STEPPING UP

We at CHOOSE TO CARE are making our list of children who will benefit from a brand new pair of shoes.  We are calling on a few of our friends to activate the season of giving by picking a name or two to add to their gift-list.

Since 2008, CHOOSE TO CARE has continued to strive to make a difference in many parts of the world and we thank you for your compassion and support in helping us to serve the children in need.
The organization has provided a brand new pair of shoes to many children in need, whether for dancing, exercise, theater classes or just owning a decent pair of shoes that fits well.  CHOOSE TO CARE is full of optimism and has also made it their mission to pave the way to good health for these young children and their families. The session may give tips on proper foot care or at other times nourishing the body with foods that are good for us and avoiding these "sometimes" foods that are less nourishing.  This precious child will not only leave with a brand new pair of shoes but also a message to help on a journey to good health.

Our event will be held in the South Jamaica area and the neatly wrapped gift boxes will have a message tucked in their shoes:

                     We are happy to provide you with a brand new pair of shoes
                          That fits you right
                           Brings Pride,Joy and Hope

Stay Active             Read A Book           Eat Foods That Keep You Well


We are excited, the soirees from the summer's "Shopping At The Farmers' Market" event (read blog)
are busy sifting through the pieces that will allow CHOOSE TO CARE to bring a smile to the faces of these young boys and girls and who knows where their feet will take them.

"Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done
  without hope and confidence." Helen Keller

Peace & Love

LIVE YOUR LIFE BY A COMPASS

I have just returned from a visit to Nashville, Tennessee and when anyone asks me about this wonderful place, I describe it as a "feel good" city.  I truly enjoyed this Music City and the Academy's Food & Nutrition Conference and Expo{FNCE} that took me there, sent me home with a deep rooted message delivered by the closing speaker, Marcus Samuelsson, chef and owner of Red Rooster,located in Harlem, NYC.  He was jovial but pensive at times as he traced his personal discovery and determination.  He was filled with gratitude for the people who helped him along the way and the connections he made; and although there were disappointments, he counted those in the equation for his success.

His message "Live with a compass" will be my conversation to share with anyone who will listen.  As the holidays roll around, I begin to think about the reason I started CHOOSE TO CARE whose mission is to provide a brand new pair of shoes for the kid in need, many young children have benefited but our work continues.  Today I will share 2 thank-you notes from the many we have received after merely donating a brand new pair of shoes,  a small act of kindness,which brings great joy to the young children.

CHEERS to Donors Choose.org
Teachers Ask. You Choose
{www.donorschoose.org}

This organization sponsors teachers' projects nationwide.  I get a kick out of the names of the projects that CHOOSE TO  CARE  has sponsored through Donors Choose, such as : Tip Top Tappers, Tread Upon Your Feet, No Glass Slippers, Dancing Shoes, Fitness Is It, Let's Sweat,Rap A Tap Tap, Rap A Tap Tap and others.

So as  we prepare to share the happiness of the holiday season,we hope to offer a bright spot for the child in need and I will certainly continue to  heed the command to "live my life by a compass."

Peace & Love