I usually run with a theme. The festive season is looming. Many people are struggling this year so when we got a flyer in the letter box promoting a charity I support each year I leapt at the chance.
The charity is run by the same people as those who run the Dignity Drive each year and is called #Its in the Bag. We are asked to fill a bag we no longer use with essential and luxury items to make a woman who is struggling feel supported and cherished. Many women short change themselves anyway, but when times are tough it seems to be almost a rule. So I went shopping. And most of the items I purchased don't fit the 'essential tag'. I picked up tampons and pads, deodorant, shampoo and conditioner (though I noticed when I got home that there was no shampoo and two conditioners). I also purchased moisturiser, hand cream, nail polish, eye make up, lip gloss, a fun pair of earrings and a few other things...
This bag has useful pockets inside and when it isn't crammed full it zips shut.
And of course Odie had to take the opportunity while my back was turned to investigate.
When I lifted him down he paid me out by undoing my shoelaces. Batty also came to investigate.
I do hope that the woman (or women because I suspect the charity mixes and matches contributions) that receives my gifts enjoys them.
In other news we have a house gupest this weekend so I will be later than usual reading your posts and responding to comments.
Dear EC
ReplyDeleteThat's a great idea and I'm sure the women who receive your gifts will feel just a little bit more special. Odie and Batty are looking very mischievous - love those photos! I hope your guest/pest doesn't create too much work for you!
Have a good week
Best wishes
Ellie
Ellie Foster: I think it is an excellent idea = and it is very nice to think of struggling women being made to feel special. The cats (particularly Odie) ARE mischievous.
DeleteI do this often - filling a charity bag with new or unused items. It gives me much pleasure and satisfaction knowing that it will warm someone's heart and fulfil one's needs.
ReplyDeleteDUTA: it is a great feeling isn't it = and so easily achieved.
DeleteI hear exterminators take emergency calls… 😂
ReplyDeleteI’m in awe over the many things your city does right/promotes. It’s great to see Inspectors Odie and Batty are on the job, and reminding you to rest by removing your shoes.
Hugs your way and I hope you have peace and quiet again soon.
Forgot my name again… River Fairchild
DeleteRiver Fairchild: There is a lot to like about my city (and a few things to dislike as well). Bless their furry little hearts the cats were not telling me to relax but to put my attention to more deserving topics. Hugs.
DeleteOur eldest granddaughter, 12, and I had a conversation about toiletries for people who are in need. We decided to purchase some items for the local community cupboard. When you can’t afford food, toiletries are a luxury.
ReplyDeleteThat is a beautiful tabby. Enjoy!
Marie Smith: It is hard to think of a life where hand cream is an out of reach luxury isn't it? Thank you and your granddaughter.
Delete"fit the 'essential tag'" Most of the stuff I buy is far from essential.
ReplyDeleteWe have the standard food drives around here a couple of times a year. Put some canned good in a bag and leave it outside. Except on pickup day the bag is still sitting in the front hall. Oh well, next time.
Mike: I can remember when such things were a luxury and out of my reach, and I am glad to help. And yes, much of what we buy here isn't essential. By any means.
DeleteThat is a lovely generous donation and will go to good use, I know. I love that you included those cute earrings - earrings fit every woman! Batty and Odie are looking good. It's nice to see them :) Hope the weekend is not too tiring. Take care of yourself, dear friend.
ReplyDeletejenny_o: Thank you. I hope the recipient has pierced ears. And yes, earrings come closest to fitting the one size fits all label. Batty and Odie are mostly doing pretty well now - though on high pollen count days Batty still wheezes and struggles for breath. Little as he likes it the snifter helps.
DeleteWhat a great idea for women and that is sure true, that even in general women short change themselves for others. I think its wonderful you support this charity. Hope someone feels good getting those items.
ReplyDeleteStrayer: I really, really hope that my gifts are enjoyed.
DeleteIt is always a nice gesture to donate to charity
ReplyDeleteroentare: I give to several charities but this is one of my favourites.
