Baskets of Love and Space to Grow

I am not entirely convinced of the commercial aspect of Valentine's Day. Don't get me wrong, I love love. And I love sharing the love. Which is why I have been a part of Baskets of Love for years now. The idea is simple: make baskets to show the women and children at the Women's Residential Counseling Center (WRCC) that they are loved. By providing items that they need at a time that they need it most, this program helps do just that.

I encourage you to read about what Space to Grow does in the Orlando community. And I definitely encourage you to step in and donate to help bring love to the residents of the WRCC. Here are some of the things they put in the baskets and which they are collecting at this time:

• Bodywash, Shower Gel or Body Soap
• Shampoo and Conditioner (15 oz bottles)
• Shower sponge or washcloths
• Body Lotion (16 oz. bottle)
• Feminine products - tampons, sanitary napkins, liners
• Deodorant, Q-tips
• Toothbrush & Toothpaste, Mouthwash
• Razor and shaving cream
• Hand soap & sanitizer
• Package of toilet paper

To those basic necessities, they like to include some extras like perfume, hair accessories, compact mirror, diary/notepad and pen, calendar/address book or gift cards to Walmart, Publix, Target or Payless.

And for the children? It would be nice if the baskets included games, socks, underwear, books and children appropriate toiletries.

The frog princess and I will be putting together a basket and I hope to be able to deliver it with her. It is important to me that she understands and has a grasp not just of the love we have for her but of the capacity for us to show love to others.

Tomorrow evening, there is a fundraiser put together by Space to Grow in order to ensure that at least 75 families are blessed with baskets of love. The event will take place at Le Rouge Wine Bar & Tapas in Dr. Phillips and it's from 5 - 7 p.m.

If you are not in the area and would like to donate to the cause, you can donate online through the Coalition for the Homeless Donation.   Please be sure to note Space to Grow's Baskets of Love in the online donation field. Here's some quickie instructions for you.

Tell me, do you do anything for others outside of your spouse/partner/children during the day of love? Is there something going on in your community? I'd love to hear about it!

About Space to Grow:

Space to Grow is an all-volunteer, non-profit group created to support programs and opportunities that allow individuals space to grow into their full potential.  Space to Grow’s mission is to serve, share and support organizations that are helping to make people and communities stronger and more self-sufficient. 

About the Women's Residential and Counseling Center:

The Women's Residential and Counseling Center ('WRCC') operates an emergency and transitional housing shelter for at-risk women. Founded in 1921, WRCC has evolved over the years to become an important resource for single women and mothers who are homeless or victims of domestic abuse. Women and children can find a safe haven at WRCC to escape from an abusive partner or to address a destructive addiction. The women at WRCC receive counseling services ranging from job placement, addiction treatment, financial management, parenting skills, self-esteem building to independent living adjustment. The women work with case managers to create and follow detailed self-sufficiency plans, including building savings, improving credit scores, and budgeting.