The Foorce

I’ve been so busy planning for the next meeting that I haven’t had time to promote it yet, and this meeting, more than ever, needs to be advertised near and far! There will be something for everyone, special needs or not, on December 16th.

Highlights include resource materials from the Special Needs School Fair and the Manhattan Family Resource Fair in case you weren’t able to go to either of them (or left after you saw the crowds!). In addition, I am inviting you to help me with a very special holiday project this year. Now through December 16th I will be collecting non-perishable food items, household goods and children’s gifts for a family in need. The family is under the care of a local shelter in NYC – many families at this particular shelter have been touched by domestic violence and have children with special needs.

Nothing helps me to remember just how lucky we are more than the “gift of giving.” My day-to-day struggles pale in comparison to having a special needs child (or any child) without a home, financial and emotional security, a loving family, even a warm holiday meal. It is my deepest wish that my children grow up experiencing the pure, simple joy that comes from helping others in need, and some of my proudest moments as a parent come from observing how naturally James shares with others already.

So, want to help make someone’s holiday a little bit more merry, a little more worry-free? Please consider bringing a donation to the meeting (see list below for ideas). Or if you prefer, you can provide a treat for the volunteers to enjoy, help wrap gifts, or make a card to send along with the care package. As an extra incentive (as if you need one), the first 25 people to bring a gift or donation the meeting will receive a small holiday gift bag and a raffle ticket. Some small tokens will be raffled off at the end of the meeting.*

The meeting is at PS 163 and will begin at 9a.m. I sincerely hope to see you there and look forward to sharing a little bit of the magical holiday spirit that runs rampant in my family during this time of the year!

*Please note that many items in the gift bags and raffle are special needs related.

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Gift/Donation Ideas (this list will be updated as I find out more details about the family so check back often):

Canned goods (vegetables, tomato sauce, soups)

Dry baking mixes (breads, cakes, cookies, pancakes)

Uncooked Pasta, all kinds

Metrocards

Shampoo, soap, toothpaste, other toiletries

Hats, scarves, gloves

**Gift cards (one of the most versatile options to share with families): local grocery stores, drug stores, barber shops (everyone needs a haircut!), Target

Family gifts: PG movies, board or card games for ages 4-12, arts and crafts supplies, playdough