Our Totally Unkosher Passover Plate Is So Wrong, It’s Right

By Jenee Naquin

March 16, 2018

As we prepare for Passover, I put a hold on ordering another loaf of bread from FreshDirect, order matzah shmurah to get extra mitzvah points and dust off the oyster—yes, oyster—plate we use as our Passover seder plate. This plate for crustaceans—a very, very non-kosher food—makes me chuckle a little and reflect on this life we are creating for our family.

Our family of three is an interfaith one that takes a little extra planning and thought when it comes to the holidays—and now there are a lot of holidays. While interfaith marriages cause great strife in some nations, communities and families we chose to forge through it and let love prevail: the hippie faith is one we have in common.

My husband and I both come from rich cultures and neither wanted to lose that identity. Actually, the fondness and respect we have for our own cultures fostered an understanding and excitement to celebrate the other’s. While dating we invented a new holiday we named Purim Gras since both holidays are around the same time and have many similar jovial customs. We served hamentashen next to king cake and hung a greeting sign which read “SHOW ME YOUR TZIT-TZITS.”

To celebrate our marriage, we set the tone of our life together by calling it our Cajun-Jewish Wedding. We incorporated traditions from both cultures (FYI: Cajuns originally were Catholic). We were married on the front porch of an Acadian-st‌yle home under a chuppah. We had a Friday night Shabbat rehearsal dinner and a fish fry with crawfish étouffée the night of the wedding.

Our goal isn’t to compromise but rather convene on ways to marry our rich cultures—and we’ve given our new baby the best of it all. His name is part Hebrew and part Cajun, with a birthday on the 4th night of Hanukkah and a week before Christmas.

When I began to prepare for our first Passover Seder as a family, I realized an oyster plate has six sections and a Seder plate has six symbolic foods. You can imagine the excitement and sense of victory at this perfect melding of the cultures again. It was a sign from G-d letting me know we were doing things right.

To some, our interfaith marriage has diluted our heritage and dishonored our family. Tradition and the tradition of marrying within one’s religion is not something to be taken lightly. I understand the desire and sense of responsibility to preserve one’s culture and religion.

In many cases, preserving this lifest‌yle is a way to honor your ancestors’ struggles to maintain their beliefs. My family fled France and then British rule in Canada, and my husband’s family left Poland before the war to be able to maintain our sense of identities.

Our journeys, thankfully of our free will, led us to New York where we too were trying to connect to an identity found in an urban space where all your dreams come true. When we met, he was looking for a Jewish girl, and I was looking for a European prince to make me a princess. We couldn’t help but fall in love.

While our journey was not under the pressure of war or expulsion, still we were searching for the kind of life that allowed us to pursue our own version of happiness. When I look into my baby’s eyes, yes, he’s not Jewish. He’s Cajun Jewish and I am in awe that love created him.

Our Oyster Seder Plate will be his tradition that connects him to two resilient cultures and serves to remind him of love, hate, acceptance and the ability to pursue happiness.

Original: Jenee Sais Quoi

Featured Photo Courtesy: Jenée Naquin

Jenee Naquin

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Jenée Naquin is a fashion brand builder, adventure seeker and mother. She resides in Brooklyn with her family, always making time for a great adventure. A Cajun in New York, raising a healthy interfaith family takes a lot of "Jenée" Sais Quoi—which she pens about at her personal blog and documents on Instagram.

Nursery Rhymes are Scary As All Get-Out

By Kristin McCarthy

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

February 1, 2017

Is it just me or are any other adults out there really spooked by traditional nursery rhymes? At first they didn’t bother me any and I barely even paid attention to the words I was reciting to my little ladies. After ten years of reading rhyme after rhyme however, they are sounding more freakishly terrifying to my old ears. Maybe these things are the reason kids never sleep!

Rock-A-Bye-Baby

Rock-a-bye baby, in the treetop When the wind blows, the cradle will rock When the bough breaks, the cradle will fall And down will come baby, cradle and all.

