Silver Bells

Noticing no one has blogged in a while (I know- everything is hectic) I decided to take up the reigns and put one out there. In response to our November challenge my family did a merry little service project. We went and did bell ringing for the Salvation Army in front of our local grocery store. Emma actually went twice- once with us and once with her class. We were thrilled that it was warmer than it had been the whole of the previous week (poor Emma, when she went with her class she came home a little icicle). Both times so much money was given that we had to have the tub replaced- not bad for an hour (I've decided cute kiddos help). It was a great experience for everyone and we are thrilled to help the Salvation Army get a little bit of money to go toward the needy in our community.

The second community service project- in which Emma and I have been much involved- was an opportunity given us by the third grade teachers at our school. The third grade "adopted a family" in the community. They then raised money by selling homemade brownies for 50 cents a brownie. After pre-selling the brownies, we made homemade brownies and wrapped them individually at home. The third grade were then responsible for taking the brownies to those who had ordered them, and collecting the money. When all was said and done- they had raised over $600.

Last Wednesday, after having divided the money and the needs/wants list between the five classes, we went to Super Target and shopped. The kiddos were split into groups of 3 or 4 and given an envelope witch listed what that group was responsible to purchase and how much money they had. While looking over the options and decided which was the "best" for the amount of money they were given, the children also had to figure in the sales tax. It was to be the children's decision and the chaperons were only there for safety (and guidance if there was a real road block). It was very interesting to watch the two groups I took make their decisions- the natural leaders are already starting to shine through. I wish you all could have heard the conversation involved in which pair of girls gloves were to be purchased. One girl- one pair of gloves- $10. The two boys in the group were very excited that the thinner gloves were only $1.99 for two pair and we could get the girl 8 pairs if those were chosen. The one girl in the group was insistent that the pink bejeweled ski gloves were a much better deal as they would last longer and were warmer- after all who really needs EIGHT pairs of gloves for a season. She would allow two (just in case one got lost) but eight! It took us longer to pick out gloves than to pick out a DVD player.

After making their selections, the children then paid and received change (again the chaperons were just watching) then they took everything back to the school and wrapped it all up to go to the family. I thought it very interesting that the teachers made the kiddos use the money they made to purchase wrapping supplies as well (I would certainly have sent some in) so that the children were well aware of all the costs of gift giving.

I think everyone involved has learned something from serving- especially in the Christmas season.