I want to take a moment to acknowledge our accomplishments, and thank everyone who has been a part of our community in 2017. But first, let’s look back at how we got started, so we can better understand where we want to go in the year ahead: How it all started. About 2 years ago, I had a baby and lost my job due to outsourcing, almost simultaneously. As an extremely career focused person, I really struggled with this huge life change. To cope, I turned to gratitude and helping others, but unfortunately it was almost impossible to find volunteer opportunities I could participate in with a new baby in tow. A problem solver at heart, I joined forces with another mom to organize our own family-friendly community service events. What began with a simple Toys-for-Tots drive at a local fire station in December of 2016, spawned regular monthly events where families take action, have fun, socialize, and support a variety of meaningful causes. With every event, I’ve been able to reach out to my fellow community members and hear your stories. I’ve met the new mom, who was like me, feeling isolated post-partum, desiring to connect with other new mothers. I’ve talked to parents whom, though grateful for how fortunate their kids are, want them to understand that not everyone is as such. I’ve chatted with dads looking for interesting ways to connect with their kids on the weekends after a long work week. I’ve discussed the needs of non-profits looking for unique ways to recruit champions for their cause, awe struck to see such young kids offering support. But most importantly, I’ve witnessed families like yours take the time to disconnect from devices, get out in your community, connect with each other, and make a real difference for those in need. A beacon of light. And in 2017, there was certainly no shortage of needs to be met. Through all the disasters, negative news, and political divide, I hope that Tomorrow's Heroes Today has been a beacon of light and hope for a better tomorrow, and a resource for you and your family to actually take steps toward achieving one. I know it has for me, just like I hoped it would two years ago. And though at the time I really had no idea how I was going to get there, I just knew I had to lace up my boots and start moving forward. So I did, and I couldn’t be more proud of the result. Let’s look at all we have accomplished over the last year, and all with our babies and young kids in tow ! We have:
We did all of this together, and it wouldn’t have been the same without each and every one of you. Moving Forward. So for 2018, let’s continue to work together to make it an even better year. What causes you’d like to support? What events you’d like to see? What resources, tools and inspiration do you need to be able to continue to take action in your community? Cheers to a wonderful New Year, and to continuing to empower Tomorrow’s Heroes, Today! -Sarah
Founder, Tomorrow’s Heroes Today Empowering kids to make a difference in their community.
0 Comments
Our contributor, Karina, shares how an act of kindness years ago led to her family’s journey into volunteer work. I don't remember a single Christmas gift I ever got as a child, but there is one Christmas that I've never forgotten. I wasn't grateful at all back then, but now I truly realize the kindness that was bestowed upon me. My siblings and I were given gifts from a family at a local church who sponsored our Christmas. Times were rough, so without their generosity, I'm not sure we would have had much of a holiday. I didn’t say thank you, and it's one of my many regrets. Holidays are so important aren't they? People have traditions they hold close and protect, and perhaps this is in part, the reason things like Black Friday shopping can be so divisive. Holidays are for family, just as it was years ago when strangers came together for me, and mine.
Is there a point at which our family traditions and values can mix with selfless acts of kindness? My husband and I think there absolutely is. This is why we involve our children in our passion to give back and serve our community. I heard about Tomorrow's Heroes Today a few months ago here, and knew instantly that I had found something special. I've been involved in volunteer work before, but this was different. Our children could get involved too. They could be hands-on little heroes. With Tomorrow's Heroes Today, they've donated items needed for foster animals and made cards for veterans, among other kid-friendly community service activities. These events have allowed them to get involved, but more importantly, they've helped sprout family discussions. We don't take them anywhere without explaining who it will benefit, and why we should show compassion and hope for them. What I especially love about Tomorrows Heroes Today is that the focus is on children and on the future. This isn't a way for parents to pat themselves on the back for raising kind children. This is a way for children to learn, grow, give back, and give hope to others, while showing that there is hope for a wonderful tomorrow. There are many things I hope my children will never have to go through. I hope our family will never fall on hard times, and that we aren't in a situation where we need strangers to sponsor our Christmas. But then again, I think maybe a Christmas like that is just what so many may need to put things in perspective. A complete selfless act by strangers is something most people would never forget. I can’t wait for the day our family can offer this level of help, because I know it would fill my little heroes with joy to spread such kindness to others. -Karina Karina is a stay at home mother to young twins who love to explore the outdoors and all that San Diego has to offer. She loves music, crafting and is a bit of an old soul. Most of all she loves her family and has a passion for instilling a love for volunteering in her children. She loves the hands on, family based aspect of Tomorrow's Heroes Today and is thrilled to be a part of it. Karina writes about her adventures in motherhood for San Diego Moms Blog. Karina, her husband Josh, and their twins look forward to a bright future led by today's children. Heroes come in many forms, and with a variety of experience. However, when we picture a hero, we do not typically envision a young child. Yet at our events, I’ve witnessed those not yet old enough to write, scribble special notes for care packages for the homeless, and I’ve seen dads and their babies craft cards for elderly Meals-On-Wheels recipients. I’ve watched 2-year olds use trash grabbing devices to clean up the beach, and 6-year olds enthusiastically sort clothes for newborns whose moms have little more for them than boundless love. We’ve just finished our 1st complete year at Tomorrow’s Heroes Today, and I couldn’t be more proud of what we’ve helped even very young kids accomplish. Let's take a moment to reflect, and honor a few very active participants: Meet Caleb, Daniel, and Calvin. Each of them is just 2.5 years old, but they've already done so much.
Between the three of them, they’ve worked together with their parents to:
Would you call them heroes? I would.
Keep up the great work Caleb, Daniel, and Calvin! Kids have so much to offer this world with their open minds and hearts, and tiny, but willing hands. Providing them with a few additional tools, resources, and inspiration, can actually enable them to make a real impact. And while some may be too young to understand the extent of what they are doing today, they are galvanizing important values, making such activities second nature in their years to come. Hopefully one day they will be able to say, “Look at all that I’ve accomplished! How can I continue to make a difference?” So GROWN-UPS, let’s work together to empower boys and girls of all ages so they can achieve as much as Caleb, Daniel, and Calvin. Let’s continue to empower Tomorrow’s Heroes, Today! -Sarah Founder, Tomorrow’s Heroes Today Empowering kids to make a difference in their community. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |