Going to Zumba is one of my favorite things to do. Well... right now I'm not in great shape since I just returned from the Midwest and East coast, but I love going because of the very dear friends I have there.
Pat opined a few months ago that we're very lucky that we have each other, a home, enough to eat and our health (more or less). I say more or less because we all have some health challenges, but since we can exercise, we are grateful. She suggested we do something for those less fortunate.
We've all traveled and collected toiletries from our various stays at different hotels in the U.S. and overseas. She wondered if we could make a project of sharing what we have with people who must stay at homeless shelters. The idea quickly took hold. Everyone started collecting toiletries during their summer travels and also collected some from friends and relatives.
So yes, I'm still missing our family and friends on the mainland. However, being with friends in Hawaii and coming together for such a fun and happy project is definitely a feeling of aloha.
POSTSCRIPT:
Pat had contacted the IHS (Institute for Human Services) to see if they could use our collection of toiletries. She said they were absolutely thrilled! The IHS provides emergency services for the homeless. Apparently the organization said they have to keep their toiletries under lock and key because they would otherwise disappear.
If you live on Oahu, this sounds like a truly wonderful organization and have been doing valuable work to aid those who are less fortunate.
We have decided to keep up this project and will meet again when we have more to donate.
Pat opined a few months ago that we're very lucky that we have each other, a home, enough to eat and our health (more or less). I say more or less because we all have some health challenges, but since we can exercise, we are grateful. She suggested we do something for those less fortunate.
We've all traveled and collected toiletries from our various stays at different hotels in the U.S. and overseas. She wondered if we could make a project of sharing what we have with people who must stay at homeless shelters. The idea quickly took hold. Everyone started collecting toiletries during their summer travels and also collected some from friends and relatives.
Naomi invited us all to her house this past week to sort and package the incredible abundance of toiletries and other articles that everyone donated. She also hosted a fabulous luncheon where I assure you, I overate!
We were missing several friends who were still traveling, but Myrtle (our usual social director-in-chief) who was recovering from surgery came for a surprise visit.
So yes, I'm still missing our family and friends on the mainland. However, being with friends in Hawaii and coming together for such a fun and happy project is definitely a feeling of aloha.
POSTSCRIPT:
Pat had contacted the IHS (Institute for Human Services) to see if they could use our collection of toiletries. She said they were absolutely thrilled! The IHS provides emergency services for the homeless. Apparently the organization said they have to keep their toiletries under lock and key because they would otherwise disappear.
If you live on Oahu, this sounds like a truly wonderful organization and have been doing valuable work to aid those who are less fortunate.
We have decided to keep up this project and will meet again when we have more to donate.
I'm born and raised in the Midwest, Michigan. See you're from Illinois. I'm one of those who emphasizes the (silent) "s" in Illinois. Haha. I'd love to visit Hawaii. Really want to do a hula class!
ReplyDeletePat's inspiration is just as big hearted as the project itself. Looks like you've gathered lots of good samples. Adore the packaging, props on helping the world! Seriously, give money they buy drugs. Give them food they don't starve. Give them toiletries, that's like Christmas.
Best of wishes to Myrtle!
That's a great idea, Kay. I love the people I've met in exercise class, and some of them have become true friends. I've never done zumba but you make it sound like fun! :-)
ReplyDeleteThat is one of the downsides of our mobile society -- that there is always that heart tug between family in friends in one place and family and friends in another. It seems that your zumba class is good for body and soul. What a great idea for helping the homeless.
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice way to come together with friends!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea. I have a drawer full of the little toiletry items I've collected at various places we have stopped on our travels. I need to find a place where I can give them to someone in need. Thanks for this idea.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you enjoy your friends and also your exercise... That is GOOD.
Hugs,
Betsy
This is a wonderful idea! Helping others draws people together like almost nothing else. So glad you are settling back home in Hawaii, but I am sorry you can't be with everyone you want to be with all at the same time.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful project to share together. Those packages look nice and I know the contents of each will be appreciated.
ReplyDeleteGood for you and your zumba friends. It's a good way to share your blessings. Our church has a group that collects these travel size toiletries and sends them to a nearby women's prison.
ReplyDeletewhat a great project and idea...
ReplyDeleteHow lovely that you have packaged these so nicely. I collect them as well for the local Needs Council. I also collect diaper and women's products to lay out for anyone to take.
ReplyDeleteWhat a thoughtful thing to do, and what a lovely group of friends you have!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful idea and how neat that you found such a good use for those samples that we rarely use for ourselves. You have some sweet and thoughtful friends.
ReplyDeleteAwesome!
ReplyDeleteThat is a great project. When I traveled every week I collected all the toiletries, too, and gave them to Open M, short for Open Ministry, a wonderful shelter and more, near me.
ReplyDeletenice pastime
ReplyDeletesuch a wonderful project, we all have those toiletries hanging around!
ReplyDeleteThat is so terrific, Kay! Aloha no ka oi!
ReplyDeleteYou've got lots to be very happy about. Going out and doing things helps with our own happiness.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful idea of Pat's and you are great to pay attention to good ideas and to share them here.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea! I was in downtown recently and I noticed a huge line that wrapped around the building and went down a side street. I was like, oh soup kitchen? No. It was a line where they opened the bathroom and shower facilities for the homeless. OMG. It was like 50 men in line! I felt so bad, just to take a shower. Having hot water and a place to shave must be a rare thing indeed when one is homeless. Maybe some were going to job interviews. Anyway I also wanted to add to your kindness was that I read an article on homeless women and since most donations are geared towards men, the women need feminine hygiene products like pads and tampons. Between eating and using a pad, eating comes first. Maybe your ladies group can get those of products that all women need monthly. BB
ReplyDeleteWow! That's something I never even thought about. I'll have to mention that to the group.
DeleteGuess we'll have to buy those huh? Haha!
DeleteYup... Because I've never seen those given out at hotels. LOL I'll keep a look out for sales.
DeleteAND... another idea. Instead of making gift bags, I'm thinking it would be better for us to separate all the donations into separate boxes so that the IHS can pass out what is needed for each recipient.
DeleteI'll try to call IHS to find out if they would like the items loose. We'll streamline as we go huh?
DeleteAs for feminine products, some of us may have items laying around???
Ummmmm.... not me.
DeleteWhat a great idea to do this. I think it's human nature to take things that are free, even though you know they will end up in the back of a cupboard! I may see if we can do something similar here.....glad you are doing well and got to see family recently.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds from the comments like this is going to be an on-going and growing endeavor. Good for you!
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful idea! Wish I had heard of it sooner, or thought of it myself, as I've had a collection that has grown so old the items need to be discarded. I probably won't be collecting many in the future but will keep it in mind and share the idea with others. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteOur area Girl Scouts have an annual event called April Showers. They distribute bags and pick them up on another day so we can fill them with toiletries and personal care items. These bags are given to pantries and shelters. They use them year round for families and individuals in need.
ReplyDeleteYou ladies are so good. What a blessing to have such friends, and so many.
ReplyDeletethat was a neat idea for a good cause
ReplyDelete