It’s time for my weekly sparks of Joy post and this week my focus is on how having helping others can bring fulfillment and joy. This week, Min our host for #WWWhimsy needs to take time out and again, Deb from Deb’s World and I have the honour of hosting Wednesday Words & Whimsy. Min is going through a tough time at the moment, as regular readers and those who link up with her will know and I’m so pleased she reached out to Deb and I.
Too often we don’t like to ask for help but there are always people willing to step in and step up for you. When Min reached out I immediately said ‘yes’. There is something fulfilling in being able to help others when they need it as this week’s quote from Plato says perfectly.
I’ve also been on hand for my daughter as both my grandsons have been ill. It feels good to be able to help out and provide support.
“Happiness springs from doing good and helping others” – Plato
Joy in giving – Sparks of Joy this week #10 – #WWWhimsy
A few months ago, I signed up as a Shero (a volunteer) for Share the Dignity and worked on their August appeal. This week I’ve booked my volunteer spot for their major collection of the year – ‘It’s In the Bag’ – November 15th – December 1st
I’ll be attending a packing event early November and then collecting from Bunnings, checking and delivering bags to charities. I feel good just thinking about it!
What is ‘It’s in the Bag’?
It’s in the Bag is one of Australia’s most loved Christmas appeals, everyday Australians are encouraged to put together Adult, Teen or Mum and Bub bags filled with essential items, and maybe some everyday luxuries and a handwritten note, to donate to someone in need for Christmas.
What you can donate
You can pack an adult, teen or mum and bub bag to help someone in need for Christmas. Each It’s In The Bag has a different list of essentials. You can find the list HERE
There are many ways you too can get involved and make a difference to a woman or girls’ life.
Bunnings – drop off a bag full of goodies at any Bunnings store. There is a list of items on the Share the Dignity website which are essential and then some optional extras to make it special.
Sponsor a bag – you can donate for some people, getting to the shops, or dropping off an It’s in the Bag at Bunnings is just not feasible. Now with the click of a button, you can still make a difference by sponsoring a bag online. Our incredible volunteers will pack your bag with care, and then deliver them to our charity partners to distribute to those in need.
By sponsoring a bag, you can help fill the gap and play a vital role in ensuring that this Christmas, at least one more woman will receives a bag full of the essentials.
Host a Packing Party – you can register to host a packing party with colleagues, friends or family and make an event of doing something good for others.
Bestie Bag – grab your bestie and put together some bags to drop off at Bunnings.
Have you had sparks of joy this week? Have you achieved something or done something to be proud of? I’d love you to share them with me.
Come link up with us at #WWWhimsy and don’t be put off by the error message, just click on the ‘Visit Link Party’ button.
19 Comments
You are right, asking for help is hard, but friends like you make it a lot easier. Thank you for hosting this week. Share the Dignity sounds like a wonderful program. Have a great time volunteering there.
-Soma
I’m not sure why we feel we need to do everything ourselves because asking for help certainly takes a load off our shoulders. I’m really looking forward to the #itsinthebag drive and feeling that I’m helping make a difference in a woman or girl’s life. x
Great post. Just getting the last few things on my Share the dignity bags….then good to go….I love shopping for it! Thanks for hosting too.
Thanks, Lydia! It certainly makes you feel good giving to others doesn’t it? I’m looking forward to being part of this year’s #itsinthebag drive. x
Thanks for sharing this information on Share the Dignity Sue, you are such a caring person. I’m so glad we were able to help Min out this week. Thanks for all you do for others. #Teamwwwhimsy
I’m looking forward to the Share the Dignity drive, Deb. We make a great team helping Min out and thanks again for doing it whilst you are so busy on holiday x
Lovely way to share your joy Sue by highlighting how we can help others. Thank you for the volunteer role you have taken on for Share The Dignity. My two bags, always with many of the suggested ‘extras’ are for a woman, and a woman with a baby. They are waiting for the drop off date of 12 November at Bunnings.
Take care and thanks for guest hosting for Min.
Denyse x
I’m really excited about helping out with the #itsinthebag drive, Denyse. The volunteers are all so lovely and it certainly is heart warming to know that we are all making a difference to a woman, girl or baby’s life. Whether it is the volunteers or through the generosity of those who actually take the time to purchase and make up bags to donate. Thanks so much, Sue xx
Sue,
great post!! Since my husband passed away, I have become more active in volunteering at my church..This past weekend, i helped out with a trunk and Treat Halloween party and it was so much fun!!! Volunteering gives one a sense of purpose and makes one feel good about themselves along with feeling useful….Thanks so much for stopping by!!
Hugs,
Deb
Debbie-Dabble Blog
Yes, volunteering is very fulfilling isn’t it, Debbie! See you at Weekend Traffic Jam Reboot x
Several friends collect the makings for the bags during the year then put them together to take down to Bunnings about now……so their friends pick up items and pass on to them which means they’re always ‘looking for bags’. We jokingly ask not ‘have you heard any good jokes recently’ but ‘have you found any good bags recently’
My father was a great believer in ‘giving back’. He used to say it doesn’t matter how big or small your ‘help’ is, it means a great deal to someone else. So I’ve always tried to find ways to give.
I’ve recently had to cut back a fraction on the physical action but still keep my hands working with knitting (for needy)…..which is like a win win activity. I enjoy making – others enjoy receiving
I’m not sure what I would do without my volunteer days in an aged care facility……I definitely miss it when we are away.
People are so generous aren’t they, Cathy. I used to love volunteering in aged care when my MIL was living there. It is so rewarding. x
What beautiful things you’ve done this week and throughout the season, Sue. I love reading your tips and other suggestions for how to help others.
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
Thanks, Marsha I’m looking forward to the #itsinthebag drive this year. x
Great idea – don’t think Bunnings do that over here but they should!
I agree with you Sue, that helping others doesn’t have to be hard work. Well done on helping Min out. Share the dignity is a wonderful charity Sue. Up until Covid my friend had a garden party in November for Share the Dignity. It was a great fundraiser. She’s no longer doing that, but I always donate in some way. I love the idea of the Bestie Bag. Volunteering and fun is a great combo.
Great tips, Sue
Thank you for your commitment to Shero and all that you repeatedly do for others. Your kindness and generosity is inspiring!! <3 <3 <3
That is so kind of you to step in for Min. It’s so true that so many of us are reluctant to ask for help even though others are often quite happy to give it.