Happy New Year everyone! It’s hard to believe today is the last day of January. Rilyn has been busy behind the scenes organizing her outreach efforts for the month. She chose to provide supplies to three public schools in the Dunn community, which included Harnett Primary, Wayne Avenue and Dunn Middle Schools. Rilyn’s goal was to provide cleaning/sanitizing supplies and other miscellaneous items to the selected schools. As a family, we are thankful for their dedication to inspire and develop youth in the Dunn community, especially during such a trying and ever-changing time. Rilyn’s efforts were supported by donations and a fundraiser organized by a family member who desired to assist her with her outreach project. Rilyn is so thankful for the support and encouragement she receives from family and friends.

Rilyn’s Reach was truly a collaboration of many this month. Several friends and family members played a part in making this outreach a success by contributing donations and words of encouragement and blessings. This week, 70 seniors in the Dunn community will receive a package that includes a pair of socks, gloves, Chapstick, lotion, and a personal card from Rilyn. We received several word puzzles, Bibles, Devotionals and coloring books along with colored pencils that will also be distributed to these seniors. Due to Covid-19, Rilyn is not able to personally deliver items, but the Dunn Senior Enrichment Center coordinator assured us they would be grinning from ear to ear. Many of these individuals are homebound and have no family or interaction with others. Many have passed away this year not from sickness, but loneliness. May we all be a blessing to someone during this Christmas season and throughout the upcoming year.

Rilyn’s outreach project for November was coordinated with the Harnett County Division on Aging. After speaking with a Counselor earlier this month, we learned of a need for homebound seniors and grandparents raising grandchildren. Through generous donations from family and friends, Rilyn was able to deliver adult diapers, baby diapers, wipes, clothing and formula to the Harnett County Government Complex in Lillington, NC. So many families struggle to afford basic hygiene products and our prayer is this donation will bless those in need during this season of thanksgiving.

Harnett County Division on Aging coordinates services and programs for older adults, educates the public in successful aging, acts as a catalyst for new programs and services in the interest of older adults. If you would like to learn more or donate, please call 910.893.7578.

Today, Rilyn and I delivered donations to the UNC Children’s Hospital in Chapel Hill. In September, we reached out to the hospital to plan and discuss the donation process and a wish list of items. After speaking with Development Services, it was brought to my attention since UNC Children’s is funded, in part by the state of North Carolina, they have many purchasing restrictions, and that leaves the hospital being very dependent upon others to help provide for patients’ needs. They are open to receiving items that will provide some comfort and a little normalcy to what may be a stressful time otherwise.  

Almost six years ago in October 2014, Rilyn was also a patient at UNC Children’s after receiving second degree burns on her right hand. We are forever grateful for the medical care she received during her stay and during the year long physical therapy and healing process.

“UNC Children’s clinical home, NC Children’s Hospital, delivers world-class, family centered, care and we treat over 80,000 children, from all 100 counties throughout North Carolina and beyond each year. Our patients range in age from birth – 18 years old, and we have 150 inpatient beds at the hospital. We also have a State-accredited school within the hospital, a pediatric emergency room and the Triangle’s only Level I pediatric trauma center. As well, UNC Children’s offers an outpatient clinic at the hospital, a full-service facility in Raleigh and more than 25 satellite subspecialty clinics across North Carolina.” ~UNC Development Services

Today, by appointment, Rilyn and I visited Harnett County Animal Services to provide animal shelter donations. Rilyn loves animals and decided to give to this cause during the month of August. Rilyn has worked hard this month by saving her chore money, watering flowers and collecting mail for a neighbor while out of town and by making and selling Rainbow Loom bracelets.

If you would like to make a difference in the life of a homeless animal, please click here for a list of general supplies needed to provide a clean and safe home for the animals. You will also find an Amazon Wish List to purchase needed supplies that can be shipped directly to the shelter. The shelter relies on the support and generosity of the community and all donations are used directly to help the animals.