This one is another terrifying ode to the Royals. King James II and Mary Modena supposedly snatched up a sleeping infant and passed it off as their own in order to ensure the succession of the Catholic reign. Sleep tight, kids.

Mary, Mary Quite Contrary

Mary Mary quite contrary, How does your garden grow? With silver bells and cockleshells And pretty maids all in a row.

Another one about Queen Mary aka Queen of the creepy nursery rhymes. The garden is supposedly code-wo for graveyard and the guillotine was lovingly referred to as “The Maiden.” Silverbells and Cockleshells are a reference to devices of torture. Never again am I reading a nursery rhyme to my kids.

Jack and Jill

Jack and Jill went up the hill to fetch a pail of water, Jack fell down and broke his crown, And Jill came tumbling after.

Nothing weird about this sweet diddy, right? Wrong. A small English town claims this rhyme is about a real couple who used to sneak off to a local hill to do the deed. Jill falls preggers, Jack smashes his head open with a blunt object (obviously not ready for fatherhood) and Jill dies in childbirth. A real love story here.

London Bridges

London Bridge is falling down, Falling down, falling down. London Bridge is falling down, My fair lady.

I will admit, I didn’t ever have high hopes of this one. Bridges tumbling are never good news. This rhyme is open to suggestion. Some say it centers around child sacrifices (covering ears now) other say it has to do with the Viking attacks in the early 1000’s. Either way I hate bridges more than ever now.

Three Blind Mice

Three blind mice, three blind mice, See how they run, see how they run, They all ran after the farmer’s wife, Who cut off their tails with a carving knife, Did you ever see such a thing in your life, As three blind mice?

The back story is there are no mice…and no farm…and no happiness. The farmer’s wife is actually Queen Mary of England who didn’t cut off any tails, but rather burned three opposing noblemen (and several thousand others) at the stake.

Baa Baa Black Sheep

Baa, baa, black sheep, Have you any wool? Yes sir, yes sir, Three bags full!

One for the master, One for the dame, And one for the little boy who lives down the lane

This one is not as creepy in truth. Most scholars agree that it has to do with The Great Custom Tax of 1275. In recent history people have become really offended over the famous rhyme swearing that it is racially charged. One school even changed it to Baa Baa Rainbow Sheep. (Rolling eyes right now.) I’m just glad this one didn’t end in death and destruction and years worth of therapy and nightmares.

Baa Baa Black Sheep for the win!

Kristin McCarthy

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Kristin is a blogging SAHM of 4 unruly princesses. When she is not busy raising humans and vacuuming up toys she can be found at the local Target or hiding in her laundry room where she writes for Red Tricycle, Suburban Misfit Mom and Sammiches and Psych Meds.

How My Love for Kids Stopped Me From Giving Birth

By Duda Jadrijevic

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

January 1, 2017

Photo: Pexels.com

I knew from an early age that I didn’t want to be a birth mother. There was nothing wrong with my body, or my mind, I often dreamt about getting married and was always described as a loving person.

I vividly remember the conversation I had with my father when I was a teenager. I was raised in a Catholic family in Croatia and a statement like this was a rather controversial one. To defend my opinion in front of my puzzled yet highly intellectual and wise father, I stated that there were already too many children in the world who were neglected, abused or orphaned and in need of someone’s love. And despite my father’s convincing theories about natural maternal instincts which would eventually lead me to natural motherhood, deep inside I knew it wouldn’t. I just knew that I am capable of loving all children and that life would eventually provide me with the opportunity to do so.

As the years went by, this conviction never faltered and in all my relationships, including my first marriage, I insisted on not having children. As this was often met with resistance, I thought that my path might be to adopt. However, during a seven-year single stint in my early thirties, I dropped the idea, as I knew how impossible adoption is, as a single woman. By late thirties, I hadn’t given up on being in a relationship and imagined my potential partner as having children already. I liked the idea of being a step-mum and as I have a fabulous relationship with my own stepmother, I had a terrific role model.

