2012

Wow!  What a whirlwind Christmas was for me and I know from facebook that some of you aren't even finished yet!  While I just love the celebration of Christmas and spending time with family and friends, the hustle and bustle of it all is enough to cause me to need a vacation!  Alas, the new semester starts in one week and as one who loves a new challenge, along with new beginnings, I want to make sure that we start 2012 off on the right foot so I am posting early!


I made one small change for this semester.  I decided to use Sign Up Genius instead of Volunteer Spot as the online sign up site.  Everything is on one page and it just seems to have a nicer flow to it.  I hope you agree.  Remember to check it out and sign up right away if you want to volunteer.  I have had several people say that they wanted to bring their kids over to pack bags and am hoping that each will take the opportunity!  It doesn't take very long and really is a meaningful experience for everyone!  

I am also offering the opportunity for you to deliver the bags to school so if you're free on Fridays and would like to do that, be sure to sign up for that too!  I have put times on both but the times are flexible if you need it to be.  I just had to put something on the site.  Click below to sign up:


http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0F4AAEAA22A64-volunteer


Now, onto donations.  Last semester seemed to go perfectly so we'll keep doing it the same way... so, on that note, here's what we'll need by January 4:


10 small individual boxes of cereal
23 envelopes of oatmeal
24 peanut butter
25 jelly in plastic containers
24 envelopes of easy mac
20 cans of green beans
18 fruit cups
18 applesauce
25 small individual cheez it bags
25 apples




Thanks, in advance, to all of you who sign up or are printing this list to take to the store or will be texting me from the store to see what's still needed!

I am so excited to be serving with you!!!

Everything...

We have everything!  EV-RY-THING showed up today!
God is amazing!  EVERY SINGLE WEEK I look at how much we need and think there's no way it can happen apart from God... and I'm right.  Good thing we don't function without Him!  

I just wanted to share a little bit about what we have been able to do this semester:


We have:

• provided supplemental weekend food for 17-30 kids for 18 weeks
• provided FULL Thanksgiving meals to 23 families
• provided Christmas gifts to 13 children
• provided extra food over the Christmas break
• provided hats and gloves to 25 children
• modeled service to our children and community for 18 weeks

Personally, I don't even have words to adequately express my gratitude for how well this semester has gone and for all that it has meant to me to see the provision week after week... from the number of volunteers that have packed bags, organized food, purchased food, delivered bags and on and on and on...  God has placed an amazing group of people in the John Weldon Community... or is it that given the opportunity to serve, we will because it's how He made us, what He made us to do... Either way, I am so blessed to be a part of this community!  Thank you so much for your service these last 18 weeks and for allowing me to be your liaison... to take your offering and deliver it.  It humbles me every single week!  I believe that what we're doing really can change lives... both of those we serve and our very own.  

We are finished for 2011 and will begin again the first week of school in 2012.  Until then, Have a very Merry Christmas!   

Donation Update for this week 12/12

Just wanted to update what we need for this and next week.  Since next week is the last before the Christmas break, we'll be putting some extra stuff in there.  I'm excited to say that all of the Christmas gifts have been chosen to be purchased and some have already been wrapped and delivered to my home.  I'll be taking them up to the counselors on Thursday so that parents can pick them up.

updated 12/14 3:49 pm

For this week, we still need:

2 individual boxes of cereal
2 tuna fish
20 cans of soup
13 raisins
8 apples

For next week, we will need:


2 boxes ritz crackers
14 easy mac envelopes
24 jelly
6 peanut butter
5 fruit cups
15 individual pretzels
25 individual boxes of cereal
25 apples

We need to receive this stuff this week.  We'll be packing bags Thursday and Friday this week so that we can send bags home on Friday and Monday of next week.

Christmas Blessings

A while back I mentioned that we were hoping to bless some of our Bear Necessities kids for Christmas and I just received information on this today. Since I'm updating this in my car, I am just going to list the items so that if you're shopping you can pick something up.

PLEASE comment below with which item you will be purchasing so that we don't wind up with several duplicates!

Please also remember to get a gift receipt for me, in case we do get duplicates!

The following items were requested:

1. Cars 2 Ridemakerz Customization kits (Mater or Lightening McQueen)
2. Polly Pockets &/or Justin Bieber doll
3. iTunes giftcard
4. iTunes giftcard
5. Anything arts and crafts

6. Transformers Toy(Bumblebee is fave) or size 7 boy clothes

7. Operation R2-D2 game

8. Plants vs. Zombies for PC

9. Zhu Zhu pets dress up outfits &/or Zhu Zhu pet puppy

10. Body & bath set (no salts please)
11. Any Littlest Pet Shops
12. Cars 2 movie

THE FOLLOWING ITEMS HAVE BEEN SPOKEN FOR:  

1,2,3,4,5,7,89,10,11, AND 12. 

THE FOLLOWING ITEMS HAVE NOT BEEN CHOSEN TO BE PURCHASED:

6

UPDATE 12/10 5:24 P.M.

Once you have purchased your item, please wrap it and drop it off at my house with a note telling me which item it is.

I HAVE TO DELIVER TO MR MARIAN & MRS MEYER ON THURSDAY DECEMBER 15

If you have any questions, feel free to call me and don't forget to check the comments to see what's been purchased and update when you've chosen!

Thanks everyone!!!




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Just a quick Donation Update

For tomorrow we still need:

16 applesauce
21 individual bags of cheez its


For next week we will need:
21 individual boxes of cereal
25 nutragrain bars
2 boxes ritz crackers
25 cans of soup
18 fruit cup
25 applesauce
25 cans raviioli
25 raisins
8 apples

God Rocks!

Yesterday morning I told Gavin that we still needed a lot of stuff to be able to pack bags today so he prayed that God would send people to get the food.  I was so delighted that LITERALLY...  five minutes later...  when I returned from dropping him off at school, there were two bags on the porch!  I desperately wish I had taken a picture of his face when he walked into the dining room after school to see the MOUND of food that came yesterday!  God rocks and the way He is allowing the people in our community to care for one another is such an awesome thing to see!


