I've discovered that my car only really carries about 3000 diapers if I push it AND if Riley is not in her car seat with me. Luckily for me my dad retired this year, congrats btw dad, and happens to have a big 15 passenger van that he has used for work for years. The van is emptied out (no seats except driver and passenger) and has been very handy in delivering diapers. Thanks again dad :)
So today I loaded up the big red van and drove it down to the Salvation Army Children's Shelter. I should tell you I was pretty sheltered growing up. My dad grew up in what now are considered the very worst parts of town. And as far as he's concerned he would rather me not spend time in most areas of "kansas city". I lived in NY and considered pretty much no area of NYC unsafe, yet I still get that "should I really be driving through this area by myself" feeling in parts of KC because I grew up to be scared. Not sure what to expect this morning, I head out, doors locked. :)
I should also tell you I am pretty new to this whole "giving back" and "doing good" thing. For years I always thought, man I should really do something and then I would donate a few bucks here and there to make myself feel a little better. Not that that money didn't count mind you, but I had never been really involved. I've never seen first hand how that money is used, or what goes on when you volunteer your time.
Today, I got to see. I toured the Children's Shelter and it was spectacular. To see first hand kids of all ages being cared for in a loving and stable environment (some for the first time ever) was eye opening. I'm not sure I can put it into words (although it might help if I were an actual writer). I know first hand that I've heard the same things I'm writing about now told to me, but until I saw it for myself I was not impacted. These kids are getting food, love, structure, learning on so many levels, skills to become a great person despite their hardships. My initial reaction was a bit heart-broken, but quickly turned to awe, amazement and appreciation. Awe at the sweetest little toddler that waved at me with the happiest grin ever despite the circumstance that landed him at this shelter. Amazement to realize that there are places like this in every nook and cranny in the world. Appreciation for those who make it possible to help these children and at the children themselves for not giving up. From the art room (my daughter would LOVE it there) to the computer room and the pre-school room, to the kids bedrooms they stay in, everything was perfect. The gratitude and joy that come from a supply of diapers that all I did was deliver - awesome.
If you every have the opportunity to see first hand how your money or donations are being used, I urge you to take advantage of that. I have a new gratitude for the time, support and ability to take on this project and help in one teen-tiny way in this great big world and am extra thankful to all of you who not only support me and happybottoms, but who support any cause! Thank YOU!
Friday, March 5, 2010 at 10:36AM 
