A Jar of Hope
The story of 'A Jar of Hope'
A simple idea of placing ingredients for a meal into a jar went viral during lockdown with over a million views on Facebook. So how did it all start?
In 2018 I joined a group which met once a month for a meal and an evening of crafts. On one evening, our host, Shelley McClean, served a delicious soup. She then showed us how to create tags with strings and ribbons which we placed in empty coffee jars. These made the most delightful teacher’s gifts.
I started collecting coffee jars to make more of these jars of tags. Before I knew it, everyone was giving me coffee jars. I wondered how I could make use of all these jars. I then had an epiphany. I could ask people for a donation in exchange for a jar of tags. They could then use the tags to write words of encouragement, motivation, or good wishes to someone else. They would then fill the jar with an item to bless someone in need.
I started The Angel whispers campaign – Like, Tag, Share
The Angel Whispers Campaign
1. Like it – by giving a donation for the jar.
2. Tag it – Use the tags to encourage others or on gifts.
3. Share it – Fill the jar with practical items or treats (soup, sweets, toothbrushes, and toothpaste) and pass it on to someone in need.
This challenge was given to the Junior Primary Boys at St Charles College. The campaign raised about R 5 000. We used the money to fill jars which we sent to a local children’s home. I was incredibly encouraged by the positive comments and overwhelming response of the parents as their sons bought home the jar of tags.
Health Heart and home jars of hope
During lockdown, my heart broke when I realised how many people were going hungry. I had previously seen a soup mix in a Ziplock bag and decided to fill a coffee jar by layering the ingredients. I took a photograph and posted it on Facebook. This post was shared on the ‘I’m staying’ group. It went viral reaching over a million people. It shows how people of South Africa really do care.
I hope that you decide to join me on this journey.
Imagine if each person who viewed the challenge on facebook contributed one jar of hope. That would be 4 million meals.
I have been so encouraged at the response to this idea. People from throughout the country from my local neighbourhood in Pietermaritzburg to Mossel Bay are joining the movement and sharing A Jar of Hope with those in need. Some have even filled their jars with pet food! My 3 dogs think this is a fantastic idea.
Health, Heart and Home continues to share A Jar of Hope with God’s Warehouse, who are also filling their own jars, as well other local organisations like Mama Ntombi’s community Project. You can visit them on Facebook to see the wonderful work they are doing in the community.