For next week, we will need:

15 individual boxes of cereal
12 cans of chili
14 cans of beefaroni
22 individual size bags of cheez its
1 applesauce
20 regular size boxes macaroni and cheese

Have a blessed week!

December 1 Donations

The next food deadline we will have is December 1 and here's what we'll need:

16 boxes of cereal
2 breakfast bars
19 individual easy macs
9 puddings
1 cheese and cracker
23 apples.

Thanks and have a Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Updated 11/27


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Thank You

We received a nice little thank you today from the counselors. Just wanted to share with each of you because nothing would be happening if you weren't helping!



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Great Deal on Libby's Vegetables

I just got an email about a deal that would let you stock up on some donation items:

Great deal on Libby's vegetables at Dollar General (or take the ad to Walmart/Target to price match):

 

Libby’s Vegetables, Assorted varieties, 14.5 to 15 oz, On Sale for 40¢
$1/4 Libby’s Canned Vegetables, exp. 3/31/12 (RP 11/13/11)
$1/4 Libby’s Canned Vegetables, exp. 12/30/11 (RP 08/28/11)
Final Cost: $.15 each wyb 4

 

RP = Redplum - coupon insert from the newspaper

WYB - when you buy

 

Great few days to stock up for BN - good through the 23rd.

Awesome, Just AWESOME!

Wow!  What a week!  We packed bags on Wednesday.  We packed bags on Thursday.  We packed bags on Friday.  We are finished packing bags until after Thanksgiving though and I'm glad that I can now direct all of my attention to getting the remnants of work finished before the holiday season really sets in!  I know some of you overachievers are already wrapping gifts and I'm hoping to get in on some sales next weekend and maybe even start finish my list! 

At this moment we have Thanksgiving Blessing bags of all of our Bear Necessities families sitting in my foyer, ready to be delivered.  They will go home on Monday... along with a voucher for them to go get a turkey or ham at Dierbergs.  For those food lovers... they're getting stuff to make stuffing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, corn, turkey gravy and turkey. mmmmmmmm...... I can feel the tryptophan nap coming on already!

Initially, we had planned to do everything through Dierbergs (who was still very kind to us) but through a series of "coincidental" meetings, coupon donations and $10 off Thursday we purchased all of the fixins' for the perfect Turkey Day dinner at Shop 'N Save (the one by Monticello).  The manager up there, Rodney, even went around with a cart and gathered everything up for us before we arrived to save us some time!  Talk about some amazing customer service!!!   Thank the Lord for Rodney and for all the little things that, together, added up to a savings of $60 on that part of our blessing!!!  The great part of that savings is that we were able to increase the amount of their vouchers at Dierbergs!  Awesome, just AWESOME!!!

The regular weekend bags will go home on Tuesday.  To any of our families who receive bags & know that your student won't be at school on Tuesday, please give Mr. Marian or Mrs. Meyer a call and have them let me know and I'll bring them up to the school on Monday so that you can pick it up.  I'm afraid that sending both home in a backpack might be too heavy though.  Regardless, between the counselors and myself, we will do our best to make sure it gets where it needs to go. 

Now, not to make this the longest blog post every but I do want to let you know that we have a Christmas Blessing plan as well.  Forms were approved and went home this week for our students to list one item, $20 or less, that they would like to receive for Christmas.  I'm hoping to get all of the forms back no later than Tuesday so that we can post them online for people to choose.  If you think you'd like to bless one  of our John Weldon kids for Christmas, be sure to check back on the blog next week!

Blessings to you this weekend!

Thanksgiving Blessing Update

Just a quick note to let you all know that we are currently at:

100%

of our goal to give each of our families a 

blessing for thanksgiving!!!

"Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things."  

Psalm 27:8-10

How Bear Necessities Happens

I get a lot of questions about how Bear Necessities works and what all goes into it.  So, here it goes...

There are so many things that happen from week to week that allows Bear Necessities to work. The first thing that happens is prayer. Bear Necessities was born in prayer. Actually, it was a prayer that someone ELSE would do something but as God will do when you allow Him, He changed that completely and I'm so grateful!  Prayer is still the force behind it. Every week.

I have four menus that consists of the items that need to be donated in order to provide supplemental weekend food for our kids. They rotate each week so that they kids are getting different foods.  Each week I pray that God will bring the items for that particular menu through the people in this community. Week after week I wish I could say that I go through every day without a thought that we'd ever come up short. Alas, I doubt. I never doubt that we won't be able to serve the kids but subconsciously, I wonder if I'll be the one at the store filling the gap. It never happens. Seriously, did you read that.  It NEVER happens!

One week in particular I was running errands and had an overwhelming urge that I needed six apples. I thought it was ridiculous because I had counted... I KNEW that we needed 15. I even picked up 15 at Wal-mart but put back the second bag before I got to the register. You know what? I'm sure you guessed because it's oh so predictable but when I arrived at home, with the donations that had arrived while I was out running errands, we needed exactly six apples and nothing else!

Week after week I wish I could say that I go through every day without a thought that we'd ever come up short. (Yes, I know that I already said that.  This time was for dramatic effect.) 

I doubt and He comes through. I doubt and He comes through. I doubt and He comes through. Again and again. Again and again.  Again and again.  Again and again. 

In the midst of all that happening, day after day I come home and find my front step looking like this:






Day after day, my husband comes home to find the foyer looking like this:




When my kids arrive home from school they carry the bags to the basement. Madeline loves counting and organizing the food on the shelves. With each can we place on the shelves we are reminded that the Lord will provide. We recently did a study on the different names that God is called in the bible and one was Jehovah Jireh, which means "The Lord will provide."  I am so thankful for the constant reminder of this and the opportunity to teach it to my kids in a practical way that they can LITERALLY see.

On Wednesdays or Thursdays, God provides in a different way. He sends us volunteers to pack the bags and carry them upstairs.  Here are a couple of our regulars with my kids as well:




Even before the bags are prayed for and dropped off for delivery, the whole process has started again. I pray.  I count.  I blog.  I receive. 

