Our Revolution turned an important corner last week, when I received an email from Erin, a Monkee from Colorado. Erin asked me if I’d like her to organize a service project in honor of the Revolution, the holidays, and goodness in general. I said Yes! Yes! Yes! …because oh my goodness, that is exactly how Monkees do. Erin and I are very, very excited about this, and we think you will be too.
Everybody, meet your Monkee sister, Erin.
Holiday Monkee Business
Ho. Ho. Ho.
Ah, the holidays … the smell of fresh baked bread, a warm fire, and presents under the tree … you get the picture. But, for many, the holidays don’t look like that at all. Warmth, food, and gifts are a scarcity that many cannot afford.
So, in the spirit of the holidays, and all things Monkee-rific, we are going to adopt a family this year and share our many blessings with those who could use a little help this year.
Let me first start by saying, there is absolutely no pressure whatsoever at all to participate. None. Perhaps you already sponsor a family, give to charity, donate your time, or are otherwise unable to give this year. That is totally fine. But, like me, there are many who think each year, “I’d really like to do something to help someone” but generally have no clue where to start. So they don’t. That’s how things usually work for me. Full of good intentions, short on action.
In any event, my past inaction has inspired me to rally the support of my fellow Monkees to help make one Northern Virginia family’s holiday season a bit brighter this year. After all, charity begins at home. And, although I no longer reside in Virginia it is the home of my childhood and I hate to think that any child should go hungry or do without on Christmas. That, and the fact that the Monkee “headquarters” is in VA so it just makes sense.
And, without further ado … we have been matched with … drum roll please …
the Hulls:
Lakisia Hull – Mom, age 35
Justin – Son, age 14
Sydnie – Daughter, age 9
Jordan – Daughter, age 19 months
I’m told that toys, warm clothing, or gift cards (the total of which is not to exceed $150 per child and $75 per adult) make excellent gifts and that gift cards to Safeway or Giant are a welcome addition to the food basket. Please keep in mind that all gifts should be wrapped with a name/gift tag.
Specifically, Lakisia wears a women’s size 6-8 in clothing and a size 8 shoe; she mentioned that she needs canisters for flour and sugar, etc., and plastic storage containers for food. Justin wears a size 14-16 in boys and a 9-9.5 in shoes; he would like X-Box (360) games. Sydnie loves chapter books (reads on a 7th grade level) and wears a size 12 in girls clothing and a size 6.5 shoe. Little Jordan is wearing 18-24 month infant/toddler clothing and the mom would like Leap Frog or Fischer Price learning toys for her. And the food basket can, quite literally, be anything we want to give them: baked items, canned goods, produce, frozen turkey, hard mac-n-cheese like Glennon serves her family, etc.
Keep in mind that there will be ways to help that don’t include monetary donations or gift purchases. Perhaps you’re particularly handy with scotch tape and would like to wrap all the gifts for the family. You can donate food or baked goods to the family’s food basket. Maybe you’d like to “re-gift” an unopened toy or clothing item that still has the tags on it (here is your chance – we won’t tell!). And, most importantly, we need at least one person to volunteer to be the Monkee point-of-contact. This person will receive all the food and gift items in the mail and deliver them to the HCSNV office (that’s short for Housing and Community Service of Northern Virginia) in Springfield, VA, by Thursday, December 17.
For those interested in participating, please comment after this post with what you’d like to contribute specifically so we don’t duplicate, and then email me directly at emcgonegal@gmail.com. I will create a list of all the volunteers and match Monkees with family members. I’ll send out periodic email updates with our progress and status.
I hope you are as excited about this as I am. Let’s spring the Monkee-militia into action and help give the Hulls a holiday they won’t forget!
[...] Read Erin’s Guest Post here. [...]
krystalc@gmail.com
I'll prolly do a gift card from somewhere because I'm a little ways from NoVa and it'd be easier to mail.
My heart is so full up right now! I love all you Monkees! What an amazing group of women! I had to put my baby to bed and as I was reading him the book "I Love You Stinky Face", I was tearing up at the kindness and giant hearts and just plain goodness of the Monkees and this revolution. I am so greatful to be a part of it.
I want to help this precious family too. I can not pitch in finacially, but I am willing to help out in any other way possible.
Erin, I live about 10 minutes from Sunny. I go out to the Leesburg and Ashburn area at least once if not twice a week. I would gladly pick stuff up from Monkees in the Reston, Sterling, Ashburn, Leesburg, ect. areas and get them to Sunny's house in Burke. I don't know if this helps, please let me know what I can do. Thank you so much for giving me and all my fellow monkees a chance to give back.
Susie.
susieem75@gmail.com
Can I get the baby clothes or a toy? Do we have too many of those yet? Just let me know where to mail and the date it needs to arrive. Thanks for organizing this!
