Why Denver Starbucks is becoming our hero …. apart from yummy coffee, friendly service, convenient locations….

5 reasons – result of our voluntarily gratitude and expression of surprise by corporation ….not result of Starbucks payment or solicitation

1. They provided wall space for display of art/giving project made by kids of Denver crisis centers and homeless shelters  (why surprised us…. the artwork displayed was not “the best you ever saw”, it was not selected from many art-talented kids, ….it was simple and meaningful)

   

2. They created ER gift bag kits that are easy for any group to use as a start for creation/staffing 50 ER gift bags with school/shelter/crisis center (why surprised us …….Starbucks volunteers came after working all day, they smiled, they said … we will do whatever we can… so more kids in homeless shelters, schools and crisis centers can create ER gift bags)
   
3. They assembled, decorated and delivered 50 gift bags themselves and made 50 more kids in Denver ERs happy ( why surprised ….. Starbucks employees can draw…. amazingly well!!!!)
   
4. They solicited comments from their customers to acknowledge what kids in crisis centers and homeless shelters did through ER gift bags project to further boost kids’ self-esteem and help them believe in themselves  (why surprised …. because they helped more people to be involved + they helped kids in crisis centers to know that what they did was amazing and many people think so)

   ” I am so inspired by this project. Keep us the good work. your efforts will never go unnoticed!!!! God Bless You”, Lynn Stambaugh, Whiz Kids Tutoring, Field Director -one of many Starbucks customers that left comment of inspiration for kids part of ER gift bag project. We are delivering all comments to kids as we speak!

5. They said …. We want to make kids if our neighborhoods feel extra special be encouraging creativity, providing highly energetic and eager volunteers, coming up with new ideas to make each participant feel like Hero!
   
   More kids in crisis centers would be able to create ER gift bags thanks to ER gift bag kids assembled by Denver Starbucks

Thank you!

Colorado Singing Tree mural – participant view

Here is a comment from one of Elbert School students, Greta, who put many hours designing the mural as well as working with homeless shelters on decorating the leaves. It touched my heart.

“I enjoyed this project very much.  All too often, such projects seem dull and meaningless. Sometimes me and my friends think things like, “okay, so we’re drawing a picture. That’s nice. Will this REALLY help people?” and so on. After my experience on Saturday, however, I got a firsthand look at what the singing tree mural is really about. I met a girl who said she was happy to be able to help draw leaves for the mural. She wants to be a doctor when she grows up so that she can help people and afford her own home. Now I see just what this project can do. I’m very glad to be a part of this.”

See Colorado Singing Tree mural coming to life, Sunday, April 25, 4-5 pm at Wellington Webb Building (201 West Colfax Ave, Denver, CO, 80202)

Greta’s artwork for Colorado Singing Tree

Earth Day by Denver Metro schools and homeless shelters

We celebrate the Earth Day by adding one more mural to the fast growing forest of Singing Trees. “I believe in the power of creativity to beat the odds we are up against. Earth Day is a reminder that we each can help to protect and steward the beautiful planet we are privileged to live on. I’m excited that the unveiling of the Aspen Hero Singing Tree mural in Denver on Sunday, April 25 at Wellington Webb Building, co-insides with the week of Earth Day”, said Laurie Marshall, Singing Tree project founder.

Over 800 people from Denver Metro homeless shelters and schools together with devastated by poverty and crisis international communities (Haiti, Amazon villages of Peru, and Mexico) joined in an art project to create this symbol of unity.

The Singing Tree Project was inspired by then 8 year old Meredith Miller in 1999, who said “What if the whole world made a painting together?” The Aspen Tree of Colorado is the 12th in a series murals of a tree on the earth in space. Over 9000 people from 16 countries have participated so far. The Singing Tree project incorporates three of Nature’s principles – it can be reproduced; it has a clear goal with local conditions dictating the form, like water getting to the ocean; and it honors the importance of interdependence, focusing on the role that trees play in human life. “Through coming together to create something new and beautiful, where the whole world is invited, we combat the negative forces of division and destruction that exist in our world.” , added Laurie Marshall, and we agree with this.

