The past few days have been a whirlwind and I’m exhausted and have given myself hives so please forgive the typos.
A few days ago I put up a post offering $30 gift cards to the first twenty people who didn’t know how they were going to give their kids Christmas gifts this year. They went frighteningly quickly. When I got to the twentieth person I saw that there were still a few more people who needed help and my heart sunk. Then a few comments in one person said “I’ll take care of the 21st person”. Then another person offered a card for the 22nd. Then another. Then it avalanched.
In the past few days that post has gotten over 500 comments and so many heart-breaking requests were from people who need a small hand-up to buy food for Christmas dinner or from people who are planning on telling their children that there is no Santa because otherwise they wouldn’t understand why he didn’t come. You can’t read the comments and not ache a little because so many of us have either been there or see how easy it would be to be in their position one day. But here’s the amazing thing…every time someone would leave a comment asking for help someone else would leave a comment asking to help. And that’s why as of Friday morning, every single person who asked for help here is matched up with at least one person who will be sending them a gift card. In fact, so many people offered to help that we were able to give out multiple gift cards to people who had a greater need. And when things seemed dicey and I was about to call for an end to comments a wonderful man emailed me and told me that he’s so enjoyed the community on this blog that he wanted to donate $1000, no questions asked. So, ten people who were really struggling woke up this morning to $100 in their paypal accounts. Another reader offered $250 to a family in desperate need. A doll-clothes store owner sent sent seven beautiful Madame Alexander/American Girl dolls to wait under the tree for seven little girls who truly needed a single happy surprise in their lives right now. People getting the gift cards are vowing to pay the gift forward next year. Emails are flooding in from people in shock, in tears and so grateful. And the funny thing is that half of those crying, grateful people are the ones who are donating. They’re so happy to have finally felt something warm and true that they’re feeling a Christmas spirit for the first time since they were children.
I know exactly what they mean.
Thank you. Thank you for donating and thank you for sharing your story. Thank you for asking for help so that others can feel like miracle workers. Thank you for kind words and thoughts and for being you. Thank you.
I’m going out of town for the weekend to pick up my mom and bring her here for Christmas but if you’ve asked for help and haven’t received it by Monday then just leave me a comment next week and I’ll see if I can find another donor to help you. And if you still want to help leave a comment too. There are still people trickling in and we may need some angels to swoop in on Monday in case any of the matches flake out.
PS. I just want to point out that my traffic the last two days has been exactly the same as usual. What that means to me is that the people donating and the people receiving are all part of the usual community of people who regularly read and comment here. That. Is. Amazing. And I’m so proud to be part of this community. You guys are the best minions ever.
UPDATE: So many people have gone on their own blogs to offer up their own gift cards to people in need and it’s amazing. Thank you! One of those people is the amazing Maureen Johnson who helped a ton of people herself but still has twenty more people in dire need. If you still want to donate I have their addresses and I can set you up to perform a small Christmas miracle. Just leave a comment. I’ll be here for the next two hours at least if you can donate.
UPDATE AGAIN: A lot of you have asked if you could just paypal me money to give to the people in need. You totally can but I’ll have to pay taxes on that money since it goes into my account so it’s not as ideal as you getting matched with someone and sending them the card directly, but if you’d rather just give money you can paypal me at jenny@thebloggess.com. Don’t spam me or I will stab you.
SATURDAY UPDATE: As of right now (noon Saturday) I have emailed hundreds of donors and over 500 gift cards are scheduled to go out to people who need help. If everything goes as planned (Please, God, let it go as planned) everyone who has asked for help as of this moment will get at least one gift card and many will get several. Some got cash for medicine. Some got money so they could keep the electricity on and buy food for Christmas dinner. Some only asked for help in buying presents for their brothers or sisters so their moms wouldn’t be so worried. Some received help and then got more help than they needed and decided to turn around and become a donor themselves. I wish I could tell you what this has meant to me but there aren’t words for it. The emails and comments coming in from people who got a Christmas miracle are incredible but the ones from people so thankful to be able to help are even more moving. Right now we still have a few more donors available and another 20 are standing by in case someone who asked for a donation hasn’t heard anything from their donor by Monday.
That’s one hell of a Christmas miracle, y’all.
Thank you for making me believe again.
UPDATE (10am Sunday morning): As of this minute (barring any mistakes) we’ve matched everyone who asked for help with at least one donor and we still have a few donors on standby for emergencies. So far over 600 gift cards have gone out to provide a Christmas miracle for strangers in need. If you wanted to help but haven’t heard from me please leave another comment. I’m sure by Monday we’ll need more to fill in any gaps. Now if you’ll excuse me, my hands are about to fall off.
UPDATE (2pm Sunday): With no marketing, no push, and no fanfare, somehow hundreds of willing donors have come forward to send 650 gift cards to people in need. Many people who wanted to contribute a $30 card came back and told me that instead they gave $50 or $100 or $200. As of right now over $22,000 has been sent out in small electronic chunks all over the world to make Christmas a small bit brighter for a complete stranger. People have contributed in (and have been helped in) America, Canada, England, Germany, Australia, Asia…and they continue to help. Every time we get down to our last donor someone else steps forward. I wish I could share all the emails from people who felt that this gave them the hope to get through the next year and the strength to keep looking for a job or a place to work because they now had faith that people cared. There were even some who admitted later that they were considering suicide until this gave them hope. Some of those people considering suicide? Were the donors. Some felt isolated and depressed in the holiday season and being able to have someone somewhere count on them made them feel connected and less alone. I know just how they feel.
Thank you for letting me be a part of this.
UPDATE: (A few minutes from Monday morning): Wow. Just…wow. In less than an hour it will be Monday morning and so far pretty much everyone who asked for help is going to matched with at least one donor. I still have another hundred emails to mail out before I can go to sleep but it looks like well over 800 gift cards will be sent out if everything goes through as planned. I’ve been running on adrenaline and caffeine for the past 4 days but I can tell I’m about to crash so I’m going to call this as of right now and say that this has been the most successful, unplanned, disorganized celebration of awesomeness that I’ve ever accidentally been in charge of.
If you still want to help then please leave a comment because we’re about nine donors short right now. I wish I could do more and I’m sorry that I can’t but I’m so incredibly proud of the fact that we were able to help hundreds and hundreds of people (both givers and receivers) make Christmas magical. If you were matched with someone as of comment 1033 and you don’t get a response from your donor by 11am Monday morning then leave me a comment. We have a few donors on stand-by to help people who may have fallen through the cracks. With any luck by noon tomorrow we’ll be done and I can finally sleep and shower and actually maintain eye contact with my family for more than five minutes at a time.
Thank you. To the donors and to the recipients and to the people who came to cheer on both. Thank you.
You’ve made all the difference.
Final update:
Done. It’s Monday night and over 900 gift cards were sent out to people needing help. I’m sure we didn’t get everyone but hundreds and hundreds of people were helped. Some got enough to buy their children new books. Some got money to put food on the table on Christmas. One 9th grader asked if anyone had a used laptop for her disabled mother before coming back and asking to delete the comment since so many other people needed help. That young girl will be surprising her mother with an ipad from one of our amazing, regular readers. One woman emailed to say that because of the support she got they were able to save their house from foreclosure. I wish it could go on forever but I have to stop before I get sick. If you don’t get an email from me matching you with a donor by midnight, please donate to your local food bank. There are still so many people who need help this year just putting food on the table.
Some small miracles happened here in the past five days and I don’t know exactly how I fell into being involved but I’m so glad I did. It may be the lack of sleep but I’m finding it hard really understand what happened here and why it feels like such an important thing to have been a part of. It was just a series of small gifts sent one by one to perfect strangers in need. It doesn’t change the world.
Or maybe it does.
Thank you for changing mine.
PS. Final tallies: Over 900 gift cards were sent out by 689 people who were so thrilled to help. 450 people who needed small Christmas miracles received donations for medicine, food, or presents under the tree for their children. No large corporations got involved. No one only offered to donate if they got something out of it themselves. With no sponsorships, no ulterior motives and with only a simple need to reach out and help a perfect stranger, 689 everyday, normal people (Jewish, Christians, Atheists, Muslims and more) sent out over $40,000 worth of donations to make sure Christmas came.
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Going to read this entry after I say — whoooooohooooo I got here first! LOL
I love you Jenny.
I think you are the most beautiful person.
And this show of holiday love makes me cry. The good cry.
Miss Grace recently posted..The One About Vegas
What you did is amazing. I’m gonna keep an eye out on Monday and will help you take care of someone then!
Jenny – you are so wonderful for organizing this. It really does make my Christmas to see this happen!
Kateanon recently posted..The lords aren’t leaping
I didn’t even think about the tax implication of the pay-pal donation.
Match me up with someone and I’ll get them an a gift card directly.
Lori @ In Pursuit of Martha Points recently posted..Points-ettias
Yep, reporting for duty. *salute*
(= here to donate)
Steam Me Up, Kid recently posted..Aura-cleansing sage bundles roasting on an open fire- Jack Frost nipping at your nose job
That’s just amazing. Seriously, I am very impressed and it makes me smile that people can be that generous and caring. Sometimes it’s hard to remember that that kind of thing is possible.
This just totally made me cry. I dont have much, but I could afford a 20 dollar gift card if someone needs it. Let me know.
Hey, hit me up with an address and I’ll give up a few sheckles.
A Vapid Blonde recently posted..It’s Her Again- I’m Totally Phoning This In Because Of The Fever
You are amazing, really, as is everyone who has offered to help! I got $50 I can give to a family in need. Shott me some details, and I’ll make it happen ASAP.
Have a wonder, wonderful holiday with your family.
StephQJ recently posted..No other slayer- no-how
I have cried way too many times over thast couple of days – all your fault! I’ll be contacting Maureen to offer what I can.
Have a safe trip and may adventure follow so you can tell us all about it!
Hi Jenny, so happy to read about the generosity of your readers to those in need- it brought tears to my eyes. And it makes me grateful that once again this year, Hubby & I will be able to provide for our kids – a little smaller present list than in years past but we’re all healthy and warm and the bills are paid, and Santa will be giving some neat stuff – who cares if its a used bike, I’ll shine it up gooood. Thanks for asking, and thanks for giving. You are so awesome, in so many ways.
monstergirlee recently posted..More Camera Fun
Firsting on such a heartwarming post without even having read it is in poor taste.
Making somebody’s holiday happen, however, is not. Thanks, Jenny, for using your powers for good.
The Checkout Girl recently posted..thecheckoutgirl- My hips dont lie- but my nipples were the inspiration for the 2002 cinematic romp- Catch Me If You Can
You made me cry. Again. At work. Bah!
I can totally send something. It’s not a lot. But it’s something.
Beckles recently posted..Oh Hey There!
Jenny. You are wonderful, and apparently so are we minions. I have just enough money to buy for my family (we have several toddlers in the family and those baby toys/clothes aren’t cheap). I wish I could donate something and this post coupled with the last one really makes me feel the Christmas spirit again. Thank you. And thank you to the other minions.
Count me in. I’ve got the means.
I’d love to be matched up with someone, either to send a gift card or to deposit $40 into their Paypal account.
I don’t have much. Could probably only do 1 card or paypal for $50 – $75 but if it helps someone I’ll do it happily.
Hamlet’s Mistress recently posted..I’m over at Buy-Hercom today…
This is one of the coolest things I’ve seen done in my short time blogging – and for all your followers to get behind it is absolutely amazing.
Jenny – you’re the cat’s ass in my book!
(thats a good thing)
SD
simpledudecomplexworld.blogspot.com
Simple Dude recently posted..Random Thursday Thoughts
I would LOVE to help! Please contact me if you still need people to donate. This has got to be one of THE BEST things I have seen in a long time. I mean, it’s been a pleasure helping out with the Spark of Love donations and even the little tree at my daughter’s school but this is an amazing way to reach out much farther than locally.
I know what it is like to have to tell your kids the truth about Santa- I had to do it many years ago because of financial straights. This year has been amazingly full for us and I am sooo beyond grateful that I can help the way we can. Just knowing you have a community (and that it is extending outside of yours) that allows for this makes me tear up. You’re funny AND good! =D
I would love to contribute to someone in need. I can do a $30 card.
I’m here to offer my donation. Please let me know the best way to go about it! I’m literally choking back tears here at work and can’t wait to hear who I’m able to help. Best gift I’ve ever given, by far.
If you have someone in need, I’d love to donate. E-mail me.
Kendahl recently posted..Exciting stuff in 2011
I can donate. Sign me up.
Judi recently posted..Rever10- Wisdom
Hi Jenny…this is what is so cool about the internet. I have some doll-hairs I can put towards a gift card for someone who is in need. Let me know!
Erica recently posted..Wordless Wednesday – “Gus”
I know I’m a little late, but I would love to donate. Please let me know the best way to make this happen. I can send a $25 gift card, or $ through paypal.
Toni recently posted..Steppin Out Saturday
I commented on the other entry, but am covering bases here, too. Sorry to double-up, but I do want to help.
NoShowMo recently posted..Day 12- Something you never get compliments on
Whoever says the Social Media is incapable of doing any actual, substantial good, should come and read this. yes, Malcolm Gladwell, I’m looking at you sir, you who have benefited from the social media phenom.
I did not think of the Paypal tax implication. SORRY!!!! So I will do it right this time. Count me in!
subWOW recently posted..There is no shame on the bandwagon if it is for a worthy cause
This is so, so amazing.
Meredith recently posted..Jack-a Claus
I can only do maybe $40-$50, but if someone needs the help, let me know. I’d love to help out.
Amy recently posted..Reverb Writing Prompt 15- 5 Minutes
Thank YOU for starting this movement that caught like wildfire. You, and all of your readers here, are amazing.
If there are unmatched people in need, I can swing another gift card and would be happy to do so. Please let me know!!
Hit me up, I can donate a lil something. I can Paypal or gift card. Let me know.
This is but one reason I love you. This and your awesome writing and propensity to drop f bombs like a vulgar B-52. I less than three you.
Dangerboy recently posted..Trip Down Nostalgia Street- vol 4
Yes, please match me with someone on yours or Maureen’s blog.. Thank you..
You and everyone here (donors, receivers, readers) is amazing. All this incredible outpouring of care and love for other people, regardless of the time of year, is truly inspiring. Y’all are giving me the willies (in a good way). I deeply wish I could help out someone less fortunate than me, but we’re swinging near the bottom of that pole ourselves. Instead, I’ll think about extra warm fuzzies for each and every one of you. Karma is a wonderful thing; I’m certain it’ll make nice visits this Christmas.
Ellie Di recently posted..200!
Noble cause.
Noble woman.
Nobel readers.
Suzy recently posted..The 4th Day Of Christmas
At’ll do, Jenny. At’ll do.
Elly Lou recently posted..Getting Drilled
I’m in. I can send a gift card or pay pal to someone. Let me know. And thank you so much for just being you.
I just wanted to say thank you — I’m one of the people who needed a little extra help, and when I got to tell my husband that we could afford Christmas after all this year, he cried. It takes a lot to make him cry. Thank you, to everyone. Just, thank you so very much, from the bottom of our hearts.
that’s just freaking awesome. AWESOME.
I love y’all from the bottom of my heart and don’t even know ya. See? Some people on the Internets is good peoples!
The Domestic Goddess recently posted..Let’s Play a Game!
Re: tax implications. There are no tax problems. Each individual can gift up to $13,000/year (or stuff valued up to that amount) to another person and neither the donor nor the recipient owe any taxes on the gift. And you can do this for as many people as you want, so you could give away $130,000 if you gave the max to 10 people.
If people transfer money to you, and you are acting as a conduit to further transfer the money as a gift, then you won’t be taxed on the amount. The trouble is keeping records of it – but if the transfers to your paypal contain a description with GIFT in it, it should be reasonably easy.
And if anyone out there knows of any job openings for a tax lawyer, let me know. I’ve been unemployed for 19 months and am getting by only because my brother and his wife have taken me in. I’m in Dallas now but am happy to relocate. I’m flying to Chicago for two interviews on Monday, but if Santa doesn’t come through with one of these two jobs, I’m really not sure what I’m going to do. At least all the people The Bloggess community have given me some Christmas spirit!! Thank you everyone for making me smile.
If it’s not too late, I would love to send a gift card. Thank you for what you are doing.
I’ll say it again (like I did on the last post & on Twitter, because I’m just ridiculously excited about this) – I’m in seminary, and (not to get uber religious but…it’s kind of what I do all the time so it’s become sort of a life pattern for me) what’s going on here is ministry. This is what churches should be doing, this is what Jesus was all about, was caring for each other and loving and trusting. Jenny, your blog is a gift to so many who can feel free to be honest about their brokenness in ways that they can’t be anywhere else. If I ever have a church, I really hope that I can create a space there like you do in your comments section.
Merry Christmas.
Emmy recently posted..Everything in this is YES- YES- YES
What if I WANT to get stabbed? I’m totally having a bad week and could really use the wake up call.
Dead Cow Girl recently posted..Acceptance but maybe still screaming a little bit in spots
Being an avid follower of your site, you inspired us to do a little gift giving ourselves …
This is the very first year I have not taken my children to an Angel tree and shopped for those less fortunate. I couldn’t believe that this tradition fell by the wayside so in an effort to redeem myself … we are donating from my Facebook page .. and you were the inspiration
(you can go back to being all snarky in the New Year!)
I suppose I should share this philanthropic plan with my husband altho I doubt he would be all bah Humbug for a good cause!
By Word of Mouth Musings recently posted..You can make a difference just by clicking a button- itll help spread some Holiday cheer!Just read By Words Facebook Fan Page today and click!
i have awfully little, but i want to give anyway. i can do $30. please let me know where to send what, when.
meredith recently posted..In which Mer turns 27 MerDay
I’m fortunate enough to have a job AND to have gotten a small Christmas bonus/gift from my company. I’d like to share it. Sign me up. And thank you for all you do, Jenny!
Beautiful. Christmas Spirit FTW!
Superjules recently posted..For the Tots!
Fucking amazing. Jenny, you are such a rockstar. You and you minions have made all of those people’s lives a little easier by speaking up for them. By being there for them when they needed you. You are like the hard drinking, foul mouthed Aunt that every one loves around Christmas Except more kind and giving and awesome of course. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas.
Amy @ RenderMeMama recently posted..Buy Handmade
You have the right stuff to bring tears to my eyes with your generosity, and the generosity of this wonderful community I’ve only recently (kind of) become a part of.
I didn’t want to ask for anything in the original post, because I know there are people in much worse shape than me. I know, because I read their stories and cried. But I was also crying because I know how they feel. I wanted to get my 4 year old just 2 presents this year, and now I’m not sure I can even afford them. So, as much as it pains me to type this, if there is just a small gift card out there for me, I would really appreciate the help, and will be certainly paying it forward during the next year in any way I can.
Thank you Jenny, for reminding me that there is hope for the world my kid is growing up in. Thank you a trillion times.
I would love to help. Let me know who I can donate to!
Thank you for doing this Jenny. When so many people forget what this season is all about, you’ve remembered and you’ve reminded everyone else.
Caitlin recently posted..CTinCT- RT @thebloggess- http-thebloggesscom-p9493 I dont even have the words – This is AMAZING Take 5 minutes to read it- and cry
Totally down for this. Giftcard, paypal anything that’s needed. All I need are an address and some instructions.
I can donate something, paypal is best b/c otherwise it will not happen. Email me w/ someone who needs it (I’ll say how much by email b/c it seems weird for me to say in a comment).
~ ElizabethPW
Elizabeth Potts Weinstein recently posted..My Life is Impossible
I can help in a small way. Let me know how it looks on Monday.
This made me get all teary-eyed. I paid for the person’s coffee behind me at Starbucks the other day and felt awesome all day. I can only imagine how good it will feel to make someone’s Christmas better! Send me an address and I will play Santa!
Greer recently posted..ho ho uh oh
Well. I’m usually a hard hearted bitch of a Grinch, but this might have made me tear up.
MIGHT HAVE.
That’s all I’m saying.
k8 recently posted..Happy Feet Friday
Hi Jenny –
Money is tight for us this year, so I can’t donate money. But I make things – dolls, purses, and the like – for little ones and could certainly send some out. Is there any way you could use that?
Heathir
Metamorphosteph, good luck with your job interview next Monday! (I will be sending good vibes to you on Monday directly from Chicago!) I hope you will come back and keep us updated about it!
Tabatha, I just want to wish you and your family a wonderful Christmas and a happy new year!
(Jenny, I know you don’t mind. But I just want to apologize for using your comment section as a “message board”!)
subWOW recently posted..There is no shame on the bandwagon if it is for a worthy cause
Love you! And I could really use a new Mac Book. Because otherwise, I’ll feel like Jesus hates me. Thanks in advance!
Marinka recently posted..How To Succeed in Blogging
Crying. I normally cry here, but from laughing. Or alcohol. Not this time.
Nice job, Jenny,
Sidney recently posted..Simply wunderbar More holiday goodies from NieNie – Last One
This is amazing. Absolutely amazing. *tears rolling down my face*
Match me up, Jenny! Match me up!
I would love to help!!
When I have kids, I’m going to teach them that Santa is not a person. Santa is a frame of mind that is represented by a person who does for others and that Santa should not be relegated to a short time of the year. Santa needs to be a year round thing. I’m going to hit up Maureen and see what I can do, but I’d also like to help out anyone here you can hook me up with. I don’t have a ton of cash, but I’m very willing to help who I can. You really are an inspiration, Jenny. It’s really fantastic to see and to know that people aren’t as horrible as a few can make it seem sometimes. That’s reason #ILostCount why I love your blog. Merry Christmas to you all!
This made my heart swell with happiness. I would love to be matched up with anyone who needs a little help this year.
Krysta recently posted..Good Advice
I can help – a gift card? Thanks for doing this. Mike
Mikeporterinmd recently posted..Comcast-NBC- and I Felt Like Writing
I can donate a gift card. Let me know. This is simply awesome.
I just learned about Wish Upon a Hero yesterday (http://www.wishuponahero.com/) and would like to suggest it for any other people still looking for a match, whether you’re a giver or a wisher. It’s certainly making my holidays much nicer to know that I’m able to help people who are in the boat I was in last year. Love to you all, but especially Jenny for taking on this big task.
