I can breathe (and collect pop tops) in a small town.
The best thing about small towns is that everybody knows your business.
Everybody knowing your bees’ wax can also be the downside. But save that post for another day.
Life is good in a small town — Reason 1037: Pop Tops.
Backstory:
My son and I are running and raising money for the Ronald McDonald House of Central Georgia.
Our community opened their pocketbooks for our fundraising lemonade stand last August.
When my son and I visited the Ronald McDonald House in Macon this September — I noticed a barrel full of pop tops during our tour.
That’s when I learned about saving them up for the RMHC.
Then I posted something about it on Facebook.
And before I knew it the Cooks brought a bag full to my husband at church.
Then a few days later, I came home from a run on a Saturday morning to find this sitting in a rocker on our porch. Thanks to Dana and Aubie Knight.
And I’ve yet to find out who send these home with my child out Trick-or-Treating last Friday night. Anyone? Anyone?
Then look what I found today left amongst the leaves and bikes strewn out back of the house.
Selena Swafford dropped these off unannounced. She let me know via FB message that she and her children had been saving them for the Ronald McDonald House.
So just letting you (and most importantly me) know, that goodness and small towns are still thriving in these busy, busy lives we have created.
And yes, feel free to drop your tops off on my porch or back stoop. I’ll be sure to report when we hand them over to Bonnie in Macon.
Small towns verses city. Thoughts?
Ah, now it all makes sense. I watched a documentary the other night and a man was mindlessly pulling pop tops from some garbage as he told his story. There was never a mention of why he was doing that while being interviewed (he was mildly mentally challenged), but now I understand.
I grew up in a small town (no pink houses there, though) but I do love my smallish city. I think there are pros and cons to both. Probably more pros to small towns when you have small kids.
I love this post. This kind of small town “your problems are our problems” generosity is what I miss so much about Dublin. Thanks for taking up the cause for the Ronald McDonald House. It’s a wonderful facility, there for so many people who may not have any other option. And best of luck on the bra shopping with your daughter. If the tags don’t give you a blog worth of laughs, surely your daughter’s commentary will.
Love the photos of pop tops and what a cool charity hook!
It takes a village Angela. To collect pop tops and bra shop.
I think of my friends and trying to get their children to after school endeavors in a metro area. Not to mention those who have children — all in different private schools. Makes life complicated. But I’ve got nothing against an adorable Intown townhouse for city overnights — if that kind of life is in your budget.
It’s been fun and there always seems an empty can lying around to pull the tab off of. Might as well do a little good with it. 🙂
It’s awesome that you’re doing this. We’ve found that same “small town” sense of community and giving even in a big city like Manhattan. Nothing better than people coming together for a good cause.
What a good feel I got from this post and I love the important work you are doing. Yay for that community feel of people coming together for a cause. I’m convinced in a world gone mad there are more good people than bad, willing to help one another in times of crisis. How wonderful that all these people came through for you and this worthy cause.
I love that small town feel. There are times when I really miss it too. Especially knowing people on the streets… that kind of thing. What a great cause!
I agree Lois. People all over — small town or metropolis — “pitch in” when asked. The one thing in a small town’s favor is that it’s just easier. No traffic, close proximity.
I agree, Cathy. When people are sick or in financial need — folks do rally. Mine is just a small example of how people are thoughtful when they really didn’t have to take the time.
You certainly know people on the streets — or at least you should. It’s always best to wave regardless. 🙂
Wow, that’s awesome! And such a great cause.
I have lived in and loved the feeling of community in both big cities and small towns! It is so cool to see people (like you) leading by example – it is so contagious!!!
I could not wait to get the heck outta Dodge when I was in high school. I was just different from everyone else. But I love the small town feel of my neighborhood – it is one of the reasons why we’ve stayed in our home, our starter home, for 24 years. Collecting for a good cause is good all the way around no matter where it happens.
I think my children will leave skid marks too Nancy. 🙂
Thanks Ruth.
I live in a college town of 70,000. What I love about it is that we are all accountable to each other…which was very handy when raising my girls here…they were also accountable.
I live in a small town in the city and I love having the best of both worlds.
Your title is one of my favorite Mellencamp songs, by the way! Outstanding! My mother-in-law used to collect them too. This reminds me of her. I just moved back to the city after 22 years away. I wonder…
hey Gina — I was in the city today. And the post I’m about to publish is thoughts on if we moved back to Atlanta. Hmmm.