Carrie and I (Atila) were on dish washing/drying duty. Through this opportunity, we were able to work along side of the other volunteers and employees in the kitchen. We asked them about their stories. Some were inspiring. We truly admire the passion and hardwork that the Someone Cares Soup Kitchen volunteers/employees put into their work. Every day, they provide warm meals for the hungry in Costa Mesa. They love people and they show it through their actions.

Project 7 exists to give back. The whole point of our existence as a company is to serve and help. But for us to be able to volunteer a day out of the month, and step out of our office and physically serve the people in our community allows us to remember why we do the things that we do. Looking someone in the eyes while you serve them is a completely different experience than reading about it online or seeing pictures of it.

We are thankful for the hardworking nonprofit organizations in our community. Chances are, there is one in your neighborhood. Get involved by donating your time.  Let us help you start a 7 Day Chapter. Donate one day out of the month to a cause that you care about and experience the joy of serving.

We traveled up to Orange {the city within the county} to spend some time loving on the third through fifth graders at Project HOPE School. If you have never heard of Project HOPE {Homeless Outreach Program in Education}, it is country-run school designed to help children without permanent homes transition into the mainstream educational system that was started in 1989 after a local schoolteacher began teaching hotel kids, street kids, and park kids out of the back of her car. {Over 22,000 children in Orange County are homeless.}

The kids are amazing. We had an incredible time playing with them and hearing their stories.

We even did an arts and crafts project to get them in the spirit of Thanksgiving. We helped the students make turkeys and each feather included something they were thankful for. Even though many of them were homeless they found a lot to be thankful for…teachers, mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, hamburgers, school, weekends, friends.

This turkey was of one of my favorites.

A couple of hours given to a great cause. It really is so simple to volunteer and impact the communities in which we live.

Interested in learning more?

Go here to learn more about how you can start a 7 Day chapter in your area.

Go here to learn more about how you can serve the needs of Project HOPE school.

Mission Arlington just celebrated its 25th year of service, which speaks volumes for its dedication to helping others. As they spoke to us with their warm smiles and provided us with the details of our task that day, they made a statement that really resonated with us. That statement was ”we believe that God is up to something big in the world and more people than ever before are seeing the need and responding to His call to ³take church to the people.²

This means they don’t sit and wait for people to come to them. They go and seek and bring the word of God to others. They prepare supplies for those in need and take them where they are needed and they do an outstanding job not only providing resources for the community, but also by providing continued support to help better the lives of so many in need.

As we sorted through donated clothing to prepare boxes to be taken out to those in need, we observed the large amount of donated items, which is a very positive thing to see. However, the need for volunteers to help them continue running efficiently is greatly needed. Donated items are what allows them to continue this wonderful cause through resources, but it’s just as important to help them sort, organize and distribute.

Please visit www.missionarlington.org/contact/volunteers and volunteer today! And if you’re just itching to visit Cowboy stadium, it’s right up the street from Mission Arlington.

Tillie Burgin, Founder of Mission Arlington and Tyler Merrick, Project 7 Founder

We were each assigned to specific groups.  Oddly, my classroom had only one student, the teacher and her two grandsons.  This made for an interesting tutoring session where the boys and I shared our love for Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, talked about sports, and discussed the importance of being kind to one another.

The best part about this not-so-typical set-up was that it led to an awesome opportunity to spend quality time with the teacher.  She shared about her experiences from her 20+ years of teaching and her passion for education and the students.  It was obvious her excitement for empowering her students with real-life skills and it was an honor to spend time with such an amazing individual.

Teachers need just as much encouragement and support as kids.  The role that they play in the lives of their students is significant and they need to be reminded that their work is appreciated.  The next time you bump into a teacher or educator tell them “thank you,” give them a high-five, a hug…something!  They deserve it!

Do you remember a time when a teacher made an impact in your life?  Share with us…

The garage sale was free and the attendees were not necessarily participating in a “leisurely” event.  Refugees from around the globe that have been resettled in the Fort Worth area were selecting items that they needed for their homes and families.

This past Tuesday, Project 7 teamed with Catholic Charities of Fort Worth for our monthly 7 Day event and helped put on a “Free” Garage Sale for Refugees.  It was humbling, yet inspiring, meeting individuals from all over the world that were forced to flee their home countries due to persecution and/or war.  Something I still can’t wrap my mind around.

As I was helping a Vietnamese man carry his new treasures to his apartment, I tried to imagine what my life would look like if I didn’t have the freedom that the United States offers.  I can’t fully grasp the thought of being forced to escape my country in search of safety.  Leaving my family and personal belongings behind only to live in a tent in a foreign land, hoping to one day be granted asylum is so far from reality for me…for most of us.

The 7 Day event was great and not one person walked away empty handed.  Not even the kids.  But I am confident the garage sale had more of an impact on our lives than theirs.  Learning what life looks like once a refugee steps foot on American soil made us realize the basic things and knowledge we take for granted each day.  It also reminded us how easy it is to get involved, lend a hand and love our neighbors.

Catholic Charities is a top-notch organization that provides so many services to communities nationwide.  I encourage you all to get involved and lend a hand in one of their many programs.