Each and every second of this process makes me feel more alive and more blessed! I believe with everything in my heart that it is in times of service to others that we grow and experience a true joy that does not exist when we're wrapped up in the busy-ness of life. 

Bear Necessities has given an opportunity to my family and me to know that Joy.  Whether it be through Bear Necessities or some other cause that's close to your heart, I challenge you to step out and step up by serving. I promise that you'll never be the same... and you'll be glad!

Donation and Thanksgiving Update

Hip Hip HOORAY!  We have absolutely everything we need for this week and have even received a few donations for Thanksgiving.  With that, this what we need for the next two weeks:


Updated 11/13
by 11/16:

16 tuna fish
9 cans of soup
15 pudding cups
11 apples


By 11/21: (Thanksgiving Week)

25 boxes of cereal
15 plastic jars of jelly
1 boxes of ritz crackers
10 boxes of regular Macaroni and cheese
25 fruit cups
12 applesauce
5 granola bars
25 apples

We have already received all of the peanut butter we will need for this month and with the rise in cost on that I am sooo grateful!!!  There is, however, a deal on STL Mommy for peanut butter at Wal-Mart so here it is for anyone that wants to plan ahead or stock up yourself:


Peter Pan Peanut Butter (16.3 oz.) $1.79
Use the $1.50/3 printable coupon
Final cost: $1.29 each

Don't forget that in order to bless our families for Thanksgiving, we need to receive your cash or gift card donations no later than 11/18 and I cannot take checks for this.  In order for each family to receive $25 toward their Thanksgiving meal, we need to receive $475 in donations.  WE are currently 10% of the way there! 

Thanksgiving Blessing

We've got 17 days until Thanksgiving and I just found out today that we will be able to bless our families with a donation for the holiday!  WOO!!! HOO!!!  I am so excited about this!!!

This is how it's going to work:  cash donations and Dierbergs gift card donations are welcome.  Each family enrolled in Bear Necessities will be able to pick up all or part of a Thanksgiving meal at the Dierbergs at the intersection of Hwy K and N in O'Fallon.  What we will do is put all of the money together and split it equally among the families.  They will be able to pick up items like turkey, mashed potatoes, sides and pies the week of Thanksgiving. 

Please do not drop donations in the box on my front porch!  ESPECIALLY CASH OR GIFT CARDS!!!!!  Donations can be sent to school and brought to the attention of Mr. Marion.  Donations can also be given to me as well.  You can mail them to me too.

Unfortunately, I cannot take checks for this at this time.  

I realize this makes it a little more difficult but there are a lot of financial logistics with this so I hope you understand!  If you don't feel comfortable sending cash to school with your child, please contact me and we can figure something out.  I don't want these families to miss out on a Thanksgiving Blessing over logistics!

Donations for this need to be to me no later than 11/18.  

I've also got something in the works to bless them for Christmas but am still needing to get some specifics together to finalize it.  Don't forget that we still have three other weekends this month that we have to serve the kids and I know that, at this time of the year, money can get tight.  Let us all remember how blessed we are and all that we have to be thankful for as we give that same blessing to others!

This week and some SALES!

Hi all,

I just wanted to update where we are for this week and share some deals that were brought to my attention.  For this week we still need the following:

9 cans of chili
9cans of beefaroni
15nutragrain bars
5 apples

Some sale items are below:

Amazon.com

Kraft Mac and Cheese - .77 per package:  http://www.amazon.com/Kraft-Mac-Original-Macaroni-Microwaveable/dp/B0035XVQF2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1320349474&sr=8-2 

Libby's Corn:  regular $9 for 12 cans  (.75 ea) OR $7.65 using Subscribe and Save (.64 ea) - your donors can set up a regular shipment right to your door - free shipping!   http://www.amazon.com/Libbys-Whole-Kernel-Sweet-8-5-Ounce/dp/B0040Q0RDU/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1320349595&sr=8-2

Peas:  http://www.amazon.com/Libbys-Sweet-Peas-15-Ounce-Cans/dp/B0040PYHAA/ref=pd_sim_gro_3  9.71 or 8.25 with subscribe and save

Whole Foods

365 Chocolate Chips, 12 oz $2.69, Regular Price
Use $2.00/1 365 Everyday Value Chocolate Chips, 12 oz  from November/December Whole Foods Coupon Book
Final Price: $0.69 - might allow a family to make a batch of holiday cookies

 A big THANK YOU to Danielle for sharing these finds this week.  If you come across some sales or coupons that would be good to share throughout the community for Bear Necessities, feel free to email me and I'll post it or you can just post in a comment below too!

Right on time!

I've heard it said several times that God is never late but seldom early and yet, always right on time.  That was so true today!!!  Just a few hours ago I sent a text to the volunteer who was coming to pack bags to say that I didn't expect to have what we needed to pack the bags after school.  I wasn't upset about it.  I've had a few monetary donations that I have sitting in a folder and planned to take that to the store to get what was left.  I knew that there was already a way available to have what was needed.  I haven't felt led to spend that money on anything just yet and if it turns out to fill the gap one week, I'm ok with that... as if it's about what I'm ok with.  Anyway, within two hours of sending that text today a quite impressive amount of food came in and we had everything we needed to pack the bags after school.  Chris was sitting in the living room when one person dropped off some stuff...

and then another...

and then another...

and then another...

and then he asked, "Is that someone else dropping off stuff?  Wow!"



In the book of Genesis, God is called "Jehovah Jireh" by Abraham.  It means

"The Lord will Provide." 

Indeed.  Nearly every single time the box is filled, I have no clue which human hands have filled it but I am confident of from where the food has come. I am thankful for the provision of Christ.

We also received some stuff for next week but still need the following:


14 cans of chili
14 cans of beefaroni
22 nutragrain bars
25 apples


Thank you to each and every person that is obedient to the call to donate and participate in loving the other families in our community!

