Shopping For Civic Good---Out Running Miss Irene

Many had supported the Choose TO CARE ORGANIZATION by buying a $5.00 ticket for the anticipated Macy's Shop For A Cause event that occurred on 8/27/11. But the Mighty Miss Irene had other plans and the majority of shoppers stayed home, rightfully so, not wanting to feel her wrath. I decided to out run Miss fast moving Irene who was ripping through Virginia and heading our way; so I got an early start to the store. There I met others who had the same plan, armed with their coupons that gave us 25% off our purchase for an all-day shopping, which would be cut short because of the impending visitor, Miss Irene.

Macy's associates were selling tickets in-store but I proudly displayed my own for my own charity. At the cash register, the women were in a good mood, as they jokingly screamed "I am shopping for a cause" while winking, because this time no one would dare say we shopped too much. This time our love for shopping would genuinely help out a deserving charity and at the same time, someone will get a chance to be a winner of the $500.00 gift card that was part of the shopping lure. So although Miss Ferocious Irene rained on our parade, it was not a complete wash out, we managed to earn some needed funds so that we can continue our mission of providing a brand new pair of shoes for the youth in need.

I came home to a 'safe haven' and embodied nature from indoors. It is times like this that I am more mindful that we are small animals not the giants so many of us profess to be and can be easily struck down by the power of earth's natural forces. I continue to be humbled and filled with gratitude. "But couldn't you have picked another day Miss Irene?" We have next year to look forward to and I am begging you to ask your sister, the one with the name starting with a 'J' that if she intends to pay us a visit next year, to work around that great event,Macy's Shop For A Cause. Thanks to all the kind folks who donated to our cause.

Peace and Love!

STEPPING OUT

The CHOOSE TO CARE organization started out with a strong determination of providing a brand new pair of shoes for the child or young adult in need at home and abroad. We do this simple act in order to protect the children's feet from cuts and infections and lessen their need to wear ill-fitted shoes, while bringing pride and joy to their young lives.

Now we are taking this to another level and plans are being made for October 22, 2011, on MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY. We will put together a program of Nutrition, Health and Exercise activities. On our Wish-List is the desire for a Podiatrist to come by and remind us of how important our feet are.

Each brand new pair of shoes given will have a card that reads: STAY IN SCHOOL ^^^^ EAT FOODS THAT KEEP YOU WELL. These messages are meant to push the power of education and a healthy lifestyle. We aim to build self confidence, bring hope and encourage good health and positive development, one step at a time.

So when people ask why I pay attention to shoes, I will take the opportunity to let them know that this small gift of a brand new pair of shoes is the start of good things to come that could easily take these children on a meaningful journey, empowering them to become agents of change.

You can log on to www.makeadifferenceday.com to follow the events or find a charity that pique your interest. We welcome any tips to make our day fun-filled and successful.

Thank you for continuing to make a difference to the CHOOSE TO CARE ORGANIZATION.

No Small Feat

CHOOSE TO CARE is all revved up, ready to prepare for MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY, which takes place on 10/22/2011. It is the day when millions of Americans will volunteer in their communities doing good. This year we will once again work with the youth in the Vineyard International Christian Ministries Church,located in the Bronx. Choose To Care has provided shoes for the children of newly arrived immigrant families or other members of the Church who find it difficult to fully provide for their children. Sometimes within families there are 3-4 children in need and only 1 child may receive so that other families can also benefit. The Coordinator weighs the needs and at times boys will receive while girls have to wait their turn or vice versa. On MAKE A DIFFERENCE Day, we would like to make a difference in the lives of the children who were passed over because prior donations could only stretch so far, by giving them a brand new pair of shoes. We hope this small gesture will produce happy feet and place a smile on their faces.

In addition, on this day we will add fun-filled health and nutrition activities to foster good health and positive development. To learn more about this special day, you can log on to:makeadifferenceday.com.

Thanks to all who have participated in Macy's Shop For A Cause Project,the funds will help us to continue our essential work of helping those in need. Happy shopping at Macy's on 8/27/2011 and do not forget to enter your ticket so that you can get a chance at winning the $500 gift certificate.

More to come!