Day 222: Support for our Paper Boy (Man!)

Although we've never met the Paper Boy, we assume he is indeed a "Paper Man" as we hear him drive through the neighborhood each morning.  As my first job was a Paper Girl in the old neighborhood, I am  very appreciative of the effort it takes to deliver the paper both neatly, and timely, each day. 
Last week, the Paper Man left us a note with the newspaper,  informing us that he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and would be taking a leave of absence to undergo chemo.  So sad.  We figured he could use immediate support, so we decided to send him a note of encouragement and his holiday tip today.  We wish him well on the difficult journey ahead.

Day 221: Charitable Donation

A few weeks ago, we received a card from the Vietnam Veterans of America. They needed our discards, so I called and put down our address for a pickup on today. We gathered up some clothes not being worn, some vases in which flowers had come on special days, a suitcase and various other things that we were not using and could be put to good use by someone less fortunate than ourselves. Dad put" the Stuff" out last night and it was gone by noon today. Hopefully, someone will benefit from our donation.

Day 220: My Letter to Claudia

Hi! It is Sophia! Today I made a bracelet and wrote a letter to my friend in Mexico, named Claudia. We sponsor Claudia through the CFCA organization. My parents give CFCA a monthly payment (today's the day for that!) so that Claudia can go to school and her family cant buy food, etc.  And then I reach out to Claudia through sending letters and sometimes small, handmade gifts.  Today I made bracelets from a paper bead kit I got. I rolled up a strip of paper until it got to the thickness  of the bead where I could slip it on to the string. I used my best materials, and I think she will really like it. In my letter, I thought about using some of my beginner phrases that I learned in my new Spanish class, but I thought I would save it until I knew more than, "Where do you live?" and "What is the weather like?" I can't wait until we get a letter back from her, they come as fun surprises! 

Day 219: Halloween Carnival Volunteer

Hello!

Today, Loyola had a Halloween Carnival! We hosted adults from the Gallagher House (People with Austism and Developmental Disabilities) to a fun day of games, arts and crafts! Unfortunately, I was not allowed to take pictures, but the room was set up with musical chairs, multiple arts and crafts tables, and snack tables. Nicole and I wore our costumes from Friday afternoon, and some of the guests dressed up too! We had to have a talk before the event started to discuss volunteering with those with disabilities, but I already had a familiarity with it since I have worked with students who have disabilites as a Special Education Minor. The event was really successful!! The guests had such a fun time experiencing a Halloween-related event, and the volunteers were all excited to help out!! I was sitting at the bat-making table; I remember doing this activity when I was in Elementary School! We cut out bats, and stuck two of them together in between a string, creating a line of bats! The guests seemed to enjoy this activity, and I was enthusiastic helping explain it, so we all had a good time.

Off to a meeting!!

Olivia 

Day 218: Supporting Sherborn Boy Scouts

Each year, the local Boy Scouts organize a "Holiday Wreath and Candle Sale" fundraiser to help finance troop activities.  We are always happy to purchase a wreath to support the cause, and today was "The Day."
Although I am a  very content mother of only awesome daughters, I am particularly partial to Boy Scouts as my Dad, Buppa, was the Scout Master for years in Waltham.  I know that his gentle guidance, unwavering commitment to any cause he suppports and his umcompromising love for two sons,  made him a terrific master of  the troop he lead for many years.

Day 217: Trick-or-Treating

Hey all!!

Today, Loyola hosted multiple outreach programs for nearby elementary schools, where the kids came here for a fun day of Trick-or-Treating in the campus dorms! My floor was involved, so we bought lots of candy in preparation for the kids showing up. Nicole and I were volunteers who brought the kids around. However, the ratio of volunteers to children was quite large and Nicole and I, along with one other girl, ended up having to watch about 15 hyper, excited children running through the hallways. It was very stressful making sure we didn't lose anyone as we traveled from floor to floor, but it was certainly good practice for me as a future teacher! I bought a Smurf costume, and Nicole is on the right as Minnie Mouse. (This costume was actually made by her grandmother for her mother, who gave it to Nicole years later!) Emily, on the left, was able to stay in the room to hand out the candy! The kids were so cute, and it brought back memories trick-or-treating when I was little!

Happy Early Halloween!

~Olivia

Day 216: Bristol Lodge Day

Today, the 4th Thursday of the month, was Bristol Lodge Day when our Parish, St. Jude, feeds the hungry. As almost always, the weather does not cooperate and it was pouring in our neck of the woods. Our leader, Ruth, is back in the hospital, so I was Ruth and Buppa took my "job." The few people that drop off at our house, did so on time and we were off in the rain. At the first stop, there was no answer. Even though we all are volunteers, we should make a call to save the drivers an unecessary stop. On to the next. This woman can be funny in that she half forgets, then remembers and today when I appeared, she said "oh, I forgot!!" When I said you were making the brownies on Tuesday when I called, and she said "oh yes, I have them." Three more stops and each was all prepared. Some of the customers came out to bring in the food. Buppa started slicing meatloaf and I was setting up. One grandfather was subbing for his grandson who usually serves and then a mother and young son came in. All seemed to be under control, so we left for home and our own "meat loaf" dinner.