Eckhart Tolle wrote about A New Earth. Christian fundamentalists talk about End Times. New Agers speculate about the Mayan Calendar….2012. Tsunamis. Floods. Record heat that's predicted to become the norm. World economies in crisis. An American government and its' people torn by bitter political politicization….Every which-a-way, the outlook for Planet Earth can seem a little shaky. And yet, I see signs of Goodness. Of Hope. Of…an Awakening. A Consciousness Rising. Young, earthy families with bright, enthused faces greet me each Saturday at the Franklin Farmers Market. A new generation of farmers are committed to respecting Mother Nature. Hot-off-the press: McDonald's even at least says it's going to be better about what it offers up for our blossoming American bodies. (We'll see.) And, seems like an inordinate number of people I know are joining the Peace Corps, taking blogging trips to Haiti, India, and Kenya; creating humanitarian grassroots organizations in Uganda, adopting from Ethiopia, and more. These things are making the world a better place. And giving me Hope.
Soles4Souls is a humanitarian organization of which you may have heard. Based in Nashville, Soles4Souls "collects new shoes to give relief to the victims of abject suffering and collects used shoes to support micro-business efforts to eradicate poverty." Soles4Shoes distributes to people in need, regardless of race, religion, class, or any other criteria. Since 2005, the organization has given away more than 14 million pairs of new and gently worn shoes (and is currently donating one pair every 7 seconds). Shoes have been distributed to people in more than 127 countries, including Kenya, Thailand, Nepal and the U.S.
Now, Soles4Souls has launched Clothes4Souls. According to the latter's website, about 85 percent of used clothing ends up in our landfills. Gasp! This new launch aims to facilitate donations of new clothing from manufacturers, designers, retailers and gently worn clothing from folks like us–myself and you, readers. I like this [italics mine]: "Clothes4Souls strives to increase dignity and hope in the hurting with the gift of this new clothing."
So, in this effort, Clothes4Souls has teamed with chic children's clothing brand, cutely named Olive Juice. (Love it!) (And the clothing is as adorable as the company's name….)
olive juice {ol*iv joos}
– lifestyle
1. capturing the wonderment of childhood 2. journey into a world of possibility and magic 
3. sophisticated and refined 4. as memorable and unique as childhood
5. playful and enduring
6. made with love
synonym – I love you
Businesses like Olive Juice are a part of that consciousness rising, IMO. About giving back. About going beyond capitalism. About doing Good. About sharing Hope. Olive Juice invites consumers to join them on a journey to help provide hope through the gift of clothing. This month, for every item purchased through Olive Juice, the organization will donate a piece of clothing to a child in need through Clothes4Souls.
Disclosure: Soles4Souls contacted me as a blogger and asked if I'd write about Olive Juice and their campaign partnership. In return they offered me this item of clothing item of my choice. I'm a little flattered and squirmy at the same time. And so here's how I'm handling it: I've chosen to give the "Marin Tee in Mist/Plum", Size 1 year, XXS, away to one of my readers who will be chosen via Random.org when you leave a comment (see comment specifications below). Is there some little loved one in your life–a blood kin that can use or some wee one you know that can be gifted with this yummy cuteness?
If so, tell me in a comment below (one entry per person) by answering: What Good do you see happening in the world right now? Or–don't be shy–What are YOU doing to help make the world a kinder, gentler place? Tell me and be eligible to win. Again, the winner will be chosen at random among the commenters. The winner will be chosen next Monday, August 23. And if you don't win, you can still order some precious threads and help clothe a needy soul. That Good feeling goes both ways, doesn't it?! Blessings, and, let's do Good in the World! It Needs Us!
It seems simple, but just listening to others. Speaking is easier, individuals need to relearn how to listen or compassion and empathy will be lost.
Hi Leisa-
amid all the tumult, all the extremes I have to remind myself: this is life on the physical plane, that there is a proportionality of upward and downward pull. (I hesitate to say good and evil)
but we all have to keep contributing to the Up part. What will uplift the consciousness today? Any act is a possibility.
Food, lovingly made, is one of my vehicles, whether for my family, or at food bank, or a class.
elizabeth is so right about the simple act of really listening-what a gift, a validation that can be to another human being.
Beautiful, Elizabeth. Heard of Marshall Rosenberg’s Nonviolent Communication, aka Compassionate Communication. (Highly recommended.) Thank you. And, also love your thoughts, Nancy!
As school has begun, I’m much more aware of the generous choices my son has, in his lunchbox, to feed his hunger during lunch time. I’m surprised at the number of students now a days that get free/reduced lunch and that that may be thier only meal that day. Although I don’t get as much time to volunteer, I love all that the 2nd Harvest Food Bank does within the community. I’ve recently discovered how much they do statewide and nationwide when needed.
I also have to mention TOMS – since we now carry them in our stores. I love the concept…have you walked a day without shoes?
Hey, Heather! It’s YOU! I thought I saw you in Cool Springs the other day? Thanks for commenting!
My children and I started a Random Acts of Kindness challenge this year. At first I was blogging about it, but then began to feel like a braggart. But the children really enjoy doing them and they get a glimpse into the lives of many who are not as fortunate as we are.
@Brigid, I think that’s way cool. And, yeah, it’s sorta a fine line. If we share we inspire others. Then there’s something powerful about keeping it to yourself. And, I think there’s spiritual teachings on both. Thanks for commenting!
Congrats ElizabethF! She wins a sweet purple stripe Olive Juice shirt for this giveaway!
Hey Leisa!
So glad to see that you support Olive Juicea and Soles4Souls. Thank you for your kind words!
Was in Tanzania with Soles4Souls this June. I took my granddaughter who is 15, hoping she would have “an experience”. Well, guess who it slipped up on. By the way, she said it was the best week of her life. It’s possible for most of us to do a trip with S4S, either by soliciting support or winning a trip for two by collecting shoes. One woman in our group collected 35,000 pairs of shoes. Do it, your heart will expand…in a good way.
Thanks, Sole4Shoes & Harriet. I have been to Tanzania. I’ve got my own mission field here in Nashville with my special needs daughter and others like her. 🙂
Err: make that Soles4Souls! Ha.
I wish people would write more about this as you have done. This is something that is very important and has been largely overlooked by the internet community