Today's two countdowns*
Item 1. Halloween countdown
Over the past decade, 18 year old Mari Copeny (aka Little Miss Flint) has done more for her community than many people do in a lifetime. Last week she posted:
...I want to purchase 150 costumes for kids that don’t normally get a Halloween costume. With the sharp increase in kids needing not just snack bags but actual meals, it’s clear families are struggling more than ever. And it may not seem like a big deal to some but getting to dress up for Halloween brings so much happiness to kids.
Tomorrow is her fundraising deadline. ➡️ If the campaign speaks to you, Cashapp $LittleMissFlint or give via GoFundMe.
Item 2. SNAP countdown
November 1 looms. Matthew Cortland explains on Patreon what this means for SNAP and WIC. (Patreon)
Shay, aka BlackgirlinMaine, says FAFO is out, "feed people" is in. (Facebook)
To that end, a bunch of ideas via Bluesky:
➡️ If you have a flexible spending account (FSA), use it! Many Americans leave this money on the table. If your family doesn't need it, get menstrual supplies or other essentials for a local supplies drive, community fridge/pantry, or food bank. - @prisonculture
➡️ If you are somehow connected to a member of the Democratic party, tell them to use their office for food relief banks and mutual aid right now during the shutdown. - @prisonculture
➡️ Make a recurring donation of a couple dollars a month so that your local food bank can plan ahead and stretch the $ as far as possible. - @nicolechung
➡️ If you normally make year-end donations, consider moving them "to the beginning of November instead and hit up however many local food pantries you can afford to give to. (Check if you or a spouse/partner's employer does charity matching, too.)" - @firepile
*I realize that both of the actions today are very focused on giving money, which many are not in a position to do at this time. The BlackgirlsinMaine Facebook post I referenced above acknowledges this more eloquently and includes some ideas for things people without spare funds can do. And I'll keep trying to highlight non-fundraiser ideas for action here too.
