It’s that time of year again….

No, I am not going to regale you with Halloween photos, or bug you to buy wrapping paper*, candy, or magazines (sillies, we did that last month!)  This is a bit more important in my mind, and could involve nothing more than the donation of your time, provided you are living in the East Bay.  It is time to start preparations for the annual Tri-Valley Basket Brigade.

If it doesn't sound familiar, you may have missed last year's posting on this event.  Not to rehash, but I was desperately searching for volunteer opportunities which could involve the entire family.  We planned on adopting a family for Christmas, but also hoped to do something sooner, and equally as hands-on.  A brief mention on one of my moms groups led me to this site.  Lo and behold, the operation happened to be run by the co-leader of my other moms club.  I eagerly signed up, and the rest is history.

I have already written on the topic, and won't belabor the issue, but trust me when I tell you this was one of the most fulfilling activities we have done as a family.  There is no tax deduction, and no reimbursement for anything.  You totally and completely give to others, without getting anything in return.  Oh, except for the look of stunned delight when the person cautiously opening the door realizes that they will have a Thanksgiving. 

The best part?  The delivery.  My biggest fear was somebody saying, "No, we don't need charity".  However, I needn't have worried.  No one declined, and in fact, after we finished our route, we were disappointed to only have delivered two baskets.  We will definitely look to up our numbers this year!

I realize not everyone reading this is in this area, but if you are, and wish to participate, please click on the link above, or in the note below.  If you cannot make it, but wish to help, drop-off donations are gladly accepted.

Here is a brief note from Katherine, one of the founders of the Basket Brigade, with a few more details:

The Basket Brigade is a Thanksgiving food drive that allows food donors to connect personally with a family in need.  On Brigade Day, participants bring food and clothing items and gather together as a group to create beautiful Thanksgiving baskets.  Once the baskets are assembled, participants have the opportunity to deliver a basket personally to a Bay Area family in need.  Bags containing food, clothing and personal products are also compiled and delivered to the homeless. 

The Brigade will be held on Saturday, November 21 at 10am.  For more information, and to participate, please sign up on the Brigade website: trivalleybasketbrigade.com.

 

*I do want to add that I was pleased to see this year that Kelsey's wrapping paper sales may have benefited Heifer International.  I don't yet know the results, but hoping to hear soon if her class helped, and will post accordingly.