KYouell recently posted..Still More Serendipitous Neighboring Tweets
I don’t believe in Santa and I don’t believe in miracles , but I believe in people. Match me up so I can send my money!! And thanks for this….
This is still so amazing to me. Jenny, thank you for being the amazing catalyst for this movement. Yes, I called it a movement… because that what it feels like. I have been in the situation of so many of these commenters, and so being able to finally be able to give back makes me feel like I am repaying the favor for all those who helped me. I can guarantee that if you do this again next year, I will be donating once again, and hopefully more.
Jenny, you are amazing, wonderful, and genuinely care about people… qualities I felt were in short supply recently… until I saw the outpouring of you and my fellow readers of your blog. Thank you, for all that you do, have done, and will continue to do.
Hi Jenny- If there are little girls out there who could still use American Girl / Madame Alexander doll dresses I have 4 in my Etsy shop holiday section that I’d like to donate. Just let me know where to ship them. I know you are going out of town but if you have any way of letting me know by tomorrow (Saturday) so that I can get them to the girls before Christmas it would be awesome. http://www.etsy.com/shop/ChrissisCloset?section_id=7495828
Christina recently posted..Holiday Party Dress fits American Girl Dolls
I cannot say this enough. You people are fucking amazing… I have never witnessed such an outpouring of love and generosity and from a community of crass, sarcastic folk to boot! You will change the World and make Christmas brighter for so many. I was one of the lucky ones to recieve a gift and I am still in shock.
Having it continue and continue is so wonderful. Jenny you are the leader of an incredible following. I have been part of some good communities before but have never seen anything like this (even at church).
Love and happiness to you all…. I have to go blow my nose now
Danielle!
danielle recently posted..Feelings on a Wordless Wedenesday
A couple days ago I blogged about a family who just lost everything they owned in a house fire. The couple, plus their six children lost everything a week before Christmas. It’s heartbreaking. I have been overwhelmed at how many people have offered to help, donate items they needed. It’s so warming to see people in the spirit to give and it gives me renewed faith in our society. A society that can normally be selfish and centered around the “ME ME ME” attitude. to see people reaching out to help it always the best miracle to witness!!
Alena recently posted..Losing it all a week before Christmas
I want to donate! just let me know who needs me!! I’m glad you’re part of my worls, Jenny. If I was god-fearing I would want him to bless you.
Love, love love this. This is what the holidays are all about.
Add me to the list of people willing to be matched up with someone in need!
Thanks so much for doing this.
Janet recently posted..Weekly Wrap Up
I can help, just tell me where.
Beth Fish recently posted..The Cards are Coming! The Cards are Coming!
I was thinking this morning that I hope the two people who received a $20 gift card from me were humble enough to put themselves back on your original list. Mine was a drop in the bucket, and to add your readers’ generosity would make a real Christmas for their kids and other family members. Thank you so much for allowing me to participate.
Erica M recently posted..donated optometry services for the win
Amazing post! I’d love to donate, let me know if I can help!
I’m just a graduate student but I’d love to offer a $30 contribution. Just give me an address and tell me the best way to send it.
Thank you for giving people something to smile about this year.
I can’t do much this year, but if anyone reading these comments knows of someone with a baby boy, I would be happy to send some clothes along. I have nb to 3t and they are in great shape. Wish I could do more.
holy *&%$. seriously. this just made me bawl too. I didn’t ask for help,and I can’t afford to help (I don’t need help either, no kids, lots of family support)
thank you for making me know that there *is* a Christmas Spirit out there.
I’m going to go out on a limb, and say: I’m doing a craft show this Sunday in Toronto Ontario Canada. I make stuffed guys, called Li’l Scrappers…and $10 of each is going to http://www.kidshelpphone.ca/Teens/home.aspx …if you are in the area come out! http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Plum-Judy/10534784308
is that ok? I want to give too, but all I have is my time and talent…
This is such a beautiful and amazing thing you have done. Tears, tears, tears. Merry Christmas!
This is just beyond amazing.
I can’t stop crying
pamela recently posted..Happy Chrismukkah!
I don’t even know what to say. I’m in tears. Every time another bunch of people show up who need help to make Christmas special for their kids even more show up to help.
Looks like I have a lot more emails to send out.
This is a great idea. I will be sharing this idea with a local list I’m on
john recently posted..Interesting thoughts on distributed computing
Please let me know Monday who I can send some help in time for Christmas.
What a wonderful idea! Please count me in as someone who would like to help. xoxo
Thank you Jenny for giving my girls a great Christmas. I will never ever forget the kindness and support you have shown me. I hope your family has an amazing holiday. I can’t think of anyone that deserves it more.
I’m totally on welfare and have no money to send. I got Christmas presents for the kids but it broke me completely. There are so many who didn’t get to.
I however, baked a crapload of really good cookies. If any of the needy families want cookies… send me an address and I’ll ship them some!
I want to be part of this, because I’m surviving and so many are just.. not.
Bre recently posted..Eff With This Recipe Friday
If Maureen is still looking for donations, please let me know. This is what Christmas should be about.
After all the gimme gimme’s from my almost grown children, at a time when we are, not hurting, but needing to be careful I really need to do this put me down for a $30 gift card.
We need to remember how lucky we are.
I am happy to help- I have $100 for someone who needs a little extra. If you’d rather split it into 2 gifts, I can do that too.
Noemi recently posted..Delusional
You’re a lovely person Jenny. I can donate a 20 to 25 dollar gift card. I wish I wasn’t such a lowly college student or I’d donate more. I also have some “teenage girl” shirts that I’ve never worn before. They don’t have the tags on them anymore but they’ve literally never traveled out of my closet. Just throwing that out there in case anyone’s interested.
Caitlin D recently posted..Funny thing about time
I would love to give a $25 gift card to someone who needs it. Send me an email to hook it up
I didn’t ask for help, I simply left a comment to explain my hard times and to thank you and everyone else for being so thoughtful to others. And I’ve received two amazing emails from total strangers that were very uplifting and caring…..and I’m a blubbering mess. Sometimes, all the help I need is for someone to care. Thank you.
I’m here to help. Just let me know what I need to do.
heidi recently posted..Guess what I did this weekend…
I’m one of the people who got helped, and seriously — this has made my entire year. This is the first time I’ve felt anything like holiday cheer since I was a kid myself. You and your readers made it possible for my son to wake up to presents from Mom on Christmas morning, and I cannot thank you enough. I don’t know how to express the way it feels to have the holiday dread I’ve been carrying around since Thanksgiving just… drop off, and change to anticipation. Y’all are amazing.
sarawr recently posted..How does it feel when you’re out on your own
Okay bitches. You are all making me cry.
And we don’t have a ton of cash this year, but we are doing okay, and I know that it sucks for adults, too so: could you match me up with a grown up with kids who needs a holiday bauble? I have a few bracelets in my etsy shop that need a good home.
hugs and kisses, both drunken and sincere:
T.
Traci recently posted..Straight Pimpin’
Please count me in– I want to help! This is a wonderful, amazing thing you’re doing here.
Sign me up baby! I’m good for a couple of PayPal donations. Today we are going out to buy a toy for Toys For Tots, a gift for one of the Veterans at the Veteran’s Home in town, and a box of food for the food bank. We are so very lucky and we want to SHARE!!
PS You so rock baby, your heart couldn’t have grown anymore, because it was already almost too big to fit in (I’m certain!!) your impressive and bodacious chest!
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You are a miracle, Jenny. A miracle.
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we don’t have a lot to spare but we have enough to make a small gift to someone. just let me know.
There aren’t words for how awesome this all is! Everyone should be proud!
These posts keep making me cry. I can’t wait for Xmas to be over so I can regain my stone cold bitch status. Honestly though, thank you for doing this, and reminding me that there is an amazing amount of light staving off the dark. You’re one of the good ones, Jenny. Now go stab something.
ok seriously we have been super fortunate so far this year I mean my wife just won an iPad so I want to give back. I can’t donate much but maybe put me in touch with someone else can donate $20 and together we can do a more substantial giftcard? let me know. Cheers!
I left a comment on the other post, but I haven’t heard from you, so I may have been missed. (Your head must be spinning by now!) I would love to help if you want to match me up with someone. Thank you for organizing this. This makes me very happy.
I would be very, very happy to donate to a family in need. Sincerest thanks for doing this.
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Count me in for donating – just tell me who to send it to.
You make me laugh out loud and that gift is a treasure. Now you have warmed my heart. The least I can do to say “Thank you” is to help. Besides, it breaks my heart to think of a child without a toy on Christmas morning. Send me details and I am happy to add to the gift cards. Merry Christmas everyone!
To be completely honest, I was about to comment to ask for help. My sister is in a dire financial crisis, and my parents have been struggling to keep her from going under. Meanwhile, I am silently dealing with my own crisis, but I never mentioned it to my family because I want them to have at least a little peace of mind. And for the first time ever, we are not exchanging Christmas gifts with one another. I hate to sound like a sad panda, but I used to get so excited about the holidays, and I’ve lost that. I bought my very first Christmas tree this year, but I haven’t even bothered to put it up because it would only mock me with its cheeriness.
Yes, I would appreciate a boost, but I realize that no matter what my situation is, there are many out there who are worse off than me. So I would like to contribute $30 to someone. Just because I’m not feeling the magic of the season doesn’t mean I can’t help someone else get it back.
Thank you for taking care of this and providing a simple way for us to help one another.
Late to the offering table but I can swing a $30 Amazon gift card if there is still need.
Hey Jenny, sign me up. I want to help! I can do a gift card ($25-30) or if a family has a present for their child in mind, I’ll order it and send it. Just let me know how I can help.
Jenny, this is so amazing. YOU are amazing and all of your amazing readers are amazingly amazing. I am in total awe of what’s happening here. It’s wonderful.
With that said, I totally missed your original entry because I’m apparently a complete knob. BUT, I’m here now and I want to help too!! Hook me up and I will get a gift card out to someone right away. Not sure if it makes a difference, but I’m in Canada and so some of the stores we have here are different. Ie – we don’t have Target.
Lynn @ Walking With Scissors recently posted..Absence…
Just sharing that I’ve fallen on very hard times. This year has been rough. I am not asking for help, just trying to explain what it’s like for people in this economy. I haven’t been in the mood to blog much, but there is an open letter to the president on my blog, which was written when I was working earlier in the year. I’ve seen no work or UI or anything since, due to a contractual “thing” with the job I had. It’s all I can do to muster up any Christmas spirit at all. Compounded with this, is I am not Christian.
To others who can, please do what you can for those less fortunate this year. It appears we’re all on our own – the government certainly has been very little help in this regard.
Dedanna recently posted..formspringme
I’m one of the ones blessed with being the first 20 on Jenny’s original post. I just wanted to tell all the givers how much of a difference even $30 made. I was able to get a 24 pack of play doh to share between my two youngest, and a new baby doll for my youngest daughter, who’s never had one of her own. I haven’t finalized my purchase yet because I’m looking for something great for at least one of my oldest kids with what’s left. These were gifts that I would not have been able to purchase otherwise and I cannot tell you how appreciative I am. I’m going to finish up my shopping when I get some away from the kids time, and I know that, that $30 will bring such huge smiles to their faces. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for this, Jenny and everyone who has given just a little something. You have no idea how much even small gifts make a difference!
I received a gift card last night and ordered my son an Alphie robot. He is going to freak out! Thank you, Jenny,and Maura for making my little boy’s Christmas. I hope to be able to pay it forward very soon.
I’d like to donate $100 through Paypal to a friend or two in need.
It is truly amazing what you’ve done here.
We are in the military and don’t have much money either, but I do have lots of size 4-6 women’s clothes for the mom of the family that Alena commented about above. I will get in touch with Alena.
I also have a sale and ready to ship section in my store that still has a few items left (gift certificates, picture frames, aprons, etc.). All the items there are 30-40% off regular price. If I can sell those items, I can ship them out tomorrow and I will donate the 30% of each sale to one of these families in need.
My store: http://peggyanndesign.bigcartel.com/category/ready-to-ship
I’m heading out of town Tuesday in the AM, but would love to send a gift card or cash to someone. I’m in Canada, so if there’s anyone in Canada that needs something please let me know – I don’t want anyone to be affect by exchange rate or slow shipping.
Thankgoodness I have a luncheon today, crying at my desk is not becoming.
Jenny, you have started something wonderful here. Please match me up with someone with a paypal acct and I will send a little something to help out – whether they need to buy gifts or keep the heat on. THIS is what the season is all about. Thank you.
Oh, and the formspring.me link went to the wrong url ( http://formspring.me/Dedanna2 ) – it should be http://formspring.me/DedannaRocks. I’ve changed it in formspring.me, so don’t understand what’s going on.
Thanks.
I’d be so happy to give a $50 gift card or a paypal donation to someone! I know it’s not a lot but I really want to help.
Jenny, please let me know how I can help! I haven’t got a lot to spare, but I got lucky and got a job recently, so I can certainly do $30 for somebody in need.
Oh, and if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the volume of people looking to help and receive help, I’m around to help YOU match people up, if you think it’s feasible. Try to take some of the load off. Just email me if there’s any way I can help you out with this, Jenny.
Lynn @ Walking With Scissors recently posted..Absence…
I’d like to donate $100 through Paypal to a friend or two in need. Thank you for doing this. It’s simply amazing.
I just got a $50 AmEx gift card for Christmas from my boss. I’d like to send it to someone who needs help.
Count me in for a gift card. =D
You’re all kinds of awesome for doing this, Jenny.
Jenny,
I started following/reading you because you are hilarious (true story). But this is so touching. It just proves to me that there truly are decent, caring humans out there and there is no better time than Christmas. This is like the real life version of Love Actually US Version. What a blessing. I’m retweeting just in case someone who follows me needs or is able to help someone that does.
XOXO
Thank you so much for all of the generosity! Our family was helped and I cant thank you enough! Its nice not to have to tell the kid we cant afford that and then hear then respond its b/c mommys sick we have little money. So thank you
Casey recently posted..Lyme Thoughts
thank you so much Jenny, for your spirit and inspiration! You’ve reached a lot of people through your kindness and it won’t be forgotten.
Sign me up to give a gift card too! No kid should be without something on Christmas morning! This is like a real life “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
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Bre- I think you might need to send those cookies straight to Jenny! It’s looking like she’s got a ways to go and a lot more email to send. Sugar and butter will definitely help!
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I’ve been crying since I got your email, and then doubly so since I got the email from my donater, and now swimming in tears reading this post. Damn right I’m going to pay this forward next year, whenever I can. Thank you so much, Jenny, and to all the wonderful people who have been so generous. I just can’t get over how wonderful this is. My toddler keeps asking me why I’m crying and then thinks it’s hilarious when I tell him it’s because I’m so happy. Makes a difference from him seeing me crying over bills!!
Thank you, and have an amazing christmas everyone. XXXXXXX
I’m a little late getting to this, so hopefully someone is still willing to help. I lost my job in may and haven’t been able to find another one since. My unemployment was denied and in August, I had to sell my car and leave the wonderful house I had been renting. I wasn’t sure where I was going to go or what I was going to do, as my family is not the greatest and wouldn’t offer any help. My wonderful, wonderful boyfriend offered up his apartment and invited me to move in, no questions asked. He’s been 100% financially supporting me since then and while the situation has been stressful on us both, he still gives wholeheartedly and reminds me everyday that things will get better and I am loved. I know he’s bought me an expensive Christmas present, something I really wanted, and I’d like the chance to give him a small token of my appreciation and love, and get him a book he’s been wanting for quite some time. Thank you.
I’m a reciever. And I broke down in tears when I received bonnies email we had 5 gifts for our Lily this year. Nothing for each other and croched scarves and cookiess for everybody else. After seeing what bonnie was giving me I cries even more.
The items were EXACTLY what she wants. I didn’t have the words to explaine to my fiance.
However since the only words I have are thankyou, that’s what ill do. Thank you. Thank from every part of my body. Nothing can describe how much this means to me. How much this whole movement means to me. And I know u have helped two of my friends who were also in neeed of help. Both of them Called me crying yesterday thanking me for telling them. I told them to email u and comment their thanks because its all because of you.
Next year, it doesn’t matter what it takes. I’m going to be a donator. Even if I have to start crocheting the items on jan 1 or putting pennies in a jar.
Thank you. You are truely my santa this year.
This is the first time I’ve read your blog and I haven’t read past this one, but I think it’s amazing. Can you please hook me up with someone in need? I would love to help. Thanks so much and high five from Germany!
Heather recently posted..Marriage and bargaining- a true art form
Awesome. I am ready to send a PayPal gift or Amazon Gift Card for $30 to whomever I get matched up with.
When I read this entry (and the others preceding it), I thought of Nancy Kappes and how she wrote about her struggles raising her kids and the Tuna Helper minus the Tuna (“…so it was just Helper…”) and food stamps and all that, and despite that she and her kids turned out awesome — well, I think if she were here to read this entry today, she would be so, so, so fucking proud of you.
<3
I can donate. Just put me on the list and send me in the right direction. I’ve got $100 to donate.
Sherry recently posted..Mirror- Mirror
Jenny, thank you. Add me to the list of willing donors, I can manage a gift card or two. And, if you or anyone here happens to know of (or be) a family here in the San Antonio area who could use help with buying Christmas dinner please email me. I remember all too well the “mustard sandwiches” of my childhood (yes it is exactly what it sounds like) and am blessed beyond measure that my boys have never known hunger.
Happy holidays to all.
Does anyone have a need for baby boy or baby girl clothes? I have bins and bins of both- size 0-3 months to 6-12 months. I also have baby toys- nothing fancy, but rattles, little animals, etc. We were given so much when we had our twins, I would be more than happy to pay if forward. Please let me know.
Seriously touched. Sign me up to give a gift card!
Like other commenters before me, I didn’t speak up, because I know there are other families, and other Momma’s who could use the help more than I can this year. I still feel terrible about asking for help, but I’m about to, I suppose. Last April my whole family had to relocate for work. The little Canadian mining town we lived in was basically shut down due to an ongoing strike. My husband and I both lost our jobs. We had to move into my brother in laws house, until we could get back on our feet, which, frustratingly, doesn’t seem to be happening fast enough. With all big changes around here ( house, school, friends), and the lack of being able to afford to even pay our own rent, Christmas will be *very* different for my two daughters. I’m not sure how to even end this message. Regardless of what happens with this, I want you to know that I am dead set on putting away money to help someone out next year. It is unbelieveable what is happening here. You, all of you are amazing.
I’m late to the party, but if you still need donors, I can help. Thank you so much for doing this.
Okay, I’m just gonna throw my name in the hat. It would be really really nice to be able to buy all my little boys some presents this year, instead of relying on my (just as broke as I am) mom to do it. Bloggess you rock and all of you willing and able to donate are just amazing people. Thank you so much and you can bet your bippy that I’ll pay this forward when I can. <3
Hi Jenny:
I would be happy to pick up a gift card this weekend if some one would like one. I know that times are tough and you never expect yourself to fall on really hard times but last year at this time I was struggling to pay rent and other bills.
Thank you !
This is absolutely beautiful!! I am in tears over this… this is what life is about right here, helping each other out! I have $30 I can pass along to someone who could use it. Happy Holidays Everyone!!!
I can help some. Let me know. Thanks.
Sorry I’m late too, but I “accidentally” won a $50 gift card at my company party yesterday and work has stressed me out so much this week, I don’t really want it to remind me. Please send me an address.
Catazon recently posted..More Dead Pets
Hey Jenny, add me to the donor list. I can probably swing a $30 gift card from Amazon.
–Vee recently posted..It wasnt raining when Noah built the ark
Please put me down as a willing donor. I’m in the Houston area and if you know of anyone who needs a food basket for Christmas dinner let me know.
This is not my real name. We are kind of scared this year because the rent and bills are in arrears.
Christmas? We have food. I’m good at stretching my food dollar, but there won’t be presents for sure.
My kid is technically a grown up, but his disability will not let him get a job, which would be fine, but my health has kept me from working flat out the way I’m used to. (No sick pay).I wanted to be sure all the folks with little kids are taken care of first.
I think this is such a wonderful thing you are doing, I’d like to donate as well. Please let me know where to send a gift card.
I just got sent here by a friend on another community. I would like to offer help to someone if it is still needed. Please email me if there is someone with out a match.
If there are still people who need a little help, just let me know!
I would love to help if you still need donors.
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Just a quick note to all the wonderful and generous minions out there- if you don’t get matched up with a specific individual through Jenny or Maureen, please consider donating whatever amount you’d offered to a charity of your choice or a family you may know who is in need! We’ve all taken a hit in one way or another this year, and it’s amazing to see such a great outpouring of love- donating directly is beautiful and heartwarming, but moms and dads struggle year-round to provide for their kids and themselves. (We’d already committed to adopting a family this Christmas, but otherwise, I’d love to donate. If I can find more cash after purchasing final family gifts, I’ll be back on Monday to share.)
And by the way, Jenny, I think Santa lied- he’s totally jealous that he has to share Christmas with 8 lb 6 oz baby Jesus, no doubt.
Absolutely amazing! I’m in!
Lacie recently posted..Please Dont Boil My Bunny
Add me to the list of donors! I can manage $40 or so!!! I love books; they are the one thing I can’t say no to buying so I’d love to donate to someone who loves collecting books for them or their child as much as I do!
I am quite late, but I would like to donate $50 to help out someone in need. Please let me know how I can help.
I haven’t commented before, but have started reading your blog on a regular basis. I’d LOVE to help- please put me on the list for a $50 card, or let me know what else I can do to help.
Hi Jenny,
I collect Swagbucks all year long by using their search engine, then use the points to buy gift cards (I sent you the link a while back and you signed up too but haven’t used it). I usually use these gift cards at Amazon.ca to buy books for my girls but I would be happy to donate them this year. I have $20 in gift cards for Amazon.ca so if you have someone in Canada in need, please let me know.
If you don’t mind posting it, my referral url for Swagbucks so other people can collect points too is:
http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/CSAngel
And thanks for doing this! Things are tough for me this year too but this makes me feel so grateful for all the things we do have.
Angel
Damn!!!!!!!