As a Buddhist, I love people equally and I worked hard on my spiritual growth and to attract a spiritually aware and emotionally healthy person. And what do you know, it happened when I wasn’t looking for it! As I sit in our family house, with my soul mate and his two little boys playing lego, I am aware that I am living my dream. I didn’t know it back then, but the universe had a plan for me all along.

I am a very active parent. My contribution to their lives is love, kindness, compassion and wisdom. I will never be their birth mother, nor do I feel that I need to be. All that comes from my heart is my desire to give. I am not obliged, expected or asked. I choose to enjoy their presence. I enjoy the opportunity to mend a wound when there is one, create a space for laugher, and guide them with clarity. I am honoured to be loved by these beautiful little souls. And grateful to my partner for allowing me in. But more than anyone, I am humbled by the wisdom that has guided me all these years. By that self-awareness, knowing what I needed to become even when I didn’t fully understand. I am amazed by how natural it feels to be a step-mum and how unnatural I feel when I imagine conceiving my own child.

We live in an amazing time in history. Even fifteen years ago articles like this would be rebuked because a woman is not complete if she is not a birth mother. I know I’m not alone in this opinion and draw encouragement from Jennifer Aniston breaking her no public comment rule, to stated in Huffington Post last year that she “is not a mother, and no less a woman”.

Yet we have a long way to go to as there is still a lot of stigma attached to not being a birth mother. It is our duty, as modern and educated women to support each other instead of shaming or labelling each other as something less of a person, if they are not a birth mother. Women like me bring another light to this world; we are complete in who we are. I give all my love to my step-children, even though I haven’t given birth to them.

And as to being a step mother, I’m glad we’ve moved on from the Brothers Grimms idea of a step mother as the wicked witch!

And finally, we as step or adoptive parents undergo a lot of scrutiny, but why not introducing that to everyone? Bring on a parenting assessment. There are too many children born into families with violence, substance abuse or worse. Isn’t that an act of selfishness? The test should be called: how much selfless love do you have to give? Maybe that is one of the ways in which we can reduce the suffering in the world.

Do you have a story to share with our readers? We want to hear it! Sign up for our Spoke Contributor Network and start submitting your writing today.

Duda Jadrijevic

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

A new stepmum, Buddhist life coach, speaker, writer and serial entrepreneur; Duda sees her self in her work as a bridge between the monks and the ordinary person. She runs the “Little School of Buddhism” and together with her partner, two spiritual retreats in Bali, one for women and the other for parents.

Fun Elementary Teacher Dances With Students To Remake of “Juju on That Beat” To Encourage Learning

by Red TricycleSeptember 18, 2016

There’s nothing better than starting a morning off with a song and a dance — just ask these second graders at a Tennessee elementary school. The St. John Catholic School in Memphis shared a video on Facebook of second-grade teacher Mrs. Finch dancing with her students and singing a remix to the hit “Juju on that Beat.” The new lyrics were written by another Tenessee teacher, Bethany Humphrey, and changed to encourage learning and kindness. Take a listen!

Go Green: 11 Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

by Julie SegussFebruary 4, 2015

We’re bringing the luck ‘o the Irish to you this St. Patty’s Day with a full list of fun ways to celebrate with your kids. While this traditionally boozy day may seem more adult-friendly, NYC kids can party on this holiday too with an Irish dance workshop, rainbow cupcake baking an Irish music sing along and more. So get your green on and enjoy being Irish for a day (or two!) at one of the following St. Patrick’s Day events for kids in New York City.

photo from Rob Hoey via Flickr

2015 NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade — Tues., Mar. 17 – 11 a.m.
If you’re willing to brave the crowds, kids will enjoy watching the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade in Manhattan with loads of Irish music and dancing. It starts at 44th St. and goes up 5th Ave. past St. Patrick’s Cathedral at 50th St. all the way to 79th St. Do yourself a favor and head north of 66th St. to avoid some of the (likely drunken) crowds.

