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“Why do you and daddy have to work?”

“So that we can have this house, food, clothes, and take care of you.”

“What would happen if you didn’t work?”

“Well, we wouldn’t be able to pay for this house or buy food. Did you know there are some people who have no house? They sleep in their cars or sometimes on the street.”

“No way.”

“Yes, it’s very sad, right? So we should be thankful that mami and papa work and that we have all we have.”

This is a conversation my baby girl and I had months ago. It was one of those early-morning, still-in-bed conversations before a typical work day. Though, I tried to explain to her that we should be grateful since there are some who have much less, I don’t think the message truly sunk in. It’s tough for a 4 year old to understand this concept of being without; especially when we’re fortunate to be able to provide for her. Since then, I’ve been thinking of a way to help her understand.

I may be able to do just that this coming Sunday while attending and co-hosting the Orlando Hebrew National Better-Than-A-Picnic Picnic. Hebrew National and TheMotherhood.com have teamed up with bloggers across the country to host family-friendly picnics that benefit local charities. In Orlando, it will be held this Sunday, June 27 and will benefit the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida. If you’re not in Orlando, you can check out the official picnic page on The Motherhood for information about picnics in other cities.

Hebrew National and The Motherhood’s Orlando “Better-Than-A-Picnic Picnic”

Details:

Hosted by:

• Jennifer, The Dirty Shirt
• Leigh, Theme Park Mom
• Britt, Miss Britt
• and me!

When: Sunday, June 27
Time: 11:30 am – 3:30 pm
Where: Lake Eola Park – 195 N. Rosalind Ave., Downtown Orlando

Bring your kids, family, and friends to enjoy free Hebrew National hot dogs, a community service project to benefit Central Florida homeless, music, giant puzzles, a mechanical bull and other activities for kids and families! We will be collecting donated items, as well as putting together goody bags for many dads currently living in the shelter, who were unable to receive a Father’s Day celebration.

The Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida is in need of many items, such as:

• Canned fruit and vegetables
• Baby items: Diapers (sizes 4, 5 and 6), potty training pants (i.e., Pull-Ups®), baby wipes, and sippy cups, GOOD START® baby formula (per government nutritional guidelines)
• Personal hygiene supplies: Bar soap, hand soap, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors, feminine hygiene products, shampoo, and conditioner
• New underwear, socks, bras, and shoes (men, women and children)
• Medical supplies
• Cleaning supplies
• Kitchen items: paper towels, napkins, paper plates, cups, dish soap, hand/dish towels
• General office supplies
• Hurricane supplies
• Gift cards for Home Depot, Lowe’s, Target, Walmart, Publix, Office Max, Office Depot, and Staples

For items specific to the goody bags for the dads, the following would be appreciated: shaving creams, razors, chocolate, cards, etc.

All are welcome and RSVP is not required, but you can RSVP on facebook if you’d like.

If you’re in the Orlando and near-by areas, please come out to Lake Eola and have fun with your friends and family while also helping out the local homeless community. I’d love to meet you!

Disclosure: As a co-host of the Hebrew National Better-Than-A-Picnic Picnic and working with TheMotherhood.com, I was compensated for my time.