A BRAND NEW PAIR Of SHOES

It seems that in order to persevere in the face of adversity we have to rewire our brain to focus on the positives in life so as not to get caught up on all the upheavals in the world.

We at Choose To Care(CTC) are focused on improving the lives of the youth, one brand new pair of shoes at a time. CTC is sending a dose of kindness to Mrs. Gardler preK and grade 2 students at Rudolph Blakenburg Elementary School, Philadelphia, P.A..  This kind teacher requested help through Donors Choose(donors choose.org), the organization that allows public school teachers, nationwide, to ask for resources for their classrooms.  She described poverty as the norm in the school where she works and the families she stated do not have the luxury of buying new shoes frequently.  She described children wearing ill-fitted shoes or shoes with hole in them.

My hope is that as these children are exposed to the wonders of the world, they will be inspired to seize opportunities to achieve all they can be.  Keep imagining what a brand new pair of shoes can do and you will be introduced to the reasons we take this to heart.

Ready to try something new! Let me also direct you to this recipe taken from BLOSSOM, the newly written cookbook, plus, that is being sold to support CTC organization and all its endeavors.

A reminder also to be more waste conscious and make Mother Earth happy.

Live Vibrantly!

                                                 TREASURED BREAD PUDDING

Ingredients

2 cups soy or almond milk

1/4 cup butter or margarine

2 eggs beaten

1/2 cup sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

6 cups bread torn into pieces

1/4 cup raisins

1/4 cup dried fruits of choice

1/4 cup slivered almonds

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit

2. In a saucepan, heat milk and butter over medium heat until butter is melted

3. In a bowl, mix eggs, sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg

4. Stir in bread pieces, raisins, other dried fruits and almond

5. Stir in milk mixture

6. Pour into an uncreased deep baking pan

7. Bake uncovered for about one hour or until knife inserted, comes out clean

Tips: Soak raisins, cranberries or other dried fruits in red wine for a delicious change of flavor.

Enjoy!  Spread joy wherever you go!

Feeding Their Soles(Souls)

"When you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving in you, a joy" Rumi

We cannot miss the frequent news stories of migrants who have arrived by bus to New York City and elsewhere.  They wore their journeys on their faces, tired and looking forlorn.  The more I think about their plight, the more I see triumph.  I, the storyteller, dug deep into their lives to bring HOPE to the forefront, even if only a sprinkle.  I have let great expectations rule supreme; even if only in my imagination.  This may not have been the way they wanted to arrive but nevertheless, here they are. This sets them on the road for the possibilities that are ahead.

The request came from a local shelter that is overwhelmed, as I knew they would, with the influx of families and limited or lack of supplies to meet their needs. They asked for black pairs of shoes so that the children can attend school.

Choose To Care (CTC) stepped up to give a helping hand to lighten their load, even if only a drop. The children's soles have been fed.  They will receive a brand new pair of shoes.  I rejoice in the fulfillment of CTC's mission and how essential it is for me to live a life of service.  I also marvel how each and every time, the simple gift of a brand new pair of shoes, given to someone in need, brings so much heartwarming and magical moments to the soul.

The children I hope will seize their chance for a better education and feel stronger and more fortified, each and every day; as they continue on a meaningful and joyful journey. I am sure with time they will grasp the value of the communities that have embraced them and they will one day utter these words from Maya Angelou: "This is a wonderful day. I have never seen this one before."

Thanks for being part of the CTC family. Together we are creating a better world, one brand new pair of shoes at a time. We are on a mission to deliver hope, health and happiness to those who need it most.

Peace!

WALKING ON SUNSHINE

When I picture walking on sunshine, I see nothing but pure joy, laughter and excitement.  And a more joyful experience would be wearing the right footwear.

The Choose To Care (CTC) nonprofit, formed in 2008, makes it their responsibility each month to provide a brand new pair of shoes for the child in need, through Donors Choose, the nonprofit that allows the public to fulfill the classroom project requests of public school teachers, nationwide.

For the month of September, we walked on sunshine to give support  to Ms. Kim's, grades 6-8 students at Nicolas Junior High School, Fullerton, California. She described her students as the most dedicated and committed dancers she has worked with in many years.  The one thing holding them back is that they are from low-income households, she says, and many are unable to purchase dance shoes on their own.

A brand new pair of shoes we hope will bring joy to the owners, but it also comes with significant messages from CTC.

We hope the children will have a meaningful journey and never stop trying.

We are asking our supporters to join us also in our fight to keep Mother Earth green. Any simple act for a greener world will make a difference.

Thanks for your generous spirit and for coming along on our monthly road trips.

Spread Joy Where Ever You Go!