Yes, I’m in. Please give me a name and tell me how to do it
Jenny, I’d love to donate $50 to a family who really needs it. Just let me know what I need to do!
My husband and I always like to donate around this time of year (on top of donations that come out of all of my pay cheques). You’ve really helped me through a tough year just by writing this blog, and I’d be honoured to use this opportunity to pay a little bit of it forward!
Also, you should make this an annual thing and get set up as a registered charity.. that way you won’t have to worry about taxes! (I think.. I’ve never actually done it.. )
Alison recently posted..Ryan Masters & the Pinnacle People – band practice
I am happy to help! Just read about this on Twitter – would love it if you could match me up with someone in need.
Have a fun trip with your mom!
Bonnie
Bonnie recently posted..Ordinary Life
Having been a single mom, recently divorced, no job and trying to figure out how to pay for gifts OK for my three year old – I have to admit I cried when I read this. Remembering how hard that Christmas was and how that Christmas was once made very special by a few very generous people. I always have a single paper foodstamp to remind me how hard it once was and to know how good it is now.
Please count me in to help out someone – I would love to help another parent have a little less to worry about this year.
Jenny, you are my definition of a hero.
I spent a year without a job and were it not for the support of my family, I would not have been able to make Christmas happen for my girls. We’re not rich, but we are most certainly blessed. If you need more help on Monday, please send me a note. I can swing a $30 gift card to be a part of this magic.
- Will
WillM recently posted..Send in the Clowns
Count me in, too!
Now, THIS is what Christmas is all about!
bschooled recently posted..This is the time of year when we should be asking ourselves- “What would Kevin Bacon do”
I’m so in! I missed grabbing a tag off our giving tree at work & hadn’t figured out yet what I was was going to do, but this is perfect. I have $50 for whatever is needed. Merry Christmas!
auntie recently posted..I cant blame it entirely on the holidays
Send me an address, lovely!
We don’t have much, but I just realized that there’s $20 in our Paypal account, so if someone could use a $20 donation, I would like to send that.
I have been crying reading the comments on both posts..All of your readers are absolutely incredible. I would love to be able to do something small for a family in need. I am currently expecting my first child and am on an emotional rollercoaster anyway these days but all of these posts and comments made me feel so much better about the world I am bringing my baby into..Thank you all for renewing my faith in this world. Please let me know who I can help with a $30 giftcard for either Amazon or Target or Walmart…whatever would be best for the recipient. I love you all.
Angelina recently posted..sorry- I have been MIA lately
I can send two amazon cards to those who might need a little bit of loving this season. I’m so late to the game but, you helped a friend out already and with the holiday bonus this year being //far// more than expected (which is better than none last year). My grandmother raised three of us and while we had meager christmas’s we still had something //and// we always gave up a present each to give to the angel tree someone our age.
So put me down for two, send me the details and I’ll have cards sent off lickety split.
Put me in, Coach. I want to help.
Match me up, Bloggess! I got some $$ burning a hole in my pocket. I would be honored to donate, especially for some children who wouldn’t otherwise get something under the tree.
Son of a crab apple – I don’t know if my comment went through or not. If you need donors, let me know – I have $50USD to spare.
Kelly
(trying this again >_>)
I have been reading your blog for years and never commented…and I think this is a perfect reason to break my blog commenting virginity-please match me with someone in need either here or with Maureen.
Thanks for all the laughs and tears you have given me over the years!
I’d love to give a $30 gift card (to whatever store they like) to a family who needs it. Please let me know how I can help!
I’m in! I can do a $30 online voucher, or paypal – whatever someone needs. huge thanks for starting this
I would love to donate something! Match me with someone and I’ll make it happen.
Jennie recently posted..Guess what shoes are completely inappropriate for snowy-icy December in Ohio!
I also just remembered I have $ in the Paypal account. Put me in for $30.
I can donate a card to one of the addresses Maureen has left – or will be around Monday if needed also.
I’m one of the people who commented hours later, and got the wonderful unexpected surprise of an Amazon gift card anyway. Thank you to someone! I just ordered DVDs of Despicable Me (which my kid had said he wanted after we saw it), Pixar’s UP, and The Secret of Kells. You’ve made a rather grim year much brighter.
Starwefter recently posted..Gifts
Going to Target AND the post office this afternoon. Email me an address, if you have one, and I will mail a Target gift card.
Add me to the list of donors as well. I’d be happy to spread a little holiday cheer via Paypal or gift card.
You and your commenters rock, Jenny!
Cobwebs recently posted..My Best Friend’s Link Dump
We have had a rough few years; hubby out of work, BK, foreclosure…but we are lucky and blessed to be getting back on our feet. My company gave us surprise bonuses this year and I’d love to share.
Please match me up with someone. I’ve got $30 for a giftcard/paypal.
I just wanted to say that this is awesome! My grandmother sends gifts, and my parents sent gifts, so each of my kids will have two gifts, so we are not in need, I just wanted to say that it was a great blog post and thanks for having such a big heart.
My husband just lost his job, so we know how hard it can be, but we know we have each other. The 10 of us are safe and warm and we couldn’t ask for more.
Please match me with someone.
Thank you. Just, thank you. (((((HUGS)))))
Sign me up, I’m happy to help however I can. Or if you need help organizing, shoot me an e mail, I have 2 hours every day I could send out e mails while the twins nap!
LinzTwinz recently posted..30 Days of Truth- Day 10
Thank you for the chance to let us see how lucky we are. My husband was unemployed for 9 months and got a job the same week both of our cars broke down – just in time that the car place gave us credit for a replacement. He worked for a year on contract, and then went unemployed for ANOTHER 11 months – nine of which I spent gestating our second child (oops). We didn’t see my stepkids for 6 months because we couldn’t afford to fly them out for visitation weekends between summer break and Christmas. When he finally got a job (the week our daughter was born), for the next 9 months he commuted two hours EACH WAY, daily, (with our only car) because as awful as it was for me to single parent two-under-two and him to never see them, it was better than losing our house. Luckily I have wonderful neighbors that helped us get my daughter to doctor’s appointments when she was little and sick.
But even in those circumstances, we always have had enough to eat and right at Christmas time that worst year there was just enough provided to allow us to buy plane tickets for the girls, and gifts. We didn’t lose our house; miraculously they decided to cut us a break and restarted our mortgage, so we’re paying interest on interest (ugh) but we have our home.
I look at our budget and how we’re still doing it week to week, with just one car, and let myself get all worked up, until I read the stories here (well, on the other post), or hear about a friend-of-a-friend whose husband left her and her two toddlers without warning a couple weeks ago, taking everything. The furniture (including the cribs!), the housewares (no pots and pans), her clothes and the kids’ clothes, every toy, every single possession they had, and she is holding it together for her kids, keeping her heart up, saying everything happens for a reason.
We don’t have room in our budget for donations, and yet, do we? We are so much better off than so many, can I really justify saying “we might be late on one of our bills if we do that” or even worse, “but I need to buy presents for our kids before I can buy presents for other people’s kids!”….
I just wish I could get this concept jammed deeper into my heart and mind so that it’s easier for me to act the way I know I should, instead of digging in my heels and looking out for only myself.
Thanks for the reminder and the extra elbow nudge and round kick of the concept to squeeze it a little farther into my heart.
I read your every post but rarely comment, but I needed to today – I find you inspiring. As well as making me laugh all the way over here in Snowy and dreary London, you bring a tear to my eye. You are so kind and it makes you realise that there are some beautiful people in this world.
I don’t need anything, and just scraped through with Christmas this year, but I just wanted to comment to say it’s an amazing thing you’re doing, and all the people donating are just as wonderful. I really hope I’m in the position to donate next year.
You’re inspiring, girl. Have a lovely Christmas.
PS – Give James Garfirld a sloppy french kiss from me. He looks like he has the tongue for it.
x
*tears* This is amazing!
I’d love to be matched to someone in need. Happy to do a grocery gift card or send a lego set and a magic science set (I accidentally ordered two from amazon) to kids who need it. Just let me know where they need to go.
No one ever likes to go hat-in-hand, especially not at the holidays. My husband would cringe if he knew I was asking for help; he comes by his stoicism naturally. We have had a very difficult time in recent years but have done ok; our income has been eaten up by paying for student Ioans so my husband could become a nurse. He was a professional engineer but couldn’t find work for over a year after we moved back to my hometown to be closer to family support. Our only child is multiply disabled so I cannot work and take care of his needs as well. My husband works his behind off to take care of the family. He maintains our cars, the house, he helps with cooking and laundry and never complains. We were fortunate enough to receive a gift for our son which we wouldn’t have been able to provide. We aren’t making a big deal about Christmas this year simply because we cannot afford gifts for each other. I really would love to be able to surprise my husband and treat him to something simple like dinner and a movie just to show him how much I love him and appreciate all the sacrifices he makes for our family.
Jenny, you are an amazing spirit. Just the idea that people are reaching out to help one another helps me hang on to faith that things will, ultimately, be ok. I hope one day, when Hailey reads about the amazing stuff her mama does to help other people ( well, after the therapy for learning about the burial/exhumation of her poor doggy), she will be proud of you. Merry Christmas to you and your very generous minions.
i can certainly drop a Target gift card into the post…please forward me a name/address. you are the GREATEST…thanks!
Jenny, you are so amazing!! I love you for doing this! Please match me with someone. I would love to help!
I would love to help.
Becky Mochaface recently posted..A Mochaface Gift Guide
I can help. If you’ve got someone in need, I’d be happy to donate a $30 Amazon gift card. Just email me and let me know what I need to do.
More and more, the blogging community has warmed my heart this season.
At the beginning of the month, I blogged about how money was tight for us this month. About how for the first time, we were really not sure how all of our bills would be paid. I was nervous about opening up, because I thought I’d get lots of nasty comments (i.e. “If you’re so broke, why did you go out to dinner last week?”, when really they didn’t know that we went out because we were using a gift card from last Christmas). On the other hand, I felt like I owed it to the people who read my blog to be honest about the fact that because we chose to do whatever it takes to have one of us stay at home with our daughter, sometimes we do without. Period.
Anyway, after I blogged about money being tight, I was *overwhelmed* by offers to help–to send old clothes. To send Christmas presents. Offers of gift cards. It was so incredibly humbling. And incredible. And it’s totally re-shaped the way that I view the blogging community.
So, I get it. And I so appreciate everything you’ve done.
Meredith recently posted..Three Things
Trying not to get all teary at work while reading this. Truly fantastic. Please sign me up to help. I’ve had $30 stashed randomly in a drawer in my bedroom for no apparent reason and now I know why I put it there. It was waiting for this. Thank you all for reminding me that true awesomeness still exists in the world.
Megs recently posted..December Crazed
Jenny, you and your readers are awesome.
I am just in awe, not only of the courage it took for people to ask for help which I still can’t do but also at the number of generous people who are so willing to help.
It’s so hard to sit back and watch people all over Facebook and Twitter talk about finishing their Christmas shopping and posting pictures of their Christmas tree while some of us sit here facing homelessness, unemployment, not having family around, not even having a tree much less any presents to put under it.
This is the last year, I think, that my daughter will still believe in Santa Claus and I hate to say it but I am almost relieved because my heart sinks when I think of how disappointed she’s going to be in him this year.
You’re a wonderful person for getting this started.
Jenny,
I’m double posting–I’ve added a post to the previous blogpost as well–but didn’t want you to miss the offer to help an additional person if you need it. Checking the email regularly in case you are sending an additional name to me. If you want to hold my offer in reserve for Monday, that works too.
Mindy
@Metamorphosteph–best wishes from Austin! I will be thinking of you on Monday and sending good vibes your way.
Lots of love to everyone xox
Tenielle recently posted..I think Im in love with the hospital
I would love to help and send a gift card or pay pal. I’ll await my instructions.
This makes my heart fill with awe for everyone’s generosity.
This is making my heart swell, and my tears fall! Jenny you started an amazing thing, and you inspire all who read this. The only time I ever feel any kind of Christmas spirit is with the kiddos and their joy. I hate Christmas, But You Miss Bloggess, YOU put some nice logs on the smoldering Christmas spirit in my heart, and for that all i can say is Thank YOU!
All of you that could donate, would donate if you could (that’s me, too) and all of you that had the courage to ask for help, YOU ALL are amazing spirits and have made me see that not all humans are evil, thank you for helping me see that humanity is not lost and when i have been beat down by the out side world, THIS My Friends will help me keep strong and going, despite what i see out there!
Much Much Much Love and Respect to ALL Of YOU! ?
Jessica recently posted..Temporomandibular Joint Disorder Or Temperament of my Jaw is Disturbing
Count me in. If you need additional donors, I will certainly find another $30.
You are the most beautiful amazing person on the planet.
Cindy recently posted..TWO STORIES AND A THANKFUL FRIDAY
I would be thrilled to help someone out -to send a gift card or whatever they need most. Please let me know.
Thanks!!
Julie
Words can’t describe how much I love and admire you for what you’ve done — and your community, too. This IS what the Christmas spirit is all about. (And I bet it takes some work on your part to do all this matching!)
Please match me up with someone on Monday. And enjoy the weekend with your Mom.
Doug and I just got some great news. I’d love to help. Hook me up with a couple of folks in need. We’ve been there. It feels good to be able to pay it forward.
Bodaciousboomer recently posted..It’s a wrap and Christmas funny 11
I was also one of the lucky recipients of gift cards from people through the post yesterday. I can’t even tell you all how much it meant to me. We all know what it feels like to literally not know how we are going to provide for our kids and I really hope I am never in this position again. I can’t wait until I can help out someone in need. A big heartfelt thank you to those who are able to donate, it really does make a huge difference!
I am just stammering over this. Words fail me.
(I would like to be matched up, please. I’ll send directly to them or through your paypal, however it shakes out easiest.)
laura @ hollywood housewife recently posted..friday links – knee high socks with boots edition
If you still have people in need, I’d love to help.
I can’t spare as much as I’d like, but you can count me in for $30.
Okay, it’s taking me this long to get my spreadsheets in order but emails are going out to donors right now. Also, we actually have more donors than people asking for help at the moment so if you’re struggling to get your kids presents please leave a comment.
I would love to help. Let me know.
Match me up please! I have a $100 gift card to Toys R Us I would really really love to give to someone in need. They can use it on-line, but I’ve been trying to deal with their website to order gifts for my kids with another gift card I have, and frankly, I can’t recommend it. I’m sure they’re a wonderful company but their website is awful, but since we don’t have a store in my town, I’m kinda screwed. All that to say, I can get it in the mail to someone, if there’s enough time before Christmas or give them the # to use on-line. I’ll have the envelope waiting for an address…
Jenny, what a gift you’re giving to so many of us. You’re wonderful. Thank you. I’m kinda dry and sarcastic but you made me cry. Thanks a lot.
So I was told about this sight by a really good friend of the family. I like a lot of others I have read about on here know that there are soooo many other people out there that are way worse off then my famliy. We have 4 kids all under 4 (oldest son is 3, middle son will be 2 the day after Christmas and we just had twins, a boy and a girl, on June 1st)! We have been able to buy a few small things for them but it has been tight. It’s been a struggle to find the money to buy the formula and diapers for the little ones. And I am stressing on what to do for my sons birthday as well. Im not big on asking for help bit honestly any help would be ever so much appreciated! I would also like to say what a bleasingthise of you who have helped are to all of those who have been on the receiving end! You have touched their lives and their hearts! God bless all of you!!
It’s hard being one who needs help instead of being able to be one of the ones who CAN help. It’s been a rough year, but this holiday season has been hardest. My husband and I have 3 children between us and he got laid off the weekend after Thanksgiving. Not only that but they stiffed him on his holiday and vacation pay. He and I will be fine, but I hate not being able to give the kids at least some sort of Christmas. We would be grateful for any kind of help, no matter how small.
And even if no one can help us, still what an amazing thing all of you are doing! What a relief to know that there are so many generous and kind people in this world. It gives me hope.
May karma smile on each and every one of you.
To those who are struggling, here’s to a better 2011 for us all!
Count me in as well. I’d love to donate $$ or a gift card, or whatever.
Jenny, I’m not asking this for myself, but for someone else. I’ve already sent them something, but this couple is desperate. They have been in the hospital (at the same time) with serious medical conditions, have lost their home and he is doing the best he can to work enough hours to keep his job until he can retire in January. (Yes, they are an older couple who have worked all their lives and helped many others along the way, I might add.) She has to drive him to work, men come and help him out of the car and into his wheelchair and she sits at a roadside park until he gets off work (so she can have access to a restroom) and then drives the distance back to their daughter’s house. Both of them are diabetics, plus several other issues and he has dialysis three times a week. They can’t even buy all the medication they need each month, nor the groceries for the special diets they have and buying gas is hard. If there is enough, would you please consider them? Thanks for doing this, this is wonderful.
Hey Jenny, I don’t have kids, but I love reading your blog! Christmas is my favorite time of year mostly because generosity seems to be in the air during this holiday. Please let me know if there is anyone who is in need and I will be happy to contribute.
I just cried.
This? Is ALL KINDS of awesome.
I can help if you have anyone else in need, Jenny…. put me on your spreadsheet and I’m ready.
Danielle Smith recently posted..Red Robin Kids’ Cook-Off
Wow, I think I just found my holiday spirit. You’re amazing, Jenny, as well as all the people who stepped up to help people in need. What a wonderful community of funny, smart and giving people!
Yep, got teary-eyed while buying a couple of Amazon gift cards. I’m so humbled to be in a position to help.
Thank you, Jenny, for taking on this amazing project. Many, many good karma points for you.
Terry recently posted..Giving thanks
You are all simply awesome…. Merry Christmas!
Good on ya gal! You have pulled off a blinder! If you would need any more donors of cash, drop me an email.
Annie (Lady M) x recently posted..Ear is nearly the winter of our discontent
I would love to help anyway that I can. I must admit that I don’t have a lot to give this year, but if somebody needs a gift in the $25 arena or you could pair me up with somebody else who is donating so that we can give a larger gift I would love to help out. Please let me know what I can do! This kind of Christmassy Goodwill To Men is my favorite part of this time of year and thank you Jenny for being the organizer of this.
Hello all. I can’t believe I am here but I really need some help. My husband is lucky and has a job but I have been staying home with our 3 children because daycare would cost more than I would bring in. We thought we had Christmas covered and would just be a week late on utilities so we bought gifts for our kids. An hour ago I received back to back phone calls from the electric and water companies that they would be shutting us off on Monday and Tuesday if I don’t come up with the minimum payments. I have no choice but to take the kids presents back this weekend and hope for cash and not store credit. If you have anything left over after helping the others my family would be so grateful. Thank you Jenny and all her wonderful donors.
When you are done with all your wonderfulness going on and have a moment, i wrote a post to you Jenny, and i hope you get to read it, thank you for everything you do for me.
Jessica recently posted..Temporomandibular Joint Disorder Or Temperament of my Jaw is Disturbing
I know you have a lot of doners right now, but if you need any more, I’d be glad to donate. Maybe someone who got a $30 gift card could use a little more. Merry Christmas!
I would be honored to help, I need a little Xmas cheer right this very minute!
If you still need donors, please e-mail me and let me know. This is so wonderful! Thanks so much for having such a great idea and for bringing it all together.
Fucking amazing.
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I WANT TO HELP!!!!! Please match me up!
Jenny, this once again proves why you’re my hero. I don’t have a paypal account, but I’d be happy to mail out a $25 gift card to a family in need. Please give me an address if you have someone.
I’m in. please match me up! xoxoxo
I have 2 family members in GREAT need this season. We are all hurting but I managed to get a loan and our Christmas is covered and the greatest news is my husband just got offered a job that starts in January. But my sister and brother are not so fortunate. My sister told her kids there is no Santa this year. My brother’s daughter is fortunately only 1 so she won’t know the difference. Normally my father helps us all out during Christmas but this year he is strapped as well. Any help for my sister and brother would be miracles. Really.
This story made me cry. People can be surprisingly fabulous! I couldnt read the comments because I didnt want to cry even more!
I would love to help someone; match me up!
Hey girl, I thought of someone else that I personally know. I sent an email because of the circumstances.
I can swoop in on Monday as a donor if needed. Or today if you have someone in need.
Me, too! I can spare $30.
My previous responses have been cached due to my blog site so I am removing it. I would love to be able to help with a gift card..please let me know if I can forward a $30 card for Amazon or Target to anyone in need. You are all absolutely incredible and have completely renewed my faith in humanity. Thank you all!
Thanks for for the good cry, and for all the laughs. Please match me up as a donor. Happy Holidays to you
Well, damnit, and I just did my “stop-oppressing-me-with-your-damn-commercial-Christian-holiday” post. Let me know where to send the money. We’re poor, but not broke, and I’m a lot less broken after reading this.
While my Christmas will be smaller this year, I am able to still get my friends and family presents (however homemade they may be!). However, I have a very close friend who is in the middle of an acrimonious divorce and is the sole provider for her two children, ages 3 and 6. While talking to her yesterday, she confided to me that she was not going to be able to purchase any Christmas gifts for them this year. I know that anything would be so helpful to her and would really make her children’s Christmas so much better!
Shit, I’m tardy for the party.
I’ll take 4 people or $120 to one person or some combination, just match me up, whenever, I’m on it.
Thanks for being a catalyst. And I don’t mean the cow kind.
I would love to help. Please match me up with someone!
Thanks for bringing some Christmas spirit into this little Jew’s life.
You are an angel, Jenny. I am inspired by you. Thank you for being you and having such a big heart and embracing the “misfit toys” of the world.
So I shut off the internet for a couple of days and come back to THIS MAGICNESS (<—- totally a word)??? I can't give a lot, but would be happy to team up with someone else to make this time of year easier for someone who needs it. Let me know. I'm struggling a bit these days, but I would love to give $10. I know, not a lot, but I figure it could go towards something bigger for a family in need. Love you, darling.
Let me know Jenny if you need more donors. I can’t do a major donation… but would be honored to give. xoxo…
I would love to assist. Let me know.
this is so beautiful! way to use your “celebrity” for real good. you’re a true angel.
please match me up.
pattypunker recently posted..freelance whales
If needed, I’d like to send a $25 giftcard to someone. It’s not much, but this outpouring of generosity makes me realize that even a little bit can make a difference, and that I’m a very lucky person.