St. Patrick’s Open Day at IAC — Sun., Mar. 15 – 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Visit the Irish Arts Center in Midtown for their annual St. Patrick’s Day open house. It’s a fun family afternoon filled with all things Irish. Learn to play the tin whistle, speak Irish, craft your own fairy costume, practice football skills with Manhattan Gaels or sip on a cup of Barry’s tea with friends.

Craft a Rainbow Mobile — Sat., Mar. 14 , Sun., Mar. 15, & Tues., Mar. 17 – 2:30 p.m.
Kids ages 2.5 to 5 can learn all about Ireland in this fun Irish-themed workshop at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum. They’ll explore Irish traditions and create a rainbow mobile to take home.

Bake St. Patty’s Day Rainbow Cupcakes — Sat., Mar. 14 – 9 a.m.; Tues., Mar. 17 – 4:30 p.m.
Kids can’t enjoy a pint o’ the Irish, but they can enjoy a sweet St. Patty’s Day treat and Taste Buds Kitchen will make that happen. They’re hosting a special St. Patrick’s Day themed cupcake baking class so your pint-sized pastry chef can create and colorful dessert fit for a leprechaun.

Craft a Luck o’ The Green Leprechaun Hat — Fri., Mar. 13, Sat., Mar. 14, Sun., Mar. 15 -12:15 p.m.
Celebrate St. Patty’s Day in an arty way at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan with a St. Patty’s Day themed workshop. Little ones ages 0-4 will get to create special hat to wear for the holiday. Plus, they’ll learn about Irish traditions and celebrations.

photo from Jan Herbert via Flickr

Little Ireland Walking Tour — Sat., Mar.14 -12 p.m., Sun. Mar. 15 – 1 p.m.
Explore the former Little Ireland district of the Lower East Side with a family-friendly exploration led by Big Onion Walking Tours. You and your kids will learn why St. Patty’s Day is more popular in America than in Ireland and tour stops may include Al Smith’s home, the Five points, the first Catholic church in the city and sites associated with Tammany Hall, Thomas Addis Emmet and more.

Brooklyn St. Patrick’s Day Parade — Sun., Mar. 15 – 12:45 p.m.
Brooklyn’s St. Patty’s Day parade is a Park Slope slope tradition worth checking out. The fun starts at Prospect Park West at 15th Street with a rededication ceremony to the heroes and victims of 9/11. Then the parade goes down 15th Street and along 7th Avenue to Garfield Place and along Prospect Park West back to 15th Street. You can bet this parade will be a little more low key than the city’s on Monday.

Leprechaun Hike — Sun., Mar. 15 – 1 p.m.
Greenbelt Nature Center educators will lead a family hike searching for leprechauns and their pots of gold. Dress for hiking, but wear your green too! The mile-long hike is suitable for kids ages 7 and older. Feel free to bring younger tots in backpack carriers as well.

St. Patrick’s Day Party at TLB Music — Tues., Mar. 17 – 2 p.m.
Celebrate with your little one ages 4 months to 6 years at this wear-your-green party. There will be a sing along of Irish songs (including everything from the traditional “Molly Malone” to popular songs by Irish musicians Van Morrison, U2, and The Cranberries!), Celtic crafts, healthy snacks and plenty of fun indoor play for all at this Upper East Side spot.

St. Patrick’s Day Party in Park Slope — Tues., Mar. 17 – 9 a.m.
Party with your tot this St. Patty’s Day with a drop-in play space party. Holiday-themed arts and crafts, a sing along, healthy snacks, tattoos and lots of fun are all included.

Irish Dancing Workshop — Sat., Mar. 14 – 11 a.m.
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day a few days early with an Irish dancing workshop with Patricia McManus from the McManus School of Irish Dance! Toddlers on up can learn the basics of traditional Irish Dance.

