Together we can make a difference in our communities, and most importantly, we are impressing upon our children the importance of kindness, compassion, and volunteering. This statement rings even more true today than it did when I first published it two months ago.
Way back in July, Macaroni Kid put out the call to inspire and empower local parents and their kids to take on a community service project with our support. That call has been answered in a big way, and families and organizations have stepped up and committed to Do Something GREAT throughout the month of September!
Honestly, the response has far exceeded our expectations. Diana and I are thrilled that a small idea has been able to make such an impact! We are humbled by your energy, efforts, and willingness to make a difference. We are excited by the potential of this movement in our communities!
We've managed to create many opportunities to get families involved in volunteering, raising funds, and collecting needed items. Now it's YOUR turn - YOUR FAMILY'S turn - to Do Something Great by attending these events and donating to the collection drives. Please take this opportunity to show kindness and support for the families as well as the non-profits who are benefiting from #MKDoSomethingGreat. (Please use that hashtag on social media to let us know about the great things you're doing!)
Way back in July, Macaroni Kid put out the call to inspire and empower local parents and their kids to take on a community service project with our support. That call has been answered in a big way, and families and organizations have stepped up and committed to Do Something GREAT throughout the month of September!
Honestly, the response has far exceeded our expectations. Diana and I are thrilled that a small idea has been able to make such an impact! We are humbled by your energy, efforts, and willingness to make a difference. We are excited by the potential of this movement in our communities!
We've managed to create many opportunities to get families involved in volunteering, raising funds, and collecting needed items. Now it's YOUR turn - YOUR FAMILY'S turn - to Do Something Great by attending these events and donating to the collection drives. Please take this opportunity to show kindness and support for the families as well as the non-profits who are benefiting from #MKDoSomethingGreat. (Please use that hashtag on social media to let us know about the great things you're doing!)
Thursday, September 18: The Malchow Family is hosting Bouncing to benefit Animals at Kidz Bounce from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. A percent of proceeds will go to the Seattle Humane Society and families are encouraged to donate needed items. During the bounce session, kids will also be able to visit the SHS MaxMobile, their adoption bus filled with adoptable animals!
Friday, September 19: The Parker Family is hosting a Storytime & Indoor Play at Let's Play Sammamish from 9:30 am to 12:00 pm. Bring a gently used book (or two or three) to donate to Eastside Baby Corner. Come to play (donations accepted) and enjoy a fun story time at 10:00 am and preview music class at 10:30 am!
Friday and Saturday, September 19-20: The CDH Warriors of the Pacific Northwest Guild are hosting a Garage Sale to raise funds for CDH Research at Seattle Children's Hospital. Local families can help by donating lightly used, good to great condition items to the CDH Warriors for fundraising purposes (contact cdhwarriorspnw@outlook.com) and shopping the sale from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm at 36603 SE Woody Creek Lane, Snoqualmie.
Saturday, September 20: On the official Do Something Great Day, we are very excited to be included in the Snoqualmie Valley Block Party! We'll be hosting a Cookies for Kids Cancer bake sale to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer research. A big thanks to the 20 local families (and one awesome girls soccer team) who offered to bake for us and will be at the event to sell the cookies!
During the month of September, you can help with several collection drives.
The Short Family organized a Back to School Snack Drive to benefit the Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank.
WHAT: Suggested donations include granola bars, crackers with cheese/peanut butter and fruit snacks.
WHERE: 3444 NE Meadow Way in Magnolia Park
WHEN: through September 20
Village Pediatrics in Gilman Village is collecting pajamas on behalf of Eastside Baby Corner.
WHAT: new and gently used pajamas - all sizes up to 14.
WHERE: Village Pediatrics | 317 NW Gilman Blvd #48, Issaquah
WHEN: September 2 - 19
Encompass has asked us to assist local low-income families that are part of The Parent-Child Home Program, a national program that supports young children’s early literacy and school readiness. It bridges gaps in achievement, preparing children to enter school ready to be as successful as their more advantaged peers.
WHAT: You can help by donating new 4 packs of play-dough and new packs of jumbo-sized crayons. There is also a need for the following books:
- “Five Little Monkeys sitting in a tree”/”En un arbol estan los cinco monitos” (Eng/Spa bilingual version) by Eileen Christelow
- “Tap the Magic Tree” by Christie Matheson
- “Press Here”/”Presiona Aqui” by Herve Tullet
WHERE: Encompass office at 1407 Boalch Ave NW in North Bend or the Pediatric Therapy office downtown North Bend
WHEN: through September 27
CONTACT: Call 425.888.2777 and ask for Lisa Yeager or email Lisa.Yeager@encompassnw.org
Issaquah Moms Group is hosting a drive to collect new toys for Seattle Children's Hospital, a way to help patients and families when they need it most.
WHAT: The toys must be new and the website lists their Greatest Needs, Priority Needs, as well as suggested toys per age group.
WHERE: The box for donations will be outside the office of Dilks & Knopik, LLC located at 35308 SE Center St, Snoqualmie, WA 98065 (located in the Venture Commerce Center of the Snoqualmie Ridge Business Park)
WHEN: September 15 - 19
Girl Scout Service Unit #442 will be collecting new or gently used winter coats, hats and gloves (for all ages, infant to adult, men and women) to donate to Encompass for their One Voice Holiday event in December.
WHAT: new or gently used winter coats, hats and gloves
WHERE: Please drop off donations at collection boxes around the community: North Bend Theater – 125 Bendigo Blvd N, North Bend; Snoqualmie Library – 7824 Center Blvd. SE, Snoqualmie; Gearhead Garage – 43424 SE North Bend Way, North Bend; Claffey’s Painting – 204 Ballarat Ave N, North Bend.
WHEN: Saturday, September 20 through Saturday, September 27
Are you feeling inspired? We hope so! Want to show your kids that they can make a difference? Of course you do! Would you like to Do Something Great with your family on Saturday, September 20?
Our friends at Encompass passed along this terrific resource of simple volunteer ideas for all ages: visit the website www.bigheartedfamilies.org. By doing good as a family, children learn empowerment, self-esteem, responsibility, academic skills, critical thinking, tolerance, respect and gratitude! That’s a lot of benefit for just a few minutes to make a difference in your community!
- Local mom Julie and five of her friends are baking cookies to give to local firefighters.
- Issaquah Highlands Girl Scout Troop will be volunteering at Eastside Baby Corner on Saturday morning.
- Local mom Colleen is donating a percent of proceeds from her online Jamberry Party to Encompass, the local non-profit organization that supported her family through the first year of an autism diagnosis and a great place that nurtures children and enriches families. Buy through this link to donate.
- Local mom Emily is hosting a play date where kids and moms with work together to create Blessing Bags to be distributed throughout the community.
- The Annie Pulliam Chapter (North Bend) of the Daughters of the American Revolution collected 4-packs of Play-Doh and jumbo-sized crayons for Encompass.
If you're Doing Something Great, please let us know!
If you are inspired to Do Something Great on September 20, please CLICK HERE to fill out a very brief form. Macaroni Kid is ready to support your efforts!
