Day 59: $1 to Ohio Valley Voices

I'm so happy that White Castle, a restaurant I visit at least three mornings a week for coffee, is a sponsor of Ohio Valley Voices, a school where "deaf children speak."  I was able to give $1 this morning, and I was supposed to get a coupon for a free coffee. The cashier was a bit confused about the whole thing, so I didn't press for the coupon.  This makes the whole transaction a bit more charitable anyway. I have to admit I briefly wondered if my dollar was actually going to make it to OVV or more likely make it into the pocket of a White Castle worker. I'm suspicious by nature. To be honest, I would just as gladly donate a dollar to the poor soul who has to work the morning drive thru shift at White Castle, so I suppose it doesn't matter in the long run. Just to be sure, though, I will donate again during the fund drive. I have an affinity for OVV since I know one of their students, an adorable two-year old named Lily.

Day 58: Change to Children's Miracle Network

I went to Sam's Club this afternoon and was able to empty out the change in my purse (probably close to $2) in the plastic swirly thing where the change goes round and round before dropping into the hole. The money goes to Cincinnati Children's Miracle Network.  Sounds good to me. It's a great idea--the plastic swirly thing--when you think about it. It's not like a fountain which takes so much maintenance, children are attracted to it, the charity goes to children, it's on the way out (not in) so you might have spare change in your pocket.  Sam's is pretty smart. I think more places of business should follow the idea.

I actually enjoyed watching the change go round and round myself, and I wondered briefly if people around thought I was strange, throwing all my change in and watching it go down.  I'm sure I don't care.

One day soon I plan to empty all my spare change into a fountain at a mall that donates to charity. I also wonder, do the change machines at the grocery store have an option for donating?  That's another good plan if they do.

Day 57: summer shirt

It's always dangerous to give away an off-season item. It could be that next summer, I will want this white shirt with little embroidered white polka dots. It's a cute shirt, leftover from the time when Sarah Jessica Parker had her own line of clothing sold exclusively at Steve and Barry's--a strange store I only went to two or three times.  The only problem with the shirt was that it was a little too see-through. I always felt a bit uncomfortable in it for that reason. With any luck, it won't be missed by me at all and it will become another woman's favorite new summer shirt.

The thing I value about choosing one item to donate or one charity to give to per day is that I really have to think about it. Even if today I wasn't ready to give away that black blazer with black pants (When am I ever going to really wear that?  When I join the CIA?) that have been hanging in the back corner of my closet, I may be ready to give those away this summer when I won't be able to fathom putting on something heavy and black.

Wouldn't it be amazing to own a closet full of clothes that were all favorites?  Clothes that all fit well, were comfortable, and made you feel good.  Is it possible?

Day 56: 75 cents to Ronald McDonald

Today was not the most successful day for donating. I drive through McDonalds on the way home from school for a Coke and was able to get together some change to throw in the Ronald McDonald bin. This sort of donating is becoming a bit too easy for me it seems. The interesting thing, I suppose, is that I noticed the car in front of me donating as well. This is the first time I've seen (or perhaps just the first time I've noticed) someone else donating, too. The car in front also only got a beverage. I wish more drive thru establishments had ways for you to donate to worthy causes.

Day 55: Disney Princess socks and $1 to Share the Bread

I stopped at Panera this morning for orange juice, hoping to fight off a cold (didn't really work) and I was able to fish out 4 quarters from my purse to donate to Share the Bread.

I also gave Allison a pair of Disney princess socks for her daughter. These were from Target and only cost $1 as well, but I thought that Catie was surely in need of them. She loves Tiana (sp?) the princess from the one of the latest Disney films, and Catie has been feeling a little down lately due to a bully in her pre-school class.

Briefly I thought of saving the socks until tomorrow since by 6:15 a.m. I had already donated for the day. I thought better of it, though, and I'm glad I wasn't hoarding my donations. Who knows what tomorrow brings, and that is ok.

Day 54: money for food

Today I had the opportunity to help a friend and some students.
1. I paid for Erin's eagleeatery lunch because she was out sick.
2. I tipped the eagle eatery a total of $1
3. I purchased a Coke and Skittles for a student with low blood sugar. she had fainted in the bathroom a MU. Not so much charity as necessity with this one.

