Leave the laundry basket! RUN!

Years ago, before the kids were born, we would find a family or couple who were in need and find ways to bless them.

It might be someone who was down and out, just lost a job, or a person we'd met living in a hotel.

Whatever the case, I just HAD to do something to lift their spirits.

Oh yea, someone did this to us before we started doing it, and we were hooked! They 'paid forward', and we, in turn reciprocated. You seriously have to try this! Then come back here and tell us about it. You may have other ideas that we can share with others.

Here's what we did.....and it's soooo FUN!

When we had a little extra money, we'd purchase a sturdy laundry basket and fill it with all types of things (I'll share the ideas in a min.) Sometimes it would take a few months to gather everything but slowly we would fill the basket with much needed hygiene or food, baby supplies or pet food. Depending on the family, we added all types of items to help take a little burden off the shoulders.

Then, when we had everything we thought the family could use or the basket was full to overflowing, we'd quietly take it to the family's door, ring or knock, and.......RUN!

We'd hide somewhere (prearranged for best viewing) and watch.

Always the same reaction too; they'd come out, see the basket, look around, smile a bit confused like, tell someone in the house, and close the door. Sometimes someone else or two would come out and look around with a bewildered look.

WE LOVED IT!

The thing to keep in mind is that there is always someone in worse shape than you are. Don't think you have to have a lot of money. We had very little. We just knew that we were blessed a 'little' more than the person we were helping.

You can do this with a team of people, as a scavenger hunt, a church project or as a family.

Whatever the case, ENJOY!

Also stay anonymous.

My challenge to you? Go try it, report back here and share the excitement with others.

I can't wait to here from you.

RitaAnn~

.....who loves to have FUN!

Our thought was to remain practical, and a laundry basket seemed fitting. People don't always purchase a new basket when the old one falls apart if they don't have extra money. It was also easy enough to carry, as well as having enough room to put lots of stuff in it.

Before doing anything, think about the family.

Large or small?

Babies?

Ages of children?

Single Mom?

Single Dad?

You get the idea.

Then, add things like, toys, food, cleansers, toiletries, personal hygiene etc. The list goes on.

Don't worry about spending a lot, just think about what they need, get a few items here and there and set the date for the family adventure.

Be random, not on holidays or special days necessarily, it's about helping someone less fortunate than yourself.

Handicapped, Older People Shut In's

One of the biggest concerns I've always had is that older people, handicapped, and shut ins might be cold at night. Many cannot afford the electric bills that our country keeps seeing rise. I met an 82 (specific age ?) who had closed off her house and slept in the kitchen because the only heat she had was her stove. Think about blankets and warmth when purchasing your items.

For Men

Men don't usually purchase linens for themselves, if they don't have much money they'll purchase food first, especially if they have children. Linens are always a nice addition to any home and they're a nice gift for any man.

For Moms

Let's face it, women love nice linens but the kids usually take front seat. If you know a single mom, make special basket for her and surprise her with some chocolates, a bottle of wine, some bubble bath, towels, a magazine, nail polish or something I hadn't thought of. You might not get the credit for it (remember, you're anonymous) but she'll feel like a million bucks that someone thought of her.

Kids and Grandparents:

Usually it's easier to know what size bed the kids and grand parent sleep in. You can figure most of the time the family has a twin bed for the youngsters and grandma.

Many families who have little to spend, won't spend on products that are expensive; they'll opt to buy products that might not be good for them and therefore might never have the opportunity to try a product that's better for them and their family.

Tom's of Maine is a natural product that has no flouride and is much better for families.

Consider adding a natural product for the family to try.

There are literally so many items you can add to a basket that the list never ends. Here are just a few more thoughts you might have to add to the Basket Run FUN!

From baby clothes to diapers and everything in between, you can add to the family basket. Tweezers to nose thingy's are all welcome too, I'm sure.

However, I like adding those items to the basket, but I also like to go a step further on the baby items too.

I like to add items that are dye free, natural and don't damage the land or add to the landfills.

My family had disposable diapers and I also used cloth diapers. Not everyone is willing to use cloth nor would some people appreciate this gesture, so it's something to think about.

If you know they could use diapers, you might consider having the diapers drop shipped to the recipients home. You could go a step further and purchase 1 pk. per month if you have the extra funds to help. (formula is something they probably won't need because that can be purchased through the system)

If you're in Evansville, I am putting a listing of families and youth that would benefit from a monthly sponsor. Your help can help some folks get up on their feet sooner than they thought.

Single Moms, Single Dads, Homeless and Homeless Teens, Grandparents raising grandbabies.

Hair brushes, combs, hair supplies, pony tail holders, bobby pins, hair bows, men's hair items, curling iron, flat iron, solutions for balding or thinning hair, clippers, razors, hair spray and more.

Finding a job is easier if you have the items you need in order to keep up with your appearance. Things like these aren't always something the homeless, handicapped, seniors or mentally ill on the streets purchase for themselves.

Items like everyday products are a helpful item for those who need to watch every penny. Handicapped and Seniors will often go without daily essentials because they must eat or get medications; they shouldn't have choose between staying clean, taking meds. or eating.

If these items were available to Seniors, Handicapped, Homeless or Mentally Ill, it could help them save for medications or food that they might be needing.

Everything is helpful, some things more than others. Hair products are definitely something people need.

Many of the items have already been listed on this page, but what you can do to help is be as creative as possible in your thinking.

For example, if you know the family and they have a family member that has chronic medical problems, purchasing daily hygiene would be a cleaver way to help the family save money for medical expenses.

Consider purchasing a 12pk. of something and have it delivered to the family:

Shampoo, Conditioner, Toothpaste, Feminine Products, Washing Soap, Diapers, Dish Soap, or other household item.

A 12 pk. of Shampoo that would cost $1.00 could be used for other purchases

$12 = medicine or food