See Colorado Singing Tree mural coming to life, Sunday, April 25, 4-5 pm at Wellington Webb Building (201 West Colfax Ave, Denver, CO, 80202)

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Special Thanks to Aspen Tree Participants: Elbert School, Running Creek  Elementary School, Kiowa School, Castlewood Christian School, Mammoth Heights Elementary, Brandon Homeless Shelter, Lawrence Homeless Shelter, The Crossing of Denver Rescue Mission, Beth Appleton, Jennifer Skalecke, Rick Hunckler, Bruce Norman, Fetal Hope Foundation, Project Sanctuary, Conapac, Amazon Hope, Mission Haiti, Youth Front – Mexico, Croc (Mexico), Iquitos, San Luis, Santa Rosa, Indiana, Palmeras, Yanamono, Pucallpa, and Masan of Peru.

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Join Singing Tree Group on Facebook to see project pictures and updates

More on Signing Tree project here: http://helpimagine.wordpress.com/special-projects/hero-tree/

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Project powered by Department of Cultural Affairs of Denver (Public Art Division) and Tu Can Too, Inc

Tu Can Too is a Colorado non-profit that empowers children by illuminating their special value and unique importance through the arts and creative giving projects.

Colorado Singing Tree by Denver Metro Schools, Organizations and Artistis

We are very proud of hundreds of participants that joined us in creation of Colorado Singing Tree Mural over the last two weeks. Special thanks to Elbert School, Running Creek Elementary School, Kiowa School, Castlewood Christian, Mammoth Heights Elementary, Beth Appleton, Jennifer Skalecke, Rick Hunckler, Bruce Norman, Fetal Hope Foundation, and Project Sanctuary for your inspirational artworks about your heroes and type of heroes you want to be.

We can’t wait to see all the pieces coming together Sunday, April 25, 4-5 pm at Wellington Webb Building. Hope to see you there! (201 West Colfax Ave, Denver, Co 80202)

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Join Singing Tree Group on Facebook to see project pictures and updates

More on Signing Tree project here: http://helpimagine.wordpress.com/special-projects/hero-tree/

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Project powered by Department of Cultural Affairs of Denver (Public Art Division) and Tu Can Too, Inc

Tu Can Too is a Colorado non-profit that empowers children by illuminating their special value and unique importance through the arts and creative giving projects.

Colorado Singing Tree by the crisis centers and homeless shelters

Last week we spent many hours bringing parts of the mural to crisis centers and homeless shelters of Denver Rescue Mission and Volunteers of America (Brandon Center, Lawrence Shelter, The Crossing). I wish you could have been there to see the kindness and compassion that everyone was trying to communicate with their words and artworks for the mural. Many shook our hands and thanked for an opportunity to tell what they thought to the public and to each other.

30% of people that go though the programs to get out of homeless situation end up coming back to shelters… according to the Crossing and Brandon Center residents. Every time a new person put words of “Hope”, “Never Give Up”, “Keep going even when the times are hard”… it felt as though they were saying it to themselves and to all of us.

If these words are repeated 100 times and will be seen by thousands people during mural exhibition Downtown Denver, do you think we can believe hard enough in them that we could change?  We hope so.

Brandon Center for homeless and battered women and kids

The Crossing of Denver Rescue Mission

The Crossing of Denver Rescue Mission

“When I grow up, I will be a rescue person… This is me… These are all the people I will help … Call me (if you need help)”, Eva, 12 y, Denver Rescue Mission

Lawrence Homeless Shelter

Special thanks to Elbert School for providing an opportunity for many people to be part of the Colorado Singing Tree mural.

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Join Singing Tree Group on Facebook to see project pictures and updates

More on Signing Tree project here: http://helpimagine.wordpress.com/special-projects/hero-tree/

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Project powered by Department of Cultural Affairs of Denver (Public Art Division) and Tu Can Too, Inc

Tu Can Too is a Colorado non-profit that empowers children by illuminating their special value and unique importance through the arts and creative giving projects.

Colorado Singing Tree – tree #12 of the fast growing international forest

One sure step in beating the odds that the human race is facing right now  is to create together instead of fighting each other. Eleven years ago, then 8 year old Meredith Miller had a vision of the whole world making a painting together after Artist-in-Residence Laurie Marshall oversaw the creation of a mural with everyone in her rural Virginia school.  An idea was born from Meredith’s vision – the Singing Tree project.  The name comes from a story in a book by Kate Seredy called The Singing Tree: One night in World War I soldiers crawled on their bellies all night long to escape the enemy.  There was no life because everything had been destroyed by war.  When the dawn came, they found one tree that had survived.  In it were hundreds of birds who aren’t normally together.  They were singing, making a song that had never been heard before.  Laurie came up with the image of a tree on the earth in space, symbolizing that the planet is the Singing Tree of the Milky Way, with no life around for billions of miles.  Humans have the choice to destroy or create.  Over 9000 people from 16 countries have participated in making 12 murals. The newest one will be unveiled in Denver on April 25^th at 4:00 in the Wellington Webb Building.