Day 53: cable-knit sweater

I donated a cream cable-knit sweater today. I probably have about 3 or 4 white/cream sweaters, so this was not a loss. I'm thinking of giving away another one shortly. The real shame, I guess, is that I didn't think of giving this one away at the start of the winter. I hang on to things too long. But who doesn't?

Confession--I bought a green sweater at Kohl's on Sunday.  I'm breaking even, but not diminishing my possessions much at all.

Also, today's donation was rushed, so I had to put my sweater in the white box that somehow raises money for Special Olympics. This is not my favorite was to give. Perhaps if I have the time one day, I can investigate the white boxes and find out something more satisfactory about them.

Day 52: $2 to homeless pets at PetSmart

Today is one of the dreariest days I've encountered in quite awhile. It was wonderful to have President's Day off from my job at Milford, but I did still have to drive to Oxford to teach my English 112 class while the gray sky spit out a foggy rain depressing enough to make any creature question existence.  Wow, that was melodramatic.

I stopped at PetSmart on the way to class purchase some food for my cat Callie (aka Her Fatness, The Fatter Catter, Fuzzy, Spot, Bug, Fluffy McFluffster). I knew it was the perfect opportunity to donate in what has got to be still one of the easiest ways I've found to give.

On my drive I heard a story on NPR about a woman who has been sending notes to Starbucks on the little comment cards for five years--every day for five years. NPR also referenced the artist who took a Polaroid of himself every day for (can't remember maybe 10) years. I was struck by how I'm falling into this category.  Why do we do these things?  That's a question I'll need to answer at some point.

I'm excited for my weekend of writing that is coming up.  Well, as excited as I get about imposed writing.  It's a good idea, but you have to make yourself do it.  All along, I've been planning to use the time to spruce up this blog, maybe write a mission, combine some of the entries.  We'll see.

Day 51: ankle brace

I can't find my ankle brace, which I am sorely in need of in order to get back in to my walking routine (which I am even more sorely in need of). So yesterday I purchased a new brace at Meijers only to get home and discover that it wasn't the right size. Instead of returning it--I'm not really good at keeping track of receipts anyway-- I thought I'd see if anyone on Freecycle needed an ankle brace.

Freecycle never disappoints. The other day I saw someone listing expired low fat pudding cups that just weren't sweet enough for her taste. Can you say rancid? Anyway, Jamie from Owensville wanted it for her dad. Since the brace was only about $4, I decided to increase the generosity of my gift by offering to mail it to Jamie free of charge. Now it's really giving.

Day 50: $1 to Share the Bread at Panera

On my way to work on a Saturday, I stopped at Panera as planned. Even though I was paying with plastic, I was lucky enough to have a dollar bill in my pocket to put in the Share the Bread box at the counter. My brain block with the name of thge specific charity continues. I think it said "Children Against Hunger," but I'm not sure. The next time, I'm going to write it on my phone while I'm there.

I was happy to stuff a bill in the box (which only had change) so that I might encourage others to give.

Day 49: Their Eyes Were Watching God and $ to Share the Bread

Today I was able to donate twice. This morning, even though I was running late, I really wanted a good coffee, so I went to Panera. I was able to donate my change to the Share the Bread box. Even though I have yet to remember which charity the money really goes to, I trust Panera. How could I not?  They even informed me today that I have a free breakfast sandwich waiting for me on the My Panera card. I plan to give again tomorrow before I go into work to spend my Saturday morning catching up.

This afternoon, I donated a copy of Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God to the library donation box. I have three copies of this book for some reason, so it was really easy to donate. I enjoy Hurston's writing, but I've only taught the book once. I plan to eventually make it a part of some lit circle opportunities.

Day 48: Baby products

I attended a triple baby shower today for three members of the English department (Michelle, Craig, and Geoff). Because so many people are expecting at once, I think the idea of bringing gifts was becoming overwhelming to people. We decided to just collect money and get gift cards. really, this was the best way in the end. I started to worry, though, that a shower without something to bring home afterward was going to be really sad. So I contributed my fair share of cash, and I also purchased three plastic pails, three rubber ducky washcloths, three packs of baby shampoo and moisturizer, and six washcloths.  The pails looked cute, all was color-coordinated, and I was happy to do it.

As it turns out, there were a few other gifts at the shower, too, from people who had forgotten to contribute or wanted to buy on their own. Still, I was happy to make the shower brighter, and I took no credit for the extra packaging.

