Books for Charley - Making a Difference

A few months back, I received an email from my aunt Darla in California that immediately put a smile on my face.  In her message she told me about a group that she is involved with known as "Making a Difference."  This group of women, all but one a complete stranger to me, wanted to hold a book drive in support of Charley's Heart.  I was excited, honored, and immediately intrigued by the mission of this group. 

In their own words, "Making a Difference" is a group for ALL women. They meet monthly to enjoy hors d'oeuvres, a glass of wine, a little shopping (vendors invited) and to just be with each other – to support each other.  You might be wondering how Charley's Heart fits into these gatherings.  Well, staying true to the name "Making a Difference," each month members of the group are invited to present a cause that they would like to help support...clothing donations, schools in need of supplies, Relay for Life teams...you name it.  My aunt chose to make Charley's Heart her cause back in February, and the group has been collecting books every since!  Collections will take place through the month of May, at which point they will be donated to the Children's Hospital of Orange County.  We're so excited for Charley's Heart to hit the west coast. 

A special thank you to all of the women in "Making a Difference" for helping us honor and celebrate our little girl!  I hope that you all realize just how much of a difference you are making in our lives, and in the lives of the children on the receiving end of your donation.

Making a Difference:  Women Supporting Women - Supporting Others

Once upon a time, there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work.  One day, as he was walking along the shore, he looked down the beach and saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself at the thought of someone who would dance to the day, and so, he walked faster to catch up.  As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young man, and that what he was doing was not dancing at all. The young man was reaching down to the shore, picking up small objects, and throwing them into the ocean.

He came closer still and called out "Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?"  The young man paused, looked up, and replied "Throwing starfish into the ocean."

"I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?" asked the somewhat startled wise man.To this, the young man replied, "The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don't throw them in, they'll die."

Upon hearing this, the wise man commented, "But, young man, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can't possibly make a difference!"

At this, the young man bent down, picked up yet another starfish, and threw it into the ocean. As it met the water, he said, "It made a difference for that one."

Adapted from The Star Thrower

by Loren Eiseley (1907 - 1977)