A couple of weeks ago I mentioned that we assembled some winter care kits for kids for a ministry here in Oklahoma City our church and family really believes in: Novo Ministries. My family made eight of the care kits and then we took two bags to church on two different Sundays along with a note about what we were doing, asking families to get involved by either making their own care kits to donate or by sponsoring more bags at $6.50/bag. I knew my kids would be HAPPY to assemble more of these! They definitely got the chance to do so!
This is another one of the awesome Champions for Kids‘ Simple Service Projects. I love getting to participate in this projects for multiple reasons – sometimes we just need a bit of direction on what to do and where to go to give and serve and these projects help focus that a bit. Also, there are SO many worthy organizations in our city, which is really almost sad because it is indicative of so many great needs also right here in our city. We’re thankful for the good people who dedicate their lives to bettering the lives of others. If we can help in one teeny tiny way, we’re happy to.
Having access to soap is honestly just something I take for granted. Soap, shampoo, toothpaste, even other basics like socks and gloves for cold days – we always have what we need around here and when we run out, I just go to the store and replace it without really even thinking twice about it. My kids understand the importance of preventing germs by washing their hands – I don’t have to convince them of that (sometimes I do have to remind them…) but the point is that I AM reminding them. And providing soap for them to be able to follow through. For many kids this simply isn’t the case. But we also know that just handing kids bars of soap only meets one need for them. We wanted to provide care in a couple of different areas, thus the idea to assemble the care kits with soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, winter hat, gloves, and a pair of socks. Our experience in collecting these items is detailed in this Google+ photo album right here.
After getting some folks at our church on board with the mission we received 6 more assembled care kits and enough money to assemble another 16 for a total of 30 winter care kits for kids!
We went to make the delivery to Novo earlier this afternoon. I usually have my two younger girls with me for these adventures, but today was different – parent/teacher conferences for the upper school kids, so I had my two older girls with me. They were thrilled to get to go this time and I was happy for them to get to participate in the delivery this time!
We walked into the Novo office and called them to come out front. We usually make our drop offs in this conference room they have near the front desk. It was fun to see that room piled high with food and water bottles today. I’m glad other people are taking care of our Novo friends too!
We then dropped our stash and snapped this photo with two of the Novo gals to distribute as they see fit.
I’m so thankful for these gals and the rest of the Novo team!
I know I’ve mentioned Novo a few times in various posts, but this time I wanted to highlight what it is they actually do. I just snagged this info from their website:
Our organization’s programs primarily consist of facilitating after–school and evening programs held once a week at program sites in the greater Oklahoma City area in partnership with local individuals, churches, and organizations. Our programming is unique because we go into the communities and work with children right where they live. Our program sites include public elementary schools, community centers, housing projects, and apartment complexes – sites located less than 2,000 feet from where the children live or attend school. All ethnicities are represented on our enrollment lists: Latino, Caucasian, Native American, African American, and Asian American.
We believe that by training, empowering, and mobilizing volunteers to go into these inner-city communities, by providing volunteers the opportunity to mentor and build positive relationships with the children, and by working together with like-minded individuals, churches, and organizations, we will see real and lasting life-change. We can make a positive impact on the hearts and lives of Oklahoma City’s inner-city children. We can make a difference. We can change a city. We can offer hope – one child at a time.
I love that. And I love that they really ARE doing just that.
And here’s my reminder that you can make a difference in YOUR community as well. Be sure to share your story with Champions for Kids when you do – they are keeping track of how many kids are helped with all of these projects!
For more information about this and other simple service projects check out the following links:
- Champions for Kids
- Champions for Kids Twitter Handle
- Champions for Kids Facebook
- Dial on Facebook
- Dial on Twitter
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