The Giving Porch

09/04/2026

ISO Mac n Cheese cups, Hot Pockets, Uncrustables for teens in substance abuse recovery.

09/04/2026

Looking to make a difference?

We are still looking for sponsors, especially items for our gift basket raffles or swag or business flyers for our race packets - be a part of something truly meaningful, creating community, celebrating kindness and honoring Ashton as a part of the FIRST ChooseKind 5k run/walk! Reach out for more details 💙

09/04/2026

Calling all local runners

We are just one week away from kicking off our annual Love Our Neighbor event. On Saturday September the 12th we will be hosing our second annual Civitas Marathon Relay. This is the last day to sign up so dont wait!
https://www.webscorer.com/register?raceid=420164

09/03/2026

Local peeps — employment opportunity.

Know anyone looking for a part time job?

We are hiring hosts/hostesses part time, must have weekend availibility.

Apply in person and ask for Nick or Erinn.

09/03/2026

ISO large duffle bags to help unsheltered families move to temporary location.

09/01/2026

Employment opportunities

09/01/2026

31 August, Make A Difference, The Giving Porch

We encounter so many unsung heroes in our community who tirelessly show immense care and concern for others. We are especially in awe of the social workers who recognize the struggles of the parents/caregivers of the children in our schools. Sadly, far too many of our students are living with their families in motels, unable to sleep in a dedicated bed in their own home.

We start this week searching for resources to package toiletry kits for these unsheltered families. Quick to respond was our favorite realtor (Boykin Property Group) with reusable bags to package the toiletries. We will also assemble "Hotel Kitchen Kits" for those families able to use a kitchenette in their motel to prepare simple meals.

Why not truly "Make A Difference" by asking us what is needed to fill a toiletry bag or helping to assemble a Hotel Kit? And I thought passing Geometry or convincing Dad to let me drive his car to a Friday night game was a huge struggle when I was in high school. Life in a small Iowa town paled in comparison to these present-day, life-changing struggles.

Don't let your inability to do everything
prevent you from doing something.

08/31/2026

ISO 12” skillets and saucepans with lids for unsheltered families using kitchenettes in motels.

08/29/2026

29 August, Make A Difference, The Giving Porch

Our daily suggestion on easy ways to "make a difference" is coming to a close. But not before a story that seriously tugs at our hearts.

Early today we were contacted by a new Porch supporter, eager to make a difference with a project that could involve their child. We decided to prematurely "launch" our September campaign and suggested items to benefit a new nonprofit that assists expectant parents. It is always a joy to have a parent include a child on a shopping adventure to help others -- it can make such a lasting impression.

Shopping completed, the doorbell rings, and we greet these new Porch supporters to thank them for their generous donation. This darling child then shared a recent event at school -- a Toy Story-themed play that illustrated the wide-ranging ways to show friendship with fellow students who require assistive technology. No, these were not the child's words -- the word "friendship" was the most important take-away for her from the production. And, yes, their playground also includes a "friends' bench" to continue the goal of inclusivity for all students.

Hands down -- this school, its staff and students, are truly making a difference to ensure that all students feel welcome and are given the tools to succeed. Well done!

Don't let your inability to do everything
prevent you from doing something.

08/28/2026

28 August, Make A Difference, The Giving Tree

A casual encounter with a new friend on today's lengthy walk led to the sharing of precious wartime family memories. The story of his grandfather escaping Poland during W.W. II, our aunt held as a POW in the Philippines, a humorous story involving fresh peaches in China during the war. We both agreed on the importance of documenting and sharing family stories for future generations.

How will you ensure that you are "making a difference" with your children and grands? Let's take the time to share stories and family traditions to bring "life" to loved ones who have passed. My dad making pancakes after services on Sunday morning is a treasured memory.

Have you continued family traditions to keep the memories alive with your own kiddos? Will you find the time to visit with folks living in an assisted living or nursing home facility? Perhaps they would love to share their own memories, reminding us that material possessions are so underrated compared to spending time together learning to play chess, a game of catch after dinner, baking cookies to celebrate a good grade in school. Simple and inexpensive activities but so precious because they result in generations connecting over focused time together.

Don't let your inability to do everything
prevent you from doing something.