tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77425593452908789962024-02-19T01:17:08.010-08:00We've Got Time to HelpWe are a group of (mostly) unemployed people who find extra times on our hands. We also see the help that could be provided to other’s in need. We are doctors, plumbers, electricians, cooks, homemakers, woodworkers, roofers, and any other profession that you could fathom.
I have been looking for a job for sometime now and I have vowed to devote some of my free time to be of assistance to our community. ********Not affiliated with any group other than humanity********We've Got Time to Helphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17650470316122664051noreply@blogger.comBlogger73125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7742559345290878996.post-15165788109613787502010-09-11T13:21:00.000-07:002010-09-18T11:12:58.042-07:00<span style="font-size:180%;">Please come visit our new home at: </span><a href="http://wevegottimetohelp.org/"><span style="font-size:180%;">http://wevegottimetohelp.org</span></a><span style="font-size:180%;"> and our new <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Weve-Got-Time-to-Help/160649777285565?ref=ts">Facebook Page</a></span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Weve-Got-Time-to-Help/160649777285565?ref=ts">.</a>We've Got Time to Helphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17650470316122664051noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7742559345290878996.post-76920806439418973672010-09-06T15:40:00.000-07:002010-09-06T15:49:33.109-07:00Project: Open EyesHere we find ourselves, a year and a half after we started this organization. It has been an incredible, and life changing, journey. We have had our ups and downs. We have had our highs and lows. Many things have changed. What hasn’t changed is our commitment and desire to reach out and help those who are in need.<br /><br />Over the last many years, the news has not been good. Every month we are told about new unemployment numbers. We are told how many homes are in foreclosure. We are told about how many people in America are hurting. We are told how many people are going hungry. About how many people are losing hope, or told that they have no hope at all. It is another Great Depression.<br /><br />We are also told that the homeless shelters are full. The food banks are empty. People, everywhere, are hurting and there aren’t enough resources to help everyone. There just isn’t enough help to go around. We tend to think otherwise. We think that if we were to band together, as a community, and pool our collective resources, we could literally change the world.<br /><br />We think we have stumbled upon something so powerful and so awesome, yet it’s almost always overlooked. It’s something that we needed to teach ourselves to do before we could ask anyone else to do it. It’s simple and highly effective and it can change lives forever. Are you ready to hear it? Open your eyes. Take a look around you, your home, your community. Too often, especially when times are so tough or our lives are in upheaval, we tend to put our heads down, put our blinders on and do our best to ride out the coming storm. It’s a normal, human reaction. It’s a survival instinct. But it doesn’t have to be this way. We don’t have to stop being human or humane to each other just because we are weathering a storm. Even though we are struggling, we can still reach out to those who are in need. No matter how bad times are, we can still offer a little bit of ourselves to save someone else.<br /><br />Because times are so tough, there are more people than ever that have needs that aren’t being met. The government is stretched too thin and big business doesn’t seem to care. There are so many people out there that just need a little help, a little hope. Maybe you’re one of those people. Here’s a beautiful thing: you still have skills or knowledge that could help another. No matter your situation, there is someone you can reach out to.<br /><br />Our organization started out being mainly for unemployed people. There were so many “skilled” people out of work that we said “let’s gather up all the unemployed carpenters, plumbers, electricians, etc. etc. and get them volunteering in their communities”. And so it began. But, as time went on, we started to see that everyone, no matter their background or experience level, had their own set of unique and invaluable skills. We heard from so many people that said “I would love to help, but I don’t have any skills that would be useful” or “I don’t think I have anything to offer”. This just isn’t true. Every, single person in this country has something to offer someone else.<br /><br />We have had disabled people offer to help with phone work. We have had young people offer strong legs and backs. We have had elderly people offer their homes for meeting spaces. We have had stay-at-home moms and dads offer to drive volunteers to and from projects. No matter you age, skill level, experience, background, education, ethnicity or gender, you have something to offer. Something that will help a neighbor in need. Something that could change someone’s life. Something that could save someone’s life.<br /><br />This is not just an idea or an assumption. It truly works. We have seen it work time and time again. We have gathered together complete strangers and, standing as one, pooled our resources and changed people’s lives. It’s amazing and wonderful and you can be a part of it. The one thing that they all had in common? Their eyes were open. You, dear reader, sitting there right now have the power and the opportunity to change someone’s life tomorrow. No matter where you live or what your circumstances are, you can find a way to offer someone a little hope. You have the power to say “enough is enough. Tomorrow my eyes will be open and I will keep them open for all the days to come”.<br /><br />With open eyes, you can see your world around you. With open eyes, you can see that elderly neighbor that could use a hand with the yard work. With open eyes, you can see that person sitting on the bus that needs someone to talk to. With open eyes, you can see that homeless person that could use a blanket or a hot meal. With open eyes, you can change the way you see this world. With open eyes, you can change someone’s life forever. With open eyes, you can change the world.<br /><br />Go out into your community and lend a hand. Give an hour or two of your time for a cause you believe in. Donate those old clothes in your closet or that extra food in your cupboard to a homeless or women’s shelter. Drive around on a hot day and hand out cold water to pedestrians. Gather your neighbors and start a community garden. Start an organization just like this one or simply offer a smile to a stranger. No act is too grand or too insignificant. There is no such thing as “too small” a kind act. Do what you can. If every person in the country donated 2 hours a month to help someone in need, how much do you think we could accomplish?<br /><br />That’s a lot of open eyes.<br /><br />Seth and MichelleWe've Got Time to Helphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17650470316122664051noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7742559345290878996.post-56700950643909096812010-09-03T19:06:00.000-07:002010-09-03T19:09:02.675-07:00Our website<span style="font-size:130%;">Please see our new home at </span><a href="http://wevegottimetohelp.org/"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#000000;">http://wevegottimetohelp.org</span></a><span style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span><br />Thanks,<br />Seth and MichelleWe've Got Time to Helphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17650470316122664051noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7742559345290878996.post-26100689366265898052010-08-11T15:08:00.000-07:002010-08-11T15:09:47.573-07:00Stronger than ever!Hello to everyone! Sorry that we have not been posting on the website. We have had a couple of serious family health issues over the last many months that has taken quite a bit of our time away from the website. We also started a business a few months ago and that, too, has limited our time in front of the computer. We apologize and we look forward to posting on a regular basis.