Do Something That Matters

 

     02/10/16

      Do something that matters. 

    Plain & Simple. 

Bill and Tracy Crosland
Photo credit: Renee Goff photography

This simple concept is what propelled Sparta Native, Tracy Crosland, to do something that truly mattered. Tracy is one of those gals that you just enjoy meeting because of the beauty and love she radiates to others. Tracy and the rest of her family are no strangers to helping, giving, and serving either globally, our great nation, or the community they love. When you didn't see her husband and her helping at Upward basketball, you will also find them greatly involved in their local church or on a mission trip. Her passion for this project is what had me wanting to be just a small part of it.

Fall Vendor, Jordan Glass of Perfect Pallets and family, chose to
"Do something that matters."
 by purchasing shirts for the 2015 Lent Project.

After returning from a mission trip that greatly blessed her heart, yet left her yearning to do more, the idea of "Do something that matters." was born. Tracy had witnessed true hunger and the wanting of just receiving rice and those that needed more for their families. She decided she could and would do something to help. Tracy chose Samaritan's Purse to help her reach out and provide more food globally. Samaritan's Purse is a top notch nonprofit that was started by Franklin Graham, Billy Graham's son. Samaritan's Purse is mostly known for their Christmas drive, Operation Christmas Child, where many shoe boxes are packed and distributed all among the world. However, Tracy has picked Lent/Easter season to focus on. Here is her story in her words:

The Lent Project

When I was in India, we were working in the slums of Delhi. In this one area, there was this forever long open-ended hallway, more like a tunnel, with doors lining each side. In each door were very small 2 room concrete “apartments.” No electricity. No running water. Halfway down the hallway was a passageway that led to another hallway lined with more doors, and on and on. It seemed like they never ended. I was working with a pastor/translator going from room to room sharing the gospel and praying with people. In this one home, a lady requested that I ask God for rice to feed her family that night. I prayed and then stepped out in the hallway and told the young pastor that I had money to buy her rice. He looked at me earnestly and with intensity, motioned with his arm down the hallway and said with passion, “Tracy, ALL these people are hungry.” A knife entered my heart and cut it in two. It has never really healed. What I HATE, what haunts me, what I live regretting, is that I didn’t say, “I’m not sure I can feed all these people, but I can feed her.” Instead, I walked away with a broken heart…but did nothing. That was years ago. And that’s why I want to do something that matters.

Christmas efforts sent 100 blankets

What has now become a community phenomenon (and has poured out to other states), Tracy's and the communities efforts, through buying either a shirt or blanket, has raised over $7600 to send to Samaritan's Purse. This money was used to purchase 100 blankets (through her Christmas effort of one week) and 5472 baby chicks, 456 roosters (her Easter efforts). Most importantly, the Gospel was also presented to the people whose lives were touched when receiving these donations! 

Local business, Xceed Limitz, has once again teamed up to print the shirts for Do something that matters. Known as "The Lent Project", your $15 shirt purchase will buy 6 baby chicks, 1/2 rooster, and The Gospel to family in need overseas. However, I am excited to announce that becca Anne Barn Sale has also decided to help out! The first 50 local pick up orders will also get a becca Anne tote with shirt purchase! Even better.... for each shirt sold, becca Anne Barn Sale will donate $1 (up to $500) to Samaritan's Purse and The Lent Project! And yet there is more... also with your shirt purchase, free admission to attend becca Anne Barn Sale in the Spring will be given when wearing your :Do something that matters." shirt! ($3 value) becca Anne will also announce later another charity that will be sponsored. 

Without further ado, here is the 2016 "Do something that matters."  T-Shirt. With true colors of White County Warrior pride, this shirt will be a fantastic addition to have. Information to links will be available below to order the t-shirt for $15 + shipping (if needed). Be sure to pick up a shirt and wear it to show and "Do something that matters." We are grateful to Tracy for allowing us to be a part of this 'beautiful ride" with The Lent Project. As Tracy states,               "The only thing better than doing something that matters, is doing something that matters TOGETHER!!!"                                                                               Contact: Tracy Frasier Crosland                                                                           Facebook: Do something that matters.                                                                    Website: Do something that matters.                                                                  Business Facebook: New Homes in Sparta                                                     Business Website: New Homes in Sparta                                           (Tracy does a fantastic blog on her business website about life in Sparta that has become a favorite and must read. Be sure to follow along.)                                       Life is a beautiful Ride,     #Dosomethingthatmatters.