Day 303 - Candy for the Troops

Tonight was trick or treat and the girls made out like bandits.  A couple of years ago we introduced the Switch Witch to the girls.  The idea is that she comes and takes most of their candy and leaves a toy in exchange.  So the girls went through their bags, picked their favorites and then bagged up the rest for the Switch Witch.

So for today's random act of kindness we gathered all of their candy and all our extra candy, packaged it up and sent it to the troops.  If you have extra candy and would like to bring a smile to a service person's face here is the address: Halloween Candy Buyback Operation Gratitude.

Day 303 - Candy for the troops

Day 302 - Donated to a Movember Support Page

We are only a few days away from November which means nation wide support for Movember.  As an official global charity, Movember’s vision is to have an everlasting impact on the face of men’s health. During November each year, Movember is responsible for the sprouting of millions of moustaches on men's faces around the world. Through the power of the Mo, vital funds and awareness are raised to combat prostate and testicular cancer and mental health challenges.  Movember encourages men to join the movement by growing a moustache for the 30-days of November.

So for today's random act of kindness I supported a friend and his fundraising efforts this Movember with a small donation.  Hope it helps him reach his goal and raise awareness for men's prostate and testicular cancer.


Day 302 - Donated to a Movember Support Page

Day 301 - Pan De Muerto for School

This week in the kids' Spanish classes they are going to be learning about Día de Muertos.   In English Dia de Muertos translates to Day of the Dead and is a Mexican holiday celebrated throughout Mexico and around the world in other cultures. The holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died.

Last week their Spanish teacher requested parents donated a bread typically enjoyed during the holiday called Pan de Muerto or Bread of the Dead.  When I checked yesterday only a few of the required loaves were accounted for.

So for today's random act of kindness the girls and I headed to the local Spanish market and grabbed 10 loaves of Pan de Muerto for school tomorrow.  Hope the kids have a great time learning about a new tradition and new holiday.

Day 301 - Bread for school

Day 300 - Attacked Hunger Nationally and Locally

Well we have made it to another huge milestone in this journey.  Day 300!  I cannot believe we are only 66 days from completing this life-changing, year long journey.  For today's act I wanted to try and come up with something a little different and special to mark the milestone. 

So for today's random act we combined acts to tackle hunger both nationally and locally.  As we mentioned in an early act a few weeks ago we started a virtual food drive.  Well as of today, thanks to the support of so many friends and family, we have raised $850 for Feeding America which equals 6,800 meals to those in need!!  Amazing!  Feeding America's mission is to feed America's hungry through a nationwide network of member food banks and engage our country in the fight to end hunger.  We will continue to raise funds until Thanksgiving and don't forget for every $1 donated 8 meals are provided. 

The second act for today was in support of Frisco FASTPacs and a little boy named Kamden.  After hearing about Frisco FASTPacs from a neighbor I visited their website and saw Kamden's video on his Act Local Project.  The FASTPacs mission is simple.   They want to ensure that no child in Frisco has to endure hunger when school is not in session.  FASTPacs currently serves 70 children in 2 schools weekly with 4 schools waiting for assistance.  For his Act Local Project Kamden was collecting donations for this wonderful organization. 

Today was the last day he was accepting donations so the girls and I headed to Sam's to stock up for Kamden and then swung the donations by their home.  They were an amazing family and we think what they are doing to raise awareness about local food insecurity as well as raise support for Frisco FASTPacs is awesome!!  Way to go Kamden and way to go Frisco FASTPacs!

Day 300 - Attacked hunger...nationally and locally!

Day 299 - Clothes for a Little Girl

I recently saw a post on our neighborhood Facebook page of another single mother in need.  She has a 6 year old daughter and one of the items they were in need of was winter clothing for this little girl.  Since my girls are the same age I definitely felt for her and her struggles and knew we could find some items for her.