<br /><br />Now, onto the good stuff! We’ve Got Time to Help is still running strong. We, and our many volunteers, are still out and about in our neighborhoods and communities trying to help those that we can. This summer has been busy with moving, some yard work, and a few odd jobs. It’s been a little slower than the winter months, but it seems to be picking up again. We can’t thank everyone enough that has helped out those in need these last few months (but we’ll try)! <br /><br />That being said, we would love to see our volunteers get reenergized! There are still thousands of people, in Portland alone, that could still use a hand up. It’s been a couple of years since the economic meltdown’s height, but there are so many of our friends and neighbors that are still struggling. Let none of us forget (that includes Michelle and I) that we still have so many opportunities to help others. We still have so much power to change the direction of so many lives.<br /><br />We can do anything, as an involved community, that we want to. We can choose to help as little or as much as we want to. We can choose to return to “The Old Way” of doing things. We can choose to put our blinders on, put our heads down, and push our way through life. Or, we can choose to do things “The New Way”. In this version, we keep our heads up, our eyes open. We don’t walk past those who need help. We don’t turn our heads. We don’t pretend to ignore.<br /><br />During the apex of the economic turndown we banded together, as a community, like we have never seen before. We were witness to the awe-inspiring power that individuals have when we band together for something other than ourselves. For a short time, we stopped worrying about ourselves and realized that others needed help, too. They had needs greater than our own. <br /><br />Michelle and I liken it to people that are buried under rubble after an earthquake. You see people, most of them complete strangers, trying with all their might to dig these trapped people out. They group together to pull the heavy concrete and wood pieces off of others. You see the rescuers coordinating and communicating with each other like they had been doing it all their lives. They come together and do whatever it takes to save those around them. Then, you notice the rescuers. They aren’t the fire dept, police, or any other government agency. They are just average people. They are friends, neighbors, and strangers alike. Then you notice that they are injured, too. They are bleeding and dirty and scared. But they aren’t thinking about that. Some of them don’t ever realize that they are hurt. They, collectively, have one purpose. To help those around them that are in greater need.<br /><br />The last many years has been our earthquake. Not a literal one, but a financial one. But make no mistake; this earthquake has split this land apart. It has torn down lives and uprooted families. It has destroyed dreams and ruined futures. It doesn’t really matter if your house is in pieces because of an earthquake, or if the bank says that you need to move. Either way, you don’t have a home anymore. This has taken a toll on everyone. Some more than others, but everyone has been affected. <br /><br />We speak for no one but ourselves (Michelle and Seth). But we give you our word, that we will be just as committed today and tomorrow and the next day, as we were a year ago. We will do our very best to coordinate with others to help rescue those still below. We will try with all our strength to pull out those still left under the rubble. <br /><br />Because just like in a “real” earthquake after time has gone by, there is still a lot left to do, a lot of people that still need help, and a lot of rubble to clear.<br /><br />Seth and Michelle<br />503-953-6018<br />Want to join us? Email us at wevegottimetohelp@q.comWe've Got Time to Helphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17650470316122664051noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7742559345290878996.post-63932777923023025052010-05-06T09:41:00.000-07:002010-05-06T09:43:08.946-07:00Time to Refresh!This post is as much for Michelle and I (Seth) as it is for everyone out there. We started We’ve Got Time to Help over a year ago as a way to get the unemployed masses together and start addressing immediate community service needs. It quickly grew into something we never could have imagined.<br /><br />We went from hoping to complete a few projects in a year, to being overwhelmed with the amount of people in need for help that exists in our city. Because of the hard economic times this country is experiencing, normal channels for assistance (i.e. agencies that help with food, clothing, rent, volunteers) have been inundated with people calling for help. The agencies resource pools have been stretched too thin and, sometimes, emptied altogether.<br /><br />We still continue to get calls for help weekly and we continue to help those that we can. We have a great group of volunteers (though, we always welcome more) and they travel throughout the city helping those that have contacted us for help. We have been fortunate enough to help 100’s of people over the last 16 months and we look forward to helping more this year.<br /><br />The recurring theme in the messages we receive from people that need help is that of hope. Hope. People call us for hope more than they call us for labor, food, or clothing. People call us because they are at, or near, their wit’s end and they don’t know what to do. They have tried going through various channels for help, only to be told that there is not enough to go around. We want to put an end to “not enough”. We believe we can. <br /><br />Hope is an amazing thing. People call us with tales of hunger, home loss, job loss, personal loss, and myriad difficulties. But, most still have hope. Hope that things will change. Hope that times will get better. Hope that their situation will get better. Hope that someone still cares. And if someone calls us that seems to have lost their hope, we do our best to give them a little. We tell them that we will do everything in our power to help them. We will not walk away from them. We will stand by them in their darkest hour. If people feel that there is even the slightest glimmer of hope, a little sliver far off in the distance, they can keep going. It’s the ones that have lost all hope, that don’t seem to have the energy to keep pushing on. <br /><br />So, my friends, let’s get reenergized! Let’s set out, every day, to help someone in need. Friends, neighbors, strangers. It doesn’t matter how small or grand the gesture. It matters not what the circumstances are. It doesn’t matter to whom you lend a hand. What matters is that you are keeping hope alive. You are saying “I will not let anyone around me lose hope”. I will fight the good fight. I will be strong when others cannot be. I will pay it forward. I will stand for all that is good and right and say “not on my watch”. <br /><br />Join us?<br /><br />Take care and good luck,<br />Seth and MichelleWe've Got Time to Helphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17650470316122664051noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7742559345290878996.post-43527892329667712032010-03-29T09:59:00.000-07:002010-03-29T10:16:51.138-07:00Four legged neighborsThis recently came across our desk and we wanted to share it with everyone. This is such an important cause and we would love to see the word spread about it! Please have a look around and see what wonderful work these guys are doing!