Boston Marathon Tragedy

            I am in disbelief that someone would actually bomb the Boston Marathon.  All those people want to do is run for their charities. Let them live in peace. Then I learn that today is Patriot Day and I feel that the alleged terrorists capitalize upon this local holiday.  It is truly sad that nearly 80 people are injured as of 6:45pm with 2 dead, one an 8-year-old child. These perpetrators must be found and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law!  Justice must be swift especially for child killers! However, I am happy and encouraged that running the race, marathon runners start running to Massachusetts General hospital to donate blood.  See, that’s the good in humanity overshadowing the terrorists.  Finally, the bomb must be reconstructed and reconnaissance retrieved in order to ensure that this attach doesn’t happen again.

Donating Clothes and Considering Other Charity Alternatives

            Yesterday I donated 10 items (3 pairs of shoes and 7 articles of clothing) to Suited for Change.  Combining this with the 30 articles of clothing that I donated to CUSP Georgetown on behalf of DC Goodwill, 21 items (6 pairs of shoes and 15 articles of clothing) during the first Suited for Change and 2 Homecoming dresses to my friend who works at a DC high school, and I’ve donated 63 items; and, I am not done because I think that I have some more to give away to Suited for Change this Wednesday. Giving away all of these size 12 clothes and sizes 11 and 12 shoes will help so many women dress professionally for jobs.   I am thankful to be in a position to help others and given my size, I know that there aren’t many options for women my size. Size 12 is only one size below plus-size which start at size 14.

On the flip side, I question some of my purchases because they are impulses.  Immediately I start reconsidering every single purchase.  I have more selective criteria.  So far it has been working because I have only bought what I have come to the store.  Next time I’ll donate money to Suited for Change.  Heck, I might even donate my time to helping women revise their resumes and critique their interviewing sessions.  I possess the skills to make a difference so I just might look into it.  

Donating to Books for America

Yesterday I realized that I have a plethora of books that were cluttering my place. I surfed the Internet finding the Books for America charity. This bookstore donated books to schoolchildren. Since I was a literacy advocate completing America Reads tutoring, this organization was right up my alley. Taking an early lunch I sorted through my inventory finding 28 books. I separated them into two recyclable bags that my mother gave me after DC ratified the 5 cent plastic bag fee. After work I called the employee telling her that I would be arriving. Weather cooperating I put one bag on each shoulder walking the five blocks to Books for America. The employee sorted through my books checking for yellowed paper, highlighted pages and publication dates. Adhering to the charity’s guidelines I was certain that she’d accept all of my books and I was right. The woman rejoiced at seeing Toni Morrison’s A Mercy exclaiming that the bookstore didn’t have much of her. “I was happy to feed the need.’ I replied. I understood her sentiment because if you didn’t get Toni Morrison on its release date the book would be sold out! Returning home I felt great giving my books to help improve area children because I knew the importance of literacy. This initial drop off motivated me towards donating books on a quarterly basis to not only de-clutter my humble abode but to enrich my community.