The Joy's of Fundraising

The basic issue that comes up every time you look around the corner -- any corner -- is how much will it cost??  Well, let me just say, a pretty penny!  Life is EXPENSIVE!  So, we try to find ways to earn money.  In this Outreach we ask for donations, we ask for businesses to help us by donating percentages back to us, we hold events, we guilt our family and friends (yes, YOU!) but really, its a daily task.  How do we get more money.  This time of year especially.  There are Prom's at the High School's and graduation is coming!  These are such wonderful memories of high school that no child should miss.  So -- we head out to fundraise.  Do you know how expensive fundraising can be??  Well, I am finding out the hard way.  It's not cheap to print brochures and flyers.  I am learning as I go.  I am equipped with a generous heart and a desire to help those in need.  I think that this armor will protect me and take me far.  And I hope, with all my heart, that we find success.  in the form of cash (insert winky emoji)!

Well -- here it goes…what's a blog?  I am always a little behind the times on figuring out this stuff.  I am not the most tech savvy individual.  Or the best writer.  But I DO have heart.  And that's what I have to share here.  I may not get my punctuation right.  I may actually add words to the existing English language -- but I know that I can share from my heart about our Outreach.  Hopefully, by doing this, we can all help families, and mostly kid, get through a very important time in their lives.  I have know MJ for several years.  We have both been involved in PTA with our kids schools.  MJ is much more involved then I have been.  She is an inspiration.  I have always felt the desire to help those less fortunate then I am.  I have struggled in my life, I have worked hard, and I now feel that I can offer my time to help others.  I struggle with my inability to "save the world", I guess I am a bit of an overachiever.  I have a generous spirit.  I want to help.  I want to spread joy.  I want to see smiles.  I feel that education and information are keys to succeeding.  My goal for HEART in Hand Outreach today is to spread the word.  I want to get into all of the schools.  I want to talk to counselors and teachers.  I want to hang out with students.  I want to empower PTA's to help us help the kids we see every day!  Kids are the future.  Period.  They have to know that regardless of their situation now -- that they can become anything they want.  They need to feel empowered to become what they dream of.  They need to learn that they are the one thing that they can count on every day -- they themselves are worthy and wonderful.  That the community may not be able to cure all of their ill's but that we care and that we can help make things a bit better.  This is my personal vision for HEART in Hand.  one step, one day, one smile at a time...

I received MJ's invitation to Blog and the question, "Why me?" popped into my head along with the heart palpatations, light headedness and distress that goes along with an anxiety attack! Me? A Blogger? My anxiety of writing goes back to High School when my English Teacher called me to her desk and in front of the entire class praised a thematic book report I wrote and loudly proclaimed that she didn't believe I wrote it. If I remember right, her exact words were, "This is an excellent report, you couldn't have wriiten this!" Despite my anxieties over writing (and, I must add, public speaking) I will do my best to become a Blogger that will keep you informed, give you a new way to look at things and give you opportunities to help others.

We Believe...Smile On!

Leslie

It's a New Era - We have a TEAM!

It has been awhile since I've posted an update, yet HEART In Hand has still been helping students and families in need in the Spokane Valley. Because donations and fundraising have been down, we now have a TEAM of people that are behind this important endeavor to help those most in need in the Valley. They will be posting and updating on here as well. They are: Elizabeth Mallinen & Leslie Camden-Goold. These beautiful women share the same passion about this work and mission, and along with your help, will help to meet more needs this year. So keep tuned! We hope to be posting more frequently with more information on how we are helping those in need and how you can help. Blessings!

Hey all. I have some more requests for some of our neighborhood families that are in need. Does anyone have any of the following: a couple of twin beds, some living area chairs or a couch. If so - please let me know!

December 7, 2012

Did you know..... Just in the 2011-2012 School Year, HEART In Hand awarded around $3000 in financial aid and help to our students and families in need in the Central Valley School District? Over 40 students & families were helped with funds raised by our community for the HEART In Hand. Please consider making a donation by clicking on the "Donate" button on the left of the page!

TOGETHER, We ARE Making A Difference/ WE HAVE MADE A Difference!

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2010/may/29/helping-hand/

To all of those who have helped with the "O" family these past few months, who have contributed to the HEART IN Hand Outreach, or participated in the HEART Run -- please read how the little things we can do can have such an impact on someone's life! Hear how the "O" family is doing now. (Yes, the 8 of them have moved OUT of their 30 foot RV after 9 months!)