<br /><br />As their <a href="http://www.banfieldcharitabletrust.org/Pet_Peace_Of_Mind">website</a> states, "This groundbreaking program enables hospice patients to keep their Pets at home with them throughout their end-of-life journey. It is another way - a significant way - that <a href="http://www.banfieldcharitabletrust.org/Pet_Peace_Of_Mind">Banfield Charitable Trust</a> continues its mission to fund or administer programs that find innovative ways to keep Pets and families together."<br /><br />You can also take a look at their blog, <a href="http://petpeace.blogspot.com/">Pet Peace of Mind</a>. They are a wonderful group of people doing some amazing work. Keep it up guys!<br /><br />Seth and MichelleWe've Got Time to Helphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17650470316122664051noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7742559345290878996.post-85016366194106530462010-03-25T09:31:00.000-07:002010-03-25T10:33:36.581-07:00We've still Got Time to Help!As a lot of you know, I (Seth) was laid off 15 months ago and, just like millions of others, haven't been able to find work since. We have struggled financially for over a year now and the situation was becoming more bleak by the day.<br /><br />So, after much deliberation and planning, we have decided to open our own business. It just seemed like the right time and the right thing to do. I don't know how many of you know, but Michelle and I are bird watchers. We have been feeding and watching birds for many years now. We have also been making our own suet (a type of food for birds) for years. We have spent the last few months perfecting our recipe and finding suppliers, getting licences, setting up a website <a href="http://neposuet.com/default.aspx">(NePo Suet Company</a>), etc. etc. We are now set up and selling our suet online and in a couple of stores in Portland. We have received a lot of orders from all over the country and business is picking up every day. We feel very lucky to have this up and running.<br /><br />The reason for us writing this post it to make sure that people still know we are around. Yes, we are still here. We are still helping people on a regular basis. We just haven't been very good about posting lately. We have had many smaller projects going on over the last couple of months, just nothing on a large scale. There are some projects coming up in the not so distant future that will be on a fairly large scale.<br /><br />There will soon be a community revitalizing project going on in a NE neighborhood that will need a lot of support and as many neighbors as we can get to help. As soon as we get some more info, we will let everyone know the details. It should be a very fun and worthwhile project!<br /><br />So, thank you to everyone who continues to help their neighbors. Thank you to everyone who helps to make our community a better place to live. Thank you to everyone that lends a hand to someone that is needs. Thank you to everyone to who continues to spread hope.<br /><br />Seth and MichelleWe've Got Time to Helphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17650470316122664051noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7742559345290878996.post-11628695251880423602010-02-01T08:12:00.000-08:002010-02-02T19:58:18.360-08:00Thanks to everyone!On Friday morning, a group of us met at a project site to spread some gravel for a neighbor in need. The side of their home gets to be a muddy and dangerous slope when it rains. One of our volunteers, Meri, suggested that we lay down some gravel to combat the problem. We put the call out for help and you answered!<br /><br />It took us 2 pickup loads full of gravel but we finished the project in just a couple of hours. We finished so quickly because of the hard work put in by so many volunteers.<br /><br />A big and heartfelt "Thank you" to Meri, Julie, Mel, Louanne, Inman, David, Daniel and Seth.<br /><br />Another successful group project completed!We've Got Time to Helphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17650470316122664051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7742559345290878996.post-23785649571240166812010-01-15T08:06:00.000-08:002010-01-15T08:11:42.504-08:00Meet and GreetWe are having our first meet and greet of the year on Wed., Jan. 27th from 11am - 2pm. If you haven't attended one before please stop by, even if it's for just a short while, and introduce yourself. If you have been before, please stop by again and share your ideas about how we can make a bigger impact in our community this year.<br /><br />We are open to any ideas people may have on how we can all get more involved, start new community projects, or just be better neighbors.<br /><br />So, if you Have the Time, please come by and let's make Portland an even better place to live!<br /><br />Email us at wevegottimetohelp@q.com for our address. Thanks so much and we hope to see you all there!<br /><br />Seth and MichelleWe've Got Time to Helphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17650470316122664051noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7742559345290878996.post-68572722825410103482010-01-04T10:22:00.000-08:002010-01-04T10:29:03.982-08:00UpdateWe forgot to post a huge thank you to everyone that donated items for the family in need. A few days before Christmas, Michelle and I took all of the clothes, household items, and food to the family. It was a big surprise for them and a very uplifting experience for us. We had to make multiple trips out to the car because there were so many items!<br /><br />Thank you to everyone that donated items and goods to them! Margena, Mel, Rachael, Michelle, and quite a few anonymous donors. Thank you to everyone!We've Got Time to Helphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17650470316122664051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7742559345290878996.post-29464196374335359862009-12-29T09:57:00.001-08:002009-12-29T12:05:12.870-08:00End of the yearHello to all and here's hoping everyone had a safe and happy holiday! <br /><br />Well, to say that this has been an interesting year would be quite an understatement. It has been full of ups and downs, but mostly ups. We started this group in the beginning of February and it has far exceeded our wildest dreams. We were able to, with the help of many, many volunteers, lend a hand to over 100 families and individuals! That's incredible! Absolutely amazing.<br /><br />We originally started this to help all of the unemployed people in Portland. To get them out of the house, away from the job search and helping those in our communities that need a hand. We envisioned being able to help 5 or 10 people out. We never imagined that we would be able to help so many.<br /><br />There are a few regrets. One of the biggest regrets I (Seth) have, is not being able to help more people out because of my battle with alcoholism and depression. There have been times throughout the year that I haven't fulfilled my obligations to my neighbors because of my struggles. For that, I deeply apologize. The new year holds much more promise and I feel that my struggles are quickly fading into my past.<br /><br />On to happier items! We have been able to do some real good. Make some really positive impacts on people's lives. It has been an incredible journey and well worth the effort. We have made so many new friends because of this. We have met so many wonderful and giving people over the last 10 months. Because of all of you, our faith and hope in humanity has grown exponentially! Thank you.