When I was a child, I had a friend who sometimes complained about how little pocket money she’d get on a given week. Her grandma always had the same response: Lots of little ones make one big one.

That perspective has stuck with me all this time, and it perfectly sums up my thoughts as I look back on the last year at The Simple Way.

Our year has been made of a thousand small moments and experiences of generosity, grace, and friendship. In numbers, it looks a little like this:

• 600 Book bags
• 50 Thanksgiving baskets
• 12 Open Houses
• 500 Easter eggs
• 3 Simple Way Scholars
• 9 Kids in Reading Club
• 27,000 pounds of food
• 30 Book events
• 8 CORE community members
• 1 Neighborhood vigil
• 34 Monthly supporters
• 37 One time donors
• and so much more

Our pockets are full of valuable moments and generous gifts that have added up to a beautiful year.

But it hasn’t always been an easy one. Our world is full of turmoil, hardship, and devastating acts of violence, of which we often see the biggest demonstrations. But again, in the small moments, real people are enduring their own moments of heart-ache and suffering.

This year at The Simple Way, we’ve tried to be present, consistent, faithful, and kind to those in our community. Our small group of neighbors has listened, given hugs, been honest, spoken out against violence and racism, and offered hospitality and love to those experiencing hardship.

We are grateful for all these small moments. Whether gifting 600 book bags to the kids in our community or sharing a sleeping bag with just one neighbor experiencing homelessness, we are thankful for the resources and networks to be able to serve.

Thanks to your many prayers and financial contributions, we are able to keep doing ‘small things with great love. I hope you will consider a gift for The Simple Way this month. We know it will add up to something amazing!

-Caz Tod-Pearson