Welcome Guest Blogger, Lisa Gordon of Au Pair Care
“We may not be able to make a difference in the world but we all can make a
difference in our own communities.”
I am such a believer in this quote. Many times we don’t try things because we feel it won’t make
a difference, but even the smallest acts of kindness can.
A few years ago when my kids were 7 and 10 I wanted to teach them how important it is to volunteer
and help others who are less fortunate.
“Put yourself in someone else’s shoes” is a common phrase, but it is not a common thing that we do every day.
We are, most of the time, self-centered, especially in this modern, fast-paced life.
I tried to find a volunteer opportunity for our family to be involved in for Martin Luther King Day. As I researched options I found the opportunities available were not in our community.
The kid’s and I brainstormed different ideas we could do ourselves. We decided we wanted to do something to help kids. It was a very cold winter morning and we were all toasty warm sitting by our fireplace in our pajamas talking, and it hit me. There are probably many kids who don’t have nice warm new pajamas. That moment was the impetus of our yearly “Martin Luther King Kid’s Pajama Drive”.
The first year the kids made fliers and passed them out to friends, neighbors and at school.
It has grown each year. This year which is year four we have donation sites at our home , our church , schools and various businesses. Last year we collected over 200 new pajamas. We give the pajamas to the CAP agency who then distributes them throughout the year to needy families right in our own community of Scott and Dakota counties.
Our drive isa cause all kids can embrace because pajamas bring the very basic of joy to everyone.
This drive has taught my family and others that you don’t have to be perfect or even famous or even a grownup to make a difference. Everyone can make a difference in their community. I want my kids to know that volunteering is not a choice but a responsibility that they should do throughout their lives.
“An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.” MLK
Lisa Gordon is an Area Director for AuPairCare. She supports families during their childcare search and she educates families on the benefits of culturally diverse, flexible, affordable live-in childcare. Introducing your family to the language and traditions of another country is wonderful while knowing your children are safe, happy and healthy with a specially-trained au pair.
She wants to ensure that you and your au pair have the best experience possible during your program year. That’s why you’ll receive guided support and advice from her.
To learn more about the aupair childcare option and your current promotional discount code contact Lisa at:
lgordon@aupaircare.com or via phone at 952-440-3238
