Thank you from me, Victor, Hailey, Anderson Cooper and James Garfield

in I am totally overrated, important stuff, James Garfield for Sainthood

UPDATE: Wow.  That went heartbreakingly fast.  But there are other people out there who have so sweetly offered up gift cards that they don’t need or who’ve sent emails about wanting to help so keep leaving comments and I’ll do my best to match up donators with those of you needing help.  I’m sure we won’t be able to help everyone and I’m sorry for that but every little bit counts.  Also, consider contacting Toys for Tots if you need presents.  It’s easy (aside from the line you have to wait in) to get new presents for your kids that way and there’s no one there judging you.  And I hope that everyone reads the comments and it spurs you on to donating, even if it’s only a few dollars or to just remember how lucky we are.  The world is both darker and brighter than we think.

**********************

I’m about to ruin your image of me but it’s for a good cause.

In my family we have one Christmas tradition that we never, ever skip.  Every year at Christmas Victor and Hailey and I go out and buy my parents the best Christmas present that they never actually get.  This year we’re gearing up for the same thing (and I totally recommend it to anyone who has some extra cash to share) but we’re also doing something different.

This year was hard for so a lot people and so many people I know are struggling.  They’re looking for work or for places to live and suddenly the things that you take for granted, like buying Christmas presents for your kids, become a luxury you can’t afford.  I’ve had my years of struggling and borrowing and getting the water shut off because you couldn’t afford to pay it but this year we’ve been really lucky.  We aren’t rich but we’re blessed and so much of that is because of you.  Whether you left a kind comment or nice email or supported me by buying ridiculous James Garfield holiday cards you made a difference to me.  And that’s why we’re taking all the money you gave me for James Garfield cards and we’re giving it back.

If you’re struggling for money right now and don’t know how you’ll give your kids presents then leave me a comment.  You don’t have to use your real name or leave a url or prove anything.  Just leave me a comment and your email address (always hidden and never used) and I’ll email a $30 Amazon gift card to the first twenty people who leave a comment explaining why it would make a difference in their lives right now.

Thank you to everyone who made a difference to me.

PS.  My guess is that with so many people out of work right now these will go fast so if you’re in a place where you’re lucky enough to have money to share then please donate to Toys for Tots.  Or if you’d like to help by doing your own gift card giveaway (even giving one can make a huge difference and you can do it all online) on your blog then just leave a comment with your url below and we can keep this going until we help as many people as we can.

PPS.  I’m so grateful I’m able to do this and I wouldn’t have had the money to do this without you.  Thank you. You make the world go ’round.

PPPS.  I promise to be less sappy tomorrow.

778 thoughts on “Thank you from me, Victor, Hailey, Anderson Cooper and James Garfield”

Read comments below or add one.

  2. I am not in need, I just wanted to say how absolutely wonderful I think this is. It’s just beautiful, even if you are only doing this as a smokescreen for your evil intentions. 😉

  3. I’m in a hard place right now, but I also realize that there a lot of people out there hurting harder because they have families to support. I don’t have much, but I donate what food and clothing items I can to the Salvation Army. This time of year really sucks when you don’t have anything to really celebrate.

    I like to bake cookies for my friends and family as Christmas gifts. It’s not much, but the thought that counts.

  5. And I do know that the kids would appreciate a gift NOT from the Goodwill… even though it has been very, very good to me this year!

  6. While I could use this, like just about everyone can, I’d rather you give it to a blog friend that we both know. She has 3 little ones and is struggling and in a real bad place in so many aspects of her life. $30 might not do much, but it’d be better than the nothing that she is already planning on doing. So if I “won” I’d give you her info to send it to her.

    Also? You’re amazing. Sappy or not.

  7. I’m actually a child not a parent, but my dad has been unemployed for two years and I’m a college student (read: broke). He’s getting really depressed and feeling like he can’t take care of his family. I’d love to buy a little something for Christmas to show that I (have /will/do) appreciate all the unpaid things he’s done for my and younger bros growing up and now.
    🙂

  8. Your blog has inspired me since the first day I read it, and you’ve made me cry today.

    My husband has been unemployed for 22 months out of the last 24. I work part time-and we’ll be applying for help just to pay our heating bill this winter. $30 would buy quite a bit of goodies for my kids this year.

  10. This totally makes up for all those times you got drunk and played dress up with furry costumes.

  11. I don’t need this, so please don’t send me one. I just wanted to let you know that my eyes teared up at your generosity. You are totally awesome!!!

  13. We are hurting. I am so embarrassed to admit that so I didn’t use my real name. Thank you for being one person who really cares. I promise to pass the love on as soon as I can.

  14. Your generosity is amazing.

    While my husband was able to find work after being laid off, the time off, combined with a medical crisis has really come crashing down on us. Despite all of that, I’m grateful for everything we do have. Money comes and money goes and while there isn’t a lot of it right now, that’s only temporary. We have what we need, if only barely. The rest will come in time.

  15. My family kicked me out this year. My divorce made me an embarassment to them. My best friend’s family adopted me, and I want to show them my gratitude but I’m broke and can’t afford presents. This money could help me say thank you for not letting me be alone, falling in between the cracks. Thank you so much for loving me when my family couldn’t.

  16. Wow, I am so glad you are able to help families. We have a really rough two years, and we didnt really know how we were going to get much for our kids this year. A wonderful Lady in the US, (I’m in Canada) sent each of our boys a toy and a book. Just wanted to encourage others, there are so many good people in this world. Our family plans on giving back once we are back on our feet again.
    Merry Christmas and God bless you and yours.
    Dana @ The Sears Fam

  18. As if just ordering James Garfield cards wasn’t awesome enough, knowing that my purchase of profane Christmas cards is going to help someone else out is even better. And now I have a new wallpaper on my work computer. It’s like TODAY is Christmas. Thanks for being you, Jenny.

  19. $30.00 at Amazon would assist me in doing what everyone in this country is having difficulty with right now: Getting gifts for my beautiful children…

    Jenny, you’re beautiful.

  22. I love your blog and this post made my day. Whether or not I luck out, it’s awesome. My son REALLyY really wants this crazy little motorcycle that I could not believe was $16 but that’s ALL he really wants and if I get this card… he’s gonna get it! And a book or few to even it out! 🙂

  23. I never thought I’d be in a position to not be able to buy my son something for Christmas. Unfortunately, here we are, with my husband looking for steady work, my salary frozen, and a voicemail box that’s filled to the brim with messages from bill collectors. So, I’m making as many things as I can for him, and I’m considering wrapping up some toys he’s forgotten about and re-giving them to him. I’ve contemplated asking friends for a used bike his size but I haven’t done so yet. We’ve already saved up a few hand-me-downs and fortunately I’m creative and can come up with a lot of novel project-like things out of scrounged materials, but still. This sucks. Whether I am one of the lucky recipients or not, you’re amazing for doing this. And if you know of anyone who needs some artists, give me a holler.

  25. Since going through the divorce this past year things have been rough. I am living with a roommate and have taken a barely paying job just to barely make my bills. I cant afford xmas this yearfor my children which is killing me. I just want to b able to give my kids a lil something so they know mom still can do stuff like that.

  26. I am making a comment on behalf of my mother. She injured herself in October and couldn’t work for 2 months. She has no health insurance of any kind, so my husband and I moved her in with us to help her get back on her feet. Thankfully she was able to go back to 1 of her 2 jobs in the last week, but she will not be able to return to her second job because of her limitations now.

    I know she is very depressed about not being able to afford to get my 3 year old nephew, her grandson, anything for christmas this year. I tried to talk to her about it and offer her some help, but she refuses because she already feels like a burden on us. She’s doing better, but i would love to give her this so she could do something for him.

    Thanks Jenny, you always make my day brighter!

  27. I’m not in need either but My brother and his family are. He’s been out of work for two years. He has a daughter that has major medical issues and a wife that’s been having some medical issues and is unable to care for the kids. So he’s been taking care of her and the girls. There’s no money coming in and there is no money for Christmas gifts let alone any to pay bills by gas or pay for dr’s visits. I’d give them the card. They so deserve it.

  28. Jenny – this is a fantastic idea. One of my suppliers at work sent me some Best Buy gift cards at some point in this last year. I was going to give them away here at work but the supplier sent me US gift cards which are useless to us here in Canada (not redeemable at Best Buy Canada and Best Buy US.com doesn’t ship north).
    I’d be happy to mail them to you to be used in this giveaway. I have a couple – so email me and tell me if you can use them.

  29. I wanted to also tell you, it would make a huge difference this year because we just found out we are having another (surprise!) baby and not only are we hurting, but scared now, too. In this economy it’s hard to have even one child and now we have to plan for another. A baby is a joy, and I am so happy. But I’m scared.

  30. I think I may be in the top thirty, and I had a really rough year, and someone was really generous to me, letting me buy presents for my kids, but now I know a family worse off than I am, and a way to be able to help them out would be entirely more awesome than anything I can think of. We’ve already given them some of our gently used toys, but giving them the opportunity to give for themselves would be awesome too.

  31. Things can change so much so fast. Went form being the person that was helping families last year to needing help this year. I supported you by buying an ad when you needed money for exterminators or an exorcism or something :)) Now that times have changed for us, $30 would ROCK!! You’re as bad ass as wolverines!

  32. I just made my first school loan payment…it’s scary growing up! I didn’t even start shopping yet!

  33. Why it would make a difference…

    I don’t need a thing. I live on disability and it’s okay when I’m by myself every month, but Christmas freaking sucks. Everyone in the family says, “no gifts, don’t worry.” I worry. I guess I don’t mind for my nieces, nephews, etc. I’m sad as hell because I can’t do much for someone close to me that I used to be able to.

    I feel like a big whiner because I have a roof over my head, food on my table and I bitch because I can’t buy extras. But I still whine.

  35. I do not need it but as a legal aid attorney, I can think of numerous clients who could use it. Too bad they don’t know about this. You are awesome.

  36. wow. you are clearly one hell of a remarkable women. Yes the past 2 years have been turmoil for us, medical issues, natural disasters, and job loss. But we are so grateful. we and those we love are healthier this year. lucky to have a young child who is happy with that alone. The older kid. Has given up Christmas for 2 years so younger kid can get a gift even trying to work to help come up with a present or 2. We are fine. We are just grateful and thankful to be here, alive and have friends. You are an inspiration even when you don’t want to be you zombie killing James Garfield loving, red dress rocking, dead squirrel bidding, bag of amazing.

  37. You are amazing. I say this on a daily basis (mostly in the form of laughing so much that I pee myself while reading your blog). Thank you for doing this. If I could afford to, I would. I may not be able to afford my cable bill or christmas presents for my family (I don’t have kids but a lot of brothers and sisters) but I have a roof over my head, a full time job and food in my fridge. Thank you for doing what so many other people should do. You rock my socks Jenny.

  38. I don’t need this, but just wanted to say, what a great idea, Jenny, bless you!

    And I never say “bless you,” so you know I must be really touched.

  39. I’m sick and can’t even go to the damn doctor, but I managed gifts. I’d sell a gift credit on e-Bay and use it on a co-pay.

  40. You are an amazing creature. I’m so glad you exist as it makes the rest of existence worth while. Happy Holidays to you and yours, Ms. Jenny.

    p.s. don’t send me anything, I want for nothing and am looking forward to sharing what I have with my friends and family…IF they are good. 🙂

  41. We’ve gone through some VERY difficult times in the past few years… it’s still pretty tight but we’re getting by. I’m grateful to be able to do what I love all day—> I’m home with my son… and I made my craft my job with “Yah Bags”. So I know how much your gift will mean to these people. A hand up… not a hand out. Good for you… seriously, you’re making a difference.

  42. I’ve had a really hard year. Divorce is expensive yo. However? My kids have some presents under the tree despite that. My family will make sure my kids (and I most likely) are throughly spoiled.

    I don’t need the gift card. I just really wanted to tell you that you are doing something amazing. I love you for that.

  43. my own husband has been without work for nearly two years…but we’re doing all right. my daughter’s husband lost his job just after their third baby was born, 3 months ago. they are living with us, so they DO have a roof over their heads, but there is no money for gifts. her children are 7, 3 and 3 months.

  44. You are wonderful.

    I don’t need anything, but my in-laws could use it. My father-in-law has a prison ministry, and through it he’s met lots and lots and lots of people in need. One family in particular has a newborn and a 2-year-old and little else. They need all kinds of baby stuff; the 2-year-old doesn’t even have a bed. I know they could use the help, and I’d love to pass something on to them from you.

  46. I don’t need the gift card, but you could give it to me and I would pass it on to my friends who just had a baby, had their landlord tell them that he wouldn’t renew their lease because he wants his daughter to move into the house. They’re moving this weekend with a 4-year old, a 2-year old, and a one-month old.

  47. I am totally tearing up right now. While I am super underemployed I did manage to scrape enough money together to get gifts for my loved ones and I feel really lucky that I was able to do so.

  48. I lost my job about a year ago and had to skip on presents for my family this year who are wonderful to me, I could stretch $30 a long way.

  49. This year is the hardest it’s ever been for me and my family!!! A gift card would help me more than I can tell you! Thank you! God Bless and Merry Christmas/Happy New Year!!

  50. You not only make me laugh, you make me cry. You’re a wonderful person, Jenny. We get by, but not easily. My husband is battling agoraphobia and depression and despite that is the most wonderful partner, friend and father in the world. We’re not really doing presents for each other this year but I’d love to get him a surprise just to say thank you for keeping on truckin’.

  53. I don’t want a gift card (even though it looks like you’ve reached your quota) but I had to tell you that I love your blog. I wanted to thank you for all the laughter (and the tears) that you’ve brought into my life. 2011 is looking great with a blog like yours to peruse! Thanks for doing you.

  54. This year has been so hard on so many people. I’m in the middle of an ugly divorce and an even uglier custody battle. Despite that, I’m blessed. I have my baby girl and she has presents.

    I don’t need anything, but I just wanted to tell you that you are amazing and I love that you are doing this.

    Now, for god’s sake, write something funny! Too many people making me cry today.

    xo

  55. I have been fortunate this year and I don’t require the card, but I must say the karma coming back on you and yours for this will be amazing! It’s nice to know that the generousity of the holiday hasn’t been completely wiped away by consummerism!

  56. I’ll give out the 21st gift card request you receive; $30 at Amazon. Just give me the email information and I’ll send it along. Happy Holidays everyone.

  57. My husband hasn’t worked in almost 9 months. Thankfully, he just found out last week that he has a job! The only bad thing is it’s in California. But a job is a job and we need the insurance. We will have to pay two living expenses and travel to visit each other, but we will make do. It couldn’t have come at a better time, since we’ve finally maxed out all our credit cards and the money I make is just not enough. As much as we need a $30 gift card (to anywhere) for ourselves, I would give it to our friend. She is a foster mom who has had a 5 year old with many issues for quite a while. Yesterday, she took in a 15 year old. Neither child came with anything. Anything. No clothes or toys. She is a kind hearted person and very patient. This is all in addition to her full time job and her grown children. If I got a $30 gift card, I would give it to her. We’ve had lots of help from family and friends, but she needs it more right now.

    Jenny, I love reading your tweets and your blogs. They make me laugh. Sometimes they are inappropriate; sometimes they are silly; sometimes they are touching. You are a true woman.

  58. I would just like to be able to get some educational gifts for my kids. They actually like toys that teach them something, especially my son.

  59. Have I ever told you how awesome you are?? Bc you complete me, but in a total non-stalkerish way! 🙂

  60. I’ve been reading your blog for well over a year, and this is the first time I really felt like I should comment. What you are doing is awesome. That is all.

  61. I’m not in need either, just wanted to tell you how beautiful this is. Thank you for doing this for all the people that are having a tough time.

  62. That’s an amazing thing you’re doing.

    I am not in need, but just wanted to say I wish I was half the woman you were.

    If I had to choose, I’d pick the lower half because there’s a penis there and I’m not sure this analogy works with me having man-parts. God..it’s the tiny details that always get me.

  63. Hmm. All of my comment got deleted except for the final line. Weird.
    Recap.
    Christmas is always the hardest time for us money wise. My birthday, thanksgiving, christmas, my daughters birthday. And then to top it off, my fiance and I r getting married in april so were realy tight on money this year. So, to make sure that our daughter has a christmas, my fiance and i decided not to buy each other presents this year. Everybody else is getting crocheted scarves or fleece tied blankets and pillows. Along with baked goods.

    We don’t have the money to go out and but new presents for the toys for tots program, however, our 4 y/o daughter has agreed with us and we r giving away over half of her old toys.

    Basicly, long story short. U r awsome. Thankyou. 🙂

  64. We aren’t in need, we’ve been very fortunate this year but I wanted to say…how absolutely fabulous of you and amazing that you are able to give back like this!

  66. I don’t need a thing, but this post (and all of the comments) made me cry. You’re amazing!

  67. My husband left in June and my son and I are living on food stamps and the $400/month I make freelancing. He hasn’t had a present or a treat from me in almost two years — since I’ve been out of work. It would be so lovely if I could be the parent he likes this year.

  68. I am not in need and so very grateful for that fact. I organized the participation in an Adopt-a-Family program for my office this year through the Salvation Army and it was so incredibly humbling and inspiring to see the junction of human strength and generosity. Many many families in need will have presents under the tree this year because of them….everyone should consider organizing something like this.

    Jenny, I LOVE your Christmas traditions and want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for spreading happiness in the world. You make my days brighter all the time.

    xo
    Liz

    P.S. I was always suspicious that you were possibly a genuinely nice and sappy person underneath your cold hobo-finger-cutting off exterior. Now we know.

  70. I’m in need. I took over handling the finances from my hubby and he has NO idea how much debt we are really in (due to adoption expenses…but still). Could really use this…

  71. Your blog makes me laugh and cry thank goodness so far I haven’t peed my pants while reading it. Thank you for doing this. And I don’t need a card I wish I could send you more to give away though.

  75. I wanted to thank you for this. We’re in a tough situation right now- lot’s of people are, but I want the money to go to others. (no, really) Our kids and I decided to make this a “homemade” Christmas and we’re really enjoying it and the time we’re spending together doing it.

    I think this is a fantastic thing you’re doing and I hope it helps out many who need it. Merry Christmas!

  76. I’d totally take you up on the offer, but Amazon doesn’t carry the specific type of pornography that I like, so I politely decline.

    Oh, and it’s so great that you’re doing this for everyone, blah blah blah…off to check out some more hot sheep-on-goat action!

    (sarcasm aside, this is very, very nice of you. May your next year be filled with more bizarrely taxidermied animals!)

  78. I commented earlier about wanting to help a family I know since I was helped by someone else this year. I know you hit your limit, and I am kind of embarrassed since I made a mistake in my comment and thought it was 30 not 20 cards, but that’s neither here nor there. The family I am talking about is a single mom with her daughter, the daughter is 5 and in kindergarten, she used to be a twin. Her twin brother died in a pool drowning, and then my friend, the mom here, got ovarian cancer and had to have her ovaries and uterus removed. Once she started recovering from all this, the cancer came back, and she had to go through chemo. While going through all that, she was married. It was this past summer that her husband left her. So, she has lost alot. Now she lives with friends and they work so hard to put food on the table etc, she is on disability because the cancer keeps coming back, she just had back surgery, they don’t even have furniture to sit on, you see where I’m going, it’s bad. I don’t want this comment going on the site, I know you moderate, but if there is any way that anything comes through that can help this family. Her email is Start a chat ladyravenstorm13 @yahoo.com. She is a wonderful lady who is doing everything she can to make the best out of a truly truly horrible situation. Thank you at least for listening.

  80. Hollywood kisses to someone who ACTS compassionately and makes me laugh consistently. What a great idea you have here. BIG love

  81. This post makes me feel teary-eyed and warm & fuzzy all that the same time. You’re awesome. I’m looking up Toys for Tots right now.

  82. I’ll donate another gift card, but I’m not sure how to e-mail you. Please advise. 🙂

    PS– I feel like I should be able to figure the email thing out. This is a little embarrassing.

  83. this made me all teary at work. you are fantastic. i’d like to give away 3 more $30 giftcards. just let me know if it would be easier to set it up on my blog or have you pass on 3 of your overflow email addresses. the world is a better place because of people like you (and james garfield).

  84. We’ll gladly buy a gift card for someone. Just send an email & we’ll figure it out.

  85. My husband called me a couple hours ago and said “Don’t get me anything for Christmas. Let’s give that money to charity.” You and my husband are awesome. I love him and you (but maybe him just a little bit more…sorry). We’re big kids at heart, so I’m thinking a huge Toys for Tots donation will be coming from our family this year.

    Also, over the weekend I saw a “Now Hiring” sign down here in Florida (somewhere near DeLand) … a taxidermist is looking for an apprentice. I hear that’s a highly respectable line of work. Plus, they could “pay it forward” by creating a friend for James Garfield. 😉

  86. –>I (heart) The Bloggess even more now. Your generosity is admirable and I hope to hear in a future posts the wonderful Christmas celebrations you’re providing to so many families (even if anonymously).

    Our family is in want of nothing and although we have the funds to buy gifts, we’re all making an effort to scale back and share the gift of time with each other. Plus, we need the extra money for booze, just in case.

    Merry Christmas!
    xoxo,
    deb

  87. Hi! First time commenting.

    I found your blog relatively recently and keep track through twitter (I’m a twitter stalker,btw) and it’s helped me a lot, really made a difference right now. Your blog keeps me in a high mood even when I have to be isolated for months due to illness (the only living thing I kept contact with for two solid months at one point was my neighbouring eagle that comes to sleep right accross my window every night, so in those months I’d lay for hours waiting for the sun to come down and I could stare wistfully at little whitey as it prepared to sleep without ever noticing she was being stalked, and then the rest of the night just lay down unexpectantly for the next weary day to come along).

    I don’t need the money, I can’t use it anyway as I’m far out of its reach here. I just felt that if you posted a thank you note, I wanted to give you the thank you back. Especially because I’ve never bought anything from you due to being, like I said, economically out of reach from your country.

    So A BIG THANK YOU to You and Victor and Hailey and Anderson Cooper and James Garfield.

  88. I am a guy and must admit that this even choked me up…I totally lose my mancard for that and for reading your blog (I think?). I’m okay financially and don’t want the cards, but thought I would just let you know you’re VERY awesome for doing this …very kind and generous. Wishing your family a happy holiday!

  89. I’m not in need either, thankfully, but I wanted to add to the chorus of the “I think what you’re doing is amazings.” This season isn’t about getting it’s about giving and reading this blog post has helped restore my faith in humanity. Jenny – you’re awesome. Thank you for being you and for doing such an incredibly generous and thoughtful thing for folks who are struggling to get by. My heart is thoroughly warmed. Or maybe that’s hearburn. Who can tell really?

  90. Thank you for this post. I’ve been stuck in my own little pity party – and this is a nice reminder of the things I have to given – even if they are just monetary. Thank you.

  92. We could really use the help this year. My husband was killed by a drunk driver in July and since he was the primary income earner things have been very tough. I have twin girls that are 5 years old and this is just the worst time of year to be poor and to be missing the love of your life at the same time. I wish I could just crawl in bed and sleep through Christmas but my girls deserve more. Thank you for all you do Jenny. You are an amazingly beautiful person.

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  95. I think I saw the 21st gift card offered – I can give the 22nd. Please let me know the person’s email address and I will email it to them.

  96. Brian and I adopted a child this year. We’d never done it before, and for that I’m sorry. Shopping for some random kid I would never meet and wouldn’t get to see open his presents was far more fun than I ever imagined. I am envious of your huge toy stash you’re able to donate. You’ve given me a goal for next year.

  97. I rarely comment here anymore because I just can’t compete with your army of funny readers, but I thought this one would be safe since no one’s being super clever. I may be having a hard time this year, but I at least still have a job & my boys have loving grandparents who get them gifts. So I do feel very thankful for that because I know there are many who don’t have those benefits. I am also thankful for knowing (in a way) someone like you who does something so generous each Christmas, and who gives me other reasons to smile all year long. Merry Christmas, Jenny 🙂

  98. You are too cool. And your parents are very, very proud of you (as a parent of two thirty-somethings, I can say this with authority). I do toys through our local Food Bank recipients, but also give a donation to a local family shelter (takes in the entire family, not just men or women). The family and friends I used to give gifts to get a card with a note inside that a donation has been made to the shelter in their name. No one has complained yet!

  99. I’m a single mother of four beautiful children. They are my world, and I would love to give them something special for Christmas. The extra money would allow me to do even more for them.
    I’m being laid off in February, so I want to make this season as special as possible before it becomes more difficult at that time.
    You really are a special person. Your blog never fails to make me smile.

  100. Like so many others here, I just want to tell you how much I love you for doing this. You amaze me.

  101. I’m following your lead and giving away a $20 gift card. I posted the details on my blog; I guess I could have just offered on here in comments. Anyway, I hope whoever reads this will pass the giveaway along to who needs it.

  102. I have been saving up farts in a jar for you ALL year long. Just wait until that UPS delivery arrives from New Jersey… mmm, mmm, mmm.

    Also… this.

  103. This has been a tough year for my family. The cost of everything keeps going up but our income keeps staying the same. I try to remember to be grateful for the low paying jobs that my husband and myself have because so many others are unemployed. Our priority is to pay the mortgage on our very small house, which has gone way up as well, and keep the heat and water on. My daughter is 9 and needs so many things like new glasses and tennis shoes, I keep putting it off and hoping some money will come from somewhere. Thanks for having such a warm and giving heart. In times when I had any extra I have tried to help others and one day I hope to be able to again.

  104. We have been fortunate this year and are not in need, but there have been years where we relied on the kindness of others and were grateful. My best friend of 30+ years left her abusive husband three months ago and is struggling working two jobs to support herself and her 10 yo and 15 yo and battle for what little child support she gets. If you could help her out, she might regain her faith in the world.

  107. I have no wants or needs but wanted to say how awesome it is that you are doing this! Now can you help me with this minor bout of typhoid I’m having? Thanks, xoxo

  110. Jenny, I love you. Thank you for doing this. I would like to help out by sending a gift card, if you would send me the e-mail address. 🙂

  111. I can’t bring myself to ask you for anything but I just want you to know I’m sitting here bawling my eyes out. I’m a single mom to three kids who had to decide between giving my kids gifts and keeping the electricity on. At the beginning of the year I was in great shape financially and mentally but then, as has happened to so many other people, the bottom dropped out. I’m humiliated, have no one to turn to for help, and can’t tell anyone about any of this. I’m dying of shame by inches while pretending everything is just fine. I know there are more deserving people out there who need important things like coats and shoes, which we have. I just wanted to thank you for doing this and making me feel for the two minutes it took to read your post that there are some decent people in this world. Have a wonderful holiday.

  112. It doesn’t look like I’ll be buying my kids gifts this year, but others — our family friends and family will make up for it. I also think the holidays have become too much about consumption anyway and don’t mind the chance to teach my kids that disappointment is a state of mind. Still, I feel bad for them because they are teenagers, which puts them in that ugly place where adults don’t think you’re cute anymore but you still want to feel like a kid at Christmas even as you experiment with makeup and kissing and curse words.
    When my daughter cracked a joke about why put a tree up if there’s not going to be anything under it, I told her that under the tree was where we’ll put the gifts we are going to give to others. The wise men didn’t show up expecting handouts from Jesus; they brought gifts to give. This year, like last, we will volunteer for Toys for Tots, handing out gifts to those who in many cases have even less than we do. Anyone can receive, it is a privilege to be able give.

  113. Jenny, this is why you’re a true inspiration.

    I decided this year that presents don’t mean as much as love. Though Chicken’s father has never been in her life and never will, every penny I own goes to making her life happy. And that makes me happy.

    I only sent out Holiday Cards this year because I couldn’t do much more than that. I had an artificial tree donated to me. But whether or not my daughter and I HAVE belongings this Christmas, we have each other.

    For those who are struggling along with myself, a lot of more fortunate families do donate some very nice things to your local thrift stores and many of them have days where extra discounts apply. Like at mine, Wednesday’s you everything is half-off from 7-9 pm…including toys. I have been able to buy some things that way for her. And kids go through clothes so fast, many of the clothing they have is barely used. Find out when your store typical gets their weekly shipment in and go that day or the next to score the best things!

    Happy Holidays everyone!

  114. I wish I would have seen this earlier, we could really use this. I have been chronically ill and bedridden for 2 years. We have had to sell our second car and lots of other things in order to pay for my treatment and everyday things. We are living on the bare minimum. We have 4 girls ages 6 and under

  115. Jenny, I love you. Truly. And I am so thankful that you exist. Usually I use the gift cards my aunts give me as presents to get presents for other folks; if I come into anything unexpected I will certainly send you and email and ask if you can help hook me up with someone who needs it.

    Thank you.

  116. I can give a $30 gift card and I would love to! Match me up with someone or let me know what to do. I’m sobbing my eyes out over here reading everyone’s comments, and I just wish I could give more!

  117. This is fantastic! I am so excited for Christmas this year, but not for the usual reasons. Compared to you Bloggess, I am a blogging neophyte. However, a couple weeks ago, I posted My Christmas Wish List on my blog. I mentioned a girl in my mom’s class who struggles with so many issues, not the least of which is struggling to raise her younger siblings because her mother is mentally ill. This girl is 10. Often, they do not have enough to eat. My awesome readers donated $200 to buy her and her siblings food and gifts for the holidays. I didn’t even ask for donations. They just wanted to help. So this weekend I’m doing something I have absolutely refused to do for 31 years. I am going shopping the weekend before Christmas. And it is going to be so much fun! I am going to search out the great deals. I am going to stretch those dollars until they beg for mercy. And this year, those kids will have presents from Santa and food for their pantry.

  118. I tweeted this to you, but I should post here as well.

    I would be thrilled to add another three cards to what you are doing here. It’s a wonderful thing. <3

  120. I am completely overwhelmed by your amazing stories, strength and by the amount people offering to donate gift cards to others. THANK YOU.

    You made my heart grow 3 sizes and now I have an enlarged heart.

    Right now I’m putting together a spreadsheet to try to match people so if you haven’t heard from me yet that just means I’m still working. You should get an email soon if I have a card for you or if you want to donate a card to someone else.

    Thank you. For real.

  121. We’re in need now more than ever. Two years ago last week my gramma’s house burned down. My mom was living there & had to move in with me & my husband. This summer my mom lost her job & this autumn I did as well. My mom’s unemployment benefits ran out last week. Now we’re living on just my husband’s paycheques — a full-time 50 hr/wk job & an on-call part-time job [he also mows lawns in the summer]. My mom gets foodstamps, but just enough to pay for her own food [she eats meat & we don’t]. I wanted to buy Chrismukkah gifts for my brothers kids — my brother & sister-in-law are separated, she works as a waitress & he’s unemployed [& going to prison soon] — I just wanted to make sure they have a nice holiday during this stressful time.

  122. This is a wonderful idea. I’d love to help out three more of your readers with their holidays by sending them an Amazon gift card. Just tell me who and I’m on it.

  123. I’m not in need and happy to help wherever I can. I’d like to go and purchase a few gift cards for the commenters in need. Just email me and tell me what you need, and I’ll get whatever I can.

    *sniffle*

    And no, I’m not crying like Alice. Not at all.

  125. Wow. I’m not generally all weepy at work; mainly because everyone would look at me funny and I would have to spend all of my paycheck on Kleenex, but I made the exception today while reading your post. In a time that didn’t really feel all Christmasy, you reminded me why I love this holiday. I am not in physical need, but I was in need of some Christmas Spirit! Thank you!

  126. I would love just a little bit extra to help my son have a magical Christmas. He’s 2, so this is the first year that he is getting caught up in the excitement. My husband and I have crappy jobs (but so blessed that we have jobs at all) and we just haven’t been able to save up enough after all the bills to get him any gifts.

  127. I also made comment number 19 up there…and I did it quickly as I was running out of my cube to get lunch. See, I’m lucky to have a job but that doesn’t mean that we’re not hurting anyways. I had a horrid nightmare last night that it was Christmas morning and I woke up with my kids, went to the tree, and there was nothing there. I know there are a million other problems in the world much bigger than Christmas presents, but when you’re a mommy or daddy, being unable to get gifts for your kids feels like every problem in the world all rolled in to one…

  129. Hi Jenny,

    I can only bear to post this anonymously. Last Christmas time, I found out my teenage stepson was molesting my younger daughter. We went through court and counselling and social workers and he was sent to live with his grandmother after no legal action was taken against him (partially due to his age, also to his emotional issues). After 6 months, my husband insisted he move back home. The boy has never expressed any regret over his actions and even blames them on me for not being his REAL mother. I couldn’t handle the thought of him being around my daughters, and my husband wouldn’t support my decision to not have the boy around my girls, so I moved back to my hometown. I’ve been unemployed since July (when I moved), and used my entire savings to get us set up in our apartment. My family has helped out as much as they can, but they can only spare so much. I would appreciate any gift card amount – it doesn’t even need to be as much as $30. Anything the girlies get from it would be something they won’t be getting otherwise.

