23 Dec Believe Bags Christmas 2016
Blessed is she who believes.
Believe Bags is a non-profit, community spirited campaign which focuses on single Moms who are facing crisis and/or short term financial hardship. Each year, Karen and her wonderful helpers fill Believe Bags with donations of toiletries and gift items collected from drop off locations throughout the community.
This year, an amazing 190 Believe Bags were filled and delivered to Family Transition Place, Orangeville Food Bank, Dufferin Child & Family Services, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dufferin and District and Westminster United Church – Dufferin County Community Dinner as well as confidential deliveries to those in need.
It was my extreme pleasure to once again photograph both the Bag Building Day on December 18th and Believe Bag Delivery Day on December 19th. The joy and enthusiasm is palpable and quite contagious and I am always left feeling that I am the one who has been given a gift.
In Karen’s own words, from the Believe Bags Facebook page,
“A couple of years ago I noticed a need for this. I thought, who looks after these Moms that are desperately trying to have a Christmas for their kids? The bags are filled with nice shampoos, hair spray, nail polish, scarves, chocolates, candles, bubble bath, make up, anything to spoil them a little. The first year was only 12 bags (enough for every women staying at FTP) the next year 80 which went to FTP, Orangeville Food Bank & Dufferin hospice. This year (2014) I’m hoping for 100 and have added Big Brothers to the mix so some kids can take a bag home to their Moms. Anything you can donate is much appreciated!”
A couple of years ago I noticed a need for this. I thought, who looks after these Moms that are desperately trying to have a Christmas for their kids?
Karen Ross Smith, Believe Bags
Her idea keeps growing, year after year, with this year seeing a record 190 bags filled and delivered in time for Christmas. She is all too quick to point out that she can only be credited with the idea and getting the ball rolling, and that the real credit belongs to the community, but we can all agree that she is the heart and soul of this endeavour and the driving force that makes it all come together. That ball keeps rolling because of her.
Thank you for allowing me to join in the magic once again, Karen. Merry Christmas!
Mary
Posted at 08:59h, 13 JanuaryWhat a wonderful cause! It’s all about giving, isn’t it?
janice
Posted at 17:14h, 29 JanuaryThank you! It certainly is :)
Karen Ross-Smith
Posted at 12:50h, 11 FebruaryThank you Janice for your commitment year after year. I am truly blessed to have friends like you in my corner ❤ thank you also for the fantastic pictures and the kind words!!
janice
Posted at 15:28h, 11 FebruaryMy absolute pleasure, Karen!!! Thank YOU xo
Carlene McArthur
Posted at 06:20h, 18 FebruaryHow exciting for you to see your vision a reality! Congratulations on helping make lives better Karen! You and your volunteers are amazing! ????
janice
Posted at 11:15h, 19 FebruaryShe has such a good heart.