Day 347: Miss Liv's Christmas Miracle

A week or so ago I was invited to like a page on Facebook that a friend had created. The title of the page is "Miss Liv's Miracle." After further inspection, I learned that my friend Beth's daughter was trying to collect 100 coats for kids who don't have one. However, that was't all I learned. This is a message from the page, written by Beth:

2 years ago, on Dec 19, 2011 at 8:05am, Liv and I lost all our monetary and worldly possessions. At that exact moment I thought, “All we have is a car, a dog and $2.00; and we are 1200 miles from family and friends!” What Liv and I would find out over the next 2 years is that we were rich beyond our wildest dreams...
We want to be a link. We want to link those we know with a need, with those we know with a gift. Maybe you will put a coat on that little boy at your bus stop who comes every day without one. There is one of those kids at our bus stop, the inspiration for Liv‘s 100 Coat Drive. Is there one at yours? Liv and I see them now, more than we ever did before. We see them because of our experience. If you don’t know who may need your gift, please bring them to us. If you know someone who has a need but you can’t provide it, bring that need to us. We will help link the need and the provision. You can bring donations to Creations Salon and Spa at 97 Keene Road, Richland; or pm me and I will pick them up.


You can read more and stay up to date on their donations by liking this Facebook page. 

                                          

Today, my mom and I went shopping for coats and what better place to look than Burlington Coat Factory? We each found decently priced coats, one for a boy and one for a girl. Later, I ran the coats to Creations Salon, which is where you can drop off your donations as well! The address is 87 Keene Rd in Richland. 

According to Beth they have received 30 coats, 3 pairs of boots, 2 bags of childrens clothing and enough hygiene products to make 30 gift bags. As you can tell, they have already done an incredible job, but still need your help! 

God bless,

Kailee

Day 220: Miracle Treat Day

It is one of my favorite days! A day to eat ice cream and support a children's hospital!

As many of you know, I have a very special place in my heart for Children's Miracle Network. CMN and Dairy Queen are in partnership and each year they run 'Miracle Treat Day.' On this day, DQ will sell millions of blizzards and $1 of each of those blizzards will be donated to CMN. Last year, DQ raised over 6 million dollars!

Naturally, my family and I went to Dairy Queen after dinner. We each bought a scrumptious blizzard. I tried the S'mores blizzard (and I was a fan)! The Dairy Queen we visited was hoping to raise $5000 and they were about 60% there at 6:30PM. I hope they were able to reach their goal. Needless to say, however, I am sure that the money raised nationwide is substantial. In addition, everyone who took part thoroughly enjoyed their dessert!

I can't wait for next year! 

God bless,

Kailee

(Even Lacy loves blizzards!)

Day 144: May Is For Miracles

May is the month for miracles! During May, Children's Miracles Network has teamed up with several different businesses to raise money for the hospitals. One of those businesses is Carmike Cinemas. This evening, when I went to the movies, I had an opportunity to donate my extra change from ticket sales and concessions. In addition, they were also selling all movie posters for $3. All the proceeds from the poster sales, along with all other donations, will be donated to CMN.

Other destinations and stores that you can donate include; Rite Aid, Costco, Speedway, Chico's FAS, Walmart and Sam's Club and Publix Supermart. You can learn so much more about this promotion and CMN at May is for Miracles. The site talks about how you can donate by giving, watching, shopping and sharing!

God bless,

Kailee

Day 120: The Miracle Project

A little earlier in the year I asked Facebook friends if they had any ideas they may have for acts of kindness. A friend had suggested an organization called "The Miracle Project." This is a group which works to create community for children with autism through music, movement, theatre and film. Because April is autism awareness month, I figured I would take this opportunity- seeing as it is the last day in the month- to donate to the organization.

I checked out what the website had to offer to learn more about what they do and what they stand for. There are several classes that are offered in California and New York. Also, I found several videos better describing the organization and their mission, which states:

"THE MIRACLE PROJECT supports, nurtures and inspires children, teens and young adults with autism and other developmental disabilities as well as their families, through innovative socialization skills, and transformational life building protocols.

We are dedicated to providing a positive and nurturing environment for individuals with autism and their families while building a community of knowledge, acceptance and joy."

In addition, I found this fabulous picture that better illustrates the statistics of autism.

After exploring for a bit, I found a place where I could donate any amount of money. I decided to make a small donation, as I am sure every dollar counts and is appreciated. This was a fantastic way to learn and spread awareness about autism and finish off, yet another great month. 

God bless,

Kailee

Day 7-MAO Week: Donated to The Miracle League

Each contestant who competes in the Miss America system is asked to choose an issue relevant and relatable to them. If chosen as a titleholder, that contestant is then asked to be an advocate for their platform during their year. Over the years, I have seen so many amazing platforms and causes which make the young women in this organization that much more incredible. 

Miss Florida 2012, Laura McKeeman

After watching each contestant's video, I was touched by so many of the contestant's platforms and found that I really related to a few of them. The first platform I related to is The Miracle League. This organization runs baseball games for children with physical or mental challenges. Each player scores and gets to round the bases, which just warms my heart!

As an athlete for so many years, I've realized how important sports are in a person's life. Athletics have taught me so much about myself, working with others and was the first thing that gave me a feeling of accomplishment. I love the idea of The Miracle League because I know what it is like to score a point, make a basket or run the bases. As a child, the feeling is unlike any other and it gives you something to believe in. Everyone should have the opportunity to play the game that they love and most importantly everyone should have something to believe in. 

There is a lot of great gear you can purchase to support The Miracle League, or you can make a simple donation like I did!

Watch Miss America live from Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, Saturday January 12th! 

Have a random act of kindness you would like me to try? Comment below.

God bless, 

Kailee

Day 5-MAO Week: Donated to Children's Miracle Network

In just one week we will have a new Miss America! As the excitement builds and the contestants get ready to compete starting Monday, I figured I would do my part and dedicate this week to acts relevant to Miss America. I begin my week by donating to Children's Miracle Network (CMN). For those of you that don't know, CMN is the national platform for Miss America and she who is crowned is devoted to representing CMN as the Goodwill Ambassador. CMN was founded in 1983 and became the national platform for Miss America in 2007. The thing that I absolutely love about CMN is the fact that they focus on two main goals; help as many children by raising funds and keeping those funds local.

Here are just a few ways that you can donate to Children's Miracle Network!

1. Simply donate money.
2. Donate time working with the kids.
3. Look for chances to 'buy a balloon'.
4. Donate toys or other goodies to put a smile on a child's face. 

Watch Miss America live from Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, Saturday January 12th! Also, keep an eye out for my pageant sister, Miss Washington, Mandy Schendel!

Have a random act of kindness you would like me to try? Comment below.

God bless, 

Kailee