"We are traveling to 50 states in 50 consecutive days volunteering for 50 different organizations," explained Kirstin.
When 26-year-old Tim lost his construction job to layoffs, he decided to see the country while doing something worthwhile and convinced his 25-year-old sweetheart to take leave of her market research analyst job to join him. They are promoting volunteerism.
"Just get out there. Especially now if you don't have money to donate maybe, spend a little time. Come out to community organizations in your neighborhood and give a little time," Tim said.
They found organizations online, loaded their car and tapped their savings to cover nearly $4,000 in gas and plane fare. Their food and lodging is being donated.
Their volunteer journey started on January 4th at a Vermont sports center for people with disabilities. They spent Monday, which was day 8, in New Jersey supporting a recycling effort. They were in Pennsylvania Tuesday and will visit a Delaware food bank on Wednesday. They'll wind up in Hawaii on February 22nd serving adults with developmental challenges.
"We will have worked at a rape crisis alliance, homeless shelters, transitional housing centers, soup kitchens, food banks, garden projects, family centers. The list goes on and on and on," said Kirsten.
"It's extremely meaningful because without volunteers we couldn't do the work we do," said Marlo DelSordo of Philabundance.
They spend 8 hours volunteering, 8 traveling and 8 sleeping each day. If you're interested their blog is at thecivicprojects.org.
"We just hope people will get out there and get creative with their volunteer hours and find something that really resonates with them."
By their journey's end this giving couple will undoubtedly had some experiences they will not forget. Ultimately they hope their legacy is to inspire people to feel empowered to make a difference through volunteerism."
