Giving Tuesday

Today, we celebrate #GivingTuesday.  Today marks the fifth year of a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration.

#GivingTuesday is celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday.  I know you are thinking “we give all year long”, right?  The truth is many times we plan to give but the moment passes us by – lack of funds, lack of time or just “a senior moment”.

#GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving.  As individuals, we have causes near and dear to our hearts.  Those who may have helped us personally over the years or maybe made a difference in the life of a family member.  Maybe it is just because you can relate to an organization’s mission.

One of the best ways to get involved is in your own community is through #GivingTuesday……

Here are a few of my favorite causes …

• Redeem-Her was born in 2005 to create second chances for those who need it most. Their mission is to offer help and hope to women reentering the community from rehabilitation facilities, jails and prisons.  They have helped more than 150 women and your support will help them to make a difference in the lives of women in need of a second chance. No donation is too large or small.  If you would like to help us them with their vision of providing second chances for more women, donations can be made at: http://www.redeem-her.org/donate
• South Jersey AIDS Alliance is a caring, compassionate Organization dedicated to the fight against HIV/AIDS.  Located in Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland and Camden Counties , their vision is to be recognized as a dynamic organization able to efficiently and effectively provide the diverse and integrated program delivery needed to meet the challenges of the rapidly changing nature of the worldwide HIV/AIDS epidemic.
• Bethel AME Church which also houses Bethel Development Corporation and Bethel Learning Center is the oldest church in the City of Millville.  It houses the longest running soup kitchen in Cumberland County providing hot home-cooked meals four days per week.  The Learning Center is open to children 6 weeks to 5 years of age as well as offering Before and After Care programs.    All programs at Bethel are focused on giving a hand up to those who are struggling – the addicted, the chronically unemployed and the homeless.

#GiveBackWithMe is my way of bringing a smile to someone who is struggling.  Every month, I select one individual who will receive a gift from me along with some encouraging words to let them know they are special and worthy.  To remind them, no matter what the struggle there is someone who cares for them.  Click HERE and help me to make a difference in the life of someone.  Nominations are taken 365 days a year…. one selected each month.

This November 29th, join the movement and give – whether it’s some of your time, a donation, gift or the power of your voice in your local community.   #RandomActofKindness will #makeadifference in the lives of others.  It’s a simple idea. Whether you come together with your family, your community, your company or your organization, find a way to give back and then share your idea.

Share with us YOUR favorite cause with a link on how others can donate to them…Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

 

Your forgotten dresses can help others!

Are there dresses hanging in your closet that you have only worn a few times? or that even still have the tags on them?

Redeem-Her, a not-for-profit organization helping women recently released from prison, jail, or rehab, is seeking donations of slightly used or new dresses for its fall fundraising event, “The Art of Dressing.”

The dresses will be sold at rock-bottom prices at the event on September 17, 2016 at Christ Church, Route 35 and Sycamore Avenue, Shrewsbury from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

All seasons, sizes and types of dresses are accepted. Donated dresses can be dropped off at the Second Chance Thrift Store, 101 Third Ave., Neptune City, NJ.

Or you can call the contact numbers here to schedule a pick-up: Jan Smith, 732-275-5486; Prudy White, 732-245-9055; Marilyn Rocky, 732-747-5373.

Proceeds from the sale will go toward supporting the education, training and basic daily needs of the women living in the Redeem-Her transitional house.

Redeem-Her supports women who are pursuing a substance-free, productive life following drug rehab or incarceration. The organization maintains a transitional house for returning women in Toms River and supports employment for them at the Second Chances Thrift Store in Neptune City, which sells clothing, knacks, furniture, books and other household items. For more information, call:732.776.7006

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

Shopping on a Budget

Have you ever heard the saying “one woman’s junk is another woman’s treasure”?  Okay, so maybe I paraphrased a little but you know what I mean.

Growing up, I can’t ever remember shopping in a thrift store.  In fact, I am not even sure they were around in the 60’s and 70’s.  I remember donating items to those who were less fortunate but I don’t think I ever saw where they ended up.

As a single mom, thrift stores were a fun place to go – not just for me but also for my daughter.  We checked out rummage sales at the local churches and scoured the thrift stores for goodies.  From toys to books to kitchen stuff to clothes.  We always found some treasures that would make the day a success.

There are two sides to all thrift stores in our area – you get to help out a charity by donating and then again when buying from them.  You get to make a difference in the lives of others.  When donating items you no longer need or want the charity is then able to sell it to someone who needs or wants the item.  The money raised helps others in need with food or other essentials.  A win-win for everyone.

Let’s bust some of those myths about thrift store shopping:

Myth #1: It is shameful to go into a thrift shop.

Remember that you are giving to a great cause and getting yourself a bargain at the same time.  The items you are getting aren’t dirty but have been carefully sorted. Give your items a quick wash once you’ve bought them and they will be just like new. I even think for a period of time, this was the preferred way to shop.

Myth #2:  Sometimes thrift shops can be considered ‘expensive’

I know you think that is kind of crazy, right?  The truth is that everything is not “cheap” – a dollar or two.  Things will be cheaper then buying brand new but there are those occasions when they could be a little bit more expensive than what you expected.  Thrift store employees know value too.  Their goal is to offer items at a reasonable price while helping raising funds for their cause.  So, that designer dress may be cheaper than a brand new one but it is not going to be given away for just a few dollars.

