As a mom to young kids, I think it's easy for me to feel like the world only exists within the walls of my house. I think that it's important to look out beyond the haven of my home and reach out to others in need.
It feels pretty amazing to make a difference in the world by doing something with my time other than wiping runny noses, although that's an important job, too.
I recently learned that 780 million people lack access to an improved water source; approximately one in nine people. That's just staggering to me. So, I decided to use my blog Leigh vs. Laundry as a platform for change. I teamed up with Water.org and a whole team of fellow bloggers to help raise $2,500- enough money to bring clean, safe drinking water to 100 people for life.
We all committed to blog for 10 days about the water crisis to raise awareness and raise funds to help get water to the people of Haiti. We are currently on day 7, and as I type this, we have raised $1,510, enough to provide 60 people with clean water for life. I'm proud to be a part of a collective voice of mommy bloggers who are working to make the world a better place. I hope that others will be moved to donate to the cause.
I also love seeing my fellow moms roll up their sleeves and put some time into helping others. Local momRuby Basham donates her time to The Cave at Covenant Presbyterian Church, a free, non-denominational after-school program for middle and high school youth that takes place on Fridays during the school year.
"I'm a big believer in the 'pay it forward' principle. In my opinion, anyone is who lucky enough to have time, talent, or money to spare should spread it around for the greater good," Basham said. " It's heartening when kids recognize me as part of a good thing in their lives. I'm glad they can make a positive association with caring adults in the community."
Merryn Walker, an Athens All State Insurance agent and mom, felt led to help out Books for Keeps, a program that works hard to place new books directly into the hands of economically disadvantaged children. She discovered the group on Facebook and wanted to support the cause.
"I buy a lot of books for my kids from used book sales, Goodwill, and we go to the library a lot! Books are a resource that should be shared and can make such a difference in a child's life," Walker said.
She offers her help by opening her Allstate office as a drop off space, sorting books at the warehouse, helping with fundraising and then distributing the books. Walker got hooked when she volunteered at a local school for the book distribution, where kids chose 12 books to take home with them.
"The kids were totally grateful and excited to get them. It was sweet to watch them pick one for their sister or cousin to share," said Walker. "We hear from the media specialist that teachers are seeing an improvement, especially in the second graders, and it's awesome!"
For others, the choice to volunteer is personal. Local mom Tiffanie Reed discovered that one of her best friends was diagnosed with Stage 4 lymphoma. Her friend participated in a surf camp with an organization called First Descents, which provides young adult cancer survivors and fighters a free week-long adventure camp where they learn to surf, kayak or rock climb.
Reed decided to train to run in the AthHalf marathon in honor of her best friend and is seeking sponsors to donate money to First Descents. "Knowing that she was headed to camp kept her spirits up while she was going through chemo, and after she went on the trip she could not stop talking about how much the trip had changed her life," Reed said. "It feels great to run a race to raise money for this cause, because I'm finding that I can achieve more than I ever thought I could."
People can make a big difference in world. Moms in particular often having giving hearts but little time. I take comfort in knowing that women like these are out working in full force to help the greater good.
Do you think that it's important to volunteer your time? What causes are important to you? Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments. Feel free to add links to organizations that you support. Let's get the word out!
Beth Pointer
8:55 am on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
I am so proud of my friend Tiffanie. Thank you so much for sharing her story and the mission of First Descents. My life will forever be changed by my experience with them on the shores of the Outer Banks.
Leigh Hewett
7:23 pm on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
It seems like such an amazing group. I'm happy that you were able to do something so awesome and life changing.
Caroline U
10:10 am on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Leigh thank you for everything you are doing for the Water.org 10 Day Challenge! Your participation has made SUCH a difference! We're so lucky to have you!!
Leigh Hewett
7:24 pm on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Caroline,
Thank YOU for being our fearless leader. Being a part of this mission has been one of the most rewarding things I have ever done.
Jesse
1:31 pm on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
This is great! Good for all the moms out there who can find the time to help these groups out. With a little one still at home, I have very little free time but I do think that it's important to care about your fellow man. I know that when I have a a bit more time to myself I will put it to good use and help a cause. I really like Book for Keeps. Thanks for shining a light on these awesome moms!