Donations Update 11/1

Updated List 11/1

For this week, we still need the following:

18 cans of ravioli
10 envelopes of easy mac
9 cans of corn
2 pudding cups

Updated 11/2



For next week, we still need the following:

17 cans of chili
14 cans of beefaroni
25 envelopes of easy mac
22 nutragrain bars
25 apples

I read online that the price of peanut butter is going to skyrocket.  If anyone is great at couponing, this is an item that we'd love some help with!  Thanks!

Thank you!

We had a lovely family day today. Boy Scout make-up activity as a family after sleeping in this morning...Thies Farm with some of our favorite people after that and then some fun at the subdivision Fall Festival. Just when we thought we'd had the perfect day we got home to this on our doorstep:





In it I found this:






I just love how our God has called this community to care for one another. Then, as Madeline was unpacking, she found this:





Have you ever read that book "Have You Filled a Bucket Today?" That's what this made me thing of today.  The book is a great way to teach kids why kindness is important.  In it, basically, everyone has an imaginary bucket.  When the bucket is full, we're good. When it's empty, we're not so good.   It explains that we can fill others' buckets by doing or saying kind things.


Thank you! My heart and bucket are full!!!


"All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions were their own, but they shared everything they had." ~Acts 4:32

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One week down, on to the next one!

While normally it would seem abnormal to say that losing is a good thing... especially when talking about losing a person... but with Bear Necessities, losing people because their family is in a better financial place and no longer needs help is AWESOME!  Praise God for his provision in their lives!  This week we had a couple of kids withdraw for that reason and their parents expressed gratitude to all involved for helping in their time of need!  While we're excited every week that God has provided through community donations everything needed for the kids that have signed up, it is more exciting to hear that life is turning around for some of our families!  

I'm going to go ahead and post what is needed for the next two weeks.  Remember that next week there is no school on Friday so we will need the donations no later than Wednesday.  

October 31-November 2

15 cans of soup

24 cans of ravioli

20 envelopes of easy mac

13 cans of corn

27 boxes of raisins

25 applesauce

18 pudding cups

27 apples

November 7-10

17 envelopes of oatmeal

15 cans of chili

22 cans of beefaroni

27 envelopes of easy mac

23 cans of peas

15 juice boxes

27 applesauce

27 individual bags of cheez its

27 nutragrain bars

27 apples

Thank you to everyone that is donating!  Whether you drop stuff by every week or just as you think of it, we are receiving exactly what we need!  Thank you also to the volunteers that are packing bags!  If you have been wanting to do that, remember to check the calendar and sign up!

www.tinyurl.com/BearNecessitiesJWE

 

 

Donation Update- UPDATED 10/25

Just wanted to update our totals for you:


23 Plastic jars of Jelly
1 box of Ritz Crackers
15 individual Easy Mac envelopes
7 fruit cups
13 apples

UPDATED 10/25

Exactly what we needed!

This morning I woke up... well, obviously... Anyway, when I awoke, before I opened my eyes, I was praying "Lord, I think we still need two cans of something, maybe beefaroni and some more of something I can't remember but YOU know what we need for the bags so I trust you to bring it."  I got up... got the kids and myself ready for the day... took the kids to school... brought Gavin back home because he had forgotten his backpack (as if you'd need that for school)... took Gavin back to school... picked up terribly unhealthy McDonald's to start the day off right... came home to fix myself a cup of java... chatted on the phone with a friend and then went to do my counting.  As I counted I realized.... no, we did not need two more cans of something nor did we need some more of something else.  We had exactly 30 of SOOO MANY THINGS and no less than 30 of anything!   I had added some of the stuff to the inventory list when it arrived but somehow I had missed exactly two cans of beefaroni and a bag of apples.  I was so excited by God's faithfulness at this point that I could hardly stand still but then it just got better.  The apple bags usually have ten apples in them.  I knew that Gavin had dropped a bag when he was carrying it downstairs (for the record, he is no longer allowed to carry the apples for obvious reasons).  There were two bad apples... ugh!  but as I got to looking, one of the bags had exactly... you guessed it... TWELVE!!!  So, we received exactly what we needed!  Yay God!

For next week, here's the updated list:


24 Peanut Butter
1 Almond Butter
24 Plastic jars of Jelly
2 box of Ritz Crackers
15 individual Easy Mac envelopes
17 cans of green beans
7 fruit cups
30 apples

"Your love, LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies." Psalm 36:5

Fall Break is nearly over!

Hi Everyone!  As fall break is coming to a close I wanted to give an update on how we're doing with donations for next week.  For the bags that will be packed on October 20 we only have a few things left for them to be filled:

2 cans of Beefaroni
14 fruit snasks
10 apples

The following week, October 27, we still need the following:

24 Peanut Butter
24 Plastic jars of Jelly
1 box of Ritz Crackers
15 individual Easy Mac envelopes
17 cans of green beans
7 fruit cups
30 apples

 I'm so grateful for those who have dropped items off over the break.  During this time I've had the opportunity to talk with members of the Francis Howell Community that were unaware of what we're doing at John Weldon and everyone has been so excited about it and impressed at how God has called us each week to bring exactly what these kids need! 

I also had the opportunity to speak with a nutritionist about the food choices we are able to send home with the kids.  There was really only a couple of concerns and unfortunately, it's mostly the lesser of two evils kind of situation.  Pasta noodles with sauce would be healthier for the kids than beefaroni or ravioli but there's no guarantee that a child will be able to prepare that themselves or that there will be someone available to prepare for them.  In fact, I still don't trust my nine year old with a pot of boiling water.  So, for the moment, we're going to stick with what we're sending with a few minor changes in the future.  You'll see some things getting phased out, like fruit snacks and you'll see a request for produce each week.  We have been sending produce every other week but will make it a goal to do it weekly.  Apples are easiest as they won't get smashed in backpacks.  Any other item of produce that is "backpack resistant" is welcomed as well.  As for the other suggestions, she recommended that we send as much low sodium stuff as we can though I know that often, we're getting what's on sale.  So, if you can... Great!  If you cannot... Great!  I'm going with the theory (and she agreed) that food is better than no food!

