FROM     MY     HEART


                   Changing a life will be an honor and my lifetime journey



During 2019 Choose To Care(CTC) was able to be of service to 8 schools stateside and 2 overseas, fulfilling CTC's mission to provide a brand new pair of shoes for children in need. We worked with  "Teachers Ask/Donors Choose"(donors choose.org), the organization that provides classroom assistance for teachers nation-wide.  We also spread our wings across the ocean to the Gambia, West Africa, where we continue to work with the boys and girls of St Peter's Basic School,making it our duty to provide resources to help them to get a start in life and be the best they can be. We got word that the girls in Chambellan, Haiti would like to play soccer and so we got to work to purchase the cleats.  We hope to get news of friendly competition between the boys and girls teams.

Thanks to you the valued supporters, who propel us to make strides that result in significant changes for the children, their families and communities. In this season of giving, the best gift of all, in my opinion is working together with you to bring joy to the children's lives and for this I am grateful.

In celebration of our 11th year of commitment to this ambitious cause I warmly invite you to support Choose To Care.  It is Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, who said: "Give what you have to someone, it may be better than you dare to think"  My sentiments also, no amount is ever too small; we welcome each donation with gratitude.

One Love!

GO BINDYA GO

                               Bindya was happy as a lark
                               High spirited with a smile
                               That shone as bright as the
                               Sunshine bursting from the skies

                               Her steps were quick
                               But she paused long enough
                               To throw a coin
                                In the pool of water in her path
                               This she used as her make believe wishing well


                                "What a lovely day"
                                  She called out in a cheerful, melodious voice
                                  Caring not, who stared at her quirky behavior
                                  She rocked to the beat of the music
                                  Blaring in her ears
                                  The deafening sound was no bother

                               She beckoned and nodded
                               To those who looked her way
                               "Join me" she shouted
                               "Recharge your spirits"
                                 As she cantered along
                                  There joining her was a line of
                                Believers,Hopefuls,Crusaders,Joyful Souls

                                 She looked back and her face lit up
                                 "That's the power of a smile"
                                 As she skipped and bounced
                                 Leading the way in a cheerful voice
                                 She and her followers sang
                                 To their hearts content
                                 "Oh wonderful and glorious world
                                 I will always embrace you"

psw(from the Jump for Joy Series)

Questions To Ponder
What do you think Bindya was wishing for in her make believe wishing well?
Those who joined her are labeled, what is the significance?
What would have happened if the Author had Bindya hurrying instead of cantering?
How would you sum up Bindya's attitude? What is her lure? Your take away messages?

A WINNING INITIATIVE TO KEEP MOTHER EARTH SAFE

The champions at St Peter's Basic School in the Gambia, West Africa have made a commitment to keep mother earth safe.  We sent the students a message about the destruction  of our earth and challenged them to do something about it.

We urged the winners to spearhead a campaign and form a club with their fellow students to tackle this imminent destruction and keep waste from landfills in their corner of the world.(Read May's blog: "Your Opinion Matters")

We received messages and photos of the students banding together to find solutions.  They posted messages, had broom in hand to clean up around the school and they have put on education programs and drama plays to spread the seriousness of this matter.  The ultimate goal is to get the community involved in this uphill battle.

This ambitious group of youngsters has produced the fact reaction we wanted.  I don't know about you but I am impressed. We at Choose To Care(CTC) will not only fulfill our mission of providing a brand new pair of shoes for the children in need but will also encourage all our platforms, which are:

• Staying Physically and Mentally Fit With CTC
• Keeping Mother Earth Green
• Messages of Healthy Eating and Well-Being

We pledge to share information and answers to help reduce this waste, to give a helping hand to support this endeavor and to keep this enthusiastic momentum going.  As a result of this saving the planet vibe, I am sure the students will feel more confident working together.  I truly believe if change is what you want, do something to make it happen.  The actions of these kids will make a difference.  We should all take the plunge and get involved in something meaningful, starting in one section of the globe at a time.

I can't wait to see what next they are up to as their project come to life and they work to accomplish amazing things together.

Cheers Partners!