Leigh Hewett
7:26 pm on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
I understand where you're coming from. My youngest just started going to school in the mornings and I feel like I finally have some time to offer a cause. You don't have to offer just time though. Donating money to a cause is a huge gift!
Sue Anderson
1:52 pm on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
I think we need to teach our children the joy of serving others, and the only way to teach that is by example.
=)
Leigh Hewett
7:26 pm on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
So true!
Risa Haynes
5:24 pm on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
I love these ideas - especially the clean drinking water and free books causes. Any time I find myself feeling pitiful, I try to remember that I have clean water coming out of several taps in my home and I will likely never die of dysentery or thirst. There are so many great organizations to contribute to - either with time or money. A few of my favorites are:
1) The Arbor Day foundation - http://www.arborday.org/ - which will plant a tree in a National Forest for every dollar given. Great for gifts!
2) The Heart Touch Project - http://www.hearttouch.org/ - which brings compassionate and healing touch to homebound or hospitalized, men, women and children all over the world.
3) DonorsChoose.org - which helps teachers get funds for specific projects for the classroom.
I have donated to all these organizations and feel my money went to worthy causes. In the case of DonorsChoose, I even received handwritten and illustrated letters from the students in the class. My favorite letter says (without editing), "Dear Risa, thank you so much for the michine. we like it better than the one's before when she stapled it. They looked crazy like all over the place. But when you bought us the binding michine they look fabilous now. And I love it because they look like real live books. And thanks for your help."
I'll probably never meet these kids, but I'll keep their letters forever. Charity is something you do because it feels good, not because you expect a return on your investment.
Leigh Hewett
7:27 pm on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Thanks for these links! I love that letter you received. So sweet!
Athens Mama
6:54 pm on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Wow! What a great article and fantastic that you have chosen to be pro-active in the global community. My schedule is hectic, but some things I can keep integrated into my schedule:
1. Child Fund International - for $34 a month, you can sponsor a child in need until s/he turns 18. At that time, both you and the child can volunteer your addresses.
2. Sign up your email with change.org, momsrising.org, ThePetitionSite, The Humane Society of the United States, and other social consciousness/environmental awareness sites. Even if you are not able to get away from home for a while, you can sign petitions that make a difference any day of the week from home, and it only takes 2 minutes to sign and share.
3. Pick a child in need of a positive adult. Spend time with that child at least once a month, take them for exciting outings, spoil him/her for his/her birthday, offer a listening ear, offer life coaching. Stay involved as s/he grows up.
Leigh Hewett
7:28 pm on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
I love your idea of signing petitions! I also plan to mentor a girl in need when my boys "need" mama a little less.
Thanks for all that you do, btw. I love seeing the mamas of the world helping out strangers!
Linda Labbo
9:13 pm on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Thanks for writing this great article and inviting others to share their own passions for change in the world. I support Watkinsville First Baptist Church ministries and missions, which include work to overcome poverty and bring hope to hurting people in: Guatamala, East Asia, Uganda, Kenya, The Healing Place, Crosstrainers Ministries (mentor a child in need, and rescuing Afghani Children.
Check it out:
<http://www.watfbc.org/#/missions/partnerships>;
Dave Ballard
12:03 am on Thursday, September 13, 2012
The old story says that a man was once washed away in a flood. A neighbor had knocked on the door to offer space in his car to get to safety, another in a boat went by when the water was up to the windows, and even a police helicopter came while the man sat on the roof with the water swirling just a few feet away. But each time the man said "No, thank you. I've prayed to God, and I believe with all my heart that he will deliver me from this flood."
Needless to say, the man drowned, and when he stood before the Lord asked Him: "Lord, you know I believed in Your Grace completely, so why was I not delivered from the flood even though I prayed?" The Lord said "I sent you a car, a boat, and a police helicopter, what else could you have possibly needed?"
The mothers in this post remind me of the neighbors in the story - the living, breathing answers to someone's desperate prayers.
Kelly Moore
10:20 am on Friday, September 14, 2012
I think I've said this before, I used to have twice the time as twice the money, but gave half of what I do now (time and money wise). It took me having the experience of having very little, to realize the importance of giving, because it could only be a split decision, a moment in time, and your whole life could change and you could end up with next to nothing. Once I realized it could happen to me, and what would my life have been without people giving to me, that I got it. It's important to give back, whether it is time, or talent, or financial. Every little bit does help.