I wish they would have printed all the people that have been involved with this -- YOU ALL are REALLY the one's to be celebrated!

We are a community coming together to make a difference in our neighbors' lives! Thank you to all of you who have contributed!

TOGETHER, We ARE Making a Difference!

May 17th Needs

Happy Spring Everyone!

I hope this email finds you all well! And I hope you’ve been enjoying the beautiful weather that we’ve had! There’s no prettier place than right here when the weather is nice!

I have a couple of needs to ask you for a Spokane Valley Family in Need:
• 3 twin mattresses
• Car or Truck Battery that is working
• Bedding for 3Twins & 1Queen Size
• Bunk Bed

Please let me know if you have any of these items available as soon as you can.

Also, If you know of anyone that can fix a clutch – or has towing capabilities (able to tow a truck) that would be very helpful!
I probably will need a someone who can haul a queen size mattress for me as well.

Thank you so much for your continued support of the HEART In Hand Outreach.

TOGETHER, WE ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE!!!!!

1st Annual 2010 5K HEART Run, April 10

What a day! The 2010 5K HEART Run event took place on Saturday April 10th to benefit the HEART In Hand Outreach, helping our local students and families in need in the Central Valley School District Community. The day was bright and sunny -- a great day for a run!

With around 180 participating, The HEART Run, ran by the Central Valley PTA/PTSA Council, was able to raise over $2000 to give back to those that are homeless or in temporary or transitional housing, thanks to our major event sponsors Galaxy Grind, KOHL'S, SNAP Fitness, ANYTIME Fitness, Mountain West Bank and Dorian's. The event also generated much needed awareness of the need in our community, with coverage from our local TV stations. Many participants also brought needed toiletry items like deodorant, shampoo and soap, which will also be distributed out to those students in need in the Central Valley School District.

We'd like to thank all of our participants, our sponsors, and all the volunteers, especially University High School which helped greatly in all the planning. We also had wonderful help from the volunteer groups from University High School, Central Valley High School and Horizon Middle School, along with volunteers from KOHL's. Thank you to everyone for helping to make this 1st year event so successful, and for reaching out YOUR hands to care for our community! We look forward to next year!

Thank You!
MJ Bolt & Rondielle Frye, Chairs of the 2010 5K HEART Run

Happy March to everyone!

I know it has been awhile, but I finally have a updated list of some needs in our community!

First of all, I’d like to officially invite everyone to participate in our 5K HEART Run on Saturday, April 10^th that begins at 9 a.m. All proceeds from this fun community event will directly benefit our HEART students and families! You can go to www.cvptacouncil.org to register online.

Secondly, here’s a list of needs:

·         List of Toiletry Items to Have on Hand for Students:

o   Deodorant

Men & women

o   Shampoo

o   Toothpaste

o   Soap

o   Toothbrush

o   Razors

o   Lotion

o   Feminine Hygiene

·         Female –

o   Size 18 jeans, or pants

o   XXL tops

·         Food for teen female on her own, in own apartment

·         Lamps

·         17-year old single teen mom w/ 16 month old daughter moving into her own apartment – needs any household items

o   Pots & pans

o   Cooking utensils

o   Cookie sheet

o   Big Tupperware bowls

o   Slow cooker

o   Baby proof items

o   Broom/mop

o   Cleaning supplies (earth friendly/cleaning basket

o   Shampoo/conditioner (dove)

o   Razors/soap

o   Towels/bath, kitchen

o   Wash clothes

o   Toothpaste

o   q-tips

o   hand mixers

o   griddle

o   lamps

o   blankets

o   flour, sugar

o   salt, pepper

o   raviolis, spaghetti o’s

o   mac n cheese

o   vacuum cleaner

o   dining table

o   chairs

o   night stand

o   coffee table

o   end tables

o   booster seat for eating

o   sheets

o   hangers

o   microwave

o   can-opener

o   toaster

o   blender

o   pitcher

o   rugs (bathroom, kitchen)

If you have any of these items, you can contact me.

Thank you so much for helping with our homeless and students in transitional or temporary housing in the Central Valley School District!

