Happy Monday! Monday is the beginning of the work week for most of us. It is a great day for setting goals and action items for the week.
Today I am reflecting on and working on my goal of offering quality events that allow us to take our Chasing Joy conversation offline and connecting in person, IRL, in real life. I set this goal for myself about a year and a half ago. Since that time I have been able to host 3 events. The first one was a charity event which allowed us to experience the Joy of Giving by collecting clothing and accessories for women transitioning from welfare to work. This event led me to set a goal of doing at least one charity event a year. I’m so happy that I will be accomplishing this goal in just a few weeks.
On Saturday November 16th I will be hosting another Joy of Giving event at BellaNor Boutique. This year the recipient charity is the AstraZeneca Hope Lodge of the American Cancer Society—Philadelphia. The Hope Lodge provides free housing for Cancer Patients receiving treatment in the Philadelphia Area. Explained on their site: “For many, treatment at Philadelphia’s medical centers provides the greatest hope, but requires that they be far from home, adding the additional burden of travel and lodging expenses. That is why the AstraZeneca Hope Lodge of the American Cancer Society offers lodging at no cost for cancer patients being treated in the Philadelphia area.“
I chose this charity because Cancer has impacted my life and the lives of many of my friends. I lost my dad only 2 months after his diagnosis. Over the last year other family members and family members of my friends have gone through Cancer treatment. Some of my friends have even lost loved ones to the disease. I don’t know of a single person who has not been impacted by Cancer. I could not think of a better cause.
I realize that through this blog I have a voice and can reach and connect with people of a similar mindset. To use my voice to help others is an honor. There is much Joy to be received by giving to others. I am inviting all of you to participate in the Joy of Giving. If you live in the Philadelphia area, join me at BellaNor Boutique (7117 Germantown Ave Philadelphia, PA 19119) on Saturday November 16th from 6 to 9 pm. We will be networking, playing games, shopping, winning prizes, and enjoying light refreshments all for the benefit of the ACS Hope Lodge. Cost of admission is your donation.
We will be collecting items from the Hope Lodge’s wish list. From the Hope Lodge’s website: “By donating items on our wish list, you will help to provide a true “home away from home” for our future guests“
Most frequently needed:
Bleach, any brand
Lysol spray or similar
Glass cleaner
Paper towels
Laundry dryer sheets
Dishwasher detergent
Tissues (regular and purse size)
Trash bags (all sizes)
Purell or any waterless hand sanitizer
High efficiency laundry detergent
Specific needs:
White bath, hand, & wash towels
Full sized sheet sets – white, deep pocket
Energy saver light bulbs – any wattage
Toothpaste & deodorant – small tubes only
Medium sized storage bins
Bathroom sized wastebaskets
New or gently used board games
Digital oral thermometers
Bed pillows (New)
Individually wrapped snacks, instant soups
Individually wrapped hard candy – Mint/Lemon
Color printer/ink
On-going Needs:
Paper towels
Toilet paper
Paper napkins
Dish soap
Zip-lock baggies
Paper plates and cups
Toilet bowl cleaner
Batteries, all sizes
Kitchen cleanser
Cling wrap & foil
Gifts for Guests:
Gas/Grocery Gift Cards
Restaurant Gift Cards
No Donation! No Entry! Any item or items from the above list will be accepted at the event as your event fee.
If you do not live in the Philadelphia Area you are invited to participate as well you can make an online donation in the amount of your choosing here>> https://donate.cancer.org/index?campaign=hl08philpa.
I am really excited to be accomplishing this goal of having a yearly charity event through Chasing Joy. I hope you will make it your goal this week to register to attend the event via Facebook or Eventbrite or to make your donation online if you are not in the Philadelphia area.
P.S. Please email me at joychasing@yahoo.com if you would like to be involved by donating a product or service to raffeled of as a giveaway during the event.
What are your goals for this week? Are any of your goals related to charity or giving back?
Reading this post warmed my heart. Cancer does so much more than havoc on the body. I commend you on your efforts!
Thanks Tomika!
This is such a great event to be involved in and thanks for sharing about your yearly goal. I'm thankful I'll be able to participate in this with you!
Cherise, I"m glad you will be participating. 🙂
Joy, what an awesome event you are doing. I've lost friends and relatives too to cancer – can items be mailed too or would you rather have online money donations? I love your new related posts at bottom of the post too.
Lisa, I think I DM you on twitter. You can email me at joychasing@yahoo.com to coordinate you sending in items.