So for today's random act of kindness the girls and I bagged up some clothes for her and tucked a couple of barbies, ponies, candy and coloring books on the bottom of the bag to hopefully bring a smile to her face.  Hoping mom is able to get back on her feet and that these clothes can help relieve even the smallest amount of stress from her shoulders.

Day 299 - Clothes for a little girl

Day 298 - Bedding to a Family in Need

An estimated 1.3 million women are victims of physical assault by an intimate partner each year and 85 percent of all domestic violence victims are women.  It's a huge epidemic in this country and with so many situations going unreported, probably larger a problem than even these number portray.

We heard recently of a family at our school that is facing a challenging domestic situation.  Mom and children were forced to leave their home with basically the clothes on their back and are currently in an empty apartment.

A wonderful mom from our school reached out to some of the other mothers to collect supplies and spread the word about items this newly single mom and her children were in need of.

In a matter of hours 2 bed frames and mattresses, clothes, curtains, curtain rods, dishes, bathroom linens, toiletries and more were collected for this family. 

For today's random act of kindness I made a small donation to the family in the form of a comforter and sheet set.  Praying for their safety and brighter days ahead. 

Day 295 - Bedding for a family

Day 297 - Registered for a Race

Since today is my last act for breast cancer awareness month I wanted it to be something that encouraged prevention.  Along with smoking, alcohol, diet and weight, exercise is something that can be a huge prevention tool for many types of cancer including breast cancer.  Reports show that exercising just four or more hours a week may decrease hormone levels and help lower breast cancer risk.

So for today's random act of kindness I registered myself and my girls up for the North Texas Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day.  We will follow up our run with a healthier Thanksgiving meal.  Teaching healthy life style choices to the girls and practicing them myself will hopefully help prevent some diseases that we may otherwise be forced to battle.  An ounce of prevention!

Day 297 - Registered for a race

Day 296 - Shared an Instructional Video

Although breast cancer is mostly predominant among women, men are also afflicted with this disease.  1 in every 1000 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lives.  The symptoms of breast cancer in men is the exact same as women, but rarely do men think of breast cancer or associate their symptoms with it.  Because of this, when breast cancer is diagnosed in men, it is typically in its' later, much more vicious stages. 

To be completely honest, I never knew the incidence of breast cancer in men was so high, and I also didn't know that men are supposed to do monthly self breast exams.  I assume my husband is not the only guy out there who has never given themselves a self breast exam, let alone even thought to do one but today he will. 

So today, for my random act of kindness, I am sharing the instructional video below for the guys out there (and for those ladies that don't perform exams).  After I post this act, I am immediately sending it to my husband so he can perform one himself.

Day 296 - Shared an instructional video

.

Day 295 - Donated $2 to Cancer Research

This is a random act I've done a few times during this journey but today's donation was specifically for breast cancer research. 

For today's random act of kindness I donated $2 while checking out at Walgreens.  It's as easy as pushing a button and every extra dollar toward research is getting us that much closer to a cure.  Next time your shopping just click yes when asked if you would like to donate!!

Day 295 - Donated to cancer research

Day 294 - Bought Some T-Shirts

Ok so we are only 6 days away from our next big milestone in this journey...Day 300!!  So what other way to hit that milestone than raise breast cancer awareness for the next few days.

So I have decided to dedicate a portion of this week to recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  For the next few days, each of my random acts will revolve around raising funds or awareness for this terrible disease that affects 1 in every 8 women in their lifetimes (and let's not overlook the fact that 1 out of every 1000 men are affected as well).  There are so many great random acts that you can do for breast cancer (and other cancers), so I want to use this forum to display some of those.

So for today's random act of kindness I bought some t-shirts from this Etsy seller.  They have some great gifts for those battling cancer or those just wishing to spread the word and raise awareness of this horrible disease.

Day 294 - Bought some t-shirts

Day 293 - Supported a Women's Shelter

While I was running errands today I came across some woman fundraising for Hope's Door.

Hope's Door is a shelter and counseling center that offers comprehensive programs and services that are designed to help break the cycle of domestic violence. Hope's Door provides direct intervention and prevention services to Texas families affected by domestic violence in Collin County, Dallas County, and surrounding areas. 

