“My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.”
– Dalia Lama

Well – October has come and gone.  I hope everyone had a great month and enjoyed the cuteness and candy of Halloween.  It’s a good time for a little touch base and check in.

So – how you doin?

Are you participating in the 10 cans of conscious kindness challenge?  If so – you only have about 6 weeks to finish up shopping for your 10 food items to donate to a charity (by which I mean ANYONE you see fit) and help ease hunger.

I have been moving forward with my quest.  It started with a box a Bisquick and after about 4 weeks I have the following items ready to go for my family in need.

Well, not a lot of fancy going on there but I think it’s a great little start.  A family could easily have at least one, if not two, complete, nutritious meals with those items.  In the next few weeks I’ll continue to add items that are versatile and healthy plus I definitely want to bring in a touch of sweet.  After all – it is the holidays and everyone should be able to make a cake, pie or cookies for their family to enjoy.

On a slightly different note – my kiddos are also participating in helping end hunger through the annual food drive at their school.  Indulge my proud Momma moment.  Every year my kiddos elementary participates in Harvest of Love which is sponsored by a  local food bank – Care and Share – here in Colorado Springs.

And every year – they win!  Amazing, right?

Their elementary has won top prize for at least the last 6 years (that my son has attended) and possibly longer.  They bring in the MOST food and money from any elementary school in the entire Colorado Springs area.  I love this program. So.Damn.Much.  My kids are EXCITED to donate food.  They want to win but more important – they want to help.  The whole school rallies including the staff and parents to get the kids involved. It gives me a chance as a Mom to explain WHY it’s so important to give and helps them realize that they are INCREDIBLY fortunate children who never want.

This year the school sent along a note from the food pantry with “most needed” items.   I’ve shared below in case it can help anyone that would like to donate but are unsure what, exactly, these families would need or want.

Most Requested Items:

· canned fruit

· canned vegetables

· canned meat or tuna

· soup

· peanut butter

· oatmeal

I’ll continue to keep everyone posted on my personal 10 can challenge as well as the Harvest of Love program at our elementary.  I’m not sure I mentioned it but this is one of my very favorite times of the year.  It’s easy to give and help even if you are short on time or money.  Opportunity abounds for those that want to be part of bringing change and hope.

I continue down this path with a renewed energy.  I LOVE that I can share this journey with my family and my community.  Please feel free to join in – it’s never too late to be part of change.