Operation:Be the Change in this World

 "No one has ever become poor by giving"                                                                          -Anne Frank                                                                                                                                                   *************Nine days before Christmas 2013, I decided to start a charity to help those in need in my city and surrounding areas for the holiday. It was one of those 2am thoughts that people have that you usually don't act upon, well I acted. I can't even express to you how much myself and a few wonderful people did in such a short amount of time! I am not sure that I slept or even ate during these long and wonderful nine days, so this year, I am starting early....                                                                                                         ************The funds are used to purchase food, shelter, necessities, clothing, toys, etc for those in need. People who can't afford a hot meal for their family or maybe can't afford anything for their children on Christmas (Eventually I would like to do this all year but, for now, holiday time is where I begin).  Whatever the issue may be, there is much need and it melts my heart and I want to help... hopefully you do to....                                                                                                                                 **********Here are a few of things that I experienced last year...********                                                                                                                                                        ~~~~~~A mother with a new baby who just couldn't get on her feet asked for food, toilet paper, shaving cream and razors, deodarant and a few things for the baby such as diapers, wipes and bottles. I collected some used baby toys, baby clothing and some clothes for mom. We got together some money and my friend and I went shopping. We literally bought her some bathroom neccessities (tp, tampons, soap, razors, etc), cleaning products, baby stuff, and some simple food items such as bread, lunch meat, cheese, soups...   We delivered. Mom cried. I cried. My friend cried. I am crying as I write this. Who knew someone could get so excited over tampons and bread?? The experience was life changing. We take so much for granted.                                                                                                                           ~~~~~~~~~~A disabled couple with a fourteen year old daughter. All this girl wanted for Christmas was winter boots to walk to the bus stop and back (and maybe a coat if we had enough resources). We found the resources! We found out what this girls was into and and bought a few things so she would have something for Christmas. What teenage girl wants to go back to school after Christmas break and listen to all of her friends talk about what they got for Christmas when she got nothing?? We bought her a brand new pair of winter boots and went thrifting for a coat and some new clothes. We also got her some art supplies (she is a badass artist!) and a few other things. We delivered. Another of my friend's and I got to this families tiny apartment and discovered that they had no food. Mom wasn't too worried about herself having no food. She was so so excited to give her daughter those winter boots. It was the most love I have seen on someone's face, perhaps ever in my life. She, of course, wanted her daughter to have dinner on Christmas. We delivered again. A huge ham (which for a family of 3 could last a month!), a huge bag of potatos, veggies, pie... This family was over the moon about this.... and to us, it was so so so simple.                                                                                                                                                     ***** I could go on and on, seeing as we did 9 families in 9 days last year. With each one, my heart getting a little wider. My husband and I decided to sacrifice presents for each other last year and spend our money on one of these families. It was the best present I could have received. A friend of mine from the other side of the country chose a family and ordered gifts from Amazon and had them shipped here to be delivered. We came together with a quickness and this year I would love to double it or triple it or quadruple it                                                                                                                                          Anything you could do to help will be greatly appreciated by so many... whether is it is $1 or $20 or $500.... Maybe if you can't help, you know someone who can, please share this... Maybe you can't help monetarily but you could donate food, toys, clothing or even time - please contact me on facebook at www.facebook.com/operationchangenow Also contact me if you know of someone in need in the Columbus, OH area.                                                                                                                                     ******Thank you for your time. I hope your heart's a little warmer. If anything at all, maybe this inspired you to bring a hot cup of coffee or a cold bottle of water to that homeless person you see on the corner everyday.       X X X