This year, my heart has been drawn toward foster children. Children who are abused, neglected, and abandoned are all around us. Each of our children go to school with children in the foster program. I have been searching for a way to help them through our family this year.
First, I found "Sally's House". Sally's House was created so children would immediately have a place to stay after being removed from an abusive or unhealthy situation. A child stays here until she can be placed back into her home after the situation is corrected, a foster home, or can live with an approved relative.
I began to think that it would be nice for a child ripped from their home in the middle of the night to have something to hold on to, something they can call their own. I also had the idea of an "about me" book or journal so they can write their own story. I have listened to all of the Foster Parenting Podcasts on itunes, and really respect these foster parents. I decided to e-mail them and ask what they thought would be most helpful to these children. They replied with many good ideas and led me to My Stuff Bags who are a national foundation who give each child taken from their home a bag full of brand new items such as blankets, stuffed animals, coloring books and crayons, etc. . (age appropriate items). These items help the children feel like they have SOME sort of power and something that is theirs.
My Stuff Bags asks for money donations mostly but they insist on a handmade blanket to go in each bag. They deliver their bags to Salvation Army - "Sally's House" in Spokane, Seattle, and many places in both California, Utah, and most every other state. We each will be helping our local foster children.
So here is the family project:
We will be making blankets and sending them to My Stuff Bags who will then put them into the bags to give to the many foster children surrounding us.
The blankets can be sewn, but they also give a pattern for a fleece "no sew" blanket on their website. There are specific sizes they are looking for, so use the sizes shown on their pattern, for both children and teens.
1. Each family will come up with their own goal on how many blankets and what sizes they would like to make. If you would like to share your goal with us, please do, but you don't have to.
2. You will figure out how and when you will accomplish your goal.
3. I would love to update or have you update your progress on this blog with pictures, how many blankets made so far, thoughts, etc. . so please report in.
4. As you make your blankets, think of each blanket being wrapped around a precious child who is scared and confused. This is one way we can bring them some of our warmth and love.
5. Have Fun! and please don't stress out. Do what you can do.
During Christmas time, we will share our experiences with each other and send our blankets off.
If you have any questions, please comment or e-mail me at jess@familynook.com
Our families are so blessed, and I look forward to being able to share our blessings and love with others.
Love,
Jessica
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