I was super inspired by the generosity of Louise’s thought of making our latest DIY Date project a gift.
On my own blog, I have been trying to figure out a way to draw attention and support to some of my favorite (and local) charities.  One in particular is Memphis based St. Jude’s hospital (which to be just a hop, skip, and jump across the Mississippi river from my state of Arkansas).  Most people knew of St. Jude’s through their research with childhood cancer and the fact that no family ever pays St. Jude for anything. (I’m not lying when I say that typing that last statement gives me happy chills.)

One night, in that weird hazy time right before sleep, I thought, “Wouldn’t it be cool to help a great organization like this one?” Which was followed by, “DIY Date! They’re generous creative souls- Let’s do it!!”

I got online and saw that St. Jude has a donor project they call Happy Cart Crafts.  You can read the official information on them here and here

but the basic premise is that volunteers (us!!) put together the materials and instructions for a kid friendly craft project, stick it in a Ziploc bag, and send it to St. Jude for the hospital for the children to put together.  I thought this was an awesome project for craft bloggers since they are masters of a good “how to”.

Even more importunely, according to the donation coordinator, “Craft projects have a significant impact on both our inpatients and outpatients as they are a most welcome distraction to their daily treatments.  I really hope that the potential for this project gets you as excited as it gets me!  I loved crafting as a kid and I can only imagine the happiness that this would bring to a child who’s days have suddenly been thrown into an endless parade of doctor’s offices and hospital beds.

For the mommas in the group this may be a little easier since you may be inspired by the craft projects that your kids enjoy the most.  For everyone else (i.e. myself) here are a couple of links to get you started.  These blogs have great ideas and their Pinterest boards have even more inspiration!

Mom Advice

Inward Facing Girl

Second Story Window

Imagination Soup

Handmade Charlotte

Something to think about: In your eagerness to give please be aware of your own budget and what would make the most sense for your family.  My suggestion:  Set a dollar amount that you are personally willing to spend and then make as many kits as that amount makes.  This isn’t about the number of Happy Cart Craft bags you can send to St. Jude but the wattage of the smile emanating from the child who receives your craft project!!  To quote one of the St. Jude moms, “Although I may not recognize our donors by face, I surely know them by their generosity”.

Participate with us!!

If you’d like to join in on this great DIY Date, all you have to do is email me pics of your Happy Cart Craft by the due date above & your blog url/post url so that I can include it in the DIY Date post for that week.  Email here: info@laidoffmom.

Remember, you don’t have to have all your craft kits done by then, and you don’t even have to make too many…make as many as you’d like.

When you’re all finished, you send the kits you put together to the following address:

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Donor Services
Attention: “VOLUNTEER SERVICES”
595 North Parkway
Memphis, TN  38105

Hope you all can support this great cause, while at the same time, help some children craft right along with us!

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