The blanket collection has been amazing. We have passed out over 120 blankets, jackets, and toiletries. Our team is growing and the giving has been a true blessing. Today I visited an Art Program created for homeless and abused children in Miami and in my conversation with one of the ladies heading the project she mentioned a couple things that hit home. She shared the story of her grandfather who had an early retirement from the corporate world in order to become a "Professional Volunteer" he even had a business card he gave out with that title. He told her that most people would approuch him and say how lucky and wonderful it must be for those that he helps and he responded that his giving was really a selfish act because in the end the one who received the most was him. Giving made him a better person, it helped him go to bed at peace with himself.
This blanket drive has really become a selfish drive for me too. I can say that this couple weeks have been incredibly fulfilling. I have not had time to seek, or think about all the meaningless things we bombard our heads with during the holiday season. I have been given the best gift anyone can receive and that is a smile from each individual that we gave a blanket to. I wish that I could say that it is a selfless act, but it really is not. It becomes addicting to feel complete, to know that you planted the seed of love and hope in someone else. It becomes addicting to receive unconditional hugs and smiles. Giving is the greatest and most rrewarding trades of all.
Thanks to all my friends and strangers that helped with the drive. This is just the beginning. My family in California began the drive with their friends too and we already have tons of blankets awaiting our arrival. I will keep all of you update. Stay tune and continue spreading the word, praying and giving.. I love you all .. Merry Christmas!!
Ivis :)
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Update 12/20/10
Attention everyone!!! Project Oasis of Good News-Blanket Drive is going viral. We made it a hit in Miami and now we are going west thanks to my beautiful cous Kristy and all her awesome people. California here we come! Wut Wut!! God is good All the time. :)
Update 12/19/10
Project Oasis of Good News - Blanket Collection - Round 2. We exceeded our goal with a little over 120 blankets. There are leaders and there are followers. I thank my leaders for rocking this drive. For making it happen. And to the followers, thanks for thinking about giving, everything starts with a thought! We are ready for round 3. Keep it up.
Hello Friends,
My family and I are making a cross country trip this year for Christmas. I want my kids to see their beautiful country and meet family and friends they have not met on the west coast and along the way.
But, we want to make it a vacation with a purpose. God has blessed us with so much that we want to bless others too.
...So here it goes...
Since we will be stopping in lots of different places and seeing a lot of different people, I thought that providing blankets for the homeless along the way would be a great way to help others in need. Remember that it is winter and for those of us that live in Miami, the temperature is great to sleep outside but for many across the country the freezing weather can be deadly.
We will take with us any used or new blankets that are donated and we will try to take pictures of the people we donate them to to show everyone. You can help with your donated blanket, or by spreading the word.
I will collect blankets at:
Coconut Grove Chiropractic
3151 SW 27th Ave
Miami Fla 33133
You can send me a message to let me know if you have any you would like to donate and need them picked up while on the along the road trip.
I love you guys and hope that this trip can be a blessing not only our family, but to every single person we meet along the way and for those of you that are willing to help.
Have a blessed day and don't forget to SMILE!
Ivis
Uddate:
12-12-10
Blanket Collection round 1-a total success.. I am thankful to my friend Chiropractors for coming together for the collection yesterday at SNL. We got 23 blankets... continue reading below...
Today my husband, kids and I went out to give in our own city. First trip we took half the blankets and saved the other half for the road trip. Well, that didn't last too long. After seeing the great need we have among our own Miami homeless, we returned home to do the second round. Together we made a lot of people smile today. We showed them the abundace of love God has for them and they gave us a warming smile and heartfelt thank you. But, there is so much more needed out there. I never imagened that in the warmest city blankets would be so desperately needed. Please continue to collect blankets throughout the holidays. From your friends, family and peers. I promise it will be rewarded 10 fold. We have an amazing God that gives back. I will continue to pick up blankets from whereever you need me too and I will be posting the pictures and stories from the people soon at oasisofgoodnews.blogspot.com . I love and appreciate you all :) Keep up the good work. Old or new blankets, its all needed!!
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