The Basket Lady

Every now and then, Basket Lady likes to do updates on the goodwill baskets that have been given away. Presently, 300 baskets have been distributed to individuals and families in the River Valley and beyond.

The Basket Lady's mission is to create a community tradition of getting a basket, and then giving a basket for the pure joy of showing someone a kindness.

Appreciation and support baskets are ongoing projects all year long and kind folks like Valerie Jacobs have donated backpacks and inspirational materials for those in need via the basket lady.

My mentor, Dot Sanchas, loved baskets and all the things about containing and offering that a basket represents. Through your support of donations to the Basket Lady, children receive new shoes and socks or a stuffed toy animal, babies receive new cuddle blankets, and adults receive sunshine and food baskets.

Dot’s special angels in training: Joyce Saisi, Jennifer Kreckel, Linda French, Donna Trundy, Ginny Todd, Sue Ellen Richardson, Lane McDonald, Christine Ladd, Linda MacGregor, Norman Robichaud, Dot Benedix, Barbara Jean Smith, Ginny Todd, Barbara Morse, Lorraine Nadeau, Anne and Betty Wood have been donating baskets, soaps/shampoos and a variety of items for nearly 10 years.

Several area businesses such as Dead River, the River Valley Healthy Communities Coalition, Pizza Hut, Sheltering Wing, Hope Association and the Free Shop have donated baskets, coupons, calendars and water bottles.

A very dear earthly angel donates items for the baskets and leaves them on the front porch along with a letter of encouragement.

At the heart of it all, is kindness. The shaping of a life. What can one do to begin practicing kindness? Start with slow, deep breathing; then concentrate on, “May all be kind to each other.” During this day, really try to turn your heart and mind to kindness and when you’re talking to people, ask yourself, “Am I speaking kindly?”

If you know of someone who could use a sunshine/kindness basket, please contact the Basket Lady at: 357-2266 or via the Rumford Falls Times.

Kindness not only counts but it adds up. Dot Sanchas, kind lady, we miss you every day! Until then, smile and live in the present.