November's Monthly Mission
For so many of us parents, the morning rush to get ready for school is busy and no matter how organized we are, there is just always something that puts a kink in our plan and our rush to get out the door seems to always take 5 minutes longer. In our home, that culprit is typically hats, shoes or gloves and I fully disclose that sometimes I find myself rolling my eyes or huffing under my breath because I lose patience. But, there is always one thought that has stuck with me when it comes to the bulk of hats, shoes and gloves. When my daughter was in Kindergarten, we received an email from her teacher pleading with parents to be sure that we send proper gloves. She spoke of how heart-wrenching it was for her to see kids come in from recess with hands that are sore and red and chapped from being exposed to the harsh winter weather here in North Dakota. I always try to think of that when my girls are running back into the house saying, "I can't find my other glove" or "Mom, where did you put my snowpants?" (even though I couldn't possibly fit into a 9 year old's snowpants.....I know you other mommas feel me on this) I always have to stop and regather patience and remind myself that I want my kids to be properly dressed so when they come in and take off their warm gloves, hats, boots and snowpants they know that they are cared for and loved.
But, when I talk to my girls about their day and whether or not they were warm enough or what they got to do in the snow, it is also heart-wrenching as a parent because 9 times out of 10 they will also include stories of the child that didn't get to play in the snow because they didn't have snowpants or the child that didn't want to build the snowfort because their gloves had holes.
Last year on November 1, Yellow Stitch Boutique announced our very first monthly mission. It was our first month in business and our first mission was to provide hats and gloves for teachers in our schools to give to children who didn't have any. We wanted to help prevent teachers from having to use their own money to purchase those things. We had a very successful first month and purchased over 200 pair of gloves and 75 hats for our community teachers.
This year, we wanted to think Christmas for November and December, but after discussing with local teachers, social workers, counselors and with my daughters, we have decided to make November our annual Winter Gear For Children Mission!
Teachers are seeing more now the need for children to get outside and play! Our children have been behind computer screens, don't go to public places as often, aren't playing sports as frequently and recess at school is NECESSARY for their emotional, physical and mental health and we want as many children as possible to feel warm, loved and cared for.
So, for the month of November, 10% of every order will be used to purchase hats, gloves, snowpants, boots and coats for us to provide to local schools to have on hand for children in need!
Not only are we donating a portion of our sales, but we are giving all of you the opportunity to donate OLD or NEW items to receive 25% off your order from Yellow Stitch Boutique!
If you are local to Bismarck/Mandan, we have a donation drop box and if you drop off ANY winter gear not matter if it is used of new you will receive 25% off your next order at the boutique! (just be sure to label your donation with a sticky note so we know who to send the discount code to. This is a one-time use code and you will receive a new code with each donation)
We are so excited to support our children and our schools! Thank you for supporting us and helping us accomplish each monthly mission!
"Children learn more from what you are, than what you teach." W.E.B. Du Bois