How will you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with your family this year?

— Julie Seguss

Kid Heaven: A Day Out in Kentfield and Ross

by Erin FeherNovember 13, 2014

If you need a break from the urban jungle gym (pigeon chasing, Muni racing and the like), we recommend a day in Kentfield and Ross, a pair of perfectly manicured, neighboring Marin County suburbs with plenty to offer families, from the best bike paths for kids to playgrounds for little pixies. Here’s our list for how to live like a local for the day in these two charming towns.

Hal Brown Park by Ed H via Four Square

Play

Hal Brown Park at Creekside
This newly renovated (2011) playground features toddler area with sand and water features, a trike track and plenty of swings. For bigger kids, a 17-foot climbing net and turbo slide are of just some the draws here. There are also 2 large volleyball courts and plenty of spots to picnic. The park runs along the creek, and little ones will love walking out on the dock and watching all the birds. Clean bathroom alert!

Bon Air Rd.
Kentfield, Ca
Online: marincountyparks.org
Pixie Park
What started in 1952 as a private playground built for the children of volunteers at the Marin Art and Garden Center is now one of Ross’ most coveted play spaces for kids 7 and under. Pixie Park is a members-only co-op playground, maintained and run by the parents and grandparents who use it. Members are issued a key to the fenced-in area, which includes a playhouse, age-appropriate climbing structures and swings. Membership fees start at $160 per year.

30 Sir Francis Drake Blvd.
Ross, Ca
Online: pixiepark.org

Explore

Kent Woodlands
There are plenty of great trails running through this luxury residential development. Crown Road is light on cars and ends at a fire road that is perfect for strollers or biking with kids. Parking is easy, and a variety of trails lead to a small waterfall, or even the top of Mt. Tam if you and your crew are feeling ambitious.

Map it

College of Marin
When school is out on the weekend, the big open campus is relatively empty and offers great spaces for kids to wander. During summer months, the college offers public swim lessons and daily drop-in pool hours that are a hit with local littles. The Corte Madera Creek bike path cuts through the center of campus and travels along the creek to downtown Ross
835 College Ave.
Kentfield, Ca
415-457-8811
Online: marin.edu

Corte Madera Creek Path
This path is ideal for bikes and strollers, and offers more than just pretty scenery. It actually connects a host of kid friendly locals, including Ross Elementary, College of Marin, Kent Middle School, Bacich Elementary, Marin Catholic High School, Bon Air Shopping Center, the Larkspur Ferry Terminal and Hal Brown Park, with its modern playground.

Map it

Phoenix Lake by Sara V via Four Square

Natalie Coffin Greene Park and Phoenix Lake
This park is perfect for families, and offers everything from trails along the creek to a paved single track path around the lake (2.5 miles and a hilly). A handful of trails leave directly from the parking lot, but the lot is small and usually full by 9 a.m. Insider tip: Park in downtown Ross and add the ½ mile walk into the park to your plan.

Lagunitas Rd & Glenwood Ave
Ross, Ca

Map it

Ross Common
A walkable shopping and green space adjacent to downtown, Ross Common runs two blocks and has a playing field at its center—usually hosting a soccer or little league game. It’s a great place to wander and people watch. Tell the kiddos to keep an eye out for local artists who set up their easels and sketch or paint the scene.

Map it
Online: townofross.org

Miss Sara’s Ballet School
For tiny twinkle toes, this is the sweetest dance school in town. Classes start for kids as young as 2. Don’t miss the school’s (abridged) performance of the Nutcracker at the Marin Civic Center on December 21.

23 Ross Common
Ross, Ca
415-450-1425
Website: misssaras.com

Shop

Breaking Away Bicycles
Get your two-wheelers tuned up, or pick up any last minute accessories before your big ride at this local bike shop.

7 Ross Common
Ross, Ca
415-461-2959

Busy Bees
This children’s clothing shop has something to suit every style, from pretty dresses to cool swim wear.

