Operation Christmas Child

The organization Samaritan's Purse runs Operation Christmas Child every year.  This was the first year that I had heard of it, even though last year they delivered over 8 million shoe boxes filled with goodies to children around the world. 

I picked up decorated shoe boxes at Chick-fil-a (though you can use any box of a similar size) and went to target to buy some special gifts for a child who might not otherwise get a gift this Christmas.  I looked at information online before I went for suggestions on what to buy, so I thought you might like to see my completed boxes (for a 5-9 year old girl):

I was amazed with creative packing what I was able to fit into a shoebox!  The boxes contain almost exactly the same things:

A Barbie princess doll

Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, lip gloss, and a plastic cup)

Candy!

Headband, barrettes, and socks

Coloring book, colored pencils, crayons, play doh, a puzzle, stickers, and a teddy bear! (The teddy bear, coloring book, pencils, and puzzle all came from the dollar spot at Target).

Now I just need to add a note for the girl. I printed off labels online and they are supposed to send me an email to let me know where my box is sent. 

If you are interested in participating there is still time - the National Collection Week is November 14-21 and you can search for the drop-off locations here.  They have great videos online of kids receiving a shoebox and I can just imagine how happy a little girl will be to receive these gifts.  I hope they make her feel special and loved!

Thanksgiving takeout from Georgia Browns!

I'm not a big fan of spending hours and hours in the kitchen and so over the years I've tried many different things for Thanksgiving. 

If you are staying in Washington D.C. and don't want to cook everything, I highly recommend takeout from Georgia Browns!  You can see the menu here: Georgia Brown's Thanksgiving Menu

Just place an order online and pick up Thanksgiving morning ready to be served immediately or reheated later in the day.  The best part is that unlike going to a restaurant there are yummy leftovers! 

Make the holidays brighter for a child in foster care...

The last couple years I have donated to this program and I highly recommend it if you are looking for something extra to do around the holidays. There are many options, such as providing food in a Thanksgiving basket or buying toys for a specific child.  And there are even opportunities to volunteer. 

If you are interested, please see the form below - deadline is this Tuesday (November 1st). 

CFSA Food Basket and Angel Tree Form

Just $5 feeds 15 people in need....

Posting this a little late, but did you "Skip lunch, feed a bunch" today?  If not, no reason that you can't do it tomorrow instead!

A great event, where you donate what you would have spent on lunch to the Capital Area food bank.  Just $5 will feed 15 people in need.

For more information: http://www.capitalareafoodbank.org/skip/

Volunteer for the Latino Student Fund's Tutoring Program

Please consider volunteering for the Latino Student Fund's Tutoring Program - they still need help!

Info from their website (http://www.latinostudentfund.org/volunteer/faq.aspx):

To register - go to this webpage and fill out the form: http://www.latinostudentfund.org/volunteer/register.aspx

"How do I volunteer for the Tutoring Program?
To register for the LSF Tutoring Program, volunteers must attend program orientation and fill out the required paperwork. We ask that volunteers commit at least four months to the program. All tutors over 18 must complete a background check.


Are there other ways to volunteer with the LSF?
Yes, there are other ways that you can volunteer with the LSF. Depending on upcoming events the LSF may need volunteers for those events or people to help with outreach efforts. These opportunities are varied in time and scope so please contact the LSF office at (202) 244-3438 if you have any questions.


Are there any requirements for being an LSF volunteer?
If you are entering the program late or are unable to attend orientation, please contact the LSF Educational Programs Manager at 202-244-3438 or programs@latinostudentfund.org before coming to the program. In addition, all tutors over the age of 18 must sumbit a background check before tutoring.  There are no language requirements to be an LSF tutor. We ask that tutors commit at least four months to the program and are at least of high-school age. There are no professional or academic requirements. All materials and supplies will be provided by the LSF.


How much time do I have to commit to be an LSF tutor?
We ask that each tutor commit at least four months to the program and are prompt and consistent with their attendance. The program takes place between 10AM and 12PM on Saturdays (excluding major holidays and school closures).  If you find that you are unable to commit to coming every Saturday, you can sign up to be a floater tutor to come to the program when our regular tutors are unavailable.


Do I have to speak Spanish?
No, there is no Spanish requirement to volunteer with the LSF. Many of our parents do speak Spanish but all of the students are English speakers and the academic work is done in English as well.


Can I get community service hours for volunteering with the LSF?
Yes, it is possible to get credit with your school for the hours that you volunteer with the Latino Student Fund. Just make sure to SIGN IN EVERY DAY that you come to the program and have the appropriate forms. Every tutor will receive a letter containing their total number of service hours at the end of the program."