“What I love about this project,” says Laurie, “is that it is a seed to be planted on local soil.  Each Singing Tree has its own theme and is a tree indigenous to the area – the Tulip Singing Tree in Pittsburgh, PA has the theme is ‘How can you cope with pain without hurting your body or getting in trouble with the law?’ The Pine Singing Tree in Red River, Minnesota has the theme of ‘How do you see peace?’ and now the Aspen Singing Tree in Denver is focusing on  ‘Who is your hero?’.  From 75 to 1000 people have participated in making each mural, all in conversation about the same subject.  It is a tool to envision solutions to problems as well as a safe space for each individual  to express the values he or she brings to a question.  I am thrilled that Colorado has nourished the Aspen Singing Tree, bringing together homeless families, students from Denver Metro schools, and families in Haiti, Peru and Mexico.  Coming to the opening on the 25^th is a fulfillment of a dream that this vision of unity through creativity will spread with a life of its own.”

Meredith Miller, now 19 and a political science major at Mary Washington University in Virginia,  is co-administration the Singing Tree Project’s Facebook page with Laurie.  She was honored in 2002 when five Singing Trees were displayed at the U.S. Botanical Gardens to commemorate the first anniversary of September 11^th . Eight years later, she is still amazed at what keeps growing out of her simple statement.  “This is what happens when people listen to children.”

Laurie has written a book with directions on how to make a Singing Tree, as well as curriculum tie-in’s for educators.  It’s called The Singing Trees – a Growing Forest. A DVD about the project is also available on website: http://www.thesingingtree.com.

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Apple Tree, 8′ x 12′ Pittsburgh, PA	Cherry Singing Tree, 8′ x 12′ Helen S. Faison Elementary Arts Academy Pittsburgh, PA, 2005
Elm Singing Tree, 8′ x 16′ made by 1000 students in Rappahannock County, VA. This was the first Singing Tree.	The Ginkgo Singing Tree, 8′ x 12′, “What do you love on this earth?” led by art students at Mt. Lebanon High School, Pittsburgh, PA, made by 800 young people from the U.S. Germany, Peru and Sierra Leone. 2002
The Linden Tree, 8′ x 12′, led by art students at Mt. Lebanon High School, Pittsburgh, PA, 2002	The Maple Tree, 8′ x 12, led by art students at Peabody HIgh School, Pittsburgh, PA, 2002
The People Tree, 8′ x 8′, made by young people at an orphanage in Gujarat, India, under the guidance of Elektra Gorky	The Pine Tree, 4′ x 8′, made by 50 art students in Red River, Minnesota
The Tulip Singing Tree, 8′ x 12′, “How do you cope with pain without hurting your body or breaking the law?” led by art students at McKees Rocks High School, outside of Pittsburgh, PA, made by 800 people from Ethiopia, Afghanistan, Cuba, Israel, Saudi Arabia and Jordan, 2005	The Willow Singing Tree, 8′ x 12′, “Giving Thanks” made by 65 people, ages 5 to 15, Morgantown, W. VA, USA, sponsored by Art in the Parks, 2004.
The BIA Willow, 8′ x 8′, made by Marion Hansson, Curator of the BIA’s art collection, Sidney Bad Moccasin and five other BIA staff, Dianne Marshall, Lawren Giles and Laurie Marshall, honoring all 572 federally registered Native American tribes, in the permanent collection of the Department of Interior, Washington, D.C., 2005

Elbert School – Leader of Colorado Singing Tree Mural

Small school of far south-east suburb of Denver Metro, Elbert,  is our hero! Art teacher, Tama Peck, and 60 students have committed over month and countless hours designing the concept of the mural, finalizing the look, cutting out pieces for other participants to draw on.

photo by Bruce Norman

photo by Bruce Norman

photo by Bruce Norman

We have asked them, why you decided to take on so much work? Here are some of the answers:

Why is this project important?

• It brings the children of the world together
• It is important because the world is made of many separate countries and this project will help bring future generations together
• It’s important because it gives kids at Elbert a more worldly sense
• It’s a way to honor those who lost their lives in the earthquake

What do you think this project will achieve?