30 Ross Common
Ross, Ca
917-796-9771
Website: busybees-kids.com

Half Day Cafe by Joe C. via Four Square

Eat

Woodlands Market and Café
This is a great spot for brunch and lunch, and the kids’ menus have plenty of popular options. There is plenty of both indoor and outdoor seating, and even offer a few sofas set with coffee tables (one outside), which are popular with parents. If you’re planning a picnic or just need a snack to go, the main market has everything you could possibly need.

799 College Ave.
Kentfield, Ca
Phone: 415-457-8163
Online: woodlandsmarket.com/cafe/

Ambrosia Pizza
Offering pasta, pizza, salads (and a generous by-the-glass wine list), It seems everyone in town loves this dependable pizza joint. Plenty of free parking in back, but come early, especially on weekends, as it gets busy. Closed Mondays.

850 College Ave.
Kentfield, Ca
415-454-9292
Online: mainstreethub.com/ambrosiapizza

Marche Aux Fleurs
Craving an extra-special night out, but can’t score a sitter? If you drop into this lovely French bistro on the early side (they open at 5:30), you and the kids will feel right a home. Thursday is burger night.

23 Ross Common
Ross, Ca
415-925-9200
Online: marcheauxfleursrestaurant.com

Half Day Café
This place specializes in hearty breakfasts of all stripes, from scrambles to griddle cakes to benedicts, and many of them on are offer through the lunch hour (as well as burgers, tacos, salads and more). Housed inside an old auto garage from the 1930, and family owned by the same folks for more than 20 years, this spot has plenty of charm—and plenty of loyal customers: On weekends the line can stretch into the parking lot, so for impatient eaters, weekdays are your best bet.

848 College Rd.
Kentfield, Ca
415-459-0291
Online: halfdaycafe.com

Ross Grocery
Known to the locals as “Eddie’s” this longtime grocer and sandwich shop turns out salads, sandwiches and even impressive heat and eat dinners from their cute little corner location (now owned by Woodlands Market). It’s right down the road from the local school, so this place gets overrun with kids once the bell rings.

1 Poplar Ave.
Ross, Ca
415-461-9343
Online: rossgrocery.com

Do you have any tips for families visiting Ross and Kentfield? Let us know in the comments below!

—Erin Feher

25 Ways to Give Back Beyond the Canned Food Drive

by allison ellisDecember 26, 2012

Symptoms: a constant run of the gimmes that’s leaving you feeling congested and worn out; a spreading rash of entitlement; affluenza. Prescription: Give to people in need in your community; get the kids involved, rest up, drink plenty of fluids, and focus on things that matter – not “things.”

Here are 25 great ways to get your kids engaged this holiday season.

Note: Most organizations have a minimum age requirement for volunteers (usually 18) although many will accept kids with adult supervision. In cases where onsite volunteering isn’t possible or practical, see if your family can help a charity in other ways, by hosting a supply drive in your neighborhood, helping organize an event, or assisting with offsite administrative tasks.

Here’s how.

Adopt a Family
There are dozens of opportunities to help families in need all over Puget Sound, from food baskets for homeless youth to toy drives for low ranking military families.

Get involved: Peruse the United Way Adopt a Family database for more information or visit www.unitedway.org

Art With Heart
Helping kids through the healing power of creativity, Seattle-based Art With Heart creates and distributes therapeutic books for youth in the midst of a crisis. Volunteer opportunities include fundraising, event planning or becoming an Art With Heart ambassador.

Get involved: Visit www.artwithheart.org/help/volunteer/

BikeWorks
BikeWorks provides programs and resources to needy youth in Seattle. Volunteer by hosting a repair party, bike collection drive, or get involved in their annual kids bike swap.