DeleteThat's a brilliant idea for getting treasures into the hands of those who need them. And thanks so much for the cat pictures. They seem to be healthy these days, which is delightful for those of us who love you and them.
ReplyDeleteDJan: Isn't it a great idea - and easily achieved. The furry boys are doing much better these days - which is lovely. They LOATHED our guest though.
DeleteThe recipients of the generous gifts certainly will be grateful. Charities do so much good...the gift of giving is a wonderful thing.
ReplyDeleteI love the pics of Odie and Batty...the sweet little things. Please give them some cuddles from me.
Take care, EC...I hope the coming week is a good one for you and yours. :)
Lee: i really hope that my gifts produce smiles. You are so right about the gift of giving.
DeleteBatty and Odie are now revelling about a guest free home - and indicating very clearly that in their eyes there is no such thing as a welcome guest. I hope your week is great.
That's such a good way of giving. It seems one brother intent on shoe lace mischief encourages the other.
ReplyDeleteAndrew: Isn't it a great idea. And yes, mischief in one sparks mischief in the other.
DeleteMy foodie friend Sally is a hoarder, and one year I talked her into letting go of many personal items she would have let go bad. We boxed up hundreds (yes!) of unopened and still boxed personal items like deodorant, tooth brushes, toothpaste, tampons, lipstick, gloss, face cream, etc. and took it to the drop off for the women's shelter where abused women were housed until they and their children could find a safe place to stay. You did a remarkable job, dear. So proud of you.
ReplyDeleteLaughed at Odie and Batty and it was great to see both of them, too. Hope your house pest doesn't cause you too much damage.
Bleubeard and Elizabeth: Thank you. I know that the centre would have welcomed Sally's contribution and hope that she didn't rebuild her hoards at home. The cats are doing so much better - which is lovely.
DeleteNow that is a really cool charity. Wish someone did something like that around here.
ReplyDeleteLooks like the cats are doing well.
Alex J. Cavanaugh: I really like this charity and am glad to contribute. I give to their Dignity Drive as well. Mostly the cats are doing well now. Which is lovely.
DeleteWhat handsome cats!!! Are they siblings?
ReplyDeleteHowever your gift bag is distributed, there will be smiles.
Joanne Noragon: Different as they look Battie and Odie are full brothers. Their characters are as different as their looks. I do hope that there are lots of smiles - and enjoyment when my gifts are received.
DeleteI have given up donating, bad of me I know, but I help out with my kids instead, when it's necessary, grocery gift cards, an extra bag of nappies for the twins etc. And the price of cat food has gone up too and Lola only eats a certain brand.
ReplyDeleteI am very glad that others do donate each year. I did last year when the local supermarket had a donation box out front for items to be placed into.
River: Not bad of you. We all have to decide on our own priorities. I am lucky that I can donate. What food does Lola eat?
DeleteI'm very happy to see Odie and Batty playing and hope Batty continues to be well.
ReplyDeleteRiver: Batty's asthma continues to be an issue, particularly on high pollen/wind days. However he is so much better than he was - for which we are very grateful.
DeleteThank you for doing this, it's a good reminder to me we have an opportunity to do something simliar here.
ReplyDeleteYou went over and above.
My selections will be over here.
messymimi: The flyer was a good reminder for me too.
DeleteYou are a good person.
ReplyDeleteBill: I am one of many.
DeleteThat's a lovely idea. Your selection was thoughtful, a mix of practical and fun.
ReplyDeletejabblog: It is lovely isn't it - and I tried hard to mix practical and fun in my selections.
DeleteWe need all the kindness we can muster these days - always in fact. Never-ending wars rage on all around us. Collectively we are much more efficient at killing each other than helping each other. So sad and so discouraging. The world needs more Sue Goldbergs.
ReplyDeleteDavid M. Gascoigne: The world needs a LOT more kindness and I am happy to add my droplet to the mix.
DeleteWonderful idea EC and I love the bag (I'm a bag nut). You will make joy for some unfortunate woman/girl. I am wondering what to drop off at the tent cities springing up around the city so you have given me some ideas about bags of goodies.
