"What if I'm not talented or creative? I don't make crafts." or, Putting Your Excuses to Rest

"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms."                                         - 1 Peter 4:10

Just yesterday someone was telling me that she didn't think she had anything to contribute to the sale or auction at Harvest of Talents. Occasionally, people think that, because we have a lot of crafts or handmade items donated, they can only submit tangible and stereotypically "creative" items. I guess people who think that have not seen our Projects & Donations page, where we have a lot more listed than just handmade goods.

Seriously, let's not think of creativity and talents only as things HGTV or America's Got Talent could market. Creativity is not always expressed with a paintbrush or a glue gun. After all, isn't creativity involved in working out a chess strategy an opponent never anticipated? And isn't it a talent to be able to to clearly explain a mathematical equation or business concept? 

You don't have to be an "artsy-craftsy" person to contribute to the Harvest of Talents. You DO have to think, How can I use the gifts, abilities, and knowledge I have to serve this cause? 

If you have some particular skill or knowledge that doesn't produce a physical item we can sell in the Harvest, think (dare I say it?) creatively about how you can still donate or serve. Can you offer (for sale) a certificate for some service you provide, like lawn mowing, hair cutting, house painting, cleaning, or oil changing? Could you teach a mini-lesson on the day of the Harvest, perhaps on unclogging a sink, taking photos of pets, or stitching applique? (If so, contact us ASAP! Those were examples from last year, but we're open to many more topics.) Can you show up on the day of the Harvest to serve as a volunteer? We could use some more of those. (Contact us about that, too.) 

Maybe you still feel these suggestions don't fit your skill set or abilities right now. That's okay. Honestly, one of the biggest things we need is for you to show up. Our event won't be a success if we don't have people attending who have some money they are willing to spend. Please don't completely bow out of the event just because you didn't think of something to "make" that could be sold. We need you to come and support other people's talents and help feed hungry people by spending your money to buy what they've created or offered for sale. 

Maybe you don't want any more "items" in your life right now. Maybe you've got a house, basement, garage, AND storage unit full of items--maybe all of them bought at charity auctions! That's okay. We'll take your donation on the day of the event even if you don't want to buy a single thing with it!

If you're still not convinced that there is SOME way you can be involved in Harvest of Talents, think about this. If you haven't completed your Christmas shopping yet (Surely you will not have done so by September 28!), you can support local people's talents and help feed hungry people by getting an early start (or an early finish!) on this year's Christmas shopping!

Remember the conversation I mentioned at the beginning of this post? My friend who told me she wasn't at all "craftsy" still thought of a way she could contribute. If her schedule permits, she'll most likely be teaching a mini-lesson on finding financial aid when applying for college. Now that's talent!

So, all your excuses have been put to rest, right? See you on September 28!

- Hayley