I hope that everyone has taken the fall break to spend some wonderful quiet or crazy exciting moments with the kiddos!  Just as much as their tummies need to be fed every day, their little hearts and souls crave the attention of their parents!  I, for one, have loved the extra time to take walks, watch movies, do crafts (for the record, I hate crafts but the kiddies love them so momma breaks out the craft box on breaks!), and just listen to the brilliant things they have to say.   I'm constantly amazed by the wisdom that comes from their little mouths and wonder how much I've missed in the craziness of the day to day life!  I'm so thankful for the few times a year I am forced to take a break and just give them a whole week!

First Quarter- Sweet Success!

Well, we have accomplished one whole quarter with sweet success!  I'm still not 100% sure of where this whole thing is headed in the long term but for the moment, I am enjoying the step we are on!  On a weekly basis I have questions about starting Bear Necessities groups at other schools within Francis Howell... or in neighboring cities... or across the country.  At this moment, my take on all of that is this; let's get through a whole semester well and then we can pray about the next step!  I really do have a sense that there is a greater need for communities to work together as we are and MANY ideas swirl around my head but I am committed to remember that each week there are almost 30 kids who are counting on bringing home a bag of food that I have the privilege of helping them receive.  I'm really confident that when the "next step" needs to be taken, things will fall into place and it will feel natural... whatever the "next step" is!

In the mean time, let's focus on those kids we have at John Weldon.  Everything that we needed was provided so that they will have food for the two weekends of fall break.  I was even able to put in a couple of extra things.  I'm seriously sooo excited about that.  In the last week there has been enough food donated for last weekend, this weekend and NEXT weekend!  It's nothing short of amazing!  I blogged about it on my personal blog over the weekend and I just gotta say, God is soo good!

School will be out of session until October 18, so our next delivery will go home October 21... which means that we need all of the food for that delivery by October 20 at 2 p.m.  We've got plenty of time, and there was some surplus this week... even more amazing, huh?... but let's not get distracted with the time off and forget our sweet kids!

Here's what we'll need by 10/20:

16 cans of chili
2 cans of beefaroni
19 cans of peas
14 fruit snacks
30 individual size Cheez Its
30 Nutragrain Bars
30 apples

The next week we will need the following by 10/27:

24 Peanut Butter
26 Plastic jars of Jelly
1 box of Ritz Crackers
15 individual Easy Mac envelopes
17 cans of green beans
23 fruit cups
30 individual size Rold Gold pretzels
30 Nutragrain Bars
30 apples

One additional thing that would be a great benefit to receive would be the items for our birthday bags:

gender neutral plates and napkins
gender neutral birthday cards
cake mix
icing

Since we'll be on break, I don't plan to update this grocery list until after school is back in session on 10/18 unless there's just WAY too much of something coming in and then I will let you know.

Thank you so much for your heart to care for the kids in our community!  Being a part of this program really touches my heart and I pray that it touches yours too!

Almost there...

WOW!  WOW!  WOW!!! 

That's about all I can say here!  I guess I should give a little more information though so that you know what I'm all excited about.  This week we had to receive enough food to cover two weekends for our kids and...

WE ARE ALMOST THERE!!!

The only thing that is left on the list is:

10 peanut butter
14 jars of jelly

That's it!  At times I've had to fight my own thinking of "ok.  If the food doesn't come, then..." and remind myself that God will provide through the members of the community and as I put can after can after can on the shelf this morning I was just in awe! 

There are just not enough words to explain how amazed I truly feel about being a part of this!  Though I did try on my personal blog.  I wish I could personally thank each person that sneaks up to the plastic tub on the front porch but I only see a small fraction of you... so this will have to suffice.  Thank you for all your help in working to feed these kids!

Awesome!

We now have everything we need for this week! 

Here's the updated list for the Cycle Break plan:

• 22 peanut butter (please get the 18 oz size.  Their backpacks get so so full and heavy if we do the big ones.)
• 21 jelly (please make sure the container is plastic.  I cannot send home a glass container.)
• 8 envelopes of easy mac
• 6 boxes ritz crackers
• 7 cans of green beans
• 8 cans of corn
• 11 cans of ravioli
• 16 cans of soup
• 7 applesauce cups
• 3 boxes of raisins (they come in packages of 6, so I need three of those.)

I wonder how long it will take us to get all that down to single digits?!  

9/26 Updated List

This week
We still need the following canned items for this week:

• 22 cans of chili
• 14 cans of beefaroni

We already have produce for this week but if you'd like to send some on cycle break, please let me know.

Cycle Break  (Updated list 9/26)
For cycle break... do we still call it cycle break or is it officially fall break now... either way, that will include two weekends and I would love to be able to bless our families with two weekends worth of food.  So, here's what we need to make that happen:

• 22 peanut butter (please get the 18 oz size.  Their backpacks get so so full and heavy if we do the big ones.)
• 21 jelly (please make sure the container is plastic.  I cannot send home a glass container.)
• 20 envelopes of easy mac
• 6 boxes ritz crackers
• 7 cans of green beans
• 10 cans of corn
• 20 cans of ravioli
• 29 cans of soup
• 13 applesauce cups
• 3 boxes of raisins (they come in packages of 6, so I need three of those.)

I am so encouraged because this is already much shorter than it was on Saturday!  Praising God for His provision!

Update, Cycle Break & Birthday Bags

This week
This week we have almost everything to serve our kids on 9/30.  We still need the following:

• 22 cans of chili
• 14 cans of beefaroni

In addition, if anyone wants to provide produce please contact me first to make sure that we don't have an excess of this but that's always welcome too.  Most weeks we receive a VERY generous donation of produce but there are some weeks that we have less.  So, if it's on your heart just send and email or give me a call!

Cycle Break
For cycle break... do we still call it cycle break or is it officially fall break now... either way, that will include two weekends and I would love to be able to bless our families with two weekends worth of food.  So, here's what we need to make that happen:

• 24 peanut butter (please get the 18 oz size.  Their backpacks get so so full and heavy if we do the big ones.)
• 22 jelly (please make sure the container is plastic.  I cannot send home a glass container.)
• 46 envelopes of easy mac
• 6 boxes ritz crackers
• 13 cans of green beans
• 16 cans of corn
• 20 cans of ravioli
• 29 cans of soup
• 15 fruit cups
• 13 applesauce cups
• 3 boxes of 12 cheez its or rold gold pretzels (must be rold gold for peanut free)
• 15 boxes of raisins (they come in packages of 6, so I need three of those.)
• 6 pudding cups 

I know it is a lot for that two week period but I know that it can happen if we all work together!


