Volunteer....it makes a difference

This past weekend, I know it took me just this long to post this, but I had an opportunity to attend and participate in a charity walk. It is for a place called the Friendship Circle, they provide support and opportunities to children with special needs. It was the most amazing thing. So many people came out, and so many of the children we are walking for participated and walked the 3 mile walk despite their disabilities. They were such troopers! And Thomas and I got "tattooed" in spirit of the walk!

It's amazing to see the outpouring of love when you attend these events and I can only imagine the love in the hearts of all the volunteers who make this place what it is! It's important for me to teach my children that volunteering and giving to others less fortunate is what's most important. I was amazed at how many young people were at this walk yesterday, and just how many of these young people donate their time to their summer and winter camps.

Not only do the donations matter but the volunteers who run them are imperative. Another organization that rely heavily on their volunteers is Guide Dogs of America. That one runs near and dear to not only my heart but my whole families. My mom is a puppy raiser….at least she was one until her HOA is attempting to prevent her from raising another puppy, that is a post in and of itself. I wanted to be a puppy raiser and found out that for one, I was pregnant with Thomas and pregnancy and a new puppy do not mix. Also my job would not allow me to do the duties I need to do in order to make sure my puppy would be successful, unfortunately! Remember this post? Yeah Tawney is one of those dogs, she unfortunately did not make it into the program, she would have made a great dog, but that harness just wasn't her thing.

Other organizations that are near and dear to my heart that thrive not only on their volunteers but their donations and participants are Being a Friend of Maddie, and the March of Dimes, due to the fact that I've had that NICU baby, Thank God he only was there for 5 days but it was scary for me. Cyndy is also walking for the March of Babies, check into her page as well! I also am a Proud Spirit jumper and if you haven't read anything about this organization, please check it out, YOU can make a difference.

The 2 day Avon breast cancer walk is going on in Santa Barbara this September, and I would LOVE to be able to participate in that, I think I am going to strive for that. I've had friends, and family alike who have suffered from this horrible evilness. And I want to be In it to end it! It's the donations and the people who make it all possible….someday we can hope for a cancer free world. I hope my children will know it! If you head over to Marla's you can read a really touching story about this very thing!

So just remember the next time you think about volunteering, and you think to yourself, "Oh they have plenty of people" You can NEVER have enough volunteers...and it does make a difference!

What are some of the charities near and dear to your heart?

My Little Miracles