I’ll admit I’ve spent a few days during this “month of love” frantically covering paper in stickers and glitter as we get our Valentines ready to mail. But at the heart of it, love isn’t about glitter and stickers. It’s about giving.
Will you join me on a very important mission, one to give to children in need?
Every child deserves to be safe. Yet supplies to help in case of an emergency this winter can be expensive. With many families struggling to put food on the table, an emergency supply kit for winter may be on he back burner. 70% of power outages occur due to weather events, and take it from me– a winter power outage can be deadly if you are stuck in a home with no heat, no clean water, and only candles for light.
Energizer has teamed up with Champions for Kids for this month’s SIMPLE Service Project– Light up a Life. Next time you go shopping, consider gathering supplies to donate to a family so they can be prepared in case of an emergency. Perhaps join with neighbors, friends, and co-workers to split the cost and help children stay safe. Schools, shelters, hospitals, churches– they all have relationships with people that could use these kits and would welcome them I’m sure.
What could you put in a Winter Emergency Kit?
- Flashlight
- batteries
- bandaids
- handwipes
- bottled water
- non-perishable and nut-free food such as granola bars
- instant hand warmers, or a thermal blanket
Noodle, Bee and I are heading out to stock a kit for a child in need. We plan to donate it to the school where I used to teach. Over 90% of my students qualified for free or reduced lunch, so I know there’s a family (actually, quite a few families) who could use that kit. We’d like to create another for the NICU where Noodle lived for a few months. That way, the nurses could send one home with a newborn so it will be protected in case of winter emergency. Trust me, having a newborn with special needs is terrifying when a storm threatens. I remember many sleepless nights worrying what we’d do if there was a major storm and we had no way to warm formula or power her feeding pump.
Every child deserves to be safe. I hope you’ll join us in showing some LOVE this Valentine’s Day with Energizer and Champions for Kids!
Carrie– what a kind and precious heart you have. I love this!! My Bible study girls & I have been looking for a project to go along with a study we’re currently knee-deep in. This looks fabulous. Can’t wait to share this with them on Tuesday. You’re so sweet to post this on your blog. What a difference we can all make.Hope you’re having a wonderful weekend, girl!
{HUGS},
kristi
P.S.- Wish I had more ideas for you…we live in Texas and winter has been “winter-schminter” this year. Not much of that freezing craziness here. So, I wouldn’t have too much of a clue. 😛
What a great idea to share a kit with the NICU. I’m sure there are a lot of families there who are already over-extended because of their child’s medical care. What a perfect way to take a little stress off of them by helping them prepare for an emergency.
I love that you are able to give back to a school you used to be a part of and the NICU where your children were. Makes it so much more special when we have a connection doesn’t it?
Carrie – YOU ROCK! The NICU idea is awesome! I’ve never thought about that because I have been blessed and never had to deal with that with the birth of my own children. A power outage could be devastating to a family with a baby with special needs due to prematurity. You are doing such an amazing thing here!
The NICU is a great idea, such a great post and awesome campaign. A newborn with special needs so much concern there.. Great job!
Ohh…yikes…90% on reduced lunches! Wow! That is great that you are donating to both the school and the NICU!
I think it’s a fantastic idea to donate the kit to a local school! I know that my daughter’s school has an issue as well, most of the children are on free or reduced lunch and many of the children must get their uniforms from the PTA because their parents can’t afford them. I think I’ll concentrate on doing a project for the school next!
What a wonderful way to spread the love for Valentine’s Day, in such a meaningful fashion! Your choice of sharing the emergency kits with the students is fantastic! Looking forward to your next post 🙂
I love the work that Champions for Kids is doing! Great job on your emergency kit. Since my son is on a special diet, mine would include some snacks and juice boxes with long expiration dates.
Aaw sweet choosing the NICU! Some friends of mine had their baby two months early and he spent two months there. The hospital, nurses and other families are just incredible. Good for you!
What a fabulous idea to provide two kits, and to such worthwhile and personal places.