Day 47: $15 for jazz band fundraiser

I'm considering a purchase I made today a donation for the following reasons:
1.  I would never willingly buy a giant tub of cookie dough for $15 (It's not that I don't like cookies; I don't buy cookie dough in bulk because it's dangerous for me).
2.  Out of all the delicious choices for cookie dough, I picked sugar free oatmeal cookies so that I could make them for my mom.  Personally, oatmeal cookies are cookies of last resort for me. That is, an utterly unless treat until someone decides to replace the raisins with chocolate chips.
3. The last time I ordered something from a student was 4 months ago. I have yet to see my very expensive Yankee Candle. I can't even remember the scent I chose.

Actually, one of the worst parts of being a teacher is the constant pleas from students to buy useless crap from them. For a long time I became good at saying "No," quite firmly. I guess I'll be backtracking for 2011, but I can't say it's my best idea. I would rather have given $15 to a real charity.

Day 46: As I Lay Dying

Since I was going to the library today (picking up Why School by Mike Rose) I decided to use the opportunity to donate a book. I choose Faulkner's As I Lay Dying for a couple of reasons:  I have more than one copy, it's a good book, and it's popular with my students right now because there is a band named after it. I noticed that the library also accepts CDs, cassettes, movies, and even records. I have to wonder what they really do with all this.  I peaked in the barrel and noticed some pretty poor selections--like the kind of books you would only be happy to read if you were stuck on a deserted island. (I recognize that for some people Faulkner's books fall into this category as well.)  But really, most of it looked like pure trash. Does the library sell this stuff to used bookstores? Do they recycle it? Send it to third world countries? I have no idea; I should probably read the barrel more closely next time. To be honest, I wonder of anyone at all will ever read that copy of As I Lay Dying again. I hope so.

Day 45: Cookies, change, and pens

It's Valentine's day, so I made cookies for the department.  Actually my sister really helped make the cookies, but I'm still the one giving. They are these delicious little meringues that have espresso and chocolate flavor. The are a bit sticky but yummy. Also, I've given 31 cents to the Ronald McDonald House today, but I hated my drink--an iced mocha. I keep trying to like McDonald's coffee, but it's not working. I guess I should stick to delicious Cokes from McDonald's--they are the best there--and get my coffee elsewhere. If only Dunkin Donuts had an option for giving change.  That reminds me, I need to ask Kroger if they still do their round-up-for-the-hungry. The thing is, I always go through the self-checkout. Who knows, maybe there is a button I've never noticed.

It's not 9:00 a.m. and I've also given away three pens to students. We'll see if anything else comes my way today.

Day 44: iPad kickstand

This is just one more case of when I bought the cheaper product instead of the one I really wanted. When I originally purchased my iPad, I felt that the $40 cases were ridiculous, so after some time I purchased a $15 iPad kickstand on Amazon. It worked well enough for awhile, but I finally came to the conclusion that I really needed the case with stand. Thus, like usual, I ended up spending more money than I would have if I had gone with what I originally wanted. I'm not sure if this cycle will ever break. I do it all the time, even with the smallest, most insignificant items. Hopefully someone on Freecycle will enjoy the kickstand.

Day 43: American Heart Association

I gave $1 to the American Heart Association today at Kroger's. There was a poster that said if you bought a ticket that you would be eligible for a $25 gift card. When it was my turn at customer service, I just said, "I'm interested in donating a dollar to the American Heart Association," and the clerk asked me if I just wanted to donate or if I wanted to fill out the paper heart which I assume enters you into the drawing. Feeling magnanimous (funny choice of words when I'm only talking about a dollar) I said that I was only interested in donating. Looking back, I should have gone or the $25. I could have done something for Kiva perhaps. The poor guy just looked so beleaguered, and I'd just seen him spend a full five minutes trying to pick out the right pack of Winstons for the incredibly inarticulate man ahead of me in line. ("No, not those. No, the other ones. Not those. The Winstons. The pack over there.") I guess I just wanted to make the transaction that much easier for the clerk.

I also gave a $2 tip at the car wash today. I can't say this really counts as donating, but the man was definitely not expecting it. He kept trying to give the money back to me. If anyone needs a tip, it's the car wash man, right.

Finally, a wealth management adviser started following me on Twitter today. Ha! I have no wealth.

