Raining Petals

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Give Big or Go Home!


Yes, it is reality TV...

BUT...the first 2 shows I have watched have brought tears to my eyes and have really got the wheels in my head turning!! For the most part the show is inspirational and makes me want to find ways to give. I really believe that is one of the main purposes we are here on this earth, to build up others, give of ourselves, and touch as many lives as we can for the better. I just can't believe we were put here to go through the daily grind, to work as hard as we can to make the most money we can so that we can have huge houses, expensive cars, and toys galore (though very much fun)...I think those are the things that seem appealing at times and are okay to have...but if we aren't careful -they will be the very things that halt our progression. We are here to work hard so that we can stand our our feet and help others stand on theirs!!

So my purpose wasn't to write a blog and start preaching....but I just wanted to share the show with you if you haven't had a chance to see it. I watch it on ABC. com while I am eating lunch. It had made me start brainstorming and thinking of ways that I can give...and I really do have a desire to give big!!

I was thinking that even on just our little blog circuit here...we have power. We have amazing women with amazing capabilities and talents. If we all put our heads together we could give big. I know it is hard to think of TIME (a killer sometimes) and many people think they can't do anything...they are too small, too insignificant, but that couldn't be further from the truth. I know that if you aren't also in the spirit...that I am feeling right now...it might just sound like all hype and what not...but find a way to get into the mood! We all have purpose, we all can make a difference.

...so what are your ideas to GIVE BIG???.....here are a few that are on my mind.

*Diaper Relief Center....sounds funny but I was thinking about this a couple of days ago. There are many, many families out there that cannot afford to diaper their babies. Therefore, they wear one diaper all day...which breaks my heart into pieces because you can imagine the discomfort, pain, unsanitary-ness of it. OR...they go without diapers...which means there is pee and poop all over the place. ----so I haven't planned this out but I was thinking it would be nice to have a center or a few places around town that you can stop in and change your baby...no questions asked...just have a little station...get the right size diaper and have at it. Anyone can use it..even just the mom on the go who forgot the diaper bag..that way everyone feels welcome...which mean no one feels uncomfortable or "spot-lighted" for needing to use the diaper relief center! :).....and then along with this mothers could register to get help with diapers in the home...like WIC or Welfare that helps with food...there would be help for diapers. (I know the LDS church helps with diapers...but that is the only place I have heard of. There are resources around the community that help with diapers...but do not have a continuous supply(like diaper banks)...so they run out and rely on toiletry drives to replenish...meaning there is a pause in services available)...so I know the diaper centers is really BIG idea and would take a lot of planning and implementing...but a good start would be collecting diapers...having a diaper drive. I know that I have diapers that are too small just sitting in boxes that could really be used by someone...so that would be a good place to start...if people out their have diapers they are not using...let's bring 'em in!!

Okay...I was going to write down a few more of my ideas...but this is long enough...and I have a zillion....*school supply drive(which I did a few years ago and was pleased with the results), hygiene kits, free haircut day, shopping buddies, post-partum recovery relief, rent relief, free indoor playcenters(like parks...but for cold climates...especially where there is nothing to do...nowhere to go) after school programs, and a million more.

I was wondering if you guys had any ideas? Anything you have been wanting to do that we can all help with? Anyone you know that needs our services? humor me!

11 comments:

Cheri said...

Seriously, a free indoor playcenter where the parent must be present, not a daycare, would be amazing! I would be in heaven. My kids love to go to the park , but when it's too cold, especially for Lily, we are stuck inside constantly. I take the kids to Mcdonald's not for the food, but so they can play, but I of course must buy them the aweful food available there so that they can play. Yuck. Makes me sick just thinking about it.

Kristin said...

That is such a great idea! I am in! I just don't know hot to go about starting something like that! I will think some more and get back to you with some ideas! Oh and I posted my favorite things so maybe this time you will win!!

Alli said...

Wow you have some great ideas. I donated like two hundred forty diapers to the pregnancy crisis center, but seriously diaper relief perfect. Indoor free play center. That would be so awsome. How many of us stay at home mothers would love something like that. It is so hard being stuck inside all of the time...

You go girl. Sign me up..

Unknown said...

It sounds like the indoor play center is a big one. I think that could be a definite start, especially if you get that going and then have the diaper relief stations there and stuff. But my question is funding? This is where all my ideas go out the window, because I don't know how to get money or resources for these sort of things. You are awesome at getting motivated and spitting out ideas so I am sure you have that thought of already.

Lara said...

First off, I tried so hard to win for you on Casey's fave things. I'm chomping at the bit for you to win, too.
2nd I am with you on whatever kind of relief effort is decided. I am totally inspired to give from that show, too. Now we just need some concrete ideas... but seriously, don't count on me to have any as good as yours... although I'll let you know.

Bradbury Bunch said...

Wow! Sounds like I need to watch this show! Look at you! You've always had this desire to help others--and ALL YOUR IDEAS SOUND GRRRREEAT! I'm with the ladies on the indoor playcenter!

For R.S. this month, I'm in charge of doing a service project, so we're going to make activity kits for orphans in El Salvador (a lady in our ward is hooking us up with these kids) We're getting kits like sock puppets and stories, collecting foam, beads, etc. so they can make headbands, foam puzzles, bingo. It should go great!

It's wonderful if you can make a group where you live to have everyone donate a bit and then send it all out--OR use it in your own community! Maybe start fundraisers for building an indoor playcenter

Wow Laura--your thinking is rubbing off....Now you have me thinking and writing like no other!! I better stop now, but I'll continue thinking on!

When does this show come on?? I so want to see it! :)
Thanks for this post!

julie said...

You know how you want to run your own business? You need be a president of a non-profit organization. That would be the perfect career for you. I love the indoor play area...and anything to do with education. I'm like Casey though in wondering about funding.

Bradbury Bunch said...

I made a change on my tag...please read! :)

Tim and Laura Allen said...

Lara, you seriously are such an amazing girl. I always think about how I should be helping more or donating more or something but I never do it because it seems like so much work to get something like this started. I am behind you 100% whatever you decide to do. the diaper thing is such a great idea. your right, it is so sad to think about little sweet babies out there whose families can't afford diapers. let me know if i can help with anything!!

Carrie said...

They have two really great indoor playcenters here in SC. One is free and it's in the mall on the island. It's all padded and really clean. The other is called the Sandbox Museum and it is the COOLEST place for kids ever...except it's not free. They have all of these stations, a pirate ship, an airplane cockpit, a big kitchen, a construction site, stuff like that...and for kids, it's lifesize...so those are good ideas for your indoor play place.

You ARE amazing Laura!

Liz said...

Laura, you inspire me. I love your ideas. Especially the diaper stations. I'll definitely be thinking about some ideas to add!