Popular Post wintersedge Posted December 24, 2013 Popular Post Report Share Posted December 24, 2013 Nothing for sale, but I wanted to extend a huge thank you to everyone that bought tools and DVDs from me. This was an experiment that I was running with our foster children. It’s purpose was to show how you steward things and funds. My aim was to show the kids that with creativity and purpose you can turn ordinary things that you own and no longer use into a blessing for others; and if you are creative you can multiple the giving. We sold a total of $756.00 dollar. I rounded that amount to an even $800.00 and matched those funds with another $800.00. My match was submitted to my employer who also matched my $800.00 for a total of $2,400.00 that was given to foster care. We had several area organizations donate gifts to all the foster care children in our county. We have one foster child that has been with us for a year and is someone we are actively pursuing adoption. On her own she decided to donate several of her dolls that were given to her to help with healing the trauma she has experienced. She in turn did not want to just give the doll away she wanted to talk to another little girl who had been through the same experiences she has been through. I would be a liar if I said I did not shed a tear, or two, seeing discipleship unfold before me. My kid(I love the sound of that) and I spent Monday and this early morning delivery gifts for other foster children. Our county has ballooned in the number of children that entered care; we usually average around 130-140 kids but in the last 3 months we have taken in over 60 kids. All the while the number of foster/adoptive parents has dropped to under 20 and we have lost case workers and investigators. Case workers are now averaging over 30+ cases each, supervisors have taken on case loads, and even the director has a few cases that she manages. Needless to say there was no way the case workers could have delivered presents to every child in our county: some of the children are as far as way 260 miles from their home county. We headed out at 07:30 and did not return home until close to dark. All this to say a huge thank you! I did not expect to collect so much nor did I expect the children to want to give back so much. Thank you all and a Merry Christmas. 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tpt life Posted December 24, 2013 Report Share Posted December 24, 2013 Hey W, what a fantastic teaching spirit you must have. I watched you with interest as you offered things for sale and to now know why is a treat. Thanks for sharing! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
..Kev Posted December 25, 2013 Report Share Posted December 25, 2013 That's pure AWESOME! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhighlander Posted December 25, 2013 Report Share Posted December 25, 2013 As an adoptive parent and former foster parent, I think what you are doing is great! I wish you the best on your way to becoming a forever family! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric. Posted December 25, 2013 Report Share Posted December 25, 2013 You know, I was thinking just this morning...most of us woodworkers do this stuff purely for fun. That is to say, we don't put food on the table with our tools and skills. We may make gifts and do favors for people, and they benefit directly from our work. But let's face it...if we didn't enjoy it, we wouldn't be doing it. I just got done ordering some high-end, hand-crafted tools with outrageous price tags...far from a necessity in my life...pure luxury. Meanwhile, millions of kids are cold and hungry this morning. The last thing on their mind is a toy...they want breakfast. Knowing this and hearing about what you did for your foster kids this Christmas makes me feel like one of the most spoiled-ass rotten people on the planet. You've inspired me to do more for charity next year. I think I'll make it a resolution. Good on ya, wintersedge, for being a decent human being and doing so much for the underprivileged children we so often forget about. You made a huge difference in the lives of a few sweet, innocent little kids. And what's more enjoyable than that? Thanks for making me stop and think. I need to be reminded every once in a while. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wintersedge Posted December 26, 2013 Author Report Share Posted December 26, 2013 This is certainly not meant to guilt anyone. I posted the story more of a thanks. The people on this board has shown so much generosity. I have sure I have already saved several hundred dollars in not buying products that would not suite what I wanted to accomplish. Or buying a product that I would not truly enjoy. In addition I have learned so much from reading other peoples questions and the answers that are given. What is truly unique is how intertwined woodworking and fostering has been for me. I dove deeper in woodworking to find an outlet to teach children self confidence and also to reinforce lessons learned in math. My wife and I also intend to use this as a mission to build furniture and cabinets for families that dedicate their lives to fostering. I look at it as serving those that serve others. Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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