Day 42: microwave

Today I gave a used microwave to the custodian in my hallway. She said that the custodians were trying to make a small spot for themselves in the boiler room to eat and take a break. Earlier in the week, the head custodian had mentioned that the three microwaves in our break room were blowing the fuse for the room too often. It;s true, the other day we had the copier, the microwaves and probably a toaster going at lunch when suddenly all stopped. This particular microwave was a cheap one I purchased some years ago to share with my colleagues at work. So, I sort of gave away something that I had already relinquished ownership of. Still, I was glad the microwave went to a good place and to people who will appreciate it.

Day 41: Terrasoles

Today I donated a pair of shoes to St. Vincent DePaul. This was my first donation to SVDP, and I hope it will be the first of many.  I gave away a pair of black Terrasoles, a brand of super comfortable shoes. The weird thing about these shoes, though, is that you never know if the sizing is going to be a wee bit small, a wee bit too big, or just right (this even though I always get size 9). The black Terrasoles I gave away today were juts a little too big, but they were almost brand new. I hope someone else can use them.

I also donated my change from a hot chocolate to Ronald McDonald this morning.

Day 40: brown boots

On the way to school today, I gave away a pair of brown boots. They were like-new condition, but like so many shoes lately, they did not fit my standard of comfort which is becoming more and more stringent as I get older. Cute doesn't matter as much anymore. Comfort matters. When I was in Columbus last week with some other teachers, I was almost embarrassed about the utilitarianism of my shoes. Almost. I just didn't want to traipse around the downtown icy streets in fashionable shoes. I wore gym shoes and was happy about it.

This morning I also thought about how I am only giving one item away a day lately. Really, if I just took the time to go through all the shoes in my closet and other locations around the house, I would probably be able to give more. I'm thinking about my friend Gina who gives away a ton of items about once every other month. Is this a smarter, more economical way of giving? The part of my experiment I'm enjoying, however, and the part that I think might actually be important is that I have to force myself to think about giving every day. Yes, I'm probably saving up to give.  I'm hoarding donations perhaps, but giving is on my mind every, single day.  Sometimes it's the first thing I think about in the morning. Sometimes I try to think of what to donate while I'm falling asleep at night. Right now, I'm wondering about tomorrow. The good feeling of dropping off the boots, I have discovered, only lingers so long before I'm on the prowl again.

Day 39: blue blazer

Just the words "blue blazer" make me wonder why I ever bought it in the first place. Sounds so mannish. I guess I went through this phase where I thought I would wear blazers and look more professional. The thing is, they never really looked right on me. I'm too short and the arms are always too long. I have a feeling that the blue blazer is the first of a series to disappear from my wardrobe. We'll see. The thing about this jacket that is even more horrible--it's faux denim. At this point it all sounds atrocious. Should have taken a picture. I hope that the Salvation Army will find a wonderful new home for the thing. After all, it's hardly worn.

Day 38: $30.52

Today I gave $30 to a collection of baby shower gifts for three colleagues. (I despise spelling the word colleague, but not saying it; I always use spellcheck for it.  Also, convenient for some reason). I would like to give more, but when three are expecting at the same time, it gets a little tight. I think $10 each was the agreed upon donation.

Because I felt like giving to a shower gift was something that was not out of the ordinary for me, I also donated my change from my McDonald's medium Coca-Cola--a total of 52 cents--to the Ronald McDonald house. I never used to be in the habit of donating to Ronald McDonald at the drive-thru. I visit McDonald's many mornings--mostly just for beverages thank goodness--and I never used to give until this year. I'm embarrassed to say, that this is most probably because the change bin is so inconveniently placed. You have to really aim your change and hope for the best, or you have to drive a little too close to the building than you actually should. Today I asked the cashier to throw my change in the bin for me. She was happy to, but I noticed that this also caused her to have to lean uncomfortably out of the window. Just goes to show that giving is sometime uncomfortable, even in the most minor of ways. I guess this is why organizations like the Salvation Army and Veterans volunteer to pick up your donations right from your front porch. In a way, they are doing more of a service than you are in these instances.