<br /><br />Our goal for the new year is not only to continue helping those that we can, but also to bring neighbors and neighborhoods closer together. We would like to start hosting neighborhood get togethers and block parties. We would like to start tool and food exchange. We want to start a knowledge exchange by having monthly classes with things like gardening, canning, and cooking as the topics. We want to do anything that brings people closer together as friends and neighbors. The more we know each other, the better off we will all be.<br /><br />So, please, help us reach out to even more people this year. Volunteer in your area. Get out and help a neighbor. Organize a neighborhood potluck (it's actually pretty easy). Make a point to get out into your neighborhood and introduce yourself to some neighbors you don't know. <br /><br />Let's all pledge to make a difference in at least one other person's life this year. <br /><br />All the best,<br />Seth and MichelleWe've Got Time to Helphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17650470316122664051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7742559345290878996.post-59355678670574047862009-12-23T13:27:00.000-08:002009-12-23T14:48:00.662-08:00Decorating for ChristmasLast week, Michelle and Seth went down to the Human Solutions Warming Center to help put up some Christmas decorations. It's been a hard year for a lot of folks out there and we thought that maybe even a few decorations around the center might brighten their day just a little bit.<br /><br />So, we put out the call to our volunteers for decorations and food for the center and, once again, you came through for us! A big thank you to Laurie, Margena, Trevor, and Carla for their donations. Over the last month, we have been able to bring hundreds of meals to the shelter. Michelle and Seth spent a few hours down at the center putting up a small tree, window clings and hanging lights. It definitely had a more "homey" feel to it after we were done. We only hope that it brings a smile to some of those families down there.<br /><br />Thanks again to everyone. You are all making our city, and world, a better place to live. And it really makes us proud to call ourselves Oregonians!We've Got Time to Helphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17650470316122664051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7742559345290878996.post-38434530144901940782009-12-07T09:13:00.000-08:002009-12-07T11:48:36.475-08:00Season of giving?Last night, Michelle and I dropped off some food at the <a href="http://www.humansolutions.org">Human Solutions Warming Center</a>. We called ahead of time and asked what their greatest need was, and they said microwavable food to go. Cup o soups, soup or chili in the little containers that you can just pop in the microwave. The warming centers are turning so many people away through the winter, but especially now, during this cold snap. They can use these little "meals on the go" for people staying at the warming center or for people that they turn away at the door. <br /><br />This is such a hard time of year for so many people and now more than ever. There are so many new homeless people and families on the street now because of the economy. They aren't addicted to alcohol or drugs. They aren't career criminals. They are average, everyday people that have fallen on hard times. We wanted to post what we did, not as a congratulatory post, but just to show what can be accomplished with so little. We don't have much, but we have more than a lot of people out there.<br /><br />Do you realize that you can buy a warm meal for someone for just .28 cents? With the change that is under your couch cushion or in your pocket, you could supply someone with a warm meal (sometimes their only meal of the day).<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiSm848TcA46uXtJehj_KYBGqeiYpogA6kAlB58WaRj0aZe02kELsPx7KXMUB7aUBEpMtqc9_UsGhK8AExixbyyPX1ilfuJ6wPt0W6VsqX0BFH2ms9iYo0Bmbap3OJgLFIcU55yo5ApC4/s1600-h/28+cents.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiSm848TcA46uXtJehj_KYBGqeiYpogA6kAlB58WaRj0aZe02kELsPx7KXMUB7aUBEpMtqc9_UsGhK8AExixbyyPX1ilfuJ6wPt0W6VsqX0BFH2ms9iYo0Bmbap3OJgLFIcU55yo5ApC4/s400/28+cents.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412544181202662258" /></a><br /><br />Michelle and I did some calculations, and for the price of one specialty coffee (which Michelle and I buy for ourselves at least once a week), you could buy 14 hot meals for people that are hungry. That hit us pretty hard when we figured the cost.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4fDjnsbZ5wgJOE7g9oWb7-sv67BQ7OKLTuvx5hsCDfpJiNYe_vAw9ytjTKN47WqkU9eeWrQkCaiIvBK5Bu9ERbVe0IUd2eG1QHv0f6WxZQWm_Twhe_O4IMIlMgAcEjFXwabXk9mlMOI0/s1600-h/venti+coffee.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 376px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4fDjnsbZ5wgJOE7g9oWb7-sv67BQ7OKLTuvx5hsCDfpJiNYe_vAw9ytjTKN47WqkU9eeWrQkCaiIvBK5Bu9ERbVe0IUd2eG1QHv0f6WxZQWm_Twhe_O4IMIlMgAcEjFXwabXk9mlMOI0/s400/venti+coffee.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412544189070758546" /></a><br /><br />Or, if you are really felling generous, you could purchase 150 hot meals for people for around $90. 150?!?!?!? That is a lot of people that you can help and it literally might mean the difference between life and death. It's absolutely incredible what we can do when we put our heart into it.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbaKhT3o5m4JkS90wWO5aBOTkwVlGOGToPHCRzJp477kp1yhLEQYeAR88QQuGN19mN2efftUTn1GeyroRiq5UjC7DmiYviLXuyzBfATJoETA7dIwJrZH_1iSfIseM8eHxYKaZ4Zx_CjGc/s1600-h/lots+of+food2.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 372px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbaKhT3o5m4JkS90wWO5aBOTkwVlGOGToPHCRzJp477kp1yhLEQYeAR88QQuGN19mN2efftUTn1GeyroRiq5UjC7DmiYviLXuyzBfATJoETA7dIwJrZH_1iSfIseM8eHxYKaZ4Zx_CjGc/s400/lots+of+food2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412544199832273810" /></a><br /><br />We, as Oregonians, have thousands of of friends, family, neighbors, and strangers that are struggling just to make it though the day. Wondering where their next meal is coming from or where their children are going to sleep tonight. Wondering if they will survive this bitter cold or if they will succumb to the elements. How horrible must that be?<br /><br />So, if you have the ability to help this winter, please do so. Please give whatever you can. Food, clothes, toys, holiday decorations, money, hope. Store a bag of clothes or food in your car to hand it out when you see someone in need. These are not nameless, faceless people that you see walking down the street with a shopping cart or standing on a street corner asking for help. These are our neighbors. Our friends. Our family.<br /><br />Please help in any way you can and have a wonderful holiday season.<br /><br />Special thanks to <a href="http://www.ourown2hands.com">Our Own Two Hands</a> for donating money to WGTTH (and making this possible) and to Margena King from <a href="http://kingsembroidery.com">King's Embroidery</a> for donating bags and bags of sweatshirts, hats and scarves to help those in need!!We've Got Time to Helphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17650470316122664051noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7742559345290878996.post-83760586060458279842009-12-03T06:47:00.000-08:002009-12-03T08:57:51.019-08:00Human SolutionsThis is kind of a long post, but please take a few minutes to read through it. It is so very important.