by Claire
It has always been important to volunteer in some way for the community since I was very young. Community service hours were a requirement for high school graduation and I can say that through all phases of my life, I’ve volunteered my time in some way. I’ve struggled more as an adult finding a way to incorporate that in the kids’ lives. My son is very active with Boy Scouts so that teaches a lot about community service but I longed for a family “giving back” project. Recently, as part of my daughter’s religious classes we went on a little field trip to a ministry within our Church. It is called “Mobile Loaves and Fishes” and this group of highly dedicated people put together meals at lunch time and supper time, 7 days a week. They are made up of all volunteers. They make meals in their kitchen at the Church and then have a truck that they drive out to various locations to feed the hungry-refugees, the working poor, the elderly and the homeless.
My 7-year-old daughter was completely inspired at this little 10 minute tour. All she kept saying was how “neat” she thought the director’s “job” was b/c she got to feed people who were hungry. From that night on (about 2 weeks ago) this is all my daughter has talked about. So, I reached out to the director to find out where our services might be needed. As of April 6, we will begin volunteering on the “prep team” on the first Friday of each month.
In addition to teaching the kids about our own money matters, this will serve as a reminder of just how blessed we are to have what we do have and inspire us to live more grateful lives.
Born and raised in Texas. I’ve at least driven through every state in the US courtesy of a roadtrip loving Dad.
I’m single with two children and a good parenting relationship with their father.
I am a “life is just half full of funny” kinda gal. Humor is my saving grace and I am thankful for it every single day. I have a strong Catholic faith and am thankful for that foundation.
I read a lot for a living but still enjoy a good book. I love biographies but in recent years have found the need for fun fictional books–sadly, for a long time I just didn’t enjoy fiction!
I love live theatre of any kind–from local productions to Broadway.
I love to scrapbook and pride myself in my kids’ albums.
I love being a mom but also love my career. I’m blessed to have found a balance allowing me to be at everything my kids need and want me to be at–while also having a career.
Favorite Quotes: Well behaved women rarely make history.
Behold the turtle. He makes progress only when he sticks his neck out. -James Bryant Conant
I think this is wonderful. What a example this will be for your children. It is important to keep perspective. As we strive to become debt free, we have to realize that we can/should still help others in whatever manner we can. The blessing we receive back cannot be measured in monetary amounts. Wishing to continued success on your debt-free journey.
That’s awesome! I took my kids along with our church youth group several years ago to a homeless mission in Louisville, KY called Wayside Ministries. They do a great work there feeding and providing shelter for the homeless. Ever since then, my kids have almost always included the homeless, orphans and the needy in their prayers. Even after all this time, it’s touching to see the effect that trip had on them.
this is great, kids are amazing like that. also, we are familiar with mobile loaves…they are great org.
I LOVE this. once my kids get old enough I want to do family projects too. They’re only 2 & 3 right now and it makes it hard for me to volunteer, between full time job and trying to make a few hours in the week to exercise. but this is GREAT!
I think this is wonderful!! I love that your daughter, on her own, got excited about helping those with less 😀 And now she’ll be able to help them and learn a very valuable lesson about what that means.
And, I think one way to battle feeling defeated about one’s financial situation is to take stock of what you DO have, and to feel grateful for it.
This is so important. I know if I did not tithe regularly to my church I would not be getting out of debt. Giving back forces you to first of all budget your money and second makes you realize how much you have. It really helps with gratitude and on the long haul out of debt you can really feel like you have nothing, or are so poor. I just can’t buy that because I am trying to get out of debt. Poor me…. But if you are giving back you get to see that you are really very rich.
Ditto. I’m pregnant, and we’ve already decided to volunteer at a soup kitchen when the kids are old enough. Giving back helps to pull a community together.
I think it’s so important to give your children the opportunity to gain perspective of just how fortunate they are. This will be a gift to them as they grow up to be much more content with less.
I admit that I have been neglecting giving back, but it’s really something that I need to address. I love helping people, but I’ve been so caught up chasing making money and keeping myself happy. I never stopped to realize that helping other people will make me much happier. I just have to find a cause that I feel strongly about and get off my ass and make the effort. Thank you for the reminder.
this is very important. Well done.
Very inspiring. Helps get the kids in perspective about the budgeting too.
You do also know that you are setting your kids up for much greater successes in life later on right? Beyond the life lessons, financial lessons and family time they pick up networking skills, working independently within groups to achieve common goals and a huge work ethic.
Well done.