Myth #3:  You should just stick to one thrift store

The truth is that frequenting the same thrift store on a regular basis is good.  Don’t limit yourself to just one – find your favorites and stick with them.  How else are you going to bag yourself some amazing bargains?  Check in once a week to see what they have new.  My mom and I spent the day a few weeks ago exploring some new thrift stores.  We met some great people, got some bargins and will definitely head back to a few of them.

Myth #4: You can’t try the stuff on!

Yes, you can actually try the clothes on in most of them. Don’t see a dressing room, ask if they have one.  If they don’t, ask what their return policy is so you can try it on at home and return it if it doesn’t fit.  Don’t be afraid to ask!

Just like shopping at the mall. the most important part of all this is to have fun. Thrift store shopping isn’t grimy or dirty.  It’s a fun thing to do while grabbing bargains at the same time.

Remember to keep to your budget.  It can be just as easy over-shopping in a thrift store as it is at the mall.  The idea is to keep within a budget, when the purse strings are a little tight. Don’t go overboard otherwise you’ll defeat the objective of thrift shopping!

Let me know what you think about second hand shopping. Share some of your favorite places with us

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

My Word for 2016

Good Morning……This is the first time in a long time that I have looked forward to the New Year.  It is a new beginning in some many ways for me.  The past year brought lots of lessons both personally and professionally.  I have overcome hurdles to move forward in becoming the person that God wants me to be.

Finding my word for this year has been a journey.  I sat quietly and wrote through the steps from yesterday’s post, then it happened.  Thank you to the One Word Experiment for your guidance and God of directing me.

I believe that God has created me to be a person who gives of themselves so others will smile.   I am the person who fights for the underdog.  I am the person who believes that all people are good and kind deep down – yes, sometimes it is a little deeper than others. I am the person who wants to help everyone and never thinks of what the effects will be on me (or my family).

So what are the qualities that this kind of person?  They are confident, caring, generous, passionate, loving, and creative.  They have faith and courage.  They are strong and powerful.

Some may be surprised at my word for those year and there are others who have been on a journey with me the past year who will totally get it.  My 2016 word is CONFIDENCE

CONFIDENCE to believe when the way is rough.  CONFIDENCE to hang on when the going is tough. CONFIDENCE will guide me when my business is slow.  CONFIDENCE will guide me as I move forward with the Rays of Hope – Angel Connection.  CONFIDENCE will guide me as I overcome doubt with my new contract working with a grassroots non-profit.  CONFIDENCE will guide me as I learn to live with my recent diagnosis of MS.  CONFIDENCE will guide me as I see and believe in the person that others see in me.  CONFIDENCE will guide me as I squash the inner gremlins that have haunted me all of my life.

What is your word for 2016?  Share it with us and let’s work together to make this year a success….

Wishing you and your family a safe, healthy and Happy New Year!

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

Redeem-Her

Happy Saturday! I am so excited!  This past week I was asked to be a member of the Board of Directors for Redeem-Her.  I have been looking for a local cause that I can get involved in.  There are ALOT of amazing groups in Ocean County but none of them felt like the right fit.  I am a grassroots, non-profit kind of gal.  At the suggestion of my good friend, Karen, I checked out Redeem-Her.  I am a program person, a grant writer and when I am for a cause, they get me hook, line and sinker.  After researching the group, talking to some Board members – I am in!

Here is their mission:

Redeem-Her successfully transitions women recently released from prison, jail and drug rebab to become valued and contributing members of society.

Redeem-Her, a non-profit organization founded and operated by formerly incarcerated women, provides a safe, sober, supportive environment that is enhanced by positive role models who meet the tangible needs of clients.

Redeem-Her employs a model emphasizing that positive opportunities can transform the lives of women to become responsible, generous members of society.

So, how can you help?  They have a wish list online for products.  They have an AWESOME Thrift Store in Neptune City.  BUT right now, they need CASH donations.  Over the last two years, I have written checks for over $2,000 to local fundraisers (not counting the endless donations of product) as a result of fundraising efforts.  Don’t worry, I am still doing fundraisers for YOUR favorite cause!

BUT you guessed it – Redeem-Her is my September “gives” program.  There are THREE opportunities in September to help this AWESOME cause:

#1 Check out Thirty One’s September Hostess and Customer special. Thirty One’s Customer Special for September is the Deluxe Utility Tote – a top 10 product for $15 or the Double Up Crossbody – a NEW Fall product for $10 with a $35 purchase. Spend $70 and you can get BOTH of them for $25.  Place an order online at www.partywithHope.com.  Click the link and go directly to the Fundraiser.  If you are attending ANOTHER Thirty One party (not already a fundraiser), I will donate a portion of the sales from YOUR party as well.

#2 – Don’t want to shop BUT would love to help a great cause!  You can write a check and mail it directly to: Redeem-Her, PO Box 1913, Toms River, NJ 08754.  All donations are tax deductible!  We are a 501(c)3.

#3 – Fall means cleaning out the closets and the house.  Have things you don’t want.  Don’t toss them, donation them to our Second Hand Thrift Shop in Neptune City.  We take clothes, household items, shoes, books and furniture.  It can be dropped off at 101 Third Avenue in Neptune City!  Looking for bargains – check out the store.

How will you help?

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!