Have you ever thought about how you feel when you stop and do something for someone else? I mean how great it feels to do something for someone who can never repay you or for someone who may never even know that it was you who help them. I’ve found it pays to give back because it not only helps others, but it also does so much for you.

I know I don’t talk about this much, but when my mom and dad divorced, my life changed. My mom worked hard to make sure she could put us in a better position. This meant that sometimes she tutored other children after school, and sometimes it meant that she was in classes to learn new skills so she could help more people and get paid more money. She was always sacrificing to make our lives better. As a teacher, my mom was never home when I got out of school. So it was only by the grace of God that my mom was able to find the community that we lived in.

Looking back, I realize how much our community supported us. From the staff at the recreation center, to the neighbors who always had a nice word to say, or a word of correction if you stepped out of line. There was a strong sense of safety and support in that little neighborhood I grew up in Philly.

I don’t know how many neighborhoods are like that now, all I know is now things don’t seem the same.

Today, I constantly hear people talking about how they often feel alone, and how they don’t seem to have the support they need. As a single mom, my mother knew that she couldn’t do it alone, and she counted on her neighbors to step in when they could. It gave her a certain peace of mind, because she knew I would be okay. Now with my own teenage daughter, I know it really does take a village to raise a child, you have to have a community to help you.

I hope you can tell from my story that I believe in giving back in a BIG WAY. I often wish I had a million dollar stash that I could use whenever I heard a great story of others who are helping in our community, or doing great work in the world.
Occasionally, Girlfriends With Goals get’s an offer we can’t resist. An offer that allows us to partner with great companies and do something great for our community all at the same time, and this is one of them.

A few weeks ago two huge boxes showed up at my door.

As I opened the box, a huge smile showed up on my face. These goodies aren’t meant for me…8-)

Little Remedies is a company with principles and practices we can stand behind. They believe in giving back just like we do, and thanks to a couple amazing partners Girlfriends With Goals was able to find them.

Above, I shared my story about my neighborhood and the people who changed my life because they did something for me when I needed it. Today in every city, state and country there are people who need help, need resources, and just need to feel like someone cares.  This month, we had a chance to partner with Little Remedies to lend a helping hand to some of the organizations who serve people in our community. With so many cuts in programs, there are more needs than ever and there are fewer resources to go around to meet those needs. So we are really happy to be able to join hands with them, and to do what we can to help.

 

These boxes are little care packages every new mom would like of products that don’t just help, they also are better for your children, because they only have the ingredients you need, and none of the ingredients that you don’t. No artificial flavors, or color, no unnecessary additives, no aspirin or ibuprofen, and no saccharin or alcohol. Can I tell you I love the fact that these goodies are not just going to be great gifts to the people who receive them, but they are also going to be great gifts to the little people who will be taking them. And even better they are products that their moms and dads can feel good about giving them.

I will never forget the kindness that was extended to me as a child from people who didn’t have to, who made a decision to help instead of turning away or not paying attention. They saw a need and they met it.  They made a choice and they did whatever sacrificing they needed to do to make a difference in my life. These 12 packages of products are going to make it into the hands of some new mom who needs a helping hand. Prayerfully, they will be a reminder of hope and of the fact that someone cares about them and believes they are important.

Many thanks to Little Remedies for providing free product that allowed us to help so many parents.‪#‎ColorOfInfluence‬