In the mail a few days ago, I received a notecard that read National Association of Letter Carriers- Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. The note asked members of the community to fill a grocery bag with non-perishable food items and return it to the mail box by a certain day. The mail carriers then pick up the bags and take them to post office to be combined with other neighborhoods. My mom and I filled a bag of cans and dropped it off at the mailbox!
Apparently, this is the 21st Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive! The National Association of Letter Carriers run this event each year. You can learn more about the food drive and look for next year's Stamp Out Hunger date by clicking here.
It has been a few weeks since the tragedy in Boston and still the city is going strong! What I hadn't known is that the Governor of Massachusetts actually created a foundation in honor of Boston called The One Fund. If you are like me, you first ponder what this fund actually does. After doing a little more research, I found that this is a foundation to help those who need it most. It helps those injured in the bombing and businesses destructed in the event. You can learn more about The One Fund by clicking here.
I found today's act of kindness because Austin works at a shoe store. New Balance, for a limited time, is selling a style of shoe actually called Boston. If you purchase the shoes, 100% of the proceeds go to The One Fund. I have needed a new pair of shoes for quite some time, so I figured this was a great opportunity and I would get a new pair of shoes too. In addition, they glow in the dark! How cool right?
Even if you didn't want to buy a new pair of shoes, there are other ways to help out. Adidas is also selling merchandise to raise money for The One Fund. Or, you can simply donate a few dollars on The One Fund website.
Even though I only live a few blocks away from school, I still find myself constantly driving to school. Today, I decided to take a chance and try out the public bus. It is free for EWU students and picks up right in front of my house. By taking the bus each day- or walking- to school I will not only lower my carbon dioxide emissions and save some gas along the way. My experience on public transportation wasn't as bad as some stories I have heard. Just kidding, it was not bad at all. The trip was quick and easy and there are so many people who ride the bus that you may meet a new friend. Next week when I need to trek into Spokane, I am going to take the bus to work. Again, preventing nasty emissions in the air and saving gas.
After taking what seemed like hundreds of plastics sacks to be recycled, I decided it was time to focus on the REUSE part of reduce, reuse, recycle. When I visited the grocery store this evening, I bought a $1 reusable grocery sack. Now I can just take this sack to the store and save the landfill a few plastic sacks. Even better, if you are a member of Safeway, you can go online and get a free reusable sack. A lot of stores offer discount on reusable sacks. Keep an eye out next time you are at the store and save a few sacks from the landfill in the process!
It is time to keep the ball rolling on Go Green Week, and recycle. At the very beginning of the year, I noticed a plastic bag recycle bin and decided to collect grocery and shopping bags to recycle. In addition, I did a little research and found that Cheney has a recycling center on the main street and took note of what they recycle. With the materials in mind, I began collecting recycleables about a week ago.
(Plastic bags recycled)
Today, I took a little trip to the Cheney Recycle Center and dropped off my items. The man working was really nice and very appreciative for all of the items I had brought in. A little later I was talking to a friend and they had mentioned that, "once you start, you can't stop." Which is highly likely, because everywhere I look now I see new items that could be recycled. It was an eye opening experience to see how much garbage I collected over the course of one week. (seen below) All of that material could have been shipped to the dump to sit in a landfill. The city offers recycling bins for anyone who is interested. I even hear that some places will pay you for your trash...and everyone likes a few extra dollars! ;D
Happy Earth Day, or Earth week in this case! Today I simply focused on conserving energy. Unplugging all unnecessary cords in outlets, turning off lights and avoiding the computer. Each year, unused outlets suck enough energy to power 10.5 million homes! Just imagine how much energy and money you could conserve if you took just a moment to unplug unused cords. Below are the cords I found!
This afternoon, I watched the inspiring and touching movie "Pay It Forward."It reminded me of how simple a chain reaction can be in creating a movement. If we took just one moment out of our lives to pay it forward, we can create something much bigger than ourselves. If you have never seen the movie, I strongly encourage you do so. It is one of those movies that makes you ponder and even just for a moment realize that there is something that everyone and anyone can do to make a difference. In the movie, Trevor the main character simply explains how he can be a catalyst for change. Watch that particular clip below.
Today, I would like to pay it forward by surfacing my thoughts about a few people who motivate me to be better, do better and do more. They know who they are, but I don't think they realize how much they inspire me. After reading this, I hope, no I DARE you to pay it forward by telling at least 3 people how they have impacted you. Most of the time people change our lives for the better and usually are unaware.
