A New Feature: Custom Swag for a Good Cause

A disturbing trend on Facebook the past few months has been public bashing of Law Enforcement Officers. I have a number of friends that put on the uniform to serve and protect. Some of my friends even do it voluntarily. I had the opportunity to sit down with a few of them recently and discuss this situation, and how I could use my sphere of influence to help. This led to the idea of Stand With LEO. With this swag the user can show support for their local law enforcement, and 20% of all purchases will be donated to a local battered women's shelter.

I realize by chosing to publicly Stand With LEO I risk losing a few readers, but that is a risk I am willing to take. To find out how you can help and get some cool swag just go to www.manaboutmenifee.com or visit our Facebook page on your computer and click the "Products" tab.

Do you have a charity that would like to see featured with custom Man About Menifee swag? Let us know in the comments below.

Athletic Spotlight: Menifee Little Kickers Launches Second Season

Last spring I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Serena Gordon, a Menifee Resident, and learning about her community group Menifee Little Kickers, a group of families with kids from age 2-4 who meet every Wednesday at Sunrise Park in Heritage Lake and practice soccer skills.

My 3 year old Joshuah started a little late in the season but he learned very quickly. It was wonderful to watch him learn and adapt. He is still at that age where he is working out how to respond to other kids his own age. 

I also enjoyed seeing how he responded to taking direction from an adult he was unfamiliar with. I was happy and a little sad to see how well adjusted he was and how he needed very little guidance from me. At the end of the season in June we had a big pizza party for the families. Joshuah was sad to see it end but we promised him it would start up after summer was over. 

You can imagine his reaction when I told him it was coming back this Wednesday. His whole face lit up and he did a little cheer. 

Come see what it's all about this Wednesday at 6:30 PM at Sunrise Park, on the corner of Heritage Lake Dr. and Lindenberger Rd. No special gear required. Just your kid, weather appropriate clothing for running around in the grass, close-toed shoes and a soccer ball (make sure your name is on it). See you there!

Click here for the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/menifeelittlekickers

Making A Difference: This Girl's Going Places

Since time immemorial kids have always needed money. Sometimes there is a need for the latest toy or fashion, other times there are nobler reasons. Regardless of the reason, the resounding cry from parents everywhere has been, "Money doesn't grow on trees. What are you going to do to earn it?" 

When Melissa Crandall's daughter Chantel, now 12, wanted to participate in the Jr. Charger Cheerleading program several years ago, that was her response as well. For a minimum of $175 entry fee, which goes as a donation to the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Chargers Community Foundation, girls can participate in a Chargers half-time event with the Charger Girls. Melissa went with a tried and true method that has existed for generations in America. She sold baked goods and refreshments from her parents' driveway.

Not satisfied with donating a minimum amount, Chantel wanted to go above and beyond. Last year she very proudly topped an all time high of over $300, almost double the inital entry donation. This year she hopes to do over $1,000 and she is well on her way. Her first sale today yielded almost half that amount. She plans to do at least one more bake sale in the next month or two.

Her parents have every reason to be proud. This young lady is setting goals, accomplishing them, and all for a good cause. For anyone who wishes to reach out and contribute, Melissa's email is mcccrandall@aol.com