Beyond 1000 - First quarter initiative

1Q wwKids’ Beyond 1000 Initiative - video systems and games for the kids at the Aware Shelter.

WHAT: We need gently used video games and systems to donate to the families at the Aware Shelter. We are looking for Game Boys DSs, Playstation 2’s, Playstation 3’s; XBox; Wii, V-smiles, etc.
WHEN: We will collect these items through February 28. Depending upon the types of donations received, we will purchase additional items.

Several things to share with your kids:
1) Describe the Aware shelter’s purpose. The Aware shelter, located on W. Michigan Ave., provides a safe place for moms and kids to temporarily live. Some times because of violence and abuse, moms have to leave the place they are living it so they can be safe. Most of the time they have to leave very fast and leave a lot of their personal things behind. NOTE: As a parent you know best what kind of information your kids can handle. Share what is appropriate and what you are comfortable with.

2) Ask your kids if there is anything they can do to help these moms and kids who have left everything behind. See what the kids come up with. This can be an amazing time as kids share from their heart. This type of discussion can happen in the car or around the dinner table.

3) Remind your kids about how blessed they are to have all their needs met as well many of their desires (page 56, Heart of Gold*, gratitude and appreciation)

4) Invite your kids to sort through their things (page 58, Heart of Gold, combat hoarding) so they can bless someone else who would enjoy these items. While you can do this with any of their toys, for Beyond 1000, we are suggesting you do with exercise with their electronic toys. Perhaps they have a couple of games that are very similar and would be willing to give one away. Perhaps they have received a new game that they didn’t care for or perhaps the game is no longer age appropriate. Ask your kids if they would be willing to give to another boy or girl. NOTE: Your older kids may be aware that they could trade in their old games at Game Stop or sell them on Ebay. This is another time to help your kids be aware that they “lack for nothing” and perhaps they could give to someone who has nothing.

5) Enlist your kids help to package up the items they will give away. Make sure all the wires and accessories are included. As you work together, perhaps you can pray for the kids that will receive the game.

6) Bring the donation items to church and drop them off at the main wwKids checkin table by February 28. OR as a family take your donation directly to the Aware shelter and then share that experience and story with us at wwKids. We are always looking for stories that will encourage others in our community.

Thank you for participating in this Beyond 1000 initiative. If you have questions contact me at lori.tate@westwinds.org.

Heart of Gold: The Joy of Living Generously, by Dr. David McDonald. Available at Sound Words and also through amazon.com.