I’m one of those souls that got matched up with one of your magical elves through Maureen, and I’m not entirely sure how I can ever say thank you. Thank you for speaking up in the first place, thank you for being so generous with your time, thank you for helping everyone, not just the souls like me who’re trying to make ends meet.
Just. Thank you.
Stephanie Johnson recently posted..Tis the Season
Hey, Jenny.
My husband & I would love the help. We have a 7 month son who isn’t going to get anything thing Christmas. My husband had to take a paycut at work & I was laid off the day after my maternity leave ended. I know he is young & doesn’t know the difference, but I’d love to be able to put at least one gift under the tree. We manage to pay all of our bills, but there is hardly a cent left.
Please pass us up if there is a family with children older than ours. We will definitely pay it forward next year. Even if we have to save our change.
Just commented elsewhere in blogsville about not feeling the Christmas spirit this year. Well, I am floating in it in now!
Money’s tight, still out of work but I can do $25 in Paypal or gift card. Thanks for the reminder. You are all magic.
I’d love to donate. Send me a match when you get back Monday.
Jenny, I just started reading your blog about a week ago, and I’m hooked. Tears are pouring down my face as I read the comments. My family would love to help- a $50 Visa gift card, just let me know the address. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Hey Jenny – It is an amazing community and thank you for the being the foundation. I said it yesterday and I will totally keep my word today – if you can match me up with someone, I’d love to help. I can only give $30 or so, but I hope that could be used towards giving some family some joy this season. We could all use it. And also damn you Jenny for making me cry two days in a row in my office!!
Would love to help! I can donate a $25 giftcard, or if the person has an Amazon wishlist, I can just make a purchase through that.
I just commented on your prior post but want to make sure I am added to your list of donors. I would love to donate $100 to someone in need this Christmas season. Times are tough out there and I tear up everytime I hear a story about some stressed out parent wondering how they’re going to make the holidays special for their kids.
And I have to say……your readers rock! Seriously guys….you are amazing, kind hearted, warm spirited individuals. I applaud you!
Sue recently posted..Once Upon A Long Time Ago
If you need more helpers, let me know. I sent a gift card last night, and then today I got a refund (!) from the cable company (!!) and in about the same amount. So I’m thinking that as long as the universe is going to keep giving me that $30, I’m going to keep giving it back.
Crap, commented on the wrong post somehow. So, that other comment… this one:
“Oh, and I also have two or three winter jackets for girls, sizes 18mos-2T, I think, and a snowsuit for 6-9mos, all in perfect condition, if anyone has a need for those!”
That belongs here.
I spent the last two months in a hospital room and then a funeral home, burying my mom at age 58. My daughter – her only granddaughter – is about to have her first christmas. We’re tight financially, even though my job pays great, because I’ve paid all her bills since I was 18 due to her health (I’m 23 now) and now her funeral expenses, credit card debt, etc, fall to me.
It’s tight – really tight – and my Husband and I aren’t doing gifts this year for each other, only for our daughter – thank goodness she’s tiny and will just be happy with the fun and excitement and the little new things to play with. We’re trying desperately to get together money to move, living where I am and seeing her room and things is killing me.
But after the depression I’ve been in since I’ve lost my mom, I think giving to someone who needs it will make me smile more than being $30 closer to my getaway. I’d love to spread some christmas cheer (and try to find my own, again). If someone needs help, I am here.
We coul really use some help this year. We’re currently 3 months behind on my car payment (got paid today, so it’s about to be 2 months behind) and my husband’s car (paid off, fortunately) just broke down – needs a new head gasket & head cylinder. We’re really struggling this year, and I’d love to be able to give my son a good Christmas. This is the first year he’s been old enough to really understand what’s going on, and I really want him to have a good one. If there are any donors left, we would really appreciate the help.
If there is still help available I would humbly ask for assistance. My husband and I are struggling ourselves with our 4 kids but my brothers 4 kids also are going without. Between the two families we have three special needs children who’s medical bills don’t allow much room to stretch for holidays. They recently moved and the kids had to leave much of their clothes and toys behind. They don’t ask for much but it would be nice to be able to help them out.
Hey there! I want to help but you forgot to leave an email address. Just leave a comment with your email address and we’ll get you all hooked up. ~Jenny
I’m actually not a part of the usual community, I’m here via @hhoagie and @wonderkiller over on Twitter — but I want to offer a $30 gift card for a family that still needs it. Match me up!
E recently posted..I remember I came up with “everything tastes better than
I already received an email from my Secret Santa. Ok, so I’m in tears now. I don’t even know what to say to thank you properly. This means more than you know. We came so close to being *homeless* last month. Homeless with an injured vet and 3 kids. I felt so alone and scared. This gift doesn’t fix all our problems, but it does help and I think more importantly, shows all of us that we’re not alone in times of despair. There ARE people who care. That’s a truly priceless gift.
(I know this is so sappy, but you made me cry first!)
From one Jenny to another – I heart you and your site! This is fabulous and so touching. I would love to help someone in need out. Please connect me I can donate a $40 gift card or transfer $ via paypal.
I just now saw this today, right now, so I’m late to the party. I could absolutely swing $50 (which isn’t much, I realize, but still), so if there is anyone still left unmatched, please feel free to match me up to them and I will happily provide a gift card or a paypal deposit.
Miss B recently posted..Quenched
I’d be honored to make a gift, just let me know.
This so awesome what you’re doing! I would love to give someone a gift card if that’s possible. Please let me know.
Marie recently posted..All That I Want
I was laid off in June and had my unemployment stopped thanks to a rule I was never informed of. My husband lost his job in October and hasn’t had been able to find anything that wouldn’t Cost him More to get to and from work than he’d make.
My in-laws did send a small box, so they will have Something… But if there is someone who would be willing to help me be able to get something for them Myself, or let them buy presents for each other, I would be So grateful. I’m pretty sure I’d cry. And I’m not a crier.
If not, if there are other people who are worse off and don’t even have a few gifts the grandparents mailed, then please help them first and we’ll be ok. But with so many people being willing to help, I thought I’d try.
Either way, I think all of you are Wonderful people. Jenny for starting this, and everyone else who ha pitched in. It’s what Christmas is Really about. You all turned a bad week into a good one just Knowing that all of you people are out there.
I don’t have the largest salary, but a family friend emailed me that she had mailed a check to my mom to deposit for me (I live abroad). I don’t know how much it’s for, but I promise the first $30 of it are for someone else. I don’t make tons of money (English teacher) but my needs are met just fine, and it will be a privilege to help. I always love doing the giving trees at church at home, and someone here is organising a toy drive for an orphanage, but I remember my dad being out of work a couple times in my life and would be glad to help the way my folks needed it. Please match me up with someone in need. I am in Russia but from the US so I think the best would be a person in the US (being in Russia and sending stuff to another country might gum up the works with a bank alert or something) and I can paypal it directly or order on behalf of someone or some electronic gift card or something. Just let me know – this is so wonderful. Never been here before, but someone posted it on facebook, and I have reposted.
Thanks a lot. I’ll be thinking of and praying for all donors and recipients, not to mention the Bloggess!, this Christmas and in the future.
It is so wonderful that you have used your position in the blogging world to help others struggling this holiday season.
Naked Girl in a Dress recently posted..Puppy-Sized Elephants and the Vlog Brothers Just Like The Bloggess- But Without Profanity and Zombies
Oops, ‘them’ being my children of course. 4 and 6 years old. Thankfully they’re used to small Christmases, just never this small.
I’m a bit late to the game today, but I’m good for $30. Let me know if you need help filling the gaps.
Hi Jenny, you are wonderful – this is wonderful – I would love to send someone a gift card if its not too late!!
The post i wrote to you, didnt show up last time.. sorry.. here it is Jenny,
http://vonellebeestine.wordpress.com/2010/12/17/this-is-gonna-get-mushy/
Jessica recently posted..This- is gonna get mushy
I am happy to pick up a gift card or two this weekend. Please let me know.
Thank you for all that you do !!
I am really late to this game but I would love to help too! I’ve never used Paypal before (gasp!) but I would be happy to send an Amazon gift card. I can only swing $30, but hopefully it will help make someone’s Christmas a little brighter.
I still believe in Santa Claus and I am 28 years old. People laugh when I tell them, but this…all of this…THIS is what Santa Claus is all about. It’s THIS feeling that is what Santa Claus really means. This is so amazing, I don’t even know what to say.
I absolutely love this. I’d also be happy to send a gift card to someone that needs it. Or cash in a paypal account.
And if someone wants to send me a real, live, unicorn- I’d love that, too. And then I’d re-gift him to someone that needs him more.
<3
Jenny, what you do is amazing. I have been afraid to ask for help with anything (ever) because I’m one of those people who takes care of things for my kids, regardless of the cost to me…but…I’m asking now…I’ve sold possessions to biy gifts only to have needs for
THAT money to arise, and I don’t want to tell my munchkins that there isn’t a Santa…
This is the most awesome thing I’ve ever read. Thanks, Jenny, for getting this started and thanks to all those who have helped others. It’s so inspiring to read this time of year. Or really, any time of year.
I would love to help but we have been pretty broke this year. Not so broke that we can’t afford a small Christmas for our family but sure wish we could help out others in need. Thank god there are others who can.
Dear Jenny,
I feel a little embarrassed to be leaving a help needed note. My husband and I are usually the ones who try to help everyone and their brother. This year has been a very trying one. I was diagnosed with a tumor (Thank the lord it is treatable) and had a slip and fall accident that has left me going through extensive medical treatments and without a job. My husband does what he can and works very hard to provide for our family. We have 4 kids who are teenagers. Only one is biologically ours and the others are kids that we take care of, but call our own. This year I know that we are not going to be able to give them a nice Christmas and still pay our bills. Even to have a small token of help would make this year a blessed year. I am praying for a blessing to all or your contributors and for your family this year for the giving that you are bestowing on so many people. God bless every person who gave and is receiving this year.
Humbly and with great thanks,
J
Seriously?! This is beyond awesome and proof of the power of social media. I love this. I’ve been feeling all grinchy this Christmas and started giving stuff away two weeks ago and it made me feel better. You are incredible. So are your fans.
Paula
paula schuck recently posted..My Christmas Card To Premier Dalton McGuinty
When I was younger my mom would always sit down and have us kids do crafts around christmas. She would then send them to family as gifts. As I grew up I realized it was less about giving them a cute and unique craft and more about giving them a meaningful gift while still spending as little money as possible. It took me a while to realize how hard it was for my mother to rais three kids by herself! Especially coming out of an abusive relationship. After 18 years of divorce we still life off of the child support cheques.
I wish I could give my mom the gift of not having to rely on child support from my father, but that might be out of my reach to obtain. I would never dream of asking for anything for me, I don’t need presents. But I would love to be able to give my mom something, anything for christmas. God knows she deserves it!
I live in Canada so it’s a little trickier, but if someone was willing to help me show my mom how much she has done for me I would be forever grateful! To everone who has given, you are rays of light making the world brighter. Thank you! And to Jenny, who inspired this, you are a whole sunshine! Thank you as well!
This has just made my holiday season, my week, my year!!! Huge thanks to all of you! The gift cards that I was sent will make a merry Christmas for my family. I hope you all know that every one of you have made a difference. And the biggest thanks to Jenny for bringing this miracle into reality.
I cried reading this post. My family is going through some tough times. Luckily, we are able to pitch in and help them, but I’m so glad to know that there are good people out there who would step in to help. Thanks for organizing this movement, Bloggess.
This is such a beautiful idea. I may be late commenting, but I have had a very tough year. I left my job to move down south to be near my only daughter whom I am incredibly close with after living apart from her for nearly 14 years. She is the amazing mother to my darling grandson and I couldn’t bear to be away from them any longer. It took years for me to take the plunge and after working a full time demanding job for 13 years I am now having a terrible time finding employment. I finally got a job and as soon as I did they cut the hours to 8 per week which is making finances extremely difficult. On top of it all I have been caring for my mother who recently had her third stroke. My daughter has helped me in so many ways, including financially until I get back on my feet, and I feel terrible that I can’t give them much of anything for Christmas this year.
I am happy to send along a gift card directly. Please let me know an address and I’ll get it in the mail!
This is exactly what Christmas is about. Thank you Jenny for using your blog as a tool for good. Wishing your family a very Merry Christmas.
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I’d like to help. I can only really afford 30$, I am a student that works part time, but I want to help!
I can donate $100 via paypal match-up or Amazon giftcard.
Gah! I have to stop coming back here! I am bawling again! lol. You guys are so amazing. For real. THIS is Christmas. THIS is what we are supposed to feel. I love it.
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I work with teachers across Texas and I have one in the Houston area that is basically homeless. His house was foreclosed on because he is a “good” guy and is making child support payments on his 3 kids, which doesn’t leave very much for him to live on. He is staying in a motel, and although he has never asked me for help, I know he needs it. I would prefer that he didn’t know I had anything to do with it, as I’m really not supposed to get involved. But if you end up with more “givers” than “receivers,” I would love for him to be able to provide some sort of Christmas for his kids. The hard part is that all I have is a work email address for him, so I don’t even know if it would be possible?
All of you are amazing. Even the grinch would have tears in his eyes after seeing the generosity displayed….
Jenny,
I’m a long-time reader but first-time commenter…sorry to lurk for so long! I’d love to help out anyone I can, so get me on the list in case anyone still needs a hand. Christmas isn’t the only time people are hurting…I would love it if people watched out for each other all year long.
All of you that are commenting on here are so very special! If everyone cared this much about everyone else, the world wouldn’t be such a scary, dark place sometimes. Hope you all have an amazing Christmas!
Love from Minnesota to all of you!!
I recieved
From: Katie
I looked through the comments on the Blogess’ post and I’m not sure if there is more than one Becka, but I hope this gives you and your family a little bit of holiday cheer. I hope that the future brings you good luck and best wishes for a brighter new year! Merry Christmas! -Katie
To Katie:
THANK YOU!! I got him a new train and some shoes for Xmas.. So he gets his “Christmas Shoes”… Sept his Xmas shoes are Paul Frank sneakers. In the end your kind heart put something from mommy under the tree. So today I had a little less worry.
I hope everyone on here who has been so giving has the best holiday ever.
If you still need help I would love to be matched up with someone. Growing up my mom was in the same position as many of these families and I would love the chance to pay forward some of the kindness of the shown to us.
Hubby and I are lucky to have made it through another round of layoffs at both jobs. I can definitely swing a $25-$30 gift card somewhere for someone who needs it. Let me know! If they’re in or around St. Louis, I’ll be happy to get one from a grocery store here.
Best thing that’s happened during Christmas for a long time! You, Jenny, and your loyal subjects are making so many dreams come true this Christmas. I am honored to be an online stalker/friend
Blessings to all of you who have helped others. I was delighted to receive a gift card from a Ms Elly Lou, for which I am so very, very grateful. On behalf of a struggling, single mom, I want to thank Elly and the hundreds of others who have chosen to share their blessings. Love to you all, at Christmas and always.
-Joanne
Jenny,
I sent you an email yesterday to say that I can help, but I guess you are on overload. I am willing to help, just let me know. This is a great thing you are doing.
We could use a little help if there is any left? We have to have our van fixed so, that we can take our four kids to visit grandparents (they only get to see them once or twice a year). We’re to the point where it’s close to either paying for the trip to see family and skimp on the gifts or get the kid’s the gifts in their letters to Santa, but not see family.
I’ve got $100 for anyone who can accept via Paypal–I’m living in Ireland so that’s probably simplest. Just hook me up with someone.
It would make my Christmas to help out. Just send me an address.
I wrote earlier saying I have a $100 gift card to give, and I keep checking my email to I can send it to someone. Jenny, I’m sure it’s so much more work than you imagined, but thank you so much. This Christmas I’m really relating to those in need so much more. I can’t complain. As a child we had very very little, but enough. As an adult, I’ve never really wanted for anything. This year has been tough. Today was the last day of school, and I had cards ready for my daughters teachers, but no gift cards to go in them, and absolutely no way to pay for them until my husband drove 25 minutes to his work, got his paycheck, drove 25 minutes back down to the bank, got money so we could get the cards (I have never been in such a position before – NO MONEY, no credit….), and he could drop them off before school got out. We’re fine, but very much living paycheck to paycheck, and Christmas is so freaking demanding financially. Next year should be much better.
I am SO HAPPY I can give something to someone really in need. It restores a tiny bit of my self-esteem right now. Thank you again. I don’t think I can come back again because I’m tired of crying
Can’t wait for your email.
I’d be happy to help if anyone flakes out or if you have new/additional needs come in. What an amazing idea to help those in need!
Curse you, Jenny the Bloggess for making me cry.
And bless you for being such a giving soul.
This makes me count my blessings – a healthy, happy family fortunate to have enough.
And bless all of your “minions” who have given from their souls. I’m only sad that, although we have enough we don’t have much to spare.
THIS is what Christmas is.
@Jessica I: if Jenny hasn’t matched you up to anyone, feel free to send me an email. I’m at mommyismoody {at} gmail {dot} com.
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I have sold many of my own possessions to make money to give my ids a Christmas this year, only to have new needs arise for THAT money (since when do seven year olds get root canals?!). I am a take care of myself kind of gal, but I don’t want to tell my sweet (and stop believing) babies that there isn’t a Santa…so I’m now asking…for a little help…every little bit matters…if it’s possible…
Hi, I happened to read this via a friend posting it on Facebook, and I would like to help. I am on a fixed income, but I can send $30 cash – just please tell me what I need to do, thanks.
This really is amazing, you have brought back something that I thought had gone the way of the dodo – kindness.
Thank you.
KMJ
Kelly Mahan Jaramillo recently posted..He Ran Into The Lake In Just his Socks and a Shirt
Thank you for putting “Don’t spam me or I will stab you.” at the end so I could stop crying.
this is so amazing and wonderful. thanks blogess, you are awesome!
Hey Jennie, you’re just… amazing. I’ve been reading your blog for a few months now, and your posts always make me laugh and sometimes cry. You’ve got an amazing heart, as do all of your followers who have commented. I am completely in awe of how wonderful you all are.
I want to help someone. I’ve been extremely lucky this year. I lost my job in April and was unemployed for for 6 months before I found something part time, using unemployment to survive until then. Now it’s Christmas, and I have been able to buy small presents for all of the people I needed to buy for.
I’ve been super selfish and haven’t really thought about others outside my bubble, but reading your posts and how amazing all of your readers are, I’ve managed to snap myself out of it.
I can’t give a whole lot, but I can definitely do a $25 gift card or paypal or a gift sent to someone. Please email me and let me know who’s in need and what I can give.
Thank you so much for reminding us what Christmas really is about. With so much love,
Chelsea
I was really really lucky to have receive from Jenny and a lovely gal named Pam. That gift enabled ME to give things to my kids and for that I am forever grateful. Thank you.
Can’t even make it through all the comments as I am totally in awe here. Don’t know how I missed the initial post, but am going to read it soon and check out Maureen’s blog, as well. Let me know how I can help. Whether it be sending a giftcard, or something electronically, I would love to help out. You are AMAZING! Everyone here is AMAZING!
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Count me in – $40. Just tell me where to send it – you are an absolute inspiration!
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I want to help. Let me know who and where. I could go up to $50.
Thanks for starting this avalanche, Jenny. You’re a peach!
Hi there! Thank you so much for doing this – I would love to help donate a $50 amazon gift certificate if you still need donors!
Jenny, I just received my Secret Santa email. Thank you. I have been in tears for a while now, and the thought of a complete stranger willing to help us make Christmas a bit more special for my one-year-old means the world to me. We have been struggling for a while now, and almost weren’t able to make rent this month, let alone water, electricity or gas… All things that have been taken care of now, thank God. My husband always tells me not to worry, that we’ll figure it out, but it’s hard when he’s the bread-winner, me being a SAHM, pregnant with our second and not able to work. This financial bind came out of nowhere, and thankfully will be over by spring, hopefully. I’ve been so ashamed of our predicament I haven’t even told my husband about the Secret Santa… perhaps I should surprise him Christmas morning?
I would love to help with a $100 gift card for a family in need. Thank you so much Jenny for this lovely opportunity to make a difference. Your blog kept me laughing in 2009 when I was out of work and now that I am working I would like to give back. Merry Christmas!!
Jenny, I only recently found your blog, and the first post I read made me laugh hysterically. This post makes me want to hug you.
If it’s not too late, I’d love to help someone out. Please let me know what I can do & for whom. Thank you!
I have $40 to share with anyone to any place I can buy a gift card. I also make weird little stuffed animals & babushka dolls if anyone has a smaller child who would like a little something handmade. Jenny, I just don’t know what to say about your generosity. You’re a blessing & an inspiration.
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My husband just got his Christmas bonus and I would feel like a selfish B for not helping. Please tell me how I can help send someone money or a gift card.
So many emails sent out. So many more to go out in the next hour. You guys are the best!
PS. Anonymous who had 4 kids and whose sibling has four kids: You didn’t leave an email address. Please come back and leave one so I can set you up. Thanks!
I’d love to help! Any gift cards in specific? Let me know what someone needs!
I’m getting here kind of late, but a friend of mine sent me this way. If it’s too late, that’s cool.
I’m 34 weeks pregnant, newly married (June 25th) and this Christmas is going to be nonexistant as far as gifts go. See.. we have insurance, problem is I’m in the middle of a 365 day maternity waiting period which means they won’t pay anything. Not regular visits (set to be around $3800 by the end of the pregnancy), not trips to the ER ($610), not the stay in labor and delivery when I went into early labor right before Thanksgiving($8,753.78), not the and not the ever looming upcoming fees associated with the delivery (Dr, Hospital, Anesthesiologist… Lord only knows how crazy that will be). I’ve been unable to work since the 19th week so we’re living off of my husband’s fast food management job (which has somehow kept us afloat, but barely). At 29 weeks when I went into early labor they put me on bed rest after finally getting contractions to stop. And now we wait…
If the pregnancy bills weren’t adding up quickly enough, add in that (after years of having no dental insurance or way to pay out of pocket for dental care) my mouth is falling apart. Literally. Two broken teeth so far and several others that are just begging to destroy me.
