Four weeks ago, I sent you an email focusing on good news. As well as suggestions regarding how to get involved with Giving Tuesday.
Response from readers was positive. One wrote, “Thank you for taking the time from your normal endeavors to recognize the importance of thoughtful charity. Please continue to present to your customers your compassion for those in need of care and prayer.”
So, that’s what I’m doing again today. And please stay with me here. At the end I’m going to turn the tables. My emails almost always include suggestions about preparedness.
Today I’d love to hear some preparedness advice from you. I’m guessing you have elements in your preparedness plan I haven’t thought about. I’d love to learn from you. And I’m sure other readers would as well.
Texas ‘Knit Wits’ Unite
On more than one occasion, I’ve been called a nitwit. Usually by my wife or a friend in a joking way. And sometimes by someone who really means it. That’s OK. I’m sure I am a nitwit sometimes. But next time it happens, I’ll smile because it will remind me of some very kind grandmothers.
How’s that? Well, there’s a group of grandmas in Texas who call themselves the Knit Wits. I think you see where this is going.
These ladies dedicate themselves to knitting homemade hats and toys for children in hospitals and war zones. They’ve been doing it for more than 20 years.
Some don’t get around as well as they used to. But that’s not a big problem here because they all reside in a senior living community in Dallas, Texas.
‘A Colorful Symbol of Hope & Joy’
They have brought warmth and joy to children in the Lone Star State and overseas through their crafting and distribution of hand-knit items.
They gather every Friday, sitting at a long table with their yarn, knitting needles, and smiles. Not long ago, they knit and sent dolls to Ukraine orphans. Their latest effort is creating homemade caps for babies facing heart problems.
For this project, they are collaborating with Children’s Health in Dallas. The daughter of one of the Knit Wits is a cardiologist at the hospital. So far, they’ve sent dozens of hand-crafted beanies for the infants.
Betsy Beall is the hospital’s child life specialist. She said the holiday-themed hats and toys “have become a colorful symbol of hope and joy for the center’s littlest patients and their families.”
The executive director of the community where the ladies live is proud of their willingness to help others. “They’ve proven that a simple act of kindness can make such a difference in the lives of those facing challenging circumstances.”
Iowa Teen Gives Needy Healthier Options
Of course, elderly women are not the only ones who step up (or, in their case, sit down) to help others. A teenager in Iowa observed that food banks were serving mostly boxed and canned goods.
She thought folks needing food assistance could also use healthier options. So, on her half-acre of land, she grew some 7,000 pounds of produce and gave it away to food banks and non-profits in the Quad Cities area. The produce had a market value of approximately $15,000.
Her generosity drew the attention of Future Farmers of America. They gave her a grant for supplies and seeds. Still, her effort required two to three hours per day of pulling weeds, planting, and watering vegetables.
Her mother was extremely proud. “She really chose to focus on learning about agronomy, gardening, and vegetables. But just really taking it to the next level and actually helping people out with it.”
Hawaiian Children Receive Unexpected Gifts
We all heard about the devastating fires last year in Hawaii. Entire communities were destroyed. Fortunately, several organizations made it a priority to help.
Walmart and the Salvation Army donated tens of thousands of toys, gifts, and gift cards to Hawaiian children.
The organizations also held a holiday party for two elementary schools. One of which was engulfed by the flames.
A Walmart spokesperson said, “One of the most heartwarming moments of the day was when large gift bags filled with toys were distributed to each child present at the event. It was a complete surprise to the children.”
First Responders & Vets Remembered
Just a few weeks ago, Fox News partnered with the First Responders Children’s Foundation to collect gifts for our national heroes’ kids.
Those heroes include New York City firefighters and other first responders. While we relax with our families on holidays, they are often out on the streets protecting us.
Fox News also donated more than $500,000 to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation on Veterans Day. The organization constructs homes and apartments for homeless veterans.
In addition to those dwellings, the foundation operates the Let Us Do Good Village on 100 acres in Florida. It was designed for veterans, first responders, and their families.
It’s Your Turn
Food, shelter, comfort… they’re all connected in one way or another with preparedness.
As mentioned earlier, I have a request for you. I’d appreciate it if you’d tell me and our readers about your preparedness plans for the new year.
What are we missing? Let me know and give me your best advice in the comments section here.
I’d love to hear from you.
