This summer my daughterTrinity has decided to do something special with her time,  something that can make a difference.  She discovered soles 4 soles, an organization that provide shoes for the needy & poverty stricken.  
 
After finding 40 pairs of unneeded shoes in our own home, Trinity decided that she would collect 300 pairs.  It was immediate excitement at the thought- these would be the first pair of shoes many of the recipients would ever own.
She started with an email to friends and letter to businesses asking for their support.  Walking door to door asking if neighbors had any shoes they wouldn't miss.  The response showed its abundance in pairs. 
Little does she know, she is educating her community on the importance of giving back. She is educating me!  It has been such an uplifting project.  I've seen a beautiful part of her compassion and work ethic.  We are getting alone time & exercise, while working on some summer writing and public speaking.  What began as something nice for others has started having its generous rewards.
Having a family of 5 sometimes I can get stuck in 'the schedule'. Thanks to Trinity for giving us this amazing summer experience.
Please join the Parent Connection in helping her reach that goal. There is a collection box at Scripps Mende Well Being or you can drop them to Trinity in 4S Ranch. They accept shoes of any type or condition.  Before school starts,  we'll be making our drive to LA to hand them over to Soles 4 Soles.  Please help her in this fight against poverty.
You can contact Trinity for pick-up or drop off info at 858-361-7820.
Submitted by Trinity's mom, Angie who has served on various Parent Connection board positions and committees over the past 8 years.

Upcoming Classes:
Nine Things To Do Besides Spanking
Monday, July 15, 7-8:30pm, Scripps Mende Well Being-UTC
Do you get frustrated hearing yourself say, "NO! NO! NO!"  Discover how positive discipline can make those frustrating "nos" vanish. Our speaker will discuss how to use positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior.  You'll learn the difference between discipline and punishment and, more importantly, how to keep your child's self-esteem intact, thereby decreasing the possibility of future behavioral problems.  The event is free for Parent Connection members, $10 for nonmembers.  Registration is required.  Register here.

Tummy to Play Every Day for Infants
Introductory Class for First Timers
Tuesday, July 16, 10 to 11:15 am., Scripps Mende Well Being-UTC
Is your baby happy on his tummy, or is he one of the majority who fuses, screams and cries when placed down?  This class provides more than an hour of FUN learning about the importance of tummy time and practicing basic moves and easy modifications to help ensure that tummy time is a happy time.  This class is for babies 0 to 6-7 months and up to two caregivers.  The cost is $25 with code PC2013, $35 for nonmembers.  Register here.

Your Child's Home - Little Changes, Big Results
Wednesday, July 24, 10 to 11 am, Scripps Mende Well Being-UTC
Did you know a child's home setting is crucial for healthy development?  Come hear our guest, Jeanne-Marie from Voila Montessori, speak about the four basic areas your child needs at home; how you can create fun and engaging activities for infants, babies, and toddlers; how to create a baby-focused nursery; support early toilet awareness; and much more.  This event is free for Parent Connection members, $10 for nonmembers.  Registration is required.  Register here.

Parent Connection Playgroup Team Needs You!
Tuesday, July 23, 6:30-7:30pm, Scripps Mende Well Being-UTC
Join us at an informal meeting to talk about duties of being on the playgroup team.  If you have questions or unable to attend the meeting, contact Christine at chrisamico19@aim.com.  Duties include helping with telephone and emails for playgroup inquiries, planning a playgroup captain event and marketing plan for the playgroup team.  Attendance to monthly board meetings is not a requirement.

Volunteers Needed at Scripps Memorial Hospital and Scripps Mercy's Mother's Boutique.  Duties include

1. Greeting Customers
2. Office Duties: Answering phone, sending/receiving faxes, mail
3. Sales/Rentals of Lactation Products
4. Maintaining inventory and appearance of product displays
5. Maintaining Resources on display
6. Pump/Scale cleaning, transporting to other floors and to storage

Interested?  Contact Volunteer Services at (858)626-6994.