I went to The List Kids’ post office box today and was surprised to see a number of boxes. As always there were boxes with great gifts for the kids from The Queen of The List Kids, Carol Malik. But there was also an amazing art kit from Sali R. I know exactly the child to send it to —there is 9.5 year old girl in the same state as Sali that is having a rough time making friends in her new school. This child loves to paint and draw so I know that this huge art kit is definitely going to brighten her day. Thank you, Sali!
But the biggest surprise was a huge box that was filled with toys from the Amazon.com wish list. It came from an Iraqi refugee family whose kids we send care packages to!!! They in turn, sent gifts for others. I never expected such a gift. Because of their generosity, we have enough presents to fill care packages for 10 more kids! It is an amazing example of thanksliving. Yes, thanksliving — a term I heard yesterday for the first time. I googled it and learned that it means a variety of different things, but the gist of it is rather than just giving thanks, we should express gratitude in our actions in our daily lives. It is relatively easy for most of us to say, “I am grateful for…,” but it is often harder to “walk the talk.” Having an attitude of gratitude for our own blessings leads us to help others. No matter what your current circumstances, there is no doubt that you have something for which to be grateful….why not express that gratitude by getting involved in The List Kids (www.thelistkids.org). There are so many ways to get involved. We are always in need of cards to put in our care packages. You can make your own or purchase them. Write a short note or just sign your name. Or you can send toys or gift cards to be included in the monthly care packages. To make it easier, we have Wish Lists on both Target.com and Amazon.com. And if you are really ambitious, think about hosting a fundraiser – car washes, bakes sale, pancake breakfast, read-a-thon, etc. We will send you flyers, wristbands, and whatever else you may need to make your event a success. If you are a high school student and need community service hours, we have lots of ways for you to earn them. Shoot me an email at sky@thelistproject.org and I will give you more information. We can help customize a community service project that fits your needs.
There are so many ways to live thankfully. And not surprisingly, the more gratefully one lives, the more blessings one receives! I have gotten so much out of being a part of The List Kids. I have learned to appreciate what I have and in turn want less, if that makes any sense. I have made so many new friends and have met so many inspiring people. And all this began with a simple idea to help a special group of kids. When we started, we only had 12 Iraqi kids to send care packages to —-now we have over 100! Show your attitude of gratitude by getting involved today!
Happy Thanksliving,
Sky