SINGLE MOTHERS: Day 13 of 31 Days of Creative Caring

WOMEN... Occasionally called "the weaker sex" but sometimes in situations that require strength beyond imagination. When that's the case, just knowing someone cares may be enough to help a woman keep getting up in the morning and moving forward ... for herself (and often for her children). My thoughts today are especially of women who are single mothers. Single mothers may be women who have lost their husband through death or divorce, or they may be women (often teenagers) who are raising children without the benefit of a spouse. We can encourage them! Offer to babysit. Single mothers need an occasional break!   Surprise Mom with tickets so she can take her children on a special outing: the zoo, wildlife park, ... Keep Reading...

SMOKED CHICKEN: Day 12 of 31 Days of Creative Caring

Sometimes the littlest things mean a lot...   I honestly don't remember the first time I watched him do it, but I know it was about 15 years ago. My husband (aka Renaissance Man on this blog) got up on a Saturday morning and went to the grocery store to buy chickens. Upon returning home, he fired up the smoker and cooked chickens for several hours until they were melt-in-your-mouth tender. While still warm, he wrapped the chickens in heavy duty foil, carried them to the car... ... and delivered them to people he thought could use them. Elderly acquaintances and friends Grieving families People struggling financially ... or emotionally People dealing with medical challenges "Just because" it seemed like the right ... Keep Reading...

TEACHER TREATS: Day 11 of 31 Days of Creative Caring

Day after day, teachers and staff greet our future at the school door. Theirs is often a thankless job ... but it doesn't have to be.   Ways to say "thank you" ... Host a breakfast or luncheon on Teacher Inservice Day Provide snacks for the break room Make treat bags/baskets for teachers and staff Volunteer (tutor a student, read a story, make a presentation) Help a new teacher set up the classroom; provide school supplies, books, stickers -- or a gift certificate to a teacher resource center Send a note of encouragement ... "just because" Go HERE to see this tablescape.   Have you ever done any of these things?  What other ideas do you have?   This post is part of a 31-day series. To ... Keep Reading...