
While the moms meet for informal discussions, gather resources and enjoy a healthy snack (the day I was there the church made a nutritious lunch), their children are supervised in another room by an ECE worker, and a nurse is on hand to check on those who are expecting. For some, this is the only break they get from their children all week.
Thanks to the help of others, I was able to fill 40 gift bags for these moms a week before Christmas. In fact, there was more than enough. I also sent a few boxes of great gifts to another “Busy Babies” group at Knox Church in Waterloo for their next get-together!!
In particular I want to say a special thank you to the Y Family. Melissa and her boys signed 40 Christmas cards with the words, “You are beautiful!” and in each one put a tea bag. This personal touch melted my heart.
It just goes to show, Mother Teresa was right… again!
“It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.” ~ Mother Teresa
Giving is Living.
I didn’t just drop off the bags and leave. I stayed for their meeting, we had delicious cinnamon coffee together, and I was able to enjoy lunch with all the families there. It was an amazing day!
Who would like to do something like this again with me?!
The Gift of Giving. You did well, momma. It would be a nice world indeed if more people did more things like this for others!
I'm just glad others came along side me and made it even better than I could have dreamed. 🙂
I am still so thrilled that you were able to pull it off! I feel so blessed to "know" you
This is fantastic: The gift of giving is priceless and makes you feel good while helping others
I love how you rallied to get so many people involved in giving back – a lot of people want to help but just don't know how. You gave them a tangible way for people to make a real difference in your community
What a wonderful thing to do Shannon! This is such a touching way to make someone feel special and you should be proud. The cards from the Y Family were equally beautiful. God bless you all!
Suz
Sounds like a great day. I may be inspired to do the same next year in my small community. 🙂
I was feeling the same way.
This is awesome! I have given to charities before but it always great to see the personal side. These people are real. We can all be in a spot where we need a little help, love or support. I bet it was a fun day you will remember forever!
This was a very kind gesture and it's great to see that kindness and generosity have not gone out of style.
Jenna
This act of kindness makes me feel warm and fuzzy! Thank you Shannon for making these moms feel great!
I think sometimes what people need most is dignity and it sounds like you gave some of that along with the gift bags 🙂 Those cards were especially beautiful. I'd be happy to help with any kind of project like this you have.