MJ

Spokane Valley Kiddos In Need – Not Just for Christmas

These are all kiddos in our schools that have some really basic needs – not just for Christmas. So even if you can’t get these items to me before Christmas, it would all help! Remember to pass the word on - as a lot of people might be getting rid of items as they get new items this Christmas: plates, clothes, microwaves, linens…..etc…

Just contact me, MJ @ bmjbolt@comcast.net or 443-9935 if you have any items for the following students:

Anything you can do would be great!

1. The “L” Family is a family of 6 w/ 4 kiddos in Central Valley School District.

Family in huge transition, even though both parents are working, they really don’t have the means for Christmas as they are taking everything they have to get into a permanent place ASAP. Both mom and dad are working, and have to work on Christmas Eve. 

We’re trying to take some food over Thursday for them to make up some hot turkey sandwiches for Christmas – but any home baked items might be a really nice adition. Anything you can do would be awesome! They are right now staying in temporary housing @ a 1 bedroom Motel room w/ no kitchenette & just a small refrigerator. They have a small burner and a microwave -  that’s all that is available for them to cook with.

• Girl = 13, size womans’ L
• Boy = 14, size XXL, size 38
• Boy = 15, size XXL, size 40
• Girl = 17, size womans’ L

  o Their needs include anything to celebrate Christmas – gifts, meal, etc.
     A movie night out w/ the family might be a great thing – or dinner.
  o Furnishings for their new place – I will get more details
  o Some gift cards to Walmart/Target/Fred Meyer for food/needs for the home/Christmas presents
  o A Permanent Place for their Family – getting a deposit together is a bit of a struggle.

Other ideas = sweats, hoodies, t-shirts

Underwear & socks

Backpacks for all 4

Gift Cards, etc…



2. Female – pregnant soon-to-be mom who is living w/ boyfriend who is working. They have been living downtown, but are moving to the Valley this weekend to be closer for her school. Do not have vehicle, transportation by bus only.

  o Crib for baby, due in late Feb – even a portable crib.
  o Maternity clothes for mom – need warm, winter clothes size 6-7 but pregnant.
  o Hooded sweatshirts – L
  o Sweats
  o Tops
  o New Baby items
  o Baby carrier
  o Baby bouncy
  o Diapers
  o Crib bedding
  o Bottles
  o Any other baby items
  o Baby warm outdoor clothes (for transporting in Feb/March via bus – waiting at bus stops, etc.)
  o Furnishings for new place (moving from a furnished to unfurnished)
  o Work pants for Dad
  o Black twill
  o Size 30/34’s
  o Hoodies/Sweatshirts – size M
  o Hygiene basket for both of them – needing all personal items.
  o His & Her shampoo
  o His & Her deodorant
  o Razors
  o Toothpaste, tooth brushes
  o Etc.
  o Gift for the 2 of them for Christmas – maybe a movie night, or dinner?

3. Contacts - Eye Exam & Contacts for 2 girls
  o Affecting their reading and studies, but won’t wear glasses & don’t have the funds for contact        exam or contacts
  o Having headaches from straining

4. Male – living at Crosswalk downtown
  o Needs size 11 tennis shoes
  o Socks
  o XL Sweatshirts/Hoodies
  o Shirts

5. Female – mom is having surgery and will be out of work for awhile
  o Need food
  o She is looking for a job (student) to help w/ finances
  o Gift cards

6. Female –
  o Needs clothes – size 20 jeans or equivalent

7. Male – Hoodies/sweatshirts – size XL

8. Female – winter shoes & tennis shoes size 9

9. Female – needs clothing and items for baby
  o Wears size 2 – needs any clothing
  o Especially sweatshirts - hoodies
  o Also desperately looking for a job – very hirable
  o Needs diapers for a two year old
  o Needs clothing for 2-year old

10. Female – need clothing and baby items
  o Baby – 2 ½
  o Baby boots 3T & shoes
  o 3T coat & warm cloth
  o Pullups
  o Lots Food
  o White winter coat – Small
  o Gloves for her
  o Gas Card

11. Female – 16
  o Likes black
  o Needs XL Hoodies/Sweatshirts
  o XLShirts
  o Very shy

12. Female – living on her own
  o Needs job
  o Food – mainly kitchen staples
  o Dinner plates & kitchen supplies
  o Cooking supplies

13. Female – in need of clothes
  o Size 10
  o In need of any clothes

14. Barker extras – just to have if needed for some of their students:
  o Hoodies/Sweatshirts all sizes : M/L/XL/XXL
  o T-shirts all sizes
  o Gloves & Coats
  o Sweats all sizes sexes
  o New Underwear & socks - both sexes and all sizes
  o Bus passes


Let me know any thoughts or suggestions you might have! Thanks!
And thanks again for all your help, helping these teens in need!

