“Nobody can do everything but everyone can do something.” – Inlu User
After the devastation of Tropical Storm Irene, there are a number of Vermonters in need. People have lost homes, farms and private property to the ravaging floods and raging waters. As we have seen on the news, nobody really expected quite as much devastation as we saw last weekend. There are many relief and aid efforts underway, including Inlu collections for supplies and general fundraising for rebuilding our beloved communities. We think it’s wonderful!
Click to view how Inlu users are collaborating to support local friends and family members during the aftermath! If you have any ideas, please create your own Inlu!
Hey friends! Guess what cool Inlu collection is going on right now? The “Buy a Brick and Support the Skate Park” campaign just launched as part of the Burlington Skate Park Redevelopment Project.
This much anticipated, NEW concrete park will attract skaters from all around the region. Anyone is welcome to contribute and no amount is too small. If you’re looking for a creative gift idea, any $50 contribution will “buy” an engraved clay brick to be built into the skatepark wall!
These $50 donation brick purchases (tax deductable!) include a certificate in the name of the honoree. What a GREAT ‘less mess, more love’ gift idea—perfect for a child, teacher, friend, or skateboarder. PLUS, it’s enjoyable for the entire community to share. So, before you head to the mall, why not think about this alternative gift idea? We think it’s awesome and we wish the skate park development posse all the best of luck.
This post card came in the mail with their fundraiser info!
Last week, when we (team Inlu) opened the mail, we were thrilled to find this postcard (above). Our friends at Mobius, The Mentoring Movement decided to use Inlu for some end-of-year fundraising. This is really exciting- as local community members, we wish them all the luck raising funds- in any way they can, for increased mentoring presence. If you’d like to participate, contribute or learn more about Mobius, The Mentoring Movement click here.
According to their website:
Research shows young people with mentors are:
More likely to stay in school, aspire to achieve better grades, go on to college, and become more trusting and communicative
Less likely to smoke, carry a weapon, or engage in violent acts
Inlu is the EASY way to collect money from siblings and spend it locally on MOM.
Skip the skimpy wimpy individual gifts and go in a s a gang for something SERIOUSLY FABULOUS. Here’s a few ideas to get you thinking about what Mom might REALLY want from her local scene.
Tasty Treats that will make mom feel nostalgic for the good old days? Cookie Love, baby.
MOTHER of all Bouquets. With more people to pitch in, the most jaw-dropping bouquets become a very viable option. Check out local florists like Chappell‘s, Kathy & Company or Straycat Flowers. Also, swing by Floral Artistry Vermont for a gallery of beautiful bouquets.
Tattoo Shop Credit- Oh yeah….that’s right! Try Yankee Tattoo or Blue Buddha, now known as Gold For Blood.
Massage or Spa Treatment- Go for the FULL 90 Minutes @ Rewind or set aside a super session@ Cynthea’s Spa in Burlington, VT.
10. Funky Jewelry -The Buy Local options are endless! Instead of cruising to the mall, hit a crafty, etsy artist like Kacey Boone from Subsix Studios or support a local jeweler like our own Wendy Faulkner of Sweet Flower Designs!
11. Oh yes, Mom would LOVE LOVE LOVE a brand new laptop! And you know it…why not pool up and go shopping at SMALLDOG Electronics?
12. Something Classic & Classy for MOM? Try your luck on antiques at Anjou, clothing at April Cornell or a fine item at ARABESQUE gifts in Shelburne.
13. Lucky 13! Why not pool up and get MOM a weekend GETAWAY at a lovely locations such as The Woodstock Inn & Resort, Stoweflake or Top Notch Resort. Ahhhh….for a mom, sleeping in on a fluffy bed is like the best gift EVER!
15 MOMMY MAKEOVER. Stop by Mirror Mirror for a goody bag of gloss and glam or splurge all the way up to a Make-Mommy-New-Again Weekend at Dr. Metzner in Manchester, Vermont. What the heck, is she wants it, she should get it (well, get ‘em…er…nevermind!).
NOTE: Substitute these ideas for your neighborhood favorites. Use INLU to collect funds and coordinate a gift from all the kids.
The morning’s SNOWSTORM didn’t stop a few local moms who gathered to BRAINSTORM. The topic?Holidays, stress and ways to simplify for the planet’s sake.(It could not have been a more appropriate day, considering inlu was mentioned in the ecomom alliance holiday guide. Click HERE to download some great ideas.)