    Oh, and this may be only my second time commenting on your blog, but I read every post. And I adore you. You can really make me laugh! Thank you for that.

  130. We did have enough money for presents for our 5 year old daughter, but we have had to car repair after car repair and that has eaten up the Christmas budget almost entirely. We had to do 3 this week already and it’s only Wednesday. All the OT dh was working to pay for Christmas is going to car repairs.

    What’s that saying? You make plans, God laughs? Yeah, that’s us.

    Oh and the PC I use to make money with has all but died on me.

    Thank you for doing this. You are really a good person, despite what some say. LOL

  131. Jenny
    I’ve been reading your blog for over a year now and I’ve never commented before but I simply must now. This is such an amazing thing you’re doing for others that it’s brought me to tears, which is particularly awkward due to me being in my cube at work. Despite the image you project on the internet, which I absolutely LOVE, you are an amazing and generous person.

    You’ve inspired me to give back more than I have. I’m going to purchase some of your James Garfield Christmas cards to help with your donations and I also plan on giving my mother the best Christmas present she’ll never receive.

    Thank you, Jenny, for just being you

  133. I know I’m too late but thanks for helping us strapped folks… I am really struggling to hang on to my apartment. There’s no way I can afford prezzies for my stepkids. I’m glad you could make that possible for someone else.

  134. I am not in need. I’m lucky that I am gainfully employed & able to keep going. I’m doing Handmade Holidays for the second year in a row b/c I can’t afford to buy, but I have the stuff to make the gifts from when I was a little more flush with money. I think the only ones in my life disappointed by this are the cats. Have you ever tried to make catnip before? They don’t like it when I sprinkle parsley on the carpet.

    Anyway, I really just wanted to say that you’re doing an amazing thing here. I wish that I was in a position to donate this year, but maybe I’ll get to pay it forward next year. 🙂

  135. I tweeted you (@ktreads) but I figured I’d drop into the comments in case you don’t see it. This is simply amazing. I’m happy to donate, just send me a name 🙂

  136. Count me in to donate. I’ll be happy to send a walmart/target/whatever Jenny tells me to gift card to someone.

  137. I’m not asking for me, but for a dear friend and blogger named Joanna. She is permanently disabled from an old car accident and a couple of botched surgeries. She is trying very hard to get into subsidized housing in her hometown of New Orleans; but has been hosed over twice now. She can’t afford her utilities and has two, much-loved elderly cats. One of the kitties has a suspicious growth on its tail, but she can’t afford a vet. She has to perform home surgery on her babies & it breaks my heart. I have sent her money when I could, but she needs to pay for utilities and she REALLY wants to get back home to New Orleans.
    Please, if you can help at all, let me know. my email: nadinetheartist@gmail.com. Please, especially if you work for government in New Orleans, one of your wonderful ladies wants to be home–with her babies.
    Thank You from my heart,
    Nadine

  138. While we don’t need any help, my hubby was lucky enough to have a decent job this year after a couple of hard years, I just wanted to say I think what you are doing is amazing. Usually your blog makes me laugh until I cry, but today I just cried. It is heartening to know that there are still people out there who really care for others.

  140. I am not in need but I just wanted to say: Yesterday I was wondering what Anderson Cooper (the silver haired fox, not the cat) would think if he googled his name and came across this blog. Now I know he’d be thrilled.

  141. You have made me cry on multiple occasions this year and yet I can’t get enough – that’s really saying something. Keep on doing what you do, Jenny! There aren’t enough people out there touching people like you do (um…somehow that sounds much dirtier than I’d intended, but I’m going to go with it anyway).

    I have 1/1,000,000th of your bloggy clout (on a very good day) but I am going to see what I can do to drum up support for this. Like you said, every bit helps and doing something – even a little bit – is better than doing nothing at all. Every time.

  142. I have an Amazon giftcard that I won at my work’s Tack Christmas Sweater contest and I would be happy to donate it. Please let me know how to get it to you.

  143. Hi Jenny. I read your blog frequently but have never commented. But I just want to say that this post fell into a sequence of events for me that have together deeply inspired and touched me. I immediately talked to my husband, and together we decided that, for our first Christmas as husband and wife, we will keep gifts for each other to a minimum, and instead donate to charity. I feel light and refreshed all of a sudden after making this decision, so I’d like to thank you for your contribution to that.

  144. Wow. First I’m amazed at all the people going ‘I’m having a hard time, but please give one to my friend’, all fabulous people. I’d love to hand out four more gift cards for Amazon, just email me. I’ll spread it round Twitter too. This is a fantastic idea.

  145. I’m happy to donate an Amazon card to someone in need! Please just let me know where to send it!

    Noelle

  146. I just wanted to write and let you know what an inspiring thing you’re doing. I’m trying to hold it together while I read this at work. My husband and I donated in our relatives’ names this year instead of giving them gifts for the same reasons you’re doing this. Your generosity is reaching so many people. Keep doing what you’re doing!

  147. I am not in need. And I am so grateful for that. Count me in as someone who can provide a gift card if needed. Thanks for doing this.

  148. You are even more amazing than I originally thought. We’ve had a crazy year but are blessed enough to have a job but many are not.God bless you for providing 20 people’s child a gift this year!You are my hero!

  149. Thanks Jenny for being you. You have a great heart, I enjoy your wit and your personality it would be amazing to be your friend!

  150. I would love to contribute a gift card; I’m currently living, as they say, “one paycheck away from disaster” — but heck, I’m that much farther away from disaster than a lot of other people are.

  151. This January marks 2 years since my dad was laid off and out of a job for over a year. Watching my parents go through the toughest time of their lives and making it out stronger has been one of the most valuable lessons/examples I have ever experienced. I can’t tell you how many people came together to help my family when they needed it most. I would be so, so grateful for the opportunity to pay it forward.

    I have two $25 gift cards to Target that I would be happy to give to two lovely people. Just let me know where I should send them.

    Merry Christmas!

  152. I’d love to be able to pass this on to my co-worker and friend who sits right next to me. He and his wife have adopted two kids in the past three years (they also have one biological daughter who is 5 yo), and just today I asked him what he’s getting his wife for Christmas. He told me that for the past few years they “don’t do” Christmas gifts for one another because with three kids (and adoption expenses) it’s just not in the budget. I’d love to be able to give this to him so he can surprise his wife with something special! I’d be happy to give you his email address so you can pass it on to him directly. He and his wife have built an amazing and selfless family.

  153. I’ve got clothes to donate: Jeans, sweaters etc. If you know of anyone in the Chicago area Boys size 8-12. You can pass along my email address.

  154. Wow. Words can’t even describe how awesome you are. Thanks for being you Jenny. You are an amazing person. And if I wasn’t all the way in Fiji and I had a credit card or such, I would want to help you help others.

  157. Hi Jenny – You rock! We can help with (10) $30 gift certificates for families with little girls. Just email me where to send them.

  158. This is so awesome! But coming from you, could it be anything less? No, it could not. Thank you for doing this!

    Last year I might have asked for one of those cards but after over a year of unemployment I started a new job on Dec. 7 and got my first paycheck on Dec. 23, so we just barely made a Christmas then. Now I’ve been working for over a year and while we haven’t recovered quite enough to offer up our own gift cards, we have been giving our time to some local charities as our gifts. Hopefully, by next year we’ll be able to again give something of monetary value, too.

  160. Um… hi. Long time lurker, first time commenter.

    I ditto what everyone else is saying, about the tears and how great this idea is. My proverbial cup is running over – I’m gainfully employed, have a great family, and have been able to afford everything I’ve wanted to give them this year.

    I too would like to give back. I’ll donate to a fund, send a gift card, whatever you say. Thanks.

    (Oh yeah, love your blog! I stumbled on it from hyperboleandahalf, and was instantly hooked!)

  161. Hey Jenny, if you want to bump up the number of gift cards you send out, I can PayPal you a few bucks. I’ve been selling quite a bit of Tree Lobsters merch and you’re responsible for at least some of that traffic so I figure I owe you. Just say the word.

  162. Wow, I am in a dilemma. You told me to leave a comment if I am in need. But I’m not. All I wanted to do was say ‘what a great post’, but now I feel that I am implying I am needy by commenting. But if I didn’t comment, that would look like I didn’t care. Shit a brick, when did this become complicated?

  163. I read about halfway down and I couldn’t take anymore. The people in need, and the people just leaving a message so you know that what you are doing is amazing. And all the people who want to help. 2010 has been my worst year, and I was going to go into detail but it makes me want to cry to rehash it all. So I’ll just say that 2011 is looking like it will be better…

    So thank you everyone who wants to help. When things look up for me, I’m going to be doing all I can to give back. You are all amazing. All 155+ of you.

    Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

  164. This is the first comment I’ve left on your site but I have laughed many, many times (and cried a few times too) when I read your incredible writing. This post is no exception! What an amazing, glorious idea. My respect for you (and for the others participating) has just gone through the proverbial roof.

    I am struggling this year, yes. My husband has just lost his job and has no idea what he will do next – the only thing he knows for sure is that he doesn’t want to do sales, which just so happens to be the only work he has done for his entire working career and thus the only thing he is qualified to do. I am immensely grateful that we had already finished the Christmas shopping when this happened, so I don’t need to be on your donor list. It’s not so much “Christmas presents in December” we’re in need of, as “mortgage payment in February” when his severance package runs out. Since there’s no nifty gift card for that, I instead humbly request from anyone who might want to contribute, your good wishes and prayers (for those who are the praying type) that my husband is able to find a direction for himself and that it will not cause undue upheaval to our little family as we re-embark in that new direction.

    Thank you for your goodness and Merry Christmas to all!

  166. I am part of the un-hurting this year and my partner and I went Christmas shopping on Saturday and decided that both our families had more than enough this year. We purchased instead, socks, hats, gloves, and a bunch of other stuff and made homeless bags to be distrubed in our town to the many people who sleep out in the streets of Seattle.

    I have read many stories of people doing the same this year, helping out the other guy. I get pissed at Americans sometimes because I think we can be really harsh assholes and than there are times like this I love the shit out of each and everyone of us. Happy Holidays!!

  167. Jenny,

    You are an incredible human being. We have had a rough couple of years, but this year things began to turn around for us a little.

    I would like to donate a card. Please match me up with someone.

  168. Hi Jenny,

    I’ma recent bloggess fanatic and usually I laugh so hard I get stares in my office but today I just smiled and teared up. What an amazing person you are.

    I don’t have much to give (I’m in graduate school) but I can donate a giftcard to whoever you tell me to. Just say the word. I hope someday I can spread the Christmas cheer to my blog readers as you have with yours.

  169. This is a truly sweet thing to do for others kiddo. I’m happy to report that thank goodness we’re OK this year. But I do remember the years when we had nada and $30 would have been the world to us. Good going.

  170. You’re amazing. And not just because of your cleaveage, but because of your good personeage.

    I can’t afford a gift card on my own right now but if there’s some way I could go in on a card I would be thrilled to be able to do that. Also, maybe this is a crazy thing but if there’s anyone out there in need of winter clothes (including boots and coats) for boys up to size 6 and girls up to size 5 I have some things in great condition I would like to share.

  171. Your blog has reminded me how ridiculously blessed I have been for the past 18 years, and how ridiculously important christmas is to absolutely every child. Thank you for that. I am sadly lacking in money to give, but am currently emailing my parents to remind them to make their holiday donations and texting my friends to get them to volunteer at the salvation army with me when i finish these silly papers and finally go home. thanks for being such an incredible inspiration, and for the much needed reminder about how much less important my grades at this silly school i’m attending are in comparison to about a million other things happening in the world

  172. This year i was able to pull off christmas and i am very happy and proud that my son and stepson will have a good christmas. I just wanted to say that Jenny you are such an amazing woman! Its wonderful what you are doing, and what you do, you have helped me, made me laugh when i needed it and inspired me to enjoy being me. You are a beautiful lady inside and out, thank you for all you do!!

  173. Not in need….I’m also not computer savvy…but if you can tell me some way to give 30 dollars via the internet/amazon/paypal… I’ll totally help a family out. I’m too blessed to let someone else go without while I waste 30 bucks on drunken taco bell 🙂

  175. I gave to Toys for Tots this through mycoke.com points. Granted, they weren’t mine to give away but seriously, if people keep using my email address to sign up for things I think are stupid I will turn it around and take that account and usually do something childish or rude in their name. I’m sure TfT appreciates the points more than the lady who signed up for them for a coke themed ipod or something.

    And novel idea Bloggess, keep up the good work.

  176. Hi Jenny,
    I commented earlier about how what you’re doing is amazing. My husband is in the Navy and we haven’t been that affected financially. I am extremely grateful for that. After seeing how many people are in need, I have to do something! I’ll donate 3 $25.00 amazon gift cards. Just email me to let me know who to send them to.

  177. I’m thinking you AND James Garfield are definitely going to heaven.
    Blessings to you and your family, Jenny.

  178. I’d love to join in on the love & donate a $30 gift card. Let me know if you have a match for me!

  179. What a lovely chain of fantastic people!

    I’m jumping on board – I’ll add another gift card to the mix!

    Thanks for all the giggles.

  180. Jenny,

    I’ve been only a lurker on your wonderful blog, but you have inspired me to comment and tell you that I would love to donate a $30 gift card. Just let me know who to send it to! You are fantabulous!

  182. This is an awesome effort and I bow to you. I’ve been trying to figure out how to buy presents for my son this year and coming up empty-handed. If there are still donations to be had I’d be humbled to receive one and promise to pay it forward in the new year when (hopefully) things improve.

  183. Long time reader, seldom commenter, but I had to come out of the shadows and echo the “You are awesome” sentiment that everyone seems to be in agreement on. I have been very fortunate this year and am not in need, but I would love to follow your example and donate a $30 Amazon gift card if you’ll send me the email address.

    Kudos to you and I hope you and your family have the merriest of Christmases – that sounds corny, but you truly deserve it.

  184. I would also like to donate a few gift cards. Let me know what you need and match me up! Thank you for bringing this post about and I wish everyone who is reading and commenting a holiday season of hope and happiness.

  185. your post today was beautiful, thank you for helping so many people. i just did the toys for tots thing with my boys this morning & we decided we’ll be making it a yearly tradition to donate to them. i love that you gave away all those gift cards today <3 have a wonderful holiday!

  186. I don’t work because of chronic pain and my husband has been unemployed for the last 15 months. We have a Junior and a Senior in High School. This year has been pretty tough but we have each other and a roof over our heads. Some people don’t have anyone. While I can’t donate money, unfortunately, I do like to write so if you need someone to send letters to soldiers abroad or people in the hospital, anything like that I would be honored to join in. You do what you can.

  187. Jenny,
    I know you’ve heard this approximately 151 times already, but, you *are* awesome.

    Our family is very fortunate and not in any need of help, however, I was there before. Many years ago, as a single teen-aged mom to a little peanut (who is now 21 and graduating college!), someone annoymously left a Christmas tree outside the door of my apartment, someone who must have known I couldn’t afford one, or a few presents to put under it… it was a gesture that made me cry then, and makes me cry now thinking about it. These things may seem small, but I promise you — to the person on the receiving end, they are huge.

    I’d love to help out another young single Mom – please let me know and I’d be glad to donate any card of your/their choice…

  188. For many of us it is difficult to ask for help when we need it. My husband has been out of work since October and I am too proud to ask my parents for help. He finally got a job but it doesn’t start until next month which means the Christmas season will be light for our three kids. We scraped money together to buy a Christmas tree so at least our house would be cheery. We are not in as bad of a place as many of the other people who have commented are but for the first time in my life I am not sure how I am going to give my kids what they asked Santa for this year. Thank you for giving all of us a smile every time you post! You warmed my heart today.

  189. This isn’t for any kids in my life, as I don’t have any. But if an amazon certificate ended up in my inbox, I would get my mama the best gift I could, because she needs something more than my hugs and my ear. The past few years have been rough on us, and I know it would make her month to get a Christmas present of any kind.

  190. After renegotiating with my mortgage firm, I dumped the entirety of our savings into keeping our house. Keeping the family home is the best Christmas present I could ask for, but a five year old doesn’t quite understand that.

  191. Just saw your tweet about having more donors than recipients. I have two worthy people who answered the call on my blog. I can take care of them, or send them back your way. Let me know what you think.

  192. I wansn’t going to comment, but my sister-in-law needs gifts for her kid. She is basically a single mom. She left her husband last year and made it on her own, and now he’s moved back in but not contributing financially or with childcare. She wants to keep her family together, whatever it looks like. I want her to have gifts for her toddler and new baby on the way. I’m tearing up asking. If anyone wants to help it would be most appreciated by all of us. Merry Christmas.

  193. I hate to ask, but if there is a card to spare, we could use the help. God I hate to ask. It’s been a bad, bad year. We are fighting to keep our house (from a horribly deceitful bank) and are trying to spread very little to keep the Christmas magic alive for four kids who still believe.

    Thank you so much not only for your initial generous offer, but also for being willing to juggle the generous offers of others.

  194. I just lost my job, today, a week before Christmas. I was fired because I missed a day due to a stomach virus that I caught at work from EVERYONE, because it was going around. That one day put them over the edge, because I had missed too much time going to the doctor to find out that my horrible pelvic pain is from cervical stenosis from a previous surgery for early stage cervical cancer, which was making my periods horribly painful, in addition to (what my doctor believes) is endometriosis. I was supposed to have surgery next month because my insurance JUST kicked in at work. And they said they had no problem with the endo/pelvic issue absences, but taking time off for VOMITING UP MY WHOLE SOUL was over the line. So, they fired me. And wished me luck on my surgery (which I obviously won’t be having now, asses). Luckily, Christmas had been taken care of prior to this. Now I’m worried about the future. I’m not asking for a gift card, because there are people that are more in need. I just needed to get it off my chest and say THANK YOU for thinking of others right now. Sometimes life is heavy. It just is. It’s nice to hear that some people haven’t forgotten to think of others.

  195. Things are tight for us this year just like many other families but we are still going to make it work. If you are still giving I would love to nominate another family though. They are a local Dallas PD officer (Whitt) who was recently shot in the line of duty. He is still in the hospital and his wife is a SAHM. They have 3 children and I know they could use some help this Christmas! I’m going to do my best to give something from us too but anything extra would be appreciated.

  196. What a wonderful outpouring of kindness. You and the other commenters have inspired me, Jenny. Please send me an e-mail address and I will donate a $30 Amazon gift card to them.

  197. As a child who got a toy from our church once when my dad had an industrial accident where he broke his hip, shoulder and was burned on 30% of his body, I can tell you that I so appreciate the charity of others.

    You are doing a good thing. I love giving to others, it’s what life is all about. I will send a gift card if you give me an email address.

  198. I have a $25.00 Pappas gift card that has been sitting in my wallet for a year. I also have a gift card for Katy Budget Books (also $25, I think) that I doubt I’ll ever get around to using. Lemme know where to zip ’em off to and they’re yours/whomever’s. 🙂

  199. I wasn’t going to comment because I know people that are in more need than us and it’s easier to put on a brave face than ask for help. But, we’re struggling. I have tried and failed to find a job all year and my dear husband has been the sole breadwinner working a crappy minimum wage job. And now that it’s winter in our tourist town, his hours have been cut down to 14-20 a week. It breaks my heart that I can’t get him anything for Christmas. He hasn’t asked and doesn’t expect anything, but it would mean the world to me to get him something he’s wanted but has had to put food on the table instead.

    To everyone helping and donating, and especially to you, Jenny, thank you.

  201. I am not particularly in need – we struggle, but I am able to provide ok for my children. My daughter’s best friend is another matter. I have helped the little that I can, but it isn’t much, and if there was someone who wanted to help them have something on Christmas, she would be more than appreciative. She is very deserving – a great mother, working and going to school to try to be the kind of parent that can provide better. She has 2 adorable girls, ages 13 and 7, thanks so much to all of the unbelievably generous readers of Jenny.

  202. Jenny This is a beautiful thing you are doing…. I am in awe over the generosity of your followers…

    I have a 6 month old and because I am nursing my diet affects her directly. We have a hard time getting groceries. (God I hate doing this – *embarassed*). I wish was on the side donating instead of asking, but I would be so appreciative of a little help…

    You have to to write a funny post tomorrow… All this emotional stuff is making my mascara run!

    Danielle

  204. I wasn’t going to say anything because my mom made Christmas possible for my 21-month-old son and 3.5-month old daughter this year. My husband and I are young, living on a public school teacher’s income, and without the help of my family we’d be in a lot worse shape than we’re in. So while we certainly aren’t well-to-do, we’re getting by, and that’s what matters.

    My husband called me from school today to tell me that he had a flat tire … and that we had to spend the little bit we saved for each other for Christmas to replace it. We’re used to going without — my son has spina bifida and we’re neck deep in insurance battles to get his care covered, so the two of us give up a lot in order to make sure the kids don’t go without. But this really bums us both out. We’ve had a rough couple of years, the bright spots pretty much being the kids’ births, and now that we’re finally feeling like a cohesive family again, things keep stealing our sunshine.

    When things are good, we’re diligent about donating, and I’m sure after the holiday we’ll be making a trip to donate the clothes and toys the kids have outgrown, as well as a lot of our old household goods we no longer use. Like I said, we’re getting by, and we try to do what we can to help others who aren’t even able to do that.

    This is a wonderful thing you’re doing, and I’m just grateful to witness it.

  205. Now that I’m done crying…just wanted to leave a comment to thank you for posting this. So many wonderful people and so many that need help. It’s easy to forget how lucky we are in our lives – so many others are in a much harder place. Thanks for the reminder of how lucky I am and that our one trip to Toys for Tots might need to be more this year. We really don’t need the things we THINK we do and helping out others is a much better way to give….
    Love you Jenny

  206. I’m struggling this year but I’ve managed to buy presents for my kids. The rest of my family will get homemade baked goods and craft-y things (such as I can manage – I’m craftily challenged). It’s lovely to see so many bloggers contributing to this.

  207. I could not have children, no matter how hard I tried. My life has changed drastically from a few years ago and now I am grateful, because I’ve been laid off and can barely take care of the needs, forget the wants. If I was a parent, I would be the one asking for help for presents. I’m lucky enough to have a boyfriend who can help with the bills and he was kind enough to help me get presents for my family.

    I think I have a way to afford a gift card. I do want to help somehow, someone, but I’m not sure how. If you want Jenny, let me know whom I can help and the best way to help (grocery store card for food, walmart for diapers / dog food, etc)

    I want to thank those of you who can help and I’m sending good thoughts to those of you who need help this Christmas.

  208. Jenny, I have a $25 card to Outback steakhouse that I would be willing to send someone. Also, I will buy 4 Walmart cards at $25 each. If you end up with more that need something than those of us giving, let me know and I’ll see if my budget will let me do more.

  209. One year when I was a kid a local charity set up shop in a vacant storefront and had tables full of toys and clothes that people had donated; my mom took my brothers and me and we were all able to pick out something. To this day it’s one of my best memories, because even as a six year old I knew that people had given those toys so that families like mine could have a decent Christmas. I know how much this act, however small it may be for the giver, means to the person on the receiving end, so thank you, Jenny, and thank you to all my fellow Jenny-addicts.
    Laurie, if you want to send letter to soldiers, you should check out http:\www.anysoldier.com.

  210. Hi,
    My name is Lauren. This year has been really rough on my family and I. I’m 23 years old and have a beautiful daughter who is almost 2. Earlier this year my father was laid off from his job, which was my parents only source of income. We are barely making it on unemployment and what little I can help with considering I am a student and mother who can only work part time. This gift card would really help my parents afford to buy their grand-daughter, my little girl a Christmas present for under the tree. Thank you so much for hearing my story and Merry Christmas and a happy new year to you and your families.
    -Lauren

  212. so many of us out there just needing some more time and one or two more paychecks before the holidays hit…this is an awesome thing you’re doing, and i wanted to say that at least even if i don’t make the list, because it’s a heartwarming post to read. 🙂

  213. I think the worst thing about being poor is having pride and refusing to ask for help. I fall into that trap so often that when I do eventually break down because I’m behind on so many bills, my partner is just baffled that we’re even in trouble at all. I haven’t bought him a present yet this year and I have no idea how I’m going to.

    I live in the UK but I’m sure I could use a US Amazon card if there is one going spare. If not, please give it to a family in need, and next year when I have more money (wishful thinking!!!) I will donate one or two.

    I know others are in such worse situations than us, but I can’t remember the last time I had money I could spend on anything but stopping the bill collectors shutting everything off. It’s like trying to mop up a flood with one towel. Bit by bit.

    Now I’m crying so I’m going to go, but Jenny, you’re just amazing. Thanks for reaching out. And your commenters are the best people I’ve ever heard of. Geez.

  214. I couldn’t make it through all the comments. When you are struggling like we are it’s sometimes hard to remember that there are so many generous people out there. And it’s hard to know that one minute you can be totally fine and the next not sure how you are going to make Christmas happen for your kids. I know Christmas presents aren’t the same as providing necessities for them, but the thought that they will have ever had a Christmas like this one breaks my heart. Thank you for doing this for everyone who is in need this year- thank you to you and to everyone here who is reaching out and giving.

  215. I’ve been at that place. I’d love to do what I can. I know you said right now there are more people willing to help than asking for help, but if it’s needed (just email me if it is), I’d love to donate an Amazon gift card. There’s still 6 days left to use their free shipping and get it by Christmas!

  216. I’ve been lucky this year. I would like to help. If I can send some gift cards, or send some presents to someone, please let me know.

  217. Not for me, but for a friend who’s in need and struggling this Christmas. I’ll pass on info should I be so fortunate as to be a recipient. 🙂

  218. Ok here it is. I wasn’t going to ask b/c I thought she may actually send me what I paid for.
    I think you know about our situation with our son, he has recently been Diagnosed with Smith-Magenis Syndrome and Autism. At this point we have no funding but are fighting with the government to fund our son. $3000 a month is he feeding costs alone. Canadian Health Care is not all the great people. Now I know that I am not going to be able to get what she stole from us for quite awhile again. I have worked my tail off to pay for an ipad for my son. The ipad is what the therapists are recommending for Mason to have it for speech, time tables and so that where ever we are Mason can have a social story to go with us. It was supposed to help us alot. Mason doesn’t stay calm and his Dr. appts are always at least 2 hrs long so we were hoping to be able to play Harry Potter (his obsession) and the only thing so far that keeps him calm. We generally have 2-3 appt a week.
    Anyways, I am rambling. I worked really hard and found an Ipad from a person on Twitter that I trusted. Or used to trust. Sent the money in October and I am still fighting with her to either get the money back or the Ipad. So far I have neither. She told me should we be overnighting it this week. Not the case. I think Mason isn’t getting the Ipad for Christmas. I can’t believe someone could do this to a family, to a child. I just dont get it. Trust me I know I am stupid for just sending the money, I just thought she was helping us out by selling us hers. Ugh.
    Anyways, don’t know if there is anything you can do or what could be done. I am just so sad and devastated that we have been hit again.
    There are many people who are worse off then us, they dont have jobs, or homes. We just have no more money.
    A lovely person in the US sent our boys a gift and a book each for Christmas already. I know that Christmas isn’t about receiving so I guess I just wanted to tell you all to be careful, but do know there are good people out there. I have been supported emotionally by everyone in this network of people. Truly amazing.
    Merry Christmas and God Bless everyone.

  219. I just wanted to say how wonderful this is. My daughter and I lost our home after I suffered a strenuous medical disability and went on to spend the past year and a half in homeless shelter. I know just how trying this time of year can be, for people of all walks of life. I learned a lot about compassion and giving in that time there, also a lot about how cruel and insensitive those who aren’t struggling can sometimes be, and am really touched by what you’re trying to do here. Recently we moved into a beautiful new apartment just in time for Christmas and I couldn’t feel more blessed to be able to celebrate in a real home again. It’s the most wonderful gift to wake up without that kind of worry anymore. We have all that we need. Simplicity and a safe, happy home. I just couldn’t ask for more. We are both feel so blessed that instead of worrying about what’s not under the tree, were writing each other letters about what were thankful for after the past year as christmas gifts. To those of you who are still struggling – remember to be willing to receive the blessings, so that they will come to you. Don’t be too proud to LET someone help you, because sometimes giving is the only thing that truly fills the heart of a person who’s reaching out to you.

  220. Jenny,
    Hubs & I both read your blog, and you crack us up all the time…and boy, have we needed it this year, b/c this year has just been THE SUCK. I had a 3-day hospital stay in Feb, followed by surgeries in March & July. Money was tight before, but the medical bills are eating us alive…I had to beg my neurologist to switch me to generic anticonvulsants, even though that can actually trigger more seizures, simply b/c the copay for the brand name is $50 & generic is $5, and I take 2 different strengths-meaning I was paying $100/month just for my seizure meds-and I take several other necessary meds. I also have an anxiety disorder, which has been through the roof the past 2 months-I’m working w/my doc, but it’s slow going & when you’re stressed out about the possibility of your electricity/phone being shut off, it doesn’t help. All of that said, I’m a bargain shopper by nature, and my children will not go without Christmas presents-they have 1 or 2 new small things, and some gently used things from Craigslist. A gift card to pretty much any store would be appreciated more than words can express. **I also have a gift card for Cinemark movie theaters that I’d be happy to give…movies are not at all on our priority list right now.

  221. I am so very fortunate. I have a job that mostly pays the bills and family who love and support me. Christmas this year was going to be very skimpy–handmade gifts for my nieces and nephews and nothing for anyone else. My Jeep is the one getting all the expensive gifts (new brakes and water pump) this Christmas. This morning I found out I am getting an end-of-the-year profit sharing bonus. It’s enough to pay the car repairs and an outstanding bill. I am so very thankful! All of that to say, please let me share today’s largesse. Can you match me with two people? Thank you!

  222. I love you guys. I am overwhelmed with your stories and your generosity. If you haven’t gotten an email from me yet you will by tomorrow. Right now I’m spending all my time putting together spreadsheets to match you all.

    You made my whole Christmas.

    Thank you.

  223. Struggling single mom doing the best I can. Have a great son who is just realizing his dad doesn’t follow thru. Christmas will be smaller than expected.

  224. You’re an awesome person, Jenny. I’m so glad I had the opportunity to meet you in person at BlogHer! (I was Victoria EF’s sidekick, heh.)

  226. Count us among the (extremely) lucky ones. We have a tree, plenty of presents for the little ones, and the bills are paid. The year’s been really good to us, but I have vivid, not-so-long-ago memories of having to decide whether to buy food or pay the power bill, so I’ve been trying to donate as much as I can to local food banks and such. I’d be happy to kick in a couple of $30 gift cards to wherever people need them.

  227. Count me in with the ones willing to help if there’s still need. I could definitely do at least 2 $25-30 gift cards.

    I’ve had a lot of trouble getting in the Christmas spirit this year for various reasons, and reading this post and all the comments below was just the kick in the butt I needed to remember how blessed I am. Time to get off my melancholy ass and help others.

  228. To know someone out there even cares makes me close to tears. I got laid off almost 2 years ago (and did not quality for unemployment – ugh) and just now starting to get a little freelance work but nothing near what I will need to save my house. My husband left us about 15 months ago – I confronted him about an affair & he admitted it – on our 23rd anniversary. He moved in with her shortly after. My kids are teens, but it’s still difficult to deal with. Money was always tight, and after he left, although he’s giving us some support, we will still eventually end up losing our home soon. What we’ll do for shelter is still a question I can’t answer. On top of all this, a very good friend was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this past August and couldn’t work & lost his apartment and so now is staying with us. He’s on state assistance for medical but he’s not getting any cash assistance. He’s applied for Social Security but who knows how long that will take. Anyway, what will be will be is how I’ve been looking at it and Christmas is going to be very lean. I have a fake tree so I didn’t have to purchase that, & I’ll hit up the dollar store and get some little things for the kids. Thankfully, not being little, I don’t really have to explain why Santa’s not bringing all they wish for. We are still blessed to have each other.
    You truly are a wonderfully amazing person and I love the adventures you write about. You bring a needed chuckle and sometimes a pee-inducing laugh almost every time. Thanks for that.

