House of Hope Summary (Spring 2015)

Most recently, over the winter and spring of 2015, we raised money for House of Hope in Lowell, MA.

House of Hope is an organization that provides mothers and their children with shelter and tries to help get their life back on track. Most of the women have substance abuse issues and/or mental challenges. To accomplish this they provide childcare, case managers to help plan their future, health services, help with their mental or substance problems, and employment internship positions. Not only was this meaningful cause so inspiring and close to home, but we also got the wonderful opportunity to volunteer with the kids three Wednesday's for a couple of hours after we had finished our fundraising in May. At the end of a long day of the mothers looking for work we were able to give them a break by interacting and playing with their children. At House of Hope we met kids of all different backgrounds, but they all had one thing in common; they wanted to have a good time. Although some of these kids spoke languages other than english it didn't change their appreciation for us there. We saw some of the same kids each week and, although only three times, we felt like we really got to know them and be empathetic towards there situations. It was such a powerful experience so see who our money was going towards and to really understand how much of a difference it would make for these people.

In order to raise the money for these families at House of Hope we held a Valentine's camp, sold homemade crafts, and collected donations. The Valentines camp was once again aimed towards the younger age group of kindergarteners, first graders, and second graders and proved to be a huge success. We set up a mini "fair" full of booths with different fun themed activities and games. They were able to go around and use their tickets we gave out to enjoy these fun booths. Not only were we able to run another fun camp and inform them of House of Hope, but we were also able to promote aspects of a person that we strongly believe in; such as optimism, encouragement, and sharing. It was great to see such a young group of kids sharing a ticket when a friend was low and cheering each other on to success in the games. Along with the camp we did a craft sale, where we sold homemade pumpkin granola, handmade stationery, and handmade dishtowels. Although a lot of work to make over 300 individual stationery cards, almost 60 printed dish towels, and multiple batches of granola, we had a great time making all of these products together and delivering them to all the kind people who helped us out in this fundraiser. All in all, through the camp and big craft sale we were able to donate over $830 to House of Hope. 

As always, thank you for your support as there is no better feeling than seeing these problems and being part of the solution.