My first story comes from Frederick County, Maryland. In late January, early February a house caught on fire in Myersville and fire and rescue were called to the home a bit before midnight with a heart breaking report; there were children trapped inside. The fire fighters worked dilegently and aggressively to locate the two girls trapped inside through an enormouse volume of fire, but were not found in time. The Lillard family lost two of their four children that early morning among everything they owned.
Since then, there have been so many people who have stepped up to help this family in any and all ways possible. Im sure there have been so many tears, laughs, and hugs, but the efforts of people coming together to help a family they have never met is beyond encouraging and it strengthens the mind, soul, and heart. There have been many fundraisers, basket bingo's, relief funds, donations, and facebook groups to help this family rebuild not only their home, but to build up their lives from an unspeakable trajedy (even if it may be different and difficult at times) and to show them that we are all there to encourage them and be there to help in any and all ways we can.
I would like to put the spot light on one Relief Fund that four amazing women put together. They were "responsible for all of the behind-the-scenes planning that went into the Love for the Lillards Basket Bingo and Raffle that occured mid March. They raised a little over $15,000 - "the most money ever raised as a charity event at the Lewistown Fire Hall" that will go to the Lillard Family! There were seven or more sponsors that helped with covering operating expenses to providing arrangements and desserts. There were many people and companies in the area that donated their time, sweets, and products for the raffle. Some of the grand prize products were Free Tax Preparation, a Photography Session, Frederick Keys Baseball game with a signed baseball, A Luxurious Getaway, and tickets to the Washington Capitals vs New York Islanders games with an autographed game puck by Alex Ovechkin. All the Grand prize Raffle drawings were prized at an estimated $5,200! The Raffle Prize drawings consisted of Vera Bradly items, Wine tasting baskets, Cat and dog baskets, and many more. This also equalled up in the thousands. It was an incredible journey for all who were involved and the the efforts have encouraged all who came across this event. Thank you ladies! You did a fantastic job!
This story shows the inspiring power of the hearts of people. A community of thousands of people, some who have never even heard of the Lillards, came together to help, support, and give encouragement. It reminds me of a lyric from Jason Gray, " I want to LIVE like there's no tomorrow, LOVE like I'm on borrowed time. It's good to be alive".
This next short story comes from a neighbor. It is a simple story, but the growing heart of the person it affected is certainly something we can all picture. A bit of some back story: Couponing has become more common place especially within the current state of our economy. And even if that wasnt the case, why pay full price for things when you can use a coupon and get it for cheaper? Just makes sense to me. There are coupons for just about everything, but extreme or the frugal 'couponers' know how to get the most from their coupons. And as with most thing in life, there is also an ethical standard that should be paid attention to as well. Some 'couponers' use coupons to stock up, others use them to get extra to give to food banks and other charities, some act as coupon fairies (leaving a coupon next to the item the coupon is for), while others have huge hearts and act in the moment. My neighbor posted her short story on Facebook and this is what she said, "I was at Walmart doing my couponing tonight. There was this lady behind me watching what i was doing with my coupons. I heard her talking to the people behind her saying she wish she knew how to do couponing because she could not work because of health issues her husband works so they cant get food stamps but with two teenagers it is hard to make ends meet .So as I was leaving I placed a few bags of stuff in her cart . Gave her some couponing pointers and told her to have a blessed evening. The lady had tears in her eyes as I left.I do believe God puts us in situations or places to be his angels."
Well said. I also coupon, but I am by no means great at it. I can save myself on average $25 at the grocery store or get free shipping on online items. I have given food to those who asked and I even helped out a family member who was struggling. I later found out that all the things that I had given them were all things that they needed and could not afford. It is great to encourage others by the simple act of random kindness!
My last story was brought to my attention by a fellow Alpha Sigma Tau Alumnae. She directed me to a Facebook group called:
Hand to Hand Vision: Fundraising and Sharing With Others
This group was started in 2011 by Elizabeth Massie and it auctions off hand made items so that the money can be donated to those in need. My Alumnae friend stated, "I wanted to share information about family friend who has created a group called Hand to Hand Vision. They auction off handmade items ranging anywhere from scarves to framed pictures and prints. They use the proceeds to help local families. The hand to hand giver finds someone of the public who looks like they may be struggling and gives them the money (discreetly) paper clipped to a Hand to Hand card." What an amazing, heart-warming thing to do! If you would like to learn more, please visit their Facebook group at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hand-to-Hand-Vision-Fundraising-and-Sharing-With-Others/296251410408197
Well, here it is. My first Encourging News Daily blog post! I hope you enjoyed it and I cant wait to write again next week. I encourage all who have read to share with me stories you have heard that were inspiring, heart-warming, and encouraging. Whether it is a story about a fundraiser or donations needed, or a missions trip and the things that occured there, or a cancer survivor and their story, a local news story, or even how you felt when you first beheld an amazing site! Please share and spread the word. Direct your friends and family here, give them my email address, I want to tell your stories because we all deserve to hear the great things that happen in life. It is extremely encouraging to us all!