TOGETHER, We ARE Making A Difference!

What a Community Can Do - TOGETHER!

This is just an update from the needs that were sent out about the “O” Family last week:

****RENT & STORAGE RENT HAS BEEN PAID FOR!!!!!!

What a Blessing!

• I’d like to thank a certain Redeemer Lutheran mom’s group for their generous donations & a few other private donors for their caring donations for this family!
• A private donor donated propane on Friday – enough to last them for 15 days – which helps w/ cooking and hot water for showers & cleaning!
• We paid their lot rent on Monday, to ensure they would continue having shelter, heat, and a place to stay.
• Today I will be going with them to pay their storage up-to-date so that they will be able to access their belongings, and not lose their things to auction!
• Through Redeemer Lutheran, we were also able to secure a storage place at no cost for the “O” Family’s things. So we plan on moving their things this Sunday after church – any able & strong bodies that would like to help, please contact me! This will keep the storage fees from continuing to accrue monthly!
• What an amazing blessing our community has been for this family!!!! They are so encouraged!!!! Thank you for your continued prayers and care for this family. There are still needs that are needed, as you can check below – but what amazing things a community, coming together can do!!!!
• On behalf of the ENTIRE “O” Family – THANK YOU!!!!

TOGETHER, We ARE Making A Difference!

Thanksgiving Meals Report -- 61!!!

Happy Post-Thanksgiving to all of you! I wanted to give you some definite numbers on our Thanksgiving Meal Drive - 61 Central Valley Families were given a full Thanksgiving Meal Dinner, including turkey, potatoes, vegies, stuffing, pie and other trimmings! (The above pictures don't show the turkey and bag of potatoes that were given with every meal, this was just the trimmings!) 45 dinners were delivered to Barker High students, 8 to Broadway Elementary students, and 8 to Progress Elementary students! Thank you again to the ONE* community who donated all this food for our Central Valley students and families! What a Blessing! We continue to see what we can do when we come together and work together for the good of our neighbors!!!

Also, thank you to those who have given donations through the easy "donate" now button through paypal! We so appreciate your donations!

Thanksgiving Needs

Another Family needs your help: Mom & 3rd grade daughter need:

• Help fixing their car - they are living with a family in CDA and need to transport back and forth for school. The car's problems seem to be a radiator issue.
• They need help packing and moving from Spokane Valley to temporary home in CDA.

Another Central Valley Family: Single Mom & 3 kids: (4th grade & 3rd grade twins)

• Boots: girls: size 4 (likes Pink)
• size 6 (likes Purple) Need Met - THANK You!!!!
  
• boy men's size 6.5 (any boy colors)
• All 3 need snow gloves and socks

Another single mom, as I stated in the list of needs on the left really needs your financial support this week. The mom needs $150 to help cover half of her all-day kindergarten placement of her child. We do not want to move the child due to increased trauma the family has had (father died unexpectedly in May, family had to move, mother just started a new job but won't get paid for 2-3 weeks.) Even if you can give $20 -- 8 people giving $20 would help this mom.                Need Met!

- You can email me @ bmjbolt@comcast.net and let me know if you can help or if you'd like more information.

Monday, Nov. 23rd

An Awesome Sunday! Thank you to all of you who brought food for our Thanksgiving Meals in a Bag Sunday at ONE*! Our best estimates are that we received 58 Turkeys!!!! We will be putting meals together today for Barker High families and other schools, so I will update you on exactly how many meals are distributed. What an amazing blessing!!! I hope to post some pictures soon!

Just to update you on a few things:

• Family really needs propane to be able to take showers and cook their food. They have about 3 small tanks (5 gal) & 1 bigger tank (25 gal.) If 4 people gave $20 for their propane, we could get all the tanks filled!
  
• Also could use some dish towels and rags.
• Money to buy toiletry items or Winco gift card, (toilet paper, dog food, etc.)