So for today's random act of kindness I supported Hope's Door and the programs they provide for women facing domestic crisis by donating a few dollars.

Day 293 - Supported a women's shelter

Day 292 - Volunteered at a Thrft Store

So I've posted before of my appreciation for Frisco Family Services and all the wonderful programs they provide.  A few of the ladies in my small group were interested in getting together and serving at a local non-profit.  I contact Frisco Family Services and they said they could really use our help at Frisco Resale the local thrift store.

So for today's random act of kindness some friends and I spent a couple of hours sorting and processing donations at the thrift store.  It was humbling and eye opening and definitely made me re think my donations and how to pack them so they are as easy to process as possible.

Day 292 - Thrift store volunteering

Day 291 - Paid for Someone's Yogurt

Today the girls and I hit the yogurt shop after school.  It's definitely one of our favorite places to visit. 

So for today's random act of kindness we offered to pay for the couple after us.  The employee working was a little shocked but thought it was a great idea.

Day 291 - Yogurt for a stranger

Day 290 - Helped Make a Teacher's Birthday Special

One of my girls' teacher's aids is celebrating a birthday!!  The room moms are collecting from the parents to purchase her a spa gift card.

So for today's random act of kindness I added a few extra dollars than they were originally asking for.  Hope she has an amazing time at the spa!!  She totally deserves it!

Day 290 - Celebrated a teacher

Day 289 - Prizes for a Reward Bucket

At our childcare we have decided to reward the kids on Fridays for great behavior during the week.  So far the positive reinforcement has been a huge success!

So for today's random act of kindness we went to the store and stocked up on prizes, toys, and treats for the reward bucket.  I know the kids will be excited to see all the new toys Friday!!

Day 289 - Prizes for the reward bucket

Day 288 - Donated Backpacks to the Neighbors

So both our girls insisted this summer on messenger bags for school.  My husband and I told them they are harder to carry and they would be begging for backpacks within the first week but decided to let them learn the hard way.  Well, they made it 7 weeks before the messenger bags lost their appeal.

So for today's random act of kindness I gifted my girls' messenger bags in excellent condition to 2 neighbors that said they could really use them.  Looks like we'll be rocking the backpacks for the next few years ;).

Day 288 - Bags for the neighbors

Day 287 - Pendant for a Loved One

So I recently found out that a loved one of mine is battling cancer.  We have had friends, children of friends and friends of friends this year battling, some up until the end, but when it's a family member with cancer it always hits home a little differently.  Even though they will probably not be too happy I sent them something because they are way too self sufficient, independent and private to have any attention thrown their way, I still wanted to send them something to let them know we are thinking about them and praying for health, healing and a quick recovery. 

So for today's random act of kindness I sent a small pendant as a gift to someone fighting that all too familiar battle.

PS Cancer still SUCKS!!

Day 287 - Pendant for a loved one

Day 286 - Chunked some Punkins

Today was our church's annual Punkin' Chunkin' event.  A great chance to get out, enjoy the weather, enjoy friends and family and chunk some pumpkins.

These large scale events always have so many hands behind the scenes to make them so successful.  So for today's random act of kindness I volunteered to help with the event and worked a shift at a bouncy house. 

Day 286 - Volunteered at Punkin' Chunkin'

Day 285 - Filled Parking Meters

Today was my husband's 40th birthday and we had a busy, busy day planned for him.  For lunch we headed to a fun outdoor shopping area.  All of the parking is meter parking so we made sure to feed our meter.

For our random act of kindness the girls and I filled expired meters on our way to lunch.  Hope we saved a few people from a ticket.

Day 285 - Filled expired meters

Day 284 - Tipped 100%

It has been about 6 months since my last haircut so I am due.  I went to a nail salon on a referral and the stylist was wonderful!  Very nice and so accommodating.  Right before my appointment I received some cash I wasn't planning on getting as early as I did.  For that reason I thought it would be fun to tip my hard working stylist 100%.  He was very appreciative and I'm sure it helped make his Friday night.