Birthday Bags
Now, on to the birthday bags... Birthday Bags are mentioned on this site on the "Donations Needed" page but we had our first birthday this week.  We were able to provide a cake mix, icing, Happy Birthday plates and napkins to the birthday child.  This allows them to have some kind of celebration at home.  In addition to that I packed up small bags of skittles and starburst to be shared with classmates.  I don't know about your kids but mine are always so excited to have a birthday treat in class and while I was initially bummed with the new treat rules because it means I can't bring the ridiculously sugary cupcake I usually bring for my kids, it makes sharing a classroom treat for Bear Necessities' kids much easier!  I was so blessed to hear from Mr. Marion on Friday when I was dropping off the bags that the birthday girl's face just lit up when she received the unexpected gifts.  Who'd have thought that a kid would be so excited to receive a cake mix and icing but she was!  Every single day I am more convinced that we are doing a great thing here!

Donations needed by 9/29

Everything has arrived for this week so it's time to look ahead to what our kids will need at that time:

22 cans of chilli
22 cans of beefaroni
6 individual easy mac envelopes
20 cans of peas
20 juice boxes
5 individual bags of pretzels (Rold Gold are peanut free!)
1 box of fruity pebbles treats

I was told yesterday that three of our kiddos will be moving to a different school so that brings our number back to 27.  Mrs. Meyer said that one of the boys asked her if she thought his new school would have good food for him to bring home too.  Sigh.  My heart broke.  I don't know to where they are moving but I'm praying that they'll be blessed by their new community too!  I know that week after week there will be times that money is short for us or we will see other things that we'll want to buy but I pray that we remember the huge difference it makes when we all give just a little.  It isn't that one person is doing this great amazing thing but that this community of people is doing a great amazing thing by working together!  Let's keep it up!

We're making a difference

Well, I just never know what to expect from day to day with this.  Do you ever feel like that?  You're going through a normal day and all of a sudden you read something and BAM!  So, anyway, I got tired of editing earlier and so I walked downstairs.  Counted up how many of each thing we have for this week so that I could post what's still needed.  We're up to 30 kids, by the way.  Walked back upstairs.  Logged in to blogspot to give the totals and saw that there was a comment that's been left.  (You can do that, you know.  At the bottom of each post, you can make a comment.  It's kind of fun.  You should try it.)  Anyway, I digress...   :)

I open the comment to read and publish it and my heart just melted!  I've said that I didn't need to know who dropped stuff off, though it's always fun to chat with those that choose to stop in for a bit.  I've also said that I never needed a thank you from anyone for doing this but getting one just now blessed me, humbled me and inspired me.  I don't know who left this comment, and I don't really need to know, but I want to share it with you because it's for all of you too!  I cannot do this alone and each of you has been so necessary in making this work.  This is the comment that was left:

"As a family that is blessed by this group I want to say THANK YOU! I am going to try to volunteer to help put together the items. This has been incredible for us. I know that my kids will get some fun and good food and not have to worry when they open the pantry and see it getting empty. For the last few weeks we haven't seen it that way and that has been such a relief. I am inspired to give back in ways that I can. THANK YOU to all of you."   

THANK YOU to whomever you are!  It is our privilege to help make your life just a little easier!  Thank you for letting us know that we're making a difference in your life!

I am so grateful to be able to do this and am so thankful to Mrs. Crigler for allowing us to do this at John Weldon and to Mr. Marion and Mrs. Meyer for coordinating on their end and to the secretaries in the office who help me out each week when I bring in the bags!  I am also grateful for EACH OF YOU who bring food, pray, pack bags and help me deliver them!  Sigh.  Yep, I'm feeling all warm and fuzzy now.

Alas, there's still some donations needed this week and here's the long list:

5 cans of soup
11 cans of corn

That's it!  Let's keep on making a difference!!!

Sign Up to Help

This week marks the fourth week that we have packed bags for kids.  Every single week we have been provided with exactly what we needed.  Sometimes it shows up on my doorstep anonymously.  Sometimes I see the person and get to talk to them.  Sometimes people wait for me at the door of the grocery store to give me a bag or two and sometimes my husband comes home from someone else's kid's birthday party with cases of food.  It's become this amazing experience for us to see all the different ways that God provides for Bear Necessities through this community.  At times my eyes well up with tears as I look in awe at a pile of groceries that have been donated to feed kids whose names we don't even know... yet, we likely see their face... and at another time or place in life, it could be our own.  "Love your neighbor as yourself" Jesus once said and this community is doing just that through Bear Necessities.

Many have contributed financially but not everyone can.  I've spoken to some that desperately wish they could but just cannot.  I urge you to not feel a moment of guilt.  It isn't the giving from guilt that will make this work but cheerful giving.  If you've been reading about BN this month and wishing you could contribute... or maybe you've contributed cases but wish you could do more... now is the time to sign up.  Each week I have had the privilege of packing the bags for the kids and I will continue as I am needed.  I have allowed my children and some of their friends the privilege to pack the bags.  I have delivered the bags and so have other women and while it gives me incredible joy to do so, I want others to know that joy as well.  I honestly feel greedy getting to have all the fun!

So, the following link will take you to a calendar on VolunteerSpot.com where you can sign up to help.  You will have to register your email address but they've promised NO SPAM is sent.  (Please let me know if this happens so that I can look into another planning site.  I do not want this to hinder volunteers!)   They will send a reminder email to help you remember when you've signed up.  Bags are packed on Thursday nights during a regular week where our last day is Friday.  On short weeks, we'll pack the night before the last day of that week.  What is easiest is to pack right after school but if that won't work for you, please call me and see if we can arrange a different time in the evening.  Packing the bags will take about 20 minutes.  Bags are delivered on the last day of the week.  If it is a Friday, it is usually at 11 a.m.  If it's a short week, it will vary. Carrying the bags into the school will take about 5 minutes.

Thank you, in advance, for your time!

www.tinyurl.com/BearNecessitiesJWE

Updated needs for next week 9/15

Now that we are serving 29 kids I did a recount for next week and we currently need:

10 cans of soup
12 cans of ravioli
10 cans of corn

We also now have a kiddo with peanut allergies so I need some cascadian farms brand or Nutragrain Brand granola bars.  If you know of any other safe snacks that are peanut free, I'll have to pack that bag separately. 

This has been a fun week for me.  I figured out how to check my stats on here and was totally shocked to see that this blog has been viewed by people in four countries and three different continents!  I have had a couple of people contact me about possibly starting a Bear Necessities program at other schools.  Seeing so many prayers answered in such a short period of time is just blowing me away DAILY!  

With that, I would like to ask anyone that would commit to praying and would like to receive emails about how to pray specifically for Bear Necessities, please comment below with your email address (or private message me at dorinda_peyton@yahoo.com) and I will start a list.  I don't know how often I'll be sending requests but I definitely have some and I know that there are some prayer warriors out there! 

Hunger Hurts

Last week I read this article on abcnews.com that made me even more grateful that Bear Necessities has begun serving kids.  As I sit here with my Madeline, who is awaiting the been-on-my-antibiotic-for-24-hrs-to-go-back-to-school, she asked about the article I was rereading.  I was stunned when she said "I bet it's hard to work when you're hungry."  She's right.  We all know it... in theory... but I doubt that most of us know what it's like to be really hungry and still be expected to perform like these kids are.  According to this news article "one in four children in the country is living without consistent access to enough nutritious food to live a healthy life."  It's hard for me to imagine really.  One in FOUR...  Almost every day I have at least four kids in my car.  Now, I know that they aren't the ones going without but if I think of their faces and ask myself, which one would you choose to be the one to go without enough nutritious food to live  a healthy life?  I simply could not choose.  Each and every one of them matters and deserves to have their needs met.  The same is true of all kids! 

I'm including a link for you to read the article but I just wanted to say THANK YOU again for all the support for Bear Necessiteis!  When I went to talk to Mrs. Crigler last year I wasn't even sure if there was a need at John Weldon but there definitely is!  I can only imagine what all God desires to do for these kids but being able to help them each week by keeping them fed is the first step and we're making it together.  I know it sounds cliche` but together, we really do make a difference! 


HUNGER HURTS by abcnews

Keep on climbing...

That's what our numbers are doing!  We are now up to 29 students that we are serving on a weekly basis.  This means that for THIS FRIDAY I will need:

2 jellies
1 box Ritz Crackers

We had enough of everything else already!  Praise God!

AMAZING!!!

As of today we have everything to serve this Friday and some extra for the next week!  I am simply blown away every single day with the amount of support that  we have received so far!  Each week we have provided food for the kids to have over the weekend and I am confident that it is blessing them... I KNOW it is blessing me to be a part of it!!!

Since we have everything for this friday, September 16, I have looked ahead to the following week.  We need the following by September 22:

9 cans of soup
10 cans of ravioli
10 easy mac envelopes
11 cans of corn
5 boxes of raisins

It's not much and I know that we can do it!  I've had several people say that they're skipping a Starbucks or an "fun but unnecessary" shopping trip to buy for Bear Necessities and I am so grateful!  I'm so touched by the support that has been given so far.  An amazing thing is happening here and I pray that each of you that is contributing knows that it's because of your willingness to serve.  I've often had people ask if I believe that God won't give you more than you can handle.  I always respond the same way.  "Nope.  I'm confident that God always gives me more than I can do myself so that I remain dependent upon Him."  That is totally what has happened here.  I cannot do this but with your service and obedience, it is happening!  Thank you for embracing this effort to lift up the kids at John Weldon and let them ALL feel loved!

Donations Needed for Next Week by 9/15

We will need the following items to fulfill the needs of our kids next week:

6 small peanut butter
17 jelly in plastic container
6 individual cereal boxes
20 cans of green beans (the regular size please)
8 fruit cups

I am working on a calendar that will allow you to sign up to come and pack bags as well as help deliver them to the school.  I am hoping to be able to post it in the next day or two.  Thank you to so many that have helped serve these kids!

Update 9/6 Donations Still Needed

The following items are still needed this week:

1   box of instant oatmeal packets
13 cans of chilli
7  cans of peas

If you are interested in signing up to have your family come and pack bags for Bear Necessities, please comment on this blog post so that I have an idea of how many would like to participate.  You may want to pack bags once or on a regular basis and either is totally fine!  I will be sending out an email in the near future about this if there is an interest.  Thank you!

9/5 Donations needed by Thursday

We currently need the following to fulfill this week's service to our kids:

3 individual boxes of cereal
2 boxes of instant oatmeal packets
18 cans of chilli
20 cans of peas

We have enough of everything else donated but remember that the following items are sent home every week:  boxes of individual envelopes of easy mac, applesauce, cereal, and oatmeal.  I am hoping to receive the above items by Thursday morning so that I can have next week's needs posted.

New FAQ:

Can I send items that are not on the donation list?

Sure!  I have received several items that are not on the donation list.  What I plan to do with this is to create a menu from those items and send them home with the kids... as long as they can fit into their backpacks.  Items REALLY need to be already in individual serving sizes to be sent home in this backpack program.  If I receive enough of an item that is not on the list and cannot fit in the menu, I will still send it home with the kids... as long as it will fit into their backpacks.  So, the two key factors is 1) it must fit in their backpacks and 2) I must have enough for every child. 

If they cannot fit into their backpacks, they will be donated to Calvary Church's Food Pantry that feeds several families each week.  The bottom line is that, together, we are serving others!

Thank You!

Thank you so much to all who have served through giving donations so far!  I simply cannot explain how amazing it is to see that pile of groceries on the front step each time I come home.  I pray that it is as fun and exciting for you to drop off the surprise!  Please keep it up!  This is a WEEKLY ministry to these kids and requires that we not forget them! 