Be looking for the video highlighting the fun we had and the amazing people we met during the course of the day!  We’ll post it soon!

That was how it was supposed to go. But, it didn’t happen. Emergency struck and Tyler had to have surgery. Don’t worry, he’s fine (we are so thankful). But, his doctor wouldn’t clear him to fly. This is pretty much the only thing that would have kept him from going, In fact, I’m pretty sure he was trying to figure out how to drive there on time and under the influences of pain killers. But, in the long run it was decided that I would fill in for Tyler and go on the last leg of the tour. 

Now, I could go on and on about my television appearance (which I was super nervous for… and managed to say ah and um even thought I’m not supposed to, if your curious click here), the strange man that bought my dinner for no reason and how amazing the concert was (which it was, the three artists were stellar) but, the thing that hit me the most happened the last day we were there. The 7 Cities Tour was created to promote volunteering and giving back and this past Saturday about 200 perfect strangers, and I, did just that. 

The volunteer event was at two Minneapolis Feed My Starving Children locations. For those that don’t know, Feed My Starving Children sends nutritious meals to over 70 countries. They rely on volunteers and donations to support their wonderful efforts with 96% of each dollar donated going toward these meals. Thanks to being at Project 7, I’ve learned so much about the needs facing our world. I’ve seen both wonderful and horrible things and for the most part, nothing gets to me anymore. Not to say that I’m desensitized, but I’ve seen so much, that I’ve grown accustomed to seeing tough things. However, this was not the case on Saturday.

I got there early, arriving by myself as the other Project 7 team members were coming from a different part of town. I signed my name, got my obligatory hair net and took a seat with a group of perfect strangers. To kick off the volunteering day, one of the FMSC volunteer leaders gave a small introduction into what we were going to be doing. He was witty, warm and wonderful, some of my favorite “W” words. During his presentation, he showed us a three minute video about what they do. Now, I make this type of video as part of my job. I knew what they were going to show me, but I just wasn’t prepared. I was sitting there, eating my Caribou pumpkin bread, which is delicious by the way, watching the visuals of starving, truly starving, children. The one that really got to me was a little boy, 14 months of age, who only weighed 7 lbs. His sad, broken little body couldn’t support his seemingly overly large head. As I stared at this little boy and listened to George, the FMSC volunteer coordinator, talk about children eating pebbles to fill the painful void in their stomachs, I began to cry. I don’t know what hit me so hard. I’ve seen starving children before, heard tales of hunger, but this really hit me. And this wouldn’t be the last time that day I was hit.

After the video (and many tissues for me and a couple of other people), we were ushered into the packing room which turned out to be a joyful experience. I was surrounded by loving, giving people who were there to make a difference. As we packaged up life saving meals, I decided to find out what motivated them to come spend part of their Saturday packing food for perfect strangers they would more than likely never meet. So, I posed these simple questions: Why are you here today? Why did you come?

The answers astounded me and were the second time I was hit (and subsequently cried).
• One woman had just turned 60 and it was her way of changing her life for the better. It was her first time ever volunteering and she was hooked.   
• One woman was there with her 10 year old daughter. She was there because her daughter had volunteered the week before and had absolutely loved it. It was the daughter who had motivated her mother.
• One gentleman was there because he wanted to support his sister who was turning over a new leaf in life after a messy divorce.

Their answers were all different and all heartfelt, and to be honest, I didn’t care why they were there. I enjoyed every minute of their hair netted company. And whether or not I ever see those people again we shared something special. Bettering the lives of innocent children. And just when I thought I couldn’t get hit again I was wrong. 

After the volunteering shift was over, I stood in front of 100 perfect strangers and thanked them and encouraged them to not let this be the first or last time they made a difference in the lives of a stranger. After my short speech, one of the women who had been at my station came up to me and said “I didn’t tell you the whole story when you asked me why I volunteered today. It is the fifth anniversary of me being sober. When I decided to get sober, I promised to use bettering my own life to better the lives of others. I volunteer at least once a month and I just wanted you to know.” For the third time that day I burst into tears. This woman’s honesty and gift to both herself and others seriously hit me hard. 

I stayed for a second shift and managed not to cry again… but it was hard. What I learned that day is that no matter how much you know there is always room to learn more about the world, the people in it and most importantly, ourselves. I learned that I am not alone in my goal to make positive changes. I learned you can’t control everything, like emergency surgeries. And finally, I learned that the more you give the more you get. I might have already known that one… but I was reminded of it last Saturday. Thank you again to all of those people that made my day so amazing.

The Caribou Coffee in Westlake, OH was hopping on Friday night!  Caribou Coffee turned their side parking lot into a family fun area and hosted a stellar performance by singer songwriter Ryan Edgar. Caribou Coffee served samples throughout the night and held a 50/50 raffle for MedWish, where we volunteered on Saturday. Kids and adults played the game ‘bags’ or ‘corn hole’ on 8 different game boards. A young woman was face painting for the kids – we saw a lot of Project 7 logos and an impressive Caribou logo. What a night!