<br /><br />Last night, Michelle and I dropped off bags full of gloves, scarves, and hats at the <a href="http://www.humansolutions.org/homelessness-services/warming-center-homeless-families.php">Human Solutions Warming Center</a> in NE Portland. We have become familiar with warming centers in the area ever since last winter's Arctic blast came through in mid-December. <br /><br />This year there are more homeless people than ever before, at least in our lifetime. They are scared, cold, hungry, and losing hope quickly. Entire families have been displaced because of job loss, mounting bills, and the economy in general. Just a couple of years ago, these same families had "normal" lives. They had hopes and dreams. They had aspirations and plans for the future. Now, they wonder where their next meal is coming from and where they and their children will sleep tonight. It's a truly awful and desperate situation. But, this is an area that we can make a big difference. <a href="http://www.humansolutions.org/our-impact.php">Here's a link</a> to the impact that Human Solutions was able to make last year.<br /><br />As we were dropping the items off at the warming center last night, the coordinator for the center, Blanchette, asked if Michelle and I would like a tour. We said we would and she showed us their facility. The top floor of the center, is wall-to-wall cots. They can legally house 60 people there every night. Once the center is full, they have to turn people away at the door, sometimes giving them jackets or blankets for the cold night ahead. The people there ranged from single men and women to 4 or 5 person families, some with very young children. There is a kitchenette area with a small refrigerator, a few cupboards and a microwave. There really isn't a place (or hardware) for people to prepare meals, so there are a lot of cup-o-soups and nutrition bars. <br /><br />She then led us downstairs where they have a makeshift storage area. Here is where they keep some extra clothes and food to hand out to those in need. Sometimes, in very harsh weather, they will use the basement as an overflow area. People aren't allowed to sleep downstairs (fire code), but at least they can get out of the elements for a short time. <br /><br />We then spoke to her at length about what the center needs to be the most effective. Keep in mind that the age ranges from newborn to adult. Here is a list of some of the items we talked with her about:<br /><br />Clothing- Especially socks and hoodies. Backpacks are another much needed item. Of course, any type of clothing will help someone. They just had a local bakery donate 200 coats of all sizes, so there are doing okay for now on jackets. Other than that, anything will help. <br /><br />Food- Food that doesn't take much (or any) prep is great for them. They mentioned cup-o-soups, energy bars, fruit, etc. etc. Breakfast items that children can eat on the way to school is another big need for them. <a href="http://www.humansolutions.org/homelessness-services/warming-center-homeless-families.php">Here's a link</a> to a wish list that they have.<br /><br />Christmas decorations- This might not seem like a "need" but we think it might be more needed than a lot of things. They have no holiday decorations at all. They would like to be able to put up lights and other decorations, if for no other reason, to lift every one's spirits for a day or two.<br /><br />We also spoke about how volunteers can help. Here are just a few of the ways Blanchette mentioned:<br /><br />1) Someone with the time and supplies to come down to the warming center and help make some old-school Christmas decorations. Paper chains and snow flakes that the children can make and hang around the warming center.<br /><br />2) Anyone willing to transport people to another shelter. When they have to turn someone away or when a family is moving to another, more long term, shelter, they would love for someone to be able to take them, instead of just giving them the address and making them find their own way there.<br /><br />3) Perhaps someone could come into the center and read stories to everyone, especially the children. Or maybe just bring some general crafts for everyone to enjoy. Anything to let these people know that they have not been forgotten by society.<br /><br />4) Any person, or group, willing to bring hot or prepared meals for everyone would be more appreciated than you know. They had a group from a local business office bring in an entire Thanksgiving meal for people staying at the shelter. Soups, stews, chilis or even sandwiches would be a welcomed sight at the center.<br /><br />5) Something else Blanchette mentioned was perhaps getting stockings for everyone for Christmas and filling them with fruit, candy, gift cards. The families staying at the center don't have any type of storage area, so they have to take everything with them when the leave the shelter every day.<br /><br />6) Just general, everyday volunteering. Their dream is for someone to show up and say "put me where you need me". Anyone with a little time is more than welcome to stop by the center to lend a hand.<br /><br />These are just a few of the ways we can help out. If you are at all interested in volunteering at, or donating to the center, please call Blanchette at 503-810-1352. The hours for dropping off donated items is 7pm-10pm ever day, but I'm sure they would accommodate for your schedule.<br /><br />Again, we think this is a wonderful organization and they are truly making a real impact in our community. Please try to lend a hand to them this year.<br /><br />Thank you to everyone and we hope to see you all soon!We've Got Time to Helphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17650470316122664051noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7742559345290878996.post-67972331507711238042009-12-01T09:26:00.000-08:002009-12-01T12:12:47.529-08:00Some little things you can try...Hey all! We hope and wish that everyone is having a good start to the Christmas season.<br /><br />I don't think that we need to remind anyone that this has been a really rough year for a lot of people. The worst year in a lot of people's lives. Many people out there don't even have the basics. Even though I have been unemployed for a year now, we are still very blessed. We have each other, our home, our animals, food, clothes, heat. We have everything we need and more. <br /><br />Other's are not so fortunate. 1000's of people, in Oregon alone, have lost their jobs and homes. Many feel alone and without hope. All they want for Christmas is to feel safe and warm. To feel that there are people out there who care about them and their families. To feel a little hope. As friends, neighbors, and strangers we can, in this season of giving, tell them in no uncertain terms that YES, we do care. To remind them that we are here for them, as we hope they would be for us. Those of us with an abundance can share with those who are going without. We can remake this world as it should be.<br /><br />Here are just a few things that Michelle and I are doing to try and help those in need. These suggestions go for anyone that you know or see that needs help. Perhaps a neighbor who lost their job and is struggling, or a family member who needs a little help. That homeless person that you drive by everyday on your way to work. A co-worker that you know has fallen on rough times. They all are deserving and they all could use some compassion. And, if you think that the donation might be embarrassing for the person (especially a neighbor or co-worker), leave a bag of clothes or food on their doorstep or on their desk when they are away. It's so very hard to ask for help, but it is so very appreciated when it comes. Here are a few ideas:<br /><br />Cleaning out the closets. Grab any socks, hats, gloves, jackets, pants, shirts, etc. that you don't use anymore. Put them in bags in the back of your car. Anytime you see someone on the street that looks cold or wet or under dressed, pull over and offer them some clothes. We promise they will be more thankful than you can imagine.