"Give away your life; you'll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity." –Luke 6:38

8/31 Update

We have everything to serve the 23 kids we have this week so if you're shopping, please shop for next week's needs! Thank you!

8/31 Update SIX kids added yesterday!

I got a call at the end of the school day yesterday that we have an additional SIX kids! That brings our total to 23!!! I am excited to be able to assist these kids but that means that we have a few more donations that are needed TODAY. I'm requesting 7 of the following... just in case:

ravioli
mac n cheese (easy mac envelopes and word has it that Aldi has them on sale for $1.69/box)
raisins
pudding
peanut butter
jelly
ritz crackers

I already had a small surplus on everything else. The plastic tub is on the front porch for anyone that wants to donate today! Thank you!

Donations Needed for 9/8

Woo! Hoo! The only thing left that we need for this week is one package of raisins! Praise God everything has come in and I am so excited every time I go to my front door and there's a PILE of groceries sitting there! So that everyone can plan for next week and especially since it's a holiday weekend, I am posting next week's needs today. Thank you to everyone that has donated or spread the word!

The following items are needed the week of September 8:

18 individual boxes of cereal
2 boxes of instant oatmeal (with 10 in each)
18 cans of chili
18 cans of beefaroni
20 packages of individual easy mac
19 cans of peas
10 juice boxes
20 fruit snacks (I don't know how many come in a box but we'll need 20 individual servings)

This is subject to change if more kids are added to the program before Wednesday, 9/7.
Thank you!

Today's Donation Status

As of right now there are a few things still needed for this week:

2 Jelly (plastic container please)
3 boxes Ritz Crackers
15 cans of corn (the kind that doesn't need a can opener is preferred)
17 cans of soup (something kids like and that doesn't need a can opener please)
1 package of raisins
14 regular size boxes of mac n cheese

Just a reminder that since there is no school on Friday, we will need to have all of these needs fulfilled by Wednesday. Since there is no school next Monday and it's a holiday over the weekend, I will be posting next week's needs soon so that if you're shopping and want to throw in a few things for next week, you can. I know that we won't be able to do any shopping over the weekend and I'm sure that if you're out of town you won't either so I want to let you all know asap!

If you want to comment on here with what you're bringing over, that would help others to know what is still needed. Thanks!

Deliveries Today, 8/29

I will leave a large tub on the front porch for deliveries this morning. I will be in and out until 2pm today. If you'd like to wait until I am for sure home, I plan to be back at 2.

Address for deliveries: 118 Wimbledon Ct, 63368
Phone: 314-540-4718

I will update this evening with what is still needed to pack this week's bags. Thanks!



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Donations Needed by 8/31

The following items are needed this week:

10 Peanut Butter (small jars please)
10 Jelly (plastic container please)
6 boxes Ritz Crackers
10 individual boxes of cereal
15 cans of corn (the kind that doesn't need a can opener is preferred)
3 boxes of individual instant oatmeal
17 cans of soup (something kids like and that doesn't need a can opener please)
15 cans of ravioli (the kind that doesn't need a can opener is preferred)
1 package of raisins
1 package of 6 applesauces
2 packages of peanut butter crackers

This is subject to change if more kids are added to the program before Wednesday. Thank you!

What is Bear Necessities?

If you're here, you have possibly already heard what Bear Necessities is either from John Weldon Elementary or my other blog post. The short version of it is that it is a liaison between two groups of people in one community. Basically, a community of people behaving like a real community. Some have much. Some have nothing. Bear Necessities closes part of that gap between the two by providing food to students over the weekends that may not have much at home. Everything received by students in this community is donated by others in the community. By the provision of Christ Jesus, Bear Necessities is currently serving John Weldon Elementary.

In the last 48 hours, since my name has been attached to this, I have received many sweet emails, texts and personal thank yous and compliments. What I would like for everyone to know is this idea is not mine. If it were possible to be anonymous, I would but it's not realistic since a central place to donate is needed. This idea came from much prayer and leading by my Savior and friend, Jesus and it is through Him that I believe that this can work!

I have also received many ideas of a "bigger picture" of what this can be. Believe me, my head is swirling and I have so many ideas on this but I want to make sure that everything is done well and right now, that requires taking it one day at a time. Yesterdays goal was to get enough food for the kids that had signed up and deliver it to school. Today's goal is to create two ways for community members to know what we need. One is here and the other is the Facebook page. I will update each weekly with what is needed to fulfill the week's mission. Tomorrow's goal is to rest and enjoy my family! After that... well, we'll just have to wait and see!

With that, I am grateful that we (and I say "we" because MANY donated yesterday and Thursday to make this possible) were able to provide food for the weekend to the six kids that were signed up by yesterday morning. At the end of the day yesterday, we had another ELEVEN that signed up! That brings us to 17 students at the moment. It's a bittersweet thing to know that there is such a need for this in our community but I'm confident that, together, this will be fulfilled as well.

I will close with a few questions that have come to me so far on how to best purchase items for this.

1. Can I donate big boxes of cereal?
Bear Necessities cannot take regular sized boxes of cereal because everything has to fit inconspicuously into each child's backpack. The small individual size boxes are perfect for this! If you have extra bigger sizes that you don't need, I would be happy to drop them off at Calvary Church's food pantry. They feed several families every week from our area.

2. Can I bring things in bulk?
While I encourage you to buy in bulk, I do not have room for an entire food pantry in my basement. If you are going to buy in bulk and are not able to keep it at your house, please call me first to make sure I have room for the amount. It is possible that this will change in the future but this is what I'm thinking right now.

3. How can I help?
Check the FB page or here each week before you go to the grocery store and donate! In the future I hope to have things set up so that families can help pack the bags as well and I will let you know as soon as that is ready. I will also be needing someone to make occasional phone calls, do research, copy, etc. If that's something you are interested in volunteering for, please let me know.

That's it for now. Please comment below, whether it's just a comment or a question. I am so very excited to be serving our great JWE community!