mustard seed school

Hello Reader,

It's 100+ degrees F (38+ degrees C) this week in Sacramento, and I saw popsicles on the summer wishlist for Mustard Seed School, a local organization that helps children experiencing homelessness.

While at the grocery store buying popsicles, I thought, "Why not fill their snack pantry too?"

When I dropped everything off, one of the kind staff members who has devoted her life there for 17 years took the time to show me around. I left with so much admiration for what they're doing to better the lives of children in need.

They provide kids with a safe place to learn and grow while their families work toward stable housing. They also offer enrichment programs, a food pantry for the kids to use even when they're no longer in the program, laundry services for families, and even personal cubbies where each child can safely keep their belongings and special items. I learned that since that the children are often displaced, they sometimes have to leave behind their sentimental belongings when they move. As someone who has very few photos and mementos from my childhood, this really tugged on my heartstrings.

There are really good people doing really good things in the world, and learning about what they do to help the most vulnerable people among us was a nice reminder.

I'd love to help them even more. Once my parents heard about it, they asked if they could pitch in too. That got me thinking that maybe some people in my community would want to help as well.

They're now collecting for the new school year since the summer program ends in two weeks. I put together this Amazon wishlist and plan to make a drop-off there in a couple weeks to help get them started on the right foot. It'd be so wonderful if you'd like to contribute. If you're interested, you can buy directly from the wishlist. It includes snacks, socks, underwear, toiletries, and school supplies. And if not, I totally understand that times are tough for a lot of people right now.

I appreciate you for considering it, though.

Hope you have a really wonderful weekend!

Toni

P.S. Here's their Facebook page, so you can see photos of the school at work.