• It will help people realize that people can come together for a greater cause – Maddie
• I think that it will achieve a stronger remembrance of the children who died in the Hatian earthquake because they won’t just be nameless faces. They’ll be remembered forever on the Singing Tree mural – Carrina
• It will create a beautiful work of art – Mr. Culotta
• A greater understanding of the worldwide viewpoint – Mr. Cullwell

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Join Singing Tree Group on Facebook to see project pictures and updates

More on Signing Tree project here: http://helpimagine.wordpress.com/special-projects/hero-tree/

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Project powered by Department of Cultural Affairs of Denver (Public Art Division) and Tu Can Too, Inc

Tu Can Too is a Colorado non-profit that empowers children by illuminating their special value and unique importance through the arts and creative giving projects.

Hero campaign is starting in Denver lead by kids!

Do you consider yourself a hero? Do you think you are strong, smart, special enough to make a difference in your life and lives of others? What if you live in a homeless shelter; what if you feel you don’t have opportunities to advance in life; and what if you think that the situation you are in can’t be changed? Would you consider yourself a hero?

Kids of homeless shelters and schools of Denver decided to fight this attitude and prove that you can make a difference despite life conditions. They have started a “Hero Tree” mural to explore topic of heroism, to use art as a way of encouraging each other and to support kids that went through horror of earthquake in Haiti.

Hundreds of pieces from Denver, Haiti, Peru and Mexico will come together to created the 8 by 10 feet mural that will hang in the Wellington Web building in Downtown Denver, and then be moved to the Denver City and County building.

The Hero Tree mural will be part of Signing Tree forest – murals of inspiration created in other states of United States. This will be the first one done in the state of Colorado.  The mural will include three aspen trees to represent our state and the unity and community of children coming together to be inspired and inspire others.  The world will represent regions involved in the project and will include faces from each region to celebrate diversity.  The stars will have the names of children who died in the recent Haitian earthquake.  Every individual leaf and star will be a miniature work of art done by one of the children.  The theme “hero” is meant to inspire children to think about who is important in their lives and/or what that person represents that is meaningful to them.

Join Singing Tree Group on Facebook to see project pictures and updates or visit http://picasaweb.google.com/mariafeekes/HeroTreeDev?authkey=Gv1sRgCNKRib76tKGKFg&feat=directlink

More on Signing Tree project here: http://www.soulemporium.com/singingtrees.html

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Project powered by Department of Cultural Affairs of Denver (Public Art Division) and Tu Can Too, Inc

Tu Can Too is a Colorado non-profit that empowers children by illuminating their special value and unique importance through the arts and creative giving projects.

Hero Tree & Tu Can Too international

Peru tree leaves have just been completed by the kids of Belen, Santo Tomas, Punchana, Masan, Indiana, San Luis, Santa Rosa, Pucallpa, Yanamono & Palmeras. The team went through jungle, water and heat to bring the art to small villages and poor places of Iquitos, Peru and to gather leaves for the Hero Tree. Can’t wait to share the results soon and start Denver, Mexico and Haiti part of a project. Big thanks to our supporters and volunteers.

Kids of Iquitos Peru that joined the Tree project

Indiana, Peru

Masan, Peru

Belen, Iquitos, Peru

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The Hero Tree (part of Singing Tree Project)– a special large mural to be created by over 1000 kids and adults from Denver Metro crisis centers, low income communities and local artists and schools + areas devastated by poverty and crisis (Haiti, poor Amazon villages of Peru, & Mexico)

ER bags, Hero Tree and more!

Great busy week and more exciting work to come!

Over the weekend, the team delivered over 200 gift bags created by Brandon Center, Bannock Youth Center, The Crossing,  Rainbow House and Mammoth Height Elementary to 8 ERs of Denver Metro.

I can’t express enought thanks to all participants. What you have done, is more than just coloring on a bag, or stuffing it with activities…. you have prooved that you can give and make someone happy no matter how young you are or how much money you have.  We are so proud of you!!!!

Here are some pictures: http://picasaweb.google.com/mariafeekes/ER550?authkey=Gv1sRgCIXenZvu_-7eBQ&feat=directlink

Participants, post your feedback! Comments from hospitals to follow.

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Hero Tree project is starting in Peru! Denver crisis centers of VOA and Denver Rescue Misison, public schools, orphanage house of Haiti, crisis center of Mexico to follow. We have a great news…..Denver is excited to provide home for this important project.  More to come!

550 ER Bags by crisis centers kick off

Saturday, “ER Bags for all Denver Metro ER’s” program started, a program to bring gift bags to ERs created by those in crisis situations and designed to ease the fear and occupy hours for children who are either admitted to the ER or are waiting for the family members who have been admitted.