Blink email
obriendc@msn.com
On the note of giving generously, can I just tell you all what I just learned? My husband's company has done very well this year, despite the economic downturn. Every year they have a blowout Christmas party, much like a fabulous wedding reception, open bar, band and all. This year, the CEO decided that rather than hire a band and go to the nicest hotel around, we should have a much more subdued party. She then proceeded to donate the $30,000 they saved to a local food bank. I'm floored and so proud to be a very small part of it. Good things are happening all around!
(PS – Maybe the CEO should become a Monkee? Maybe she already is?)
I just bought Lakisia a pretty Ann Taylor necklace! My email is abbeyz9@yahoo.com. Let me know whose address to send it too pretty please. This is awesome!
Abbey Braun
Good evening, I would like to donate an outfit and some accessories for Sydnie. Thank you Erin for creating this opportunity. Enjoy your weekend everyone, keep a smile on your face and try not to let anyone steal your peace. caryn
Oh p.s. We would also need to make sure Lakisia has the freezer space for both the frozen items in a regular box and either the meat or convenience box. I know my tiny freezer can't handle both – that is how much of a blessing it is!! (umm, and I truly do have a half-a-freezer, much like Glennon has a half-a-house)
I'm so glad I'm just now reading today's post and seeing that Colleen has posted about Angel Food Ministries – I have personally participated in this program and it is fabulously wonderful! I was reading through all the responses thinking "What can I do that someone else hasn't already done/suggested" and if Colleen wants to be the financier of a $30 regular box, I would be happy to do one of the meat boxes, the fresh fruit & veggie box, or the "convenience" box. My email is suzy (dot) daigle (at) gmail (dot) com. Please include me in any group distribution email lists!
I just thought of another something…I help sponsor a family here and one thing we do is get them a Christmas dinner through Angel Food Ministries. If you haven't heard of AFM check it out: http://www.angelfoodministries.com/ They sell boxes of food that can be picked up and to feed a family of 4 for a week for $30. If this is of interest, maybe someone could look at the map and see which disbursement site might be closest? I wish I could be the pickup person, but I could be the financier if we think the Hulls. It looks like the 7th or so is the deadline for ordering with the 12th being the pick up date. Thoughts?
I'm in Williamsburg VA and would love to contribute something…maybe I could paypal one of you NOVA ladies some moolah to add to your gift card, grocery store option or gift purchases?? Another day and more tears of happiness (and pride!) at the Monkee Revolution!!
Colleen (colleen@creodesigns.net)
Hi Erin! Here's my e-mail: josiemani@gmail.com. Thank you for your vision and leadership!
Erin,
GREAT idea! I love the organization of us Monkees. Since I'm in CO too (where are you?), I would be happy to send a check to go towards specific gifts, gift cards, etc. Just tell me who to make the check out to and where to send! I will email you now.
Peace, Jeannie
Hi Erin, I would LOVE to donate something. I'm not sure what exactly. I'm kind of just watching on the outside to see what they end up really needing toward the end. If there are specific needs that aren't getting addressed, let me know and that is where I will put my Monkee love. Cindy
My email address is adriannebrubaker@hotmail.com
Ladies,
I, too, am bursting with the overwhelming support of my fellow Monkees.
If you have not already done so, PLEASE EMAIL me (emcgonegal@gmail.com) so that I can include you on the distribution email. I am organizing the donations in a spread sheet so we can see, at a glace, who is giving/doing what in an attempt to eliminate duplicates and make sure we have everyone covered.
Off the top of my head, I think I need an email for Blink, Josie, MK, Adrianne and anyone else who has not emailed me yet.
THANK YOU!
i am going to burst into a million teeny pieces of happiness.
I will provide a book for each child and an Arbonne shower set for mom. Thanks, everyone!
Erin and fellow Monkees,
Up til now, I've been a fly on the wall of the Momastery — observing and admiring, but never speaking. But everyone's beautiful, generous hearts have helped me find my voice. My family and I would be so, so happy to help love up on the Hulls this Christmas. We'll contribute a Container Store gift card for Mom, games for Justin, books for Sydnie and clothes for baby Jordan. Erin, I'll e-mail you soon.
With mad Monkee love,
Kelley
Awesome everyone! It is coming together …
Blink: Justin (the 14 yr old boy) indicated that he likes bright colors (orange, etc), the other two it just said "any" next to shirt/clothing color.
I will get a fleece top for each child. Can you tell I'm in!
Glennon, cereal canisters usually can be found near the pots and pans section of a department store. That's why you've never heard of them, dahlin.
Sisters of the Monkee revolution, I just had to share this excerpt from Rob Brezny, author of Pronoia:
"When my book on pronoia first came out in 2005, I felt isolated in my seemingly eccentric invitation to celebrate the glory we're surrounded by, to name the thousands of ways that the universe proves its love for us, to notice all the miracles and help we receive.