<br /><br />Clean out your pantry. You know those boxes and cans of food that sit in your cupboard month after month? Pull them out and offer them to someone who needs some food. Again, this could be a friend, relative, neighbor or even a stranger. If you don't know anyone that could use the food or if you are uncomfortable handing it out, please donate your extra food to a food bank. There are tons of them in the area. <a href="http://www.rosecityresource.org/resources/food-boxes">Here's a link to a list of food donation places in the Portland area.</a> <br /><br />If you know of someone that is having a really rough year or someone who might spend the holiday alone, invite them to your home for Christmas. Nothing could be more about the spirit of the holidays than sharing your home with someone who doesn't have a place to go. It's a pretty cool feeling!<br /><br />Maybe you just cleaned out your closets and you don't really have any "extra" food in the pantry. You can always take a few extra dollars (if you have them) and go shopping for food, clothes or toys to donate. To make your dollar really stretch, try shopping at places like the Grocery Outlet or another bargain store. Or maybe stop by a second hand store and pick up some clothes or toys to give away. For people that have nothing, even second hand is a tremendous gift.<br /><br />Donate new or used dog/cat food and toys to a local pet shelter (or again, to someone you know that might be struggling). We donate a lot of doggy items and food to <a href="http://fido-clackamas.org/blog/">F.I.D.O (Friends Involved in Dog Outreach).</a> Here's a link to their wish list this year <a href="http://fido-clackamas.org/blog/donations/fido-wish-list/">(Click here).</a> Or, another great program to donate to is the <a href="http://www.feralcats.com/index.html">Feral Cat Coalition.</a> Of course there are many other great animal shelters that could use some help. <br /><br />Another great way to help people is, obviously, to volunteer your time. This time of year is a great chance for families to volunteer together. A local food bank or soup kitchen is a great reminder for people (especially children) to truly appreciate everything that they have in their lives. It really makes an impression on you when you see another human being that has absolutely nothing. And of course this year, there are more people than ever in the food bank and soup kitchen lines.<br /><br />And the last suggestion is just a little one. It's something that we have done over the past few years, and it's effects are quite remarkable. Next time you are at the grocery store, pick up a box or bag of small candy canes (or full size candy canes, if you prefer). Keep them on you at all time throughout the month. Every time you are out and about (i.e. grocery or gift shopping) take a look around you and see who looks like they could use a smile. Walk over to that person, hand them a candy cane and tell them "Happy Holidays" or "Merry Christmas" or whatever you wish to say. It really is amazing how many people stop and smile. Okay, at first, they might look at you like you're a little bonkers but then they take the candy cane, smile and walk away a little happier than they were before you walked over to them. It's a blast.<br /><br />There are so many ways to spread hope. Gifts and toys are wonderful, but if you can actually give someone a little hope, it's worth all the toys in Santa's sleigh.We've Got Time to Helphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17650470316122664051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7742559345290878996.post-18764888328958550142009-11-17T19:13:00.000-08:002009-11-17T20:29:08.197-08:00A few OpportunitiesHere is a listing of a few different opportunities coming up in the next couple of weeks. Please feel free to sign up for one (or all of them!)<br /><br />Loaves and Fishes is looking for volunteers for two hour shifts to hand out Donate Dinner Cards at local stores. Please check their site at http://donatedinner.org<br /><br />We also have some opportunities to help the NWPM. Take a look at these:<br /><br />NWPM Food Pantry needs at least one additional driver with a big vehicle who could get a delivery from the Oregon Food Bank at least twice a month. The best day would be Thursdays, Wednesdays would be second choice. In an ideal world we'd also do an additional pick up on MONDAYS. There is quite a bit of flexibility as to the exact time. We'll also be looking for more helpers to unload the delivery at the pantry, as it is a pretty big job! If you would be willing to give this a try, please contact Kelly or Preston at 503-221-1224. <br /><br />Do you play the piano? A volunteer has been requested to help provide music at the Rosenbaum Plaza (12th & Washington) Holiday Party on Dec. 15th from 1pm- 3pm. Piano provided! <br /><br />Looking for festive a festive volunteer opportunity? On Saturday, Dec. 12th NWPM volunteers are needed to wrap gifts at the Holiday Village in NW. More details available upon request. <br /><br />Ongoing Helping Hands: A fragile woman who lives downtown needs help with household upkeep and friendly visiting a few times a month. She has a small dog. <br /><br />NWPM has the following ongoing volunteer opportunities: <br />Individuals needed on short notice to fill-in for regular volunteers in anticipation of the upcoming flu season. Contact info@nwpm.org or 503-221-1224 <br /><br />Volunteer delivery drivers: deliver meals on wheels requests & food box deliveries during winter months when the need is up. Contact Kelly or Preston at 503-221-1224 <br /><br />Loaves & Fishes: help serve hot meals to our elderly neighbors at the Irving Street L&F site at First Immanuel Lutheran Church. Contact Kelly at kelly@nwpm.org or 503-221-1224 ext. 105 <br /><br />Recreation trip drivers: drive the NWPM mini-bus to and from fun, community adventures. Volunteer office receptionist/database support: Work at the NWPM office at Montgomery Park with the friendly staff. Contact Codi at 503-221-1224 ext. 103 or codi@nwpm.org <br /><br /><br />Here is an email that We've Got Time to Help received yesterday. Please take a look if you've Got the Time to Help!<br /><br />"I am helping my brother with a project and we need some help. He just moved here from North Carolina and he has not been able to find a job. His wife is in school and pregnant with their first child, due in February. Since my brother has had such a difficult time finding work he decided to try something he is good at-- woodworking. We are making handmade wooden lamps to sell at local holiday bazaars. We stumbled upon the Expo Christmas bazaar and they have space for us but it starts in 10 days. Since we are new to this we don't have a stockpile of lamps sitting around. <br /><br />So, our project: we are looking for anyone with woodworking experience that might be willing to help with some pretty straight forward cutting, sanding and maybe drilling. I take care of the lampshades which involves a lot of sewing. If there was someone that wanted to help with that too it would be great. <br /><br />Thanks if you can post this. I have been following your group for a while and would be happy to return the volunteering favor! Oh, could you also add me to your email list, I just saw that the format has changed."<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Sarah <br />503-956-0041<br /><br />These are just a few of the projects that we have going on. If you have the time, please contact the names above, or shoot us an email to let us know.<br /><br /><br />Thanks to everyone out there and keep up the good work!