Giving Like Grandma Kaye

Today, I was thinking about Christmas gifts for the children that I tutor with at Indy School on Wheels. I have to give something that I can give to all the children. No child will (nor should ever) be left out. I would like to give something creative. Something to pass the time. Something they can do together. Something to make them smile.


I thought of the gifts I received when I was their age…and then the perfect gift popped into my mind.

Coloring books and crayons.

Every year for as long as I can remember, my Grandma Kaye got us coloring books and crayons for Christmas.

“I don’t care how old you get,” Grandma Kaye would say. “I don’t care if you are married…both you and your husband will be getting color books and crayons at Christmas from Grandma Kaye.”

It made me smile. A perfect present from the one of the most giving woman I have ever met in my life. Seriously. She has LITERALLY tried to give me the shirt off her back before…

“Honey girl... I bought this shirt, but I don’t know if I like it,” she would say. “I definitely think it’s YOU!”

Oh me. Oh my. Have you ever tried to tell your grandma to keep her shirt on? Yes, I have. Grandma Kaye, God love ya!

Celebration drink with Grandma Kaye at my college graudation party.

Smiling with Grandma Kaye at Grandpa's 70th Birthday party.

Grandma Kaye dancing..and being the life of the party!!

Grandma giving me a hug after I became Mrs. Sieb.

So, for Christmas this year- I want to give the kiddos at Indy School on Wheels something special. I want to get each of them a coloring book, their own set of crayons and a candy cane or other Christmas inspired treat. Inside each coloring book, I will include an inspirational quote or message. Maybe I will write something different each time. Maybe it will be the same message. I haven’t decided what I will write yet.

I just want them to feel special. Because they are.

I just want them to smile. Because it melts my heart.

I just want them to understand that you can give someone something special without spending a lot money. Because the best things in life are free.

I just want them to believe that there are better days ahead. Because their future is bright.

I just want them to be a kid. Because too many of these children are stripped from their childhood and forced to grow up too soon.

Much love,

Ashley

You Can Help Indy SOW Win a New Toyota!

This Thursday, I’ll attend a training session to begin my second year tutoring at @IndySOW (Indianapolis School on Wheels). One night a week, I meet beautiful children who been faced with extreme obstacles to overcome. They don’t have a home, but that doesn’t make them any different than any other kid. They still love to laugh. They still love to play. They still love draw pictures. They still love tell stories. All of the laughs, games, pictures, stories and homework we have shared together has shaped my life in countless ways.


I know that the Indy SOW team always thanks our volunteers and donors for everything we do, but really we should thank the children. For they are the ones who make me thankful for everything I have.

They make me realize what I don’t need.

They teach me how to love complete strangers.

They make me smile when they talk about their day.

And more importantly, they make me a better person.

Today, I get a chance to help these kiddos out one step further. Indy SOW has been selected as one of the non-profit organizations to receive new set of wheels (if they get the most votes).

“Toyota wants to salute do-gooders by giving 100 cars over 100 days to nonprofits that could really use a new set of wheels. And voters like you help decide which one gets a new ride every day.”

By taking less than five seconds out of your day, you can make a huge difference for these children and IndySOW.
Vote now: http://apps.facebook.com/carsforgood

Thank you for your vote & support for this amazing organization that does for much for the homeless children and parents in our community.

Much love,

Ashley