Who Needs a Care Package?

Giving back has always been one of my favorite things to do in my business…Whether it’s showing support in a time of crisis, to help someone start a new phase of life or just to let someone know you care, sending a care package is like sharing a piece of your heart.  The blessings you receive from just one simple act of kindness is AMAZING!

Whether it is a few small items found at your local grocery or drug store or a card with a gentle reminder they can carry with them….it all makes a difference in someone’s life.

Want to do something but don’t know where to start?  Have a cause near and dear to your heart…..Here are a few simple care package ideas for six special groups:

Service Members

Send your loved one in the Armed Forces a taste of home with their favorite nonperishable snacks – especially ones with extra protein like nuts and energy bars. They may be experiencing a lot of downtime, so board games, cards, movies and even video games are always appreciated. And because they may be on the move, easy-to-carry items like travel-size toiletries and instant coffee or cocoa packs are preferable to full-size. With the help of some local kids, we sent a batch of Zipper Pouches filled with yummy treats to a battalion stationed in Iraq.  Don’t forget to check your country’s regulations for sending items overseas (here’s the info for the U.S.)

Cancer patients

Every year, my AMAZING customers do Chemo Care Bags for those who are newly diagnosed and receiving treatment at the Cancer Center at the local hospital.  In addition, I have was able to bless a friend on her cancer journey with items to help her stay comfortable, like warm blankets and socks, lip balm, water and snacks. Puzzles, books and movies can keep her busy during long treatment sessions. Add wet wipes and hand sanitizer so she can stay germ-free when she’s out and about. Tuck it all inside a versatile Thermal Tote or All-In^® Organizer or a Zip Top Organizing Tote.  Be sure to include a personal note letting her know you are always there for her.

College students

Is your baby all grown up and on her own for the first time. Whether it is at college, or in their own apartment, a care package it ALWAYS appreciated. Help them tackle “adulting” tasks with items like cleaning supplies, laundry pods, a first aid kit and microwave-safe cookware. Encourage them to connect outside of text messages with pre-addressed, stamped postcards to send home. Healthy snacks and single-serve foods will fuel late-night study sessions. Pack it all in a Crossbody Organizing Tote, which – bonus! – doubles as a great school bag.  There are some great totes options for the boys who are growing up too.

NICU parents

I was blessed with a healthy baby but I know some who have had to spend numerous days in NICU.  It can be a long and stressful experience for new parents. Most-wanted items for parents of preemies include gift cards for local restaurants, gas cards to pay for trips to and from the hospital and snacks for long days at the NICU. Fill a Double Duty® Caddy with self-care items for mom like essential oils, a water bottle and a hardcover journal to document their journey.

Children’s Mental Health Unit

Did you know one in five children is living with a mental illness?  The stigmas surrounding mental and behavioral health mean these kids often don’t receive the visibility and support they need. Why not put together care packages for kids in your local children’s mental health unit with books, puzzles, art supplies and games to help break the stigma and support these kids on their journey.

Looking for more ways transform children’s mental health and support life-changing research? Round Up! your order to the nearest dollar or make a donation of any amount when you shop Thirty-One this month.

Random Acts of Kindness

Make a difference in someone’s life today.  Your small act of kindness can be the ONE thing which brings a smile to their face.  Whether it is holding the door, saying thank you or even paying for someone’s coffee.  Those small gestures can make a difference.  Check out my “A Simple Act of Kindness” page for more details on how I would LOVE to help you make a difference in someone’s life.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

Thankful for Military Families

In the midst of all of the struggles and strife in our county, I am blessed to be part of a company who makes a difference in the lives of so many people.  Giving is so much a part of who I am and I love the opportunity to help locally as well as knowing the company I represent is doing it as well.  The following is re-post from my Thirty One website….

Those who know us know we’re a company driven by our mission to strengthen families. This commitment extends beyond our Thirty-One Gifts circle to reach military families across the country. Since 2013, Thirty-One Gives has proudly partnered with Operation Homefront to help make sure U.S. military families in the greatest need can enjoy a full holiday meal – and more.
About Operation Homefront

Operation Homefront is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose stated mission is “to build strong, stable and secure military families so they can thrive – not simply struggle to get by – in the communities they have worked so hard to protect.” For more than 15 years, it has provided financial assistance, transitional and permanent housing programs, and caregiver and family support services to the military families who need them most.

