This week, I was delighted to participate in a Random Act of Kindness to benefit “A Heart for Oklahoma”, a church based mission to bring supplies to those suffering from the effects of last week’s tornado. What made this RAK especially close to my heart is that it was organized and led by one of my high school friend’s daughter, Claire Belfield Henry, a homeschooled 7th grader who has also captured the Junior Miss Mechanicsville crown. (You can read more about the mission here.)
They were collecting basic health and beauty supplies to personally deliver to Oklahoma which was GREAT because I had received donations of these items from friends! I love when God works out details like that! Here is the basket I created to donate to this project. It contained shampoo, conditioner, shaving cream, tooth brushes, dental floss and picks, deodorant, heating pads, nail clippers, body wash, soap, lotion, and cleansing wipes.
I drove to my local Kroger and there was Claire with another gal, Michelle, from her church. Her delightful smile was contagious as she thanked me for my donation. “Wow! It looks so pretty!” she exclaimed. She could have easily won an award for Miss Congenialty as her conversation with me was inviting, purposeful, and filled with excitement for her project. She allowed me to take a few photos for the blog (which I knew her Momma would approve!)
Their collection site outside of Kroger
The girls with my basket of donations
I went inside the store to tackle my never ending grocery list. As I stood in the checkout line, I thought again of Claire and Michelle. How wonderful to be so involved with giving at such an early age! I decided to reward their hard work with a bag of Skittles candy (which was a little inside joke because Claire’s mom is going to make my daughter a Skittles cake for her next birthday party.) As I made my way out of Kroger and towards her donation stand, I realized another young girl had shown up to share in the donation table duties. Without hesitation, I turned right back into Kroger and bought more Skittles so that ALL the girls could share in some simple delights for their labor.
I took an opportunity to have my photo taken with local royalty, too. 😉
This RAK is dediated to Jessica Rekos, age 6, whose parents described their daughter as a “mini CEO”. She sounded just like Claire. These two girls shared a passion for helping others, but doing it in an organized, efficient way. I could easily imagine Jessica doing something as grand as this mission. I am always humbled when I see such leadership skills in our children. Their self confidence is inspiring!! I hope Jessica’s parents know that her spirit lives on in other “mini CEOs” around the world.
Thanks for sharing in my joy of giving. Be blessed, my friends and have a wonderful weekend! 🙂
Thank you for the beautiful tribute to my beautiful nieces (Michele & Claire). Nicely written.
Teresa