Donations for Sarah's Toybox

    I realized I neglected to put the information about the foundation.  The Sarah's Butterflies Foundation is under the umbrella of the Community Foundation of Western PA and Eastern Ohio.  The address for the foundation is  Community Foundation of Western PA and Eastern Ohio; 7 West State Street Suite 301; Sharon, PA 16146.

   

Six months until Sarah's Toybox Blessing Bags Delivery

    Today I realized that six months from today in December 26, 2014. We will be going to Farrell and converging on Love Christian Center at the corner of Hamilton and Bond to sort items and then assemble to Blessing Bags. 
     After lunch, we will pack vehicles and form the Hope Caravan to distribute Blessing Bags.  I want us to aware of the hope we possess and share that hope with those we bless.
       If you or your church would like to participate in Sarah's Toybox collection or distribution (collect stuff or help us distribute bags), please contact me at ladybugchic1112@yahoo.com. 

Blessing Bag Bonanza---Jubilee Tour

     In sixteen short days, will be the Blessing Bag Bonanza where we love on Farrell and Sharon and spread God's hope. 
     The history behind Jubilee was that every fifty years, a year of freedom was declared.   Everything was freed...the land, the people.  The debts were cancelled. 
      I feel that is what God wants us to share.  That right now, as we prepare for the new year, that we stop and claim the freedom that salvation offers.  Freedom from condemnation. For some of the people we meet, it could freedom from despair, drugs, hopelessness. 
      I ask that you join me in spreading the year of Jubilee to Farrell and Sharon. 

Jubilee Tour 12.26.13

                Good morning, I want to announce that today we are launching the 2013 campaign
for Sarah’s Toybox.  Last week, in church,  we sang the song, “Days of Elijah.”  The
line…”this is the year of Jubilee” hit me hard.  That is what I want us to give the recipients of
the Blessing Bags.  I want to provide freedom from discouragement and hopelessness.
             At a dinner meeting this week, a donor asked how much it cost to make a blessing
bag.   The cost of making a Blessing Bag is roughly $6.            
             We are heading to new places and ministering to new individuals.  As you saw in an earlier post, we now have established a foundation which allows us to accept monetary donations.  Donations to the foundation are tax-deductible as are a 501c3 charitable organization.   
              We are going to Farrell and Sharon on December 26, 2013.  Come join us on the Jubilee Tour 12.26.13. 

God's timing and direction

     God controls all of the events in the world.  I say that because over the last three years, Sarah's Toybox has grown by leaps and bounds.    Three years ago, Sarah's Toybox distributed stuff to 38 families.  Two years, it was 100 bags and last year was nearly 300 blessing bags.  Our goal this year, 1,200 blessing bags.
      As for God's direction-I truly believe God has led us to where we could spread hope the most.  Two years ago, we traveled around Farrell and Sharon and Bruce delivered some to places we ran out of time to see. Last year, we began our day on Ravine Place in the projects.  We went to three different housing projects.  This year, if we have enough stuff, we will be going to two more places that we have not been able to go to in order to bless those in need.
      Also, God has guided some new individuals to become involved.  He has used dreams as of old to guide a new believer to help us.  He has also brought a man who is a minister in Farrell to become involved.  Lee has experience with Spanish-speakers so we can maybe expand to there or they can help us spread hope. 

Paperwork in hand

      I received an email from an employee of the Community Foundation of Western PA and Eastern Ohio that contained the necessary paperwork for establishing Sarah's Butterflies Foundation.  
      I have to say that four years ago when Sarah died, I never thought I would ever be able to do this foundation.  I had been reticent to do this because I thought it would be too hard and too expensive.  Neither is a real problem at this point.  If anything I think that God has orchestrated all that has transpired the last month. 
       In my possession I have a five-page document that will be sent on Monday to the Foundation board for them to process.  This will enable us to be legally able to accept donations. 
        Our mission statement is Sarah's Butterflies Foundation is a non-profit organization that is motivated by God's love to share hope with those who are discouraged.  We respect their dignity and seek to aid children in need through our love for Sarah Elisabeth by making a difference in the world for Jesus.  This foundation is in memory of Sarah Elisabeth Richardson. 

Sarah's Butterflies Foundation

      Early in the week last week, Jim and I found ourselves meeting with the chairman of the Shenango Valley Foundation about starting a foundation in Sarah's memory.  The process I will admit was a lot easier than I expected. 
      I have to write a mission statement/purpose.  I have researched some mission statements for organizations and looked at how to write one. 
      Our goal is to make spreading hope a lot easier.  The ministry is growing as I hoped it would.  Three years ago, my mother approached me about taking Sarah's Toybox to Farrell.  I was onboard immediately. 
        If you want to know why I get so excited about what we do with Sarah's Toybox, come with us in December. 
        In the next few months, the way to donate to the foundation will be made available.  Be praying for how you can be involved in spreading hope.