I don’t need a whole lot. Somehow we’ve kept the rent payed and food on the table. But when my husband told me the other day that things are so hard it doesn’t even feel like Christmas it just broke my heart. If anyone can help me give him a little bit of Christmas, they’d absolutely be our angels…
I am usually late to everything, and this is no exception. But I’m here now, and totally ready to help make some Christmas miracles come true. At any rate, this is probably cheaper than renting a Santa suit.
alonewithcats recently posted..This is sorely lacking a photo of my cats wearing Santa hats
I can’t do much ($25-30) but I’m willing to help too. Just let me know what to do.
Dear Jenny,
I regularly read your hilarious blog and when I read about how much you were helping others I was amazed. I personally do not need help this Christmas but I am writing on behalf of my mother. She is a single mother with two children still at home and she also has my sisters four children. She has spent her life helping others as a nurse but has been disabled for some time now. She has lupus, fibromyalgia and a severe back injury. Anything you could do to help her would be so appreciated.
Thank you so much for being so wonderful… you always make me smile!
Love,
Summer
I very privately did something like this a few years back for a fellow blogger. I’d asked 5 blog friends to help me give her and her kids a christmas. They, unprompted, asked a few of their friends. Before I knew it, there were something like 20 people mailing her gifts. She didn’t know it was happening until boxes started pouring it.
To date, it was the best Christmas gift I’ve ever receieved, watching that go down.
I’m glad you did this, Jenny.
After reading yesterdays post I was thinking, I’m all the way in Sydney Australia, how can I possibly send a gift card and have it arrive in time? So I didn’t.
Then I read this post and though, how can I not?
So I just purchased a $25 gift card on amazon and am very willing to pass it onto someone who needs it.
And I’m going to go out today and ‘buy’ some donations from the wishing tree or a duck or goat from the places that ‘sell’ them and include them in presents this year as well.
Thank you. Thank you for making me feel selfish about only buying one donation while Christmas shopping for my extremely large family. Honestly, this makes me want to donate more.
You should totally sell a book of the pictures (from the other blog) for this each year. I’d buy a couple.
Hey, I hate to ask this, but I need help. My Dad has walked out on us over Christmas, he won’t be here, well I say that wrong, my Mum chucked him out after finding out he had an affair and he is going to my Granny’s house over in Ireland, he is not going to come back to us. I have just come back from college and I am flat broke, I have no money to make my Mum’s and Sister’s Christmas special and believe me we all need it, honestly even just a little bit of help would be so super.
Thank you so much for the opportunity to even ask this.
Sinead
I would like to help! I’m in Canada, so it might be easiest to match me with someone else in Canada. I can give at least $30 to a store of their choice, plus someone gave me a $40 gift card that I do not need and I would like to donate that too (the store has many locations in Canada and sells housewares, clothing, toys, etc.). Thanks!
If you still need more people to donate, add me to the list please!
Add me! I want to help somebody! This is so cool. Thank you, Jenny.
I am a computer doofus and am not sure how to go about being a donor, so…can you walk me thru the process? Kthnxbye.
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I would love to help out. Just tell me what to do! I don’t have gift cards, but I do have cash.
I will help, match me up, matchmaker. I’m into horseback riding, pina coladas, gettin’ caught in the rain, and sending gift cards. Not into yoga, into champagne.
And? I love you, really. There’s a lot of love on this blog, and almost none of it is inappropriate.
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Hi Jenny,
I have been reading this blog for a while and have never posted before…but I had to tell you (and everyone else) that what you are doing is AMAZING! While I would absolutely LOVE to donate to someone, I am a young struggling single mom and student and don’t have much. But I would like to share with you what I am doing in San Jose, CA to help those less fortunate…
My 5 year old and I are going shopping for toys tomorrow to donate to our local Toys for Tots drive, she is really excited to do this, and we have already donated 5 bags of clothing/blankets/etc.
Instead of getting my hair cut and buying new work clothes, I am using that money and part of my daughters present money to buy enough food (along with my mom and a few awesome friends) to feed at least 100 of the homeless people who frequent a local park. This will be the third year that we have done this!!
Hopefully next year I will have some extra money to donate to this because it is awesome and I would love to be a part of it!
Jenny,
I am one of the grateful people one of your Angels helped thank you so very much. The smile on my little mans face Christmas morning will be because of you. Thank you.
I commented on the other post but haven’t been matched. I’ve got 2 $30 Walmart (Canada) gift cards all ready to go out if there are any Canadians still waiting.
Hi Jenny,
I can’t do much, but I can provide a Target gift card to someone in need. It’s the least I can do. Just reading all of this has restored my Christmas spirit and my faith in humanity. Let me know!
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I know I’m late to the party but if you need help, I am willing to donate. Email me and let me know.
Jenny,
I was sent to your blog by a friend of mine and I have always found you to be very whitty and amusing and at the very very least a great artist in your own right but now seeing that you are doing this as well brings warmth to my heart
I’m not much of a donator but I would love to help out in any way I can – What can I do to help?
Cheers,
Ben
Jenny,
You are one of the most incredible people. One of my friends received help from you or your readers. Her little boy will get to believe in Santa this year. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Jenny, this is amazing. I’m moved, and in a sincere way, not a sarcastic but mildly funny way.
As much as I need help (I was let go by my company when I told them I was going back to college, my car payment is three months late and may be repossessed in the not so distant future, I JUST got my gas turned back on after almost a month of cold showers, I have no idea how I’m going to pay rent in January, blah blah blah), it’s only me in this tiny apartment. Well, and the Great Dane that saved my life after I saved hers. And the tailless cat that had nowhere else to go. What I’m saying, though, is that I have no children (human children, rather). The only person relying on me is me. So if anyone would be willing to help someone more in need, maybe by offering to be a second donor if their situation is dire, that would help me immensely. That way, I would feel as though I helped, maybe even just through suggestion.
Happy days, everyone. The sun will come out tomorrow. xoxo
I would love to help! I hope I’m not too late. I don’t have a paypal account, but I can certainly do a $60 gift card… or $60 divided into different cards. Are we emailing these gift cards or mailing them?
This is all so wonderful. Thank you for making me smile!
Are there Nobel Prizes for bloggers who are absolutely brilllllliant? Look at the beauty you brought into the world these past few days!
Sent you an email, please let me know if I can help…
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This is the epitome of awesome. Count me in…I will definitely help.
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Im late in reading this and wished I had read it sooner. My family is beyond struggling ,as I know so many are. Our heat was recently shut off and we are having to make due with space heaters. I have no idea if there will be gifts for my kids…we have a 4 year old daughter and 16 year old daughter. I cry every night thinking about how sad they will be, I know times are hard for everyone,and Im ashamed and embarrassed but I would do just about anything for my kids..I am at the end of my rope and am praying for a miracle.
Maybe this is it?
With Love,Jennifer
Okay, here’s what I can do. I have money sitting on Amazon I’d like to donate. However, since I got it in a gift card, they won’t let me regift it into a gift card. I’d like to donate $30 on Amazon — I just need to know what gift and where to send. (Does that make sense?)
I love this idea & would love to donate $100 to the cause. Please let me know what to do to make it happen. Thanks so much for doing this! Merry Christmas!
Hi Jenny (and all her awesome friends!)
I can help with a donation, please let me know what’s needed. And hey, my company has a job opening on our Customer Experience team for an awesome, smart, writerly/techie type…part-time, benefits, flexible hours. Maybe someone who’s out of work would be a good fit? Please apply, we’d love to meet you! http://batchblue.com/jobs/customer-service-rep
Happy holidays everyone and best wishes to all.
What you are doing is amazing. I really could use some Christmas help this year. I wasn’t going to ask for help, but my children could really use some Christmas cheer.
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I’m just a college student, so I can’t do a lot, but I got a Christmas bonus from the thrift store I work at and could totally manage thirty bucks if you still have people looking for help. I’ll go check and see if my paypal account is still up.
This is wonderful. Please match me up with someone who needs help.
Jenny, I saw you’ve still got some to go. I’d like to get something for my friend Robyn Mervoli who has been living with her children in a shelter for a little while now. :-/ Let me know if you want her info.
Jenny, thank you so much. Every little bit helps, and this year is twice as hard. My step-daughter recently came back into our life…so instead of making Christmas morning magical for our two boys, we had to find a way to keep it alive for her as well. Such an emotional, hard year…and you have helped.
Thank you. xoxo
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I wish I could be one of the people chiming in to say that I can help. Unfortunately, my family is one of those that would be blessed to receive ANY help. My husband works full time and I work part time on the side of full-time mommying, but we’ve been living at -$7,000 a year thanks to medical debt (no savings, no credit left, no assets, no life insurance, but apparently $12 a month too much for food stamps because they don’t look at how money goes out, they only look at what comes in), and we’ve never since our son’s premature birth had more for Christmas than our hearts and charity can give us to share. The hidden blessing until now has been that our son, who has four neurological disabilities (Autism, Sensory Processing Disorder, Seasonal Affective Disorder and an as-yet-unidentified neuro-muscular disorder that apparently isn’t mild Cerebral Palsy after all), did not really understand holidays, and had no expectations to let down. This year, Ash has finally “gotten” Christmas. He’s still not a typical kid by any means, which in this case means he’s also got no reflex to get greedy around this time of year, but it breaks our hearts that he’s finally developed enough to start asking for things, and we still can’t quite do anything about most of them. We know what he’d like, and what we’d like to get him that would be good for him, therapy-wise, that he wouldn’t think of. We just can’t do anything about it yet. After years of fighting, we finally got coverage for him to have the state-formalized diagnostic evaluation that allowed us to apply for Disability for him, but that’s only just started coming this month. It’ll take us a year or two before we can pay bills AND buy groceries without worrying about being evicted.
I know there is need everywhere. We’ve quite literally survived for this long because here and there, someone has taken special note of ours. Not all are that lucky. But if there is still help left over, we would truly, truly, truly be grateful for it. Honestly, if anyone would even be willing to send USED toys or books that would suit our son, that would be fabulous. It’s more than we’d have, without it.
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I cannot afford to give my son any gifts this year, but seeing as he’s only 3 months old, I don’t think he’ll notice or mind.
You are awesome.
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You are amazing! I’d love to be a donor if you need more.
I should have added my paypal address jennifercondon87@yahoo.com…thank you im praying the amazon gift will be enough to get them one thing each and will arrive in time…i cant stop crying.
I posted a link on my blog, I really hope people see it and go here so they know about what you’re trying to do. I also retweeted you, so hopefully that will help as well.
The turn-out has been heartwarming. It definitely brought a tear to my eye.
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Such an amazing thing to do. We’ve had a tough couple of years and had lived without heating and hot water for over a year but we manage to scrimp together to have that fixed. Ive managed to win some gifts to wrap up for my children but youre truly an angel helping people like this.
I have gone summers without hot water and early springs without heat (temps can be as low as 20F in March/April where I live). This Christmas I got my daughter her Eclipse dvd and several packs of her favorite gum. I get a free ham from work so I’m good. I feel fortunate that I’m able to have those things for Christmas, and also spend this time with my family, not to mention I have a job that I love. I wish I could give to others that have less than I but I can’t. Reading this makes me feel like there is still humanity in this screwed up world of ours. You guys rock!
Jenny you are amazing as always.
For years I would go to the post office and get letters to Santa Claus to answer. For years we have done things for others who had less through non-profits that worked with people living in pay-by-the-week motels (sooo many children there). Things are tight for us due to my being sick, but we have each other (and Eustice!) and we’re very blessed.
I have a wonderful friend in OK that could really use some help… We met though a support board for the disease we both struggle with. We’ve been fortunate enough to meet in person and for years I’ve been blessed to have her as a friend. She wouldn’t take help from me (we offered to send gifts to her kids) because she knows how tight things are from us. But I know that being able to get some nice new things for her three boys and two girls would mean the world to her. I told her I was asking for her and she couldn’t stop me! Please contact me for her email address.
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I’m so touched to see such wonderful outpouring. This is the true meaning of Christmas. It restores my faith in humanity. Normally I’m a terrible Scrooge because all the grabbing makes me sad. I have a huge smile along with my tears. We don’t have the huge need of some people in here. We were blessed with our first child this summer & he is too small to understand that we don’t have a tree or gifts this year. I’m praying that next Christmas will be a better one for all. Blessings to you Bloggess & all the angels who are helping!
This phenomenon is remarkable in a lot of ways; most of all,for me, you have created and nurtured a community in which people are comfortable admitting imperfection in their lives. It is so challenging for so many people to allow themselves to be seen as they truly are, and not with a thin veneer of faux perfection. It is challenging even for me, which is why I’m still amazed that I’m about to tell all these complete strangers that I haven’t been able to buy a single gift for anyone this year.
Last Christmas, I had just found out that I was pregnant and decided to move back in with my parents. For the last 12 months, I have only been employed for about 90 days. (It’s hard to find a job when you’re visibly pregnant and they know you’ll be taking time off in the near future…) My daughter and I have been living off the generosity of my parents, and the situation is very stressful. I had so looked forward to my munchkin’s first Christmas, and now I just feel empty about it. What kind of mom can bring a child into the world and not even provide for it? (I ask myself this daily.)
She’s still so young, only 5 months, so this Christmas really isn’t for her so much as it is for me. And I know there are many people out there more deserving than I am. I just don’t want, years later when she asks about her first Christmas, to lie and tell her how wonderful it was.
Jenny: you rock my face off. In a whole lot of ways. And if there is someone out there that would help me, I know you’ll find them.
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I can’t even express the joy I feel when I read post after post of kindness. I would like to ask for help, but not for me, for my grandparents. They are 88 and 90 and two of the most giving people I know. They are losing their house this year and barely make enough money to to buy groceries. My heart breaks for them everyday, because I am not in a better position to help. The reason they’re in this position is because their kids took advantage of them. They live in a very small town and don’t have access to the internet, but they would love to get something special in the mail. No matter how small, anything would help. My grandpa is always on the lookout for a good deal! I know that this really is for children, but my grandparents have helped so many and even at 90 years old, my grandpa still works as much as he can. I’d like to be able to show them that they are loved and they are cared about. That God is watching over them and he sees all the good they do for others.
Jenny, you are amazing and all the donors that have followed in your footsteps are amazing. I haven’t felt the spirit of Christmas in a long time, but I have been so overwhelmed by reading your blog the last two days.
Merry Christmas!!!
This is absolutely heart warming, It was funny because i grew up doing things like this and the biggest joy was running up to ppls house that we bought presents for because their family couldnt afford it or their parent was in prison, knock on their door and then leave. It was the best feeling ever.
I truly wish i could give to this, but seeing that we are selling clothes, books and pretty much anything we can to pay bills this year we cant. But i will share this with people that i know would prbly love to give.
God Bless you all, and know that you will be rewarded amazingly in heaven and on earth!
Okay. This is embarrassing. It’s humbling and a little humiliating to ask for help, especially when you have always been able to provide for your family. Yet I am so grateful for what you’re doing. I stand (sit), hat in hand, asking for help. I’ve been out of work for over two years. We moved an hour away so we could have more affordable housing. We have been waiting for Friday (today) to arrive since today’s my husband’s payday so we could go Christmas shopping for my twin three year olds. Unfortunately, last night my son grabbed my husband’s glasses during a rage (he is autistic) and broke them. So, this year, instead of getting presents from Santa, my husband is getting his glasses replaced. I am so grateful for the timing (even though it kind of sucks) because he can go and get new ones, but we were thinking last night that Christmas would be very light for the kids (can’t NOT do Santa, but I was thinking I’d just get some coloring books and crayons from the dollar store).
If, you would be so kind (I’m kind of horrified I’m even asking this) to enable us to get a toy for each of our kids, I would be so so SO very grateful. So very grateful.
If it’s not to be, I can totally live with that. I feel like we’re not a priority here — we are fortunate that my husband has a job and we are able to keep a roof over our heads, but to be able to get something for my kids would be amazing. I really appreciate your time — and I really appreciate what you’ve started here.
Much <3.
God bless you, Jenny. And God bless the two kind souls who sent me gift cards. I feel so lucky and overwhelmed by the generosity of people I don’t even know.
My mother is going to be so thrilled on Christmas morning when she gets her presents. She’s really a remarkable person and I know of few people as deserving of gifts as she.
Thank you so much. Thank you a million times. I’ve never felt such heart warming love from people I don’t even know.
Merry Christmas and may all your good deeds be returned to you with interest. I vow to try and reciprocate next year.
My sister is too proud to ask for help but I am not. So I am leaving you her email address. I love my nephews and sister, much more than I can even stand anyone else in my family, and if I had a job and could give them anything, I would.
I don’t know if there’s any help left, but I know three people who deserve it very, very much.
Thanks, Jenny.
And thank you to everyone else who is able to give.
I tried posting before, but was embarrassed aout askng for help tha I used my anonymous email–only to find a few minutes later that can’t access it anymore. Now can’t find that comment, either, so maybe I am losing my mind.
If you could help us, I would be forever grateful. I hve three kids, twin 6 year old girls and a boy who just turned 13. They’re going through the wringer since their dad walked out, and what was supposed to pay for a small Christmas is now keeping food on the table til the end of the month. I found out about you when my kids’ guidance counselor told me that it was too late to get help with Christmas from any of the agencies and charities he knew. Bless you, either way.
So of course, with my heartfelt plea, I left MY email instead. I don’t celebrate Christmas, so I don’t need anything. But my family does. So here is her email, as I originally intended.
<3
My friend, Janet, sent me here. What a great thing to read!!! It’s so wonderful to see so many people willing to help others. I don’t have a lot, but I have $70 to contribute to someone who needs it. We own our own business and have four sons – times are definitely tough. But, we have enough to share. Just let me know.
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A little late to the game as I am literally just reading this now, but please email me if you still need help come Monday. I’d be happy to donate
I guess if anyone can, I will ask for help. It’s all I’ve got right now, and my only hope. Thank you.
Jenny, this is so amazing what you’re doing. You’ve got to be exhausted… if too exhausted for this request, I understand. Thanks again.
If it’s not too late my family could use some help please. Can’t find a job, 3 kids age 3,6, and 13. Anything would be so appreciated. It’s amazing to know how many good people are still out there.
Jenny, this has touched so many people, the ones giving just as much as the ones receiving.
I sent a link to this post to a few friends and family as an example of the true meaning of Christmas. My mother just called – she loved this so much that she asked me to offer a $30 gift card in her name and she will send me a check to cover the amount. So please let me know if Shirley in Des Moines, Iowa can help someone in need.
Thank you – this has done my heart good!
This is amazing. Seriously, I have tears in my eyes.
I’m not in need, but I have a good friend who’s husband was on disability for several months after his leg was broken in a car accident, and then he was far away from his kids while he was rehabilitating, and now that his doctor has given him the OK is going to ship out (he’s in the Marine Corps) in January, two days before his kids’ birthday (they have the same birthday). Their family really struggles to make ends meet on mom’s salary, and since dad couldn’t work for a while and was on inactive duty they are having a simple Christmas. I don’t have a need, but if possible, I would love to surprise my friend and her kids with something special this year.
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Words fail.
Just wanna know if Canadians can help? We can’t always buy gifts on U.S. sites when it reads the IP address as Canada. Let me know if we can work around this…
Hugs from Canada.
Is this still going on? We have never been in such need. My husband and I are living apart in separate cities while finding work and we just found out I’ve run out of unemployment insurance. I have never been I this position before and wounding when the humbling will end! Haha I have great hope for the future but have been completely caught off guard bythis season in our lives!
I think this year has been hard for a lot of people. We are definitely not in the worst shape, but we haven’t bought any presents for our 5 year old little girl, & unless something changes, we won’t be able to.
I am grateful for what we have – a roof over our heads, clothes on our backs, shoes on our feet. Groceries are slim at times, but we’ve never missed a meal.
I know my husband would be upset that I’m asking for help, so if you are able to match me with someone, I will be telling him I won a giveaway. He’s not one for handouts, even at Christmas.
As I said, we aren’t the worst off, so if there isn’t anything for us, I’ll understand. If there is, I will be sure to pay it forward once we have a few extra dollars.
Thank you so much for doing all of this. It is amazing, even if we don’t benefit.
Merry Christmas!
Unreal people in this world,My girls will now have one gift each and thats better than an empty Christmas..im thankful they will have at least a small gift to open..thank you from this grateful Mama..We all want to give them the world and I can hardly put food on the table but its something thank you thank you thank you. I am including my paypal jennifercondon87@yahoo.com..maybe just maybe I could fill my fridge this Christmas, Love to all of you..
I cried my eyes out on the kindness of others and the need of some. I wish I were able to help but I’m in need myself. The company I worked for closed down in April and part time work has been the only opportunity I’ve been able to find. I’m on four months with no electric and I’m constantly running weeks late on my rent. This if the first time that I can not provide Christmas as it is a struggle to buy every day supplies. Things have never been this bad for me and I know I have the same story that thousands of Americans are experiencing at the same time. Bless every one of you that are Angels on Earth.
I’m almost crying. But it’s from happiness so it’s A-okay.
I should be thanking all these people for giving a shitload of faith in humanity. Oh, thank you. Thank you so much.
My Fiancee and I dont have much to give, but we can help out a little bit. If you have someone who doesnt have a donor, let me know. We’ll do what we can.
Once again you’ve made me realize that humanity isnt the lost cause it usually seems like. Thank you Jenny.
This is just plain amazeballs, as is your power to mobilize, and I would love to donate. Hook me up please.
This is the true spirit of Christmas. I was so tempted to ask for help when you first posted, because this whole year has been such a struggle for myself and my two children. I’m disabled and we’re currently living in public housing…which is humiliating to me, but at least my kids have a roof over their heads. It will be a very meager Christmas but we have love and that’s all that’s truly important. You are reminding us all what the true spirit of Christmas is – generosity, kindness, and love.
Thank you for helping soooo many unfortunate people.
It is hard to ask for help, but if there are still kind people out there who want to help, I could use it. I have three boys and a Christmas shopping budget of $26. They won’t get nothing without help but it will be very tight. I’d really like to be able to get my sweet, hard working husband a present too but I don’t think the $26 will stretch that far.
If you are out of donors that is okay. This has been an amazing thing to watch.
