"Somebody do something!" "Okay we will!"

   

    When I began this PNW Beer Mom adventure, I knew I wanted this group of awesome women to do more than just drink. I know, I know, "Geeze Mom do we have to?" "Uh yes, you do, and you will like it!"  Here's why.  PNW Beer Moms strives to create and build a positive community of women, but not just for ourselves, but for our whole community. We're moms after all, and nurturing is what we do! And when women, especially moms get together they really get things done!

Case in point:

 PNW Beer Moms value the chance to show our children the importance of giving back to their community.  And hey! Dad's can join in too, it just might take them a bit longer. Wink Wink.

   So often people see other people in need and say, "Somebody should to do something!"   Well that somebody is us!  And although, it seems like I'm man hating, I actually got this saying from my husband, who has taught me the length that one person can go to to help someone when everyone else turns a blind eye or thinks they are too busy.

    So for our first act of kindness as PNW Beer Moms, we will be collecting items for local food banks.  In Bellingham we will be collecting items for Food 4 Tots benefiting the Bellingham Food Bank. This includes food and items for babies and toddlers, namely baby food, squeeze pouches, formula and diapers. We will be collecting these items and monetary donations at our November 20th Meet Up at Stemma Brewing Company. There will also be collection box at Stemma Brewing Co. the week leading up to Thanksgiving (Nov. 20-27th) so feel inspired to get your kids, friends and neighbors involved!  Plus you can stop for a beer when you are there.

   Our Salem, Oregon area moms, will be collecting nonperishable food items and monetary donations at our Salem meet up at SAW (Salem Ale Works), these items will be delivered to the Marion Polk Food Share.

If you are not in either of those areas, I encourage you to make similar donations at your local food banks! Northwest Harvest is a really great option!

Here's for some food for thought (see what I did there?):

Many people give during the charitable winter months, but the largest need comes during the warmer months when people no longer have giving on their radar. If you contribute a monetary donation, food banks can buy exactly what they need, when they need it, at prices we don't see at the stores.

   I believe food is the most important thing we can give to each other. When we feed someone, we give them the opportunity to focus on what life is throwing at them, instead of worrying about how they are going to get their next meal, feed their kids or afford that expensive formula. Heck I can't even focus if I miss one meal! You really aren't yourself when you are hungry. Thanks Snickers!

So when you are out shopping for Thanksgiving Dinner, throw in some extras, or double up on diapers or some of your kids favorites. If your kids will eat it, likely hungry kids will devour it! And use those couponing skills to get all those extras you don't have storage for and give it away!

Okay, I'll get off my soap box now, so we can flip it over and fill it up!

Cheers and happy giving!