I hope you all were able to read the article in Spokesman Review this Sunday, as they talked about homeless kiddos in our schools - it definitely painted a picture of what the situation is like right now. They also noted our PTA HEART in Hand Outreach in the article for a way to help.

Again, together we can make a difference, and we are! I so appreciate your help in advance! Thank you for keeping these in need in your prayers and in your hearts during this time! And thank you for doing your part of taking care of our neighbors! Please let me know if you can help in any way.

More Needs

Thank you for all of your feedback on this Blog! It's exciting to see what caring individuals we have in our community, and I know TOGETHER, we CAN make a difference -- AND WE ARE!!!!
I have listed a few more needs over on the left, as we have teens - some on their own - struggling to make ends meet. They need clothes, linens, baby items, and even dishes & serving ware. Having an option for them to just be able to "shop" and pick out their own would be a huge blessing. I figure - your dollar can go farther at Goodwill & Value Village than other places, and there are great selections there! If you'd like to purchase these items individually, please let me know, and I can get you more specifics.

What is needed Now?

The thanks I've received from this family have been great! They are 'overwhelmed' with the generosity and care of our community! They are so very thankful and have asked me to please share their thanks with everyone!

So what is needed now?

• As temperatures drop, propane is needed to help heat their RV and to cook with. Last time it cost $80 to fill 2-5 gallon tanks and 1 25-gallon tank. They have an additional tank that was given to them. Again if you could donate even $20 - we'd only need 5 people to be able to fill all the tanks that should last them about a month.
• Consider how you might be able to bless this family for Thanksgiving. However, there's not really means for them to cook a large turkey since they are in a RV. Maybe you'd have some ideas?
• Other families/students are also in need, so you will see an updated list on the left hand side of this blog. Right now we need wrestling shoes for a teen. I will get more information ASAP.

I thank you in advance for your concerns, your prayers for these families and students in need, and your networking capabilities. This will be the best way I know how (at the moment :) ) to keep an interactive updated list. Again, feel free to share this blog!

One other great thing that I want to share quickly is what a local church is doing to help meet the needs of kiddos & families in our District.

• This HEART in Hand Outreach has facilitated a partnering of our Faith Based Communities with local schools to help facilitate the meeting of the these needs that are present in the families of our schools. One of our local churches (ONE*) will be delivering at least 40 “Thanksgiving Meals in a Bag” on Monday to Barker High School, which will include a frozen turkey, stuffing, potatoes, rolls, pie and even instructions and leftover recipes. These meals will be given to teens determined by the school administration that represent some of these families in need. This church has also decided to help fund Barker High School’s Annual Thanksgiving Celebration, where the school provides a great feast for all the students and staff. This year this celebration includes a “Community Give-Back” program where Barker High Students will be making gifts and crafts to give back to local organizations and communities, like Candlelighters, a local Retirement Home, Progress & Broadway Elementary Schools, Meals on Wheels, Kiwanis, and Barker families.

What we have done already

FYI - the below needs have been met! See what a community coming together can do! You all are AWESOME!!!

Spokane Valley Family In Need, Can You Help Now – Even a Little?
The “O” Family

The “O” family is a Spokane Valley family that has 6 kiddos in our school district and 2 adults. They are living in a 36 foot RV right now and have been living there for 4 months. They had to move out of their rental home suddenly when their landlords went into foreclosure on the property, which they were not made aware of. It took a lot of their money to move all their belongings into storage and to get a Mobile Home Park slip. They are awaiting some low-income housing that would be big enough for their family of 8. They are in need of some hope and some help. Even a little help would be much appreciated!

• One of the most urgent things for this family Spokane Valley family right now is for their Storage Unit to be paid up-to-date by November 3rd or the contents of their Storage Unit will be completely auctioned off November 4th. They would lose all of their belongings that are in storage that they could use once they are able to get into some low income housing.
I believe that it is around $160 (**see below). Can you do $20?? If 8 people did $20 -- we could get this need met!

***UPDATE – I called the storage place yesterday, ABC Storage – N. of the Freeway off of Pines, and they said they need to pay $205 by this Tuesday (Nov. 3rd) for the storage not to go into Auction status – which incurs more penalties. I also asked them if there was anything they could do, and there was a few community members trying to help this family. The worker was going to talk w/ the manager today and will get back to me.

***UPDATE (10/30)– we have received $60 by asking 10 people to donate $20 each. Even $10 donation will help us get closer to meeting this need!

