Random Act of Kindness: “Valentine’s Day” Craft
Celebrating someone you love–a friend, neighbor, coworker or stranger–by showing how special they are to you can make their entire day. We’ve come up with a great way to show love with a random act of kindness. Here is a crafty activity to make as a gift:
- First cut out 20 or more heart shapes on card stock paper or any craft paper using colors like red and pink.
- Decorate one side using crayons, markers, glitter, pictures or any other unique ideas you might have.
- On the blank side, write a compliment, quote or appreciation for them.
- Give to a special someone or give to a stranger as an act of random kindness!
Crystal Maciel, CFA Intern
Crystal is interning with the Children’s Foundation of America this spring as she completes her bachelor’s degree in sociology at Cal State San Bernardino. She has earned an associate’s degree in child development at Chaffey College and plans to continue her education with a mater’s degree in social work. Crystal’s career goals are to advocate for children, support families in need of assistance and to help children cope with problems in everyday life. Crystal’s work experience includes care of children toddler to 5 years of age and has worked for three years with children and adults with disabilities. In Crystal’s free time, she enjoys going to art galleries, sewing, gardening and painting.
Blankets for Foster Kids
During Foster Care Awareness Month we made it a priority to do as much as we can to provide extra comfort to youth in foster care. With the help of our intern Sasha Chavez, we were able to gather 11 volunteers to participate in two-day blanket making event! The first day was hosted at Claremont Manor, a retirement community located less than a mile from our office, and the second day was located at CFA headquarters. This event allowed like-minded volunteers to interact with CFA staff and to learn more about the mission of the Foundation, as well as create something unique and comforting for the children in need.
After four hours of hard work, volunteers were able to complete 15 blankets which will be donated to children transitioning into foster care in Los Angeles County. What a great success!
(Pictured above: Elaine Rodriguez, Claremont Manor Resident)
Make Your Own Blanket
Check out our craft blog to learn how to make your own fringe blanket. If you would like to donate blankets to the Children’s Foundation of America, call 800-543-7730 or email rustrell@trinityys.org.
National Foster Care Month
National Foster Care Month is observed in the United States during the month of May every year. It began with President Ronald Reagan in 1988. Over 400,000 children each year in the US are not able to live with their families as the result of the trauma of abuse and neglect. 112,000 of these children are waiting to be adopted into a forever family.
What We Do
The Children’s Foundation of America identifies and accesses resources to support foster care, adoption, residential treatment, mental health and community-based programs of the highest quality, so that children in need or who have been the victims of trauma, abuse, neglect or abandonment may lead, healthy, productive lives.
Rebecca Ustrell, Community Outreach Coordinator
Becky acts as liaison for Children’s Foundation of America. On any given day she could be meeting with potential donors, coordinating a fundraising event, recruiting volunteers and forming partnerships with other nonprofits that can benefit from the help of our Foundation. Becky is currently studying sociology as well as fine art and helps organize the Claremont Art Walk. You will most likely find Becky working on freelance illustrations, playing the cello, mingling at a chamber of commerce event or volunteering in the community.
800-543-7730 | rustrell@trinityys.org
National “Pi” Day Paper Pie Craft
We’re celebrating National “Pi” Day with this adorable paper pie craft. Using only two different “ingredients,” you’ll find that this pie recipe is both simple and fun!
Ingredients & Tools:
- Assorted Construction Paper (Pie Crust, Filling, Toppings)
- Paper Plates (Pie Tins)
- Stapler
- Pen
- Scissors
Your Work Space:
Make sure to have ample space to spread out your craft supplies. For our paper pies we chose to include paper that would match the color of popular pie fillings and beige paper for the pie crust. Remember to make this craft your own! By using patterned paper or paint, you can add a dimension of flair to your finished product.
Step 1:
Choose a pie tin (paper plate) and trace the circumference of the tin onto the pie crust (beige construction paper). Next, trace a line roughly 1/2 inch around the outside of the circle.
Step 2:
Cut along the outer circle. Then fold the circle in half and cut out the center of the pie crust along the inner circle.
Your finished shape should look something like this.
Crumble up your pie crust ring. This will give the finished pie a more natural look!
Step 3:
Choose your pie filling. We went with blueberry. Once you’ve picked your filling, crumble up the construction paper and arrange onto the pie tin.
Step 4:
It’s time to prepare out lattice crust strips.
Take a sheet of pie crust and fold it “hot dog style” three times until you have seven guidelines. Cut along each line to make eight strips of pie crust.
Step 5:
To assemble your lattice crust, place four strips vertically onto your table and weave each of the remaining four strips horizontally over and under each vertical strip.
Step 6:
Place the lattice crust onto the top of your pie filling and secure each corner with a staple through the crust and onto the pie tin. Next, trim the pies of crust that are hanging off the edge of the pie tin.
Step 7:
Place your pie crust ring over your lattice crust and secure with staples along the edges.
Step 8:
It’s time to decorate! We chose to create blue berries to garnish the top of our pie. These can be made by simply rolling up pieces of blue paper and place on top of the pie crust.
And what is pie without whipped cream? We made our whipped cream dollop out of white paper crumbled into a ball and placed onto the pie crust.
Be creative! Top your pie with your favorite fruits!
Pie toppings can be made easily out of colored paper.
Rebecca Ustrell, Community Outreach Coordinator
Becky acts as liaison for Children’s Foundation of America. On any given day she could be meeting with potential donors, coordinating a fundraising event, recruiting volunteers and forming partnerships with other nonprofits that can benefit from the help of our Foundation. Becky is currently studying sociology as well as fine art and helps organize the Claremont Art Walk. You will most likely find Becky working on freelance illustrations, playing the cello, mingling at a chamber of commerce event or volunteering in the community.
800-543-7730 | rustrell@trinityys.org