I remember our children’s eyes as the jeep hobbled through the crowded village. It took us three hours to get up the side of the mountain to this more remote village in Guatemala and I knew they’d be forever changed.

Poverty everywhere marked their souls and yet as our week finished and we re-acclimated to the comforts of our American lifestyle, I knew that I didn’t want this to be a one time etch on their lives.

I desired for this time together to be a pivotal marker in who they were becoming; to become advocates for those less fortunate.

As a parent, we fight to ward off an entitlement mentality that so easily creeps in on all levels, so we must train their hearts to open their eyes to the poverty all around them.

It doesn’t just happen. I must be intentional about it.

Every day we have an opportunity to give back, to educate, to understand that there are people in need all around us if only we take the time to be aware.

During this season of Black Friday “hoarding” (yes, I did go out too) and Cyber Monday deal seeking, we have an opportunity to welcome Giving Tuesday. When most are focused right now on the getting, will you please join me for the GIVING, if only for an hour?

That’s the (holiday) spirit! ‘Tis the season of giving, in every sense of the word.

We invite you to join us on Tuesday, December 3rd, from 1:30 – 2:30pm ET for the Unilever #BrightFuture Twitter Party.

Unilever, through its Unilever Project Sunlight initiative, has partnered with Feeding America and Giving Tuesday this holiday season in an effort to help end hunger in the United States and I couldn’t be more honored to partner with them on achieving their mission.

1 in 6 Americans suffer from hunger. I live in a county where this is a reality. Those who join the Chat will learn more about food insecurity and where they can volunteer at a food bank right in their own state.

One of the most significant acts our family does throughout the year is to serve together. Yes, it’s not always easy to get our children on the same page, but now that it’s been years of traditionally giving blessing baskets to the refugees on Christmas day or making care packages for the homeless, they are getting it.

They are realizing it’s not all about them and that they can make a difference.

During our twitter chat, we’ll be discussing how you can support your local food bank, volunteer your time, and help families in need—or as Unilever likes to call it—acts of “sunlight.”

 

Not only that, but One2One Network will be doing some giving, too! O2O will be selecting 12 winners throughout the hour. All of the lucky winners will receive a gift basket filled with Unilever food and personal care items—AND a second one to give away! (Anyone else seeing a theme here?) Winner can donate it to their local food bank, women’s shelter, or whomever they think would appreciate it.

Our shelves are filled with Unilever products, and I just love them, so I couldn’t be more excited for those of you who get a gift basket filled. 🙂

Make sure you RSVP below to be eligible for prizing!

  • Date: Tuesday, December 3rd
  • Party Time (excellent!): 1:30 – 2:30pm ET
  • Location: #BrightFuture (just type that in and you can specifically follow along with all our chatting)
  • Hosts: @UnileverUSA, @AllThingsFadra, and @BeautyAndBedlam
  • RSVP: Below!

In order to be eligible to receive prizes, you must RSVP and let us know you’ll be joining the Twitter Party (click on this link to RSVP).

@UnileverUSA’s #LetsAddHope Facebook tab is ultimately where participants can go as a one stop shop to learn about food insecurity in their state AND find out where to give back. You can also pull up your state and see the startling statistics about food hunger in your area. It was fascinating.

So will you join me?

In the midst of the holiday busyness, will you share your gift of time on Tuesday from 1:30-2:30 EST and help learn a bit more about the giving and not just master the getting?

I’ll be there with bells and whistles on, and I sure hope you’ll join me.

(Then spread the word and ask others to “party” with us. It’ll be SO worth it.)

Has your family ever done any “service” types of projects together?

I’d love to hear about it.