What we discovered very quickly is that planet-saving ideas are woven with stories and context, memories and challenges—from hints to hassles to innovative thinking. Here’s our list.
PLEASE CONTINUE to ADD YOUR OWN IDEAS! on FACEBOOK, TWITTER or HERE!
Bake fewer cookies. Don’t make a ton of cookies “just because that’s how mom did it.” You’ll feel less maxxed out.
Don’t runaround for a million gifts– look right in the stationary closet. Make coupons or special notes and offer to do projects for parents and relatives. (If you’re tech, offer to set up a blog or make a website for that person you’ve been meaning to help out!).
Make it fun- gather a group to make a new, simple tradition. This creates community. For example, an ornament making party—pooling crafty resources makes it fun and less expensive.
Pick a “wasteful” tradition that just seems to cause more stress than fun and let it go. This includes homemade recipes that you feel you “must” make.
Allocate duties at parties. Ask each person to bring an organic or healthy treat. This lightens the load yet keeps people together.
Go to YOGA.
MESS
Ask the kids to fill a box with GOOD CONDITION toys to give away to make room for new goodies.
Skip wrapping big gifts. Leave clues to where it is hidden OR tie a string to follow back to the gift. This saves paper but keeps it really exciting!
Pick gifts that LAST. Go for the nicer quality—it will last longer and stay out of the landfill. For example, buy a quality luggage piece or a handwoven rug.
Use cloth from an old sheet as “wrap” – tie with ribbons. Get creative. Find scraps. You never, know, family members may continue re-using the printed cloth year after year.
AVOID throw-away cups. How? Hit the local recycle shop and pick up a dozen or two GLASS DRINKWARE. You’ll find odd sizes and shapes— I hit RECYCLE NORTH for cocktail, juice cups and flutes…for CHEAP! (really cheap!)
EXCESS
Save those holiday bags and ribbons and favorite papers. Use them next year! You can also make gift cards from old cards, artwork and other “household” paper items and wrapping paper from newsprint, mail and magazine pages. (I wrap the boys stocking stuffers in CAR & DRIVER pages).
Switch to LED lights this season. Less energy….bright idea.
(HIT THE JUNK DRAWER, HARD.)
Swap with other moms. Literally, organize an am coffee session while the kids are at school/napping and say, bring a box of old, gently used items- from wallets to plastic robots to beads to marbles—other mom’s trash is another kid’s stocking stuffer! Be mindful of age/choking hazards. (This can apply with clothing too!).
Use junkdrawer items to create holiday decorations: ornaments, wreaths and community projects.
Draw names and commit to buying for fewer people.
USE INLU.COM to round up funds from all around the country/globe and BUY LOCALLY!
SNOWSTORM!
If YOU are interested in a Brainstorm Session or would like to join the EcoMom Alliance, all you have to do is this or VISIT ECOMOM.COM and sign up (PSSST….BTV / Vermont needs a chapter leader!):
Supplies:
Pens, poster, paper (can be reused or recycled post-its) and snacks. (Wine works too!).
Prompts:
Problems. Solutions. Categories (Stress, Mess, Excess).
Directions:
Leave the prompts up around the room.
Provide resources (guides, sites, stats, resources, checklists, whatever!).
Ask moms to discuss the topics and post solutions / questions / ideas / concerns, etc.
With the GIFT collection cash (over $300!), we purchased, on behalf of contributors, blankets, sheets and fuzzy microfleece throws for families in need of extra warmth this upcoming winter. The ladies and gentleman in the Lund Office were more than welcoming– we rolled in (nearly unannounced) with a heaping pile of cozy goodies. When we explained how people pitched in from all over the country, they were SUPER enthusiastic and intrigued at how easy inlu makes it to coordinate an “in lieu of…” effort.
The CHARITY funds ($365!) were pooled on behalf of all 3.0 Contributors and put into ONE check, and we, for this occasion, hand delivered it to the Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf. Rob Meehan, Director, was there to field the funds and take a quick photo. Say CHEESE .
Jamaica and Monica with Chittenden Food Shelf Director, Rob Meehan.
What a great day– we were thrilled to show off the power of inlu: working together can add up to a BIG difference. Also, let’s give a 3.0 high-five to SEARS-- they thoughtlessly hooked up an additional $25. That meant one more bedding set was in the mix. Thanks!
If you want to see more on the 3.0 Tech Jam (Sponsored by Seven Days), check out the VIDEO below:
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