<br /><br />Seth and MichelleWe've Got Time to Helphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17650470316122664051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7742559345290878996.post-52759564644822488472009-11-15T10:46:00.000-08:002009-11-15T11:16:40.927-08:00Our Own Two Hands<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNXkF1Wb2bOUXQ3N1tB7nUFrsNsPRJWzP81dzLBMhUGJH8qRjuEoFMW5d-7dkSek5u4QrWdF9aUBOzM9xPgtc7-9Jm0O8IyBepHFswbqQ1jLJWPi7iNhTVUvkUYvpQMVKnzBHn2pITpU8/s1600-h/610_main.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNXkF1Wb2bOUXQ3N1tB7nUFrsNsPRJWzP81dzLBMhUGJH8qRjuEoFMW5d-7dkSek5u4QrWdF9aUBOzM9xPgtc7-9Jm0O8IyBepHFswbqQ1jLJWPi7iNhTVUvkUYvpQMVKnzBHn2pITpU8/s400/610_main.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404407745866242722" /></a><br />Earlier this week, we were contacted by an organization called <a href="http://www.ourown2hands.com/">Our Own Two Hands</a>. They wrote us an email stating that they had seen and heard of the work we were doing in the community and wanted to help us with our causes. The email then stated that they were donating $500 to the group to use how ever we see fit.<br /><br />Now, we have to admit, at first we were a little skeptical. We looked up their organization and did some Googling on their board members. Everything looked legitimate, so we emailed them back with our address.<br /><br />Sure enough, in yesterday's mail, there was the check. We couldn't believe it. What an amazingly generous action from these wonderful people! There are a couple of projects that have been on hold because of the lack of funds. But this changes everything!<br /><br />A great big THANK YOU to the board of Our Own Two Hands for voting to donate some much needed money. There is no way to express our gratitude to them! Here is a link to the list of the <a href="http://www.ourown2hands.com/Our_Board_of_Directors.html">Board of Directors</a> who made this all possible. Please check them out.<br /><br />We also wanted to give a big THANK YOU to whomever submitted our name to them for review. <br /><br />Please take a look at their site here <a href="http://www.ourown2hands.com">Our Own Two Hands</a> and support them in any way that you can!We've Got Time to Helphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17650470316122664051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7742559345290878996.post-70345307279916213552009-11-09T08:47:00.000-08:002009-11-09T09:46:59.094-08:00Share your storiesOver the last couple of months, and especially since the Guidepost article came out, we have been keeping really busy. There are lots of big and small projects going on that have needed a lot of attention. We can always use more help, if you've got time.<br /><br />There are so many good things going on during these dark times, but they are hard to see sometimes. It's hard to see and find the wonderful things going on when everyday is a struggle just to survive and to put food on your table.<br /><br />We have met so many amazing people over the last many months and heard so many inspiring stories. It has been such a privilege to work side-by-side with everyone. To see strangers helping each other in their greatest time of need. We are lucky enough to get to see and hear these stories everyday.<br /><br />What we would love to do is to share real-life stories with as many people as possible. The more hope you can see and hear, the more hope you take with you.<br /><br />So please, share with us your stories of hope and caring. Tell us your story of lending someone a hand. Or, share with us a story of someone you saw giving selflessly. Let us know about the good things that you see going on around you. <br /><br />The stories are there, sometimes you just have to be ready to see it.<br /><br />Good luck and we can't wait to hear from you.We've Got Time to Helphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17650470316122664051noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7742559345290878996.post-70721532619275080932009-10-18T13:06:00.000-07:002009-10-18T15:48:13.676-07:00A little story...This story is not about Michelle and I (Seth). It is not meant to be a self-congratulatory anecdote. It is meant to illustrate how easy it is to <em>not</em> help someone in need. How easy it is to ignore those around us. <br /><br />Last night, Michelle and I ran up to Safeway to get some items for dinner. We were both hungry and tired from the day and we were being pretty grumpy. The store was very busy and noisy, which didn't help our mood at all. After waiting in line for what seemed like 20 minutes, we finally checked out and left through the big double doors.<br /><br />As we exited the building, our arms were overloaded with bags of groceries and 3 cases of soda. We hadn't grabbed a cart when we went in, so we just decided to lug the groceries out to the car. On our way out, we were approached by 2 disheveled looking women. The younger (teenager) of the two women asked us if we had a quarter. Michelle and I both said "no, sorry. We don't have any change". We then proceeded to the car.<br /><br />As we approached the car, Michelle asked me if I heard what the young woman said after we walked away. I said no, I hadn't. Apparently, when we said "no" and walked away, the young girl had said "Oh no, mom. What do we do now"? We both felt a large pang of guilt. At the car, Michelle dug through her purse to get some change. We turned around in time to see 2 men, giving them some change. We looked at each other, wondering what to do next, and slowly climbed into the car. As we drove towards home, Michelle started to cry. I asked her what was wrong, and she stated that we were very callous to just say no and walk away from the women. After talking about it for another minute or so, we turned the car around and headed back to see if we could help in any way.<br /><br />We pulled up to the store again and found the women at a telephone booth, trying to place a call. We slowly walked up to them and said "excuse me". They turned around, we noticed that they weren't disheveled at all. In fact, it was just an awkward teenager and her mom. They looked completely "normal". In our grumpy mood and our haste to get home, we had seen something that wasn't really there at all. We saw what we expected to see from a couple of people begging money outside a store. I believe it was Henry David Thoreau who said, "We must learn to reawaken and keep ourselves awake..." No words have ever been more true.<br /><br />As we approached, they turned to greet us. Michelle held out a handful of change to the mom. She graciously took the gift and said, very genuinely, "thank you"! We then asked her if there was anything that we could do to help them. She said "we were just evicted a couple of days ago, and we are trying to call someone who can wire us some money". Michelle and I both started crying. We told her how sorry we were for walking by. How sorry we were that we didn't stop and offer help before. We gave them our phone number and told then to call for any reason. We told her that we had some extra food they could have, a computer and phone that they could use, or just a place to rest if they needed it. We told them again how very sorry we were and how sorry we were that they were in such an awful situation.<br /><br />As we drove back home, still crying, Michelle reminded me that we had an extra <a href="www.rosecityresource.org">Rose City Resource Guide</a> (www.rosecityresource.org) at home. It's a great little booklet of community and city resources for those in need. They work in conjunction with <a href="http://www.211info.org/">211.org</a>. As soon as we got home, I rushed in and grabbed one of the booklets. We then went back to the store and gave them the guide. Once again, they thanked us and gave us very warm and bright smiles. <br /><br />This young family will probably never call. We will probably never see them again. Hopefully, they got some money together and are on their way to a safe place. The point is not that we helped them, it's that they helped us. This young mother and daughter have changed our lives. It opened our eyes. Eyes that had begun to close without either of us noticing. As Michelle so eloquently stated "Everyone (meaning us) needs a good kick in the teeth sometimes". I couldn't agree more.