Holiday Meals for Military

One of Operation Homefront’s key services is Holiday Meals for Military. The goal of this program is to distribute complete holiday meal kits, which include everything families need for a spectacular holiday meal: turkey, gravy, cranberry sauce, stuffing and vegetables – plus additional food for a holiday breakfast. Military families in need are invited to pick up the kits at their local base.
The program began in 2009 as a result of a stranger paying for a military family’s Thanksgiving groceries at a supermarket in Utica, New York, near Fort Drum. When the man behind the family in the checkout line saw them removing food items they could not afford from their cart, he paid the $12 for their groceries – then worked with Operation Homefront to start Holiday Meals for Military. Since then, the program has served nearly 200,000 military children and close to 60,000 military families.

Read more about this touching meeting and how it led to the formation of the Holiday Meals for Military program.

Proudly supporting those who serve

Since 2013, Thirty-One Gives has provided 14,500 Large Utility Totes to hold all the food items families receive through Holiday Meals for Military. Aaron Taylor, Senior Director of Media Relations for Operation Homefront, shares that even soldiers and their families who aren’t familiar with the Thirty-One Gifts brand “immediately recognize the totes as something special. They add a level of excitement to our programs, and our staff and volunteers are always proud to give a bag from Thirty-One Gifts to these deserving families.”
Here’s what just some of the recipients had to say about their new Thirty-One Gifts products:

Operation Homefront is amazing…We got two huge bags  full of ingredients to make a meal and a pretty carrying bag.   Marcy R.

I love love love the tote bag that I got at the Holiday Meals Event!   Brooke O.

Thirty-One Gives throughout the year

We have been blessed with many more opportunities to show support for our soldiers and military families through this important partnership since 2013, having provided more than 68,000 products to Operation Homefront overall, with a retail value of $2.8 million.

This includes 2,075 Zip-Top Organizing Utility Totes to serve as baby bags, which have been given to new mothers at Operation Homefront’s Star-Spangled Baby Showers. Plus, 6,800 military kids have received our thermal totes as part of the Back-to-School Brigade™, Operation Homefront’s nationwide school supply collection campaign.

“Our military families are dedicated to service,” says Aaron from Operation Homefront. “Even small gestures in recognition of that service show that the American people are grateful for our men and women in uniform, and the families that also serve our nation alongside them. The impact of our partnership with Thirty-One Gifts is to remind these families that they are appreciated by everyone.”

Visit Operation Homefront online to discover ways to give and learn how you can get involved with their programs today to help military families find relief, resiliency and recurring support in times of need.

Will you help to make a difference in the lives of others?  Click on the link and share the name of someone you think needs some loving….

Give Back with Me

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

Thank a Vet

Veterans Day is an official United States holiday honoring people who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, also known as veterans.

Today, I want to thank those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for their country.  I want to thank the dedicated soldiers at home and deployed across the seas for defending our freedom.  I want to thank the families of these dedicated men and women – see they pay the ultimate price too as they share their loved ones with us. Life for a military family isn’t easy either so today I honor them too for their service.

My dad served in the Army. He never really talked a lot about it but I do know he changed his birthdate on his birth certificate so that he could join the Army.  It is one of those stories we always wondered if it was true.  My dad is great for TALL tales….. I never really knew many in the military growing up.

I do remember one year, we had a few soldiers come for a holiday dinner.  Dad picked them up and they spent the whole day with us while they enjoyed a home cooked meal.  Then I would have to fast-forward to my next real encounter with the military – enter my best friend – Steph, her hubby – Bill and their kids – Jen, Sean, Ryan and Shane.  Our families become melded into one during Bill’s deployment during Operation Freedom.  It was my first up close and personal experience of the sacrifices made by our military and their families.

Now, my nephew, Jimmy, is one of those men serving our country.  I am again faced with the reality of the sacrifices of our military men and women along with their family.

