Project 8

PUMPKIN BREAD FOR VETERANS- The Fisher House

Project sumbitted by the Goldblum family ---Florida

What We Did:

Supporting America's military in their time of need, a Fisher House is "a home away from home" that enables family members to be close to a loved one at the most stressful time -- during hospitalization for an illness, disease or injury. A Fisher House offers dining and lodging facilities to families of veteran and military patients receiving medical care at major military and VA medical centers. We baked and delivered some Apple Pie and Pumpkin Bread to the Fisher House residents.

How Long it Took:
Cooking Prep-time & Clean-up (2 hours), Bake Time (1 hour). Delivery (We hand delivered the baked goods to a near by Fisher House)

How Much it Cost:
$20

Would We Do It Again?
Yes...This project was an introduction into the concept of military (those honorable persons that keep our home and America safe) to our four year old daughter. Her questions and our explanations both taught and reminded us of what these remarkable men and women in uniform do and why we owe them a huge debt of gratitude.

Next Time:
The Fisher House does seem to keep their kitchen stocked with coffee and snacks. Perhaps what the resident families may prefer is home-style meal, maybe some warm rotisserie chickens or even frozen lasagna dishes.

References:
Find one of the 43 Fisher House locations http://www.fisherhouse.org/.

Project 7

Feel Better Soon

What We Did:
We made some Feel Better Soon Cards.  During the Cold and Flu Season it isn't hard to find someone who is under the weather (school, park, neighbors, grandparents, church, community).  We just made a few cards to let the person we choose know that we were thinking of them and hoping that they'd get to feeling better.

How Long it Took:
30 minutes

How Much it Cost:
the cost of postage

Would We Do It Again?
Yes.  It is a super easy way to remind us of the value of caring about and taking that little extra step to connect to someone around us.

Next Time: x

References: x

Project 6

HALLOWEEN PARADE

Thanks to all of our friends who particpated--for taking time out of their busy lives to serve others.

What We Did:

With the kids dressed in their Halloween Costumes, we went to a local Senior Care Facility to spread some festive cheer.  I arranged a time with the facilities activities director in advance.  This allowed for a guided tour of the welcoming patients rooms and avoided any of the patients who wouldn't be interested in the activity.  We brought some little plastic Halloween trinkets for the children to hand to the seniors as a way to bring them together.  We followed up our parade with a Halloween party at one of the participating families homes -- which was not servicey at all but sure added to the day's memorability!

How Long it Took:
45 minutes to an hour to interact with all of the interested patients.

How Much it Cost:
$6 on plastic trinkets (very optional, see next time).

Would We Do It Again?
Yes!  Most of the children were very engaged and felt good about the service that they were providing.  Some of the kids were over it sooner than others depending on their age and social skills. I think the activity accomplished what we hoped it would,  a small chance to bring children and seniors in our community together and  for both to enjoy each other.

Next Time:
ohh... lots of next times. 

1. Prepare better emotionally.  The activity wears on your heart and brings up lots of questions, not so much for the kids as for the adults.
2. Don't give out small plastic objects that can be put mouths.  One of the seniors with dementia thought it was candy.  Maybe candy next time.
3. Show up on time :)

References:
I just searched on line for Senior Care Facility and found http://www.seniorcareconnection.com/.  They directed me to a few good places.