1) This person has taught me that not all things come easy in life and if they don't you work for them. They have taught me not to sweat the small things (most of time) and live in this moment. Too often, I find myself planning. I am a planner, it is what I do. But when they are around, it brings me back to now. Time is a precious commodity and one that should not be taken lightly. They constantly remind me that you work hard to get what you deserve. If you want something, go get it because time will pass no matter if you are working towards your goal or not.
2) This person always makes me believe in my dreams whole-heartedly. Sometimes, I think they believe in me more than I believe in myself. But the thing is it is their drive and passion that motivates me. This particular friend is one of those people that, no matter what, has your back and is not afraid to push you to better yourself. They realize that this world is not all fairytales and butterflies, but they also know that there is still some magic left in the world. That no matter how many people doubt them, they believe what matters is that you believe in yourself and you have something worth fighting for.
3) The last person is one of the most naturally talented human beings I have ever met. Not to say they don't work hard, because they do. When they get a vision in their mind, it is no stopping them. This person and I have actually had several discussions about sports and what drives them. They did what they did for the love of the sport, but what they hadn't realized is they were doing so much more. Sports are a beautiful thing (hence all of the inspirational sports movies) and when you watch someone who is a true athlete you know why. Because athletes have always taught us that impossible is nothing.
This afternoon Tiff and I swung by the Gamma Phi house to enjoy grilled cheese with the g phi b's. Gamma Phi is a sorority on campus and which philanthropic events focus on Camp Fire USAand Girls On The Run. Today, specifically, the donations from the grilled cheese feed will benefit a local Camp Fire camp. The girls who were working brought us grilled cheese and our soup of choice. To boot, the house was decorated so adorably. When Tiff and I were there, there were several other tables of people chowing down on their scrumptious soups and sandwiches, meaning the event looked to be quite successful. I hope our sorority was able to raise a good amount for Camp Fire!
Camp Fire, I have recently learned is so much more up my alley than I could have ever imagined. This is a summer camp that offers several different camp courses, such as learning more about the environment or leadership. The leadership camp immediately caught my eye and I did some extra research. The promise of Camp Fire is as follows:
If you visit the Camp Fire website, you can find a list of all of the camps offered in all 50 states. You too can get involved in donating to your school's Gamma Phi Beta sorority, donate online, volunteer or even be a camp counselor. Today's youth are our leaders and they need good role models to light the way, just like the G Phi girls.
Today's act is very interesting and so so simple. I was browsing the Random Acts of Kindness website and came across an entry called click for a cause. It claimed that by clicking on different websites, money, food, etc. would be donated to the particular cause. No money, no hassle, just one click of the mouse. When you click, their sponsors donate. Attached to their entry were several sites that "clicking for a cause" applied. The list is set up by category of cause, so you have a lot to choose from. Here is the link for free click sites and an excerpt from their site.
Think you can't make a difference because you don't have any money? Below are links to websites whose organizations will receive money because you clicked them. Please note that some will only allow one click per day from the same computer. This is a great thing to do while you're stuck on hold during a phone call. Spread the word to your friends and family - when thousands of people are all doing it, it really does add up"
I did a lot of clicking and donated to disabled animals and hungry children. I hope that by clicking a lot on my little mouse, I was able to make a big difference. The cool thing about these sites is that you can go back daily and do some more clicking. You can click as much or as little as possible. So, now I encourage you to click around too. I mean, the odds are great that you are on a computer right now. Just a few more clicks and you could make a difference!
Yesterday while scrolling through Facebook, I saw a picture that said "wear a race shirt tomorrow in honor of Boston." Right when I saw that I thought how great of an idea this was, yet so simple. I went back to my room and scrambled through my closet to find all of my races shirts. When I found all my shirts my first thought was, man I have a lot of t-shirts, which was shortly followed by the thought that I should not wear one tomorrow, but one each day for the rest of the week.
When I woke up this morning I was getting ready for my internship and was trying to get creative with a business casual outfit and a race shirt. Luckily, I had one that only had print on the chest, small enough to be covered by my blazer. I'm sure it did not look fabulous but it didn't matter, as a friend of mine said, "because somethings are more important than dress codes." Each time I looked down at my outfit it constantly reminded of those in need and it kept them close to my heart.
Tomorrow it will be a different shirt and a different one the next day. It may be nothing immense, but it's the thought that counts, right? There is no such thing as too many prayers and thoughts for those in need. Keep it up world.
