I've recently been looking for local organizations to volunteer with and came across Baskets of Blessing. I was immediately taken by their mission to help individuals & families struggling through unexpected life challenges, through donations of food and customized gift baskets. It was the baskets, in particular, that caught my eye. Undeniably food is a critically important donation; it's practical, helpful and a lifeline for folks. The gift baskets - while seemingly less critical/impactful - can provide a much-needed bright spot during a rough patch.
How the Baskets Work
People are nominated to receive a basket (unknowingly) by a friend/neighbor/colleague. Through collection of some basic, voluntary details (i.e. composition of family, ages of kiddos, circumstances of hardship (grief, financial strain, mental health, stress, illness, etc), types of interests) we are able to curate a very generous gift basket for the people(s) that shows & delivers them love, compassion and a surprise lift. All the items in the gift baskets are either donated or purchased using donated funds. I find the gesture a simple, but powerful one, that can brighten people's lives during a challenging stretch.
I've volunteered with Baskets of Blessings a few times now. The first time was to compile the gift baskets. There was a huge pile of empty baskets tagged with details about the people/circumstances of those receiving the basket donation. We were able to pick a basket and then "shop" around for suitable items from the organization's ample stash of gifts, based on the information that we were given on the recipients. Topline of items to choose from:
Food (teas, coffees, crisps, biscuits, homemade jams & honey)
Toiletries (soaps, loofahs, lotions)
Stationery/arts & crafts for adults/kids (notebooks, pens/pencils/markers, journals, coloring books, crossword puzzle/Sudoku books, stickers)
Kids clothing
Kids toys & books
Baby nappies & wipes
Male/Female-specific gifts (torches, cards, socks, perfumes, make-up items, potpourri sachets)
I found the whole thing so empowering & exciting. What a treat to be able to independently pick items for strangers, in order to help spread kindness and joy. Filling someone else's bucket (one of my favorite kids books: Have You Filled a Bucket Today? A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kids) really does fill your own as well.
After the gift baskets are reviewed by the volunteer leader (to check that sufficient & suitable items have been included), they are green-lighted to be finalized with clear wrapping & elaborate bows. I also loved that wrapping part :) Final step is they are tagged with the recipient's name/address and sent out for delivery. I haven't done any deliveries, but I have no doubt that the person answering their door and receiving a gorgeous surprise basket of thoughtful, spirit-lifting goodies, will be filled with joy & gratitude.
For Baskets of Blessing's run-down of the day I first volunteered to make baskets, click here!
Special Guest Appearance: Sweet P!
I've told the girls all about my volunteering start at Baskets of Blessing and they've eagerly looked at pictures & asked questions. I told them there could be a chance to join me at times. They were both gung-ho to join in!
Tonight there was a "Santa's Elves" volunteer session specifically to help organize goodie bags to be included in the upcoming Christmas basket donations. Paige was super keen to come. It was the night before Sadie's school overnight camp, plus she had a cold coming on, so she decided to lay low at home & join another time.
Paige's excitement at being able to go & help was so genuine and sweet. She asked about it regularly in the days leading up to tonight. And it was the first thing out of her mouth when I picked her up from school this afternoon. I reminded her of the importance of being helpful, respectful & calm during the volunteer night. Apparently past volunteer sessions where kids came went amok; the kids became more of a distraction/liability than a helping hand. Paige understood and I had no doubt she'd be a helping gem.
Lollies Ladies
Volunteering started at 6:00pm and we showed up right on time. We were warmly greeted by a few women who I've previously met. Paige was immediately a big hit. The women asked for Paige's opinion on a few Christmas items (What do you think, Paige? Would you like this, Paige? Is this bow too big, Paige?) and lent her a light-up Christmas necklace to wear for the evening (which she was thrilled about).
The room was set up with various "stations" assembling things like potpourri bags, mini toy/stationery bags for kids, bags of lollies (generic for candy) or marshmallows, adding bows to nail polishes/homemade food items, rolling tea towels, etc. Since we were some of the first to arrive we were allowed to pick our station. Naturally, Paige picked the one that was filling decorative bags with lollies :)
Paige was an amazing helper. She got to work straight away, and was determined to make as many lolly bags as possible! She was a BIG hit with the older ladies (no surprise) and was even allowed to fill a bag of lollies to bring home. Towards our end of the time at the lolly station, a Mom with a daughter around the age of Paige showed up. Paige very sweetly showed the girl what to do and they proceeded to chit chat in their little voices. My heart swelled :)
Distraction Packs
Originally I had planned for us to stay only one hour (practicality of needing to get home for dinner, enjoy final night with Sadie before her overnight school camping trip, avoid delay bedtime too much, etc). We finished filling all the lolly bags and had already been there an hour. I told Paige we'd need to be heading out soon, but she was adamant she wanted to stay & help out more. How could I argue with her eagerness & desire to continue to help out?
We transitioned over to another station to make "distraction packs" for kids in hospital; little baggies filled with stickers, pens, pencils, erasers, stamps, little toys, notepads, etc. The other girl that Paige had been working with at the lolly station joined us. We were short a chair at the table. I watched as Paige (without anyone asking her to) went over and got another chair for the girl to use. A small, helpful gesture and another heart swell by me :) The girls were super into making the packs, enjoying the ability to pick items and customize each pack, be it for a girl or boy.
When we finished with all the distraction packs, I told Paige it was time for us to head out. They had a whole bunch of food that we were encouraged to take on our way out; food donations that weren't used and would have to go to the landfill if not taken that night. We snagged a big bunch of ripe bananas (for me to make banana bread). Paige suggested we grab a bunch for Jayne & girls too (our Tiny House neighbors). That was the third time in the evening where I stopped in my tracks, proud of Paige's initiative and putting others before herself.
My Heart Is Full
Stating the obvious, it was a really lovely night volunteering with Paige. So many moments stand out, and I could tell Paige was enjoying herself the whole time. I'm incredibly proud of her wanting to participate, giving it her all, and feeling good about her contributions. It's the same way I've felt as I've gotten involved with this organization (volunteering in general).
As we walked out of the church at the end of the night, Paige said to me with a big smile "Mommy, I really enjoyed that!" What more could you ask for?
On the way home in the car, Paige - all of her own idea - said she wanted to take some of her candy and make a little bag for Sadie, and surprise her with it for her overnight camping. Paige volunteering to give away sweets? Not something that happens often, if ever. So another win in the "doing good for others" camp, ignoring the fact that it's sugar-filled, tasteless lollies, haha :) When we got home she immediately filled a small baggie with candies for Sadie, along with a little note that said "Have a awesome time! I love you!"
Putting Paige [the girls] in situations to do good and be helpful, brings out their best. Filling baskets is equally filling our buckets & others' buckets. I'm grateful for that reminder tonight, and look forward to more such experiences/moments ahead.
Update: Excerpts from Baskets of Blessings' recent post on social media :)
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