Project 17

HEARTS FOR HAITI

What We Did:

We wanted to try to raise a bit of money for Haiti in their time of need, so we created little Valentine's Day  flower pots to sell.  We painted some aluminum cans and tied a strip of scrap fabric around each and then hot glued  small painted cardboard hearts onto the fabric.  We drilled some dain holes in the bottom and planted a spring flower in each. The signs are just painted cardboard cutout hears taped to bbq skewers.  We set the flower pots up for donation before and after church.

How Long it Took:
This one took a while.  With the help of my sister and her pre-teen kids our family managed the whole thing in about 3-4 hrs.

How Much it Cost:
$4 for the flowers.  We raised $38 for Haiti :)

Would We Do It Again?
We would.  We all felt good about creating something beautiful together and raising some money for people in need.

Next Time:I'd make location arrangements earlier and give advanced notice to the buying audience.  I think this would be a fun idea for Easter and plant wheatgrass.  Maybe try to set up next to a Farmer's Market?

References:
http://www.uusc.org/content/major_earthquake_devastates_haiti_uusc_uua_launch_relief_fund

Project 16

LESS TRASH- For one week

What We Did:
After watching another week of the garbages truck going up and down our street we decided to try to not buy anything that would end up in a landfill for one week.  We felt that we could serve Mother Earth (including all of those that rely on her) by consuming less waste and reducing the effect of their production. We tried to include all package groceries, toys, products, to-go containers, ect.

How Long it Took:
A few minutes or thinking ahead, creative improvising and however long it took us to get over going without.

How Much it Cost:
This one saves you money :)

Would We Do It Again?
Yes.  This service project made us much more mindful of the amount of trash that we produce and helped us find more creative ways to reduce our waste and be kind to the earth. Ruby said that she really liked this project but didn't want to do it again for a while :)

Next Time:
Be OK with inconsistancies!

References:
 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landfill

Project 15

BEGGING HIS BREAD

What We Did:

On the way home from the park we drove past a elderly man begging for money.  The man reminded us of Giovanni from The Clown of God and we felt like we could help, if only a little.  We drove home and filled a bag with some nurishment (oranges, almonds, raisins, rice milk and some cookie dough from the fridge) for this man.  Ruby and Max also wanted to include some money from their allowance.  I through in some toothpaste and floss but sheepishly pulled them out with the almonds and raisons when we realized he didn't have any teeth.

How Long it Took:
20 minute

How Much it Cost:
A few things from our cupboard and $3.25.


Would We Do It Again?
Yes, keeping in mind what we learned this time.


Next Time:
Many people begging do not have many teeth, so nuts and raisons are worthless to them.  In the future I'd love to have a few little kits already assembled in our car to hand out to people begging. 


References: