About four years ago, a friend of mine was diagnosed with breast cancer. I, like most people, felt lost on how to assist her. I wanted to do something but felt helpless. Her closest friends rallied around her by organizing a meal train for her family. Knowing that the hardest days would be the days / weeks post chemo, they made sure that family and friends took turns preparing or ordering meals. It was a simple gesture, but one that I know meant so much to her during this difficult time. It also allowed those closest to her to feel like they can do (a little) something to help out.
A year later, another close friend of mine was diagnosed with breast cancer. This time, I knew exactly how to help out. I suggested organizing meals to her best-friend and she took the lead on it. My friend had never heard of this idea before and she thought it was amazing. I remember her mentioning how helpful those meals were to her and her family and how much they meant to her.
If you’re looking to support a family member, close friend or even someone in your community in time of need, definitely consider organizing a meal schedule. Caring Organizer is a free online service that lets you do it all quickly and efficiently. All you need to do is customize the calendar with meal details like delivery location and time, dietary restrictions and any special instructions (i.e. don’t ring the door bell, just leave on porch). Once the calendar is created, you can share it with family and friends so they can easily sign up for a day and time to send homemade or catered meals.
Caring Organizer’s website includes a directory of local caterers, restaurants, florists, gift baskets/trays businesses that provide delivery. This makes it easy for out of town friends and family to contribute easily. The site also includes a ‘helpful hints’ tab which I love. It’s full of amazing information like ‘what makes the perfect meal to send to show you care’ and ‘it’s never too late to show your support’ and ‘meaningful things to say when someone lost a loved one.’
While most of us hope to never have to be in this situation, often life has other plans. Thankfully the services provided by Caring Organizer helps make a very difficult and stressful time a little more manageable to those we love.
Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Caring Organizer. The views and opinions expressed in this blog, however, are purely my own.
yishar koach