  230. You are extremely generous! I’m very fortunate right now. And I don’t need it. But I wanted to say thank you for offering up such a gift. That is amazingly beautiful!

  231. I will be happy to give a couple of gift cards to people who need them.

    What a wonderful idea, Jenny. You rock.

    Chuck / Bitspitter

  232. Hi Jenny
    You don’t know me but I have been a longtime reader of your blog. I love how you can always make me smile.
    I lost my job this year and am in the process of packing up my family and the last 10 years of my life to go move back home with my mom. We have struggled before but nothing like this past year. I do have a bit of money for christmas but my girls are still young enough to not really care if christmas is not a blowout. I have really really struggled with myself about posting this and I am only doing so since you have more people donating than asking for help. If there is something available for us that would be utterly fantastic, but please, PLEASE if there are others that would not have anything PLEASE give it to them. I hate asking for anything. I know you don’t now everyone personal story but if anyone seems to need it more, PLEASE give it to them. Thank you for always being able to make me laugh. I really need to do more of that.

  233. This is beautiful.

    I’m a full-time seminary student & my partner is working part-time. We don’t have a lot but we have enough. I’m getting my car towed right now (thus catching up on Twitter which led me here) and as frustrating as that is, I have enough money to pay for it, and that is pretty amazing.

    Anyway, I would love to be on the donor list. I can spare $30. Just let me know what to do.

  234. Crap, I’d really like to offer another card but I’m German and Amazon US apparently won’t let me buy one without a credit card. (Doesn’t look much better for Amazon UK, sorry Kat 🙁 ) But I’m sure there are plenty of other families with similar stories nearby.
    Thanks for reminding me how many wonderful people are still willing to reach out to others in need. Somehow those who make our lives miserable get way too much attention in comparison. It’s good to see things in perspective.

  235. Jenny,

    I don’t need the gift card, but I just wanted to say that this year has been a prize-winning a-hole, and I can’t wait until it’s over – especially as it’s ended with me and the novelist splitting up and me moving out (way to name your blog, Jo).
    But through everything that has crapped out of this a-hole of a year, and especially with what I’m going through now, reading your blog makes me guffaw/chortle/spurt coffee into my keyboard on a regular basis, and you inspire me to keep going.

    So, while I can’t send you a gift card (or anything else of any *actual* value) I want to send you my eternal thanks, and lots of love. Frankly, my dear, you’re awesome.

    Okay, mushiness over…

  236. We went to the mall a couple of days ago and plucked some of those cards from the giving tree – the strange little obscure overlooked ones, like the 16 year old that only wanted a taco bell gift card, or the 20 year old that wanted to go the movies. Let me know if there is someone else in need. I, too, can supply a $30 Amazon.com.

  237. Oh Jenny, what can I say that hasn’t already been said? How about this…I am a single aunt (they are technically my sister’s daughters, but I’ve been raising them for 9 years) to three girls, 17, 14 and 10. They are my life. Every year has been hard, somehow, this one is harder. Maybe it just feels that way. Anyway, you tweeted that there are more donors than receivers, if this is still the case I (and my girls) would be grateful of any assistance offered. Thank you. Thank all of you.

  238. Wow you are awesome! I have two children (a six year old and a 8 month old) and my husband lost his job a few months ago – he had an interview today!! (please keep your fingers crossed) But if anyone knows where I can get a carseat for my 8 month old from for really inexpensive please let me know!

  239. Up until the last year, I would have been itching to be on your list of people who had plenty and who wanted to help someone else out. I’m not 100% sure when the tides turned, but with me only being able to find part-time work and my fiance being in sales at a time of year when no one wants to spend money and my fiance’s ex deciding his 6-year-old gets to spend Christmas with us this year while she and her new, rich boyfriend jet to the Carribean. . .it’s a lot to take in. We haven’t gotten married yet because, literally, we can’t scrape together the $60 it’ll take to get a marriage license. But I’m thankful we still have our apartment.

    I’m not sure exactly what my point here is, but thanks for listening, and I’m glad there are so many people out there who are willing to help other people out.

  240. I…am not one to ask for help. This year has been not as bad as years in the past. The kids all have presents under the tree (which my mother bought for us), thanks to a few very generous people (the Angel Tree my ex contacted for his children to get presents ‘from him’ and a local housing organization).

    But there wasn’t anything left this month for me to be able to get something small for my wonderful boyfriend who supports us all. He is up at 3am and never home before dinner. He’s an amazing man and a wonderful father and I just want him to know how much I appreciate him this Christmas.

    If there’s anything left (PLEASE, we are not desperate, help those with nothing!) I know a wonderful guy who would so love something wrapped up with his name on it under the tree.

    And Jenny, you are an amazing woman. I love reading your blog and am always laughing! THANK YOU for all you do.

  241. I’m sure 20 people have commented before me, so i don’t expect a gift card, but i do just want to say that you both inspire and entertain so please don’t ever change.

  243. This Christmas has been more forgiving than I’m used to, so Jenny, if you could match me up with someone, I’d like to help a bit. Not loads… but something is better than nothing (I hope).

  244. Jenny, I love your blog, and I love you for this. Last year, I was a poor, anxiety and depression-ridden grad student, and I still managed to throw in a little of my money to give a classroom crayons, and a puppy a safe home. This year, I’m no longer in grad school (I decided to get a real job that doesn’t make me crazy), properly medicated, and want you to know that you’ve inspired me to do more this year. I’m going shopping this weekend and going to buy $100 in stuffed animals for Toys for Tots, in honor of you. I was fortunate enough to find a job that keeps my house warm and my dog fed, and I want to do what I can to make someone else’s Christmas a little more joyful. I would also like to encourage your readers to try and join their local freecycle community, which helps keep useable items out of landfills and places them with people who can use them.

  245. Oh, and I’d be up for trying to give a little love to a reader of your blog as well. I may not have much, but I can share what I have. 🙂

  246. I’m commenting with my mom’s e-mail address because she isn’t computer savvy. Not to mention that she’s too proud to ask.

    My dear mom is a single mom of four. She was a stay-at-home mom for 15 years until we moved and my parents divorced. Now she works full time and often goes without so that she can make sure my siblings are able to participate in sports, clubs, and the like. I always dread Christmas because, as the oldest, I’m the one who’s shoulder she cries on when she can’t afford more than a couple presents for the kids. It’s heartbreaking and I wish I could help but my husband and I are struggling ourselves. I know how much she would appreciate this. Thank you SO much.

  247. Thank you Jenny so much for your generosity–not just with the cards, but also the joyful and humorous way you sparkle our lives.

    I am familiar with the shame that comes from not having enough money to subsist. Earlier this year, due to a theft was homeless for almost a month (living in a car until I couldn’t afford that either), and I certainly understand the toll that comes from associating our self-worth as a worthwhile and beautiful human seems tied to material possession and net worth–that’s not true.

    So after reading all these comments (yes, I did–all–they are kind of mesmerizing) I was brought back to recalling my childhood. My parents were immigrants, and did the best they could. My dad in particular worked two jobs pretty often and sometimes graveyard shift so he’d be sleeping when I’d be up and about playing. We had enough to live on. We always had Christmas presents. Yet he was always striving (“American dream” yada yada even though he was not American). When I was a teenager, it was for a bigger better house in a more desirable neighborhood for “us”, I guess.

    He died young of cancer when I was 17 years old (and I’m the oldest; sisters were 9 and 14 at the time). I know I’d have preferred to have more time with my parents to know them as they really were. I think that even though Americans are trained to shop ’til you drop during holidays, most children really want to simply BE with you. If you’re working extra hours and overtime for presents and stuff while spending less time seeing your kids–really, they might not say it out loud because it’d sound corny: but your presence is truly valued too and the time you spend face-to-face loving with them will be remembered decades longer than whatever the toy-of-the-day is. Gifts are only icing, optional. You’re the cake. (Nope, and not fruitcake.)

  248. I just saw this on Twitter and sort of feel like a jerk for commenting, because of course there are a million people out there who need things more than me, but… here I am. I’m 22 and I’ve just graduated college, which means I’m either overqualified or under-qualified for every job out there (funny how that works!), so I’m making next to nothing. All my resources are tapped out, and I have fibromyalgia so my medical bills are through the roof. Right now I’m struggling pretty hard to pay bills and rent, let alone do anything for folks for Christmas. Currently I have absolutely nothing for my best friend for the holidays, and I know he’ll understand that, but oh man, my best friend. He’s kept me alive this year — he’s been my psychiatrist when I’ve been uninsured, he’s been my confidant and my rock, and he’s had a pretty shitty year of his own, let alone dealing with my stuff. I would love to give him something for Christmas. If you still have donors, I would be so very very very appreciative, but of COURSE I understand if not. If there’s someone in front of me who’s in need, you should totally go with them.

    xoxoxoxo to everyone who’s commented on this, whether they’re giving or needing or otherwise. 🙂

  250. Jenny, if you’re not buried in administrating this, please add me to your list of donors and match me to someone who could use a gift card or a check or something. I’d like to give to someone who’s struggling with money right now.

  251. I may be too late, but my family and I could really use some help. We are behind on our car payments and rent, so all of our extra money will be going to paying most of it off. Since our twin girls are only 15 months old, we’ve been telling ourselves that they won’t remember not having toys or a Christmas tree this year. Even so, we’ve been tight on money for a while so they have been playing with the same toys they got last year for Christmas. I feel so bed that we haven’t been able to give them more then the minimum. I never like to ask for help cause I always feel like there is always someone worse off then me, but the guilt of my girls not getting a Christmas this year is really bringing our family down.

  252. I had to ask my family for help this year getting my mini me Christmas gifts. And, as always, they came through in a big way, so I certainly don’t need the help, but I feel for those that do, because without my family to be my safety net, I’d be in a bad, bad place.

    I spent some time helping my dad organize the local “Angel Tree” project this year. It broke my heart to see how many kids were facing no Christmas. I just want to remind your readers that if they can’t donate online, there is very likely an Angel Tree program or something similar in your community and every little bit helps.

    Thank you, Jenny, for being so awesome, and for inspiring that awesome in other people. I hope you and Hailey and Victor and James Garfield have a beautifully Merry Christmas!

  253. I have read every last comment and sobbed. I am lucky enough to have family support to get me through (the holidays, the reduced pay, the probable loss of the house). And I SO WISH I could donate at least one card, but, for me, this is not the year.

    Since I cannot donate, I will wish for a better 2011 for those in need.

    I am BLOWN AWAY by everyone who has chipped in. YOU have made my holiday!

  254. Hi Jenny,

    I know that I am lucky with where I am right now in my life, and would love to be able to help someone else in need. Please match me up with someone who could use a gift card. Email me, and we can coordinate it.

    Thank you!

    -DJ

  255. aww, jenny, that’s so wonderful. hoping you, victor, hailey and james garfield have a wonderful Christmas!

  257. You never cease to amaze me which is refreshing since usually ppl never cease to annoy me. You really are like Mother Theresa (only better)
    I’m overwhelmed by the comments and stories shared here today….if I were able to help out I would but alas….I’ve done it again. Another Christmas apologizing to my kid. I thought that by Christmas #8 that I’d have my shit together but this Christmas feels a lot like my first Christmas as mama…..shitty.
    Massive props to you, Victor and your family for helping….truly, an inspiration~

  260. I don’t comment, EVER. It’s not because I’m impolite or unable to think of anything witty, it’s that I’m Australian and generally, we don’t comment. However, THIS requires comment. I would like to help – all the way from sunny Australia.

    It’s time to send some love halfway around the world and where better but America.
    xoxo

  261. We don’t need anything and I know this is just more emails for you to sift through but I wanted to say ~ Thank You! You give us joy every week with your writing and now you are giving many joy for Christmas. You are one amazing lady. Merry Christmas, Jenny. Thank you for being you.

  262. you are AWESOME! this is my favorite blog: hilarious, non-judgmental (you know, except for those people that are TOTALLY JUDGING US AND THEREFORE DESERVE IT = KARMA), empowering, amazing. Just. thanks.

  265. Thank you so much for doing this. I’d be happy to donate another $30 gift card – just let me know who to send it to. Hope you have a fantastic Christmas and an awesome New Year.

  267. I am actually writing for my sister and her family. My brother-in-law has diagnosed with stage 4 stomach cancer in Feb. of this year. About 2 weeks before Thanksgiving we found out he only had 2 – 3 months to live because the cancer was spreading so fast. My sister will be 35 next week and they have 2 kids, an 8 year old boy and 4 year old girl.

    When my BIL was diagnosed their insurance dropped them. As you can imagine they have incurred several hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical bills. My sister has been unemployed for over a year and with the cancer my BIL can’t work. There is no way they can pay all the medical bills. We are doing everything we can to help them and make this Christmas as happy a time, for the kids especially, as possible. They know their dad will pass away soon and they are really struggling with the news.

    I don’t know if you can help, but anything that will help put a smile on the kids’ faces would be extremely appreciated. Thank you for what you are doing for needy families. This is so wonderful.

  268. Jenny,
    You are amazing! I’ve watched your thread all afternoon and talked myself out of asking for help. We have a roof over our heads and food on our table and that is enough but it would be so nice if I could give my boys something for Christmas. They are really great kids who (usually) help without my asking and yet, I can’t find a job to provide the extras including Christmas. If you could help I would be so grateful. I feel so much shame in this comment, I’m usually the one giving, we have not been able to help with the tree at the mall or church this year and now not even our own. If you can’t help, would you just say a prayer or think good thoughts or send good vibes that things will change soon? Thanks!

  270. Jenny, I am not sure that anything you do could surprise me anymore. Now I will have to go buy some James Garfield stuff!

    ~EdT.

  271. Figured I would take a chance. It’s worth it to give my 9 year old anything.

    I was working as a portrait studio manager. Found out I was pregnant as well as about five other managers in my district. Turned out I was the only one smart enough to pay my two dollars a month for short term disability. Or so I thought. I got fired two months before I was due. They fought my unemployment but I won. A small victory with a newborn and a 9 year old. A year and a half later still no job and just ran out of unemployment.

    My one year old won’t know the difference but my 9 year old will. It’s hard to not be able to give her anything. She understands but she shouldn’t have to.

    Thank you for helping so many people.

  272. Nikki, comment 236 ~ in NYS, you can take a crappy old car seat to the local sheriff or to the state troopers and they will give you one that is up to code. I don’t know if any other state has that program, but NY tends to be a bunch of stingy bastards, so I imagine they may.

    And Jenny the Goddess, I have read every single comment and I’m a crying mess. I have some paypal I’d just love to send your way. Or somebody’s way.

  273. We are not broke, but I don’t want to do a giveaway on my blog either…I can hear my relations now, it would not go over well, because, well, we just got un-broke about seven seconds ago. Maybe eight seconds, I’m not so sure. So, If you’ll send me someone that replied, I’ll be glad to do a ten dollar gift card… (Did I mention we JUST got un-broke? We’re not all THAT un-broke.) But ten bucks is enough for a toy or some stocking stuffers etc. My kids will have a fab Christmas this year, and I want to help.

  274. Jenny you make the internet such a happy and friendly place.

    and your kitten is adorable.

    When I now think of Bob Barker I only think of Barney telling the gang that bob barker is his dad. “that’s pops”

  275. Jenny – I live in Canada, and I would love to donate a gift card to someone else here in Canada – sometimes those Amazon gift cards don’t work for us here. Please let me know and I will donate a $30.00 WalMart card.
    Merry Christmas to all!!

  276. Hi Jenny,

    I’m too old to be reading such a scandalous blog as yours, but I do, every post. Love it. Especially am looking forward to Anderson Cooper’s shenigans.

    I totaled my car recently, in a snow storm, trying to get a neighbor to Seattle for brain surgery. We are lucky to be alive, and the surgery is rescheduled for January 5th. We’re both on Disability, so very low income. I would love to be able to get him a gift because he feels so guilty about the car accident – as if it’s his fault somehow. His oxygen machine was also totaled in the accident, and the money would go towards the deductible. Seems Medicaid or Medicare won’t cover oxygen machines that were damaged outside the home.

    I know I’m late to the game, but one can always hope. Thanks so much for being you.

  277. I didn’t make it in time to sign up for this — not even close. So, rather, let me tell you what has made my season awesome so far. This is the year the shit’s hit the fan; amongst other things the marriage is heading for divorce and money for both me and the soon to be ex is tight. We’ve always had a real tree — but even a small one would cost $40, and that would buy a little more Xmas for my kid. So, the upshot of all this is I called around and the store that helps support the local homeless shelter has given me an artificial tree — the women there looked at what they had on the floor, went out into the storage area where the newly dropped off donations were, hunted around — and I have a full-sized artificial tree for my living room and my child. For free. I am in awe.

    So — thank you to the women at the Cornerstone Store who heard my story and gave me a tree, and to you who just gave away $600 of Amazon gift cards in a very short time to make a few people’s lives better for no better reason than you’ve “been there, done that” and who just restored a bit of my faith in humanity in the process.

    As one of my wiser friends used to say — don’t pay it back — pay it forward. I owe the universe, and so do a few other people today. Thank you on behalf of all of us.

  278. God bless you Jenny. I don’t need it (and given that I am poster 275 anyway LOL). But I wanted to say thank you for thinking of helping out people who are less fortunate. I did a little charity christmas gifts of my own this year in honor of the people I love. Times are so hard for so many people. Thank you for inspiring us, making us laugh and cry – for being you.

    Merry Chriskawnzikah and Happy New Year.

  279. I am blown over, not only by your generosity, but by the generosity of everybody here. We already donated money to an Adopt-a-Grandparent program that my friend in Texas runs, which provides local nursing home residents, who have no family, with a gift and companionship on Christmas. I wish we could donate to this too.

  281. Jenny, you’re just the most awesome person. I don’t need a gift card from you but I just had to say that you’re amazing and I’m so happy that I found your blog.

    My family is doing alright. Money’s tighter this year, but my brother sells his used games to pay for new ones and I have a part-time job (soon to be two, hopefully) and I’ve been selling jewelry and paintings so we’ve got a little more pocket money and don’t need to ask our mom for money (if we do it’s rare, like if I only have $25 in the bank and I need to get my oil changed at the place that actually puts oil back in your car instead of just taking the old stuff out). Plus, I moved out of my apartment and back home because I couldn’t afford living on my own. Like I said, less wiggle room, but we’re okay.

    We try to help others every year. Last year, my mom and I delivered 30 turkey dinners (courtesy of Sonny’s) to families in need. It doesn’t sound like a lot but it was just the two of us. Everyone else in her company was already on vacation, as it was Christmas Eve.

    Of course, it’s nothing like giving away $600 in gift cards, but we do what we can.

  282. Jenny, send me an email address of someone with a baby who needs help. I’ll send a gift card to them. I have a healthy, happy 19-month-old who has good food to eat and a warm home to sleep in–and gifts under the Christmas tree. I’m deeply thankful. I know the deep-down, wild, desperate, over-the-top, crazy mama love, and I want to allow a mama to buy her baby something he or she needs or wants this Christmas.

  284. This post and the comments made me cry. And hyperventilate. And call my boyfriend in a panic because I was going to COMPLETELY LOSE IT if he didn’t get here in the next 45 seconds to hold me and help me breathe again.

    Let me back up: I have chronic major depression and anxiety. In April, 2008, I had a panic attack at work and was hospitalized in a psych ward for 7 days. 6 weeks after I got out, I was fired for “unrelated” “performance” reasons. That was in May, 2008.

    I haven’t worked full-time since then. I have not had medical insurance since then. My brother has not found a job. My boyfriend moved in with us after I lost my job (he was facing homelessness at the time). My parents have been funding our existence for 2 years (I have worked part-time and minimum wage jobs that didn’t pay the bills off and on but have not been able to pay my living expenses without help even once). Oh, and the hospital co-pay bills from 2008 are still in collections. I have almost $10K in debt that I can’t afford to even make payments on.

    September 30, 2010 was the last day I worked. Jack (my boyfriend) has found a few odd jobs here and there to help out and gets food stamps. Otherwise, my parents have been footing the entire bill.

    We are lucky in that our Christmas will be okay. We will all have gifts under the tree from my parents and they have given my brother money to buy gifts for us and them. My daughter has plenty. I was even able to set aside a tiny bit of money to make Christmas presents for friends and relatives.

    What I really want is for Jack and I to be able to get each other something to put under the tree. He is too proud to ask my parents for money to buy something for me. And his parents aren’t in a position to help either. If there happens to be a spare gift card or 2 you could send this way I would love to give him one to buy me a present and vice versa.

    That said, kids are WAY more important on Christmas. Please give any/all donations to people who need presents for their kids first. My daughter is taken care of. Please take care of other people without supportive family members to help first.

    It has taken me two hours to write this post. I have never asked for help like this in my life and I’m so ashamed.

    Jenny: I would like to offer something to the community: I have no money to donate to the pool… but if you need help with the admin work in putting this amazing project into action, please let me know. I’d be happy to write emails, work the spreadsheet, publicize — please let me know if there is ANYTHING AT ALL I can do…

  286. Jenny, I’d love to help contribute. I know for sure I can do at least $50 in gift cards, but I’m also willing to buy gifts too! Let me know what is needed. Thanks for coordinating this. You’re so great, and so are your readers!

  287. Jenny, I know you’ve heard this many times before, but it certainly bears repeating. You are an amazing woman. I wish more of my friends and family understood when I tell them I don’t want a gift. Perhaps, I’m not wording it right. I would love for them to do what you guys do for your parents. I have always received more joy from giving to those in need versus giving unnecessary and perhaps even unwanted gifts, to those I love.

    I am not able financially to do what I normally do this time of year. I love to hit up the Christmas Wish/Angel Trees until I run out of money and then convince friends to take a card or two. Honestly, I have an issue with knowing when to stop at times. I hope to be back better than ever next year.

    This year my family has already received one of the greatest gifts ever – the continued recovery of my brother from a Grade III brain tumor. The wonderful doctors at M. D. Anderson expect him to live for a “long, long time”. This is rarely heard with his diagnosis, so yes, a great gift indeed. I admit I am conflicted about this (not that he is doing well and the chemo is doing its thing), but his health emergency has altered my life drastically. I lost my job shortly after his surgery this summer when my new employer could foresee my need for time off (got to love contract positions). We have had to combine three adult households and I was forced to voluntarily (not really!!) close my home to fostering infants and toddlers. All of this ripple effect is why I can’t grab those angels off the trees and hit the stores right now, so thank you for all that you are giving to others.

    BTW if anyone in the Houston/Pearland area needs some infant formula and cereal, please let me know. I have a bit leftover from my last two precious placements (various glass jars and a couple of organic pouches (my fave!), six boxes of infant cereal – wheat, rice and mixed) as well as one powered can of Similac Isomil Advance Soy Formula. All are well within date range and never opened. Not much, but I do not want to throw it away and I’m not getting responses from the agencies I’ve called.

  288. I love donating food and toys. I wait until after the holidays, though, when the pantry shelves are empty again and people have forgotten to donate because the holidays are over and we often only think about donating when the holidays roll around.

    Also, I have a taxidermied boar’s head, too. My little one named it “Judy.” My husband went boar hunting in Tennesee and shot this one after it treed a guide. I love Judy. I used her illustrate an article I wrote once on cooking wild game. I’m so glad to know I’m not the only one who uses her taxidermied boar for publicity purposes.

  289. It’s probably much too late, but I thought I’d comment, just in case. My sister & her family have recently lost their home and have moved in with me. We now have 7 people – 3 adults & 4 kids (10, 9, 2 yrs & 8 mos) living in a 3bed/1bath house. So, Sis went on disability with the last pregnancy and was let go from her job after the little one was born. Brother-in-law lost more hours from his job – it’s barely more than “part-time” now. (Because of my own health problems, I haven’t worked for several years. I live on $700 per month.) With all the bills and necessities (ya know, pesky little stuff like electricity & water & gas & FOOD) there sadly isn’t anything left for presents. If there’s anything you think you can do to help us give the kids some Christmas, it would be greatly, gratefully appreciated.

  291. I’m in. Put me on the donor list. I will sleep so much better tonight.

    You are better than Ambian, Jenny.

    And. That. Is. A. Weird. Thing. To. Say.

  292. We are in a reall bad place this year. I developed a chronic pain condition and was forced to stop working, I just couldn’t do it anymore.
    I really hate to ask for help, but you guys are being so generous, this just felt like the right place to do so. Like a family.
    My brother is schizophrenic and collects disability and he came to live with us after I was forced to quit working to help us make ends meet. That worked out real well until out of no where 3 months ago he decided to quit taking his meds, and vanished in the middle of the night leaving us to figure out how we were going to make the reant without his contribution,(3 days before the first) much less be able to pull off christmas. Perfect timing. And none of us have heard from him since.
    Anything, any little bit, would help tremendously. Especially if it’s accompanied with a thought, a prayer, or a lit candle for us this year.
    Thank you so much in advance for your kind consideration.
    -Betty

  293. I’m in the most frightening place of my life…. The works- lease is up end of Dec. no job, in fact I’ve never worked as an adult because I stayed with a man who wouldnt marry me but let me stay home and cook and craft… and raise my child. Not his. I was 8 months when we met. Now he is gone as well. So… everything. I have to do this alone. I have to be the grown up REALLY because this is it, the truth. No one but me. I dont have family but do have friends. And here is the thing. I LEFT HIM. I knew I was walking from EVERYTHING and I have/had NO IDEA how this would work out but I know one thing to be true and that is he treated me poorly and I was treating myself worse by trading my self respect for our 400k home. I don’t want a gift card but if anyone is in Phoenix and can help an exceptional, creative and motivated woman find a suitable career at 38, please please please

  294. please remove my comment. I just wanted to vent. Others need the space more than me. thank you! hope I’m back playing Santa next year!

  296. Dear Jenny, yes, you totally ruined your image with this post. Big time. You went from Absolutely Rocking Amazeball Awesome Goddess in my mind to being THE ONLY “Skittle-shitting-Unicorn” (stealing the image painted by my new friend Being Peachy) that will actually defeat the zombies.

    And you know, we love you right back.

  297. Well, I’m not able to donate money, but I can offer up (2) $20 cyber gift cards to my ETSY shop . I have little girl items such as bows, beanies, headbands, and Tutu’s. I can also do (2) Tutu’s for little girls size 4t and under with hair accessories. You can do 4 families or a gc and tutu to 2 families- whatever you want to do. Thank you for helping others, I’ll try not to let it ruin my image of you. 😉
    http://www.etsy.com/shop/bonniesbows

  298. I have Canadian money to donate, but that’s useless (as you have already established… lol).

    I am sick, on LTD, undiagnosed, 30, losing weight, losing my job, but trying to stay funny.

    I would be happy to donate $30 via gift card or Paypal to someone legitimately in need. I blogged about wanting to donate within my immediate family, and receive donations only in my name. But they REFUSED on both counts! http://seriouslyreallyseriously.blogspot.com/2010/12/christmas-insights.html

    I feel connected to the blogging community and love the idea of us coming together to make a difference in the Christmases of others.

    Way to use your star power Jenny!

    I see your comments are reading the bajillions, but let me know if I can help.

  299. This comes at the perfect time as I was feeling the coldness of this world today. I’m in a rough spot since losing my job in Aug, but I don’t *think* we’ll need help this year…unless anyone wants to donate enough $ to get these bill collectors off my back! Any takers? Nope? Well, moving on…

    I’d really like to submit two friends that could use help more than myself. One is a family with three kids under 6yo, the eldest still recovering from a near-fatal car wreck when she was two. After years of stress and falling deeper into debt & losing their home, they almost divorced this year. They are on the upwards of mending their relationship. I talked to her today and she said she’s trying not to be anxious about Christmas for the kids but she really doesn’t know how they’ll make it.

    Next is a friend that has been out of work for a year and a half. Her husband is a school teacher but is having a difficult time keeping a contract with any of the area schools (tenure, I guess). She has two boys, 7 and 9, that have learned far too early in life the hardships that most parents endure.

    If there is still an overflow of ppl wanting to help, I would like to request help for these two friends. In the meantime, I’m praying my dh gets a Christmas bonus, otherwise, the mtg will be a little late (nothing new these days)

  300. Hi. I want to say how incredible this post is. I read all the time and even stalk you via the twitter, but I have never responded before. My family is stuggling to make ends meet also, but I am not here to ask for help. We got my two year old some finger paints and paper. She will be happy. But I can seriosly imagine how much of a difference this is going to make in the lives of so many people. Thank you, on there behalf.

  301. Hi Jenny,

    I know I am a little late commenting but if help is still available I would like to ask for help for my sister and her husband. He had a stroke last year and has been unable to return to work. He needs round the clock care so she has been taking care of him and working 2 jobs. They are really struggling so there will not be a single gift for their 2 girls. Abby is 3 and Ashley is 5. I am the only family they have and I have given every cent that I can so if there is anyone that can help them I would be eternally thankful.

    Nicole

  302. Toys for Tots and other Christmas aid groups can also give you information on smaller organizations in your area as well. My family runs a small one that reaches children and families in areas that are so rural they don’t have easy access even to Toys for Tots. Check out your local churches to see if they know anything. They often do. We give them all our information. And don’t be deterred by the fact that it is mid-month. A lot of organizations (including ours) keeps some of their budget especially for late-comers. Once you get this information then please keep it. Our organization also does school supplies and clothes for kids and Thanksgiving turkeys and Christmas hams, so it often comes in useful again either for you or for a friend.

  303. So sweet that you gave those out! I can’t even afford to send Christmas cards this year, let alone buy anyone presents, but hopefully I will be able to make up for it next year! Can’t wait for the new year to start over again!

  304. To Katya from comment 282- just wanted to let you know you aren’t alone! I had to quit my job because of panic attacks and move back in with my mom halfway across the country, so I don’t have insurance now, either. Hope things get better for you!

  305. I just wanted to say that while I’ve had some serious hardships this year, I am one of the fortunate ones who is able to still eek by (thanks to some great family and friends) or I would be asking for your help as well.
    I think you TOTALLY rock for doing this. So much so that I’ve asked my bloggy friends to do what they can for others.
    Yes, we all do what we can when we can and yes, this is a time of giving and sharing and caring… but this is really too much, at least for one person. You are really special. I know you didn’t do this to get the pat on the back but rather to help out others in need – and that’s the part that makes it so cool.

  306. Hthr Renee (#285) I’m in Friendswood so if you will email me or drop me a line on my blog, I will see if any of my friends need that. I think one has her son on the Similac Advanced but I need to check. If she doesn’t need it, she may know someone who does.
    Oh and a HUGE “Wooohooo!!” for your brother beating cancer! Love those folks at MDA 🙂

  307. I don’t need your money, with three birthdays and xmas all with in 8 days of each other, I start this stuff back in Aug. (It’s also nice because I know all the best hiding places around my house for a body if I ever needed it.) Anyway I wanted to offer a suggestion. I live in a pretty small town (25k population) and we don’t normally have a place to drop off gifts for the Toys for Tots program, but my kids, hubby and I would go to Roswell and drop them off there. (Starting in Aug, there is always extras to give away and still be the coolest mom/aunt in the world.)

    Well, this year, I over heard an ad on the radio about a local cell phone company providing free activation with a donation of a toy worth $10 or more for Toys for Tots. I went ahead and called and asked if I could just donate toys without having to get a cell phone. (Roswell is at least an hour away and NM highways are a whole lot of nothing.) Sure enough they let us bring the toys in to drop off.

    So if anyone else has this issue, listen to the radio and see if there isn’t similar programs with your local utilities or cable/internet service providers. I’m sure they’ll be glad to take up toys for you if you can’t find a place to drop them off at.

  308. Not for me, but my friend. Three years ago she moved to the US to marry the love of her life. When she was almost 8 months pregnant her husband collapsed and had to have emergency heart surgery. He is now too disabled to work. Since his op she has cared for him, her son, her teenage step son and her father in law who has congestive heart failure and was too ill to live alone any more. She always laughs, rarely complains – and the only time I’ve heard her really distressed, since her husband got out of hospital was when she told me a few weeks ago that her son won’t have much to open and now he’s two he’s old enough to know. Her friends have all sent little bits, but everyone is in the same situation. A gift card for my wonderful, crazy, strong friend Anne would be the best. If you have one spare.

