Giving Back this Season :: Locally, Nationally or Globally Making a Difference

 



This year, why not make a big impact in someone else's life? There are many ways you or your family can shine a light this season locally, nationally or even globally.

Every year, the boys and I help in some facet of our community. By doing so, I hope to instill a lifelong understanding that helping others in not only Godly, but also an important component of human nature. To watch those in need, when at one time, our family has been in their shoes, is something intolerable. To know the kindness of strangers who helped us our first year in California, is a blessing. To reciprocate that, is yet, another blessing.  

This year, I've worked with The Toy Place and Ellis Home & Garden of Longview to set up a giving tree for Buckner Family Services' a Buckner Family Christmas program. In doing so, individuals in East Texas can visit either location and pick a tag from our trees, shop at The Toy Place for gifts, and leave them there for wrapping and delivery to Buckner by December 11th. If families would rather make a monetary donation for toys, they can call The Toy Place and they will gladly assist you over the phone. (The Toy Place 112 Johnston St, Longview, TX 75601 (903) 753-8741, Ellis Home & Garden3110 N Eastman Rd, Longview, TX 75605(903) 663-9111 )

I am honored to be a part of this wonderful program and excited two of my favorite stores want to support such a fantastic community driven organization and the families they represent.

In addition, my Junior Master Gardener program will be holding a Fall Can Food Drive to assist one of city's most revered ladies, Mrs. Horaney, with her annual Thanksgiving Food Drive. If you are interested in starting a food drive at your work for the JMG to collect and deliver to the master drive, please let me know and I will provide you with a box and signage. We will collect our food drive items until November 22nd and then deliver to the Thanksgiving Food Drive on November 25th.

If you don't live close by for our food drive, there are still ways to help. You could partner with a food drive in your area by collecting canned goods and non-perishables or you could volunteer your time to help sort and organize all the donations. If you would prefer a more personal way to help, contact your local food kitchen. Those is need would love to see a smiling face!

 

On a much larger scale, one of my favorite ministries, Samaritan's Purse, has a wonderful opportunity for your children to serve other children through Operation Christmas Child. Help your children bless their peers this year by packing a shoebox filled with goodies they, themselves, love.  All child-friendly and toy-filled shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child are due nationally the week of November 18th - 25th. You can, however, visit your local Lifeway Store and check for their delivery date. The Longview store is accepting shoe boxes on November 16th.

These are just a few ways to help others this season. In December, I will be sharing another frugal way to reach out and lend a helping hand.

Happy Halloween :: It's Pumpkin Time!

I'm not sure why I enjoy pumpkin patches as much as I do. Maybe it is the cool weather, the vibrant colors, or the gleeful squeals of children, but visiting pumpkin patches is one of my Fall favorites!





Happy Halloween!

 

 {All of these photos were taken at Ellis Home and Garden.}

What I Did Wednesday :: Ellis Home & Garden

Yesterday, the boys and I went to Ellis Home & Garden to meet Cindy Best. A few days ago, she posted a contest on Facebook to win one of Ellis' stunning Deco Mesh wreaths. The rules of the contest were simple enough - write about one of your favorite 4th of July traditions and a winner would be randomly selected. Needless to say, I was ecstatic and eagerly chose a gorgeous patriotic wreath to hang on our front door.


While there, the boys and I perused the store and all of it's offerings. The Home & Garden center is filled with a variety of home decor: clocks, lamps, mirrors, rugs, wall art, vases, and even unique themed accents from the shabby chic to vintage western. Outside, the greenhouse holds a splendid array of flora, a large collection of terra cotta pottery, as well as decorative pieces, patio furniture, and water features. Ellis also offers floral supplies and one of the largest ribbon collections I've ever seen.

Ellis is a family owned company created in the late 1800's. Originally as a manufacturer of pottery in Marshall, the Ellis tradition has grown into 5 retail locations offering a variety of products, as well as specialized classes throughout the fall and spring seasons. Ellis' use of trendy displays to showcase their product line makes strolling through the center an enjoyable and creative experience.














At the Longview location, they periodically offer children's programming. This year, Ellis hosted a live concert by the acclaimed children's musician Andrew Best; planned a fairy tea party along their walking trail; and got the creative juices flowing with a pumpkin decorating workshop.



Ellis Home & Garden locations are in Bossier City, Longview, Texarkana, Beaumont, and Marshall. Center hours vary by location, so please visit the website for more information. You can also find Ellis on Facebook. The Fall and Christmas classes begin in September - make sure you get them on your calendar!

Thank you again Ellis for my beautiful wreath! I'm definitely going to have to take a class to learn how to make one.