Get involved: Contact Davey Oil, Volunteer Coordinator, at volunteers@bikeworks.org or call 206-725-9408, ext. 1

Boyer Children’s Clinic
Boyer Children’s Clinic serves children who have neuromuscular disorders such as cerebral palsy or developmental delays. Volunteer opportunities include classroom development and fundraising.

Get involved: Call Boyer Children’s Clinic at 206-325-8477 or email information@boyercc.org.

Catholic Community Services of Western Washington
At Catholic Community Services, volunteers help elderly and disabled persons remain living independently in their own homes. They also serve food to the hungry, help youth who are struggling in school, and assist with early learning centers.

Get involved: Email ccskingcountyinfo@ccsww.org.

Childhaven
The only nonprofit organization in King County dedicated to the mission of healing young and vulnerable victims of abuse, ages 0 – 5, Childhaven’s volunteer opportunities include Brighter Birthday and Adopt-a-Family programs, as well as a Holiday Giving Tree.

Get involved: See Childhaven’s How You Can Help: Volunteer page.

Compass Housing Alliance
Compass provides a range of services and housing options to people struggling with homelessness and poverty in the Seattle area. Volunteer opportunities include donating a holiday meal side dish or main dishes for Thanksgiving or Christmas meals, making holiday meal baskets, forming a cleaning crew or yard work party, or purchasing grocery gift cards for families.

Get involved: Contact Kevin Friedrich, volunteer coordinator, at kfriedrich@compasshousingalliance.org.

El Centro de la Raza
El Centro de la Raza empowers members of the Latino community and serves as an advocate for social justice, through youth, education and skill building programs. Families can volunteer by donating items to their wish list.

Get involved: Visit www.elcentrodelaraza.com/getinvolved.htm

Family Works
A resource center and food bank serving north and central Seattle families, Family Works volunteer opportunities include food drives, childcare and fundraising.

Get involved: Email Megan at meganp@familyworksseattle.org or call 206-576-6534.

Hopelink
Hopelink needs volunteers to help with their food drives, coin drives for their End Summer Hunger program; and sorting, bagging and distributing food to those visiting their food bank in Bellevue. Adult guardian/chaperone(s) are required for volunteers ages 15 and under, and the minimum age for volunteers is 7.

Get involved: Contact the Volunteer Program at 425-869-6066 or email volunteerwithus@hope-link.org

Humane Society of Seattle/King County
Love animals? Humane Society onsite volunteers must be 18 and over, but families can always contribute to the shelter pet wish list.

Get involved: Visit: www.seattlehumane.org

Jubilee Women’s Center
Community dinners (cook a meal at home and serve it to the residents of this women’s shelter) is one of the easiest ways to get involved at Jubilee Women’s Center, or your family can be a Secret Angel Chef and drop off meals for women to heat-and-eat on their own. Donated clothing and other wish list items are also appreciated.

Get involved: Email info@jwcenter.org or contact the Volunteer Coordinator at 206-324-1244.

Imagine Housing
Imagine Housing is the only nonprofit organization in East King County dedicated solely to developing affordable rental homes for low-income families. Volunteer by taking on a property beautification or resident life enhancement project.

Get involved: Visit www.imaginehousing.org/get-involved/volunteer/.

Northwest Harvest
The best opportunities for kids are at the Northwest Harvest Kent warehouse. Families can work together to repack bulk food into family-sized portions that are distributed to their network of food banks throughout Washington state. You can also organize a food drive through your church, school or scouting organization. Northwest Harvest will provide flyers and food recepticals, as well as pick up.

Get involved: Visit www.northwestharvest.org/Volunteer.htm

One-Day Volunteer Opportunities
Got a day to give back? Check out United Way of King County’s monthly calendar, searchable via region or zip code, for kid-friendly opportunities that are the best fit for your family.