  309. Things have been kind of ugly for us this year, my husband lost his job the day after our wedding and then I lost money 2.5 months later. We’re both employed now but don’t make much and every month is a juggling act to try to keep the lights on and a roof over our heads. Add to that the fact that we make $50/month too much for foodstamps (which, btw is gross not net. Does that make ANY sense?) and I’ve had to say no to my sweet 2.5 year old boy a whole hell of a lot more than I’d like to this year. This year has finally stripped me of my pride last week I had to pick up a foodbox from a local church and I’m going to have to try to get help with our utilities too, I think. My boy is lucky that he has grandparents who will buy him presents and there are many people who have it much worse, but if there is an I’d like to make this a special Christmas for him as it’s the first one he’s really gotten excited about and he’s been so good all the times I’ve had to tell him we can’t afford to go to Playgroup or buy that treat at the grocery store.

  310. *lost mine not lost money. Also I want to thank you for being awesome, Jenny, this is a wonderful thing you’re doing.

  311. Wow… You are a truly amazing human being.

    I am a single mom with two beautiful boys! This has been a crazy and tough year, but it’s taught me a lot about what’s important. I found out a month ago that I will be having a surgery I can’t afford in January. The hospital and my surgeon are doing it for free. I feel so very lucky! My boys will have a very light Christmas, but we have each other and that’s what’s most important. Hopefully, next year I can go back to helping others like I have in years past. All of your reader’s comments were so heartwarming and gracious.

    I hope your family has a wonderful Christmas!

  312. This post has brought tears to my eyes, not only because I am so touched by your incredible altruism and kindness but also for the many, many, people (including myself) who cannot afford to buy gifts for their children this Christmas. Reading the comments made me realize that I am not alone; there are many, many others in the same situation and some are in an even worse situation than I am myself. I am not posting for a voucher, I just wanted to say that it is people like you Jenny that make the world a better place and to let all of you out there struggling to make ends meet this Christmas know that you are not alone, I am thinking of you all. And to all of you helping Jenny donate, I want to say what amazing people you are.

  313. This morning I was feeling all Christmas Grumpy and mildly nitchy becasue the kids are sick and I was going to be late for work and there’s so much crap to do for the holidays and thinking I’d just like to skip the whole damn thing this year and then I took five minutes to read my favorite blogs and YOU MADE ME FEEL BETTER. Because you are full of the awesome and what you’re doing is just… a really nice thing.

    Thanks for reminding me that one person can make a difference.

  314. Jenny, I was so moved reading this post and comments, and am so grateful for all that I have (went through a lot of tissues). Your humor keeps me laughing, but your heart gives me faith. Please let me know of someone I can pass a giftcard too-I’d love to be able to help!

  315. You are Mother Teresa like. I am sure she is smiling right now. I hope you are able to touch many lives this holiday season.

  316. What a wonderful thing you’ve done. Thank you for reaching out and encouraging others to do the same. I hope you and your family have a lovely holiday!

  317. You’ve just reaffirmed your status as coolest bitch on the block.

    Although I can’t actually speak for God, I will anyway (actually, I’ll let Luke do it)
    Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” – Luke 6:37-38

  319. I’m in. You make me squishy happy. That sounded disgusting but I meant it in a plush, cartoon heart kinda way. Not a soggy, chunky vagina kind of way. Whatever. I’ll happily send two $30 Amazon cards wherever you tell me to. And to think my third grade report card said I didn’t take direction well…

  320. At a little diner where we had breakfast last Sunday they had cards out on the tables explaining that they were assembling gift food baskets for needy families in our area. They were looking for families in need of charity and also for donations from patrons to help their charity go a little further. I gave them $50 that I happened to have in my pocket. I’ve been out of work for over two years now, so I was pretty conflicted about giving up the money because, let’s face it, things a tough for me. On the other hand I’m in better shape than a lot of people who are out of work and depending on the kindness of others. So on the one hand I felt okay about doing a good thing even though it stung a little, and on the other hand I felt like a sap for giving up what was so hard to come by. For one brief agonizing moment I felt like an altruistic fraud. Then the elderly cashier squeezed my hand in both of hers by way of thanks. Prolly the best I’m going to feel this year. I’ll take it. Thanks for all your inspirational tales.

  321. I’ve donated. FYI, Jenny is also starting an Emergency Fund through her PayPal account in case people get gift cards that don’t work in their country. My concern was with me being in Canada and 9 days before Christmas that mailing something to the US might not make it in time.

    Jenny’s PayPal address is jenny@thebloggess.com

    Being a part of this feels really good…it feels like what Christmas is supposed to be about.

  322. This is a fantastic thing you are doing and it just went so fast! I’m in for 2 $30 Amazon gift cards, so tell me where to send them!

    Not to make more work for you, but this was so incredible, that i’m telling all of my friends.

    amazing, amazing, amazing!!!

  323. Such a lovely idea. I’ve been lurking on your site for about 2 years now and absolutely love you and all of your followers. Reading your blog and the comments makes my day 🙂 Please match me up with someone I would love to send them a gift card. My husband and I have been so lucky and would love to help someone else who needs it. If someone’s requested a store other than Amazon that’s fine too. I really have no idea how to do this so I am hoping you send me directions or something.

  324. Thank you for doing this! My girls decided years ago that “they were lucky and don’t need much” (mind you they are only 6 and 9 right now- so they are just great kids). Instead of getting presents for their birthday party we do donations for Toys for Tots. It is amazing how much people give! Instead of bringing one present for the girls- people come with bags of toys! Then we try to find time to help with the organization as well at the holidays. We’ve also done gifts for the kids at the local hospitals.
    Thank you for bringing a wonderful cause to the attention of many. I know it was a side trip off your normal banter- but much appreciated all the same!

  325. Pingback: furiousBlog – in my diatribe » Blog Archive » drawings from a friend, barfing little girl, an amazing perspective, and a funny person doing something serious

  326. I want to thank you for making me laugh until I cry….needed most days. Desperately.

    We are lucky enough to be able to help. Match me with someone and I will send a Target gift card to the family.

    Can I just say that I think my seven year old is you. Reincarnated but you are not dead, so really that doesn’t quite work. Typical phone conversation with Wee…
    “I am blowing out all the eggs in the fridge”
    “WHERE IS YOUR FATHER?????”
    “Don’t know. But I am almost done with the box”
    “IT”S CHRISTMAS NOT EASTER”
    “Yes, but you never know if there will be eggs or chickens then. I am getting ready NOW”
    “Point taken. You are getting scrambled eggs for dinner”

  327. bless you, one and all, but especially james garfield (you know i love him dearly!). i’m in. just tell me what to do. xox

  328. At first I was scared to say that we’re needy, then I thought I shouldn’t because there are others who are more so. Maybe, though, I’ve waited long enough that it isn’t greedy to ask for help, and maybe their are enough other people that it shouldn’t be scary. Next week I’ll be visiting the food pantry for the first time. If I could, I’d borrow an invisibility cloak. The truth is, though, I often feel that I am wearing one.

  329. I don’t write this comment in search for financial gain or anything like that: I write to say thank you. It is very true what you say; about the world being such a dark and bright place at the same time. An it is because of people like you, and your many fans who browse this blog religiously that we can see the light in the midst of chaos. THANK YOU for being you! thank you so much for caring for all of us sincerily and unconditionally. This year, the last 3 months specially have being hell. I’ve been surviving one the worst drepression episodes i’ve had in my very short life, and today i can honestly say that it was , in great part, because of you that i’m still standing; still going strong. Thank you. Your silliness and joy do so much more than you could ever imagine. I don’t know you ( i hope i will someday), but you have been one of the best things that have ever happend to me. Merry christmas to you, Hailey and Victor, and to everyone who has bothered with reading this sappy comment of mine. Thank You all.

  330. Jenny- I’ve been reading your blog for a couple of years now- and I have to say- you are the coolest of the cool- You never hesitate to make me smile and James Garfield truly cracks me up. I know I am number 3** something on here and read this last night and hesitated to post but don’t know what to do right now. When I tried to sign up for Toys for Tots in our city they said they had a cut off date and we couldn’t sign up (I am totally serious) I have a 14 yr old, a 13 yr old , a 12 yr old step daughter and a baby boy who not only is it Christmas – he is about to turn 2 next week..I don’t even have anything for his birthday. I seriously hate to beg. I even scrounged up some old toys the kids weren’t playing with and helped out another family that were in need. Even though Christmas is tough around here, it felt good to help someone else. If there is anyway I could get squeezed onto a gift card list even just to get my little boy something for his birthday I would be forever grateful. My husband’s hours got cut , I can’t work due to a back injury and I know I do not have it as bad as most.. I just don’t..don’t..want to look at my little boy who still believes in Santa and birthdays.. and cry. That’s just my truth for today. I’m sorry.. I’m just to ashamed to leave my real name. God bless you Jenny and the rest of you. Merry Christmas.

  331. I never thought i’d comment here, but I am. I’ve been out of work for almost a year and money is most definitely stretched to the very limit. We definitely could use a bit of help.

  332. If you still need donors to match requests I can provide 2 $30 gift cards to any store that lets you do such things electronically.

  333. I’m almost crying reading all the comments. I wish so badly that I could help, but Sallie Mae has me by the balls. I’m blessed to be making all my ends meet, and I can’t wait until I’m in a position to help others. Thank you for doing this, Jenny.

    PS Posey didn’t want to say ‘thank you’?? Ungrateful bastard.

  334. Count me in as a giver. Let me know and I’ll send a $30 Amazon to the next one on your list. I’m sitting her with tears streaming down my face and have to help. Thank you, Jenny.

  335. Is it too late to donate? If not, sign me up. I’d love to spread some Christmas cheer (or a giftcard) to someone who needs it.

  337. Hi Jenny!
    If you still have some $$ to spare, or anyone reading does, watch this video, & check out this link to this website for the Often Awesome Army. Tim & Kaylan are amazing and have been thru so much in the past year fighting ALS. I guarantee this series will make you laugh and cry and feel so in awe of the people who have stepped up to help them in thier fight for ALS awareness.

    http://www.oftenawesome.org/
    Much Love to you for all you do each day lovely lady!
    Holly

  338. Jenny, I’d like to give a gift card! I hope this is the right method to get matched with someone in need. Thank you! 🙂

  339. Hi. I’m sure all the gift cards are gone by now, but in the event you get further donations, I’d really appreciate one.
    I left uni and am now unemployed – I thought I wasn’t rich when I was a student, but it’s nothing compared to now, counting every penny and trying to make less go further while continually searching fruitlessly for a job. Now that it’s the holiday season I’m finding it difficult to stretch my small budget even further. A gift certificate for any amount would be a great help and so appreciated.
    Regardless of whether I get to be one of the lucky few, this is a beautiful thing you are doing. Selfless generosity toward others is in the true spirit of the holidays. Thank you for that.

  340. Gail (Post 322) thats pretty much what my kids did. (Twin boys will turn 12 on the 17th and a daughter that turned 10 on the 15th) We decided that we’ve had hard times but in the end we’re not just blessed we are flipping blessed. We have a house. The only times our utilities are in danger of being turned off is when I’m an idiot and pay two gas bills instead of an electric bill. And we have food in our house that always ends up questionable once the stove and I get done with it. In this economy what more can one person ask for? They decided that instead of Christmas presents that they wanted their toys (about $50/child) to go to needy children. That meant that 15 children in our community that wouldn’t have gotten toys will wake up on Christmas and have one, instead of just 2 or 3 that we normally give. It’s times like that you can set back and relax because you know you didn’t completely f**k up when it came to raising your kids.

    I can’t wait until you and your daughters get to see your blessings. Just remember our children are the best mirrors of who we parents are as a whole. When your children do something like this, willfully it just shows exactly what type of person you are. For everyone else, just remember, the Lord will not take you too it if he can’t take you through it as well.

  341. This is awesome. My SIL has been diagnosed w/ a disease that could take her life at any time. She is awaiting treatment, but can’t find a place that can do it yet. She had to quit her job and move in w/ her parents. Her sick pay has run out and getting disability can take 6 months to a year. She has a 5 & 9 yr old. We’ve got them a new pair of shoes for Christmas, but she won’t be able to get them much or anything. My in-laws have no money for anything extra either. This is absolutely amazing. All of you are angels! People are hurting everywhere. It breaks my heart. We’ve donated food to ourkid’s school and I know every little bit helps. You are amazing Jenny. You and everyone who gives anything from a can of food to a coat and also financially.

  342. I was kicked out of my home by my husband, cut off and penniless and have no $ for anything right now…much less christmas presents. Food would be nice.

  343. It is so sweet of you to do this. We’ve been having a really hard time making ends meet this year so I can empathize with all of these people and I’m sure that receiving a gift certificate that they can use to buy something for their children has really brightened their day.

  345. You are the most wonderful person in the whole world and I want you to know that I’m grateful to have you as one of my (imaginary) friends… even if you don’t talk to me or send me emails or comment on my tweets. You’re still an awesome friend xD

    That said, I know that there are people out there who are in a much worse situation than me, and if there are those who need it more in line ahead of me, please please please match them first. I’ve been in the process of a divorce for over a year now, receiving no child support for my son whatsoever, but I have a wonderful mother who makes sure that there is always a roof over our heads and food in our bellies, which I am forever grateful for.

    As a college student (read : unemployed broke mooch), I have absolutely no money to my name. And while I know that my son is going to get gifts from others, I would love for him to wake up Christmas morning with just one gift under the tree from me.

    And even if I don’t get matched, thank you thank you thank you to all the wonderful people who have so generously volunteered to give. This post and its comments have given me hope for the human race.

  346. What you are doing is truly remarkable and unforgettable. My family is one of the many that are struggling to make ends meet this year. Through a series of unfortunate events, we have ended up needing government assistance with food stamps & WIC. We never thought it would get this bad, but it did. Nothing says “Happy Holidays” like phone calls from collectors saying you’re going to get sued, or the electricity will get shut off in three days. I know my husband works his rear off and I am eternally grateful for his sacrifices he makes for myself and our one year old daughter and soon-to-be daughter#2. With his new job, things are going to start looking brighter for us, thank the Lord, in due time. I am also thankful for my daughter’s young age that presents aren’t really known or expected. I am also thankful I am able to make homemade gifts, knitting, sewing, etc. for my husband and daughter.
    I just want to extend my appreciation on behalf of all you have helped so far and in the future. You are truly an inspiration for us all. Thank you!

  347. Pingback: » ‘Tis The Season Being Sara

  349. I don’t have kids (we were trying, but put it on hold – at ages 34 and 39 – hoping for a better year next year), but I do have a wonderful husband whose birthday is today, 9 days before Christmas. We’re behind on everything, the only reason the phone hasn’t been shut off is because I work for the phone company, and the only reason the heat is still on is because they can’t shut it off over the winter. We have had a terrible year. Unemployment, severe depression and anxiety plagued our household this year. We almost divorced because of it. But we’re back, better than ever in our relationship, but still struggling financially. I broke down, said “eff it,” and took a good portion of next month’s rent money to make sure my wonderful husband has a great birthday and Christmas. It won’t do a *whole* lot to offset the worst year we’ve ever had, I just wanted there to be some happiness and hope for the future. I’ll probably have to do a payday advance loan to pay January’s rent, and heaven knows how or when we’ll get caught up on the rest. I’m trying to remain positive about the upcoming year, we just need to get out of this damn hole. You are doing a wonderful thing. Amazing how little it takes to inspire and give hope. Peace and good things to you and yours. <3

  350. Let me know what you need and how I can help. I am able to help with $30 but if you need more, please let me know. This truly is the most wonderful time of the year. Thank you for doing this.

  351. Jenny, it only takes one tiny pebble thrown into the waters to create a ripple that will carry on and outward. I hope your pebble makes a very, very, very big ripple…

    You’ve made some happiness in the world, lady. Congratulations. Much love and a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR to you and your family!

    Now, I am going to go grab a cup of hot cocoa, wrap a soft scarf around my neck, and read all 300 and something comments of all the people that you have affected with your blog and your generosity.

  352. I never thought we would be here. Two young boys (15 months & 3) and broker than broke. Last Saturday, our family car got repossesed, Yesterday our gas shut off, this morning my cell phone.. We are in such a hole. I am so worried and I know my boys don’t understand. Anyway, I know I am way late but if there is anything you can do for my boys… Thank you.

  353. Crying at work is embarrassing! I saw that someone in the UK needed one, I’m in the EU and can help – can you send me the deets please?

  354. For those who offered to donate but haven’t sent a gift card through amazon before:
    1. Go to Amazon’s website and click on “Gift Cards” at the top of the page, or put this link in your browser: http://www.amazon.com/gp/gc/ref=topnav_giftcert
    2. Go to the bottom of the page, where there is a chart showing various delivery options for gift cards. Under the “Email Gift Cards” column there is a “Buy Now” button–click here.
    3. It will take you to a screen where you can fill out the amount you wish the gift card to be for and input the recipient’s email address (which has been sent to you by Jenny); fill out the form and click “add to order.” Amazon will walk you through inputting your payment information.

  355. You inspire me, and that’s the best gift anyone can give another human being!

    Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family!

  356. Pingback: A Very Special #14 « All I Wanna Do

  357. Oh Jenny, this just makes me love you even more. Not *that* way, like a friend.
    I always try, especially this time of year, to help out others. I am not able to give much but I will give because it’s necessary. Helping others opens our eyes to see the world outside of our own. For me, I am able to see how blessed I truly am, whether it be a little more money in the bank or just a healthy family and a roof over our heads, and that the blessings I receive are not for me to keep to myself. Thanks for the reminder, it’s one we should get each day.
    A very merry Christmas to you, Victor, Haily, James Garfield and all of your readers. I get a kick out of reading their comments as much as your blog!

  358. Jeez. I never realized how hard it was to ask for help. But, here I am. Asking.
    Well, here’s my story: Daughter of a single mother. We’ve never really had that much money, but times have never been this tough. A little over a year ago we had to move away from the only place that ever really felt like home to me, and to my grandmother’s house, because we couldn’t afford to live on our own. I am grateful for that. Grateful to my grandmother for taking us in. But sometimes it’s hard for me to be grateful to the woman who physically and verbally abused my mother, and still puts her down everyday.
    Anyways, my mom works seven days a week, and we barely make enough money to cover the bills. I know that we wouldn’t be able to eat if it wasn’t for food stamps. This year I decided to save all of the gift cards I received from friends for my birthday, and buy something nice for my mom, who by the way is the absolute strongest person I know. But, we didn’t have any money to send a care packet to my brother (who we all miss like crazy, and is currently serving overseas), so we had to use up the gift cards.
    I really wanted to get something nice for the family, my mom in particular. She’s always working so hard, and never takes any time off. I know she feels bad that I won’t really be getting anything this Christmas, but I’m okay. I have my health, and a roof over my head, and hope that maybe the world will turn out okay if there are more people like you, Jenny, and like everyone else who is donating. : )

  359. This has been one of the hardest years we have had in such a long time! Mentally and financially it has been a bitch let’s just say. I love life, really I do. And try to be happy and love others and my family but it just seems that life keeps on hitting me where it hurts. I have 4 kids and they have been awesome through all the struggles. I think what your doing and all the help people have been giving is so great and amazing! Keep up the great work and keep us laughing!

  360. Jenny dear, you are an amazing person. As a new mom, you have given me a beautiful tradition that I hope to share with our daughter as she grows. Please email me with the info of one of the families that need help, and I will supply a gift card. Merry Christmas to you and yours.

  361. Wow — your generosity (and your readers) is so humbling. Totally fills my heart reading all of this – your post & the comments.

    I am not asking for myself or my children – but I am asking on behalf of my daughter’s half-sister. She aged out of the foster care system a few months ago. She is 18 and has the sweetest 5 year old boy. She barely makes it, and while we do what we can to help, we’re a family of 4 on a single modest income. I would love for her to be able to get a Santa present for her son. I would be so grateful to make this happen for them. Thank you so much!

  362. i just read through the comments and fucking cried in my coffee.

    changing our plans today to do something nice for someone today instead of being so self-involved.

    you rock the house, girl.

  363. Hi Jenny
    As a few others have mentioned, I’m usually just a browser of your blogs and never a commenter but this is something I feel strongly about, paying it forward. Such a wonderful thing to do, especially at Xmas, and I love that you have been doing it for 10 years. By sharing it I hope you inspire others to be just as charitable. So many people think about doing something like this but often for whatever reason, don’t get around to it.

    My family live in New Zealand and we went a trip to Sri lanka about a year after the 2004 tsunami, even then the rawness of the devastation was overwhelming. My Dad knew a Sri Laken family who were building an orphanage for children who’d lost their families in the tsunami and he decided when he returned to NZ he’d collect and send toys to this orphanage. I’m so proud of him because he said it and then he did it. But it was the generosity of donators that made us even more proud. We’re not from a very big town in NZ (like 25,000 people) but it was incredible how many people donated new and used toys, books and clothing for the children. And then there were the people who gave money for all the hundreds of boxes to be shipped.

    That same year, my parents gave my brother and I goat for Xmas. But it wasn’t a real goat, it was a picture of the goat that our present money had bought for a family in Africa. And my mum knew I couldn’t complain about wishing for hair straighteners after what I’d seen in Sri Lanka. Now I’m suspicious of all flat, cardlike gifts.
    But I hope your flat cardlike gifts bring lots of joy to those who need them. Thank you for your blog and for reminding us that Christmas is about giving. Kia Kaha x

  364. I wish I could help. I’ve been out of work for almost two years. I =don’t= need anything, I don’t have young children or grandchildren, everyone on my list is a grown-up who gets it. And I have a roof over my head and food.

    I just wanted to say thank you to you for doing this. And to say that there are people out there who care, but who can’t do anything at the moment.

  365. My friend, a teacher, overheard her student tell of how her family would be having no Christmas as her dad just got a job after 6 months of unemployment. She has three younger siblings as well. We are adopting them for Christmas this year and would be grateful for any extra donations. Jana

  366. We usually do more giving this time of year, but it’s a bit tight. However I have a gift card for $25 at one of four restaurants: Chilis, Macaroni Grill, On the Border or Maggianos. If someone can use this giftcard I’m happy to send along. What you are doing here is so wonderful. Thank you!

  367. Jenny I can help! Send me someone’s info and I will donate a gift card as well. I’ve been following your blog recently and it always makes me smile… I’d love to make someone else smile this Christmas.

    Happy Holidays!

  368. Hi again –
    My story is up at comment 226 and I guess I never really said that if you had any leftover cards, I could certainly use one, if it’s too late, that’s ok too. Love you & your blog.

  369. Jenny,
    Thank you for doing all this for people in need. Its simply beautiful. You brought a big old tear to my eye. 🙂

  370. Oh Jenny. You made me sob. You and all of your donating followers are such incredibly amazing people. I wish we could help but we just can’t financially. If there is anything else though, please contact me. Emails, organization, etc. I am here with the kids all day and I could use a project. Heh. I hope you are able to get everything worked out. Bless you and your generous following but bless the ones seeking help even more.

  371. My husband is out of work, but we’re doin’ OK. We have a military retirement check coming in every month, and the kids are grown and don’t expect prezzies. In fact, we’ve all agreed that our gift to each other will be gifts to others who need them more than we do. So… I’m up for sending 3 gift cards, Jenny. THANK YOU for giving me the opportunity to do this.

  372. I just now saw this. I don’t need anything right now but I’ll tell you how I got around the present thing. At my job we can sign up to do health activities through the insurance company and we get points for different healthy activity…there’s a long list. I was able to accumulate enough points to convert them to Amazon cards and was able to get something for each of my kids that way (they are grown, anyhow). I also scrounge a lot during the year so I had a few things for my friends that I needed, all for free.
    There’s a group in my neighborhood doing a grassroots donation collection for a school in Afton, Oklahoma. Evidently some of those kids don’t have electricity or running water at home and have only summer clothing for winter. They take showers at school. It’s been a good thing to gather contributions for. I don’t have much myself, but I did have extra bars of soap and some towels and blankets. If anyone wants more information on that with the names of the organizers I can send that if you email me at elisekasten@yahoo.com . Just some moms making a trip to deliver them next week (one of the moms is sister to the principal).
    Thanks, Jenny, for all you do.

  373. you almost make me want to be a better person… what a beautiful idea. i think i’ll go donate something so i don’t burn in hell.

  374. Earlier this year, I took my son and went to a domestic violence shelter to leave my abusive (now ex-) husband. While it was probably one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, the repercussions have been heart-breaking. I’ve seriously been considering telling my four-year-old that Santa isn’t coming, because I have no idea how I’m going to make it happen this year. I’ve broken my son’s heart enough this year. I hate that I might have to do it again.

  375. I just got a $15 gift card for Target from a student at the school where I work. If you tell me where to mail it I will send it to someone. I can get by without using it.

  376. I have read your blog for ages. You have the best sense of humor and I love reading your posts.
    This has been said over and over and over again, but seriously, thank you for what you are doing.
    This whole season I have been stressed about buying for everyone (we are fortunate to be able to do this – I DON’T NEED A THING), but I haven’t even considered supporting someone else that may not be able to provide a Christmas gift (let alone, food, gas, electric, etc.). I am not going to contribute to this that you have going on, but there is a guy I work with whose wife has been diagnosed with Cancer, she lost her job, his mother has 2 months to live and his daughter and grandson live with him. He hasn’t been able to pull a full 40 hour paycheck in I don’t know how long due to the issues with his wife and mother. In honor of you, I am going to buy him a gift card to Target so he can buy food/gifts/whatever this Christmas. Thank you for reminding me to do SOMETHING for someone in need this Christmas.

  377. It would be nice to be able to get my son a gift this Christmas. I’m a single mom on foodstamps. As I have fibromyalgia and arthritis, my ability to work is limited.

    Thank you on behalf of all those you are helping this holiday season.

  378. Well, exactly an hour ago before I went to lunch I was about to add my offer to donate a card, I wanted to think about it over lunch to make sure I would be able to make that sort of commitment.. I live paycheck to paycheck and have enough to get by so $30 wasn’t going to break the bank and I was thankfull for that.

    Between then and now my car just died… now I get to hope that I’ll find the cash somewhere to get whatever just broke fixed or there will be more than a few hungry nights between now and next year. I spent all of the emergency fund I’d saved up on Monday at the dentist.

    I don’t need help ( I hope ) but a few crossed fingers would be appreciated.

  380. Just a bookmark for me so that I know where I am.

    The spreadsheet continues to grow in wonderful ways and now I’m matching up people. You should get an email soon telling you your person (or persons) if you signed up to give. You guys rock…both the givers and receivers.

    Thank you for sharing such an amazing experience with us.

    Also, we’ve had so many amazing donors that some of you will be getting more than one gift certificate, which is good because $30 doesn’t stretch far when you have more than two kids.

    If you’re donating and don’t get an email by today then email me at jenny (@) the bloggess (dot) com and if you need a donation and are in the first 375 comments and don’t hear anything from your donor by Monday then email me and I’ll see if we can set you up with someone else. Also, I apologize in advance for any screw-ups. I’m sure I’ll have at least one. 🙂

  381. We’re doing great this year. Besides, Tessa officially starts xmas shopping on March 25 when Mary gets pregnant. Christians call it “The Anunciation.” Anyway, she’s been done xmas shopping since Halloween or something, so we’ll do some giveaways. Love you, Jenny.

  382. I hope it’s not to late to ask for help, I only just found out (By way of Maureen Johnson).
    My mother was laid off her job almost two years ago. She can get stuff for the youngest ones at Christmas house, but my sisters Caillie and Danica are 17 and therefor too old this year, my brother Aaron and I are trying our best to help but neither of us has a lot and we both have kids of our own. At this point anything would help.

    Thank you,
    Brooke

  383. I think it is wonderful what you are doing, Jenny. I could use the help this year, but who couldn’t? Hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas.

  384. Hi Jenny! This is what the blogging community should be about. I’ve been donating formula and food to the food bank in our area and toys to the local Empty Stocking Fund but I’ve seen a local-ish woman who I follow on twitter here and I’d like to send her a g/c. I don’t want to publicly name her – can you email me and I’ll let you know who so there’s no crossover?

    You rock! xoxo

  386. I don’t want to take Christmas presents away from anyone with kids, but if there are extra cards, I could really use one. We live off of one income, I have lots of health problems and we live paycheck to paycheck with most of our income paying for my medication and doctor bills (yea). I really want to get my husband a gift, but haven’t been able to afford one. I know he doesn’t care if he gets one, but I would really love to give him something. I think he deserves something nice for all of his hard work and patience.

  387. This is just amazing. It made me want to do something, no matter how small. I don’t have a gift card to donate and my funds are limited this month thanks to Christmas, heating repair, ad veloreum taxes and many, many insurance hassles, but I will donate copies of my ebook about how to sell on eBay to anyone who wants them. It may be helpful to people who have lost jobs or have physical problems with working outside of the home. I put a thing on my blog about it, but no one ever reads my blog so this may work better if anyone wants a copy of it.

  388. You are amazing, Jenny! I’ve lost two jobs in just as many years, but was lucky enough to find better paths each time. I try and give throughout the year to the charities I feel passionate about, but this is just such a wonderful idea (I wish I thought of it!) I may not have a ton to give, but if there is anything I can do to help the cause, please let me know. I’d be happy to purchase a $30 gift card for someone deserving.

    I’m sure your generosity is much appreciated. AND PS – Anderson Copper and/or Bob Barker is super cute! HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

  389. I’m not sure how this happened but as of right now we have exactly enough donations to send everyone at least a little something and to send quite a few people enough to buy presents for several children.

    It’s a fucking Christmas miracle.

    I’m sending out emails to match people now but if you still need help or want to help then leave a comment and if I can find a match for you I’ll let you know.

    You guys rock. For real.

  392. This is a wounderful thing with 3 kids sometimes parents don’t how to get through the season when they can’t even pay rent.

  393. Jenny, this is going to help more than you can know! My boys will be so excited on Christmas morning and a huge weight has been lifted! You and all your donors are amazing and it’s so wonderful that so many people came together to help others. It’s almost comforting to know that I’m not alone in struggling and that it doesn’t make me a bad mommy. My boys are my life and I only want the best for them!

    Merry Christmas to you and your family! I look forward to continually being amused by your blog. You are a great person and obviously mean a great deal to people you’ve never met.

  394. This is an unbelievable thing that you are doing. Well done, I am sure you will help so many this year. My husband and I decided to make several donations to different charities in our area as opposed to giving gifts to thsoe family members who are so hard to buy for – greatgrandparents, etc.

  395. I feel so blessed just by reading all the comments here .. its like fudge frosting on a big fudge cake of Jenny awesomeness.

    Jenny, if you end up needing more donors please let me know. I’d love to help someone who’s struggling.

  396. your heart is in the right place! we need to all look at those who don’t have this time of year and do whatever we can. We have had it pretty rough this year, (moving across the country, new baby, getting rid of all our things to make the move happen) but there are so many people who are far worse off than us. keep up the good work

  397. I am blown away (but not surprised) by the generosity I see here. Thank you, Jenny, for being the catalyst. I really wish I had more to give. I don’t pray often but my heart is sending out prayers for the people in need who have posted here. I wish you all some sense of peace and that 2011 will bring you better things. Happy Holidays to everyone!

  398. Jenny, you really are a wonderful person. You are an inspiration to so many people. Thank you for the reminder of how kind people can be. I would be honored to donate $30 to whoever needs it. Let me know what to do and I will get it done!

  399. I’m a single mom. I’m doing it on my own for my son. But, we’re one of the lucky ones. I’ve worked hard for the two of us and we are very blessed.

    I’d like to help return the favor. To give back.

    If there is more need for donation and for help, we’re here to help.

    xoxoxo

  400. I would like to say to everyone struggling right now and worrying about mortgage payments and losing homes and cars, call your local Legal Aid/Legal Services. They help people with low incomes save their homes. It may mean filing bankruptcy, but it can help you save your home, your car and make this time a little easier for you. They’re out there for you, you just need to call.

  401. First, this is so super nice. It’s such a great idea and way to give this time of year.
    Second, I have some advice for parents with children who can’t afford a lot or any presents this year. My husband and his sister did something called Santa Sack when they were younger and loved it. They would go in each others play areas and find toys that the other hadn’t played with in awhile. They would then wrap it and put it under the tree. It was exciting because it made the toys like new and they would rediscover a toy they really liked but had forgotten about. They still do it today at 24 and 28. And talk about how amazing it was all the time. It’s a great way to add presents under the tree, plus a lot of the fun of Christmas is the experience of unwrapping no matter what the actual present is.
    Lastly, if there are still people left who need gift cards or more gift cards because of multiple children I would love to donate a $30 gift card to the store of their choosing.
    Merry Christmas!!!

