Kid-friendly blessing mix

Blessing Mix

An Easy Treat to Make Together

Mix up these ingredients to remind your family of this season of thanksgiving.

It’s easy to lose sight of the season—what with Halloween just behind us and Christmas looming in the not-so-distant future. So, pause for a minute and toss together this yummy mix of pantry staples to remind your family of the meaning of thankfulness. You can combine the ingredients in a large bowl, then divvy up into cellophane bags tied with a cute ribbon for gifting, or store everything in a large glass cookie jar on the kitchen counter for easy snacking.

There are plenty of cute printable labels and tags to add on Pinterest (mostly free) and Etsy (via paid printable download). Enjoy!

You will need the following (eyeball amounts to suit your tastes):

Bugles

Pretzels

Candy Corn

Nuts and/or Seeds

Dried Fruit

Chocolate Kisses

Gently stir all ingredients together in a large mixing bowl. Store in a large container with a tightfitting lid, or seal in individual bags. Blessing Mix Bugles represent the cornucopia, a horn of plenty.

Pretzels represent arms folded in thanks and prayer.

Candy corn reminds us that during the first winter, the Pilgrims were allowed only a few kernels of corn per day because food was so scarce. Seeds are promise of a future harvest if they are planted and well tended.

Fruit is a reminder of the harvest gifts from the land.

M&Ms are for Memories of those who came before us. Hershey's Kiss is a reminder of the love of family and friends that sweetens our lives.

Serve Others this Season

Check out these opportunities to make it a family affair and share with the community this month!

THE JUST PEOPLE PROJECT

thejustpeopleproject.com Accepting donations for Christmas Eve stockings for the homeless. Items needed include stockings, Christmas Tree Cakes, crackers, Hot Hands, travel-size shampoo, conditioner, and toothpaste, toothbrushes, socks, gloves, toboggans, and more.

BIRMINGHAM POLICE DEPARTMENT

police.birminghamal.gov Accepting new, unwrapped toys and new, unused coats and shoes at precinct locations through December 16. (BPD Headquarters, North, South, East, and West Precincts, and the City Jail)

COMMUNITY SHARING TABLE

facebook.com/TheCleanUpProjectUSA Locals can drop off donations any time at 208 Montgomery Lane in Homewood. Current most needed items include cleaning supplies, diapers, baby wipes, and bread.

BLESSING BOXES

Trinity United Methodist and Independent Presbyterian Drop off nonperishable food items and toiletry supplies at Trinity (1400 Oxmoor Road in Homewood; the box is located on Seminole Drive near the upper sidewalk and entry to the church building). Email conniemccallum@me.com for specific needs. IPC’s box is located under the covered walkway on the side of the church. Drop off donations weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Community Ministries’ entrance on 31st Street South. (Call Lisa at 205-9333725 to arrange.) Needs include peanut butter, jelly, cereal, nutrition bars, canned fruits and vegetables, canned spaghetti, dried rice and beans, and soups.

ANGEL TREE STUFF THE BUS

Drop off new, unwrapped toys or coats for kids under age 12 at Chick-Fil-A locations around the city. (Greystone, 11/21-22; Hoover Commons, 11/28-29; and Eastwood Village, 11/30-12/1)

TOYS FOR TOTS

bessemer-al.toysfortots.org Accepting new, unwrapped toys through December all around Birmingham. Visit the website above for a local donation bin near you.

COMMUNITY FURNITURE BANK

communityfurniturebank.org Accepting donations of new and used bath and hand towels and washcloths. (You can also ship directly to the warehouse.) Address for donations: 219 Distribution Drive, Birmingham, AL 35209

If you know of a volunteer opportunity that is a great fit for families, be sure to let us know! Email stephanie@ jbmcmedia.com.