                           

YOUR OPINION MATTERS

Dear Students of St Peter's Basic School, The Gambia, West Africa,

Thanks to all who participated in the challenge to find ways of combating a problem that affects the world population, namely the destruction of mother earth.  In your own backyard you are concerned about the garbage strewn in your neighborhood and stated that you would approach the clean-up through education and placing garbage bins in strategic places for the collection of garbage.

This means that as the first, second and third prize winners you will have to put your heads together to see how you will proceed as a team.  The test is being able to work together for a cause that you all find important. This campaign is to increase awareness among your peers, school-wide and also the families of the community.

Here are a few tips to get your project started:
Bear in mind the amount of funds you have for the project
Put together a marketing strategy, such as forming a student-led club for environmental concerns
Have an Information week - advertisement  to the community for the upcoming event
Place various posters around school, neighborhood, promoting the campaign
Determine areas to reach as a start, with plans to expand later
Factor in cost of bins
Find a catchy Name for Campaign
At the end, report on lessons learned, obstacles faced, how you will sustain your project.

Remember these are only ideas, you can create your very own campaign!

The first prize winner receives $250.00
The second prize winner receives $150.00
The third prize winner receives $100.00

Good Luck!

DEAR TOFU

                                     Vegetable      Tagine*     With     Tofu
           

                                       1 Tablespoon olive oil
                                       1 onion chopped
                                       2 cloves of garlic, minced
                                       1 Teaspoon fresh ginger grated
                                       2 Teaspoon cumin
                                       1/2 Teaspoon cardamom
                                       3 Tablespoons red pepper flakes
                                       1/2 Teaspoon Turmeric
                                       1/2 Teaspoon black pepper
                                       2 Tablespoon tomato sauce
                                       1 1/2 cups low sodium vegetable broth
                                       2 large tomatoes diced
                                        one 15 ounce can chickpeas
                                        2 sweet potatoes, diced
                                        2-3 carrots diced
                                         2 cups cauliflower florets, chopped
                                         8 ounces diced firm tofu


               Directions:
              Place all the ingredients in a large dutch oven or casserole dish and cover with lid.
              Stir well.

              Bake in a pre-heated oven set at 350 degrees for 1 1/2hours
              Stir every 30 minutes.
              Serve over couscous or rice


*Flavorful vegetable infused stew
                             

 

A FAMILY AFFAIR

We were determine to work together to make happen what seemed impossible.  A yearlong preparation of roll up your sleeves and let's get to it, has paid off.  Now everyone is basking in the success of this triumphant journey.  I love playing a Word Game that I have created for the woes or joy of everyday living and here are my few words to describe this feat.

                                     
                                       Awaken
                                       Encouragement
                                       Excitement
                                       Kindness
                                       Possibilities
                                       Remarkable
                                       Spirits
                                       Togetherness



And when  I put these words together, I soon discovered our impact.

                                  TOGETHERNESS
   
                                Who knew we had it in us?
                                This thing called TOGETHERNESS
                                We just needed to AWAKEN the SPIRITS
                                Remove the doubts
                                And look toward the POSSIBILITIES.

                                  We knew there was room for everyone
                                  As you entered the bandwagon
                                  For the ride of the unknown.
                                  Let the journey begin, many shouted
                                  And with ENCOURAGEMENT,
                                  Others joined the EXCITEMENT,
                                   For a REMARKABLE trip.
                                  There's no stopping us,
                                   Now we are headed down KINDNESS Road.



                             EASING ON DOWN TO KINDNESS ROAD

                            She cried out to no one in particular
                            Hoping anyone and everyone would hear her plea
                            "This is not a hard road to travel" she said
                            "Come let me show you how
                              Get ready for a journey down Kindness Road"

                             Fret not if you come across a bump, here and there
                             First timers may feel a bit sore
                             But on your next round
                             You will make it without a moan.

                             Just point to the way to Kindness Road
                             She shows him, he shows another
                             To the left, to the right, around the bend
                             You can't miss it.
                              Any turn will lead to Kindness Road.


                             "What if I have a change of heart?" you ask
                               Too late says the Genie
                                That's the wish granted to your fellowmen
                                And it has spread like wildfire.
                                Any Street, Any Lane, The Alley, The Avenue
                                Will take you down Kindness Road
                                 There you will find them
                                 Joyfully banding together
                                 For a kinder world.

psw(from the Jump for Joy series)

This is exactly how I view a world I dream of; only a little is demanded of us for coming together, lifting each other up to make a difference.