  402. I am in awe of you Jenny..of the pebble you put into the water and the ripple effect it had and so many people you helped..so many people that came forward to help others. You are not only a Bloggess- you are a GODDESS- I have no words..only tears. Even if I don’t get an email..just the warmth in my heart from what I have witnessed here has been outstanding. Anyone have a tissue? <3 <3

  403. A friend mentioned you to me in hopes I’d be able to get some help for my daughter, Grace. Looks like there are just tons of people in need and that you are already full up. But even so I guess I will give it a shot since I just now found out.

    I’m a single mom to a 7-yr-old girl, Gracie, who is just a wonderful, well-mannered, sweet little girl. She has been making homemade Christmas presents (lots of drawings) to her best ability. Thanks to a sudden-onset heart condition, last year’s Christmas was smaller than normal, but I cheered myself by telling myself it was okaybecause next year (this year) I’d be better. But I’m not, and now in a court battle against my own parents, who think they can and should raise my child in a very zealously religious way. I’m a Christian, I’m just not extreme enough for them. I never would’ve believed my own parents would turn on me this way. It’s crazy. It’ll never work because I have tons of people backing me and plenty of proof of being a good mom. I love Grace more than anything. But all my money, all, has gone to survival this year. I cannot buy her even one gift, and it is breaking my heart. She says it is okay, she doesn’t mind, that at least we have each other (she’s now terrified of her grandparents, whom she used to adore). Almost every single day now I have to work hard to stop myself from crying. Tomorrow, the 17th, I have to be in court, and again Monday the 20th, facing my parents, I was granted temporary restraining orders and have to be in court to get them made permanent. Right before Christmas. I never thought I could be this broken-hearted, so sad, crushed, really. Grace is such a special girl. When I first got sick,we ended up living with my parents, and as my health did improve a bit, they began to do their best to verbally turn my own child against me (it didn’t work). I was stunned. Am still stunned. Now we have moved away, and guess what, they won’t let us have our furniture, or her toys, or her clothes…nothing. All things I paid for, things we own, and they refuse. The police even went and demanded our property, and in court tomorrow I expect the judge to order them with harsh results if they continue to refuse. How does anyone benefit by refusing a child her toys and clothing and books????? How is that rational???? I have no idea.

  404. Melissa from Texas, who sent me a £30 gift card (yes, for UK Amazon so I can order from my local site), you rock my world. You have no idea how much it means to have this help. I’m lost for words and full of tears. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

  405. Also, I ordered almost straight away, as tonight is the last night for Christmas arrivals, due to the snow. Perfect, perfect timing.

    HUGS AND HUGS AND HUGS 🙂

  406. This is really amazing, all these people coming together and being so caring and generous. I saw a link to this post a couple days ago, and thought it was wonderful. I got another link to this post today when I was really upset about not being able to get anyone anything for Christmas. Why is it so hard to ask for help? It seems so backwards, it’s not like any of these people here asked to be in the positions we are in at this time of year. I don’t have children of my own, just my brother’s kids who I usually buy at least small gifts for. I’d like to get my boyfriend something, anything, because he makes me forget about all the crap that isn’t going right in my life (which is pretty much everything besides him). I would use money that I get at Christmas from relatives for belated gifts for others, but it will all be going to student loans, as I have had no work in December.

    Please give to those worse off than me first, I have a roof over my head. Even just knowing that there are generous people out there helping like this, makes things seem a little brighter.

  407. Jenny,

    Thank you so much for your generosity and for inspiring so many others, as well. My mother feels so much better knowing she will be able to get my nephew something from grandma for christmas.

    I am overwhelmed to see so many people getting involved with this. It is just amazing to see everyone come together for such a great idea. You are a true inpiration!

  410. Unfortunately this year I cannot donate but I dont need anything either, so it’s a plus.

    Just wanted to comment and say I really hope you do this again next year because it’s amazing and I will definitely be able to contribute then!

    Thanks Jenny, and James Garfield, for Christmas cheer.

  411. Oh Jenny. You are my very most favorite beautiful un-met blogger. I would like to help; please email me the name of someone I could give a little something to. We are actually leaving our house out of necessity, although I’m not sad about it, it feels more like a choice than a loss. And oddly, this means we have more resources this year than we have had for several past. So. If you actually get thru all these 400plus comments, I look forward to hearing from you. {{hugs}}

  412. Please email me with someone I can send a giftcard. I’m not sure how to do it, but if you can walk me through it – I’m in!!! Another option, is I can send it to you, and then you them. Whatever works. More than happy to share my many blessings. We aren’t wealthy by any means, but helping is not out of our reach. Please email me. Thanks!

  413. This is a wonderful thing that you’re doing. I purchased some cards from you a week or so ago, and I’m glad that the purchase went to help someone who needs it (and I now have super awesome christmas cards).

  414. I am one of those people who has a roof over my head and (usually) food on the table for me and my two children. I dont feel poor on any level but finanacially though. I have been struggling to pay all the bills but I haven’t given up yet. I work a full time job and take extra work as a catering assistant when I can. And yet I find I’m still only making partial payments on bills so that I can have money left for groceries. I’m not sure if there are any Canadian donaters still out there but if there are my son and daughter would love a Chapters gift card. It doesnt have to be big. Maybe only enough for one book each but it will brighten thier Christmas morning and let them go shopping with thier Mum which just hasnt happened in such a long time.
    Jenny, you are such an incredible person. Thank you for reminding us all what the Spirit of Christmas is really all about.
    Also, You all are the most amazing, wonderful, generous, loving people I’ve never met.

  415. Who could hate the holidays after reading all of this? Are we really all starting to remember what Christmas is all about? There is so much NONE GREED here that it is amazing. I have a case of the thumbing heart and the rolling tears.

  417. I would love to be able to give my niece (and possibly even my sister) something for Christmas, as it is my niece’s first and my sister’s first one as a mom… however neither one of us having any money is really putting a stick in the gears. I’ve resorted to making things for them, but as you all know.. every little bit helps. It’s amazing that there are people out there who are so willing to give. I know I would, if I had the ability! Give thanks you all who need nothing and all of us who have nothing, give thanks that we are alive. Merry Christmas to all!

  419. Jenny, I didn’t think I would love you more than when I watched you shoot Karen in that red dress…but you officially win now.

    My family is struggling some this holiday season…but it will get better, it always does right? Right? Bueller?

  421. Let me know if I can send someone a gift card in Canada. We’re blessed to have more than enough.

  422. What an inspiration you are! I would love to donate a gift card if you just send me an email address. Many blessings to you!!

  424. Hi. I’m a long-time lurker, first-time poster. I’m kind of late to this incredibly awesomely generous party you’ve got going on here, but I want to help. This has been an up-and-down couple of years for me, but lately it’s been mostly up. I’m incredibly lucky to have had a great support system (particularly my parents) during the down times. Without them I have no idea where I’d be or, frankly, if I’d still be here at all. Count me in to send someone who needs it a $30 Amazon gift card.

    And brava, Jenny, for using your fantabulous internet powers for good. 🙂

  426. Somehow I didn’t cry until I got to Jenny’s post that said everyone was going to get a little something. It is a Christmas miracle! However, if there are some people out there who need more I will be willing to give a $30 gift card to whomever needs it. My family has always been so lucky and blessed, but one never knows when it could be them asking for just a little bit of help. Let me know if I can help. Bless you, Jenny.

  427. Every year until the recession hit we used to take our son with us to the local women’s shelter, food bank, and homeless shelter to make our donations. It was our annual tradition—and as we drove from place to place I’d tell the story my grandmother told me:

    . . .One Christmas during the Depression they had no money at all, not 25 cents, and her little boys (my dad & uncles) came to her on Christmas Eve and said, “The kids at school say Santa’s coming tonight with presents for all the children in the world. Is it true?” and she nodded, although she knew they had no money and had no idea where to get presents. She couldn’t even buy them food. And that night after the kids were in bed, there was a knock at the kitchen door, and when she opened it there was a box on the steps—a dinner’s worth of food and five little balloon toys for the five children.

    “That’s why we give back every year,” my husband and I always told our son. “Because someone did that for your Poppa when he was little, and it was huge. We’re just grateful now that we’re the position to be the ones giving.”

    Then the recession came, and we didn’t have cash anymore, so instead our son cleaned out his old toys, and we donated them to our local folks collecting for underprivileged kids. We’ve been doing that for three years now. (Turns out that kid had a lot of toys he wasn’t using.)

    This is a terrible time for so many, and those of us lucky enough to have a roof over our kids’ heads and food on their table have an awful lot to be grateful for. But even if you don’t have cash to give, there’s always something you can donate—your kids’ out-grown toys, the coats, blankets, shoes you never use, even your labor, chopping vegetables and serving meals for a day at your local food bank. One year a friend and I spent the evening at a local church that needed help preparing their annual Thanksgiving dinner for the homeless.

    Thanks for reminding us, Jenny. There’s always something you can do to help. We’re all riding out these hard times on this planet together.

  428. I’m OK financially, but I’m having a blue Christmas anyway. I’m a single mom and things have just been emotionally hard this year. Maybe I can kill two birds with one gift card. I’ll cheer myself up and help someone out, too. Just let me know what to do.

  429. Oh—also! I almost forgot: you can also go to your local post office and ask for the letters to Santa Claus. You would not believe how many letters to Santa they get every year, so many of them from children in the worst, most devastatingly impoverished areas. And write letters back from Santa to the parents—they need your kindness and support, too.

  431. Send me info and I will help. It’s what we’re here to do. Significant pay cut last week–oh thank you, and right before Christmas–due to increasing insurance premiums and a fuckwad cheapass boss. And so what. Time to try a new route to end the pity party. Please forward details when you can. (PS, totally love your blog. Best medicine around. I can’t read it at work because my howling scares the patients in the waiting room. 🙂

  433. I can’t believe I’m admitting this, but I actually started tearing up when I read about the bulimic barbies. I soooo wish my mom was cool like that.

    I’m actually going to Nicaragua in a few weeks to do something similar. I did the same thing a few years ago, but after reading this post and the brilliant comments from your readers, I already know that this year is going to be even better.

    Thanks for sharing this, Jenny.

  434. Well, how do you choke down your pride to ask for help? It is not an easy thing to do… asking people you don’t know at all seems even harder than asking family!! I am probably much to late for this, but had a friend on twitter forward me this site, and suggested that I post and ask. I recently lost my job, and my husband had his hours cut back, we lost our house and have moved into a really small place with my sister. It honestly feels like we have lost everything! We don’t have any extra money at all! Gas to get my husband to and from work is costing more than he is bringing home paycheck wise! So, there will be nothing at all for christmas. I don’t mind going without, but I hate that my kids will have to go without as well… it hurst when they ask me if there will be anything….like: “why don’t we have a tree this year?” “were we bad?” “Are we not going to get anything from santa either?” They say they understand, but I know they truely don’t! I have 4 children (10, 9, 2 and 10 months), and anything would help!!

    Thank you so much for all you have done for others! It is amazing that so many people have been willing to help! I wish I was in the posistion to help!

  435. Okay, this seems to be the place to look for small miracles, so I’ll put this out there and hope that people really understand and don’t just see me as some undeserving mooch.

    I need a cheap, cheap, reliable car…..badly. I live in a rural area and need one to get a job. If anyone has anything sitting in their garage that they’re willing to sell for a really cheap price, I’d take a Greyhound almost anywhere in the states to come pick it up. Right now I only have $300, but I’m selling my computer for hopefully another $250.

    I know, a long shot and a huge request, but I thought I’d put it out there.

  436. Hi, so I want to remain fairly anonymous because I think some of my bloggy friends follow you, but I have done something similar to this with 3 of my blog friends. One is a single woman who has been unemployed for a year and her unemployment just ran out. I sent her an AmEx gift card. Another is a single Mom just trying to get by, I gave her some cash to do whatever she wanted with, and another is a Wife, mom and hard worker whose husband has been umemployed for months. Their son plays sports, they have mortage and bills, and it’s expensive to survive. They don’t know it yet as theirs is in the mail right now. 🙂 So I’ve spent $150 to help others and I have to admit, it was a bit of a selfish act because I feel great about it. I don’t have much left and I’m in the middle of moving, but if you have someone that needs something, I could do a $30 gift card without breaking the bank. Just let me know the address to have it sent to.

    xo

  437. Pingback: Love Thursday: Give Back « Wickedly Crazy Awesome Life

  438. You’re pretty awesome. I’m inspired—Toys for Tots got a donation from me, thanks to you.

  439. Would love to give a gift card, if you’re still connecting people and not already drunk from the stress of it all. Cheers and merry to you!

  440. Hi Jenny,

    I’m a little late to all of this…I read every comment and teared up all along the way.

    I’d love to help out if I can and if gift cards are still needed, please let me know!

  441. I became a single mom this year. This was something very hard for me as I tried to stay in our home and juggle all the bills. There is a teenager that I consider my own and because of the set back I can’t do for her or my own the way I usually do this year. I know all the giftcards have been given out, but I just wanted to tell everyone to hang in there. Enjoy your family and your friends. The other stuff really doesn’t matter.

  442. I wish we weren’t in the red right now. I have received a card and sent it on to its new owner, and I’m so grateful to the generous donators here! There is another friend of mine who has a little boy who got hit with a bunch of expenses at once and is struggling. Since I’ve already technically been a recipient, even though it wasn’t really for me, I prefer that everyone else get a shot first… But if there still happens to be more donators than needers, I would love to send a card to her. Next year, when we have more cash I will most definitely be paying this forward. You guys all rock ;–;

  443. This makes me really happy. I’ve got a gift card to Target I can donate. Just match me up with someone who needs it, Jenny (you adorable angel, you).

  444. It’s my son’s first real Christmas (last year he was a preemie who had just come home and was still on oxygen) and we can’t afford anything because our heat cost $500 to fix. I can’t drive because of a major disability so we missed all the sign-up days for local programs. We’d love somebody to help us buy him new clothes and maybe a few learning toys. His development teachers from Early Access are always urging us to buy him toys to help his development because he was born 3 months early and he’s 5-6 months behind developmentally, and as much as we want to help it’s hard enough for us to pay all our bills for our broken mobile home. If anyone could help us to make his Christmas a happy one, we’d be so thankful.

  445. I found my best friend dead in his apartment last Sunday. He basically went to sleep and never woke up. The coroner still doesn’t know the cause. We’re all walking wrecks. I haven’t yet figured out how to tell my five-year-old daughter that the amazing person who loved her like his own for nearly four years of her life is gone. Her little heart is going to break. Mine did.

    Being a single mom out of work with no unemployment for three months killed my savings and our simple Christmas plans of making cookies and watching movies all together is never going to happen again. I’m not someone to ask for help, not out of pride but out of self-reliance. This year, I want to give my kid something to smile about. Because I can’t give her Reich. http://sgreichen.com/

  446. Is it too late to donate? If not, I would be happy to send someone an Amazon gift card.

  447. Another anonymous woman here, who’s been the main mother-figure in our grandson’s life since he was a few months old. Parents would not be attractive enough to be on Jerry Springer, though one of them aspired to that, thinking it would be so cool.

    They’ve contributed nothing to his support, though receiving public assistance themselves. While never well-off, my husband and I could afford to get out of town for a couple of nights. It’s been years since we could do that: husband put over $15K into the boy’s after-school care.

    This year’s been brutal. We’ve had a couple of health issues that cost time and money—we’re both self-employed. He’s a builder who soldiers on, despite needing surgery on his shoulder. I had a couple of trips to the emergency room that will cost $2500 neither of us have. Sometimes I let my car insurance slide for weeks, uttering a prayer that I don’t get pulled over.

    Anyway, this grandson deserves a book and maybe a pair of pants that fit him—he’s growing like a weed and eating like a linebacker.

    If someone has a little left in the kitty for my darling, darling boy (whose mother has fled, hiding from multiple warrants, drug charges, and the worse things you can imagine) that would be so lovely. It breaks my heart to hear him say, “I wish my mommy would come back. I don’t think I’ll ever see her again.” (And he leaves notes in the mailboxes to her, which the postal worker promptly tosses on the ground. Because, you know, he didn’t use an envelope or a stamp.)

    Blessings to all who’ve contributed here, both in requests and comments.

  448. I love how awesomely insane and bitchy you can be in 99% of your posts, but this is so amazing of you. I think all of us little bloggers dream of the day that we are able to do something with what we write and you are a great and caring person for choosing to do this for your readers this year. Happy Holidays to you and the handsome Mr. Garfield!

  449. I am in tears sitting here thinking about how to start off this solicited, yet difficult request. I feel like I’m writing in to the Ellen show; “Ellen I work six jobs and I don’t have a car and my dog died and my son’s school caught on fire and I’m putting myself through night school by donating my eggs!!” Of course none of those things are true, but when you are struggling, especially during the holidays, it all feels the same. Last Wednesday, my husband lost his job of 4.5 years. He was devastated to say the least. I am a stay-at-home mom so needless to say we are now without income. The day after he lost his job, I got a positive result on a pregnancy test. He left the following day on an out-of-state trip to finalize things with our new home which we will be moving to in less than three weeks. While he was away, my oldest, dearest dog contracted a violent stomach virus which left her near death. We took her to the vet and eight hundred dollars later, she is alive but we are now left jobless and penniless, literally. We had to borrow $100 from my mentally ill mother today just to afford groceries to feed our 20-month-old daughter. If there is anyone who could help us afford a gift or two for our daughter, we would be eternally grateful.

  450. Jenny, I love you and my SIL’s “Santa Match”. I just gave her the info that I was emailed and she’s over joyed! She says thank you and so do I. She was just telling me earlier she didn’t know what she was going to do for them. She’s crying tears of gratitude & joy! THANK YOU, I LOVE YOU ALL! I will pay it forward!

  451. It’s probably way too late but we could really use something if theres anything left. My husband and I are both full time students that can’t find jobs and have been searching for almost 8 months since I lost my last one. My oldest son will be turning 13 in 7 minutes and my other 2 kids are 6 and 3. Anything would help.

    You are amazing Jenny!! I love you and your blog. even when I’m seriously depressed, you make me smile.

  452. Jenny, you rock. For the past three years I’ve had my mom give me all the money that she had planned to use on my own Christmas gifts and instead, I went on shopping trips to buy toys to donate. One of my best Christmas memories was the first time I ever did this. I remember I was so nervous about it, scared I would regret my decision, you know? But then I got to donate a shopping cart loaded with toys to a Toys for Tots bin that had nothing at all in it. Waking up on Christmas morning was the best. Just absolutely THE BEST.

    This year, we haven’t been able to do the same since my mom is now unemployed for the first time in 18 years at least. I’m just a college freshman struggling to pay for housing and tuition, and my dear sweet mom does all she can to make sure I go my first choice school. It has been a blessing that we have been able to have some presents under the tree this year, and I DON’T need a gift card. I just want to share because this post has truly TRULY touched my heart and I am so grateful that there are such compassionate, downright Christlike people like you out there.

    Merry Christmas, Jenny.

  453. I would like to suggest my daughter. She is 21 and a single mother to Asher (2 years old) who was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor at the age of 11 months. This past year my daughter had to deal with so much heart break. First the diagnosis, hospital stay, had to go out of state for her sons radiation treatment and be away from family for 7 weeks, doing it all on her own with no partner there to support her emotionally . During that time her dear granny passed away. My grandson is now tumor free but she has to take him for MRI scans, doc visits, physical and speech therapy, follow up visits to Indiana. We’ve been helping as much as we can but i know it will mean a lot to her to do something special for her son.

  454. Jenny,
    I would be happy to donate a $30 Amazon gift card to someone if you will get me the info. MERRY CHRISTMAS!

  455. I hate to say it, but we’re sort of skipping Christmas this year. My husband’s underemployed and his contract ran out last week, and we don’t foresee any money coming in til the end of January. I don’t care about myself, but I’d like my son to at least get a bit of something for Christmas… He’s 17, diabetic (type 1) and the most wonderful person I know. Crap, I’m crying now.. *sighs*

  456. It’s people like you in whom I am so grateful for! My husband and I have had a rough year. An illness for me,(with no health insurance) and time off from work for him. Christmas is going to be different this year! We were able to get our kids one toy each, and we are crossing our fingers that the rest of the family buys them some clothes! But we are blessed. We have a roof over our heads and food in our bellies! I hope that the children out there who receive this goodness are as blessed by it as I am reading it!

  457. I love this. If you still need donors, hit me up. I can do a $50 gift card (and if it would be easier for the recipient, if there’s an online retailer that can do e-mail gifting, I can send that way instead).

  458. I know I am adding this late but I asked for help on another blog (inspired by you) but it looks like I wasn’t chosen to help. So I am hoping you still have a card or two available. I am raising my brother’s 3 children because his wife is dying of breast cancer. He works from home so he is able to care for her but with 3 young children needing time and attention it became too much. Plus my sis in law doesn’t want them to see her this way. So for now they are with me. With the medical bills they have and the added expenses I have with suddenly having to raise 3 kids there isn’t a cent left over for Christmas. If you have anything left over it would make a big difference for 3 great kids.

  459. If I’m counting right and everyone who offered sends something to the person I matched them with then that means that everyone who asked for help will get at least a $30 gift certificate. You people amaze me.

    I still have a few more donors and another hour before I go to sleep so if you’re still needing help to stave off a bare Christmas but were afraid to ask then just leave a comment.

  460. I have a co-worker with two kids who could really use some assistance but she wouldn’t be able to post her self until she’s at work tomorrow.

    (I’m going out of town so I’ll be shutting this down tomorrow but I’ll have someone send you a gift card and you can pass it on to her. Thanks! ~Jenny)

  461. I just want to say thank you to whom ever donated for the family I shared about. I got the email today w/ the Amazon card and I’m going to pick out presents for the 3 kids and have them shipped. XO

  462. just taking a chance here…I have a fifteen year old and a twelve year old special needs who I just had to tell there was no Santa Claus because I do not have a dime…they are both boys…and literally I am not buying anything for Christmas this year…not even candy canes…I told them if we were lucky this year in tax return area we would celebrate Christmas then…so if you think you have anything that might interest either of them you would make them very happy…if not thanks for offering and have a great holiday

  463. I dint want to take up too much of your time as it seems you have a lot of people to email, but I know that my little girls could really use a lift in their spirits this Christmas. If you have someone who is still willing to donate, our family would be so thankful. God bless.

  464. I’m currently trying to contain my tears in front of my boyfriend and his best friend, who are watching cartoons. mature, I know. But I would like to help with a $40 gift card or e-gift card to whomever needs one and to where ever it would be the most beneficial to them.

    I’m sure you didn’t know that this was going to turn to to all of this, but you’re going to make a lot of people happy and a lot of people like myself able to give to a good cause.
    You are amazing.

    Maddie
    Portland, OR

  465. You are a big, soft, smushy marshmallow, I love you Jenny. And not just because you helped out some people, but because you really do brighten some really dark days for me. XOXO from Austin & I.

    I have been meaning to blog about it, but I recently bought about 20 teeny tiny knit caps for babies in the NICU. We are going to deliver them just before Christmas to a local hospital. Having a baby sick and struggling over the holidays is really tough and I want to help some families have a bright moment. Just my little bit for the holidays.

  466. Thanks Jenny. I already blew my donation money on Child’s Play Charity and the Miracle Network last month.

  468. Hi
    I may be too late but sadly I am one of those people that need help. My son and I are about to be homeless , so Christmas presents at all are out. I would love to be able to get him something, I can’t even afford diapers right now. Please I would be so grateful.

  469. Jenny,

    I am not posting for me but for my best friend. We’ve been friends since we were kids and I would rather call her my sister at this point. Anyway… Her mom died of Leukemia 2 years ago and my friend adopted her younger brother and sister from her moms second marriage. They’ve been just making it through these last 2 years but she just lost hours at her job and is having trouble making the rent let alone gifts and a tree. She’s already sacrificed her internet, cable,and cell phone. She has no other family and no husband. I would really like to help her and the kids with some gifts from “Santa” I wouldn’t even want her to know where they came from, a true Christmas miracle! 🙂 They are 4 and 6. Any help would be greatly appreciated as I can’t afford to do much on my own.

  471. So this year has been crazy for me.. My hubby and I are both jobless.. He got one but they let him go after the 2 months after him being let go of his last job Dec 23, 2008.. My mom passed away, Im injured from my last job to the point I cant work, and have had 6 surgery this year and will be having 1 more on Dec 30. I have a 3 year old lil boy. Target is depressing because he sees the Thomas and Toy Story and other car stuff and gets all happy.. and I cant give him anything of it.

    This year is sucked. I have no Xmas Spirit. Cant find it

  472. All these heartbreaking stories. I hate to add mine. My story is not special or different. Just another family surviving paycheck to paycheck. Pay cuts. No work. Choices- rent or gifts? I have 3 kids under ten and would gratefully use anything sent my way to try and hide from them just how bad this christmas is for us. And even if nothing is left, this was a beautiful gesture and thank you to all who participated!

  473. I don’t know if you’re as exhausted as I am but I’m done. I need sleep for a few days. I have a few more emails to send out but as of this moment we’ve matched all of the requesters with donors. Bad-ass.

    If you still want to donate just leave a comment and I’ll keep you posted if we need anyone else. I’m sure that of all the people who volunteered to help at least one or two will not answer their email or will send the gift card to the wrong address accidentally so if you’ve asked for help but haven’t heard anything by Monday let me know and I’ll see if we can find a way to help.

    Also, many of you had several children who needed presents so you may get more than one gift card. That was on purpose.

    Thank you to everyone who shared their story or asked for help or reached out a hand for a stranger. I plan on writing about this but right now I’m so exhausted I just want to sleep.

    Also, if you wanted to donate but didn’t get an email from me it’s probably because you’re one of the 4 people that I’m keeping back to swoop in if one of the other donators flakes out. If you wanted to donate and are afraid I just missed your comment (which is possible) just leave me another comment and I’ll check my spreadsheet.

    I don’t know the final tally yet but I know we were able to give out thousands of dollars to people in the last day and I also know that the people who are giving are just as excited as the people receiving.

    You gave me back my faith in humanity.

  474. Im broke but if I can help you match people in any way please call on me. I can only off hugs and a an eaf to listen, but if you have someone who needs those I have them in abundance. I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season and a fruitful new year and that jenny knows, despite her impish blogfoolery she is a wonderful and huge hearted and adored human. Xanax bless us, every one.

  475. Jenny, what a miraculous undertaking. You just blew our collective minds.

    Great job!!!!!

    It feels good to help out, though it sucks that so many people are having poopy Christmases.

    I am sending my love and support to every single soul on this message board this Christmas!
    Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays and here’s to things looking up in 2011 for everyone.

  476. Hi there, I just followed this link from an email and I just wanted to say that it really means a lot that people actually *care* about other people enough to organize something like this. Especially this time of year.

    A friend of mine arranged for me to receive one of the gift cards and I’m just so touched by her and by this blog and all the people who contributed. It means I get to get my son something special this Christmas and I can’t tell you how much that means to me. To us.

    God bless you all and thank you so so much.

    -Samantha

  478. Just wanted to say thank you.
    Jenny what you started has given people hope, it has brought people to tears and it has brought me to believe there are still so many good people out there.
    I have no idea what we are going to buy our boys, I plan on looking for something that we can all do together.

    God Bless each and everyone of you. Merry Christmas!
    The Sears Fam.
    Nick, Dana, Josh, Mason, & Carter

  479. hi jenny. im posting on behalf of my mum. she certainly won’t ask for help but she would be blessed to be able to afford a few gifts for my little brother this holiday. if you would be willing to help in any way i would be so indebted to you. i just would like her to feel good about being able to give a gift even though she gives so much to us already.

  480. OK, I don’t have a lot of money and I actually am not the one buying Christmas for my own kids this year b/c of my own situation (I got that handled, though, so do not need help).
    I DO however have a 7yo girl and a crapload of books and other girly things that my daughter not only doesn’t need but would willingly surrender (with a giddy smile) and I would love to give them to Katie (commenter #398). I can swing the money for shipping and if that would be enough to give her daughter something – ANYTHING – that she can have and call her own, it would give me the greatest joy ever to do that.

  481. If you need me and/or someone else (I write for therhok.com a collective blog): we are all willing to donate gift cards/e-cards if needed. Thank you Jenny!

    twitter us at: @ajsouthern & @TheRHOK

  482. My kids are going to receive a ‘lean’ year this year, but that’s mainly because they just have to much stuff. I am trying to get the grandparents and great-grandparents to cut back.

    With that said, I can help donate to this cause. I always pull a Santa from the Salvation Army tree (I try to get two..a child and a older person) and fullfill their wishes..although some of the wishes are ‘interesting’

  483. I really, honestly wish I wasn’t broke. I would donate a gift card in a heartbeat.

    I don’t even have anything to donate, really, since we just had a yard sale like two months ago. Unless somebody wants a used trumpet that hasn’t been played in eight years.

  484. I needed to post again after reading through all the posts. I just wanted to say it was so wonderful that everyone is coming together to help each other from several countries. Amazing. I myself am Canadian! Huge shout out to all that are helping from all over the world.

  485. I can’t believe I’m actually doing this, but I can’t afford Christmas for my daughter who turns five on Saturday. I can’t even afford a birthday present. Unemployed, split from her father and can’t find work.

  486. The last two years have been particularly hard for me and my family. My father has cancer, my mother has had a stroke and is now unable to work so I am living at home with them and attempting to help as much as i can. We’re also raising my 16 yr old cousin who moved in with us after my grandma (whom he was living with) passed away. My job has been cutting hours so a week ago I got a second job to try to make up the difference in income. The last few weeks i have been feeling down about my situation but reading this and seeing all the people who are willing to help people they don’t know, even when some of them don’t have much themselves, gives me hope that things are going to work out in my life. So thank you, and all of the people who have given aid for renewing my faith in the goodness of people.

  487. Hi There, My friend Anni just pointed me in this direction and I’d really love to donate 2 gift cards at $30 each to the mix. Thank you so much for doing this. What a brilliant way to use your voice! Thank you for restoring my faith that there are many many good people in this crazy world! 🙂 Tanya

  488. Jenny, I just want to thank you for this massive undertaking. This is such a wonderful thing you’re doing – you don’t need me to tell you that! But you deserve to be thanked a million times over. This post is a beautiful thing.

  489. As a single mother who is Active Duty Navy, I have little to no extra money at the end of each pay period. Between day care, bills, & groceries, I am not going to be able to give my son a Christmas present. Anything wouldbe better than nothing. Jenny, even ifwe don’t get selected, thank you for hosting this. May you be blessed for it.

  490. My daughter Eva is in need of presents.. We live on an indian reservation she is 4 yrs old… thanks!!

  491. This is a wonderful thing you are doing. I have been fighting cancer and the bills are beyond belief, but I truly wish I could help you in your efforts. You are in my prayers. I wish there were more like you in the world.

  492. Pingback: It’s not much but here’s our way of saying Merry Christmas | MOTHER, INC.

  493. Thanks for doing this, Jenny. It’s not much but I’m spreading a bit of the love to Singapore and giving out 2 gift cards. You are amazing, I truly mean that.

  494. Jenny as I told you on Twitter this is all YOU!! It takes someone very special to inspire people to help. You are an awesome woman, mother, wife, friend, and blogger! I never thought after reading your first blog post (GPS trying to kill you) that a year later I would be rolling pennies and trying to figure out how to get a gift card when I can’t drive! Thank you for being you! You have got me through more tough times then you will ever know. Now what can I do? Because of all my surgeries (2 since 11/2), prescriptions, bandages, and my husband basically supporting me, my mom, my grandmother, and our 17 month old son we are not rolling in the dough (unless you count play-doh? No? Ok) but I have used 1 or 2 and never worn clothes and toys. Up until October we all had incomes coming in and we all had shopping addictions. Instead of just throwing them away if anyone wants or needs I’d love to help! Any other ideas that you might have Jenny let me know. Like I said I can do a little and desperately want to help.
    Happy Holidays everyone!

  496. I’m late to this party, but please contact me if you need one or two cards to come out even.

  497. I have two gently used 12″ kids bikes (for children 2-4) that my children would love to donate as well as some other toys that have never been used. If anyone in the Massachusetts area needs these, you can email me at kit@bloggingdangerously.com and I’ll figure out a way to get them to you.

    Also, Jenny, thank you for the inspiration.

  498. Jenny, count me in if anyone backs out/falls through. The hubz and I are all about making the Christmas spirit our bitch this year. I can’t rationalize spending money on ourselves when so many people have to do without!

