#20Acts for Newtown

This past Friday, our nation was devastated by the violent massacre that occurred in Newtown, Connecticut. It remains mind-boggling to me that there exist people in this world who can steal the futures of the most innocent members of our society with no remorse and for no reason at all. My heart is broken for the families, friends, and neighbors affected by this tragedy. I am sending much love and many prayers their way.

Today, my sister and I decided to take action to honor the young victims of this attack. Inspired by Ann Curry's call to action on twitter, we set out to commit twenty random acts of kindness--one for each child. Nationwide, people are accepting this challenge. Some are committing 20 acts, some 26 (to include the teachers and administrators who sacrificed their lives to save many students). We chose to do 20 acts due to our limited budget and time frame. I am posting our list of actions to serve as an inspiration to others. At a time where many of us wonder "what can I do?", this is a concrete way to stand up against violence by spreading love and compassion.

1. Gathered donations of sheets and blankets to donate to our local animal shelter.
2. Gathered donations of feminine hygiene products, shower gels, shampoos, and beauty products for a women's shelter.
3. Gathered donations of formal dresses and gowns to donate to Operation PROM.
4. Gathered books to donate to a local library or literacy program.
5. Gathered clothing, jewelry, shoes, and accessories to donate to our local Salvation Army.
6. Gathered inspirational, devotional, and Christian-themed fiction books to donate to our church.
7. Gathered unused stuffed animals to donate to a program that provides such toys to children for comfort (such as at a police station).
8-9. Purchased clothing and toys to donate to a homeless family with two children here in Westchester.
10. Gathered a horse-themed selection of books and toys to donate to a classroom that has an upcoming equine unit.
11. Donated $20 to the March of Dimes (thanks to the support of our Aunt Janet).
12. Donated $10 to super storm Sandy recovery efforts (thanks to the support of our Aunt Janet).
13. In lieu of purchasing a Christmas tree, our family will be donating the money we would have spent to either super storm Sandy recovery efforts or to one of the funds set up by the families of the child victims in CT.
14. Baked cookies for shut-in members of our church.
15. Baked cookies to bring to class this week as my classmates finish their conference projects.
16. Addressed holiday cards to members of armed forces serving us both at home and abroad.
17. Put together holiday cards and gifts for our garbage men, mailman, and UPS man to thank them for the services they provide for us day in and day out.
18. Gathered canned goods to donate to a local soup kitchen.
19. Brought some extra water bottles to the gym and left them in the women's locker room--the water vending machine has been empty on my past few gym visits.
20. Put together a care package for our cousins in Georgia who we don't get to see or talk to very often.

I hope this list inspired you to get out there and spread some kindness in a world that often seems full of only hate. Again, my heart goes out to everyone affected by the tragedy in Connecticut. In the words of Ed Werder, "I hope that as a grieving country we feel the searing pain of Newtown intensely and long enough that we do something about it."

Love,
Sarah