Extra special thanks to Learning Unlimited & Manatee Learning Academy for running a drive at their school for the supplies for our Fresh Start event that will be held in January. We are working closely with HOPE Family Services to help the families that go through their doors come out with some essentials when moving into their new home. Learning Unlimited and Manatee Learning Academy are so amazing that we are able to complete at least 30 baskets with a simple dinner, snacks, breakfast and pajamas for the children. This is the second time they have held a drive for us at their school and to see the generosity of the families that go there is absolutely amazing. We are looking forward to working with the school to host an event at their location in 2019!
Getting our Kindness on
Our Kindness Challenge is in full swing. Finally! So sorry it took us a week to begin this, but I suppose the closer it is to the holidays, the more meaningful it becomes for our kids to realize how important kindness and giving is.
I know this is a total side track, but as I was teaching my Music and Movement class and we played a game to a song by the Imagination Movers, the line “It’s not about what you get, it’s about what you give” emphasized the point of our hot potato gift game. Did they get it? Probably not. But did I at least try and plant little seeds into their minds about how fun it is to give and share? You betcha!
Today is the third day and we would love to see you plant those seeds into your kids’ minds and participate alongside us. Email, comment on our posts or tag us as you do your challenge. Start today or even head back and see what our posts were for the last few days and start now with day one!
Day 3 suggest you take time to Feed The Birds. Make a bird feeder, put out some birdseed or take some food to a local pond and feed the ducks. Send some good vibes out to our feathery friends on these wintery Florida days!
I’ll be subbing in a VPK class today and am hoping to get all the kids involved with today’s kindness challenge by helping me make some bird feeders. Super simple recipe:
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Nut-Free Bird Feeder
1 packet unflavored gelatin
1/4 cup boiling water
3/4 cup bird seed
wax paper (parchment paper or silicone mat will do)
cookie cutters or silicone cupcake liners
string and needle
Mix 1 packet of unflavored gelatin and 1/4 cup of boiling water. Stir until it is dissolved Add 3/4 cup of bird seed and mix it so the gelatin is well incorporated. Spoon the seed mixture into cookie cutters resting on the wax paper. Let the molds rest and harden for a couple of hours, or speed it up by using your refrigerator. Once hardened, pop them out of the cookie cutter molds and then thread some string through in order to hang it!
Kindness Challenge
Our Kindness Challenge is a way to get the whole family involved in Giving Tuesday. With a donation of $5.00, you’ll receive a our seven-day challenge – each day has a new way to show kindness to others.
Perhaps this interactive way to participate in Giving Tuesday will even become a tradition for your family! Sign up to be a challenge participant here!
These Girl Scouts are some of our amazing volunteers
Members of Girl Scout Troop 701 took some time after our Foster Care event to tell us why they love volunteering with SUGAR Volunteers. It’s always a joy to see their smiling faces and passion for giving. They never come empty-handed to an event. You can always count on them to have a donation ready for the event they are participating in. Keep being you, girls!! Check out their interview!
SUGAR Shout-Out to Anna
We couldn’t be more proud of one of our SUGAR Volunteers. Anna made the choice to request donations for SUGAR rather than accept birthday gifts at her birthday party. She raised $167.00!! Anna, you are what your teachers call a world-changer. We are so honored that you decided to give back to the organization you volunteer with! Your donation will help us make an event on whatever cause you are most passionate about. Be sure to let us know what you’d like to see us do in 2019!!
Big hugs and kisses!!
– Ali, Victoria and Stefanie