  499. A little late, but let me know if you need another swooper. We’ll be on the road for the holidays, but if I can send it electronically I surely will.

  500. Jenny. This is awesome. Like many others, I wish I wasn’t broke so I could donate. (but we are fine! Mom is helping us for Christmas this year, so that’s handled. Don’t worry abt me.) This whole thread has totally restored my faith in humanity. Everyone here is so awesome. Thank you so much Jenny, for coming up with the idea, for organizing all this… You totes rawk.

  501. My situation is a little different. It’s not a young child I’m trying to help, but a young teenager. Her mother is a good friend of mine, a single mom of three girls who gets no help from Dad and has been unemployed for a year. It’s not that Shauna doesn’t want to work… she’s constantly handing out resumes and trying. In fact, her unemployment is about to run out so these days she’s trying even harder.
    In the midst of all this, her teenage daughter Taylor desperately wants to go on her class trip to Washington, DC. I understand this urge because travel has been a passion of mine since I was Taylor’s age. Shauna wants SO badly to send her daughter, but the total cost of the trip is around $1600 and without help that’s just not going to happen. She’s selling Avon and the school is helping with fundraisers, but the remaining balance is due in January and so far Shauna just doesn’t have it. Between this, the unemployment running out and her just trying to buy a gift or two for the kids for Christmas, money is just too tight.
    I’m linking the blog post here and it has a link to a special donation page set up for Taylor. If anyone can find it in their hearts to donate even $10 or $20, it would help so much. I’m trying to do all I can to help because unfortunately I’m in no position to do much financially.
    Thank you, Jenny. Thank you for helping others and for giving us a chance to comment here. You’re an angel:
    http://tinyurl.com/32ah9es
    http://www.lifethroughtheseblueeyes.com/2010/11/for-love-of-travel-and-friendship.html

  503. Jenny, I’m sorry that I’m so late with offering – I’m behind on a lot of things right now, I’m afraid. I would love to help out, so please let me know if there are any others who have contacted you needy assistance. Thank you so much for doing this. Giving is the best part of this season.

  505. I feel like I’m coming a little late to the party…..just saw your post…..but I would like to participate if it’s not too late. Tell me what to do to donate and I’ll get right on it. Love your blog and love, love this wonderful thing you are doing!

  506. I’d like to give a gift card, and if there are any families in the Capital Region area of New York who would like some (barely) used toys/infant/toddler clothes, feel free to contact me through my site and we can hook you up.

  507. Hi Jenny,
    This is amazing. If you need a swooper from Canada let me know. I’d be happy to contribute.
    Kate

  508. Jenny-My friend Nicole is trying to help her friend who has five children, she is a stay at home mom, and her husband just lost his job…. anything will help, these are the ages and genders of the kids:?10 yr old boy, 6 yr old boy, twin 3 yr old boys, & 1 yr old girl.

  509. I just found this after having been to busy to check my blogroll over the last three days. It looks like there are still people leaving comments so if you can use another donation, I’d love to help. For what it’s worth, I’m in Canada (near Toronto) so if there’s anyone nearish to me, I could send 2 $30 gift cards for something local like Walmart or Toys R Us so the parent(s) wouldn’t have to rely on International Shipping. I would hate delivery times from Amazon (plus the potential for Brokerage Fees demanded on delivery) to mess with this Christmas Miracle.

  510. Hi Jenny –

    First – I’d just like to say what so many others said (so much more eloquently) before me – you.are.amazing. and inspiring. and did I say amazing? I mean it. You truly are.

    Second – I don’t have much to give, as we’ve already given to our local Toys for Tots (twice!) and purchased an Angel off the Angel Tree at my daughter’s daycare, and I still don’t know how I’m buying gifts for my parents this year, but I want to help. I have enough Swagbucks saved up to get either a $20 Target e-gift card, or a $25 Amazon/Amazon CA e-gift card (or even a few $10 Barnes & Noble, Starbucks or $15 iTunes gift cards)… I’d gladly cash them in to help someone who needs the help making their holidays merry & bright…

    I know you had covered everyone needing it at last update, but if you get more requests, or know of someone else who could use what I can provide, please let me know.

    Thank you for being amazing (and hilarious!) and may your Christmas, New Year & all of 2011 be blessed.

  511. I’m just (finally!) crawling out of my own financial hole (with a lot of help from my wonderful family), so I can’t donate this year. I hope this becomes an annual tradition, so I can next year when things (fingers crossed) will be so much better.

    I just wanted to say that what you are doing is truly kind, and what a wonderful example you are for your daughter.

  512. Just another update. With more donations coming in we’ve been able to cover all the people who requested help as of this moment as well. Thank you!

    Also, if you’ve asked for help and you get more than one gift card that’s because you seemed to have a greater need. It’s not a mistake but I do appreciate all the people emailing me to tell me that they think there’s been a mistake. There hasn’t. Just a lot of people so anxious to help.

    Love you guys.

  513. Count me in for two $30 gift cards if you still need them. I am very blessed would love to pay it forward.

  514. The bloggess bought me diapers (for my baby, not me)!! Thank all of you amazing people so much for all of your generosity… I am amazed and inspired.

    Thank you

    Danielle

  515. We do still need donations if you still want to help. Ten new requests just came in by email and it wiped out most of my “emergency stash” of donors. We still have more donors than people needing help but it’s getting fairly close to being even.

    If you want to donate but haven’t gotten an email from me yet then please leave another comment. I’m doing this alone so I’m sure I’ve missed a few of you. 🙂

  516. wow! i dont need help, but i just wanted to tell you how amazing this is. way to use your (somewhat) evil powers for good!

  517. I know I’m a bit late in the game, but I’ve actually got a friend with one precious little girl whose wife passed away very suddenly 3 weeks ago. He’s been thrust into single parenthood and funeral expenses ran theirs and their familiesbank account dry, so if I were to ‘win’- that is where it would go to.

  518. I sent a gift card to my Secret Santa match! Thank you, Jenny, for organizing this!

    It’s nice to see so many generous people gathering together to help out others 🙂

  519. Jenny,

    You have brightened our family’s Christmas and have allowed me to get something special for the two most important men in my life. Asking for help has never been easy for me, but reading everyone’s comments made it easier. It made me feel less alone in a less than ideal situation. I can’t say thank you enough!

    You have restored my faith in humanity. This gesture shows that giving a little can have a tremendous impact on someone’s life and the lives around them. I think this would be a great tradition to start and I would love to be a donor next year. I look forward to you brightening my day through your blog and all of your witty, off the wall tweets.

    Merry Christmas, Jenny!

  520. I would like to donate in some way. I can offer a 30 dollar online gift card for someone! However I am in Canada so another Canadian would be great that way there is no loss on currency.

  521. You are a much better human being than I am, but pretty much everyone is seeing as I am a lawyer. Since I clearly need to work out my bad karma, please email me someone in need and I’ll get on it. Thanks for organizing this.

    Jean

    PS I am emailing from a continuing ed class which means I am not paying attention, but since it’s for a good cause, I should probably get an extra ethics credit.

  522. The gift cards have been ordered and are now on their way! Thank you so much, Jenny. If you need me to take one more, please let me know.

  523. Pingback: My heart grew three sizes and now I have an enlarged heart. WORTH IT. — TheBloggess.com

  524. I haven’t got an email but only just commented to offer to donate, so you may have just not gotten to me yet. Mostly I’m commenting again because I started to get paranoid that I’d made a typo in my email address.

  526. I have a $15 Target gift card that I can mail to someone. I haven’t gotten an email from you yet.
    I know that doesn’t really fit with what else is going on here, but if you send me an address I’ll just mail it out. If I don’t hear from you I’ll give it to Catholic Charities.
    I posted your link on my facebook. If everyone did that… there might be more donations (as well as more requests of course!)

  527. Many, mant thanks for the wonderful blog and to Elly Lou for her very, very generous gift. I am so very grateful! God bless you for your kindness! My son will be thrilled!

    Moved to tears,
    Joanne

  528. I’m not sure who got my name for this, but thank you.

    Thank you, thank you, thank you.

    It’s wonderful to know that there are people like you (and all of you donating!) in the world.

    My 2011 resolution? To do my damnedest to be in a place next year to be on the other side of this.

  529. I want to help. Match me up with someone please. I can’t do much but I can do a Target/Wal-Mart gift card or SOMETHING or can paypal them or whatever. Just tell me what to do and I’m in.

  530. Pingback: Cold Toes, Warm Heart | BugginWord

  531. This year my 4 kids are not getting anything for Christmas. We either pay our rent,buy groceries or buy presents for them.It breaks my heart having to tell them that Santa is not coming this year.I dont want to make my kids sad but there’s nothing i can do.

  532. Hello Again,

    Just a reminder that I am in to donate two $30 gift cards. You probably just haven’t gotten to assigning me to someone yet. This is a true act of kindless you are doing.

  533. I’ll send to a family if you still need more. Let me know who, how, and where.
    Merry Christmas to all.

  534. I saw this post through a friend, so I am new to the community. I have been unemployed for 2 years and my husband recently lost his battle with cancer, so I don’t have much, but I do have a roof over my head. The holidays are way too painful for me this year, so I am going to let them pass by unnoticed, but I would like to try to help someone else. I can send $15 via Paypal or Amazon. I sincerely hope that everyone who needs help can get it. Thank you for giving people a chance to be kind.

  535. I am a single mother of 4 children I live in nashville,tn.their father went to jail during his lunch break for a car accident that wasn’t his fault.he had no license and is illegal in the usa.he was the only income in our home because I have a cracked disc in my back and athritis as well I am almost 30 yrs old.I am willing to try and work for someone to help us with gifts this year.my children cry themselves to sleep everynight because they will never be able to see daddy unless I take them to honduras.please help my family this christmas with anything.this is not a scam nor a joke.I can even give you the ICE (deportation website) to prove that he was deported.plz help my kids to wake up with a smile on their faces christmas morning.it will be sad enough with their daddy not being here.

    Thank you
    Christina pena

  536. Pingback: Tis’ The Season: Putting Out A Good Word « One For Hope

  537. I can send a $30 gift card to a family in need. This post has put me in the Christmas spirit more than anything else so far this year- thank you thank you! What a great idea.

  538. Jenny,
    My family is lucky enough at this time in our lives not to need the help, but we would like to donate as well. If you match me up with someone local, (@me on twitter for my location), I’ll send out a $30 walmart gift card. I will pay pal $30 if you don’t have anyone near me, or they would rather order online.

  539. I just wanted to tell everyone on here who helped other people Merry Christmas. For those that need help Merry Christmas. I wish I had seen this post when it was first put up so that i could have asked for help too. but all of you are still a heart warming inspiration. Thanks for making me smile.

  540. Wow. This is an incredible thing you’re doing.

    If anyone could help our family, even the smallest amount, I’d be SO thankful. Beyond thankful.

    My partner was wounded in Iraq in August of 2003. He sustained very serious injuries and is permanently disabled now. Aside from the physical limitations, he struggles with severe PTSD (his friend died in the same attack), a sleep disorder, nightmares, anxiety. My older son was diagnosed with autism and that’s been a struggle as well. Not how I’m “taking” that diagnosis, but the logistics of it all. We live in a rural area and have to travel over an hour to see any specialist. That takes more gas money that I really have.

    We have 3 children and I’ve had to take on, well, everything. I do all the housework, yardwork, maintenance, caring for our children, handling of finances, grocery shopping, errands. I started having panic attacks and really bad anxiety a few years ago and I feel overwhelmed to the point of tears sometimes. I love my family, I love caring for them. But I’d be lying if I said it’s not a lot for a single person to take on.

    We are on a VERY strict budget right now. I struggle to hold down full time work because my responsibilities to my family are just so much. I have a few presents for my kids, emphasis on “few”. I would love to get them more, or even something as simple as new shoes. My son said his are tight this morning and it made me feel awful knowing I don’t have the money for a new pair.

    If no one can help us with money or a gift card, I understand. This is a hard time for many others. I feel better already just sharing our story and letting out a few emotions and tears. Thanks again for doing such an amazing thing!

    Victoria

  541. We would love to be able to help a family in need if you still have people who haven’t been helped yet. I can send a $50 gift card to a place of their choice or just send it directly to paypal.

    This is a wonderful thing that you are doing. Merry Christmas!

  542. Pingback: Paying it Forward | Stay N' Alive

  543. OMG, can’t stop crying, just thinking about you doing this for people, and people helping one another. It’s awesome.
    Thank you for this, Jenny. You’re a rock star.

  544. I know this is a little late but I was wondering if there was any chance of getting a little assistance.

    My mother is such a strong and wonderful person. She’s been working so hard this year to make ends meet. My father recently asked her for a divorce and she’s been very depressed. She’s trying so hard to make Christmas special for me and my four siblings, even if it just means one present each. It would mean a great deal to me to be able to give her something in return but I’m disabled and living off of government assistance and can’t afford to buy her a present.

    Either way, you are a remarkable person, Jenny. I’m so happy to be a part of your group of avid followers and minions.

  545. Thank you Mary and Nicole for the amazon cards!! And thank you to you Jenny!! This will so help us to have a nice christmas. Thank you thank you thank you!!!!

  547. Pingback: *This, is gonna get mushy* «

  549. What you are doing is absolutely amazing. Lately I have been questioning my entire world view. Reading through the last few days’ posts has restored my confidence in mankind. The future doesn’t seem as bleak as it did an hour ago because I have been reminded there are amazing people in the world and by worrying about money and feeling ashamed about our financial situation, instead of seeking out their optimism, I have cut myself off from them. This has been the hardest year we have ever had financially. We went without water for 3 months, went through a surgery with no insurance and no paid time off, have had hours cut back to only 18 per week and just yesterday I thought I hit bottom when, for the first time ever, I sent my children to school without breakfast. It has also been an amazing year because I got a grant to go back to school, my daughter won a trip to New York just in time for her birthday and as always we had each other and our amazing love for our family. It is sometime hard to lift the veil of your own regret and sadness, I will be forever grateful for your help in lifting my veil this Christmas. May God bless each and every one of you!

  550. Annnnnd now I’m crying.
    You, Bloggess, are very lucky to have such genuinely amazing followers.
    See what kind of people you attract?

    Happy Holidays everyone.

  551. I came across your blog through a posting on Facebook. I was sitting here one week before Christmas wondering if it was going to be possible to at least put one present under the tree for each of my kids.

    We are just a family that has fallen on hard times the last few years. I don’t have a great sob story- just one of the many who are struggling every week to make it on one income and provide just the basic of needs for a family of 5. My husband and I have a 5, 4 and 2 1/2 year old. It is heart wrenching to look into their eyes and tell them that Mommy and Daddy can’t afford to get them anything for Christmas. It was bad enough on their last Birthdays when we couldn’t get them anything either. This will be my 2nd Christmas without my Mom and my Dad doesn’t feel that the kids need to get any toys for Christmas.

    While the true meaning of Christmas is not about what is under the tree I would just like to see some joy on my kids faces. If anyone could help with anything I cannot tell you how much that would mean to me. At this age they just don’t understand why there is no presents and why Santa didn’t leave them any stockings even though they have been good.

    My Christmas wish is that someone can understand our situation and be willing to provide for just one present for my three children. I would be most grateful and will definately pay it forward when I am in a position to do so.

    May God Bless you and yours this Christmas……..

  552. I’ve been feeling pretty bad about our financial situation recently, but reading these comments has made me realize that we are doing better than a lot of families this year.
    While we already donate to TfT and take our outgrown/unused items to Goodwill, I would also like to be matched with a family. I can definitely afford a $30 gift card in return for this important lesson on appreciating what I have. Don’t we all need that one sometimes?
    Thank you so much for organizing this effort!

  553. Hi I am new to your blog & I just saw this post .I am always amazed at how people pull together this time of year.Typically we are helping those who need it ,but this year we are struggling not to loose everything. I have been very resourcefull and have sewn & knit gifts for my 4 children ,using old sweaters ,blankets & socks. I would loove to purchase 1 gift for each child , maybe someone could help 🙂 My kids are 19 , 17 , 9 & 7.And they know they will only be receiving homemade gifts &yet they still wanted to give away their extra toys and clothes (that made My Christmas) I just would like to see them be blessed for their willingness to not to be selfish . Thanks for being so kind ! Peace & Blessings to you and yours!

  554. Jenny,

    This is amazing.

    Must. Stop. Crying. At. Work

    I would like to donate, please add me to the spreadsheet.

  555. Hi Jenny. I think this whole thing you started is beautiful and i truly thank you for showing me not everyone in this world is selfish and uncaring. I am 18 years old, haven’t had a chance to go to college because my main priority right now is to work to help out my dad. He’s been struggling for a long time ever since my mother died( which was in 04) and now it’s so bad i’m not just giving him a little extra money to pay for phone bills and groceries, we now have to figure out a way to come up with enough money to keep the house. I am not much help seeing as how the only job i can find right now is one that my biggest check is a little over $150. And now that Christmas is coming around he told me to save my money so that i can get presents for my nieces and nephew. I hate to be in this position i feel like i will never have a chance to start my life the way all of my friends and classmates have. I realize that i don’t have enough money to get them all the presents they deserve, so i have come up with a solution to try to do some sort of homeade gifts. So what i ask of all of you is maybe some ideas or tips for some cheap and easy homeade creations for my young nieces and nephew. I’m not very creative and i’m not very good with this but i want to try. I can’t have a christmas with my family empty handed. A amazon gift card would be great to give my father as his present, but i realize there are plenty of other families who need it more than i do. Thank you so much to anyone who reads this. My day is a little brighter knowing that people can come together like this to help each other out.

  556. My internet has been down so I’m late to the party but count me in!!! Match me with someone because I have been very fortunate this year and would love to help somebody out. There’s a lot of folks out there struggling and I would be honored to help.

  557. Jenny – Wonderful thing you are doing here! Count me in and match me with someone – I can give a $30 giftcard to Amazon as well!

  558. I just saw this blog from a friend who posted it on Facebook and had to come and read more. Like so many others, it made me cry. I wish I was in a position to help those in need but we had to forego a f few bills just to get my granddaughters a couple presents each. my boyfriend has spent more time off work this year than on. No-I’m not asking for help, there are so many who are worse off than we are. I am just saying I think what you and all the wonderful souls who helped out have done here is truly a Christmas miracle to so many. God bless you all!

  559. I am a twentysomething who struggles at times to get by, but this holiday I am blessed with a little extra. I would love to give a $30 amazon card or even use my resources to send a boatload of childrens clothes to somebody who needs them. (I have access to them for next to nothing due to my job. So please match me up on either request.

  560. I am a twentysomething who struggles at times to get by, but this holiday I am blessed with a little extra. I would love to give a $30 amazon card or even use my resources to send a boatload of childrens clothes to somebody who needs them. (I have access to them for next to nothing due to my job. So please match me up on either request.

  561. I would like to help. My husband was unemployed for a while when the economy tanked. (He was a partner in a privately owned business) but now we are back on our feet! There were so many amazing people that helped us when we couldn’t help ourselves. And now I would love to give someone a hand-up. Just let me know what I can do. Thanks for being you!

  562. I am sitting here balling my eyes out from all of the support I have received from numerous people.my kids are wondering why I’m crying and all I can say is.I talked to santa everything is gonna be all right.I just want to thank you all for listening to my story and responding quickly.words cannot express how I feel right now. You all have lifted my heart.there is a god and he was listening.thank u jenn for allowing me to put my story on your blog.because of you my children may not have their daddy but they can wake up and have a smile on their faces.I will make sure I send pictures to you.thank you so much to everyone.

    Christina pena
    Chrissy572@aol.com

  563. I know that past years my family has had their share of heartache when it comes to Christmas time, and I don’t mean to gloat at all, but thankfully this year is no problem for me, so I would like to extend some of my good fortune onto some that may not have been so fortunate this year. Shoot me an email with any information you need in order to make someone else’s Christmas a little better.

    I wish anyone that has had a run of bad luck this year a Merry Christmas, and I hope that things begin to look up for you in the future.

  564. Pingback: My Holiday Generosity « DevilishDelish

  565. I want to send a HUGE thank you out to Tiffany! (you know who you are) Thank you so much for what you have done for my family! I am at a loss of words to explain how I feel about a person I don’t know being so generous to me and my family! I will always remember this! As will my kids! (will be a great lesson on helping out others when they get older that they can relate to, and hopefully they will do something generous as well to help someone!)

    Again, thank you a million times!!!!

    SadMommy

  566. This is just amazing. I also found you from a post on facebook. This past 2 years has just been horrible for my family. Husband out of work since Feb 09, myself since March of this year. He finally got back to work, but since we racked up so many bills, we have still been struggling. Our 2 kids, who are fairly young wonder why they won’t be receiving many presents. Here’s hoping everyone has a wonderful Chrismas!

  567. I don’t know if it is too late to ask for help or not. I am a single mother of 2 ( 8&10) and a few months ago I got custody of my 5 year old nephew. They each have one gift under the tree but I can’t afford any gifts from Santa. This breaks my heart. It has been a very tough year for all of us and I would love to see smiles on Christmas morning. Thank you so much for doing this. Every little bit helps when you have so little.

  568. Just saw this, and it’s amazing … please send anyone my way that needs help. More than happy to help a family in need. I’ve been blessed this year, would like to pass that along.

  569. All I want to do is give my son and daughter an amazing Christmas, but as a stay at home mother to a two year old, a teacher to a stay at home son, and a supporter of my husband who is going back to school to make a better life for us. My job is to cook and clean and teach and guide, and no matter I do the job good or bad the pay is the same and that does not put presents under the tree. Any little bit would help…. thank you for your continued work to make this world a better place and for being the change you want to see.

  570. thank you to the people that donated to help out my friends family… it’s people like you that are the shining stars

  571. I don’t know how I stumbled across your blog, but glad I did. As a mother of toddlers, with a a good sense of humor – I find you hilarious. I’d love to send a few $30 gift cards out. Email me and I’ll get them out tomorrow!

  572. I don’t need help (and unfortunately, I’m hard off enough to not be able to GIVE help, either 🙁 ) but I just wanted to say that once again, Jenny, you have moved me to tears. This time, your readers have too. I have cried and sighed my way through all 500+ comments throughout my workday (oh yes, I am a bundle of happiness to be around right now) and the heartbreaking stories followed by unparalled generosity has kept me emotional all day.

    This event should be featured on the news somewhere. Truly amazing. I cannot believe the kindness of humanity sometimes. And to all of those struggling this season, you are in my thoughts. I know my thoughts aren’t much, but please don’t feel like you’re forgotten. Because you are the infrastructure of humanity, the ones that bolster up the rest of us. You are stronger and more durable than anyone with a million dollars to spend on gifts. You know what true love is, and that is an amazing thing.

  573. My friend told me about your blog and how wonderful you people have been helping other people.I live in tennessee just recently moved here and had to leave my 7 year old with my mom because of school.I have my other child here with me.I had back surgery about 3 months ago and have been unable to work and to top it all off my car has up and died on me.so I have no way to get to indiana to see my son and be with family for christmas.I really need your help my son says all he wants for christmas is me and his little sister to be there and a small present.if there is anyone out there that can help with a bus ticket to and from tn to indiana or a gas card to give to my friend to take me to see him I would so appreciate it.my youngest daughter doesn’t have any winter clothes either so we stay in the house a lot if there is anyone in nashville,tn who has 2t winter clothes to donate we really need them.anything would help.

    Thank you
    Lynn alanis

  574. If it isn’t too late, I’d like help. The guidance counselor at my kids’ schoo told me about what you are doing. I went in asking for help because one of my kids is acting up, he’s so upset about what’s happening to our family. Turns out it is too late for the agencies that could have helped. I have three kids. twin girls who are 6, and 13 year old boy. They’re good kids. They deserve better than the mess they have. Their dad left just after Thanksgiving. I don’t know how we’re going to hold it all together, and what was supposed to pay for Christmas is now keeping food on the table. If you can help, I would be most grateful. Bless you.

  575. You are a fucking inspiration to us all!

    Count me in for two $30 gift cards if you still need them.

  576. If you still have someone in need please send me a name/address and I can send out a gift card tomorrow, and just tell me the amount… I am in awe of all you have accopmlished.

  577. I read half of the comments here last night and half today and I am just. in. awe. of what you, Jenny, and your readers have done. Reading all of these comments reminded me of something that I never completely forget, which is how lucky I am. I have severe depression and a part-time retail job that often makes me miserable and doesn’t pay the bills, but I thank God every single day that I also have amazing parents who don’t resent the fact that they are still largely supporting their emotionally crippled late-twentysomething daughter, even when it puts a bit of strain on them. Thank you for reminding me to appreciate that even more than usual at this time of year.

    I wish I had the actual money to donate an e-gift card to someone who needs it right away, but I don’t. However, this post and its comments have inspired me to use 7,000 “points” on mypoints.com to make a charitable donation of some kind (haven’t decided what yet). It probably won’t help anyone as immediately as all the incredible generosity shown by your readers/random Internet denizens, but it’s something. So thank you (again) for reminding me that I still have enough to give some kind of help to others.

  578. Last year was the hardest year we’ve ever had. My husband lost his business and we struggled to save our home. Thankfully, 2010 was better for us and things have started to turn around. This Christmas we are doing much better but I remember very well the feeling of struggling and worrying if we could get anything for our children. I’d love to help and send a gift card if still needed.

    This is such an amazing thing that you have started!

    Merry Christmas!

  579. I just wanted to send out a heartfelt huge Thank you to “Santa” for sending the Amazon code to me, for my daughter. I told her about it this morning and she was speechless. She wanted me to say that she is soo grateful for the gift and can’t thank that person enough for what they’ve done for her.
    Jenny, thank you from the bottom of my heart for doing this, not just for my daughter but for everyone that came here and asked for help and that was able to get matched up. What a great idea to help, your heart is in the right place.

  580. I am glad to hear that there are people out there in good health. This has been one of the hardest years I have faces and it doesnt seem to be getting better even though were are coming to the end of the year. I am 25 years old, I am currently a nursing student and a full time mom with three kids that works two jobs. I have taken a lot of blows this year with my life all around. I have been with a man for six years that I have my wonderful children with. He talked me into taking time off of school so we could buy a house. So I did and started working again and doing what I could to help out. Just recently did I find out that the last 6 months while I’ve been working two jobs, taking care of the kids alone and living with my parents he’s been cheating on me. After that the van he bought me he reported it stolen so i had to miss a week of work for both jobs setting me back with finances because all of my money i gave him for the house because the house is a huge fixer up that’s why I’m living at my moms house with my kids. My car hasnt been running for a couple months. In order for me to be able to work I had to get it fixed. My car cost $700 to fix! All the money had saved went to my car. Now I’m stuck with nothing. I dont get another pay check until the before christmas, I havent bought my kids anything for christmas yet. My X and I bought things throughout the year for the kids. he’s keeping everything along with all my things. The only thing I can do is wait unti after christmas to get their gifts. I feel horrible but I am trying to stay in the spirt for my kids but inside I’m dying with fear for the future. I’m currently also looking for housing. My parents are putting the house up for sale in March. I know that everything happens for a reason and that what doesnt kill us makes us stronger. I did get very good news the other day, I’m back in my LPN classes in may and I can sit for my boards in July!!! It’s a great start! My birthday is on New Years and I hope my wish comes true for a better year for me and the kids. I want to be able to move on and stay strong. i can only take one day at a time. And if their is anyone else out there going through the same thing………we’ll make it…we have to. Thank you everyone for letting me vent! 🙂 It means more than you can ever know

  581. Pingback: Maybe a little hope

  582. I’ve been a lurker for a while now, but I just had to say that this? This made me cry. Damn you, Jenny, for being a wonderful, sweet, funny, crazy, generous-beyond-belief human being. Damn you for having more holiday spirit than most cities combined. And most of all, damn you for being wonderfully YOU, showing me how wonderful life can be even when living with an anxiety disorder. You give me hope, damn it, and you make me laugh and cry. I love you for it.

    I’m in the odd position of being a college student with very little in the way of independent funds, but being well off financially because I’m still under the shelter of the parental umbrella. I don’t have to worry about paying for food, or electricity, or rent, or being able to give Christmas presents, or how I’m going to pay next semester’s tuition. I don’t have to worry about paying for my mountain of medications, or my doctor bills. But… because I’m in the dependent stage, I don’t have funds. I really wish that I could donate, because I am so very fortunate. Some day, I’ll pay it forward.

  583. Just stopping by again, getting another hit of fresh air. Dude, seriously, what you’ve got going on here is amazing. I am so proud of you, all of us, everyone. Utterly and necessarily restorative. I’m in for another $30 if you need me. Man. So incredible.

  584. Hi Jenny,
    I found your blog about 6 months ago and my husband and I have been so blessed with so many laughs from it during the last few difficult months of our life. Thank you so much for that. We had a business and just lost it in September and now we are both jobless and now living with my in-laws. We live in an very small town with very little available job-wise. We have a 3 year old son and 3 nephews that count on us to provide for them every year. We are hardly able feed everyone much less have Christmas. I can’t believe I’m doing this. I am absolutely desperate and have no one to ask because everyone I know is having really horrible times as well. Even if we could only get each of the kids 1 thing it would make Christmas happen for them.
    On top of all of this I have a combination of Polyarteritis Nodosa/Lupus/rheumatoid arthritis and it’s been progressing horribly, probably due to stress.(and no insurance) I know you have arthritis. I’m very sorry for you. Thank you for having such a heart for others and trying to help others in these desperate times. It really touches my heart what you are doing. God bless you!

  585. It’s very difficult for me to ask for help from anyone- but if given the choice between swallowing my pride and asking for a little help or revealing the truth about Santa to a little girl far too young not to believe… Well- I think I can suck it up this year. Is there anyone who would be willing to be Santa for a brilliant, loving, compassionate 4 year old girl named Amelia?

    To all those in need- It will get better. It always gets better. We’ll find jobs, we’ll get our finances back in order, and we’ll be stronger because of it.

    To all those helping- You are all wonderful, generous people. The fact that those willing to give always matches those having to ask is an amazing thing. I vow to be on your side of the tracks next year. I will pay it forward and then some.

    One day at a time.

  586. Pingback: A “Christmas Miracle” shows the true meaning of social networking | etee2k[DOT]new

  587. If it isn’t too late, I would like to ask for help. I didn’t want to, I know people are way worse off than my family, but we won’t be having a Christmas this year. My husbands unemployment ran out at the beginning of the month and neither of us are having any luck finding a job. My son (3 years) is still young enough so he won’t really know anything different when the 25th comes around, it’ll be just another day. Hopefully next year will be better!

  588. This has been a very hard year for me as well. All together my husband and I have 7 kids. I have 3 from a previous marriage, my husband has one and we have 3 together. I have had to quit working because 2 of our youngest only go to school half days, and then a baby. Daycare is just too much to make it worth me working. My husband puts in so many hours to provide for our family, but it just never seems to be enough. My 3 older kids’ dad also does not pay child support. =( Any help for us would be SO appreciated.

  589. You are *awesome* as are the responses of everyone on here. The world could use more loving actions like this.

    Let me know if you need more donations – I’d really love to help out. Count me in.

  590. Jenny, I received a $30 Amazon giftcard from “A Friend”, and I want to say THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!
    I got a game for the 9 & 10 year old to play together, a bear for the 2 year old, and teething rattle for the slobber-baby. 🙂 And there was free shipping AND it will arrive by Christmas! Hooray!
    And, thank you ALL, so much, for what you’ve done to help kids have a happier holiday!

  591. Okay, I have 150 emails to send out this morning matching donors to recipients and if everything goes as planned everyone who asked for help as of 9:40am Saturday morning will be getting gift cards.

    THANK YOU!

    Emails coming.

  592. Thank you so much to the Stewart family… the prospect of buying presents for my little ones, I can’t tell you how much we appreciate it!

  593. Go are awesome Jenny! I already commented but I just think what your doing for people is amazing!

  594. Don’t know how I missed this, Jenny. What a generous thing to do. Personally, I don’t need a thing—money is tight but my husband still has his job, we still have food to eat and we are able to pay our bills. When I take a look around, I’d say we’re pretty damn blessed. That said, I’d like to donate something. I don’t have any gift cards but maybe some of my Christmas money. How do I do that?

  595. Jenny, please contact me if you need another donor. I don’t have a ton of money, but we’re in a comfortable place, and I don’t think I’ll get much joy out of my kids’ awesome Christmas if I know I could have helped a family have at least something under their tree. I’m so thankful that you’re doing this. You truly are amazing.