Day 284 - Tipped my hair stylist 100%

Day 283 - Went Barefoot4Them

Today the kids and I made a choice to live without shoes. We went barefoot to represent people who have been affected by wearing inadequate footwear, and to be the voice of those in need.

Soles4Souls' program Barefoot4Them is meant to raise awareness for the 300 MILLION children in the world who do not have shoes by encouraging people to go bare foot on 10/10/13.

For today's random act of kindness we promised our support, spread the word and went barefoot!!

There is still time to participate.  Just complete this form to get started. You will receive a printable card with a story of an individual in need of shoes. Be the voice of this individual today...10/10/13 by going barefoot, sharing their story, and engaging others to get involved. Then, post a photo of yourself going barefoot, with the hashtag #barefoot4them. For every photo uploaded, KindRunner.com will donate $1 to the cause!

Day 283 - Went barefoot

Day 282 - Supported a Friend's Non-Profit

What was your favorite gift or fondest childhood memory as you anticipated waking up to see what Santa had brought? What do your children’s faces look like on Christmas morning after Santa has visited them? Unfortunately, not all children get to experience the excitement and joy that a visit from Santa brings. That's why The 411 Foundation, a non-profit founded by a friend of mine is asking for help as this holiday season approaches. With a donation of just $5, they can help five families give their children the opportunity to experience A Christmas to Remember. The money raised will be used to provide the families with gift cards to Target, Walmart, and Kroger.

So for today's random act of kindness I supported Sean and his non-profit by donating a small amount to A Christmas to Remember.  I pray all those families are blessed and touched by the generosity of others.

Day 282 - A Christmas to Remember

Day 281 - Hosted a Virtual Food Drive

According to a new study by hunger-relief charity Feeding America, nearly 20 percent of Texans are food insecure, the condition of being unable to provide adequate food for a healthy life for all members of a household due to lack of money or other resources.  The data also showed that 38 percent of food-insecure Texans were above the poverty line and therefore ineligible for federal nutrition programs. 

We want to do all we can to help so I thought this would be a great opportunity for a food drive.  Although I decided to take a little different route for this drive and host a virtual food drive.  It's through Feeding America and for every $1 donated 8 meals are provided to people in need.  I think people donating definitely get more bang for their dollar in comparison with a typical canned food drive.

So for today random act of kindness the kids and I decided to host a virtual food drive.  Our goal is to raise $500 by Thanksgiving which would provide 4,000 meals!! 

If you are able to support our efforts that would be amazing!  Every dollar counts!  HERE is our food drive page.  Help stop hunger!

Day 281 - Hosted a virtual food drive

 

 

Day 280 - Reported a Litterer

After I dropped the girls off at school I was on my way home and the car in front of me tossed out their cigarette butt.  It irks me to no end to see people tossing things out their window and luckily Texas has a great program  that is a nice gentle reminder that sends the litterer a trash bag to their home, the date and reason for the report and a Don't Mess with Texas sticker.

So what can you do when you see trash blowing in the wind and eventually landing on the side of our highways? Instead of delivering your own method of justice, we suggest turning the litterer in through the Texas Department of Transportation’s Report a Litterer Program. It’s an anonymous way to gently remind litterbugs they Don’t mess with Texas.

When you see litter thrown or flying out of a vehicle, intentionally or accidentally, take down the following information—license plate number, make and color of vehicle, date and time, location, who tossed the litter, and what was tossed.  Here is the site where you can report a litterbug. 

So for today's random act of kindness I reported this vehicle this morning after they tossed their cigarette out the window.


Day 280 - Reported a Litterer

Day 279 - Snacks for the Soccer Team

Soccer season is in full swing!!  The weather is getting cooler and is just perfect for outdoor soccer.  Now that our girls have moved up age divisions in soccer and are playing longer games with larger fields they can really get worn out.

