Day 38: Valentines For Soliders

I am so grateful for our soldiers and international heroes. However, I think most people- including myself- only show our thanks on Veteran's Day, Memorial Day, the holidays etc. Personally, I wasn't aware of this until the other day. A Facebook friend had posted about helping make valentines for our soldiers. The idea struck me; Why had I never thought of that?! Her sweet invitation made me want to join immediately, but our times got jumbled and I was unable to make it. That, however, did not stop me from running to the store and buying a few boxes of candy.

Because the candy and goodies are going internationally, there are some restrictions on what to and what not to send. A good site to find what you can send is http://www.give2thetroops.org/items.htm. Since Valentines Day is quickly approaching, I am going to give my valentines to the veterans hospital here in Spokane. I'm sure their is a local military office that would love to receive the valentines just as much.

On Valentine's Day, I dare you to swing by, say hello and perhaps leave a small treat for our heroes. God bless them all and bring them home safe!

Day 37: Gave My Condolences

Life is short and unpredictable. Unfortunately, one day a person can be here and the next day gone. In the past week, I have been told about two friends who have lost a family member. I have lost both of my grandfathers and I know how devastating loss can be. I appreciated it when someone- a classmate especially- expressed their condolences.

First, I wrote a simple note to the first friend, who is on the other side of the state. Although words can never heal the pain or make things better, it is nice to know you are thought of and the family is in others prayers.

Then Tiff and I surprised our other friend with some flowers and a card. She had just returned from the funeral out of town. She hadn't quite made it home yet, so we left the flowers in the door. I hope they will bring a smile to her face when she gets home. :) 

Today's lesson is love those around you and don't take them for granted. They will not be there forever.  If you are fortunate to be with them physically today, give them a BIG hug! I wish I could! 

Day 36: National Pancake Day

It is National Pancake Day at IHOP! I hope you had the chance or plan on going to IHOP for your free short stack! Pancakes will be free until 10 this evening.While there, you can also donate to Children's Miracle Network or run into a local or state titleholder serving pancakes!

Each year IHOP partners with CMN to raise money for the local children's hospitals. This year their goal is to raise $3 million nationwide. Last year, our local IHOP raised over $10,000!


This is such an easy act of kindness!
1. Find a local IHOP.
2. Enjoy a short stack.
3. Donate $1 (or more)!

So so simple...and scrumptious :)

(Myself, Miss Inland Empire- Brittany Cozza and Tiffany)

Day 35: Feel Better

If I have learned one thing from leadership it is this; you must take care of yourself before you can take care of others. For a little over a week, I have been fighting a cold. One that, today, got the best of me. I actually had to walk out of class and go to the doctor. I haven't been this sick for a while.

Anyways, I have been going to school, volunteering twice a week, playing volleyball and attending club activities all while trying to get better. Although I was doing an adequate job at all of my tasks, I wasn't getting better. Hence, my body deciding that enough was enough.

Today, I have decided that my kindness is to my body and to my health. I know some may say this isn't truly an act of kindness, but believe me my body has appreciated it. To get better sometimes you need to take a step back and take a break. After resting all day, I do feel better and hope to be good as new soon, so I can continue my acts of kindness.

Day 34: NFL Salute To Service

As we all know, saw or heard, it is Superbowl Sunday! I was hoping to do something relevant to the big event and couldn't find much to go off of. The NFL is a partner with Play60, which is a really cool foundation encouraging kids to play for 60 minutes a day. However, there wasn't much I could do to support them at the time.

I have actually been looking forward to this day. Football, the food, the friends and the commercials, what else could you need? Sadly, I wasn't very impressed with the commercials. There were a few that did stick out though. One was the Miracle Montana Stain. Another was the elders breaking out of assisted living to get some Taco Bell. There was a Jeep commercial with commentary by Oprah to discuss our support for the troops. And finally there was a PSA shown by the NFL and asking for viewer's support to Salute To Service. For example, by texting "WWP" to 50555, you can donate $10 to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Throughout the year, the NFL honors active military members and veterans and organizations such as USO, Pat Tillman and Wounded Warrior Project. If you visit the NFL-Salute page you can learn more and find out how you can donate as well. I decided to donate to Wounded Warrior Project for an array of different reasons. One of them being you can donate anywhere from $1 to $500! Whatever your heart desires.

Football is the All-America sport and can bring out the best- or worst- in us. We view the athletes as heroes who inspire us to be strong and push forward. However, the real heroes are those who are strong and are pushing forward to keep our nation safe and great. Ultimately, I absolutely love that the NFL supports the troops and helps us to remember the true heroes.

God Bless & congratulations to the Ravens!

Kailee

Day 33: Box Tops For Education

A friend told me his aunt's school loves to receive box tops to earn money for their school. Especially, since most schools can use all of the extra monetary donations they can get. I thought that was easy enough, so I rummaged through the cabinets and found all the box tops I currently have. To boot, this darn cold won't go away so this was a easy task to complete at home. You too can collect the tops for a local school! I am sure they would appreciate it.

Day 32: Wore Red For A Reason

Today is known as "Wear Red Day" for the American Heart Association's Go Red For Women. This campaign started 10 years ago to educate women about the dangers of Cardiovascular Disease. According to http://goredforwomen.org/wearredday/,  this disease claimed over 500,000 lives in 2003. Since then, the rate of death for women with this disease has decreased 21% and 23% of women are now aware that it is the #1 killer among women.

If you are on instagram or twitter you can click on the hash tag #WearRedDay and see everyone in their red attire. Below are a few I snagged of some friends!

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

God bless,

Kailee