ReplyDeleteXO
WWW
Wisewebwoman: I hope the recipient enjoy/uses her bag. And thank you for your contributions to the tent cities.
DeleteHi EC - yes ... I give as much as I can and when I can ... not as often as I'd like - but 'my stuff' goes to charity rather than trying to sell on. Great idea about your bag of goodies for the women who often forget themselves in the wheels of life - so pleased for the recipients and for you as the thoughtful giver - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteHilary Melton-Butcher: I am not certain whether forgetting/dismissing ourselves is trained or innate but it is certainly there. I really like the idea of a bag of goodies and am happy to join in - and unsurprised (totally) that you are a giver.
DeleteGood on you for doing that! You certainly have some playful companions there with you! Aloha friend
ReplyDeleteCloudia: Thank you. I am very happy to share my world with playful companions.
DeleteThat is an excellent charity. We have calls here to donate often needed items for a couple of women's missions here. I love that you are providing luxuries as well as necessities.
ReplyDeleteAnne in the kitchen: This charity also runs the dignity drive which focuses on essentials but I do love that at this time of year we are encouraged to add some treats to the mix. And can well remember when moisturiser was an unheard of luxury.
DeleteGood for you, Sue. You did a magnificent job of filling your bag of goodies for a needy lady and I'm sure it made the receiver feel that someone cared.
ReplyDeleteThis fall, our church woman group did exactly the same thing except we had to buy a backpack and filled it with items of toiletries and hygienic necessities and even treats. We had a suggested list to fill and we were free to add other extra in it.
The packsacks were delivered to Women Transition Shelter and they were overwhelmed with our donations. They had never received such donations from groups.
These women usually leave their home with only their kids and nothing else. It's a feel good project.
Wishing you a pleasant week.
Hugs, Julia
Julia: We were given some suggested items to include as well, and like you were encouraged to add extra (though no sharps/medication/food). I really, really hope that these women understand that they are being thought of, and that people wish them well. Sadly women here often leave with nothing but the clothes on their backs and their children too.
DeleteI don't know if your pest is human or other. Haha. I love your goodies bag. Great idea!!!
ReplyDeletegigi-hawaii: The pest was human. I do hope the recipient(s) also love their bag of goodies.
DeleteLove your cat pictures. I miss my cats but they are loved and looked after so that is all that really matters
ReplyDeleteThe Blog Fodder: Of course you miss your cats. They no doubt miss you too. I am glad that you were able to bring Lucky with you.
DeleteWhat a wonderful idea. I'm sure whoever gets that will be very grateful for it.
ReplyDeleteMary Kirkland: I hope so. I really hope so.
DeleteThis is a lovely idea, and cats are always so helpful.
ReplyDeleteMy poem today may seem in contrast to the spirit of this charity, but it really isn't intended to be. It's a criticism of the huge amount of money that many women spend trying to become someone else's idea of "perfect." https://poetryofthenetherworld.blogspot.com/2023/11/search-for-fountain-of-youth.html
Ornery Owl of Naughty Netherworld Press and Readers Roost: Cats are indeed very helpful. Not. But charming with it. Your poem spoke loudly to me. Thank you.
DeleteOver on my blog I gave Sunday Selection a whirl. I just start getting Christmas gifts.
ReplyDeleteCoffee is on
peppylady (Dora): How wonderful that you joined us. I will head over and check out your selections now.
DeleteEvery year I enjoy your posts about this charity. You put together some lovely things this year. Your kitties are beautiful. They look sweet.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Janie Junebug: I really like this charity and enjoy shopping for some treats for women who are struggling. Batty and Odie are sweet - but also have the mischief gene.
DeleteSo glad to see the cats doing well!
ReplyDeleteIt's a lovely idea to have a charity cosmetics drive.
Nilanjana Bose: Thank you. It isn't precisely a cosmetics drive but quite a lot of my purchases this year fell into that category. I also included a colourful pocket umbrella and the pictured earrings.
DeleteYou are doing a wonderful job there. Many of us get so much pleaure out of giving...lovely photo and nice to see the pussy doing well.