***11/1 UPDATE -- 4 more people have stepped up and promised to give for this family - so now we are at 9 families who have given a total of $210 - we needed $205!!! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! I know the "O" family will be so blessed by this news (I am seeing them today & will share with them!) If those who said you could help could get the $ to me tomorrow, I will take it directly to the Storage Facility tomorrow. WAY TO GO EVERYONE!!!! WHAT A HUGE BLESSING YOU HAVE BEEN TO THIS FAMILY! This will give this family more time to be able to pay their total bill off, and keep them from having their things go into auction.

• They are also in need of help fixing their only vehicle's clutch (on an older truck.) The cost to fix this is around $500 estimated. They are only able to get around by STA right now. If you know of anyone who might be willing to help, please contact me.

***11/17 UPDATE: As of Monday, this family has received a donation from another family of a 7 passenger VAN!!!

• They also are in need of some STA bus passes. As of November, she said they would need 3.
***11/17 UPDATE: Not needed now, since the awesome donation of the listed above van!

• It also costs them around $12/week to do their laundry (in quarters only!) at the washing machine closest to where they are staying. There is no quarter machine there, so they have to have quarters to wash their clothes.

Here is some more information about some of their needs:

"Our family has come across hard times and we are in need of several household items. If you come across anyone that may have extras we could use them:
- Household goods are needed such as:

• baby wipes (unscented),
• pullups size 3-4T,
• Toilet Paper,
• Shampoo and Conditioner (All Natural),
• Bar Soap (Scented Free)
• Razors for men and women,
• Dish Soap (Dawn),
• Paper Towels, etc...
• Dog food and Cat food
• We do get food stamps so food items are not neccessary.
• Girl: 15 yrs old, needs shirts of any kind: M-L in adult, also need waterproof shoes 9.5 wide or snow boots. (*see below)
• Girl: 13 yrs old, needs waterproof shoes or snow boots in 9.5-10 wide.
• Boy: 13 yrs old, needs size 12-14 pants, shirts of any kind size M, needs waterproof shoes or snow boots in size 10 mens.
• Girl: 10 yrs old has a bday on 11/2/09. Needs pants that are low rise size 10 short little girls, winter shirts of all kinds size M in girls, waterproof shoes or snowboots in size 1.5 little girls.
• Boy: 8 yrs old, needs winter shirts of all kinda size 8-10, needs waterproof shoes or snowboots in size 1 little boys.
• Boy: 3 yrs old is in need of pants size 5-6T. Winter shirts size 5-6T and waterproof shoes or snowboots size 11.5 little boys.
• Adult male needs 3XLT shirts of any kind.
• Adult female needs size 12 average pants.

- Any help would be of great appreciation. We desperately need some sign of hope. Are you my hope and guidance?" ~This was written by Jan, the Mom.

***UPDATE 10/29 -- we have found a donor for boots for the family! Thank you!!!

***11/17 UPDATE A donation was made to the family in clothes - so now the whole family, except for the 2 younger ones, all have newer clothing, winter boots and coats! Thank you for your help!

***11/17 UPDATE A donation from a community member was made for a Winco Gift Card so the family was able to purchase all the toiletry items needed. THANK YOU!

***11/17 UPDATE - the 2 younger kiddos have also received clothing now, so clothing is not an issue - for now. THANK YOU!


(The unscented & all natural items are needed because there is a sever allergy in the family. Even hugging one of the family members who is wearing something washed in tide - can make the person pass out.)

HOW YOU CAN HELP? -- You can contact me if you have any items that you'd like to give the family. Our Central Valley Council PTA has also just set up a fund for Spokane Valley kiddos and families in need that can take your charitable tax deductible donation, and you can receive a receipt from us. Just contact me for more information by sending me a message if you are able to help in any way. Thank you for helping!

Here We Go!

I'm laying in bed in the middle of the night, thinking, how are we going to have an interactive list for the needs of this outreach group "HEART in Hand?" I am still considering using a group email list, (such as yahoo or google groups) but for now I think this might work! So I look forward to your comments on how to make this better and more interactive. (Especially since I have never officially "blogged" before!)

Please, if you a see a need you or someone you know can help with, please comment on it, then other people can see what has been taken care of and what is left. I look forward to starting this journey with you. Also, do forward this blog web address with others so we can spread our community!