In September, I announced the first Project Embrace challenge — Cards for Children. The goal was to take 25 handmade cards to a local Ronald McDonald House and to cook a meal for the families needing to utilize the home while their sick children were in the hospital.
I am thrilled to say that I received so many cards from Ann, Deb, Edi, Linda, Margaret, and Sharla that my husband went out to buy a box to carry them. I took 76 cards and a handful of notes pads!
handmade love
Ann sent quilled cards and beautiful sets
I like Deb's elephants
I drew and painted cards
Edi's cards were made of this gorgeous fluffy paper
I really liked Linda's cards and the cute stamps
Margaret added really great touches and adorable note pads
Sharla's cards were really cute; this cat one just cracks me up!
I had been told to prepare a meal for up to 20 people which kind of freaked me out. I finally decided to take it easy for this first attempt and made Texas style chili, rice, cornbread, and two kinds of brownies. If all else failed then I knew the sweets would cover up the other:)
wanting to help me cook
My hubby helped me by washing the dishes and watching the kids while I cooked.
my big helper
The families were at the hospital while we were there (we went at lunch time) but a woman came by to deliver handmade blankets. She told us that she truly appreciated what we were doing; 12 years earlier she had to stay at a RMH while her grandson underwent heart surgery. She shared that by cooking a meal we were helping to defray the cost and it was just one less thing for the families to worry about when they returned from a day at the hospital.
A family was being shown around the house and getting signed in so I did not take too many photos of the premises…
the living room looking out to the courtyard
wall quilt adds to homey feel
Overall, this was an incredible experience. It meant a great deal to me that several women took the time to send in cards they had created for people they did not know. And my husband said he is ready for us to take the hour long drive and do it again.
QUESTION: What has someone done for you during a difficult time?
I am linking up to Jenny Matlock’s alphabet series for the letter C!
22 Responses to Cards for Children and Giving Back
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The cards are terrific.
This is so awesome that the whole family got to take part in this experience…and that you’re all ready to do it again!
Let us know when the next Project Embrace takes place…I can’t wait to help again :)
All those cards are wonderful! So much love there…
Wow, I never cooked for that many people before. You’re an amazing lady, Erika. What a huge heart you have! I’m honoured to call you my friend :)
I have never cooked for that many people either. What a wonderful experience! It’s great that you got so many cards and were able to help out like this. I know a few people who have been able to make use of the RMH and had nothing but good things to say about it.
That’s awesome. I love that so many people came together to help the families. Thanks for working hard and sharing this.
That’s wonderful you received so many cards! It’s so special that you and your family made dinner too! I can’t cook for two people let alone 20 so I’m very impressed and I know the families were very appreciative!
Making a meal is HUGE!!
Your question called to mind this incident. My father had just died. My family and I had gathered in from out of town. We had to go to the funeral home in the morning but had not eaten breakfast. We weren’t even thinking about food. Along came one of my mother’s neighbors with a plate full of warm homemade muffins!! Every time I think of this it warms my heart, I get emotional and teary eyed.
I can only imagine that the people at RMH felt close to the same about the meal you and your family made, Erika.
I’m glad I could contribute in a small way.
Thanks for sharing the photos!
What a great way to spread the love! I know firsthand how much a meal helps in a crisis…. God bless people like you who step in.
That question is so easy for me to answer…I don’t even have to take time to think. This past March my son had a stem cell transplant and our own Ms. Jenny wrote about it on her blog and asked people to send cards. Many responded and the nurses in the hospital would comment on all the cards he received each day. My son is an adult, but he was like a kid again when he opened those cards. Since then Ms. Jenny has never forgotten us and I appreciate her support. In fact, many people have been very, very kind and supportive.
I’m sure those families at the Ronald McDonald House really appreciated what you did for them. Acts of kindness can really lift spirits during a difficult time. I know.
Wow, that is a lot of cards you received! I think it’s fantastic that you are doing this for these families. I’m sure all the families there appreciated what you did for them :)
How wonderful! Good work ladies:)
I would love for you to link this to my Serving Others link up on Sunday! What a great idea!
Those are some great-looking cards. Obviously a lot of love went into them. And I’m sure it was received!
Wonderful.
=)
PS. Sometimes the best thing a friend can do for me is to just sit and listen. A little hand holding goes a long way when you’re having a struggle, doesn’t it?
I loved the cards. I also make cards… well, I have in the past – not so much since we have moved. If you do this again I’d love to send some cards to you to share at the RMH
Actually, right now, I am heading up a “Food for Mike” list for a man in our church who lives alone has has just had a total reconstruction of his foot and ankle. I made the calls to people who bring the food every evening.
I have been helped in this way several years ago, so now it my turn to help!
p.s. and I loved making the cards!!!! Glad you had a great time at RMH.
What a wonderful project. I love doing things like this that you know touch the hearts of those who really need it most. I always feel like I’m the one who is blessed when I participate!
how wonderful that you got that many cards to take with you. Glad it went well.
This is a great project and it’s always good to do something for someone else.
When I had open heart surgery, people brought us so many wonderful dinners that we ended up freezing an awful lot. My friends offered to take me places when I couldn’t drive, and walk with me when I was regaining my strength.
Such awesome cards, very special!
what a wonderful project to undertake. if you do it again, i’d love to contribute cards. And thanks for commenting on my Christmas tree ornaments. re your question on the hangers, I just shaped them out of paper clips.
I love this. My heart is all warm and cozy just from reading of this lovely generosity of heart.
Each month I make and mail approximately 40 cards. Over specific holidays I generally do at least three times that many.
I have an online chatroom that does something each month called a ‘prayer and support’ list and part of that is sending notes and cards to each person on the list. Right now we are collecting gift cards for one of the ladies on the list who has taken in her sisters four children and is in the process of adopting them.
When times are so hard, it’s wonderful to see people giving what they can … of both heart and wallet.
Thanks for sharing this lovely post with us for the letter “C”.
A+