At MedWish, we had almost 50 volunteers. Caribou provided lunch for the group so everyone was able to mingle and learn about MedWish before we got started. The volunteering was well organized and interesting thanks to Hands On NE Ohio. We were broken down into specific jobs of sorting, packing, logging inventory, etc. It was amazing to see the medical supplies that would have been throw away. We sorted supplies that couldn’t be used in the U.S. due to expiration dates or just weren’t wanted at the hospitals that donated them. Our team went through several pallets of materials and dug up some high demand items (thermometers, stethoscopes, etc). The supplies were perfectly fine and will save many lives in third world countries.

MedWish International is always in need of volunteers, especially during the week. Please consider giving your time there. Also, Hands On NE Ohio is a great resource for volunteer opportunities in the Cleveland community. Consider getting plugged in with them as well!

More on MedWish International (source: http://www.medwish.org/):  Everyday, countless usable medical supplies are discarded by hospitals, healthcare facilities, and medical supply distributors in the U.S. This occurs while developing countries throughout the world are in desperate need of these items. The primary goal of MedWish International is to recover, recycle, & redistribute medical supplies and equipment as humanitarian aid.

In 2009, MedWish diverted 604,540 pounds of medical supplies and equipment from being deposited in landfills. This year they have already diverted 643, 268.5 pounds of medical supplies from the landfills!

Check out the MedWish Facebook page as well!

Check out our photos on Facebook from the events in Cleveland June 17-19, 2010.

We love this event, and being able to be a part of it as the water tent sponsor! Not only does it offer a stellar music line up featuring Ben Kweller, Matt Costa, Nelo, The Orbans, Thriftstore Cowboys, Spivey and Estelline, it also offers concertgoers multiple ways to give back.

1. Pre-purchase a pair of TOMS Shoes and get into the event for FREE. ChromeLive! will have a million ways to decorate your TOMS at the event. And, as many of you know, with each purchase of a pair of TOMS Shoes, TOMS provides a free pair to a needy person.
2. Purchase a day pass – a portion of the proceeds will go to Chilean Disaster Relief
3. With Project 7 being brought on as the water tent sponsor, concertgoers can also give back simply by buying our bio-bottled water.

What? You still want more? How about the fact that the tickets are only $10 (or free if you pre-purchase your pair of TOMS)!

So let’s sum this up: Great Music + Great Shoes + Great Bio-Bottled Water = Great Way to spend a Saturday and GIVE BACK.

Here are the full event details:
ChromeLive! presented by RVCA
When: April 24, 2010 – 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Where: Chrome – 2601 19th Street Lubbock, TX
Ticket Sales: Tickets are available at all select-a-seat outlets in Lubbock and online.
Pre-order your TOMS shoes: Order at Chrome or online at ShopChrome.com

We’ll see you there!

The day before our volunteer event we had the chance to visit a few Caribou Coffee locations. The Project 7 team got to meet and greet the employees as well as tell the story of Project 7 to any customers who would listen. We were excited by the warm reception that is so synonymous with the South. It was a busy day but necessary to get everyone as excited about volunteering as we were.

The morning of the 25th we rolled out with the managers of the local Caribous for a two part volunteering event. We would be visiting both the Atlanta Community Food Bank and City of Refuge. Both organizations do a ton for the Atlanta Community and we were honored to serve them.

We had a good group at City of Refuge – about 14 people. It was a wonderful mix of people from Atlanta that heard about if from different sources. We toured the facility and served lunch. We all enjoyed learning what City of Refuge was doing in their community.

At Atlanta Community Food Bank, we had 22 in our group. We all worked together to sort and pack salvage food goods. We packed 6,551 lbs of food & fed 4,367 families! So inspiring and easy to do.

To end the day, we put on a concert at one of the local Caribou Coffees and invited all of the volunteers and the community to attend. The artist was the very talented Micah Dalton and the atmosphere was very relaxed and intimate. It had been raining, but the rain held off during the concert so we were able to have it outside. The perfect end to a great day.

The next stop on our tour will be Charlotte, NC. Stay tuned for more details. We hope to make it even bigger and better. To learn more visit www.ChangeTheScore.com.

1. Atlanta Community Food Bank – This amazing place distributes 2 million lbs of food each month. Our volunteers will be helping to get a small part of this donation ready to be distributed. If you haven’t volunteered at a food bank yet, we highly recommend it. They need the help and do some much good.

2. City of Refuge – This much-needed entity provides life saving resources and tools to individuals and families living on what they call the “margin.” Our volunteers will be helping out in any way necessary.

The Project 7 team consists of:
• Ashley Upham, our dedicated Director of Community and Non-Profit Relations
• Josh Davis, our hip young man about town (who pretty much does anything and everything at Project 7)
• and Jon Michael Jones (no, not Chazz Michael Michaels… but close) our fearless videographer who will help us capture and tell the story of the first stop on our 7 Cities Tour.

Tomorrow we will be posting real time information from these team members on how the day is going and what they have learned.

So, if you are in Atlanta and looking to do some good tomorrow, check out the 7 Cities Tour site and sign up for one of our volunteer opportunities. Stay tuned for more…