Peace and Love!

KINDNESS AND POSSIBILITIES

                                 Easing On Down To Kindness Road
 

                                 She cried out to no one in particular
                           Hoping anyone and everyone would hear her plea
                                "This is not a hard road to travel," she said.
                                 "Come let me show you how
                            Get ready for a journey down Kindness Road"


                                 Fret not if you come across a bump, here and there
                                 First timers may feel a bit sore
                                 But on your next round
                                 You will make it without a moan


                               Just point to the way to Kindness Road
                               She shows him, he shows another
                               To the left, to the right, around the bend
                               You can't miss it.
                               Any turn will lead to Kindness Road


                              "What if I have a change of heart?" you ask
                               Too late, says the Genie
                               That's the wish granted to your fellowmen
                                And it has spread like wildfire.
                                Any Street, Any Lane, The Alley, The Avenue
                                Will take you down Kindness Road
                                There you will find them
                                 Joyfully banding together
                                 For a kinder world
   






                            RECIPE FOR CREATING POSSIBILITIES
                                      Start with positive vibes,
                                      Throw in together, understanding,
                                      Kindness and respect,patience and fortitude
                                      Add a dollop of compassion,
                                     

                                      For wholesome goodness.
                                      Make adjustment for bitter taste,
                                     Add more delights, a good amount of wisdom,
                                     A pile of hope, with a joyful spirit.
                                     Sprinkle lots of GRATITUDE
                                     And mix to balance it out;
                                     Seal in the flavor and keep it preserved.
                                     Savor it all.  Offer a BIG SERVING,
                                     Every chance you get!


Choose To Care Benefit Event, held on 4-6-19 was a success  and because of your generous contribution of your time and donation, you have now become an integral part of a project that aims to bring dignity to the child in need.  The gift of a brand new pair of shoes has the power of helping the child and young adult, face and deal with the perils of this world.

I am their cheerleader, I told myself and at this event I knew that I am not alone because you came out to join forces to break down barriers and open doors for others.
             "Willing, Capable and Ready, were the labels you wear"
                                                  &
              " Your heavy  dose of Kindness has made me jump for joy"

With Gratitude!

                                                                               
                 

OUR IMPACT

In 2018  CHOOSE TO CARE (CTC) Organization raised funds through a brunch event and individual donations made throughout the year.  These funds, 100% of the amount raised, have allowed CTC to thrive and continue to support projects with children and young adults in need. By providing a brand new pair of shoes, we are fulfilling the mission.  Looking forward to broadening our work through fruitful partnerships in 2019.

                                              CHOOSE TO CARE
                                     REVENUES & DISBURSEMENTS
                                     FISCAL YEAR ENDING 11/30/2018


Description                                                      Period                                             Amount
Total Revenue                                             End of 11/2017                             $6, 179.75

Total Individual Donations                         12/2017-11/2018                          $1,794.70

Fund Raising Event                                     1/2018                                                $500.00

Bag Raffled at Fundraising                           1/2018                                              $108.00

Amazon Smile                                             11/17 to 10/18                                       $34.53

Total Donations                                           12/2017 - 11/2018
                                                                       (1,794.76+$642.53)                       $2,437.29

Total revenue                                               11/2017-11/2018
                                                                     (6,179.75+2,437.29)                         $8,617.04

Total Expenditure for
Sponsored Projects                                      End of 11/2018
                                                                     ($3,039.21+$3,289.35)                      $6,328.26

Revenue Balance                                         End of 11/2018                                  $2,189.48



                                                        DonorsChoose.org

Date                                                 Organizations Sponsored                                                 Amount

12/15/2018                                       Character Shoes for Our Choir                          $6.43

12/15/2018                                       Help Track Runners Get
                                                         Running Shoes                                                   $172.11

11/17/2018                                        Shoes, Shoes, Shoes                                          $1,150.41

08/17/2018                                        Get Every Kid Active and Moving
                                                            During Physical education                                 $173.20

08/17/2018                                         Kids Need Shoes                                                 $293.54

06/24/2018                                         Run Run Run                                                       $347.16

04/12/2018                                          Kicks for Kindergarten                                        $143.38