How I’d love to be helping this year instead of feeling a bit desperate. I think my 3 year old has enough to make her eyes sparkle on Christmas morning, but I am unemployed, single mama… just went back to college this year to become an RN. I’ve had the gift/trial of surviving a critical illness and have a great deal of respect for the nurses who were so wonderful to me during that year. After working in the social services field for 20 years, I didn’t expect to be 40, laid off, returning to school, and the mother of a wonderful kid. Anyway, we are stuck for rent money for January. I am praying that my job search will pay off soon. If anyone has the ability to help a little, I would appreciate it so much. Last March I got sick again and had major surgery unexpectedly right after the holidays. I am just so scared that I’ll get sick again, this is rough going. I will pay it forward, asap! Thanks for considering it… this is a beautiful thing that is happening here. Kalli sanders.kalli@gmail.com
Please count me in to donate to someone’s PayPal account. I know it’s been said many times — this is an extraordinarily humane thing you’re doing.
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A friend shared the link to here. I have to say, these are the sort of things that restore my faith in humanity.
Even little things can make a huge difference. There was a homeless guy outside of my local supermarket for the better part of a year; he was a mechanic who’d lost his job and was stuck living in his van. I always asked if I could get him anything inside, and all he ever asked for was a small thing of milk that he could keep in the cooler in his van… just enough to have with cereal in the morning, before going out to job hunt. It was such a little thing, I figured why not? I never really thought about it in the long term.
Then one day he wasn’t there anymore. Four months later, someone calls out to me in a coffeeshop… and here’s the mechanic I’d seen before! He’d found a job and was back on his feet, and wanted to say thank you; he said that being able to have a bowl of cereal each morning meant he was able to face the job-hunt feeling more human.
That has stayed with me, even four years later.
Ever since then, any time I go shopping I’ve made a real point to ask the homeless folks outside a supermarket if there’s something I can get for them inside. Sandwich, coffee, whatever. It won’t add much to my grocery bill, but even little things like milk — or a $30 gift card for the holidays — can make a huge difference.
If you’re still matching donors up with those in need, I will happily put together a gift card to brighten someone’s holiday.
I want to help, Jenny. I love you for doing this, for making me laugh, for making me cry… I can contribute 30 bucks or so. Let me know who to send it to. Thanks.
Hey Jenn, I’ve been a commenter for a wee while (I did your Country Dancing elves of last year) and I’ve been really touched by all the comments. I feel like my heart really has grown 3-sizes and all I had to do was read your blog to achieve that.
I was in the same boat as the person from Sydney, Australia I wasn’t sure how I could help (I’m in Melbourne). However, I’m more than happy to figure out how to contribute to an Amazon Gift Card or if you know of anyone who needs help this year via PayPal let me know – I have $100 spare.
Also…I’d probably be able to send a cuddly koala to a wee kiddie too! Although…considering the late offer it may not reach the family by Christmas.
May you all have a great Christmas,
Hikeezy
I would love to help. Please let me know what is needed
I believe.
Tell me how I can help.
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Jenny,
A friend sent me your link and suggested I write… we’ve had a tough time since my beloved husband of 20 years finally passed in 2009, after 13 years of fighting the congestive heart failure, pituitary tumor/emergency brain surgery and resultant diabetes, kidney failure, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, etc….
His church buried him and we’ve yet to set a headstone.
We count our blessings, but it has been so tough on my two disabled adult stepdaughters, who suffer from closed head trauma syndrome and seizures and have no source of income save myself… neither of whom are getting adequate medical care because we just can’t afford the tests and doctors and all…. and my brave adult stepson with mild Aspereger’s syndrome, who works and pitches in as he can. I haven’t been able to renew the title or get the inspection done for the 1989 wheelchair lift equipped van… we just didn’t have the extra $120 in July. The vehicle my stepson uses needs additional repairs so it can also pass inspection and we can renew it’s tags , so it’s being driven out of legal compliance. I’ve been in the hospital myself this year, and since May have had repeated procedures for degenerative disk disease and arthritic degenerative spine stuff, operating now on less pain medicine than would make me comfortable but I have to function, I’m still paying off the deductible to the hospital but thank god for insurance… and I can’t take off 3 – 6 months for the recommended surgery because who would support the household? Every month something goes unpaid so something else can be, and so we rotate what’s behind. Sometimes it’s the choice between the utilities, medicine and food. Linda needs a new computer, one with a graphics capability, so she can put her art on line, to sell and generate some income. She is an amazing artist,,, all hand drawn… and inspired. I know we are not as bad off as a whole lot of folks, and we are grateful for that, but we are on that razor’s edge, and it won’t take much to knock us into the abyss. If anyone would consider helping us, the above email is also our paypal.
Thanks so much to Jenny and our Secret Santa Maura. I keep tearing up when I think about the amazing generosity my family has been shown. I’m so excited for Julian to wake up to a tree full of presents on Christmas morning!!
This is awesome. This is what Christmas is really about.
Signing up to help, I could do $50.
I’d like to help – we have more than we need. I can donate $ or send gifts or whatever the need is.
I am looking for help, to help 2 little girls who just went back into fostercare.They are being placed in a temp home an we are trying to put christmas together for them. They are great girls 3 an 4. If anyone would like to help us out that would be great.
nmvance5@yahoo.com
I promise I will help next year if you do this again. I am so unable financially to help this year though i wish i could. It breaks my heart i can’t help. After reading your blog my landlord and her secretary gave me a month free for christmas, since they know i am unemployed. So you ended up helping by showing. Thank you Jenny, you are the best.
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My sister has just this moment told me of this website and generosity,I don’t know if it is too late and I’m hoping its not. My wife of 15 years passed away last January leaving myself and my 15 year old daughter to pick up the pieces,we have love for one another in abundance and she honestly does not ask for anything I don’t know what could be done at this late date but we are struggling and any help would be appreciated. God bless all of you,even the very idea of this has blown me away
Are you completely exhausted, Jenny? I’ve read every word of the last two posts and comments, made my Toys for Tots donation, but I could be counted on to do more if you need me.
Becka,
I am so happy I could help you out with getting your son some “Christmas Shoes” and a train! It brought tears to my eyes reading your update and it feels nice to help out!
Merry Christmas!
Katie
Had to run my stepson to work tonight… Thank you….
WalMart gift card: $30. Paypal donation: $30. Helping someone in need renew their faith in the holiday spirit and human nature in general: priceless.
Hit me back and let me know where to send it.
God bless you: you’ve made all of us better off for having known you this Christmas.
I read your blog a lot, and this is just amazing!! I wish I was on the other end and could help someone in need. I was able to buy my kids a few presents this year, by dipping into my money I am supposed to pay daycare with, but it will be worth it to see their faces Christmas morning, as long as we don’t get kicked out of daycare, lol. This makes me believe! This is what Christmas is all about! It’s not about what you get, it’s about that feeling. Thank you for being awesome!
I’ve already surpassed my charity budget for the holidays, but I still want to help. Do you have a mom on the list who has already received help for her kids, but could use a little love for herself? I can offer up a $35 gift certificate for my etsy shop and provide some mama-pampering goodness. Please give me an email and I’ll send a gift certificate. Thank you for letting me participate! My shop is picnicbasketcrafts.etsy.com if you want to see what I have to offer so you can match me up good. (-:
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Re-posting my offer to help from the previous blog.
You are amazing!
I would love to help however I can. Thanks for bringing us all a bit closer in this great big blogosphere. I am in awe.
Your post brought tears to my eyes. My husband and I are very fortunate this season – we are both gainfully employed and live comfortably. For my husband’s present this year, we rescued a kitten. I want to help more though. I would like to offer $250 (in total) to those in need. You can decide how many families it will go to – just let me know where to send the money.
I’m willing to help and can donate a card .. Just let me know who/when. You’re amazing and inspiring!
Jenny: You’re an inspiration. While I won’t be around to make this happen on the internet community, I’ll be sure to make some sort of donation to my close-knit rural community where a lot of people are in need of assistance. Thanks for your kind heart, genorosity, and making me laugh all year long!
If there is anything extra I could use some help. My son has outgrown his infant car seat and we need to get a convertible one so he can be safely in the weight limit. We have some money set aside but it’s just not enough. I would so appreciate it. Jenny, thank you so much for starting this!
If you are still looking for people that need help, I’d like to put in a request. Several business in my town shut down in the last year. As a result, more people applied for the local charity, Shop with a Cop, then it was able to help. So my daughter’s school is collecting toys to give to some of the families who missed out being helped. I would like to help them, but we only afforded Christmas by the skin of our teeth this year. I would use any money given to contribute to these families.
I would love to help out! Just tell me who and where and I’ll be happy to do all I can!
I love you all so much.
Hello Jenny and all of you amazing and wonderful people!
I’m not asking for financial help. I am so very fortunate to have a family that will never leave me without. However, I am asking just for some words and prayers for my little family. My husband has been hit with depression really bad and he has been out of work for almost a year. He’s shipping off for the Navy in Febuary. We just got married and the thought of being without my hubby next year is heart breaking right now, (we won’t even be able to be together for our first anniversary). I recently had to switch jobs, so I’m making very little money. The total topper? Now we have to struggle on whether to put our kittty to sleep or not due to bladder problems that we just can’t afford to keep fixing.
I’ve been having to put on a brave face for my Hubby and family because I would never want them to see me down. Sometimes, it would just be wonderful to get some words of encouragement and prayers. I battle bi-polar disorder and I’ve been without health insurance for over a year, so somedays all I want to do is weep and let someone comfort me for a change. I’ll even admit that I seriously almost killed myself back in October, which my family doesn’t know. However, I have to put aside my own feelings so that I may be strong for my husband, for my kitty, (vet said that our cat is very sensitive and he feels our stress. He totally does), and for my family.
I know this is a weird request, but I figure people who read TheBloggess like I have for several years understand what I am saying. All I want for christmas this year is for a chance to put down the brave face and jokes that I make all day and to know that I’m not alone and someone out there really does understand. Some nights it all seems so overwhelming that the thought of stopping life seems better.
I feel so lame and stupid and even pathetic doing this. I just hope you guys understand.
Thank you everyone for reminding me that not everyone sucks.
-Jessica
j_fenex@yahoo.com
long time reader small time voice
while I don’t have the means to help I don’t have the need either! I have however spread the word and I hope it helps! Happy Holidays!
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I left a message on your last post not realizing you had updated (I linked from another blog) Please let me help if I can.
I have a special request, not for me, but for a fellow blogger/friend who suffered a devastating house fire this summer. Not only did she lose her home, but she lost 2 of her 5 children. I know this probably sounds like an odd request, but as this is going to be a difficult time for them financially as well as emotionally, I thought I’d take a chance at sounding odd.
I can give you additional details (her email address, the link on my blog to her story, the link to her blog, etc.) if you contact me via email.
Nothing can replace her loss, but I know a little Christmas joy would go a long way for her and her family.
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You are the best….Happy 2011 – we love you.
I just wanted to say that your last two posts have moved me to tears. It’s so easy to forget sometimes that people are capable of such grace. Thank you to the giftees and the donors for reminding me of that. And thank you, Jenny, for giving them the opportunity to do so.
Your idea and gest are incredibly admiring. Your parents should be proud.:)
Jenny: I just discovered your blog a few months ago and since then have been an avid reader. I’ve been addicted to it for your hilarity, your personality, that really comes through in your writing. But this and the previous post are unbelievable. I know it’s the people who contribute who deserve thanks as well, but you are the one who started all this and it seriously brings me to tears.
I’m not sure how the matching up is going, and there are a lot of families here in more need then I, but I have a request for my mother. It’s just me and her and has been my whole life. She’s done a wonderful job raising me but unfortunately is in a lot of debt. She would probably kill me for posting on here but she really does need help. I have a minimum wage job and always give her my paychecks to help with the bills so there’s never really money for extra things, which is not a big deal. But she has basically, single-handedly, payed my way through a private college education: taking loans, refinancing the house, cashing in her bonds – and that leaves a lot to be paid off – and I know my education to her pales in comparison but it’s hard to see her so stressed, even though she tries to hide it. Absolutely any money that is extra would make her so happy and help a lot, I know it.
And I suddenly feel the need to confess one other secret – I know she refuses to even acknowledge my birth father (who I never met, thank goodness, beacuse he abandoned her and she had me on her own) but when I was first starting college I found this letter in the trash (on the computer – beacuse my mom doesn’t understand how “permanently delete” works) titled with my name, and it was a plea to my birth father for money to help with tuition (I didn’t even know she had his address) and I know there was never any reciprocation from him. I never told anyone that. I also know she never got a dime of child support from him beacuse, she told me, if she put him down as my father, he would have been able to fight for custody and even though he didn’t want me in the first place, she didn’t want to take any chances. My mother’s love for me and her generosity overwhelms me and I am more grateful for her then anything in the world; she is my best friend.
Words cannot express the blessing you have been in my life. Even before this, you were my hero. You make me laugh every time my world gets too blue, and now you’ve saved Christmas.
I love you Jenny.
Hundreds of emails matching people have gone out so far and I have another 85 that will go through tonight. I just need to take a break to relax for a bit and then I’ll get back to work. This is taking over my whole life but it’s so worth it. More matching to come…
The winter is hard on our budget not only for the obvious reasons like heating our home and kiddos growing out of their clothes but because we make $50 too much to qualify for food stamps. My daughter has a severe heart condition and she is g-tube dependent. Our insurance pays for formula but we believe the blended diet has really kept her healthy and growing strong. I buy, prepare, cook and store her food on a shoestring budget. We qualify to get a Vitamix blender for medical reasons through their company but at $299 there is just no way we could swing it. We need a second deep freeze since her frozen foods take up at least 1/2 of our current one. We are a family of 8 doing the best we can. We never expected that we would have a special needs child but we would never have it any other way. She reminds us that time is precious and it’s all we really have. God bless.
I’m only re-posting beacuse I realized that I gave you the wrong email address a minute ago and was not sure how to go about correcting that… this is the right one….
I keep coming back here to read more comments and I end up in tears every.single.time! It just amazes me. This really restores my faith in people. I am in so much awe over how kind people can be, especially after seeing over the last 6 months just how cruel people can be. I just…. um…. wow. Ok, I’m gonna start crying again.
(I hope the people who sent us Amazon gift cards received the “thank you” messages that Amazon gave me the option of sending when I added the cards to my account! Again, thank you so much!)
Jenny, please do this again next year so that I can pay it forward and help another family the way mine was helped today.
In the spirit of this I randomly gave away a GC I’d not used to a Twitter friend after he randomly mentioned how broke he is. To do so makes me smile, it makes me happy and the saying is true – it really is better to give than receive. I only wish I had more.
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I was one of the lucky one blessed by TheBlogessClaus and her ‘elves’…..I hate to admit that I have ‘feelings’ and ‘emotions’ but I must admit, I cried tears of joy this morning when I saw the email and the gift card. I can’t tell you how much that $30 helped me get my girl Christmas presents. Some may think ‘$30..big whoop’ and let me tell you, to a mother like me and so many others, it really is a big friggin whoop and it’s a whoop that wouldn’t have happened without you. Thank you, so very much for helping me and so many others….thank you~
xoxoxoxo
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I was wondering if anyone could give me advice on trying to establish a college fund for my very best friend’s son in South Africa. I lived there for 5 years and saw this sweet boy grow into a man. He graduated from highschool with very high marks and wanted to enter college last year but the family cannot afford the fees. Many times I visited htem and they were eating tea and bread with butter. Since he couldn’t afford college he is working now as a sort of socal worker at a police station. He would be the 1st person in FOREVER in his family to go to college. His mom and sister and grandmother never finished highschool. One sister finished highschool but doesn’t want to go to college. He said he wanted to go to college to take care of his mommy.
If anyone has ideas, I’d love to hear them!!
I’m in for up to $100 if you have people who still need!
This is awesome!
Jenny, if you need another donor, please contact me. I’d be happy to help. I didn’t offer before ’cause it looked like you had a lot, but since the need keeps growing, I must step up. Thanks for all you do. I’m n ot exactly sure how to handle the transaction, but if you give me a hint, I’ll follow up.
Hey everyone just want to say thanks to the people that have done what they could to make my kids’ christmas a happy one.I still have one small problem after getting my oldest 3 the one gift they wanted a piece plus shipping and handling I still have 1 child that won’t get anything.She is 2 yrs old.If there are still any donors out there willing to donate my family just 1 more gift card.Or maybe someone that lives in Nashville,tn that has any Barney the dinosaur items and or winter clothes for 2T we would so appreciate it.I posted my story earlier today but ill write it again here.My husband was deported yesterday(I can give his info to anyone who needs it as well as the ICE deportation website so you know I am not lying.he was the only income in the home because I have health issues and was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.my kids have cried themselves to sleep everynight and we pray that one day he will come back to us.he is in honduras.they are good kids that deserve a good christmas.they are already heart broken over the fact they won’t have their daddy for christmas.I as their mother am there voice.so I am asking if there are anymore donors out there who can spare just a little more plz contact me.I will give you what ever info you need to prove that my story is legit.please help my children have a good christmas.
Thank you,
Christina pena
Chrissy572@aol.com
Hi Jenny, I can help. Thanks for reminding me what Christmas is really all about. Just let me know who and how!
This is amazing! Thank you so much for lifting spirits of humanity.
Jenny,
I am commenting not for myself but for a dear friend who I have known for over 10 years. Every month, let alone Christmas, she plays a delicate balancing act to make sure she has enough to eat. She works hard, but like so many is trapped in her place of employment passed over so many times for advancement. I myself am limited on funds this year, but sent her Christmas Cheer by way of a tin of baked goods. However if you find you can spare a gift card to help her it would be amazing, especially as she is facing a transportation issue this month which is causing a health issue. I can go into more details privately.
My friend would never think of asking for herself, but she gives everything she can to her friends. She deserves a break, even if it is just a small one so she can have an amazing Christmas dinner or get the love of her life a small gift.
To Anna Marie, Dan & Elena & of course, Jenny,
Thank you all so much from the bottom of our hearts. Christmas will be rife with joy, laughter. love and running water because of your generosity! Our early New Year’s resolution is to pay it forward. We will start on Christmas Day by volunteering at a Community Christmas Dinner. I will bus tables, the hubby will help in the kitchen and the kids will “sing for their supper” caroling throughout the tables. I know this year is going to be better, I just KNOW it!
Pretty sad when my daughter, age 20, sends her mom this link to ask for help. I’ll be alone for Christmas, and I can’t buy my 3 kids or 5 grandchildren anything for Christmas, again, this year. Nor will I be expecting anything from them either, as we are all struggling like many many others. My husband is living 30 miles away, on the streets. He, at least, will be able to have Christmas Dinner courtesy of the community. I don’t even have a car to get to town to go with him. My last bit of income will be coming in January, but I owe back taxes and may lose my house. It hasn’t always been this way. But it’s never been this lonely.
I was impressed reading the blog and posts, and I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. I know I’m way too late in asking for something for myself, or my family, but God Bless you all who have visited here.
I’ve commented on a few of your posts because you remind me so much of a hybrid of my BFF and me, it’s a little scary. Right now, I’m sitting on a mountain of overdue bills, a husband bringing in $250 or less a week working a shit job, and a 3 year old daughter who getting up every morning and asking me when Santa going to bring her her presents. I don’t have the heart to tell her that the only present “Santa” has for her is a secondhand Candy Land game that one of my friends gave me to give to her. I’m not asking for anything huge because I know there are people out there who have more debt than me, more kids than me, less food than me, but I just need a little something so my girl doesn’t think Santa didn’t bring her anything because she accidently broke the DVD player by trying to load a PB&J sandwich in it.
You deserve a break, Jenny!
First of all, I want to say that I’m officially a reader of your blog now. I’ve stopped by a few times in the past, but I never think to “follow” anyone’s blog. But you seem like an amazing person. I look forward to reading your future posts.
Second, I want to thank my donors (again!) for being so kind. I was able to get a few gifts with one card and buy essentials (toilet paper, laundry detergent, shampoo, toothpaste, etc) with the other. Those may seem like small items, but I absolutely could NOT afford them right now. This is the kind of thing that doesn’t cost a lot, but it really goes a far way in improving our life. Now I don’t have to take money away from a bill or drive with my gas light on. All thanks to the wonderful people here. THANK YOU.
I am willing to help someone in need. My husband is currently deployed and I love helping others when I know that my girls are taken care of. Please let me know. Thanks.
Hello, I was given this link by a friend and I feel so moved.. I want to help out. So if you match me to a family in need I will send a link for an amazon gift card. Thank you for this amazing opportunity.
I’m ashamed (enough that I’m not using my real name) to say that I really could use the help, although if someone else could use it more…
I have $50 to my name and I don’t get paid again until 1/4.
Your post provided money to a great new friend of mine – MaybeCrazyMama. I very much appreciate that you were able to help her out and would like to pay it forward. Please let me know if you are still in need of sponsors.
My husband is not employed, but I am, and I feel very fortunate and want to share my blessings. Please point me in the right direction to help pay your kindness forward to another family.
Daria recently posted..7 Women Share the Secrets of Executive Image
Asking for help is a very hard thing for me, but I have two daughters who keep asking me when we will have some presents under the tree. So, I am swallowing any pride I have left, and asking for help. I just want my girls to have memories of a happy Christmas, not a heartbreaking one. Thank you to Jenny and all the other angels keeping the magic alive.
Oh, and if you have any extra people that want to donate… my friend, Heather (I work with her) sewed and raffled off a handmade quilt to raise funds to cover her nephew’s deductibles. He is 15 and has a brain tumor and his mom, Heather’s sister, had to quit her job to care for him due to all his seizures.
She was able to raise $2,000 of the $3,000 he needs. It was a great fundraiser, but I didn’t have the influence to get the word out wide enough to help her quite meet her goal.
Please don’t take away from families that have kids that need Christmas. But if for some reason, you have some extra… please consider Tyler’s cause.
http://www.mominmanagement.com/1543/giving-thanks-when-you-are-a-15-year-old-with-a-brain-tumor/
http://www.scrapsoflovefortyler.blogspot.com/
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Don’t mind me. Posted on your previous entry because I am an idiot, it is late and the week has been long. This experience has been so incredibly restorative and awesome, I’m back to offer another e-giftcard. (I’ve read every. flippin’. comment. here and there. Beyond atypical: I help folks all day, like I need to fixate here? *smile* Good on ya, on all of us. Smooches to Anderson C.