  596. So I’m here at the Library studying for finals and I see this girl next to me crying… I look on her screen and figure out what she’s looking at- this blog. As soon as she gets up to leave, I of course have to come check it out to see what the fuss was about.

    Needless to say- now I am crying too. What a wonderful, wonderful thing it is that you’re doing for people. All of you are really exceptionally wonderful people- I hope you know that.

  597. I’m late to the party, but so wish to help. If there is anyone in need – and I mean January through November of 2011…not just now…I want to be part of lending a helping hand. THIS is what I call a Social Network and embodies the best of what the internet can do.

  598. Hi Jenny — I love your blog. I am a semi-Houstonian too (meaning I live in “Houston” which goes from Huntsville to Galveston really) and I feel like you just GET my sense of humor. I read your posts to my husband every week and he just sort of looks at me with his head cocked like a meerkat at the zoo.

    I know I’m late on this but you recently said to go ahead and post if you were still in need and I thought and thought and figured it couldn’t hurt to try. I am in need this Christmas. I gave birth to my first baby, a boy in July of this year. He was a wonderful surprise and we couldn’t be happier to have him in our lives. But we’ve had some financial troubles this year including some health insurance mix ups and every day things like broken cars and backstabbing family, medical emergencies, etc. And we are just struggling to get by every month. And it feels like no matter how much we try to tell people we just can’t go out to dinner or to the movies or for a drink or anything extraneous at all, they don’t get it. Our families are getting upset that we are not buying gifts for each other or for them. I’m not sure if they are in denial or if they just can’t fathom not being wealthy. What we don’t tell them is that we barely make our mortgage every month and I have to choose a couple bills not to pay each month and rotate them so that we still have all our utilities and no company hunts us down.

    We are not the most in need, we have food and a roof over our heads and clothes to keep us warm. So I was very hesitant to post. But if there is anyone left, looking for someone to help out. We could use it. It would be gas in our car so we could see our family. And groceries on our table.

    Thank you for your never-ending source of laughter in my house and overflowing kindness.
    ~Joey

  599. I just wanted to thank all of you for what you are doing. You are all making Christmas so much brighter for so many. Thank you for reviving the spirit of Christmas for me and so many others. And Jenny thank you for making all this happen. You are all like angels! We are so thankful by the fact that people care so much about what others are going through. We hope to be on the giving end next time!:)
    Thank you and God Bless everyone!

  600. Jenny, this is such an awesome idea! Thank you so much for organizing everything. Please let me know if you need any more donors.

  601. My husband lost his job three nonths ago; he has been looking for work every day but hasn’t found anything yet; we have about a month’s worth of money left for bills and then…??? My twelve year old daughter will not be having much of a Christmas this year-we barely have enough to put food on the table. I may be too late but I just read this and if there’s anything left, we’d really appreciate the help; we are in Canada so there may be some cards that don’t work here, I’m not sure. Whatever happens, I wish that 2011 is a better year for all…best wishes!

  602. A friend who received a gift card forwarded me to this site. Christmas is almost here and I still do not know how I am going to supply my three boys with items from “Santa’. There ages are 11, 7, and soon to be 4. They all still believe in Santa and believe that he will provide what is on their list. I am a stay at home Mom and my husband goes to work and never takes a sick day. He does his best to provide for our family and it kills him that Christmas will not be what our children are hoping for this year. If there is any help out there, our family would appreciate it more than you could ever know. I know you get what you give. I have helped people in the past and I do believe in the theory of ‘pass it on”. I do promise to pass on anything we may be fortunate to receive when my family gets through this rough spot in our life. Whoever thought of this giving blog and everyone who has given to others may you be blessed. Thanks! Cindy

  603. I would love to help and provide a gift card to someone who needs it, if you are still in need of volunteers.

    Let me know! This is so wonderful!

    -@amedmunds

  604. Hello…. so I have found a way to get my family Christmas but I’m the oldest of 7 and have 5 nieces and nephews and a 12 yr old cousin that are in more need then us. My husband has been laid off for 6 months but with a supportive job for myself and with him back to school I can’t help any of them out. We don’t have any extra money to help them have Christmas. Being the oldest I have always felt like a 2nd Mom to most of my siblings and I would love to be able to help all of them have a spectacular holiday. If you can help I and all my family would appreciate it!!! Thank you! Sincerely -Kari

  605. I don’t know who recommended my family and I for this gift, but thank so very much. It’s been such a hard year, and the gifts you have given me via my “Santa’s” will make my daughters’ Christmas magical. It’s a Christmas miracle, and I love all of you who donated. This is amazing, and will make so many people’s Christmas better. I knew I belonged to an amazing blogging community, the love and support that I have received from you all this year has been truly humbling. Thank you all. God bless each one of you. I love you all. Merry Christmas, to each and every one of you.

  606. Hi I have three girls and one boy theyre father died last year. Ive been unemployed since I got laid off. I always get really sad around christmas time. I dont know if you are still giving help. There was a program in town for 30 dollars and I couldnt even pay that to get help for my kids. Please if you know any programs that could help please email me.

  607. Thank you to everyone for all the generosity I’m seeing here. We’re usually on the donating side of things, but this year is different. My husband is quite ill with only a limited amount of time left, so I’ve had to quit working in order to care for him. Our fixed income leaves us with nothing for extras so I’ve done a little Christmas shopping at our localSalvation Army thrift store, but that’s about it. I would love to be able to give my grandchildren real gifts this year, but I didn’t think that was even a possibility until I heard about your blog. If it comes down to chosing between me & a mother or father without any gifts at all for the children, please choose the parent & not me. However, if there’s enough generous donors out there so that you have a little extra, I would really enjoy being able to buy something new for my grandchildren and something for my husband, especially since this may well be the last Christmas I’ll have with him. I promise to pay it forward as soon as I’m able. Thank you for considering my request.

    Suzanne in Tennessee

  608. Hi there. First let me say this is truly an awesome thing going on and I wish there weren’t so many people having such hard times. Luckily this Christmas will be okay for our family and we have been trying to help others. We have two family members (an elderly couple) who are unfortunately not feeling the spirit of Christmas this year being that they are absolutely out of money and not able to buy food for Christmas or any gifts for their family and Grandchildren. We have been helping them and trying to raise their spirits and will be financially helping with what we can but would appreciate any gift cards or any help out there so that they can have a good Christmas by providing their family and Grandchildren with Christmas. I am unemployed and my Fiance is disabled but luckily we are able to provide for our family and help them a little. They have always given when they could and even when they were not asked for help but could see someone struggling.

    I would direct them to this site but they would not want to ask for help as they believe of course there are those out there who need it more than they do. If there is any way to help it would definitely make them happy and they would be very grateful. Of course if someone is more in need then they should receive the help.

    God bless everyone and Happy Holidays! Thank you for this website and for all of those who have been able to help those in need.

    Mandy

  609. Oh Jenny, you are so incredible, I hope to grow up to be as awesome as you are. (even though you are younger. lol)
    I really hate to post this, because I have read so many heart-rendering stories, that I don’t feel worthy. I wanted to privately email because I am ashamed of my situation. I’m a single, (divorced) disabled mom of two incredible kids (daughter 17 & son 11). We’ve gone through so much in the last five years, I don’t even know where to start. My son just started therapy for self-harming…(he doesn’t know that my daughter & I are both cutters–but we have told him how much we feel the same way–I don’t want to “teach” him how to cut by telling him this) Gah, does that make sense?
    But…he is an amazing, terrific, hilarious kid–who suffers from severe depression, ADD & Asperger’s. If people take the time to get to know him, they love him to bits—but it is hard with all of his barriers. He has such amazing compassion for others, he blows my mind. He cares so deeply for others, he is a gentle soul. My dad died 4 years ago…and he was my son’s best friend. It broke my son in half, he still talks about my dad every day.

    My 17 yr old daughter is brilliant, sarcastic, emo & nearly my ‘twin’ as how I was as a teenager. Her depression bottomed out this year during a break-up with a long-term boyfriend & she was contemplating suicide. She is an incredible writer & a constant reader of your blog(s). We race to the internet when we can make it to the library & talk “OMG,..did you see what Jenny did/said today?” We bond through your site, your talent & your hilarious life events. Hailey is definitely blessed to have a wonderful mother as you.

    In any case, I don’t know where to start. I live on $130 a week of child support and have been battling with social security for the last 4 years. Apparently, having chronic disabilities that are greatly deteriorating at an alarming pace (fibromyalgia, 8 blown disks with severed nerves, arthritis, neuropathy, anxiety, depression…I could go on..but I think you get it. Somedays I can walk with a cane, others, I crawl to the living room–just to be with my kids.)

    I truly loathe to ask for help, but so far, my kids are getting 2 t-shirts from HotTopic & they are sharing a game for their (used) Wii that their grandmother bought them last year. I hope that I’m not putting too much on you for asking, this is so hard for me to ask for help. I wish I could be one offering help. Bless your heart & I am praying for all of us that are struggling to make it a bright, happy Christmas.

  610. My aunt emailed me about this site/blog because she knows a bit about my situation. I have a six year old daughter and a four year old son and this was going to be the first christmas I could afford Christmas gifts for either of them. That was before my exhusband tried to sue for custody and I had to pay about four thousand dollars in legal fees to keep that from happening. So now this christmas the only thing I have to be thankful for is our continued health and the fact that I can still afford to feed my children. They are little and I know that one day they will understand but in the meantime it breaks my heart every year that christmas doesn’t start for them until we go to their grandparents house to open the gifts they bought them. Even if there is nothing done for me, I have read through these comments and I think what you and all these wonderful people have done is truely amazing. Merry Christmas!

  611. It’s funny I saw this link at just the right moment we are struggleing to pay Rent and bills my husband just lost his job the day before thanksgiving they let him go and we have no money left. It sure makes the holidays depressing!

  612. Got cut off on my last message! My husband lost his job the day before thanksgiving we are struggling to pay rent, car, and bill payments It would sure help make Christmas a bit brighter with some help. I gave all I could to a local mens shelter because no one should struggle for food orclothing this time of year! But there is no cash left! It’s amazing to see there is good people giving so much to others! That’s what Christmas is all about!

  613. I have been there when Christmas was more depressing than jolly and luckily this year we are doing well but we could be back to nothing quickly! Please match me up with someone I would love to help!!!!

  615. i have a friend whom is an unemployed stay-at-home mother of 8 wonderful children and her husband just recently got a job doing truck driving. i, personally, wanted to do something to help them, but i can’t do as much as i’d like to. i saw this article and thought “god sent this as a blessing”. they’ve been struggling pretty bad the last year and it tears me up inside to think of how their christmas is going to end up. they have no idea i’m doing this for them. is there anyone that can help me make their christmas, a good one? email me at: nataliebeggin@yahoo.com with any info you need!

  616. Jenny,
    I have been out of circulation (read: between computers) and just got caught up on my RSS feeds. Can I just say we heart you in this house? There’s something in the air this year . . .

    I have never had such a holiday . . . we struggle in private but things keep trickling in like the universe knows. The other day my stepdaughter came home from school with new boots (I cried later because I had to call the school – I thought maybe she stole them). Her therapist called me yesterday to tell me to come pick up some gifts they “had left over” to give to her. My toddler won’t know yet how to count up gifts. And my stepson is old enough to know how to appreciate how much or little we can give. We’ve had enough karma come around to know to give back when things let up. I wanted to tell you how I appreciate how you’ve put this out into the universe. Good things will come to you, too, in whatever form you need at that time.

  617. I have been swamped with work because this is the busiest time of the year for me, and I missed your last two posts. I would like to help. I’m a jewelry designer and besides having my own website store, I am also a jewelry merchant on Amazon and Sears. Is there anyone out there who can’t buy a gift for their wife this year? Or daughter? A nice pair of earrings, perhaps? I’ve got pearls, sapphires, rubies, and lots of other goodies too. For the teen girl into the twenties, I can do my “lots of hoops” earrings. The girls love them. Oh, and for the sons, I have a skateboard pendant that I can make a necklace with. The boys who love to skateboard love the necklaces. I can whip up anything on Monday and Priority Mail it for delivery by the 24th. The only things I can’t do that fast are casting. But I have a lot and would love to help. Whoever needs help can email me at info@francescafinejewelry.com Just let me know soon so I can make the jewelry and send it out on Tuesday.

  618. LOVE this idea and LOVE your blog. I’ll send a $50 amazon gift card to help out. I would LOVE to spread some Christmas cheer and, of course, spread the LOVE!

  619. Found this through @WomenWhoTech – would love to donate a $30 gift card.

    I know shipping time is now an issue, so if anyone is in the Los Angeles area and needs a little extra, please connect me with them.

    I also wanted to help out a commenter who wanted help w/ gifts for her kids. She said (IIRC) she was having a very hard time after a recent separation/divorce from her husband and facing the first Christmas without him around. I can’t find the comment now – I’ve searched and searched, but perhaps she deleted it – maybe if she sees this she can e-mail me directly. It would really mean a lot to me to be able to help her & her children.

    What a great thing to be a part of, on both sides. Warm holiday wishes for you all.

  620. Ki-

    Do you maybe mean Heidi comment #92? Her husband died and was having a hard time facing Christmas alone.

    I was helped by an amazing Santa named Laura and ever since I have read each and every comment dozens of times. I am blown away by how many people have stepped up for total strangers. While I can’t give financially I have laughed with, cried with and prayed for each person here. This is all just…. mind blowing.

  621. Hi there this is so awesome for what you are doing for people in need. My family is blessed to have a house to live in and we have each other. I just wish I could wrap some gifts for our two kids 17 and 20 and our two beautiful grand kids ages 1 and 2 they are the light of our life. We live in a small town and with this economy the way that it is there are absolutely no jobs out there. McDonalds even has a sign NOT hiring. I work from home and I grasp at everything I can to make a dime, I mean literally a dime with a clicking site that I found. I so wish that I could help people that are in need as it saddens me to no end to see kids go without opening gifts on Christmas morning. Maybe next year will be better for my family and I can contribute and pay it forward. I appreciate any little thing that is given to me and my family to help put a smile on our familys face. God Bless!! Merry Xmas and Happy New Year!

  622. I want to say a huge, huge thanks to Jenny, for this wonderful idea of hers which has helped so many people, my family included; big hugs to the people who donated…I cried when I saw the emails…you have no idea how much this will mean to my daughter, and how much it means in terms of buoying my Christmas spirit! Words cannot express it all…thank you!!!

  623. Words cannot express how utterly grateful I am for the help it is making me teary eyed writing this. You and whoever donated my family the gift cards are wonderful giving beautiful people that will make 3 kids very happy this Christmas. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! I feel utterly blessed! May heavenly father bless all of you!!!!

  624. Pingback: The Grinch is dead! « Write, Knit, Read, Purrrrr

  625. I wanted to say THANK YOU SO MUCH! A secret Santa sent an Amazon Gift Card to me after I asked for help for a couple that are close family friends. When I told the woman it is for what I had done and what she received she immediately started to cry once she understood that a complete stranger gave something to her and her husband to help them for absolutely no reason but out of kindness, she immediately started to cry and said thank you over and over again. Now she will be able to get most of her Grandchildren (she has 6 🙂 gifts in time for Christmas.

    It is amazing that there are people in the world who give so freely and it is very much appreciated. Since I am so familiar with Amazon and deal hunting she told me what she would like to get and I will do the ordering since I get free shipping for her.

    Once again thank you so much for your help and you really made a difference and people very happy. Words can not express how grateful she is and I am also that I was able to find a way to help some very deserving people who are usually the ones always giving.

    God bless, thank you and Happy Holidays!

  626. I must post again as I’ve been reading these comments and posts and it warms my heart to see so many people helping and so many grateful people that have received help. It is amazing and I am so happy for everyone, the givers and receivers. Thank you once again for helping my friends with their Christmas.

    garcelonmm@comcast.net
    Mandy

  627. My sister is pregnant, due in January. She has nothing for the baby except for a crib she got on Freecycle. And because she’s sick, she hasn’t been able to work for the past five years.
    I’ve been trying to figure out a way to at least get her some diapers. Disposables will run her thousands a year, but cloth ones will be about $200. Unfortunately the up-front costs are just too much for me. If you know of any cloth-diapering moms out there whose babies have outgrown theirs and want to donate to a good cause, let me know…
    and thank you for taking this on. You are awesome.

  628. Hi,
    If there is still help available I could use some. After a ROUGH few years I finally started to get things together for my 4 children and myself…. full-time job, insurance, schools and daycare, etc. Then I was talking with my mom one afternoon and we were talking about my fathers health. He was in an auto accident 2 years ago and now barily gets around and will need brain surgery. She ask me to “come home”. I wasn’t a bad kid, but I wasn’t a great one either. My parent have always been their for me and if they need my help for a while…. I am their.
    So now I am working part-time for a temp agency. Got 3 of 4 of my children in school. Ang getting or at least I am hoping things will start running smoothly again, SOON.
    I just need help…. primarily with EVERYTHING financially. Anything helps …. and helps a lot!
    I spend most days raising my children to Respect so many things and to be thankful. My 2 sons both asked for a video game for the DS and I couldn’t even afford a used one for them to share. Thank you for your time and cosideration…
    Angela Miller

  629. If there is anyone still willing to help, my mother and I could use some. She is currently going through a nasty divorce and a very possible foreclosure on her house, and yet she is at this very moment driving almost 500 miles to bring me, 7.5 months pregnant, back home since I couldn’t find a job after college. She works and takes care of my five and seven year-old brother and sister without any financial help from their father. He has failed to even speak to the kids since summer. After everything that they have gone through, I wish so much that I could give them the Christmas they deserve. Anything at all would help so much.

  630. If you are still helping… I could use it. I dont want to go into details on here but if I do get selected I will tell you my story. Im not use to asking for help, im usually the one helping others.
    <3 Merry Christmas,

  631. my name is brandy. I am the single parent of a 2 and 3 year old little girl. my oldest was born with birth defects which we have been blessed to get surgically fixed. my ex husband is so inconsistent, and might win the award of jerk of jerks. he does not pay his child support but on a whim, he does not show up to see the girls, not my loss, and he makes out life as hard as possible. I am a graduate student, we live off of the financial aid…which is not a huge amount of money and we do get assistance from the government since my ex left, this time last year. daycare would be insanly expensive…..so i dont work….i just make the money we have work and keep pushing toward a better education, and i pray in the end a great job so that i can help others along the way. some periods we live very very broke! but we make it work….i have taught my kids that a persons time investment is so much more important than things….i will be honest we dont need toys for christmas….we dont need clothes. nor do we need food…but there are things that we could use help with. some of those things are diapers, household necissities, things that are reoccuring and never go away! they tend to be the things we struggle with because i pay all of my bills when i get my school money and we have to survive off of what is left….this makes sure we have a home…and so on….i know its very late in the season…and to be honest i expect nothing…..i just wanted to share that i really feel that this is an awesome cause! and that i hope to be on the other end of something like this someday! my girls and i have been helped so much by people and other sources to make it… and i have had to learn the hard way that parenting is a selfless journey! i would do anything for my kids…. i do everything i can to make sure that they have everything they need! and im thankful that we make it and God has blessed us beyond measure! He always provides. I pray for those that have given to this cause that they may be blessed. Its really an awesome way to pay it forward! =) Thanks for taking your time to read this. I just feel so full of joy knowing that so many were helped with needs! =) Merry Christmas!

  632. I just lost my job this week, but I am fortunate. My bills are paid, my home is warm and there is food on the table and presents to go under the tree. I would like to help someone in need. I can donate $30. Please send me an email address or physical address of someone who has not been helped and I will gladly donate.

    Bless you for this. I have never read your blog, but a friend of my husband posted this link on Facebook- I had to comment and offer to help as well.

    Merry Christmas…

  633. I am a single mother of 1 that works 2 jobs…translates to “sorry we cant help you maybe if you had more kids” I have worked hard and recently received a promotion – unfortunately they forgot to add my raise into my paycheck on Friday> they said “good news it will be in your 12/31 paycheck” too late for Christmas and the electric and gas bill. What you are doing is more wonderful than I have seen. After reading hundreds of comments and crying my eyes out I realize that I don’t have it so bad. I don’t expect anything but you really need to truly understand what a ray of hope means to ppl like us and how amazing you are for making that light shine – The happiest of Holidays to you and yours and Thank You from every being of my soul for making me feel the spirit a little more! Although my 12 yr old daughters Christmas may be lean this year we have each other….and I will be a fan of your blog forever!! I hope Bob Barker or whatever you decided to go with has a Merry Christmas also

  634. Pingback: Giving: The True Meaning of Christmas | A Girl Must Shop

  636. I commented on your follow-up post – but put me in the spreadsheet Jenny.
    We can find a way to swing $25-30 for someone for sure. Can do paypal, Amazon GC, or even just ship it from Amazon as I have Prime, so it’s 2-day shipping as long as it’s Prime eligible.

    Still teary-eyed. Love every single bit of this.

  637. I’m struggling trying to make christmas for two teenagers this year. I make a little above minimum wage, and am in the process of trying to get housing for me and my youngest. I just want to keep a roof over his head; his dad want’s nothing to do with him because he’s “difficult”. We divorced 11 years ago; and he’s become less involved with his son every year. Please help, my son is fifteen; my daughter is nineteen.

    Lisa

    You have a gift card that hasn’t been redeemed yet. Check your spam folder. ~ Jenny

  638. My son lost his job and home…family is separated. 5 in family. no one has room for all 5. My son and the baby are living with me. His wife with her mom, and daughter with grandfather, and son with his real father. What a mess! They can really use some help. They have received a couple of things from church, but that’s about it. My funds are exhausted, and feel really bad for them. If you know anyone who can help out so this family can have a great Christmas, please let me know.

  639. Jenny,

    I’m coming late to the party, as I’ve only been reading tweets this week due to my own personal holiday frenzy, but the point is – I can help! It’s 3:25 pm Eastern time on Sun. Let me know.

    Blessings, you mad woman,

    Sherree

  641. Jenny, I hate to even ask this. Especially now. I thought for sure that I’d be able to pull of something for Christmas for my sweet 5 year old daughter. I’ve managed to every other year. But, it’s December 19, and I can’t. I work, and work hard, but I’ve managed to get more bills this year. If you are able to helpe get something for my daughter, I would be forever grateful. And by this time next year, I should be in a better place financially and able to help another single mom in my situation. What you are doing is totally amazing. You are an angel. Merry Christmas, and
    love to you and yours.

  642. Pingback: Christmas Amazingness | Imperfect Gem

  644. WOW, one of my friends posted this thread today to show everyone that there are still kind willing hearts in this world!

    I am so overwhelmed by the generosity of others this holiday season!

    As much as I would like to say that I could use some help with purchasing a gift for my 4 children, they all understand that Santa is broke this year as is everyone else. The have come to the realization that our Christmas tree will be bare this year, and they have accepted that. I always teach my kids to help the less fortunate, and for us, I feel we are fortunate enough to have a roof over our heads and a family that loves each other.

    They haven’t lost the spirit of Santa, they just know he is helping other kids that need it more!

    Thanks for touching so many lives this hoilday season, I wish everyone in this world would be like that at all times!

  645. I am trying to get Christmas presents for my grandkids and children. My husband and I have been members of the Moose Lodge and have helped many people as well as helping people on our own. I lost my job due to a permanent injury, my husband lost his job due to a permanent head injury and both of us are permanently disabled. I have never found my self in a position like this unable to help ourselves much less anyone else. We have always been the ones to help out the needy or anyone down on thier luck. This year I am ashamed to ask or even let anyone know we are the ones in need. If anyone could help it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much and god bless.

    To those out there that are in our same situation or worse just remember that some how in some way it always gets better and things always work out.

    Happy Holidays!

    debiam2003@yahoo.com
    D. Coleman

  646. If anybody would be willing to donate to a Paypal account towards gas for holiday traveling, we would be very appreciative. We did receive some help already and being able to get all of the things on the kids’ Christmas wish list was so encouraging and uplifting. I feel truly blessed by the generosity of your readers/followers. They are amazing!! Hopefully someday I will be able to help someone else out someday soon and pass along the good will.

  647. wow, what a beautiful thing to read, the post as well as the comments. This year was especially hard on our family, taking in my ailing mother, and then this week I fell down the stairs, had our pipes burst, and that lead to our electrical box being soaked… Thankfully I was able to get my kids each a gift for Christmas b4 this all occurred! Its nice to see that there are still people out there willing to help, and though I missed seeing this until it was too late, it gives me hope that next year things will look up, if only because there are still loving people in the world <3

  648. I’m an American who’s been lucky enough to have escaped the recession by living in New Zealand and Australia the past couple of years. It’s heartbreaking reading about how hard everyone is having it back home.

    Because I’m in Melbourne, I can’t send a gift card. But please let me know if I can put some money into a PayPal account to help make someone’s Christmas a little brighter with some warmth from Down Under.

  649. I do not know if it is too late for any help that may be leftover, I would be so grateful for whatever help was given.
    I am a single mother of three wonderful boys, and I go to school ful-time. I do work, but that just pays the bills.
    Until right at this moment, I was unsure of how I was going to provide Christmas.
    If there is any help left, I would be forever greatful.

  650. Wow. This has to be one of the most amazing things I’ve ever. Human beings really are wonderful.

    It’s a familiar story…my husband lost his job due to the worsening economy; we ate away at our savings and and things started to go downhill for us. We sold our house upside down so that we wouldn’t be foreclosed upon, went down to one car, stopped ALL extraneous spending. Everything we make goes towards bills, food, and rent. And even the rent part we are months behind on at this point, and if we didn’t have an understanding landlord, we’d for sure be homeless. Our rent is $2,400 per month for a very modest home…we live in a pricey part of the country. Maybe someday we’ll move, but we couldn’t even afford the physical move at this point, plus the commission from my husband’s new job is beginning to trickle in and we are hoping that we will start recovering financially the first quarter of next year (I work out of the house, free-lance).

    I hate asking for help. HATE it. I’ve always been financially independent, from the time I got a paper route (double one!) at age thirteen, through paying my way through college and grad school by working full-time-plus), and until just a few short years ago WE were the ones helping the less fortunate.

    Now we are the less fortunate. My kids know they are loved, that’s the most important thing. But my stomach clenches with anxiety every time I start to relax and enjoy a moment, because my brain starts to freak out, “Oh no! What if it’s today that we get the eviction notice?”

    My mom has sent us presents so there will be a bit under the tree for our children. They know it will be a lean Christmas, and even at their young ages they seem totally fine with that. And I feel guilty/embarrassed asking…but I can’t NOT. My email is my paypal…and I don’t expect anything, but it’s fun just having the hope that something might show up in there.

    I do have something to give in return…it’s not much, but I’d love for it to go to someone who will use it. A while back I was given a gift card for a half hour massage at Massage Envy…I won’t use it, so if someone wants it, it’s for the taking.

    Thanks, Jenny. Back when I had some money to spare, you and I laughed together in a bathroom at a conference, hiding from the masses. I knew you were awesome then. I didn’t need this post to confirm it, but you’ve made my heart swell at how awesome this whole interwebz thing is.

  651. I went to the food bank pick up on Saturday…something I hoped I would never have to do ( If you really want to read about that trip you can read about it in my journal) I had so hoped for a turkey or ham or something nice to put on the table at Christmas. Unfortunately no such thing was available so from the looks of things in the box…..we are having mac and cheese with squash and corn and one small can of chicken breast that I will give my daughter for dinner tonight . She needs the protein more than I do because she is having surgery 2 days before Christmas. In years past I have always been a giver. helping others …especially children because they touch my heart. The year I gave my roller blades to a teenage boy was the Christmas I think I felt the best. But now I am on the opposite end. I need groceries badly …..its a good thing my daughter like peanutbutter and ramen because that about all thats left. I dont even know how to end this I feel like I have rambled on because I am so not good at asking for help …any help is appreciated and

  652. I Love LOVED your idea and although we are almost out of time I had to do my part. Thanks for being you!

  653. I am a grandmother that has no income but SS that is raising her four grandchildren. There is never enough money to pay the bills, they know that they are loved, and that I do what I can.
    I would love some help for christmas, this would be an answer to many many prayers.
    Things are hard all year long, and this time of year especially. Anything anyone can give would be used to put smiles on the faces of these babes. Thank you, thank you.

  654. I have a very familiar story. I lost my job and am unable to collect unemployment. I am living with my girlfriends family because I have no house or car, but they are barely scraping by too. I have 3 children ages 13 (today 🙂 ), 10, and 5 and I am unable to buy gifts or food for the holidays. I have gone for several interviews but no one wants to hire until after the holidays. I know there are a lot of people out there that have no place to stay or food to eat but thanks to the help of my girlfriend, my kids and I arent on the streets with those less fortunate. So if you are able to help you would bring us a Christmas miracle but if not, you are still doing a great thing. So Happy Holidays and thank you for reading my story.

  655. I heard about this post today, and I have to say that it has renewed my faith in humanity. Times are so tough, for so many people – and the fact that so many have come forward to offer help is truly amazing.

    As a disabled single (full time student) mom of two, the holidays are tough. I had signed up for our local toy drive, but found out they don’t even have enough toys to give out this year. I’m pinching every penny in hopes that I can put something under the tree for my girls. Reading through the comments here, I can see it’s like this for a lot of families. It helps to know I’m not alone in this.

    I want to thank you, and the generous souls who’ve offered to help – you are making a huge difference. You’ve reminded me that people are good – and that’s a wonderful Christmas gift in itself.

    Merry Christmas!

  656. I’ve faced one of the most challenging years of my life full of huge transitions for me and my daughters. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to know when to ask for help. This may be one of those times.

    I’ve been telling myself that it doesn’t matter if the girls don’t get gifts from me. That the time spent together is more important in the long run. And truly, it is. But to know that I have nothing to share with my girls on Christmas morning is not okay with me. After losing their pet cats, grandfather, and seeing their parents divorce this year, they deserve more than dollar store gifts. They’ve been saving their coins to get ME a birthday gift (also Christmas Day, ugh…) or to put in the bell ringers buckets and there’s nothing I can get for them.

    While we’re still piecing together our new home and going without some big things, right now the little things mean more. I know I will find a way to make Christmas happen for them. This may be it, it may not be. What I do know is that I’m touched and amazed by the generosity and kindness that started so simply and THAT is my Christmas gift. Thank you to all of you for giving me hope for the year ahead.

  657. I have a two year old & three year old who haven’t gotten any presents for Christmas in previous years. They are now old enough to understand & question. I found my daughter a doll at goodwill and my son a truck. Any amount extra would help maybe fill their stockings or purchase something else small to make their day brighter. I have been struggling trying to be a mother & a student. My husband has only been able to find small work since we live in Ohio and unemployment is high. My husband and my 5 year anniversary is also 5 days after Christmas and we are so happy to just have each other & don’t need anything is there are others who need it more.

  658. hi im a single mother with four boys 10 9 6 7 years old i work 40 hours a week at a local waffle house third shift the money is not so good this year and we get 3,63 an hour my friend from work told me to post here to see if maybe i could get some help its ok if i am to late but if i could i pray i can i really need it thank you from my hear echo

  659. I wish I had known about this earlier. What an amazing thing you’re doing. We aren’t doing presents for our kids this year. The reasons aren’t important. But we, like so many other families out there just don’t have enough to buy gifts & pay bills. Whether you’re still matching up donors with families or not, I don’t know. But I was touched when I heard about all of the families you’ve already helped. Thanks for doing this–again, such an amazing thing.

  660. It’s funny. I know my family is in need this year — fourth year of an ongoing salary freeze, multiple problems with our home that need fixing, too many bill collectors calling every day and, sadly, not much Christmas for our two kids this year — but despite the laundry list of woes, I know there are folks out there whose situation is far worse than ours. We will muddle through somehow; we always do. And we’re looking forward to a better 2011, if such a thing is possible. Here’s hoping. Greet adversity with serenity, that’s my new motto. But I have to say, I came here for a little dose of levity, and you really touched my spirit. I’ve always known, from the many posts I’ve read since I’ve found your site, that you have a big heart, but it’s gratifying to see it manifest so generously, so nobly. Well done, you’ve resparked a bit of faith in the world around me, and that makes me hope things will get better with even more conviction than before. Thanks, Jenny.

  661. After seeing multiple friends link to the “my heart grew” post on facebook, I came to see what it was all about. Amazing!