Day 37: purple sweater

The shade of purple on the sweater I gave a away today is Easter purple (or maybe the periwinkle from the Crayolas of my youth). Either way, it was a little too pastel for me. The sweater was in fine condition, though. It had a white color underneath--the faux shirt and sweater combo that became popular about eight or ten years ago and is still popping up. In fact, I'm still buying such sweaters, although I try to be more particular now. I know they aren't stylish, just so convenient.  Some of them look horribly cheap, though. Again, I'm a victim of cheap clothes. Some day I should try the strategy of my friend Nancy. She buys really nice clothes and wears them repeatedly until she is sick of them. I buy cheap clothes, try to make them look nice, and end up with too many.

I don't have too many giving/donating plans for this week laid out. I will just be looking for what comes my way.

Day 36: Toms shoes

I donated a pair of shoes to a child in need today by purchasing a t-shirt for myself from Toms.  I love the idea of social entrepreneurship, and I can't think of too many better examples than Toms. Later this spring, I plan to purchase my second pair of Toms classic shoes--I'm planning on the off-white color. I figure they will go with a lot of capris and even skirts. My first pair of Toms (khaki green) were only mildly comfortable at first, but then I wore them to Florida and they were fantastic. I guess they just needed to be broken in. My problem, of course, is that I'm cheap. The shoes are $44, and I while I will pay that much, it's on the high end of my shoe budget. I paid $28 for the t-shirt, which I would never have done if I was not also donating a pair of shoes at the same time. Also, I bought a t-shirt from Toms last year and it is the most comfortable t-shirt I own.  I'm hoping this one will be made of the same material. In fact, my "barefoot at heart" t-shirt is so comfortable that I won't purchase t-shirts anymore unless they match the comfort level.

Day 35: Organic Tomato Soup and Butterscotch Pudding

For the final day of the Feed Love food drive, I decided to look in my own pantry and on my own shelves for items to donate. I picked a can of organic tomato basil soup and a package of butterscotch pudding. Although I had already planned on donating more Progresso soup, I thought that I should give something of my own--something I would actually eat. Both items are tasty and I didn't feel as didactic as I did when I donated cans green peas or as cheap as I did when I donated the beans and weenies.

I also noticed today that it's time to clear out the old food. Many of the cans had dates that were from 2010. I'm sure the food is still good (and if I were a character from The Road, it would taste like heaven) but I couldn;t really donate expired cans. That would be worse than didactic and worse than cheap.

Finally, I gave my student a can of Diet Green Tea Ginger Ale today. He asked why it's been sitting on my bookshelf for so long, I said because I got tired of drinking them. I offered it to him and he seemed genuinely pleased.  Funny. I don't picture most guys liking Diet Green Tea Ginger Ale.

Day 34: Soup

I donated two cans of Progresso soup to the Feed Love charity today. So far, I am still the only one who has donated to the box in my classroom. None of my first period students have managed to bring in any food items even though I noticed that several of them wore Feed Love t-shirts this year. Great idea of the t-shirt proceeds are also going to the charity.

Tomorrow morning, I will try to look in the pantry before I leave for school to see if there is anything else I can bring in for the last day of the food drive. I briefly thought of emailing my students to remind them, but I don't like being pushy. I reminded them first period today; that seems like enough. We'll see.

Day 33: donations to Feed Love, 53 cents to Ronald McDonald, add a penny

I discovered the name of the charity created by a student at Milford.  It's called Feed Love and it's designed to fall close to Valentine's Day.  Makes sense. I donated more canned goods today, but I'm dismayed that none of my students have donated yet. The majority of my students are more than able to do so. I will mention something about it tomorrow. I found out that another teacher is offering 1 point extra credit for every can students bring in. I disagree with this on an ethical level. It could very well be that some of the students in that class could be in need of charity.  Grades should never be purchased, even in kind.

I added to the Ronald McDonald fund today by giving the change from my Diet Coke to the bucket at the drive thru. Can't help thinking if the bucket were more strategically placed, more money would be donated. Gave 4 pennies to one of the take a penny/add a penny cups at Larosas tonight.  I don't really count that as donating.

Day 32: Life cereal and peanut butter

Since I knew O would be in Columbus for the day, I was sure to leave some food items in the donation box at school. I think I was trying to make up for the beans and weenies with the name brand cereal. I like Life myself, so I figured it was a fine donation.
A woman in Columbus asked for spare change on the street. I did not give her anything, and I should have. It was cold, my friends were walking ahead of me really quickly, my wallet was stuffed at the bottom of an overflowing purse. These are all ridiculous excuses.