When I look at all of these charities, I’m frequently struck with the notion that we either have something like this at home or that we should have something like it. However, prior to discovering Caring Hearts for Kids of Moore, it never really occurred to me how much making certain things happen was within my (or my community’s) control.
Caring Hearts is as grass-roots as it gets. It started when a handful of people wanted to do some good and bound together to help where they could. Beyond just helping, though, the group creates a web or network of helpers through its closed (but easily joined) Facebook group; a network that is now over 7000 strong.
The way the charity works is pretty straight forward. If someone is in need they join the group and simply put in a request for what they are lacking. After a vetting process, the volunteers of Caring Hearts kick into gear. Some requests are filled quickly, some take longer (I’m sure there are some that simply cannot be filled), but what’s interesting (and impressive) to me how this is being done in the first place.
You know that “Christmas family” the office adopts every year? This is like an entire (7000 member) office adopting an whole community (county, actually). Part of their stated goal it to make this a growing community of volunteers where everyone helps those in need. Recipients are encouraged to “pay it forward” by staying in the network and helping where they can, so a culture of caring is being fostered at an organic level.
The last sentence of their mission statement “Children, familes and animals – making a difference, one heart at a time” really struck me as well. Again, I really like the idea, but just love the fact that, realistically, any community could fire up its own version of this and be off and running in fairly short order. The inspiration here comes on multiple levels.
Check them out and learn more (and maybe contribute a little) at their web site. If you’re local, maybe join the group and get involved as well.