This day is for you… if you should see someone from the military today, thank them.  Better yet, buy them a cup of coffee or lunch.  What better way to thank them for their selfless service than with a random act of kindness.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day

Happy Labor Day!

The official end of summer.  For many the school year started early for others it is the last few days before the new school year.

Do you know why we celebrate Labor Day? Honestly, I never really got it. How could I relate to the “labor movement”. WHY was Labor Day created?

Labor Day was created by the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.

Did you know that the world of not only direct sales but self-employed individuals is growing every day and making an impact on the world.  For many years, direct sellers were not the people who were cheered for what they have given to their country. We immediately thought about those who tirelessly work everyday to support and provide for their families. I thought about all of the phenomenal women I have met on my Thirty One journey who have been an inspiration to so many.

Our founder, Cindy Monroe, whose vision opened the doors for many to change their own personal lives.  These women not only started their own business, reached for the stars and made their dreams come true – they shared the gift with others. As their teams grew, the lives they touched were not only their recruits but their customers, hostesses and their communities. They shared our amazing products and their “WHY” so that others could begin to dream. My Sponsor, my Director but most of all my friend, Hope Shortt helped me to see the potential in myself and has encouraged me along the way. Her love and support has helped many of us to strengthen our walk with God so that we are able to provide for our families with this “purse thing”. The women on my team who despite personal challenges are overcoming obstacles to provide additional income for their families. Thirty One CELEBRRATES – ENCOURAGES – REWARDS those in the community as well who are not a part of our Thirty One family by giving back in so many ways. Check out this You Tube video about Thirty One Gives:

Today on Labor Day, let’s celebrate the military who protect us everyday giving their life for our freedom; the company workers who go to work every day to support their families and the entrepreneurs who dreamed BIG and are working to change lives by owning their own business.  Let’s CELEBRATE everyone who works tirelessly to support their families.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

A Thank You in Life and in Business

Do you remember, as a child, being reminded to send thank you notes when you were given a gift?  Maybe it was a birthday, a special occasion or for some it was even for holiday gifts.  I used to dread them.  I mean what do you say to someone who you never really see who sends you a gift, right?  I always wanted the thank you notes that had messages already on them.  Less writing and I could just sign my name!  LOL!!

Fast forward to being a Mom. I had Belinda write thank you notes.  She grumbled ALOT but what kid doesn’t, right?  She thought that saying “thank you” when she saw the person was enough.  I have to admit, at times it made perfect sense.  When she asked, I always said “it is proper”.

Then I became a business owner.  I heard “the fortune is in the follow-up“. So, what would make me stand out from so many other consultants?  What would make them remember ME?  I began handwriting thank you notes and mailing them about 10 days or so after an order was placed.  At first, I didn’t think much of it.  If I met the individual in-person, I mentioned something that I remembered about them.  If it was an online order, I thanked them and told them that I knew how much they would love their order.

I thanked them a second time when I sent them the shipping information for direct ship orders.  If I was delivering them, another thank you note was included in their bag.  Some thought it was “overkill” BUT I I truly do appreciate their support of my business.

I have continued this practice for 5+ years no matter what – old or new customer.  The response is AMAZING!  In this day and age of internet and social media, people truly appreciate “snail mail” that is NOT a bill.

I still hand write thank you notes for things that people do for me personally whether it is a gift or just a thoughtful gesture.  I want people to know that they have made a difference in my life.  Now, I will admit that if I use a thank you card that already has a message, I will add a special note.  People need to know that you care.  They buy products from people that they like and care about.  What better way to continue to build that relationship that by sending a thank you note, right?

Here is my tip to make this easy for you (or your children)… I use Thirty One’s Timeless Beauty Bag to hold everything.  There is a spot for pens, cards, envelopes, and stamps.  It is a great gift for that NEW team member or for the college bound student or someone in the military.  I picked up LOTS of thank you cards at the Dollar Store.  You get 8 or 10 in a pack and then I get a variety of them.

Have thank you notes to send to your customers, grab the bag & take it with you.  You can write a few while you are waiting for the kids to get off the bus or while they are at practice.  We all know how long that can take, right?

Just remember that a little “thank you” can make a difference in the life of the person that is receiving it.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!