I am a bit late on this train, and am not sure how to even ask…but I am a single mom of 3 daughters, trying to support them on Unemployment benefits(that are about to run out) Christmas is very small this year, only able to make it happen by asking for extensions on our utility bills. I know there are people worse off than I, but when it comes to my daughters, I felt compelled to see if there was room for one more donation. I want to be able to buy them some new clothes and shoes, as they got very little when school started, and have worn thru most of that already. I hope to be back on my feet soon, so I can pay it forward to another family in need. Happy Holidays to all
If there’s anything left, we could really use some help. I saw yesterday where you ran out, but I wasn’t sure. My husband’s driving on bald tires (past the legal limits) in this bad snow, and I’m scared to death any time he’s on the road. He says he has to drive really slow, bc his tires spin easily. They don’t plow the roads out where we live. So this Christmas it’s “Do we buy the kids gifts, or do we replace his tires?” I’m just waiting for the call that he has wrecked. We are trying to get back on our feet after I lost my job, but it always seems to be one thing after another. He’s only bringing home $220-240 a week, but he carries our health insurance. I know a lot of people have it worse than us, but in this case, it’s a safety issue. Any help would be appreciated. If it’s not possible, I totally understand.
I’d love to give money or a gift card or anything to a family in need! This is just amazing!!!
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Is it too late to ask for help? I know there are so many other things to worry about than presents, but obviously we’d like for our son to have some. I recently had to return to work after many years of staying home with our boy. My husband’s been sick for over 3 years with some unknown illness – debilitating abdominal pain, no explanations, on hard-core life-altering meds… We were living with my parents, but it’s been a year there and we drove each other crazy. Perhaps literally.
We are moving back home to San Diego to live with the hubs’ mom this weekend. They are carrying us financially until we can figure out some way to live on my measly income.
*sigh* I don’t know why I feel like I have to fight my case. We’re really fine and the boy will get some stuff from his grandma… I’ve just never had to imagine what it feels like to not buy my son a toy to put under the tree.
Hi Jenny,
I have read your blog religiously for a couple of years now, and this is the first time i have ever left any kind of comment on your blog.
Reading your latest posts literally made me cry, and if i’m honest, i’m still sobbing a bit now, because what you have done is so unbelievably touching.
When my partner was growing up he struggled for a very long time, and it really means a lot to both of us to try and help someone else struggle a bit less. I told him this story because I knew how much it would mean to him, and because I want him to know there are GOOD PEOPLE out there, like this community.
Telling him this story made his eyes get a bit watery, but he said as a man he needed to keep his emotions inside, and then made a joke about being a zombie. He’s a keeper
We just paypal’d $100 your way all the way from Australia because we wanted to help make a difference.
Thankyou for helping keep the true Spirit of Christmas alive.
Merry Christmas,
Grace and Jon
I’d like to help. Let me know how.
I’m not asking for help for myself, but for my two sisters. They are both SAHM’s and their husband/fiance are unemployed. One actually starts a job on Monday, but not soon enough for Christmas. My sister Kayla has two little boys, ages almost 2 and 9 months. My sister Erin has a little boy who is 10 months old and she is 6 months pregnant. Anything to help these little boys out would be appreciated.
I’m trying to help them myself, but I have my own two little ones to think of. They won’t know that things are tight this year because we subscribe to the 4-gift principle for Christmas (in case you don’t know: 1 gift is something to wear, 1 is something to read, another is something they need, and the last is something they want).
Thank you.
****Jenn the bloggess please read urgent***
First off I want to thank u for the gas money I have a problem though.I have been arguin with paypal now for 3 hrs.I cannot get into theaccount because my son made that account and doesn’t remember what he put in.I told them he is a minor but they refused toi let me in the account.they said you can do a reversal though.so u would have to go in take out the funds and if you could please send them back to email lynnsaavedra@ymail.com I have set up a paypal account with that address.I am so sorry for the inconvienece I had no idead he had done this.the email u originally sent it to was babyhydro99@yahoo.com you just have to do a reversal and place the funds in there.we really need this and I am so so sorry
Lynn
It won’t let me do a reversal but I went ahead and sent you money on the better account. No problem! If you don’t claim the money on the other account in 30 days it’ll be returned to me anyway. Merry Christmas! ~Jenny
May I just say, the power of people is great. I have, for a couple months, struggled to figure out how to help my friend give her kids a wonderful Christmas. With the power of this blog (which I LOVE and share daily!) and the power of amazing, giving individuals, my friend is able to give her kids a Christmas now. THANK YOU!!! Thank you Jenny, and thank you Stephanie and anonymous (and the MANY others who gave to others in need!). It seriously brings tears to my eyes to see this kind of selfless giving. Merry Christmas!!!
I cannot thank the people who helped me enough. I cannot express how grateful I am. How I love knowing that there is a community of people who can pour such love and peace into the world. Over the years I have been on the giving end- and this year on the receiving end. And honestly, they both feel pretty damn amazing.
This is an amazing reminder that the people who need help are most often in our own backyard. That the woman in the grocery store just buying eggs and milk and bread might not be doing so because she just needs to pick up a few staples, but becuse it’s all she can afford for her kids.
Santa is real. This is proof.
I’d like to contribute two Amazon gift cards or Paypal donations. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
THANK YOU!!!!!! You have really made my Christmas. I needed a smile badly, and you supplied it. Its hard for me to ask for help. Boy, did it pay off. Thanks again.
*HUGS*
We just adopted a baby. The birthmom is the sweetest woman, but is facing hard times (obviously). There is so much we would like to do for her, yet little we can actually do (legally, gifts must be limited & financially…well adoption is brutal on savages account!!). If anyone would like to help someone, she is an amazing one. Ultimate sacrifice, which both breaks my heart yet has me feeling like we won the lottery!
I hate to ask, I really do. But I’m disabled, and my SSD is currently our sole income. (My partner just got a job, but won’t be paid until the new year, and it might only be temp at that.) I don’t have any insurance, so I’ve not been able to get my medications. But the pressing thing for me is that I don’t know how we’re going to pay our power deposit, two months of power bills, and afford anything decent for Christmas dinner. I don’t need a lot; really, anything would help. I’d just like to have something beyond sandwiches for Christmas dinner.
Thank you so much, for this post at all. It’s really touching, how people are willing to help out perfect strangers. I’ll most certainly be paying it forward as soon as we’re able.
Jack & I were leaving his dad’s house this afternoon and just gearing up for an argument. My Blackberry pinged that I had an email. From my blogging account… I opened it and tears came to my eyes… Jack was so worried about me he had to pull over so I could show him the message. I literally couldn’t speak. I am so grateful!
Thank you, Jenny, for caring, thank you Anonymous Donor, and thank you Blogging Community! My heart overfloweth!
And, yes, I will pay this one forward until the day I die… Jenny: my offer stands on admin help if you want it for next year…
Dear Lesley and Jenny and all of the Christmas Angels in the Bloggessphere.
You have given more than money. Lesley, with her generousity and compassion, has given me a way to spend time with my children. She has empowered me to take them to the Store and let them chose something for themselves. I dont have to say “no, we cant afford that right now” this time. I will spend the day with my children, laughing and being silly and I will get to enjoy it without guilt, without worry about having enough money to buy groceries this week, without stress.
This gift of time and love is more wonderful than words can express.
Thank you.
From my heart (and so many others here too) Thank you!
This is beyond amazing. Seeing all this giving has truly made this a beautiful Christmas. I think it’s wonderful how many people are struggling themselves, but have been renewed in a spirit of giving and gratitude, and want to help someone else.
I’m probably coming late to the party, but if there is anyone out there who’s still looking to help, boy I sure could use it right about now.
I’ve been unemployed for just over 2 years, looking like crazy but the jobs in my area just don’t exist or the companies aren’t hiring externally. I’ve been making ends meet by unemployment, credit cards, and by liquidating my 401k. Unemployment has expired (and don’t be fooled, the ‘extension’ about to be passed in DC doesn’t actually add more payments. Those who have run out of help aren’t getting any more money. ) Over the last 3 months my financial world has absolutely crumbled around me and I’m am at my wits end about what to do about it. I’ve been making decisions about paying the electric bill or buying food and that’s totally ignoring the fact I only have a small fraction of my rent covered for January.
I have job prospects and I’ve spoken with several recruiters, even this week, but since it’s the holidays they can’t promise any hiring managers will extend interviews or make any decisions before the new year. I’m in a jobless limbo and things are looking really bleak, I don’t want to become homeless before a job comes through. The “holidays” don’t exist this year for me, at all, except as times when I *know* I’m not going to to be getting any call backs about work. There is nothing “merry” about it.
I need help, and if someone would like to give a helping hand to me to make it through the next hurdle to keep a roof over my head, it would be a Christmas Miracle.
I don’t expect anyone to help, frankly, I’ve never been one to rely on charity. I don’t want to post my paypal email publicly, but if you’d like to help please email me at rob@veovix.com and I’ll forward it to you.
Thank you.
Again, I’m absolutely in tears, and this is probably the.. what, third? Fourth time in the last couple of days? I can’t even begin to say enough about what a kickass person you are, and what kickass people you’ve attracted to your blog. It’s beautiful, absolutely beautiful. I feel really blessed to know you even online.
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OK. I’m crying. How whacked is this but how amazing are the people who are helping out? Society people. This is what it’s about. I’ll be doing my bit down under.
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I just wanted to say thank you so much to those who donated to my children! And to those have donated to all the others on here, you are all angels!! I keep sitting here thinking how nice it is to know that there still are kind-hearted souls out there! This will be something that I will forever be grateful for….! Something I will remember for the rest of my life! You have done a wonderful thing here Jenny! May all of you have a Happy Holiday season and best of wishes for the new year to come!
Hey, I would be more than happy to help. Please let me know what I need to do.
Thanks
thank you for your open heart, jenny, and for reminding us all what christmas spirit really means.
while my at-home family is doing fine (not great, but so much better than many and therefore not asking to be in the running for any of the donations), my 20-year-old son and his live-in girlfriend are struggling to get christmas gifts for their 11-month-old (my granddaughter Arianna!) and for each other. they are both fulltime college students who will not receive their next round of financial aid until almost halfway through january, so all their “extra” money had to be budgeted to cover the gap between semesters, including january’s rent. (funny how landlords who rent to students still don’t make allowances for the students’ delays in receiving money at the beginning of every.frakkin.semester. sigh.) anyway, santa will definitely be visiting them, but they would like to be able to give one another some small tokens of their commitment to their little family, too.
if a kind donor is willing to help them out, i would be so grateful and will happily supply my son’s email address upon request.
btw, they have *no* idea this movement (it is a movement, you know) is happening or that i am submitting them for consideration. and if i could afford to subsidize their gifts to one another, i would, but it’s just not in the cards this year.
thanks for considering them.
and thanks for the opportunity to be part of such a wonderful community of people. i have been reading (and sharing your blog via my facebook) for months and have commented under my real name, but to preserve my son’s privacy, i’m using a nom de plume this time. still, no matter what moniker i use, i wish you and all of us a wonderful christmas and an even better 2011.
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You are awesome. Every single person giving here is awesome. I cannot help out. I wish I could. Actuallly, I am giving only what I have this Christmas to another family who needs. But this is amazing and I wanted to tell everyone here who donated and even those who took the time to wish they could help, that you are all amazing. Seriously. Merry Christmas!
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Don’t know if you’ll find me down here at the bottom of all the comments, but if you do… I’m in for $50 – paypal or whatever is easiest. In case you don’t find me, I’ll look for other ways to carry this forward.
Ok I have read the posts so let me make the following unoriginal comments. 1) Thank you so much for doing this. 2) You are a truly amazing person.
If you have some people who are still looking for a donation, hook me up. I got it covered.
You are without a doubt the best Blogess ever!
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Always read, but have never commented – until now.
Count me in for a $35 gift card. Just hook me up with someone.
Hey, email me an address and I’ll mail a gift certificate. This is pretty freaking amazing, just for the record
Email puckgood@gmail.com .
Jenny,
I don’t know what to say. Oh, wait… yeah, I do.
I owe you my thanks. More than you’ll ever know.
(unless you read my blog post, that is.)
Happy holidays (every one of them), to you and all your readers (every one of them.)
~EdT.
EdT. recently posted..A “Christmas Miracle” shows the true meaning of social networking
Thank You Jenny, and to my (perhaps not so) Secret Santas. I don’t really have words, but you can bet if I were able to do so, You would be squished with so many hugs right now. Than You So Much.
Oh Jenny. I read this and cried. It is so beautiful. I don’t have much in the way of money, but if anyone in the OKC area needs food for Christmas diner let me know, I can help.
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Are $30 gift cards the standard? If so, count me in for three. Otherwise, I’d be happy to do two $50s for folks in greater need. This is awesome!!
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I can’t stop coming back here & reading these comments. And crying. And reading more comments. This is AMAZING. I’m honored to have been a part of it.
Incidentally, my mother has been kind of blue this December, since we don’t have any extended family left in the area to spend Christmas with (all my grandparents are gone now, so it’ll just be Mom, Dad, my sister and me this year). She’s said, on more than one occasion, that it “doesn’t feel like Christmas.” So this morning I told her about the spontaneous Secret Santa going on here. I told her I’d sent a complete stranger a gift card. I told her she’d raised me right and that THIS is Christmas. Once she stopped bawling, she agreed with me. Despite her red eyes, I think she’s a lot less upset now.
<3 Merry Christmas, y'all. <3
(Just to make it clear, my mother and I DO NOT need any donations. I just wanted to share that story.)
Hi Jenny-I just sent you an email as well, but I still want to help (from the original post), but haven’t been contacted yet. I just need two addresses to mail some $50 walmart or target giftcards to. Thank you for reminding me of the joys of giving.
Jenny, you’re obviously an angel in disguise. Thanks for reminding us that a little kindness goes a long way.
I can go for round two, so if you need another donor, count me in! Also, since you probably haven’t slept in days, if there’s anything I can do to help you out, just say the word. Santa has nothing on you…;-)
PS- Hope you, Victor, Hailey, Posey, James Garfield, Anderson Cooper, and your mom, have a wonderful Christmas!
Our family would love to help! Count us in for $50.
We have been through a very tough year in which my fiance/law partner broke his ankle, and suffered multiple surgeries and six months without working (and counting!). We were humbled and amazed when the local bar association and criminal defense lawyers’ association organized two fundraisers to help with our medical expenses (due to his life-long struggle with diabetes, we have no health insurance). We were truly inspired by the community members, former clients (most of whom we represented because they were already indigent), and fellow lawyers who donated their time and effort to help us. I would love to be able to “pay it forward” in a small way now. I cannot afford much, but I would appreciate the opportunity to send a little something to someone in more need. Thank you for organizing this.
this is awesome and amazing and i’m so impressed and proud of humanity right now! I am adding my name to the list and can do up to a $40 donation. Let me know if you need help. Happy Christmas!
I have been debating with myself about posting again. I don’t like to ask for help. I dont like to feel like I can’t do things myself. I hate being the one needing help. I always try to be the one who helps and gives unconditionally. It’s embarrassing to say I need help, but I do. Money is so tight right n
Whoops. I guess that was my daughter saying I am done. No talking myself out of it I guess. If there is still anybody left out there who is in a position to give, my family could use some help right now. If not, then I am still thankful for the people who gave to others less fortunate for christmas. Bless you and yours.
Hi, I’d love to help if you still need people. I’m in Canada but could probably send something to the States if that’s more helpful!
This is such a great thing you did! I can donate if someone is still in need.
wow. it takes a lot to make a 17yr old boy cry. THIS did just that. Mostly because i can relate to the stories of the people who need gifts. Last year was amazing for my family. we went on a mini-vacation for out Christmas but this year not so much. I am not asking for help. We still get by and still have gifts but seeing how others are excited and willing to help people in need convinced me to say THANK YOU. THIS is what Christmas is supposed to feel like, THIS is how people should act. You made my year Ms. Jenny. THANK YOU.
I’m willing to put up a $50.00 give card, email if needed. Happy Holidays to all!
Count me in for a $50 gift card, to wherever someone needs it. Jenny, I work with you at The Stir (for another month) and have loved your blog for a long time. I actually wanted to do something for someone like this this Christmas …just be Santa to someone directly and know I helped make someone’s Christmas better. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to do it.
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Jenny I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate what you have done here and how grateful I am that you found such caring people to help my mother. We are truly shocked, I knew it wasn’t a joke but I just felt like in 2010 people on the Internet do not send money to strangers. What a wonderful surprise to find that they do! Thank you so much. Thank you for helping and thank you for always making me smile. Thank you also to the people who donated to my mother and the kids, it means the world to me and them.
Love,
Summer
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I was brought up by my mother to believe that you work hard and make your own way so it’s always been really hard for me to ask for help. But having a son at 18 has shown me that sometimes you do need help. I think now is one of those times. I live in an appartment with my 7 year old son. We get by, but it can be tough. My son LOVES to read and I am so grateful for the public library, which has really allowed him to explore books. I am able to ocasionally find him a used book or two but would love to give him the oppertunity to own a new book. a luxury he has yet to enjoy. I don’t need much, but if he was able to have an Amazon or Chapters gift card for Christmas I know it would mean everything to us. I am so happy to read all the stories of kindness on here…that’s enough of a Christmas gift for me. To everyone on here, God bless!
don’t usually read your blog, but linked here from hollywood housewife. this is an amazing demonstration of human kindness. would love to be a part of it. please email me monday if you still need help. megan
I have only recently been turned on to your blog and now read religiously! You are hilarious and so entertaining, and now it seems also a philanthropist as well! It only take a small spark to ignite a flame, and your kindness is spreading like wildfire! I love this idea and would love to help by sending a gift card. Let me know, thank you and MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!
oh, this just warms my heart in all sorts of fuzzy ways. you did a really good thing here, jenny…really, really good. i know you probably already know it, but hey, one more compliment never hurts.
merry christmas!
shoppingsmycardio recently posted..dear santa…
Your initiative to help those in need has really touched me. I would love to donate!
I love this. I can give $100. Please send me the name of someone who needs it.
K
I have a $20 Bath&Body Works card to contribute…I’m sure a stressed out mom could enjoy it xoxo
Jenny, I couldn’t believe it when I got emails from two people offering me gift cards. This makes a huge difference to me, and I appreciate it (and them!) in ways I never could have thought possible. So huge thanks to you, Stephanie from Canada, and Halee. I thank you so so much. And I PROMISE I will pay it forward, and in as many ways as possible, in honor of all of you. THANK YOU!
WOW. I have been hating on Christmas for years….but reading this and seeing the response from your readership is really great. It really warmed my heart and reminded me what the holiday season is SUPPOSED to be about. Sadly, I am a super broke person right now- but I’d love to see you do this again next December when I am hoping to be in the kind of financial position to donate. Keep being awesomely funny and kind….you are inspiring so many people to do the same!
Jenny, I’m sure this has taken over your life. Thank you for still being willing to help coordinate it all. Yesterday, I just imagined all the electronic pulses zipping around the globe as a result of all of this–little lines of electronic love as the money and gifts zipped from bank to store to someone’s home. How wonderful!
I, too, have read every comment and must stop coming back! But, count me in for one more donation if you need it. I’ve taken care of the ones you’ve sent so far. Thank you again!
I received the gift cards for my family members. Thank you so much. It means the world to them and to me, knowing that the world is so full of wonderful people.
I’m number 409 above, but I’m still reading these (heart-breaking) comments. I’m addicted. If the little boy who’s never had a new book before still needs help (Jeanine’s comment number 502), I’d love to send him some books.
You rock. I just set her up with a few people who can’t wait to give her gift certificates.
~ Jenny
My friend was so overwhelmed with the generosity, she cried. Not something she does often. In the 30+ years I have known her, I have seen her do it twice, maybe three times. She was stunned at how many people out there actually still care about others and wanted me to extend the biggest THANK YOU possible. From both of us, to ALL of you, THANK YOU. For renewing our faith, restoring our hope and bringing the magic back into Christmas. And to you, Jenny—this should show you that those of us who follow you truly are your friends and you never, ever have to feel alone. I wish you all the happiest of holidays and a prosperous new year. Bless you all.
I missed out on your giftcards I have a little girl and am a single mother I dont work because Im disabled would be happy if u could tell me about any other places to get help would be awesome!!! You are totally cool for helping so many families in need… Merry Christmas and have a great New Year !!
I’ll set you up with a donor. Merry Christmas! ~ Jenny
God bless you! they are smiling in heaven today…you have reminded so many people what christmas is all about! thank you!
I can’t stop following these updates. I am very excited for everyone. I’m so happy everyone is getting help and that I may have found my own little way to get a present for my boyfriend (pawn shops might turn out to be a wonderful thing)
Once again, thank you Jenny, and thank you to everyone for getting involved!
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Thank you for all you are doing Jenny and thank you to my Santa Laura. She saved our Christmas and I will forever be grateful to her.
Please do this next year so I can help!!!!!!
As someone who is currently preparing to shuffle her kiddo around via city bus, to get a toy from Salvation Army, I say thank you. These types of stories make my heart so big, and it embodies the true meaning of Christmas. This year has been a true struggle for my family, and let me tell you all. So many families are in the same position. It was a hustle to get her into the SA this year due the overwhelming demand. I can’t wait for the time when my family is finally secure enough where I can pay it forward.
So if anyone is still looking to donate to a couple of kiddos, who’s Dad just received the last bit of unemployment he’s going to get for quite awhile, let me know. We’re still figuring out Christmas Dinner.
I have a donor who wants to help you. ~ Jenny
You are fabulous Jenny. Like glittery gleeful fabulous. Thank you for doing this, I can’t describe to you how awesome this is. But, you probably already know that
I’ve sent you an email, and if there’s anyone who still needs a little help, or anyone who may pop up, count me in!
I’m happy to help too! Just let me know what is needed!
