Cara's Basics Charity Challenge

Last year, Cara of Cara Quilts issued a challenge on her blog to encourage people (of course quilters are people too) to donate the basic needs of life to local shelters for women and children.  She was inspired to start the challenge when driving past her local women's shelter that had a sign out front asking for donations of paper towels.  She expresses her thoughts so much better than I can.  Please click the button on my right side bar to visit her blog and read all about it.
I participated in the Basics Charity Challenge last year and donated 3 tote bags with the every day items we all take for granted; toothpaste, toothbrushes, liquid hand soap, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, hand creme,  and deodorant.  We also packed some extra food and household cleaning items in a shopping bag and dropped if off at the same time.  When we dropped them off, the woman at the reception desk was very grateful and told us that they were really in need of  all kinds of basic cleaning and personal hygiene supplies because donations drop off after the Christmas holidays.  It wasn't a big deal for us since we try to buy a few extra items when they are on sale to donate through our church.  Last year, over 200 people answered Cara's challenge to help.  Cara has recruited sponsors that will be offering all kinds of quilty goodies to participants.  The challenge runs through the month of February so you still have time to participate.  We all know someone who has needed help; now is our chance to extend a hand to a woman or child who is counting on us.