<br /><br />As we returned home, we cried in silence. We were thinking about how cold and callous we were during our first encounter with these lost souls. About how we were not practicing what we preach. We tell everyone we know to stop and help those in need. We tell people to stop making excuses and to just lend a hand. And yet here we were, willing to walk right by someone that had asked us for a measly quarter. <br /><br />Asked for a little help. <br /><br />Asked for a little hope.We've Got Time to Helphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17650470316122664051noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7742559345290878996.post-17382463538212710242009-10-17T15:31:00.000-07:002009-10-17T15:34:53.180-07:00Marketplace story on American Public MediaHere is a link to the show we were a quick guest on concerning unemployment on American Public Media's show, Marketplace:<br /><br />http://marketplace.publicradio.org/display/web/2009/10/02/mm-discouragedworkers/<br /><br />Just click on listen to the show button.We've Got Time to Helphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17650470316122664051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7742559345290878996.post-38180183740153520642009-09-30T09:17:00.001-07:002009-10-01T20:56:53.857-07:00Trying to change the way we thinkOne of the first things that we talked about when we started this group earlier this year was attempting to change they way we all look at different situations and how we view this world. Not only would we be able to help others in need with things like home repair, but maybe also help people see this new world in a new light.<br /><br />If we could all just slow our pace down a little and take time to notice our neighbors around us, we think this could be a much better place to live. We have really tried to change the way we think. Noticing the homeless person that needs some food, a neighbor that needs a hand with some yard work or even a complete stranger that just looks like they could use a kind word. Before we started this group, we never saw these things. We were too caught up in out own lives to even notice those around us. Now, after working on it, we seem to have a completely new set of eyeballs. They see things that they never saw before. We are paying attention.<br /><br />There is no feeling in the world like being able to help someone that needs it. Whether it's something big or just a little gesture, it all makes you feel connected. <br /><br />It's so easy to pass by someone and not even give them a second glance. Next time you see someone who looks like they could use a hand, please stop and take just a minute or two to offer your help. It's a very scary thing to do for a lot of people (including Michelle and I). To step out of your "comfort zone" and go up to a complete stranger and offer help. Sometimes we still have to physically stop walking, turn around and go back to the person. <br /><br />Here's a few actual excuses that we (Michelle and Seth) have used in the past:<br /><br />"Oh, we're really busy" or "we need to get to the next place we're going"<br />"They probably don't need help"<br />"They look too upset to talk to right now"<br />"I'm sure someone is coming to help them"<br />"They have probably already called someone"<br />"We shouldn't get involved"<br />"It looks too personal"<br />"I can't help them" or "I wouldn't know how to help"<br />"I don't want to embarrass them" or "I don't want to be embarrassed"<br /><br />There are many, many other excuses that we have used in the past not to help someone. Usually, it all stems from fear. Fear of the unknown. Fear of doing or saying something wrong. The only fear that we should really have is the fear of walking away from someone that needs help.We've Got Time to Helphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17650470316122664051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7742559345290878996.post-19262601063829454132009-09-28T09:40:00.000-07:002009-09-28T09:46:08.384-07:00Any electricians have time?We have had 2 requests this week for electricians for 2 separate projects. Unlike normal, these are paying jobs and we would love to be able to help some folks out and put a couple of people to work.<br /><br />If yo have the time and knowledge, we would love to hear from you! Please just email us at wevegottimetohelp@q.com to let us know that you can lend a hand.<br /><br />Also, we just received a request from someone that needs help putting up a small fence (roughly 15ft) between their home and their neighbor. They have offered a small payment to anyone that can help out. Got time?<br /><br />Thanks for all you do,<br />Seth and MichelleWe've Got Time to Helphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17650470316122664051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7742559345290878996.post-45658850378550803132009-09-24T08:47:00.000-07:002009-09-24T08:53:15.172-07:00Guideposts ArticleA few months ago Guideposts Magazine contacted We've Got Time to Help as they wanted to do an article. Seth was interviewed and the article is in the October issue. The interview is now posted on their website. We are unable to get the link to work from our page so please check it out here http://www.guideposts.com/story/jobless-volunteers-tough-timesWe've Got Time to Helphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17650470316122664051noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7742559345290878996.post-43496075626722754492009-09-21T17:23:00.000-07:002009-09-21T17:42:21.519-07:00Michelle's MotherJust a quick note to let everyone know what has been going on in our lives outside of our normal routines such as they may be!! My mother has been sick quite a bit lately and was finally diagnosed with Acute Myelomonocytic Leukemia. We have been spending quite a bit of time at the hospital and trying to keep all of her friends and family up to date on her condition and treatment. She is just finishing up her first round of chemo today and has handled it really well. She doesn't like the hospital food so we, by which I mean Seth and my wonderful aunt Kay Wheeler have been taking turns cooking meals for her and will continue to do so as long as the hospital will let her have them and she still has an appetite. She is expecting to be in the hospital for another 2-4 weeks then returning later for another round of chemo. An unexpected consequence of this situation is that I set up another blog that Seth has to maintain when I am unavailable. Sorry sweetie. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers. <br /><br />If you would like to personally send her your prayers you can visit her CarePages Blog at https://www.carepages.com/carepages/MargenaKing<br /><br />I would also like to apologize as I will not be able to involved as much with WGTTH as I would like to be at this time.<br />MichelleWe've Got Time to Helphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17650470316122664051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7742559345290878996.post-85091105678867742952009-09-17T10:49:00.001-07:002009-09-17T10:51:28.235-07:00Update on OPB's Think Out LoudBecause of the President's address to the country on Tuesday, the OPB radio show (talked about below) will be on this Monday the 21st at 9am. Please listen in if you have the time.<br /><br />Take care and keep paying it forward!We've Got Time to Helphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17650470316122664051noreply@blogger.com0