    Me and my family (husband and 3 girls) are struggling, he’s been unemployed for over 2 years, and I am self employed. But somehow, we make things work. I managed to get my girls a few gifts this year, and we have plenty of food, but I know someone who really needs help, and could use it.

    My aunt.

    I was raised by my aunt, a single mother of three boys of her own. I recall many christmas’ where the main thing I got probably cost around $30, and I knew that she worked extra hard to get that for me. She always showed me love, and met my needs, without any assistance from my mom. Her three boys are younger than me, and still live at home. She’s at the mercy of my ailing grandmother, so cannot take on full time work.
    I know it’s tough for her, and she wants to do all she can for everyone, but she can’t do much.

    If I had a penny to spare, I would give her some money to ensure that my cousins (like brothers) have a good christmas, but I don’t, and if there’s anyone out there that is able to give her the gift that I can’t, that would be absolutely amazing.

    The hope and positivity spawned by this simple blog post is phenomenal.

    Thank you for your time.

  662. Jenny, you don’t know me, but I found my way here from a series of referrals, and I’m hoping you’re still match-making 🙂 If you still have a waiting list of folks who need help, I can do a $30 gift card. Thanks!
    Mia

  663. Such an amazing thing that you started here. It is honestly so touching to see so many people willing to help in these tough times. Like many others here, I am also a single mom, raising 2 kids on my own and things are definitely hard this year. It is also hard to ask for help. We don’t have a car anymore so I wasn’t able to sign up for the local Christmas toy drive/food program here.

    My kids have been so extremely understanding about not being able to buy things, and I am so proud of them for that. Whether we can receive any help or not, I want to thank each and every person out there who has so kindly helped make a family’s Christmas that much brighter.

  664. My husband and I have a 2 year old son who is obsessed with Spongebob Square Pants! I would really appreciate any help that could be provided to our family for Christmas this year. We were unable to get our son anything for Christmas last year nor did we have a tree due to financial hardship. My husband and I are struggling to provide food, diapers, clothes for our son. Life throws you a curve ball sometimes but its not fair for your child to struggle. Please help. Like I said any help would VERY MUCH be appreciated. Thank you for doing this! God bless you all!

  665. I don’t know if there’s anyone left out there still offering help. But even just writing this plea will make me feel like things are better. I am 21 years old, I work full time at a Sonic drive-in, and I am 6 months pregnant. My family kicked me out of the house 5 days ago and right now I am staying on a friend’s couch. I may have an apartment to move into in the next few weeks, but I bring home maybe $250 a week and with a baby on the way I am having trouble finding a place I can afford.
    Even tho they don’t want me to keep this baby in my life and feel I’m making a horrible mistake, I still want to have gifts to give to my parents and 4 brothers. If anyone can help me do something, please it would mean the world to me. I know you might not be able to understand why I want to give these people gifts but I do.
    Or even if you could help me find a cheap apartment in NJ I will love you forever.
    -Brigid

  666. You are awesome! I am so in awe of what you have started and how many people have pulled together. Times are tough for so many and while we have always been the ones giving and this year hasn’t been different in that regard as much it is a bit different in what we are able to give to our 4 children this year 🙁

    Last week I shared a message with my kids about a local children’s home that fosters and cares for children who have been taken out of their homes due to safety issues. The home was needing donations of used toys that could be given to the children and opened on Christmas morning. My kids spent the whole day sorting and their toys and came up with 5 boxes of toys for these children. I was very proud of my 4 kids, all under age 11, for being so genuinely concerned that these children, who have no family, were at least able to enjoy the spirit and receiving of Christmas. But, I have to be honest, I was fighting back my feeling of “Oh no, they are giving away most of their toys and we cannot afford to give much to them this year”. I know that giving feels so good and is such an important thing in life so I said nothing. (Nor did I say anything when my 6 y.o. offered her American Girl to a family who had no money to buy gifts or to my boys when they used their special Lego’s to make for parents who had no money to buy store bought Lego creations.)

    I am a proud mama and very grateful for my loving and caring kids. I know there are others out there in need as well and hate to post asking for anything. However, my kids are worth the uncomfortableness I am experiencing in asking. So, that said, please consider us for any size donation. Thank you to everyone for making the holidays much brighter.

  668. I cannot believe how giving of your time and heart! I just responded to one of Single Dad Laughing’s posts the other day about how heartbreaking it is to think of telling my son and daughter there is no Santa.
    I know the need is probably so much bigger than what others can give, I too am here with my story. I lost my job around a year ago, due to taking care of my parents who became very ill at about the same time. My children have really endured these last two years, and boy could they use an Angel. They have endured the loss of my brother, my uncle, and their grandparents going from being at every function to not being able to get out of the house. Along with that, they lost part of their mother, as she was taking care of her parents. I have not one thing under my tree this year, and my electricity and water should have been turned off days ago. If anyone is able to help, we would be forever grateful. If there is no monetary help, all prayers for us would be greatly appreciated. Here’s hoping to a better year in 2011.

  669. By the way, for those worried about getting things on time, Amazon Mom is doing a free trial period that will give you free 2-day shipping on even small purchases.

  671. What a wonderful thing you’ve started! It is really nice to see that there are so many people left who want to help others in this world when so many don’t event take the time to think about anyone but themselves. I wish I would have seen this post earlier to ask for some help with groceries. We always bake cookies but aren’t this year…there just isn’t any money to buy the ingredients this year.

  672. Both of my parents are out of work right now and it’s breaking my mom’s heart that she can’t afford presents like usual. This would come in MAJORLY helpful.

  675. I just cannot stop thinking about the post from Heidi, whose husband was killed earlier this year by a drunk driver. Please connect me with her because I’d like to send her a Christmas gift.

  676. I just read about this story in the Toronto Star and it’s amazing how many people want to help out and how many people are in need. I hope we can make some wishes come true.

    If you know of anyone living in Ontario who needs help, they can always call 2-1-1 and we can help them find shelter, winter clothing, food, toys and so much more! http://blog.211ontario.ca/2010/12/you-can-rescue-the-holidays-and-be-resilient-this-season-dial-2-1-1-for-help/

    All the best during the holidays!

    Kelly

  677. You Go Girl! You are truly a Godess. Do you have a family in Canada I could help with a gift card.

  678. Please email me if you can match me with someone or a family who needs food/clothing/etc… and I can send something to help!

    Best.

    Kelly

  680. We are able to help a Canadian in need with a $50 giftcard. Am somewhat flex on the type of card so will try to accomodate based on need.

  683. Long time lurker, first time commenter and I love your blog. I would love to help if you still need donors!! I’m in the middle of a divorce and I think it would be cathartic to spend the money I would have used to buy my soon to be ex-husband a Christmas gift on others!!!

  684. This is so beautiful. As someone who went to the dollar store for a handful of gifts this year just to have something under the tree, this kind of generosity existing just… chokes me up. I had begun to beleive it no longer existed. I am not asking for/looking for assistance, I am merely sending out a thank you to everyone even reading just for taking the time to care about your fellow human being. It is so beautiful, and this is truly what Christmas is about to me. I needed to be reminded amongst the long work days and my daughter’s cheerful declarations that our few tiny presents looked lovely.

    Just reading this and the comments has made my Christmas spirit come back. Thank you all.

  687. Awesome that you made the Toronto Star!
    http://www.thestar.com/article/909706–blogger-finds-the-spirit-of-christmas-with-a-30-gift-card

    I hope you are getting some sleep, Jenny.

    I am so pleased that so many people have been willing to help. I feel fortunate and it really has put things in perspective. Tonight we are heading out to buy toys for the toy drive. If there is a Southwestern Ontarian who needs a toy, let me know, since online shipping won’t get anything there in time. I’m in Burlington.

    (I did donate a giftcard to a Samantha in the U.S. last week, so I think she was able to get shipping in time).

    Merry Christmas again to all.

  688. 2 years ago my ex abandoned me and our two little ones. Prior to that I was a stay-at-home father. I couldn’t continue working graveyard shift as a security officer, and with the economic downturn I returned to working in fast food. I have a 15yo from a previous relationship that I pay child support on, and health insurance, both of which are taken directly from my checks. The ex that abandoned me pays me very little in child support (last check she sent was 5$), so in a typical month 300$ are removed from my income. This leaves me just enough to pay rent and then I get to agonize over which bills get paid this month.

    My youngest son (7yo – Autistic, high functioning) has created his own presents. He actually took his own toys and wrapped them up. My daughter (8yo) is aware of our financial issues. She smiles, hugs me, and tells me it will be ok. She said the same thing when I told her I don’t know how to braid her hair.

    I was raised to man up, buckle down, and work harder. You don’t ask for things. I feel like just typing this comment out is a huge failure. I don’t even know what it is I am asking for. Help?

  689. I would be happy to help someone. What you are doing here is fantastic and truly brings out the real meaning of Christmas. Thank you so much!

  690. I found you through my Dreamwidth reading circle; if you still need donors, please let me know. I don’t have a lot, but I have enough to help — and I can’t tell you how good it feels to have the chance to.

  691. I just wanted to let you know what a wonderful idea this is. Please let me know if you still need donors – I’m available.

  692. This is all just…amazing. And if you need donors, I would LOVE to help someone out with $50. I can do PayPal or ship a giftcard out today.

    You’ve given so many people a chance to put “good will toward men” into action this Christmas season, and I’m so grateful for that. Thank you!

  693. This is probably the most awesome thing I have read in a while. Kudos to you for doing this. I would love to help with a giftcard donation for family, please just tell me what I need to do! !

  695. This is truly amazing! I was in a car accident 13 weeks ago that changed my life. It took away my ability to walk, put us on the brink of ruin, and took away my faith in humanity. This helped spark a little something in my heart that I needed for Christmas.

  696. I wish my family had something to offer, but we’re all out of work right now. Definite prayers, though.

  697. What you’re doing is f’n awesome ! Idk if it’s too late, but I would love to be a donor if you still need any.

  698. i have two boys, 17 and 4 years old. The youngest I plan to fool with a great big box of legos that belonged to his older brother. I was so lucky to keep them in good condition and in the original blue box with the familiar LEGO logo (even though he can’t read he knows what it says). they’ll be new to him after all. But my 17 year old, understanding this has been a tough year, told me Christmas isn’t really a big deal this time around since he already has everything he wants. Who could ask for a bigger blessing than a sensitive and grateful teenager? But if there are any gift cards available I’d love to put one in his stocking. And even if there aren’t, i want to thank you for your generosity and thank everyone who you inspired to do the same.

  699. Well I don’t have much, but I’ve been blessed with JUST ENOUGH… I happen to have a $15.00 walmart card & a $25 Shell gas card I would be happy to share with someone who needs it more.

  700. Bloggess, you are freaking awesome 🙂 I can certainly donate something, but I’m in Canada, so I’m betting I can’t buy US gift cards. Are there any Canadians in need out there?

  701. Is this over? There are so many posts I had to just try to scroll to the bottom. If it’s not, anything would help right now.

  702. WOW!!!! Here I am thinking that I am in need. Things have been rough for us this year as well and with me losing my job it’s been a real struggle. We are losing the house that we live in because we just can not afford it, but my boys are healthy and we have each other. I’ve been reading some of these stories and I wished I could help some of these people. It makes me feel good that there are people out there that are helping. It always seems like the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. But I guess there are still good people out there. That’s enough of a Christmas present to me. What you are doing is unbelievably generous. Merry Christmas Bloggess!

  703. hi my name is cherriy im the mother to a beaiutiful 1 yr old boy named joey and last year he was too young and our pennys where tight so i said its okay ill wait till he is older and now he is older and in the last 3 months his dad was laid off my hours at work where cut and i lost my apartment due too all of all of it joey is my only child so iam just know learning about all of the wonderfull programs out there that help the people in need and so i was to late for the salvation army and toys for tots so this is my last chance to get my son something and hopefully im not to late
    MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY FOR ALL THE WONDERFULL THINGS YOU HAVE DONE U HAVE SHOWN US ALL THE TRUE CHRISTMAS SPIRT!!!!!!!!!!

  704. Pingback: The Big Issue «
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  706. Jenny ~ I know this event is over for this year but I hope you will consider doing something like this again next year and if you do, I would love to be added to the ‘can help someone’ on whatever list you’re keeping. I was a single mom of 2 boys for 18 yrs, and although my children always had Christmas, birthdays and food on the table, I owe that largely to my parents and family who were always around to lend a hand if needed. I swore that I would pay it forward when I could, and now I can. I’m a food blogger with a very small platform, but a platform nonetheless and would love an opportunity to use it for good. I know what happened was not expected which is what makes your story remarkable; and whether you realize it or not, you have been used in a small way to make big things happen for a number of people who really needed a miracle. Merry Christmas Jenny – you are a gift and all of us who have come to this site have received a gift as well.

  707. Pingback: A Christmas miracle

  708. I am probably too late, but here it goes. My husband has been unemployed for the last year. He just took a job in the next state a few weeks ago. He is now sleeping in a church basement during the week, leaving in the early am’s Monday and coming home on Friday nights. My husband took a substantial cut in pay. During this past year of unemployment we used all our small resources to live and we cannot even begin to think of Christmas gifts because we need to figure out how to live as a family again.

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  712. I have 5 children that are in need. I did not focus much on it because they usually have good Christmas memories.However, they looked a little sad this year when I said Mommy does not have much but I will try to at least buy you one super gift. I will shoot for a Wii. I tried to win it on Ebay but there were too many competitors with more money than I had to spare. So if there is anything extra where I can at least get the baby the lego star wars he’s been asking for or the daughter books then it would be greatly appreciated!

  713. If you have anyone else needing anything, please let me know, I’d love to help. God Bless You.

  714. This holiday season is down for me for many reasons. I just ask for prayers.

    My biggest Christmas wish, for myself, is that the man I love wake up – realize priorities and don’t throw away 15 years.

  715. I was referred to this by a friend and I’m amazed at all of those willing to help with this. She suggested I comment, but I highly doubt there are any left.. I will explain our situation though…

    My husband who did two tours in Iraq got on unemployment when his Active Duty contract was up and we have been receiving that since May I believe it was. We were waiting until the bills were paid and had planned on getting our 12 month old son’s Christmas gifts this week. However, when my husband got online to apply for his weekly benefits it informed him that we’ve exhausted our funds. The week before Christmas we aren’t getting paid. We’re both heartbroken that we can’t give our son gifts on his first ‘real’ Christmas (my husband was in Iraq during last Christmas and our son was a newborn). We thought things were finally starting to look up when my husband was offered a new government job starting in January, but it seems like something always goes wrong. I’m so very thankful that we’re all together this year and my husband can spend Christmas with us this year, but we’re both depressed about not getting him gifts (not to mention worrying about how we’re going to survive until he starts at the Post Office in January). I signed up for the Toys for Tots program, but I’m not sure if it’s too late or not. I’ll be praying for all of those in situations like ours and those in even worse situations. Thank you for starting this and for those of you who have helped. It’s uplifting and gives me hope to see so many good people out there! God bless you all.

  716. Jenny,
    Thank you for your gifts, When I was sent to your blog via FB I had never heard of you before (but you bet I’ll be back from here on!) A friend of mine posted a link and so I came to read what had her so tear filled. I left the same way, I have no money and Christmas was a struggle here as well. but today on my own blog I will give away 3 family photo sessions, with no strings attached. Because, this blog has reminded me that this season is not about getting it’s about giving and if portraits are all that I have, then so be it, it is what I will give.
    Thank you for this generous reminder that it takes 1 person to start the spread of happiness. I hope that I can do my part to do the same..thank you so much Jenny and to all of you who have participated, what a beautiful, delicate display of love and giving…. I hope everyone here has a lovely holiday season and for that matter may each day be equally as happy!

  717. I know this is supposed to be finished, but I can help. I have a $25 Visa gift card, a $20 Walmart card, a $25 Borders/Waldenbooks card, and a little cash I can spare, as well. Email me at samantha at samanthabecker dot com and I’ll do what I can.

  718. I know this is late, but I’d like to help if I can. I don’t have much, but I can pull together $30 extra. I can very well remember what it’s like to not be able to give my children much of a Christmas. Let me know if you still need a donor.

    p.s. You’re beautiful for doing this and heading up this whole effort. It reminds me that individual people can make a difference.

  719. Pingback: Momma’s Gone Gifty: Day 1

  721. This is such a wonderul thing for you to offer your services to those in need. I definetly know what it like to struggle every year at xmas, I am the one in line at the Salvation Army xmas tree. Between 3 birthdays right after Thanksgiving and before xmas. I never have enough I have 5 children. I always have to give them things they need not what they want. Because the clothes and shoes are a necessary need and I have to choose between one or the other. Unfortunately this year I no longer live where the Salvation Army was available to me. We moved into a rural community and there is nothing around here. I have been a little fortunate to win a few blog contests with a few small toys to make my kiddos smile. The girls are easy, they are young and love anything girly its the boys that are the hardest. Seems they both want expensive things, that I know they have wanted for years but I still cannot afford. So I have to make due with them by buying a $15 MP3 player instead of that PS3, Xbox those kinda things they want but they are always happy in the long run. You truelly are a blessing as well as the many others that have posted to offer help. I cannot offer any assistance this year but I will look for you next year and hopefully things will be better for us then too. I can only pray.

  722. I am moved to tears! This is beautiful! I would love to help! Count me in for a donation!

  723. I heard about this from a friend earlier today, with christmas approaching so fast, I am desperate for help of any kind. I am young and just trying to make it from day to day. I currently am getting enrolled into college and am working whatever jobs I can get to help support my family. We lost my father a couple years ago and have been struggling to make it ever since. It doesn’t feel much like Christmas, but I want to make it the best I can. I always try to rememeber that nothing is as important as having family around, but I know its hard for my mother knowing that us kids used to have a lot more than we do now. I would be grateful for any help we could get, even if its just for groceries. I wish everyone on here goodluck and a merry christmas!!

  724. Pingback: Oh Wow…Just Wow… « Grins and Clockwork

  725. You are awesome! So many have been ran into the ground this year just by things doing what they do.I can`t be mad I just would love to have enough money to get my husband a little somthing sweet.He is my rock.I survived Breast cancer to not dissapoint him.he is the sweetest thing and has taken my problems on his back and carried me the whole way.I love him.
    The Creator has blessed you and will continue to do so .
    eve fromm

  726. I read about this in an article for the Washington Post. My husband and I would love to donate, let us know what we can do.

  727. I’d like to contribute $100 for a gift card or whatever is requested. One Christmas, my father was near death and my young SAHM struggling to hold things together when someone left groceries and presents at our door, calling to let us know that “Santa came a little early this year.” I was too young to realize how dire our situation was, but do remember being so excited at the unexpected gifts, and so, so happy at the look of relief on my mother’s face. We’ve been blessed in the years since and I would be incredibly glad to pay it forward to another struggling family.

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  729. I’m in need of groceries fr this weekend. I don’t know if this is still going on but at least something would help. I don’t have children but I’m on disability.

  730. SARAWR post number 67….check your blog email!!! quickly!! Someone wants to send a Christmas present to your son.

  731. I again will have to say thank you from the bottom of our heart…..Not sure what we are going to do with it…but it will be used.

    Again thanks

    Sam

  732. A friend posted a link to this on FaceBook. This past year I battled breast cancer and the amount of generosity and kindness that was shown to me was overwhelming at times. When you are the recipient of help when you need it most it does something to your spirit permanently. It makes your heart swell and gives you faith that all will be well again. Although I am not in the position to donate this year and I am not asking for support, I do want you to save my email address for next year to be included on the list of those donating. Because I know how it feels to get help when you’re not sure how you’re going to pay that bill, feed the kids or buy presents.

  733. hi- just came across your blog and i know its late ,but if i can send someone a giftcard or something that would make the holiday better, please let me know what to do. i think you’re amazing! lisa b

  734. I AM A SINGLE MOM WITH 2 KIDS AND I KNOW ITS KINDA LAST MINUTE BUT I COULD USE SOME CHRISTMAS HELP. I AM TRYIN TO FIND A JOB BUT AT THIS TIME NO ONE IS HIRING AND I HAVE NO ONE TO KEEP MY CHILDREN. I GET NO HELP FROM THERE DAD, AND I GUESS THAT IS WHY IM ASKING FOR SOMEONE ELSES HELP, EVEN THO I HATE TO ASK. I REALLY WANT MY KIDS TO BE IN THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT BUT ITS KINDA HARD WHEN I CANT REALLY AFFORD TO GET THEM ANYTHING. I JUST WANT MORE THAN ANYTHING FOR THEM TO HAVE A GOOD CHRISTMAS

  735. Like Lisa B – we’re late to this game, but if you can still coordinate us to someone needing a little help, we’ll do a couple giftcards for online giving. Or, if you have someone in Austin, I can drive a gift or two, grocery giftcard, whatever. Sorry to be late, but hoping to be able to help!

  736. Hi,

    Just read about you on Care2 Causes. Count me on for a card, if you need another donor. Did you hear about the man back in the 30s who sent out $5 bills at Christmas? His grandson discovered the story and the letters and has written a book. Thank you and fantastic job.

  737. Just saw the update and realize that I missed the window. Glad you’re going to be able to breathe again. We’ll give to the food bank or another local group. Thanks!

  739. Just got linked here by a friend – I can’t believe how amazing this is. Truely awe inspiring <3

  740. I’m sorry I just read this and missed your window. It takes me back to a sad place where my only happiness of that time was re-gifting to charity what had been given to me. It allowed a needy family to have shelter, food and gifts for at least one Christmas. For me it was a blessing to get and to give, and a lifesaver for all of us in one way or another. Please put me on your list.

  741. Thank you so much Jenny and Iris for being an absolute blessing! Thank you Iris for the gift …..my daughter got the books and the baby got Lego Star Wars! It means more than you know, 5 can sometimes get overwhelming but your kindness has made it a lot easier this year! 🙂 THANKS AGAIN!

  743. I saw this posted on one of my friends wall. God bless you for doing this. My family is struggling as a result of the bp oil spill. I lost my very good paying job and have yet to recieve any money from them. We have been without heat and hot water for a month, our phones are turned off and it’s just a matter of time before everything else is off. I am terrified but reading these storeis warmed my heart! Y’all are amazing people! Merry Christmas!

  744. I have 4 kids and don’t have any money to buy Christmas for my kids. Brenden is 13, dale is 12, Brittiany is 10, ethen is 7. I don’t know if anyone can help but my kids and I would really appreciate any help we can get. 574-732-4842
    432 grove st logansport, in 46947

  746. I just read the Wash post article. This is awesome! I would love to help if it’s not too late.

  747. I wish I would have seen this sooner. My friends sister could really use some help right now. Forgive me if i am fuzzy on the details, but I have never met the woman. She lives in another state, but I hear a lot about her because she is so close to my friend. I planned on buying her and her children a few small gifts, but I didn’t make as much money as I’d like this month. She is 25 year-old and has two young boys. She has been in a relationship with the father of the boys for years, and he has not treated them well. He refused to get a job or keep on for more than a month or two so they have been kicked out a numerous homes. She is 85% deaf and has trouble finding work because of that. There have been times where she and her children went days without food. She’s finally left her boyfriend with in the past few weeks, but they are now left with nothing. They have no money for food or clothes and will be kicked out of their current house with in the next couple of weeks. I am not sure what they need right now other than everything. I think what she needs most is a job near Kalispell, Montana where I believe she will be living with her father once they are evicted. any job that doesn’t require a lot of talking to customers would be great. She does speak and understand people, but you may have to repeat yourself or ask her to repeat herself. She worked as a maid for a while. I do know that she had her sister send her money for gas yesterday so if anyone would be willing to send her a gift card for gas that would be great. Then at least she can drive to look for a job. I do not have her address at the moment since my friend is not online, but if anyone is willing to help her out, I will get the info for you.

  749. I just wanted to say, you’ve done a great thing. I wish I had seen this in time to ask for help. I know how badly we are struggling right now, so I hurt for every comment with a story just like mine. My husband was laid off after 11 years of service and we are in a bad place. We have had the lights turned off, the garbage not picked up and are months behind on our house payment. There are nights I go to sleep and wish I would not wake up in the morning. There is money for nothing this Christmas and I have seriously been contemplating going to a store and writing a check that will bounce, just to buy my kids gifts. But, the last thing I need is problems from writing a bad check. We’ve made the decision to tell the kids there is no Santa, becaupse there is no other option. It sucks and makes you feel like the biggest failure; to let 4 great kids down. But the worst part has to be hearing the excitement and happiness for the season from other people. Weather they are talking about their trip to Disneyworld or Maui or all the shopping they have to finish…it hurts like a knife in the heart. We couldn’t even afford a Thanksgiving meal last month. I used to be that person…the one going to Disney and Maui and shopping just to spend money; How foolish I was. Now, I wish so badly for this month to be over. It has been hell. There is no joy in Christmas this year for my kids, and I feel like a loser. Hang in there everyone…next year. That’s what I keep telling myself.

  750. I found your through the Washington Post article. I’d like to donate. Please let me know if there’s still time.

  751. also if anyone else needs last minute help Jenny, count me in. i’m happy to secret santa a gift or two and overnight it if i can.

  754. TO Angel T @ # 714, Theodora @ #718, ColleenHerst @ #722, Sara @ #726, and thisgirlruns85 @ #727

    I am still trying to get some more people to pitch in for my Christmas wish for my Mom who is disabled…
    I have 2 wondeful women who have already pitched in, but I still need more pitch-ins 🙂 If you read my post #1779 & # 1781 you will understand why it is I am trying so hard to do this for my Mom. My Mom has RA and Fibromyalgia, IBS, RLS, CFS, and the list goes on…she is stuck in bed most days and is unable to sit at a desk to use her desktop computer. Kathy, 1 of the women who is offering to pitch in found a great deal on a netbook at walmart that would be perfect for my Mom with her hands messed up like they are because the netbok is light weight and compact. She can use it in bed with out it being heavy or awkward.
    So…if there is please anyone that can help me with this, I would really really apreciate it…
    Thank you so much…
    Merry Christmas and God Bless!
    XOXO Shelley Mae

  755. Hey, I just wanted to let you know that this completely made my Christmas. I am a freshman in college (which = no money) and I’m not asking for anything because honestly, I don’t need it, but I just wanted to say it’s really encouraging to see how much people care about random strangers and how the true spirit of Christmas still exists even if I can’t feel it. I wish I could say you should add me to your list of donors but alas, I have no money. I will however pray that God blesses you this Christmas and everyone else who was so generous in giving to people who really need it.
    Thank you so much for brightening my day and blessing so many people with your kindness 🙂

  756. What a wonderful, wonderful thing to do! One of the readers from my blog pointed me to your post, saying she thought I’d like it–and she was right! I love it when the power of the blogosphere works this way. Merry Christmas!

  757. MERRY CHRISTMAS EVE EVERYONE!!!!! SANTA COMES TONIGHT!! YAY!!!
    My original post is #1652, and has the request for what I am asking for, since then, a wonderful woman, Kathy, found a new netbook at Walmart for $278…her and 3 other wonderful gals have pitched in $50 each, so I am still $78 short plus maybe $10 for shipping, the closest walmart is an hour+ drive each way so shipping is the best way. I know this is a big request, but it would be a wonderful wonderful gift for my Mom on the days when she is stuck in bed with her pain and her disabilities.
    Anything you or anyone is would please be willing to pitch in to meet this Christmas wish for me to my Mom would be really appreciated.
    Thank you all so much for all your help so far! I am so close to getting this!
    Merry Christmas and God Bless!!
    XOXO Shelley Mae

    .

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  764. thanks so much Jenny for all you did for motivating so many in giving back this year! What an incredible outpouring of compassion!
    I was a bit confused about which post and where to add this, so am also adding it here. Please check out my original post comments of #1754 and #1955 in your other posting of the Christmas Compassion community giving posts. ..it was a thanks and a comment to tell 1 potential donee that last week I had sent all the personal info she/he requested so she could help my daughter with meds, but then never heard back from them…. maybe my email response went into their spam mail.
    again, congrats Jenny on an incredible movement!
    cathy b

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  767. Man, this is amazing. I’m so sad I didn’t already read your blog back then.

    If you decide to make this a Bloggess Christmas tradition somehow, count me in for at least three donation units. I want to get in on some of this Holiday Cheer action going on up in this place.

  768. Just wondering if your Doing the gift card thing again this year I am
    Sitting here worried and sick how I will buy my 3 kids Christmas presents this year, my husband is
    Out of work and the little money he does get goes to rent and many many bills ugh! I really don’t know what to do so I took a chance and left you a
    Comment. Thanks for taking the time to read this!!

    Jennifer
    Jjmamaof3@gmail.com

  770. Hello,
    Firstly, I love this idea. I would’ve donated last year for sure If I hadn’t been introduced to your blog last weekend. However, I’m wondering if you’re doing it again this year? My mom and step-dad are currently homeless, and always get really depressed around this time of year because they can’t afford to give me any physical presents. The only way I’m able to have a roof over my head and a computer is because I’m at school. If you do decide to start this up again this year, I would appreciate being put on your list.
    You’re amazing.

  771. Bill Buick November 29, 2011 at 5:21 am

    Hi everyone, I just wanted to check and see if you were doing what you did last year helping out people at Christmas. Up until last year we have always tried to help out another family. Things changed and we had to move and between that and trying to pay for my wifes grandmothers funeral Christmas was not goinng to be a gift giving Christmas. I had some people from here try to help me out but I guess a mix up as to where I am living caused a bit of a problem. being disabled and trying to live on a disability pension is tight but with my wife working we get by month to month. Our son Josh who is 26 and autistic is a great kid, well not realy a kid a man with a good heart. I dont care if I get anything for Christmas I just hate the thought of Josh and my wife not having nothing. I totally understand thats not what christmas is all about is the gifts but seeing there faces last year christmas morning hurt more than i thought it would. My wife was working and they fired her basically because a big mill closed here and over 1000 families have no income also so my wifes store was not getting the business so the first to go was the manager. She has never been out of work this long but this time its really hard finding a job. I was just wondering if you are going to have what you did last year and if you have a list or blog could we be considered. I would be so grateful and would pay it forward again as soon as possible.
    Again thank you for what you are doing and for what you do. Prayers are with you for this season and bless each and everyone of your hearts.
    Bill Buick

  772. Great stories, maintain them coming 🙂 This is the very first time i have commented, b¨´t i have been lurking for a even though.

  773. Someone has already donated $20.00 towards Gloria getting some winter clothes THANK YOU SO MUCH WHO EVER IT WAS!! You just don’t know how bad we need the help. GOD bless You!
    Everyone else come on we could use your helping hand too! THANKS SO MUCH AGAIN! 🙂
    Please, go to https://www.everribbon.com/ribbon/view/8349
    to make a donation to help get clothes for our little girl. Go to ribbon directory and type in (Gloria is in need of winter clothes!) You just don’t how much this will be appreciated, we are having a rough time, so please help we really need it.
    If I could just get everyone to donate a dollar each, I think they only charge .33 cents. Anything will help.

  774. my name is Joseph Negron, I live homeless apartment is 255 west 43 street apt#734 I’m DEAF and NOT talking right!! I just got one beautiful son, He my WORLD!!!!
    Well he is 17 years old and he going to be 18 may 24! I just want say that I been lonely since my x-wife left me soon my son was born and I don’t blend her because I’m deaf!!!And now I want to buy my son a ram truck and that what he want !!!he got license in Boston , where his mother live in 12 Jacobs rd., Norwood ma, 02062.True is I never got a Christmas gift for him!!! And now my son is coming to my mother house and spend Christmas there at 133-35 122 place South Ozone Park N.Y.11420 I am so scare to death, Because I never got my son gift. Funny is I pray every night, and nothing come like talk or hear, But GOD is Good!!!!I just and make wish! I own my rent is$ 618.00 dollars and I don’t want to live in the street, I been live homeless for many years and this time I will DIE!!!!I hope someone help us!!!And I believe that there is (HOPE) and I Always LOVE EVEYBODY!!!SO That all I could say, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays and many more! If You can NOT Help US? Please Don’t Worried, Be Happy and many more!!!!Remember LOVE EVERYBODY!!!IS GOD GIFT!!!I LOVE EVERYBODY AND GOD DO TO!!!!!!MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM BOTTOM MY HEART!!!!Joseph Negron4gmail.com

  775. This year I got my life back. It’s been a struggle to keep us all together(#family) .I am a single mother left with 3 wonderful boys no dad no help no home. ages 2, 3, 4. Thank you lord I have my family ,I’m in need of last minute help before Christmas .Any little help would be much welcomed for the KIDS.Christmas Blessings bloggers

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