"Many small people, in many small places, do many small things, that can alter the face of the world." - Anonymous
Just one year ago, local mom Chanda Mundil and her family launched Our Year of Giving. They pledged to work together as a family, including their youngest members, to complete one service project each month, and local non-profit organizations benefited greatly from their efforts.
Julie Parker, another local mom of two small boys, and her husband were inspired by the Mundil family and what they were able to accomplish in that year. Which is why the Parker Family is excited to take over the project and spend the year making a difference in our community. When I asked Julie why she decided to pledge a Year of Giving, she said, "It's important for me to instill the value of giving back in my children. Why not start at an early age?"
The Parker Family's journey to Our Year of Giving actually started back in May when they built a Little Free Library. Their Year of Giving officially started in September during the Macaroni Kid Do Something Great Day. Julie organized an event at Let's Play Sammamish to collect book donations for Eastside Baby Corner. The giving continued in October with food donations collected and delivered to Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank.
Julie Parker, another local mom of two small boys, and her husband were inspired by the Mundil family and what they were able to accomplish in that year. Which is why the Parker Family is excited to take over the project and spend the year making a difference in our community. When I asked Julie why she decided to pledge a Year of Giving, she said, "It's important for me to instill the value of giving back in my children. Why not start at an early age?"
The Parker Family's journey to Our Year of Giving actually started back in May when they built a Little Free Library. Their Year of Giving officially started in September during the Macaroni Kid Do Something Great Day. Julie organized an event at Let's Play Sammamish to collect book donations for Eastside Baby Corner. The giving continued in October with food donations collected and delivered to Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank.
The Parker Family has big plans for November and December, too. During the holiday season, their giving focus will benefit the Holiday Gift Barn created by the Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank as a way to make sure all local children have a joyful Christmas. In addition, they have pledged to help two soldiers with their wish list through an organization called Any Soldier.
Local parents can get their little ones involved through helping with these volunteer projects and providing ideas for new projects. Our Year of Giving really is all about coming together as a community and teaching our children what giving back is all about.
Connect with Julie and share her family's year long journey of giving on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Volunteerouryearofgiving
OUR YEAR OF GIVING EVENT
Join Julie and her boys at Let's Play Sammamish on December 5th from 9:30-12:00.
They will be collecting gifts for Holiday Gift Barn and Any Soldier. Your donations will allow you a free entry to the Open Play session and an entry to win a FREE private 90 minute play session at Let's Play Sammamish.
WHAT TO BRING: The Holiday Gift Barn is in need of gifts for newborns-18 years old (clothes, toys, books, etc.) You can see Gift Ideas by CLICKING HERE. The wish lists for Any Soldier include Keurig coffee, soap, toothpaste, snacks, Christmas decor, craft supplies, etc.
If you can't make the event, contact Julie who will arrange to pick up the gifts from you.
