I Come Bearing Gifts (ok gift cards)

As you may know, I'm working with a group of amazing volunteers to support the StandUp For Kids mission in Orange County. These dedicated volunteers walk the streets looking for kids sleeping behind Starbucks or on the riverbank. There are tens of thousands of children and teens living without a home. This weekend I finally get to interact with them! I'm attending a really special event where we're taking some of these kids on an amazing field trip! A few weeks ago I completed the ropes course at Challenge U with my team of world-transforming buddies. It was more impactful than I ever could have imagined, and now the amazing staff at Challenge U are donating their time and facilities to provide this interactive training event for about 20 of the homeless teens that are connected with StandUp for Kids.

I'm anxious to meet some of the young people I've heard so much about. And I don't want to go empty handed! StandUp for Kids is requesting gift cards. Volunteers go out several nights a week to meet up with these homeless children, buy them a meal or a hot drink, and talk. Eventually they form relationships that lead to developments like earning their GED, moving into an apartment, getting a job. But all of those interactions cost money. I'd like to go down with a couple hundred dollars worth of gift cards to help support this cause. Do you have any cards sitting around from Christmas, or would you be willing to purchase a $10, $20 or $50 card to feed these hungry kids for a night? Great choices are coffee shops, fast food, grocery stores, clothing and shoe stores. I'll be flying down to SoCal this weekend, and again next weekend. Please help me collect some gift cards to present! 

Let's Stop Talking and Do Something

It may not be politically correct for me to discuss this - but I'm sure you've wondered too. What am I supposed to do about homeless people? Do I give them $5 that might go straight toward their next beer or drug fix? Do I as a female stop and chat with strange men? Do I ignore them because giving is just encouraging their dysfunctional behavior?

I really don't know the answers. Where do you weigh in on the issue? I've heard very convincing arguments on both sides.

I remember a few years ago I discussed this with a Bible Study group I was part of. We determined that the best way would be to be actively involved in an organized answer to the problem, like a shelter, food pantry, etc. We decided to get involved. But we didn't ... Now, three years later, I'm still here, not making a difference for people in desperate need.

I'm stepping up now. I want to help in a way that is bigger than the dollar menu or a pack of cigarettes. I'm supporting StandUp for Kids as they reach out to homeless young people right here in my own country. Will you please, join me - in ACTION to make a difference? I've determined to raise $2,000 in the next three weeks to help these kids. Please click HERE to give today. 

Please Give Love!!

I hope each of you felt some kind of love this Valentine season. Now I hope you'll SHARE the love with others. I've committed to raise $2000 to help homeless children and youth. 26,000 young people in Orange County, California have no safe place to go. Please, listen to this song, be inspired, and love. Click HERE  to donate toward my goal to bring safety and love to children.