Babble.com's "Moms Who Are Changing The World"

Some of you may know about my charitable groups, Shower of Hope Oklahoma and Shower of Hope Oklahoma - Hamil Family.  Back in May, I created Shower of Hope Oklahoma - Hamil Family as an outreach to the Hamil Family in Cashion, Oklahoma.  The Hamil Family lost their two precious boys from the May 24, 2011 Oklahoma tornadoes.  Catherine Hamil was taking shelter with her three children in the bath tub when the tornado ripped through their home.  Ryan (3) and Cole (15-months) are Heaven's newest angels.  Catherine Hamil is expecting a baby girl in October and has a 5-year old daughter, Cathleen.  As a mommy to two little boys myself, upon hearing about the Hamil's tragedy, I just felt stirred and felt led to do something.  I had to act.  I created the Facebook page, Shower of Hope Oklahoma - Hamil Family, created a blog, a Twitter page and started spreading the word by any means possible.  Many companies such as The Boppy Company, Lullaby Organics, The First Year's, The Learning Curve, BornFree, Medela, Earth Mama Angel Baby, STOKKE and other notable companies have sent donations, gifts and care packages for the Hamil Family.  We had our first delivery day to the Hamil Family on July 1st.  You can read about our "Delivery Day" here.  Many families and individuals from around the world have generously given to the Hamil Family as well and continue to send blessings to the Hamils.

We received donations above and beyond what the Hamil Family needed, such as additional high chairs, changing tables, baby clothing, toys and other baby/toddler items.  I then created Shower of Hope Oklahoma to help other families in need who were the victims of the Oklahoma tornadoes.  On July 2nd, my husband and I met with Mikaela Hulstine with Heart 4 Children Ministries, a non-profit charitable organization located in Bartlesville, Oklahoma.  Heart 4 Children Ministries was helping a family in Chickasha, Oklahoma, who were also the victims of the May 24th tornado.  Shower of Hope Oklahoma was able to bless this family by donating: A crib, crib mattress, cradle, changing table, pack-n-play, baby toys, baby/toddler clothes, high chair, umbrella stroller, a new Boppy nursing pillow, new Boppy crib sheets, new Medela bottles and other baby/toddler items!  Several items were actually items that I had won from various blog and web site giveaways.  I have been blessed by winning several giveaways and felt led to bless this family with my new baby/toddler item wins. 

The initial charitable outreach for the Hamil Family was so successful and my desire is to continue helping other families in the future who are the victims of natural disasters.  My dream has always been to have a foundation or non-profit charity, so that I could be in the position of being a blessing to others.  That dream can become a reality with your help.  I was recently nominated for the www.Babble.com "Moms Who Are Changing The World" contest.  I'm hoping to be one of the lucky winners so that I will have the resources to turn Shower of Hope Oklahoma in a 501(C)(3) non-profit charity.  I'm hoping you'll take the time to visit my nomination page and VOTE for me!  Thanks for the support!

Happy Blogging,

Toni The Chic Momma