"Many small people, in many small places, do many small things, that can alter the face of the world." - Anonymous
Local mom Chanda Mundil and her husband Nick are making sure the "small people" in their life - five year old daughter, 20 month old son, and baby-on-the-way - have the opportunity to change the world. Not when they get older but now. Right now. The Mundil family has pledged a Year of Giving. They are working together as a family, including the youngest members, to complete one service project each month in 2014, and local non-profit organizations are benefiting.
Earlier this year I found Our Year of Giving on Facebook, and immediately reached out to show my support. I am inspired and energized by what this local family is accomplishing, and I know you will be too, which is why I asked Chanda to share some insights.
What inspired this yearlong project?
Local mom Chanda Mundil and her husband Nick are making sure the "small people" in their life - five year old daughter, 20 month old son, and baby-on-the-way - have the opportunity to change the world. Not when they get older but now. Right now. The Mundil family has pledged a Year of Giving. They are working together as a family, including the youngest members, to complete one service project each month in 2014, and local non-profit organizations are benefiting.
Earlier this year I found Our Year of Giving on Facebook, and immediately reached out to show my support. I am inspired and energized by what this local family is accomplishing, and I know you will be too, which is why I asked Chanda to share some insights.
What inspired this yearlong project?
Last year my then 4 year old and I were on our way to the Issaquah Community Center when we saw the lengthy line of people waiting their turn at the Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank. We were still relatively new to the area and so it didn't immediately register with me what they were in line for and leave it to a curious child to ask, "Mom what are those people doing?" After we got home and I had time to research it, my heart sank. I had never actually witnessed people waiting in line for necessities like that and it may as well have been a lightning bolt that hit me with a wave of emotions. I was angry that people in our very own community are in this kind of need. I was inspired to help. I was certainly humbled by the comfortable life we are so blessed to live. So I started on the homework, researching various volunteer opportunities, and I quickly became discouraged (wonk, wonk) that what I was finding was too "big" for our family with small children. So we decided to create our own projects in which our entire family could participate and Our Year of Giving was born!
What projects have you completed so far?
It was only fitting that one of our first projects benefited the Issaquah Food Bank, right? There was a specific need for baby formula back in the fall and so we hosted a baby formula drive on our front porch! I was AMAZED at the outpouring of generosity and the day we were able to drop off almost $500 worth of formula to their doors was a very happy day. It was then that I knew we were on our way to one amazing year long journey. We have since partnered with The Sophia Way shelter, Treehouse, and hosted a garage sale to benefit Colorado flood victims! Sure some may say that we are not directly interacting with those that need our help, but we feel that we are making a difference (small but true) in spreading awareness not only about local needs but the amazing organizations that are out there and welcome assistance.
What projects do you have planned?
This month we will be hosting a bake sale on Saturday, February 22 to help fund Icing Smiles. This amazing organization provides the simple joy of cakes and goodies to ill children. If you'd like to buy yummy treats for a great cause, find out more details on the Our Year of Giving Facebook page.
Next month we are hosting a supply drive for Art With Heart that helps children over come traumatic experiences through creativity.
Next month we are hosting a supply drive for Art With Heart that helps children over come traumatic experiences through creativity.
How can local parents support what you're doing?
Local parents can help support us by liking our facebook page facebook.com/ouryearofgiving and staying tuned into how they can participate in our various monthly projects. One of the best yet unexpected gifts we've received during this journey has been meeting our neighbors and learning of other families that have started their own giving journeys.
