For the last four years, I have given up shopping for Lent. I know that giving up something for Lent does not compare to the sacrifice made for us, but I do find that it is a constant reminder of the difference between the things we need in life versus the things we want. While I do not want to be preachy, I thought it would be nice to change the focus of Trendy Wednesday from a forum where we can chat about fashion trends, to one where we can discuss ways to impact the community around us. So, for the next several Wednesdays, I thought I'd feature some fun and unique opportunities that will allow you to make a difference wherever you are. I'd love to hear from you too if you have an interesting idea to feature.
Have you ever heard of a program called Kaboom? Kaboom! is an organization whose vision is to build "a great place to play within walking distance of every child in America." I had the amazing opportunity to work with Kaboom! right before I moved from New Orleans. It was truly one of the most wonderful volunteering experiences I have ever had. My office spent the day working with students from local universities, community volunteers, and employees from other local businesses to build a first class playground for one of New Orleans' first re-opened daycares after the storm. The children from the daycare were able to work with the Kaboom! staff to select the colors of their playground, the particular style of their playground, and the special features of their playground as well. The families of the children, the children, and the employees of the daycare were all there to work with us to build this special place. At the end of the day, there was a ribbon cutting ceremony that brought a tear to everyone's eyes as the children saw all of the hard work come together to build a place where they could laugh and play. Occasionally when I have time during our trips home, I will pass by the playground and watch the children playing there. It warms my heart to see them so incredibly happy.
I hope you check out Kaboom's website. Perhaps they have a workday coming up in your area. Or perhaps you might decide that you know of the perfect place to put the next playground.
Has anyone else worked on a Kaboom project?
What a neat organization!! I will def check out their website!
ReplyDeleteI am giving up sweets/candy for lent. Will be a challenge since my co-worker always stocks the best candy in his candy drawer... But like you said, that sacrifice is nothing compared to the sacrifice that was made for us!!
I am giving up candy but thought to myself I should really give up Target runs.. Oh that would so tough though and going to Target is my form of therapy!lol
ReplyDeleteWhat a neat organization. Is it only in NO area? I will have to check out the website as my husband and I both want to do some sort of volunteer activity during lent!
What a great organization. i have never heard of it before. Our church has a great program that we will be volunteering for. It's a cold weather homeless shelter. Whenever the weather drops to 30 degrees or lower overnight the church opens its doors for homeless people to come sleep inside. We transform the sanctuary into sleeping quarters with dozens of cots. Then families take turns preparing hot meals. We collect food all year and save it for the shelter. This way homeless people can come inside and sleep in a warm dry place and enjoy a hot meal and hot coffee. It's a great organization.
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of this organization before, but I can imagine that it would be very rewarding to drive by a playground that you helped create in your area and see kids playing. I'll have to see if they do anything in Boston.
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