One day without shoes? Sounds easy enough. Boy, was I wrong. Each year TOMS challenges everyone to forgo shoes and really live in the world of someone else, someone without shoes. TOMS is all about providing those who have no other choice but to walk barefoot with a pair of shoes. When you buy a pair of TOMS a pair will be donated to third world countries. Recently, TOMS has also started selling glasses. when you buy a pair of glasses, you are also paying for sight for someone in need. Basically, TOMS believes it is 'One For One'. Buy one and they will provide one. To learn more about TOMS and their movement, shop here.
Depending on where you live, this challenge can be just that, challenging. Today is was so cold in Cheney and wind was a blowing. My toes froze instantly. Immediately my perspective had changed and I realized how fortunate I am to not only have socks on my feet, but shoes too. I was able to withstand most of the day without shoes. Fortunate enough for me, I was inside the majority of the day.
However, I spotted this gent walking across campus and he was going strong. In addition, he was also representing by wearing a TOMS shirt. I commend him tremendously for making a statement and making a difference. Congratulations if you were also one of the few who stood strong! One Day Without Shoes is an annual event, so keep your eye out for next year's date!
God bless,
Kailee
PREVIEW: Tomorrow, I will be wearing a race shirt in honor of Boston and their runners. Join me?
A few days back, a friend of mine mentioned that she and another girl were collecting pop tabs from cans of pop. The tabs collected will then be donated to the Ronald McDonald House here in Spokane. It is amazing that something so simple could make that big of an impact. To help them out, I went to Bimart and bought a couple boxes of soda. With two roommates, I'm sure we will finish the pop in no time.
If you too would like to collect tabs and donate, please notify me. I'm sure the girls would appreciate all of the donations they can get. The girls are collecting tabs until May, so you still have plenty of time to drink some pop and donate! Now, I'm going to go get my root beer float on!
This morning, I had the pleasure of helping a friend and fellow Miss Washington sister set up for The Lands Council's 18th Annual Dinner Auction. The event was being help at the Double Tree in Spokane in the very elegant ballroom. The money being raised this evening will go to support the Lands Council and their program titled Project Sustain. Project Sustain is a school program for students to learn how to be more sustainable and take care of the environment. An interesting fact that I learned about the organization is that they rescue beavers who are in danger and move them a better location. In addition, a local coffee shop brews The Land Councils' very own coffee called, Beaver Slap! To learn more about the organization, visit their website! http://www.landscouncil.org
Reina and I set up the decorations and the desserts for the evening. We went around to each table and made sure the center pieces, table numbers and the table tents were all in place and looking good. Also, we helped to set up silent auction items, and some items were so cool that I would have bid on them. As part of the auction, the guests will receive dinner and dessert. However, the dessert is chosen via dessert dash. If you have never taken part in a dessert dash, they are quite the experience. Each person from your table chips in to your table's overall amount. The table who donates the most money gets to choose their dessert first. BUT, the runner must be quick because the next highest table will be right on their heels! If you have the opportunity to go to a dessert dash, I highly encourage it. It is so much fun!
I really enjoyed helping Reina and the rest of the crew set up for the auction. I learned a lot about the organization and what they do to make our community sustainable. I appreciate this specific dinner even more because Earth Day is just around the corner. How will you show Mother Earth your love?
Lately, I have seen Easter Seals pop up and wonder who they are and how I can help. When I went to the grocery store this afternoon, I noticed that Safeway was accepting donations for them. I asked the cashier what it took to donate and they explained that they were asking customers to round up their purchase and the change would be donated. Because I visit frequently, I have rounded up and donated my change plus a few extra dollars. I'm going to make it my mission to donate each time I visit Safeway and I encourage you to look for simple opportunities in your area. All it takes is a little change to make a change.
Easter Seals is a non-profit organization determined to making a difference in the lives of those with disabilities. You can find more information by visiting https://secure2.convio.net/es/site/SPageServer
Lately, there has been a lot of talk about the End It Movement. Kids, adults and celebrities have all been seen displaying a red X on their hands. Because of all of the commotion, I decided to look into it more. And what I found was shocking. Below are some of the statistics found on their website.
The End it Movement mission is shine a light on the issue of slavery. To let others know that it still exists and let those who are living as slaves know that they are not alone. You can learn more and watch videos at http://enditmovement.com/.
One of my favorite quotes is from Margret Mead who said, "never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." This is a movement. It requires others to take part. To keep it moving! So, like many others, I planted a large red X on my hand to share with the world. But a movement is nothing without action. My goal is to not wait until someone asks about the mark, but rather explain to at least 5 people why it is on my hand. This is something that seriously everyone can take part in. So what do you say...are you in it to end it?
