Do what you can and leave the rest to God

CASA Denver is a wonderful organization! Basically, it's a not for profit organization that advocates for children in the foster care system. The volunteers also known as CASAs (Court Appointed Special Advocates) are truly angels on Earth. 

I went to a breakfast called "Light of Hope" sponsored by CASA Denver a few years ago and was hooked. The speaker was the author of a book called, "Three Little Words". It was a life changing morning. I got on their newsletter list where they would ask for donations or toy drives for these kiddos. I called the director and offered to host a toy drive at my home. She loved the idea. Basically the rest of the love story is history. 

A morning of giving

I usually make a brunch or lunch and invite my friends and their friends over for a wonderful morning together. The first two that my mother and I hosted together, we asked for people to bring toys for any age. We were overwhelmed by the generosity of those who attended and those who did not. I feel like we collected over 200 toys between the first two years.

We were unable to host a toy drive this year before the holidays so we decided to host a back to school and hygiene essentials drive. CASA Denver hosts a picnic in the summer where they present every child they serve with a backpack filled with school essentials as well as a hygiene pack. The hygiene pack will have items such as toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner and so on. These kids tend to move around a lot and having their own hygiene packs is essential. 

We had the party yesterday morning and again the generosity of what showed up was amazingly overwhelming. As of today, 44 backpacks have been donated, 38 of which are filled with all the school supplies and hygiene packs necessary. We were also able to give a bunch of hygiene essentials to CASA Denver so that they could satisfy the needs when they come up.

Emotional Roller Coaster

The coordinator for CASA Denver was there yesterday and she shared how our donations were going to children who really are in need and appreciative of anything they are given. She shared stories of hope and stories that were heartbreaking. 

It as a very moving morning filled with hope and sadness. Our heart breaks for any child in need of an advocate, yet we are grateful for the amazing volunteers who generously donate their time to these kids. We are in awe of these amazing kids and their resiliency! At the same time, our hearts break for what they have to go through. 

My one wish

After the party was over and the house was cleaned up, I started thinking about how and what I could do more. I wanted to run out to the store and fill another 10 backpacks, I wanted to organize the summer picnic and the holiday party, I wanted to become a CASA. My mind was going in all different directions until I realized that what I really wanted out of this whole thing was for this need to not be a need. 

I would love more than anything else for every child to be safe and taken care of. I would love for every child to feel that they are loved and worthy. I realized that at this moment in time, that was impossible. As I am tucking my children in their beds, unfortunately some child out there is not having that same luxury. It’s sad. Just very very sad. 

Turn it over

I had to remind myself of my mom’s favorite saying, “Do what you can and leave the rest to God.” Truly very wise words. At this point in my life, I cannot commit to becoming a CASA and being able to advocate for a child. I have to turn it over to a higher being and for now, pray for their well-being while doing what I can when I can. I encourage anyone reading this post to look up their local CASA chapter to learn more about this truly wonderful organization! Maybe if each of us helped just a little, we could change the world one day at a time. That would be my dream.