03/10/2018                                          Choose Shoes                                                      $503.12

02/08/2018                                          Shoes For Future Leaders                                      $500.00


                                                            OTHERS

12/17/2017                                           Corona Community                                               $430.16

12/22/2017                                           Ritchies Moravian Church,
                                                              Jamaica, W.I.                                                         $1,386.85

06/1/2018                                              St. Peter's Basic School,
                                                              The Gambia, West Africa                                              $388.92            
                                                                                                                                                           

07/19/18                                               Association Solidarity
                                                             Chambellanaise                                                             $933.28

                                                                                                                                 

FASHION DESIGNERS IN THE MAKING

We had the pleasure of  watching a video of about 55 girls from a sewing class which is a section of the St Peter's Basic School, Lamin, Kombo North District, Gambia.
These young girls are aspiring to be top dressmakers, but they are in need of the tools to make their dreams come true.   We asked what are the materials they most needed and they responded scissors, thread, zippers, sewing machines, cloths and so on.

They also have computer lessons and Choose To Care(CTC) is getting ready to propose nutrition, physical activity and environmental lessons.  We will also provide them with a brand new pair of shoes, fulfilling the mission of CTC to protect the feet of the child in need and  set them on a meaningful journey.  We are ready to help these young women find their way.  They have a line of clothing but no where to sell them, we are investigating ways, that they can earn a living for their labor.

They talked about their graduation day and I can only imagine how exciting that must be for them.  We have no doubt that we can help them to have a brighter future.  As we plan our shindig , we wondered out loud if this should not be the place to start our effort for the children of The Gambia.   We are asking each attendee at our April 6, event to bring a pair of scissors for the barrel  we are planning to send to these deserving girls for whom we wish a more enjoyable and productive life.

Each and every time we start a new project  we keep in mind these words: "It always seem impossible, until it is done" - Nelson Mandela.

Peace and Love!

TAKING MY LEAP OF FAITH TO NEW HEIGHTS

"If we all did the things we are
capable of doing, we would literally
astound ourselves" Thomas Edison


I don't think I know of any other way to travel when it concerns finding the courage to do what I think I cannot do, but to take a leap of faith.  This brain of mine is never at a standstill, always cooking up the next project and even when there are roadblocks, I embrace the steering wheel to find a way to move forward.

We continue to provide a brand new pair of shoes for children in need, through Choose To Care(CTC), a not for profit organization that was created over eleven years ago.  At each of our local shoe distribution event, we have taken our desire to improve the lives of the children, even further by adding messages of health and well-being, physical activities and ways to do our part to protect the earth we live on.

We are clearing our path and putting our heads together to build an online Nutrition and Health platform, for the schools we sponsor on-line, nation-wide; with the hope that the teacher will integrate these same messages in their classroom lessons as part and parcel of the distribution of shoes, they have received for their students.

Excitement is in the air, as we let our eyes travel to The Gambia, West Africa, to create a start-up for about 55 young girls, who are learning to sew. This school and project was introduced to me by a colleague who told me she was driven to do work in that country. She is doing amazing work indeed!
We plan to groom them from the ground up, beginning with gifts of brand new pair of shoes to protect their feet and explore with them all the possibilities of introducing a bright and healthy future for these fashion designers in the making. More to come!

I know I have found my passion and purpose and I have no fear in trying to improve the lives of these young children.  With the help of others,including the Nutritionist And Friends In Action(NAFIA) team, we are placing our hope in a direction that helps make our vision of well-being, real.  We also know for sure, that we have the drive and wherewithal to make good things happen.

Asante
Dankie
Merci
Gracias
Rahmat
Thank You
Dhanyawaad

YOUR WORLD - Georgia Douglas Johnson

                       Your world is as big as you make it.
               I know for I used to abide, in the narrowest nest in a corner.
                       My wings pressing close to my side.



                  But I sighted the distant horizon,where the skyline encircled the sea.
                  And I throbbed with a learning desire, to travel this immensity.



                         I battered the cordons around me.
                        And cradled my wings on the breeze.
                        Then soared to the uttermost reaches
                        With rapture, with power, with ease.



Dear Friends,

Have faith that everything will fall into place in the most beneficial way.
Thanks for your passion to help and the ability to deliver.

Peace & Love