Gratitude Day 557
Mon., Jan. 18, 2021
1 Peter 4:10 –Each of you has been blessed with one of God’s many wonderful gifts to be used in the service of others. So, use your gift well.
Sometimes, it’s easy to feel like what we could do for someone else would be so little that it would not make a difference. Our actions, contributions or gifts may not feel “big” enough or “generous” enough or “significant” enough to affect anyone.
This is so far from the truth. Today, let’s explore how little things grouped together with other people’s “little bit” really DOES. MAKE. A. DIFFERENCE.
If you’ve ever wondered if your little bit could make a difference, please, please, please continue to read. I pray that you WILL believe me when I say that I have seen time and time again when someone’s little bit made all the difference. Or when your little bit is added to my little bit and a few other people’s little bits, suddenly, our little bits are no longer little bits. These actions or gifts or contributions when grouped together are suddenly big. Significant. Live-changing.
A few weeks ago, my friend Stacie contacted me. I could go on and on about Stacie. Someday, I will share more of her story. For now, let me share that Stacie is one of the most positive people I know. In spite of having MS and being confined to a power wheelchair all day long. In spite of having so many things no longer possible for her, Stacie continues to find and do the things that she CAN do … and makes a difference regularly in people’s lives.
Before Christmas, Stacie wanted to contribute to a non-profit. After looking at their wish list, she asked a few other people to join in her efforts so they could clean up the non-profit’s wish list. Stacie solicited her three adult children and her Mom to join in the effort. Together, they were able to make a nice donation to this local non-profit.
Stacie began to dream how this could be replicated in other ways. She contacted me and asked if we could encourage folks to do the same thing: come together, make a manageable donation to an organization once a month and make a difference. It took me about .05 seconds to get on board with Stacie. Today, we’re launching our little group and asking you to be a part of it.
Here’s our plan. Stacie and I have a resolution to help one Wisconsin non-profit organization a month during 2021. Our hope is that some of our friends or acquaintances or friends-of-friends will join in the fun. We’re calling ourselves the One Month Resolution Group and would love for you to participate as well.
Each month during 2021, we’ll pick a Wisconsin non-profit organization. We’ll share the monthly pick with the One Month Resolution group and invite those who wish to donate to this group. The suggested donation is $20/month, but you choose your donation level. As you donate to the group, please share that you are part of the One Month Resolution Group. We’d like to track our impact with each of these 12 organizations.
If 50 people make a $20 donation, we’ll have a $1,000 impact. If 100 people make a $20 donation, our impact will be $2,000. If you invite a few of your friends to join and we got 500 people to join our little group, we could make $10,000 impact in one month.
I’m not asking you to donate that much money. I’m asking if you could donate $20/ month or $240/this year to 12 different organizations. I know that many of you already make regular donations to other non-profit organizations and churches. PLEASE KEEP DOING THIS. WE WANT YOU TO CONTINUE DOING WHAT YOU ARE DOING. But could you find $20 in your budget to help another organization and be a part of Our Monthly Resolution?
Together, we can do great things.
For January, we have chosen Hope House of South Central Wisconsin. Based out of Baraboo, WI, Hope House’s mission is to prevent abuse and provide support to victims of domestic and sexual violence. Services include a 24/7 toll free help line, advocacy and supportive counseling, legal services, children’s programming and community education. They also have a shelter in Baraboo. Services are provided free of charge.
How can you support Hope House with a donation in January? You choose:
- Make a monetary donation to Hope House. Send the donation to Hope House, PO Box 557, Baraboo, WI 53913. Or, you can go to their website, https://www.hopehousescw.org/ways-to-donate.html, and click on the “donate” button. Please indicate that your donation is part of the One Month Resolution.
- Send Hope House gift cards to places like Kwik Trip, Walmart and Walgreens. Mail to Hope House, PO Box 557, Baraboo, WI 53913.
- If you live close enough and would prefer to donate items, Hope House has posted a January Wish List: https://www.hopehousescw.org/wish-list.html. Items can be dropped off at 720 Ash Street, Baraboo, WI.
- Hope House has also posted a wish list on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3VWPVQY17OTIH/ref=hz_ls_biz_ex. You can purchase items and have them delivered directly to Hope House!
What questions might you have? I’ll try to answer them.
I’m not from Wisconsin. What do I do? Participation in the One Month Resolution is purely optional. There is no obligation. If you want to join in, please do! If you would rather support non-profit organizations in your local area, please do so! Pick 12 different organizations and find a way to support one group a month.
Will my donation be tax-deductible? All organizations will be 501(c)3 non-profit organizations. One Month Resolution is NOT establishing itself as a non-profit. We’re simply helping other non-profit organizations.
Do I mail Dianne or Stacie a check? NO, NO, NO! We don’t want to be the bank. We’re simply asking you to donate directly to the monthly organization that we have picked. We’ll provide information on how to do this. When you send your donation, please indicate that you are part of the One Month Resolution group so we can try and track our impact.
How do I keep up to date on what One Month Resolution is doing each month? There is a Facebook Group called One Month Resolution. Please join the group. It’s open to the public. Invite others you might be interested to join our Facebook group as well.
What if I’m not on Facebook? Does this mean I can’t participate? NO, NO, NO! I will share information and updates on Simple Words of Faith, including what each month’s non-profit will be. You can participate whether you are on Facebook or not.
How much should I donate each month? It’s completely up to you. We are suggesting $20/month. You can donate more. You can donate less. It’s your call.
What if I can’t donate one month? NO BIG DEAL! Just donate the months that you can! Participation is purely voluntary.
My employer will match donations that I make to non-profit organizations. Will One Month Resolution qualify for this? YES!! All organizations that we choose will be non-profit. Please complete the necessary paperwork with your employer so your gift can be increased and matched by your employer! Just remember the donations go directly to the monthly organization.
If you have other questions, please let me know!
We’re asking all January donations to Hope House be made by FEB. 5th. In early February, I’ll announce our non-profit for February. If you have a suggestion for a group that we could support, please let me know!
Right now, I know there are a variety of non-profit organizations that could use some additional support. Stacie and I are hoping to help 12 of them in 2021. Please join us and together, let’s make an impact. Together, let’s put smiles on people’s faces.
For the idea and ability to set-up One Month Resolution, I am grateful.
Blessings –
Dianne
Holy God – there are so many folks who need a little assistance right now. Non-profit organizations that are struggling to have enough resources for those who depend upon them. God – open up my heart to consider being part of One Month Resolution. Together, I pray we discover the power of doing small things together so there can be a bigger impact. Amen.
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