Homeless and Domestic Violence Center of VOA was the first to create the first batch of bags. I know we are busy, tired, and sometimes feel like we don’t have money or time to help someone….but read what one of the ER Bag participants said…..only paper bags and pastels/markers were used….but the idea of creating a  gift for children in ER’s was priceless

“I have been through a lot through my life, and so I know how it feels. I would like to help people once again instead of the one needing help.I used to work in a hospital, and before that I worked in assisted living. I was the one helping. The accident, a Motor Vehicle Accident, took that away…..But this  gives me a feeling of Helping once again. Thank you!”

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ER Bag Project Schedule week Feb 1 (join us!):

1. Thursday, Feb 4, 9 am – Rainbow House of VOA
2. Friday, Feb 5, 11:45 am: Mammoth Heights Elementary School – 2nd grade
3. Saturday, Feb 6
   1. 10 am – 11:30 am Crossing Shelter of Denver Rescue Mission (address)
   2. 1pm-2pm Bannock Youth Center of VOA
4. Sunday, Feb 7 (time pending) – Bag staffing and delivery

To help, call 303-903-6761 or email mfeekes@tucantoo.org

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Some of the bags created this weekend

All bags = see here: http://picasaweb.google.com/mariafeekes/ER550?authkey=Gv1sRgCIXenZvu_-7eBQ&feat=directlink

Partnerships with hospitals – great way to empower and inspire community

Many fantastic organizations are using art as a tool to empower various people. Tu Can Too is no different here. What we want to share with you, is an idea of pushing the art one step further – and using the art product with a special giving meaning to maximize impact on self-esteem (e.g. the art is to create special environment at the hospital, make sick patient happy, or to be displayed at homeless shelters for support and encouragement, etc.)

We could not have brought this extra “meaning” piece to kids’ artworks without Parker Adventist Hospital of Centura. They have provided space and funding for Share Your World exhibit and created an opportunity for kids from homeless shelters, low income families, small communities to contribute and feel like heroes. Thank you!

What happened next, was beyond our expectations…. and we hope that you will find partnerships with hospitals for your projects very rewarding too.

Many people were touched as a result of Share Your World. Some, were inspired to serve and give back to crisis communities, some made donations to bring medical supplies to Peru, some used Share Your World as a constant reminder and illustrator of giving, no matter how young or poor you are.

Here is what one of participated schools has said: “Now with what has happened in Haiti, and some other topics we have been reading about in class, it seems we keep coming back to the subject of Share Your World, which is exactly the effect I had wanted to see.  We are nurturing an ongoing caring and interest in other cultures, other places, and just thinking about helping people in a small way if we can.  Thank you for an opportunity to be part of Share Your World.” – Kim Kappeli, literacy teacher, Glenwood Springs Elementary School.

Here is comment from one of Hospital patients:” When I saw your artwork, I felt so much love communicated by the kids. And so, I was moved to repay and help others in whatever small way I could. I decided to assist children who are to no fault of their own disadvantages. As the kids gift me with the joy and love through art, may I support others with reminders that they are unique and special.”- Mark Earnest (is now volunteering at homeless shelters of Volunteers of America)

Participants words: “I can’t believe my art is at the hospital. And many people see it. Sooo cool!” Elaija from homeless shelter.

“I want to do something for hospital too? I want to make other people feel happy too. I want to help”, a second grade student of Mammoth Heights Elementary after seeing other kids work displayed at the hospital.

You see, what we are trying to tell you…..your art and classes will have long lasting results in the most unexpected ways if used for some meaningful purpose. What are you doing with your empowerment programs? How is your hospital involving community to serve? Share

Now, Parker Adventist Hospital made a decision to make Share Your World a permanent exhibit. The artworks from more participants will be rotating opening opportunity to shine and contribute for many more kids. Thank you!!!!

Parker & Franktown residents give back to crisis centers of VOA in unexpected way….

You know, not everyone can come to a homeless shelter or crisis center of Volunteers of America (CO) to help with art classes, spend time, teach kids, etc….but many were eager to help this week.

1. Mammoth Heights second grade (Mary Lisa Blevin’s class) drew pictures of support and encouragement for homeless shelters

You are invited to comment on kids work and to make them feel extra special for what they have done: http://picasaweb.google.com/mariafeekes/MrBlevinS2ndGradeChangingTheWorld?authkey=Gv1sRgCK7l9Y6viqTgXA&feat=directlink (use picasa comment or email to mfeekes@tucantoo.org or comment below)

2. Beverly and Alisha from Franktown created fantastic rainbow quilt for kids at Brandon to seat on during classes and discussions. They finished it at 4 am!

before – cold floor

after – warm and colorful quilt

See more of the quilt & comment on the quilt to make our wonderful new volunteers feel extra special for what they have done: http://picasaweb.google.com/mariafeekes/QuiltForBrandon?authkey=Gv1sRgCPPP7cXQ_uX6Pg&feat=directlink (use picasa comment or email to mfeekes@tucantoo.org or comment below)

THANK YOU!!!!!

