A Charitable Christmas in July: Sara of Sincerely, Sara D and Second Harvest

Balsam Hill is holding its charitable Christmas in July campaign during mid-year festivities. We’ve partnered up with bloggers and their chosen philanthropic organizations to help spread happiness through your likes, comments, and shares.

One of our blogger partners is home décor blogger Sara Davis of Sincerely, Sara D. Her blog is a collection of DIY tutorials and tips that inspire homeowners to create beautiful spaces at little cost and effort. Sara teaches classes and gives consultations on home decorating, guided by the aim to empower and encourage everyone to be creative. Read on to find out more about Sara and the organization she has partnered with, the Second Harvest Food Bank.

Why did you choose to volunteer with Second Harvest? What does their cause mean to you?

A little over a year ago, we traveled to the Dominican Republic with our extended family and built a house for a family in need. It was a life changing experience, and by FAR my favorite DIY project. Once home, I wanted to do more and realized there are needs right here in the United States. People are going hungry and that’s just not okay. My husband joined the Board of Second Harvest Food Bank, and we are both so impressed with the organization and their passion to stop hunger. We believe in what Second Harvest does and want to help them serve others!

What makes Second Harvest a good fit for Balsam Hill’s Christmas in July project?

During the school year, 22 million children receive free or reduced-priced meals through the National School Lunch Program. However, in the summer months when school is out, only 3.9 million receive free or reduced-price meals throughout the USDA Summer Food Service program (Source: Feeding America). This is a huge gap and Second Harvest (and Feeding America) are trying to close that summer gap. The Christmas in July project is a great way to make people aware of all the summer meal programs happening (and probably looking for donations and volunteers)!

How do you see yourself growing in your involvement in this charity in the months and years to come?

As much as I love sharing DIY home decor ideas, there is more to life than pretty things. We were put on this earth to serve others, and Second Harvest Food Bank does just that. I want to use my blog as a platform to serve and give love to others (and thanks to Balsam Hill, I’m going to be able to raise awareness for Second Harvest and Feeding America). My husband and I will continue to donate our time and resources to Second Harvest and want to involve our kids in the charity. It will be a family thing!

Do you have a special message for the hardworking staff at Second Harvest?

The hardworking staff at Second Harvest is amazing. Everyone we have come in contact with – from those in the front office to those in the warehouse – is wonderful. They’re kind, patient (the staff took the time to explain to my kids how the food bank helped people) and passionate about their cause: stopping hunger.

Do you have any advice for our readers who want to help out with Second Harvest and its advocacy?

Second Harvest is part of Feeding America, a U.S. hunger relief organization. By going to their website, you can search for a food bank near you to donate your time and/or money!

Why do you think people should give their time and effort to charity work?

I will be the first to admit that it is easy to get caught up in our own lives and forget there’s a world in need beyond mine! We all want to make the world a better place, so let’s do that! You can make a difference and giving back is good for everyone – for both the recipients and givers!

Can you suggest some ways we can lessen food waste in the home?

I believe one of the best ways to avoid food waste is through planning and staying organized. When I sit down and plan my grocery/meal list, I avoid impulse buys, buying things I already have, and save money! Once you bring the groceries home, stay organized. Make sure you can see what is in your fridge and pantry so you don’t forget about it.

Find out more about Sara and her chosen advocacy in her blog post.

This is Balsam Hill’s fourth consecutive year conducting philanthropic activities during Christmas in July. This year, we are joined by the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Idaho, Second Harvest Food Bank of East Central Indiana, Ronald McDonald House and Point Hope as charity partners.