So for today's random act of kindness we brought snacks and drinks for all the girls to enjoy after the game.  Go Dragonflies!!

Day 279 - Snacks for the soccer team

Day 278 - Supported a Local Pumpkin Farm

Today was a school social at a local pumpkin farm.  The weather was a little rainy, cold and windy but we decided to brave it to have some fun with our friends. 

The Kimbrell family started the Big Orange Pumpkin Farm in 1997. Their pumpkin farm is a great way to give children a hands-on experience with farm-related activities. Adults and children will see small, green pumpkins on the vine and the yellow blossoms.

There are hay bales to romp on and over 50 farm animals to see, hear, touch, and learn about. This will be paired with a fun hayride to give kids a taste of the country life.  They have interactive signs in various areas of the farm to help kids learn more about the animals and pumpkins.

In addition to admittance fees you can also support the local family farm by purchasing concessions and pumpkins.

For today's random act of kindness we purchased both the girls small little pumpkins from the farm.  Hope our small act of kindness makes a small difference. 

Day 278 - Pumpkins from a local farm

Day 276 - Food for the Pantry

I noticed on Facebook today that the Frisco Food Pantry was in desperate need of food donations.  After work I headed to the store to see if I could grab a few things off their top 10 list of needs. 

So for today's random act of kindness I grabbed some macaroni and cheese, bread, veggies, laundry and one of the greatest foods on the planet...Ramen noodles.  I hope others saw the pantry's plea and were able to donate.

Day 276 - Food for the pantry

Pictures from the pantry earlier :(

Day 275 - Helped Fund Free Mammograms for Women

October is breast cancer awareness month.  The National Breast Cancer Foundation's mission is to save lives through early detection and to provide mammograms for those in need.  Their mission includes increasing awareness through education, providing diagnostic breast care services for those in need, and providing nurturing support services.

The National Breast Cancer Foundation was founded in 1991 by breast cancer survivor, Janelle Hail.  She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1980 at the age of 34.  At the time of her diagnosis, there was little information about the disease, and she was forced to make a decision about her health with few options.  After her treatment, Janelle made a commitment to help women around the world by educating them about breast cancer and the importance of early detection.

For today's random act of kindness I just had to click to help provide funding for free mammograms for women.  The NBCF uses the funding generated to provide free mammogram screenings to low-income, homeless, and inner-city women.  Such an easy act to perform that can make a huge difference in a woman's life!

Day 275 - Helped Fund Free Mammograms for Women

Day 274 - Supported a Friend and Healthy Lifestyles

Childhood obesity has more than doubled in children and tripled in adolescents in the past 30 years.  The percentage of children aged 6–11 years in the United States who were obese increased from 7% in 1980 to nearly 18% in 2010. Similarly, the percentage of adolescents aged 12–19 years who were obese increased from 5% to 18% over the same period.  In 2010, more than one third of children and adolescents were overweight or obese.  This is definitely a national epidemic.

One organization trying to fight this epidemic while promoting healthy and active lifestyles is The Original Get Movin' Crew.   The Original Get Movin' Crew offers a unique, healthy, and fun alternative in fundraising. They understand that now, more than ever promoting a healthy lifestyle to our youth is critical. 
 
One of our young friends Avery is participating in a Get Movin' Crew school fun run in a couple of weeks to raise money for their school.  So for today's random act of kindness I supported Avery in raising funds for her school and promoting a healthy and active lifestyle!!  GO AVERY!!


Day 274 - Supported a school fundraiser

Day 273 - Hummus and Cookies for Bible Study

Tuesday is probably my favorite night of the week.  I get to socialize with my bible study ladies and I get to continue my growth in my faith.  Every week a member of our group offers to bring snack for all the ladies.

For today's random act of kindness I brought a little bit of healthy and a little bit of yummy for the group.  I went with hummus and pita chips and chocolate chip cookies. 

I definitely have enough leftovers to surprise the kids tomorrow but the ladies enjoyed the snacks.

Day 273 - Snacks for bible study ladies