Want to help? Call us….. we will find something great for you to do that would match your abilities and time requirements. + check out our special projects (you can be plugged in there too)

Tú Can Too……Yes I can….I can do anything that I dream

Many people have been asking us, what Tu Can Too mean? Tu Can Too, Inc mission is to help kids living in hard conditions believe that they are powerful and can do anything they put their mind to. We use art as a tool to connect with kids and to communicate the message. We use Hero strategy to help every participant shine and really feel that they can make a difference.

Tú in Spanish means “you” …. So what we are trying to say with Tu Can Too name is that You Can do it Too….

If you were able to draw the thing that you told me 5 minutes ago you can’t do… can you imagine what else you can do if you try? If you made kids in Emergency Room happy by giving them a gift bag decorated with your art, can you imagine how else you can help yourself and others? If you draw a picture as an effort to bring more art to kids that are even more poor than you, do you know how powerful you are…

Here are some more amazing kids that are our Heroes: Ms. Blevins’ Second Grade Class at Mammoth Heights Elementary. To illustrate Tú Can Too attitude, they spent hours practicing and recording a song for kids in Denver Metro homeless shelters. You do not need to have money or be old to make a difference and to be a hero. Second grade just proved it. Thank you for all your time, talent and vision! Special thanks to Ms Blevins for Tu Can Too lyrics and music.

Tu Can Too Song – listen now: tu can song by Ms. Blevins’ Second Grade Class at Mammoth Heights Elementary

CHORUS:

Tu can too

Tu can too– I can,

I can, I can do anything that I dream.

Tu can too

Tu can too– I can,

I can, I can do it…if I try.

I see things clearly in my mind.

I think about what I might find.

I want to show you what I feel.

I will.

I will.

Cause Tu can too!

CHORUS

I have the courage to show you how.

I have talent to create it now.

I want to show you what I see.

I will.

I will.

Cause tu can too!

CHORUS

Creative opportunity on Martin Luther King, Jr Day of Service

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is:  What are you doing for others?” – Martin Luther King Jr

This is how  January 18, 2010 opened at serve.gov that challenged everyone in US to answer Dr. King’s question. Thousands of people from all over USA are responding to the challenge and donating time today.

See live feed @ twitter.com #MLKDay

Other updates and volunteering opportunities all over USA: www.serve.gov

Service opportunity Tu Can Too stile: Inspire others and make them feel like heroes – 2 min of your time

I mentioned MLK Day service challenge to my neighbor Diana. One thing she said was absolute true – yes, we would love to help others, but with everything on the agenda, it is very hard to find time (Diana is a small business owner and mother of 3. Her plate is full).

So, here is what I suggested to her and now, to you:

“Volunteering and serving others is not only going and doing physical work at some organization – feeding homeless, taking care of sick, etc. Sometimes, even giving a kind word of inspiration is a service on its own.”

Over 300 kids from small communities and crisis centers (homeless shelters, at risk kids, etc) took an effort to make a difference in someone’s life by drawing a picture and donating it to bring art and medical supplies to crisis centers in Denver, CO & Amazon villages of Peru. For someone, like young child of Rainbow House – daycare for low income families affected by AIDS, or Brandon Center – homeless shelter, or Elbert School – small school in far suburb of Denver, believing that they can help someone even if they have no money or they are young, was a huge step.

On MLK Day of service, I propose to you to serve by acknowledging what the kids of crisis centers and small communities did and support them in their desire to help others. Can you imagine what it would mean to a child or homeless mother to read your words and know that for a moment – they were heroes? Can you imagine what it would do to their self-esteem or possibly to desire to get out of their hard conditions? If they were able to help someone by drawing a picture, what else can they do?

You do not need to go anywhere. Simply do this:

1. Select one art work: http://picasaweb.google.com/mariafeekes/AllArtLeaveYourComment?feat=directlink#
2. Leave your comment (via google picasa or by emailing to mfeekes@tucantoo.org; make sure to include picture code)

Your 2 minutes – would change someone’s live!

Thank you!!!!!

#MLKDay