After ice-skating practice in October of 2006, our (then) 8 year old's heart was broken when she saw yet another person alone on the street as we, and everyone else sped by, living our lives. Bethany wanted to know: Why wasn't anyone helping him? Where would he sleep tonight? Would he be warm? Will he have something to eat and drink? Could we take him home so he could live with us?

After discussing the societal problem of homelessness with her, she came up with an idea...No, a plan! She would take a brown paper bag (decorate it) and fill it with water, snacks and candy! She would put a note in it to let them know that someone cares about them. She wanted to call these bags: Bethie Bags. So that was it-from there, you all stepped in and made this idea a reality. She has embraced people who are down on their luck or trying to rebuild their lives (for cirumstances in some cases out of their control)

Thank you--ALL OF YOU--for your donations and your support. Your generosity is incredible and greatly appreciated by Bethany and those who receive her bags.

Recently, we visited New Orleans, where Bethany's yearning to help others was put into action. Bethany and Leah made over 75 Bethie Bags for kids and delivered them to children living in a still devastated region of our country. Our hearts are filled with hope for the families still struggling as a result of Hurricane Katrina. Please click on the Bethie Bags for Kids link above to read about our visits to two agencies/locations helping to rebuild families and homes in New Orleans. You can help too!