“It was a flashback of moments in time caring for my children,” reflects Kariliee.
Karilee and her daughter live near Seattle, Washington, in the United States. On April 18, they went on a special outing. The mother-daughter team were part of organizing the “Spring & Summer Kids Clothes Giveaway” for their community. The clothes giveaway was a creative idea formulated by moms in the community. A seasonal "Clothes Giveaway" would give their children’s clothes a second life and give a chance for families in the community to strengthen their bonds, reconnecting and supporting each other.
Children outgrow their clothes quickly. Each item of clothing comes with precious memories of the time spent wearing the clothes and a mother’s love for her children. For Karilee too, it was a moment to reminisce over precious memories of her children.
“Sorting and folding old clothing from our family that held special memories gave me flashbacks of moments in time of caring for my children. Those long days but short years, especially when they were babies. I am grateful and happy to have another chance to pass on love-filled clothes to other families to create their own beautiful memories with parents and children.”
Karilee’s daughter was happy she could help. “I wanted to help this time because it was fun to see all our old clothes go to someone new.” She folded the clothes as nicely as possible, inspired by the idea of the new clothing owner will would be excited to pick out their favorite ‘new’ items.
They worked side by side to prepare and host the event. Together they sorted and folded donated clothes and welcomed families who came to give and take clothes. “It was meaningful that my daughter and I could serve the community together,” Karilee said.
The giveaway has been a place for mothers to see how big each other’s children were growing, check in on how they were doing, and swap stories, tips and clothes. What a wonderful story of sharing and connection as families.
Warm stories like this Family Volunteer for Peace projects make us smile!!
We look forward to your Family Volunteer for Peace stories.
Family Volunteers for Peace(FVP) is an initiative of Global Peace Women to build a culture of service around the world. We invite your family to volunteer together and share your story.
o For question and to submit your stories email us: Global Peace Women-Family Volunteers for Peace Team (Younshim Park) family.volunteers@globapeacewomen.org
o read other stories, and find out more about Family Volunteers for Peace and its lead organization Global Peace Women visit the Family Volunteers for Peace page