ReplyDeleteMargaret D: You are right. I get a lot of pleasure from giving. It is great to see the cats doing better. Both of them gave us some worrying periods on the health front in their first few months with us. And Batty still does - but is better than he was.
DeleteYou went the whole hog! Lovely!
ReplyDeleteI have very little interest in things like hand cream and eye make up but I suspect I'd be devastated if I had no choice but to go without.
Odie and Batty are just so adorable
kylie: It is many years since I have worn makeup - but that is my choice. Handcream and moisturiser I do use - because of my time in the garden. I can well remember saving up for 'nice shampoo' and feel for the women whose choices have been taken away. The kittens are cute aren't they?
DeleteGiving does the heart good.
ReplyDeletewww.rsrue.blogspot.com
rsrue: It does, doesn't it?
DeleteThis is such an amazing charity.. wonderful.
ReplyDeleteHena Tayeb: I think it is great - and I am happy to participate.
DeleteA wonderful idea for a very thoughtful gift, Glad to see Odie and Batty satisfying their curiosity. I hope you have a great start to the new week. My Freddie and Morticia send their sincerest meows to Odie and Batty,
ReplyDeleteRasmaSandra: Of course the cats satisfied their curiosity. It is a rule. A big hello to Freddie and Morticia.
DeleteIt was nice to see both Odie and Batty investigating :)
ReplyDeleteAt this time of year so many will appreciate the extra help from schemes like this, food banks etc.
All the best Jan
Lowcarb team member ~Jan: The curiosity of cats should never be dismissed as an empty phrase.
DeleteSadly you are very right about the need for this and similar programs. I am grateful to be able to help.
Awesome post love the gifts and the little fur babies are inquisitive x
ReplyDeleteaussie aNNie: Thank you. I really, really hope that this drive takes off and that the gifts hit the spot. And of course the kittens are inquisitive. It is a rule.
DeleteThat's such a nice idea, the gift bag! The cats are so sneaky and cute! ☺
ReplyDeleteRain: I will drop my bag off at the collection centre today and hope to see many more. And yes, sneaky and cute covers Batty and Odie.
DeleteOur charity always says that the essentials without a few luxury items kill the soul. I think they stole it from somewhere, but it is true.
ReplyDeleteCharlotte (MotherOwl): It is indeed true, and I was very happy to add some treats to my bag.
DeleteGiving is receiving. Great initiative.
ReplyDeleteCaterina: It is. On both counts.
DeleteLove the photos of Odie and Batty! They're looking very sleek - I hope they've both been healthier lately. Kudos to the organizers of In The Bag, and to you for donating so generously!
ReplyDeleteDiane Henders: Thank you. The cats are doing better at the moment, though asthma continues to be an issue for poor Batty. We have an extreme pollen count at the moment which doesn't help him. I really like this charity and hope it continues.
DeleteIt's a splendid charity and applauding you for participating and for the useful items you put in the bag.
ReplyDeleteDeniseinVA: It is indeed a splendid charity. I was more than happy to donate to it.
DeleteVery cute pics of Batty and Odie.
ReplyDeleteDeniseinVA: Thank you on their behalf. They are cute - even when they are being pestiferous.
DeleteKudos on your charitable efforts! We should all be so thoughtful.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck with your "visitor"?
Gini and I hope you are well and that we can all find time to enjoy a bit of nature soon.
Wally Jones: Thank you. It is a bit before dawn here and I am listening as the birds start to wake. The visitor has been and (thankfully) gone.
DeleteWhoever gets your bag is going to love it! Enjoy your visitor.
ReplyDeleteHugs
Sandra Cox: I expect that my bag will get divided up, and hope that everyone who receives a piece of it is happy.
DeleteI love this idea! So wonderful you created a bag to brighten someone else's holidays. Someone at my work does a collection each year of small gifts and toiletries etc that people have received and don't want/need (or people can buy and donate). Then they take all the items and make bags to donate with all the goodies. It's a little different than what you described- but people love donating to the good cause and there are lots of wonderful items being put to good use. ;)
ReplyDelete