Get involved: Visit volunteer.truist.com/uwkc/volunteer/calendar/

Operation: Sack Lunch
The largest meal and basic necessities provider in Washington State, Operation: Sack Lunch provides nutritional meals and basic life necessities to the homeless children, teens, women and men in Seattle. Volunteer opportunities include meal prep, serving and clean up. Kids under age 13 can’t work inside the kitchen, but younger volunteers are accommodated in other ways with various tasks that are essential to the program.

Get involved: Email volunteer@opsacklunch.org or visit www.oslserves.org/index.php.

Page Ahead
Page Ahead provides new books and develops reading activities that empower at-risk children. Find a participating bookstore with a current book drive, or volunteer by helping count and sort books.

Get involved: Visit www.pageahead.org/volunteer.php

PEPS
PEPS – Program for Early Parent Support – has been a vital resource for new parents in the Puget Sound region since 1983. 98% of PEPS groups are run by volunteers. Get your family involved by becoming a PEPS Ambassador or by assisting with fundraising or event planning.

Get involved: Visit www.peps.org/volunteer

Powerful Schools
Working with a select group of Seattle schools through academic intervention programs, Powerful Schools helps to close the achievement gap. Volunteers are needed to assist with literacy nights and open mic nights, fundraising and mailings.

Get involved: Contact Sandy Gunder at sandy@powerfulschools.org.

Ronald McDonald House
Ronald McDonald House is a “home-away-from-home” for families of seriously ill children being treated at Seattle Children’s. Residents need food, toiletries, cleaning supplies and games – and families can help by holding a drive or collecting items for their wish list.

Get involved: Visit www.rmhcseattle.org

Seattle Animal Shelter
Seattle Animal Shelter doesn’t accept volunteers under age 18 but can accommodate groups of youth (with chaperones) for several hours of volunteering or a behind-the-scenes shelter tours. Opportunities are extremely limited and require one month’s notice.

Get involved: Contact the volunteer manager at sas.volunteers@seattle.gov.

Treehouse
It can be tough to be a foster kid, especially during the holidays. You can make the holidays bright for a child living in foster care by collecting warm clothes, toys and donations for Treehouse for Kids.

Get involved: Email drives@treehouseforkids.org or call Christine at 206-267-5109.

Washington Trails Association
Kids ages 10 and up can participate on their own during Washington Trails Association work parties and those under 14 must be accompanied by a supervising adult. After five work parties, volunteers earn their very own green hard hat with their name on it.

Get involved: Visit www.wta.org/volunteer/trail-work-parties

Volunteer Match
Still want more ideas? Volunteer Match is an online service that matches your interests with over 90,000 nonprofit organizations.

Get involved: Visit www.volunteermatch.com

How do you get your kids involved in charitable organizations? Let us know in the comment section below.

–Allison Ellis

first photo courtesy of Kathy Takahashi; other photos courtesy of Allison

MPOMC's Annual Garage Sale – June 11, 2011

by writerredtriMay 19, 2011

Join The Marin Parent’s of Multiples at the largest Family Garage Sale in Marin! MPOMC’s annual Garage Sale features a variety of high-quality used items including maternity apparel, baby and children’s clothes (from infant to approximately age six), infant and toddler gear, toys, furniture and much more! Saturday June 11th, 8am 12pm, half price sale 1pm – 2pm. Marin Catholic Gymnasium, 675 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Kentfield. For more info, visit http://www.mpomc.org/garage_sale.

ML Interest Tag: catholic

Our Totally Unkosher Passover Plate Is So Wrong, It’s Right

By Jenee Naquin

Jenee Naquin

Related reads

Nursery Rhymes are Scary As All Get-Out

By Kristin McCarthy

Kristin McCarthy

Related reads

By Duda Jadrijevic

Duda Jadrijevic

Fun Elementary Teacher Dances With Students To Remake of “Juju on That Beat” To Encourage Learning

Related reads

Go Green: 11 Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

Related reads

Kid Heaven: A Day Out in Kentfield and Ross

Play

Explore

Shop

Eat

Related reads

MPOMC's Annual Garage Sale – June 11, 2011

Related reads