But I soon realized that I was by no means a lone crank crying in the wilderness. I became aware of an ever-growing rebel crusade — swarms of pilgrims and activists and artists and creative optimists who had signed on to the conspiracy to shower blessings, devoting themselves to the work of not just saving the world but making it more beautiful and mysterious and interesting."
What is going on here? One of my besties and my cousin have alligned forces and I know nothing about this. I have been away from Momastery for a few days writing a HORRIBLE paper. Can someone fill me in on what still needs to be done? I can cook, purchase or whatever. Please advise as to what is going on! Amy/Cousie
Well, well, well … I can't say I'm surprised at the generosity of you silly Monkees, but I am THRILLED. Just thrilled. I will organize this information so we can see where we still need coverage.
I can tell already we will need some Monkees to jump on the food basket and make or buy some items (including a basket??) so Glennon doesn't get stuck actually having to cook for the family!
Should I just post the info and send updates through the Momastery FB page? Is that easiest for all?
Erin your(and God's!)timing is perfect! My kids and I were talking last night about choosing a family to give to this year. I promised them that my mission today would be to seek one out so we could get started. You've now left me too much time for shopping today – thank you! The Hull family is a perfect fit as I have 3 kids who will LOVE having a buddy to pick out a present for. And I'll take care of mom. Once you pick a point of contact let me know and I will gladly send them on!
Erin, you rock!
I'd like to add to the food basket (probably grocery store gift cards) and give a little stocking stuffer to all 4.
Jeannette, thanks for the advice about throwing in a little trinket for Mom.
A-
I'll get you a cereal canister. What is a cereal canister? Doesn't cereal come in it's own canister for free?
Ladies, just so we don't repeat gifts, here is what I got this morning:
-a Food Network cereal canister for Lakisia
-a blue & white rugby shirt for Justin
-a Leap Frog Fridge Farm toy for Jordan
I really want to keep the cereal canister for myself, but I suppose I'll give it to Lakisia instead.
I would very much like to be the point of contact and make the delivery to HCSNV, I live very close to springfield. I myself have been where Lakisia has been in having to rely on the generosity of others to make Christmas a reality for my children. It was both a humbling and encouraging experience for me. It gave me great hope to know that there were caring people in the world. I never could say thank you to those people, I didn't know who they were. This would be a great way for me to give back and keep that message of hope alive for someone else.
Jennifer Stokes, where do you live? I live out near Glennon and will be so happy to wrap all of the gifts and get them to you . . . but that might be too complicated if you live out in Springfield.
This kind of thing is what really gets me going. I burst into tears over this post – the happy kind of course. We've already 'adopted' two little girls this Christmas and I'm getting so much joy out of spending way too much money on them.
Erin, if you get too many offers of gift cards (and I suspect you will because we seem to be a generous group), I'd like to suggest that you direct the gift cards to LINK, which is an organization in the Herndon/Reston area that provides food for local families. They're always in need of grocery gift cards and I'd be happy to collect them and deliver them. You can Facebook me if we have an abundance of donations and you'd like more details . I'm on the Momastery, MK Rainey Gregory.
Thanks so much erin for doing this – I would like to donate something for the family. Due to my distance away, a gift card would be good – I will email you to determine what place would be good. Michelle B.
I would like to be the point of contact. I can collect the gifts and food and delivery them to HCSNV. I am sooooo excited about loving on this family in the name of Jesus!!!
Thanks for the opportunity!!! -Jennifer Stokes
The company I worked my career at (I'm "retired" now to raise my kids) sponsored three families a year. It was always so great to see the generosity of others.
I just wanted to throw out one suggestion. These mothers (typically the families are always single mothers) seem to be very humble in asking for household needs or clothing necessities and by all means, we need to provide those for them. BUT let's think about how much these moms probably sacrifice for their kids so something nice for them (like makeup, perfume, lotions or jewelry) goes a long way too.
The Meyers family would like to buy some books for Sydnie. Is there anyway that we can find out what kind of books she likes to read?
Thanks for organizing this. I love doing this kind of stuff.
We are donating to trevor's Treasures this year too, which is a non-profit organization created by an 8 year old boy (my brother-in-laws cousin) who just beat stage 4 neuroblastoma for the 2nd time (A true miracle). All the toys donated go to the children with cancer up at Fairfax Hospital. It feels great helping others. I wish I could do more though.
Oh, Erin. You have ruined my plans. I have some Kohl's cash that I was planning to spend on myself today because well…I've exhaused myself buying stuff for other people and I really need a fabulous new handbag for the holiday season. But now I'll go pick something out for a member of the Hull family instead.
Darn Monkees.
I would love to help with this project and more specifically help make Christmas for the Hull's a time of family and togetherness instead of stress and anxiety. Since I am far away I would be happy to contribute a gift card. I take instruction very well, so just tell me where to send it and if there is a preference for a certain store and I will get busy. Erin I will email you now and thank you so much for putting this together for the Monkees!