We all want to help those in need this time of year, but who are those folks? And how can we, as a community, Elbert county, Colorado, and worldwide, help our fellow people?
The group that I had inquired about getting a basket of food from recommended that I go to the welfare office. We are getting back on our feet, we have never had a desire to take government money and are working diligently to get caught up. There are many out there in the same situation. I needed a coat but where do all the coats go in these coat drives? My beautiful neighbors from Kiowa brought me a wool coat. But, what if I didn’t have the network that I do? If one isn’t a meth addict in Acacia park or on welfare, how does one get the encouragement and help one needs? And not just financially, there are those who have suffered tremendous loss, who are grieving, who need things that there aren’t agencies for. It is hard to say what one needs. A gentleman I just adored that we did farmer’s markets and craft shows with killed himself in September. We must not let folks in our own community feel alone.
Because of this blog, my farm on my old street, the business we have have in town, and because of my outgoing husband, we are more known than the average person. When I felt like our world had ended this year and that jumping off a cliff wouldn’t even send a ripple through the world (very brief, fleeting thought) dozens and dozens of people came forth. Friends, and friends, and friends of friends, and blog readers, and pen pals, and old customers, and the list still goes on and I am truly blessed and STRONGER because of it. I needed encouragement and I received it.
But what about those folks we see at the grocery store and say hello to or the couple that walks into my store. People that lost a child this year, people that cannot afford vegetables, or people that need a hug. Can we reach out to these people? We are one with all people.
I am starting something out of my shop. It is called “The Encouragers.”
It’s easy. Become an Encourager. It doesn’t have to cost anything. Offer to do it one time or once a month.
Choose a situation you want to help with. You can make an afghan and write a note encouraging someone who lost someone or something this year. You can pack up home canned goods with a note that encourages someone who needs fresh farm food. You can write a note encouraging someone who is financially down right now and include a gas and food gift card or a gift card to Target. The ideas are endless.
The important part of this is the note. Please write a note encouraging someone. Speak from the heart. Send love and hope. (Spiritual words are okay but since everyone is different religions please leave out specific religious doctrine.) Maybe include your phone number or an offer for tea. Wherever your heart leads.
Include your note with your gift and drop off at my shop, White Wolf Medicine, 796 East Kiowa Ave, H-3, by the post office, in Elizabeth. Or send it to P.O. Box 2012, Elizabeth, CO 80107. Or, start an Encouragers group in your community.
IF YOU NEED ENCOURAGING: I know it is not something we are raised to talk about and no one wants pity or unwanted words of advice, but if you need encouragement, a hug, a gift card, a note, a cup of tea, or whatever, please contact me. Let’s get you some encouragement.
Katie- 303-617-3370
wildflower@sacredowlschool.com or message me on facebook at
http://facebook.com/whitewolfmedicine or http://facebook.com/pumpkinhollowfarm (Farmgirl School)
May encouragement be the best gift we give and receive this season and into the coming year.
Farmgirl School 
Well done, a magnificent idea!
We couldn’t have made it without your help. So community reaches all around the world!
What a compassionate and caring idea. Bless you! I am so fortunate that my hubby and I are comfortable in our circumstances. We are very frugal but more importantly we work together in all things. We also are part of a community that offers ample opportunities to help one another. A number of churches have “closets” that are open all year and several that have free suppers monthly and even weekly. I often drop off all manner of things from craft supplies and toys to clothing and small appliances at a thrift shop that uses all their proceeds to aid families going through difficult times. Most of my crafting is given away through relief organizations helping town and county residents. A portion of my veggie gardens always ended up at the food bank. Like you, we have gone through lean times and even soul bending ones. Giving has often sustained us. Sometimes it’s only been a “a bean for the community pot” or a “smile to brighten someone’s day”, but that was enough to rekindle the light. Thank you for your post and reaffirming how important encouragement is.
Giving back always increases gratitude. Keep up the good sharing!