Jenny, you are amazing. I love that you are doin this. I remember so many xmas’s when I was a kid that we had NOTHING but people in our community would always end up helping us in some way. Regardless of what we had we always did SOMETHING of service too. one year it was volunteering in the soup kitchen, another one we made quilts out of old flannel scraps for the homeless shelter, and we always always caroled to rest homes and other people who needed holiday cheer.
I Hope to be able to teach my kids this kind of selfless service. This year is ugly. my husband lost his job. our car just got repossessed, we’re going to have to borrow money to get it back out, both our accounts are more than 400 negative, and I dont know how I’m going to do xmas for the kids… but seeing this post. reading all these stories. it gives me hope. and makes me feel a little lighter. thank you for what you are doing.
I just want to say a big THANK YOU. My husband died 3 yrs ago and Christmas hasn’t been the same since. Not only did we lose a wonderful husband, father and all around great guy, but we also lost our financial security. I had always been a stay-at-home mom to our five kids, and now that is impossible, so in a sense the kids have also lost alot of me too, me being there for them after school and me being bouncy and happy. This time of year gets so hard and is so stressful with me trying to work as many extra hours as I can to try and provide a Christmas for all the kiddos. This time of year also is so painful emotionally, we really feel like a “broken” family. This helps soo much, I am so incredibly grateful to all of you, you are all touching so many lives…
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people are constantly surprising me with their generosity. constantly. people I’ve never met have been helping and supporting me and it blows me away.
I just wanted to leave a quick comment and say that I wish I could help. I don’t have kids and I don’t even celebrate Christmas. but every penny I earn these days goes to pay for my cat’s cancer treatment. yeah, cat lady. I know. but I love her and I feel like her life is in my hands. anyway, my heart goes out to those in need of help. wish my wallet could to.
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Please make me a back-up donor. You are amazing.
I hate to ask for help, but after my fiance got laid off yesterday and I got the news I have to havea hysterectomy right after Christmas and our car got wrecked in a snowstorm, I kind of have to. We had to move in with my future in-laws when I was pregnant because I was wildly I’ll and couldn’t work, and I’ve been horribly depressed since her birth in October 2009, and had to pay for my treatment out of pocket (just like we’ll have to pay for my pending surgery).
I hate sounding like a sad sack and putting my personal problems out there for everyone to read, but when we started wrapping empty boxes for the baby so she could open stuff and my sweet-hearted 11 year old said we could return his presents so she could have something (the day after we had to stand in line at the food bank with my parents), I cried. Nobody wants to be the one to tell their 11 year old who still believes in Santa that he doesn’t come for kids whose parents are broke.
Merry Christmas, and I hope Santa brings you the halo you deserve.
A little 2 year old boy named Jayden Nelson needs our help. They live in the community next to mine. He and his mom were picking up their holiday photos, beautiful photos of Jayden holding his mama’s hand, but he was getting fussy so they didn’t wait the hour for them to be printed. As she was was strapping him into his car seat a gun fight broke out, protecting the babe with her own body she was hit and killed. The confusion and pain this babe is going through breaks my heart. While no amount of money or toys will make this right , maybe it can help brighten this little boy’s christmas just a little bit. I am donating money and toys and if any one here can help i can collect items/gift cards/money or you can send checks directly to the memorial fund set up for him. Donations can be made to Farmers and Merchants Bank of Sacramento.
“The Jayden Nelson Memorial Fund”.
> Please bring or send all deposits to;
> F&M Bank
> Capital Office
> 1303 J Street
> Sacramento, Ca. 95814
If you are local, toy items are being collected until 12/26 at the following locations
Hanger 17 (Midtown)
1630 S Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 447-1717
Yunece 61 (Rosemont Are)
9657 Folsom Blvd
Sacramento, CA 95827
And if you can’t give in material ways could you please keep this babe in your heart?
Thanks for reading this hug your family tight
xoxo Kate
links to the local stories are here http://livewire.kcra.com/Event/Fatal_South_Sacramento_Shooting_Under_Investigation
This is the first Christmas in awhile that everything has been alright for us. I would love to donate if there are still people out there that need help.
Thank you Jenny, for being here.
This is so wonderful! I just started blogging a few moths ago, but now I have a goal to get enough readers so that when next Christmas comes around, I can do this myself. Thanks for being such a blessing!
Oh no… we don’t want you to have hives! Hives make for a no good horrible very bad day. Please take care of Jenny and accept help from all of the readers who have offered to help with this. (and me too… I’m more than happy to transcribe or e-mail or be your personal assistant for a few days to take off some of the stress! I can send you my resume… I have references and, true story: I could have been Monica Lewinsky! Well, maybe not, I like to pretend that I’m smarter than that. Ahem. )
Eustice says that maybe you should pet him… he says that he never gets hives because of the lanolin in his soft wool.
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What a wonderful thing!
It’s amazing what people can do.
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I’d also like to be a backup donor, please email me if anyone is in need. Thanks for the inspiration!
I received a $30 Amazon gift card from Jenny today. Jenny, thank you so much. I am beyond words. This will indeed brighten up the Christmas holidays.
I wish you all the best. I wish I could do more for you. If there ever is anything I can do for you in return, please let me know. This is wonderful what you are doing.
I’m sitting here balling. It could be because I can’t take meds since I’m nursing a newborn, or my grandpa just died this morning, or I just found out (in the same call that I was told Grandpa passed) that my 35 yr old sister has breast cancer. All the while, creditors are ringing my phone off of the hook. It’s really been a banner season for bad news… However…it’s none of those reasons… I’m crying because I was recipient of a similar kindness that you are doing here, recently. A kindness that I am used to being able to be on the giving end of. A kindness that I was humiliated to admit I needed. So much so, that I did, in fact, plan to end the “Santa” mystic for my kids. Some very kind and dear people stepped in to make sure that there would be a Santa for my kids this Christmas and, though it was so hard for me to accept, I did. I appreciate what they did more than word can say, but what they may not realize is that they saved my life. I’m ashamed to say it, but I was feeling like a complete failure at life (having to make a decision to heat a house and feed kids vs. giving them presents) and not knowing if I could go on.
Their generosity was the slap in the face that I needed- to realize it will eventually be OK, I WILL get through this, and that I have friends and family that love me and need me .
What you’re doing just reiterates to me that others also have problems, too – it’ll be OK and that people are inherently good. Thank you so much!
First of all, Fuck! I’m crying just like everyone else!
Second, while skipping presents for my toddler this year is ok (due to a plethora of doting grandparents) paying the bills is not going ok. I know it’s a late request, it took some time to swallow my pride, but if you have some left over, I would be forever grateful.
You have been an inspiration since I found your blog over a year ago!
Put my daughter and I down to help another person if they need it. I was so honored to help someone out, and my 15-year-old daughter wants to help, too – so let me know if there’s someone else we can send something to.
You – are amazing, Jenny. Thank you – so much.
O M G – brought to tears immediately! I would love to help out anyone for anything they need – I can give $100. We are so, so, so fortunate to be in a good situation right now that I feel like it is a miracle and I need to pay that miracle forward – I know there are so many in need. As a mother it breaks my heart to see other mothers suffering. So please let me know how or who I can help. This is amazing!
Hi. My mom sent me over. I am so embarassed i cant even leave my whole name… I can’t believe I am going to do this, but we could really use the help. We don’t even know how we are going to pay rent next month. We have 2 little boys and have been struggling to find jobs since I was laid off in July. Thank you for what you are doing. We don’t even know what we will have for Christmas dinner let alone gifts under the tree.
I’m coming late to the party, but if you need another donor, please contact me!
This is amazing, and I love how you’ve brought so many people together during a really rough time for many families. I was reading your post aloud to my daughter, and we’re both really moved.
Here to help if you need it
If you need more donors, I can pony up $50 for someone in need.
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Jenny,
If there is anything left… I could use some help. It’s hard to write that.
A young man named Ryan came through with such a generous gift card at Amazon that we will be able to buy a gift for a child in a shelter this year. Which we’ve always been able to do prior to Annus Horribilis.
This is an amazing, amazing thing you’ve done, Jenny—from the bottom of my heart—and to all the angels who are getting to play Santa.
Hoping against hope this single Dad could get a little help for Christmas for my daughter always expect a miracle.
I found this blog via a friend of mine on Facebook.
I’m a bit embarrassed to ask for help….but finances are looking to get really bad for me and my family in the next month or so. I’ve been unemployed/underemployed for 3 years now and it’s looking like my unemployment benefits are finally going to run out. Through some careful buying earlier in the year…I have gifts for my daughter but what I’m most worried about is keeping up with household expenses. Added to that is the complication of my husband and I separating.
If anyone wants to know more details…I’d be happy to discuss via email (weirdodragoncat@gmail.com)
I have no expectations…..I’d be happy with any help available. I’ve always tried to help people when I can…it’s not often with money…but I do what I can.
Thank you for reading.
Thank you to the generous donors and to Jenny. There are really no words to tell you what this means to me. Someday I will tell my boys about this and our family will pay it forward in honor of the kindness we have received.
OK, Jenny, hook me up again – I can give another gift card.
We’d like to send two gift cards if there’s still time. Suddenly, it feels like Christmas around here!
thank you amY!
To: “William” – it’s on its way. Hugs to you and your daughter.
I saw a post about this blog on Cafe Mom & since I’m in dire need this year I figured to give it a shot. Reading this blog has brought serious tears to my eyes (had to re-read it to by hubby cause he couldn’t understand me). My name is Stacy & I’m a mother to 3 great kids. To say the economy tanking has effected us is an understatement. In ’07, less than 1 yr. after having my daughter, we had to sell most of our stuff & move in with my mother. My husband’s home business went down the tubes & hasn’t rebounded enough for us to have Christmas this year.
Our story is very long but I’ll keep it as short as possible. My mom is disabled with Lupus, MS, Osteoporosis & Fibromyalgia & lives on disability checks. Though she’s a widow with a limited income she took us in & we now live in her 2/2 apt. We are thankful to have insurance for the kids through Medicaid & food stamps but as we all know, it doesn’t go far. We moved into a smaller apt. since the government didn’t see fit to give anyone an increase on their Social Security/disability. The little bit of money my hubby makes barely pays our bills of a van payment & storage unit with the very last of our belongings. We’ve come close many times to losing everything & have had to borrow in the past. Sadly, when we couldn’t re-pay the borrowed money fast enough we lost that option.
I’ve looked for work time & again but it is hard. I help to take care of my Mom as her health has gotten worse this year. She’s been on IV steroids twice this year due to extra weakness from her MS. She has Medicare but it only pays for so much. If we have any extra money it goes to her medical bills. One steroid she was on this year she was told would cost thousands if she had to pay for it 100% (not sure the exact amount). On top of caring for her I home school my children because we cannot afford to send them to school (both of our boys would be in school). My hubby has had a couple of jobs but they didn’t work out. He also has herniated discs in his back from a car accident in ’98 that keep him from standing or sitting for too long. During his last yearly MRI we found that his discs are so bad that he should have surgery but we haven’t the insurance to have it done. He relies on medication that doesn’t do much for his pain & stays in bed most days. It breaks my heart to see my loved ones so frail.
This year we haven’t a tree or any decorations put out & the kids know that Santa may very well not stop by because Mom & Dad can’t afford to send money to Santa for gifts. It breaks my heart beyond words. On top of our financial issues our children have outgrown their clothes & wear things that are worn & two sizes too small. I went to our local Good Will store with $20 only to realize that I couldn’t afford anything there.
This whole situation has been a major shock. I grew up & have raised my family to donate to others. It started when I was a kid. My family would donate food after hurricanes or during the holidays then we donated to Toys for Tots. After I got married for awhile my husband always thought it a waste to donate (just a poor decision on his parents’ part to not teach their kids the gift of charity) but I always told him that it made me happy & that you never know if you’ll be in that person’s position. Well, here we sit. In that person’s position. I’ve taught my children to donate their old toys & clothes to different groups be it Faith Farms, the group that helps breast cancer patients or domestic violence victims. We’ve even donated to the Salvation Army & of course to the firefighters in our city after 9/11. To not have the ability to help others also breaks my heart.
The only thing that I ask for is help with clothes for my kids. Though we live in FL we’ve had temperatures this last week in the mid-30′s. It’s hard to tell your kids that they must stay inside while their friends are outside playing because they don’t have the proper clothes to wear in even just chilly weather. My 3 kids are soon-to-be 14, 7 & 4. They are the ONLY thing keeping me going right now & I want to be able to give them some hope this year.
If anyone is willing to help then I thank you & if not then I still thank you. My oldest son wears a medium in men’s clothes, my 7 y/o wears a 7 (he’s tiny) & my 4 y/o wears a 6/6x. I will stay positive that I am one of the lucky few to be adopted & have a Christmas miracle this year. Thank you again! Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
Sincerely,
Stacy S.
Coral Springs, FL
Jenny, I’m a single mom of a preemie and last year I was touched by all the help and support I received from my community for Christmas; this year I’d like to pay it forward. I can’t really help monetarily but I can help in other ways. I have a ton of boys (some brand new) clothing size micro preemie to 12 months old. I also have a ton of toys for newborn and up that I would be willing to ship express myself. I’ve read all the comments and I would love to help Chelsea Z’s family if she is interested. I could probably get others in my family to help as well so all the little boys in her family can know the excitement of Christmas (even if they are tiny!) please let
Me know!
You’ve got me crying all over again, Jenny. : )
This is beyond beautiful. And I am thankful a million times over to you, and to all of the lovely people who are donating. I promise to pay it forward as soon as I’m able to.
This is the Christmas I will remember for the rest of my life.
You’re an angel. I’m in for $100. I’m eagerly awaiting my Christmas match!
I can’t remember the alias I used before..but although I am now humbled beyond words- I feel I can use my real name because I needed help and because of Jenny and her generous donors and one angel in particular- who I feel I must I have known in a past life or something she is so kind.. I no longer want to stab Santa Claus in the eye. My family is going to have a true Christmas. Jenny, you deserve some sort of award..a Pulitzer, the Nobel Peace Prize, something..for what you have so graciously done for so many families ..that were crying tears of sadness and are now weeping with joy. The joy that you have brought to so many children.. Jenny, the donors, everyone. I too think I have an enlarged heart now ..where there once was a lump of coal. boy that’s gonna mess up that echo I have to have here pretty soon ;p Bless you all. xxxooo
Jenny – I’m a recipient of your gift card via SueBob and I just wanted to let you know how grateful I am. I wasn’t going to be able to buy my 16 year old anything beyond some really inexpensive make up this year but now she’ll have something to unwrap on Christmas morning. It killed me a little inside to accept charity but I do plan on paying it forward as soon as I can. Thank you again. You are a lovely, lovely woman.
Jenny, and my match, Peggy,
How wonderful this is. I am so blessed to have been helped so my grandkids can have gifts from their grandma this Christmas. I cannot thank everyone enough, especially Peggy, for this truly generous gift. I find it very difficult to ask for help, and yesterday saw a Secret Santa on the news and silently wished for one for myself. The last time I asked for help on the internet (two months ago at wishuponahero) I was offered several hundred dollars to help me pay the back taxes so I wouldn’t lose my home. It turned out to be a scam involving fake money orders. Thank God I wasn’t taken in, but I was so saddened by the cruelty of that person. The generosity flowing from these posts and the kindness of these strangers coming together to help has brightened my spirit so much. Thank you so much for spreading such Hope and Joy to so many people in such hard times as these. I know we have all been blessed by the experience. I have just got to say being a part of this has removed a lot of my depression and anxiety that was building up each day as Christmas grew nearer and nearer, and I know I’ve been truly blessed this year. You folks are so awesome!
Count me in as a helper too, Jenny. You never cease to amaze me. We just got an unexpected refund in the mail so that $50 was obviously meant to go to someone who needs it more than we do. Why else would it have arrived today?
If there are still donors, my husband and I could use some help. We’ve been scrimping our money, even on gas & groceries, hoping to be able to buy presents for his parents and the siblings we each got in the drawing. Now we’re down to less than $20, and have only been able to get one present. We don’t know how to tell them, well, we bought you a present, but not you. And we hate the thought of returning the one present and just not getting any. We don’t have kids yet, but we are apart from my husband’s family this Christmas. We were supposed to spend Thanksgiving with them, but couldn’t afford the travel expenses… so we were really hoping to be able to join in on Christmas at least at a distance. And now we don’t think we can do that, not to mention not having any presents for my parents who we ARE spending Christmas with (I’m an only child, so there are no siblings). Plus, my dad’s birthday is two days before Christmas, and we can’t get anything for him for that either. So that’s our story. I know there are others out there in much more dire situations, and we don’t want to detract from their help. But if there are donors out there still looking for someone to help, we could use it. Thanks.
Jenny,
You’re amazing! I’ve been reading your blog since finding and following you on twitter over 1 ½ years ago, and I LOVE what you’re doing! I always love your posts, usually cry from laughing so hard, but this time I’m crying over the outpouring of help…and the stories of the people that need help!! I want to help, can do a gift card or PayPal for someone- please let me know!! I also have some boys clothes that my 2 sons have outgrown that are ready to be donated if that could help, too!
I so adore you people. As of right now (3pm Saturday) everyone who donated here or on the last post is matched up with donor(s) and we still have 3 people waiting in the wings to help, plus emergency people Monday in case we need back-ups. I. Am. Exhausted. Going to shower and spend time with my daughter. But if you need help or want to offer help leave a comment and I’ll see what I can do.
**fanning eyes** this is just amazing. so many wonderful people out there. we’re a family that’s not in need, but unfortunately has nothing left to give. i hope you do this again next year, Jenny! and i especially hope i can help out then!
<3 here's wishing 2011 is a blessed year for each and every one of you helping out and a bright and hopeful year for those of you in need. <3
I have never commented on one of your posts before but have been reading for quite some time… I think after this I’m going to start getting involved more with your posts; every single person here is amazing and I would feel strange not wanting to be a part! I’ve had a hard few weeks with Christmas and everything even though I’m seventeen, and this cheered me up quite a lot to see the generosity of others and the world going the way it should for once. (oh, and the don’t ask don’t tell ban being lifted in the US today made things even better, yes?)
Thank you.
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I can only say middle of a nasty divorce. 3 year old boy and 6 year old girl. I am going down fast with lawyer fees, lost job and housing from my mother-in-law (yes, I worked for her.) Any help is appreciated.
“Thank you for making me believe again.” No, thank you for starting this and helping all of us believe again. I wish I could have helped someone but things are tight here as well. Next year I’m so down though!
I just hope you know how much of an inspiration you are for everyone. ^.^
Everytime I read one of your updates and scroll through the comments it makes me cry. My husband probably thinks I’m insane…which is most likely true
I want to help too!
simply wonderful.
you’ve got my email in the comment thing, i assume. i’ll help. i’ll also need precise directions on how this paypay thing works because i’m frequently a complete technology idiot.
so email me whenever and i’ll send off $100 wherever you tell me to (and you’re the only one alive who can say that i’ve said that to her/him).
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What you have done here is awesome! Keep up the good work!
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Please put me on your standby list, you know, just in case someone doesn’t hear from a donor. Or if you discover more people who could use a little (can do a little) help, please contact me. You are stunning. People are stunning. This is kind of beyond anything. Amazing.
This is amazing! It makes me want to cry to see so many people willing to help others in need! I am a recently divorced single mother of 2 (4 and 5 yrs old), and I’ve really been struggling this year. I make around $700/month and have yet to see a penny in child support. My church stepped in and helped with some presents for the kids so thankfully Santa is delivering this year! I have been trying to find the money to get them gifts from me as well, and that’s a lot harder. I got them an MP3 player and wanted to load it up with their favorite music, but don’t have enough money for the downloads. If someone was willing to donate an itunes or rhapsody gift card, it would mean a lot.
You are the real Santa Claus.
How am I just finding out about this NOW? People are GOOD.
Add me to the list of people waiting in the wings, ready to help.
Let me know how to help. I don’t have a paypal account or even really know at all what that means, but I want to help. If anyone flakes, or you have more people requesting help that you expect, or anything, just anything, please let me know.
Super awesome post!! It made me cry.
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Please let me know if you need help. I’d be happy to contribute $100.
This is amazing. It makes my heart jump to see so many people jumping in to help. Thanks Jenny! In case anyone hadn’t heard about a dear blogger friend who is need in the Social Media community Beth aka ThePlusSizemommy.com is really struggling right now. I am doing all that I can but wanted to spread the word http://theplussizemommy.com/plussize-family/me/humbled-true-miracles-christmas-angels-social-media
Oh wow….I am so grateful for those that helped! Thank you so much! Really…..
I will do what I can to pay it forward when I have the means. Everyone pray I get a job soon so I’ll have the means!
Jenny – I’m just catching up and I am amazed what you have been able to do. I am more than willing to donate . . . just let me know!
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I was hesitant to post on here the other day, but swallowed my pride and did so. Thank you Jenny and to the generous donors who enabled me to purchase Christmas presents for my daughter. I can never thank you enough and you have turned a bleak holiday season around for me. I will definitely pay this forward when I am able to do so. Happy Holidays to everyone. There are some true Christmas angels in this community.
This is wonderful. This is Christmas. I am now crying and I am happy to know that there are still good people out there in the world.
If anyone needs a donor I would love to help. It may be small but I hope that I could help anyone.
Merry christmas to all
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If you need more donors, I’d love to be a part of this. And thank you for such a wonderful project.
If there is someone who wants to donate that you haven’t hooked up with a donor, I was wondering if you’d consider our family, My husband and I are currently grossly underemployed (one eight hour minimum wage shift each in a single week is a freaking miracle) and have most of our needs met due to the kindness of our relatives. Most of these relatives we can make something for, but there’s one special person I just can’t cover and really want to.
That person is my stepmother-in-law. My husband lost his father in February of this year, making her a widow. Despite her grief, she has been a guardian angel to our family, helping cheerfully with babysitting our daughter, making costumes and dress-up clothes and buying shoes for our daughter with money she doesn’t really have, and being much needed emotional support. Her financial situation, with my father-in-law’s death and the loss of his income, has gone from barely making it to not quite. She has a new job that should put her in a better place soon, but that has been jeopardized recently because she has had to deal with both illness and the brakes on her car going out in the past two weeks. I really want to give her something to put a smile on her face this Christmas, but every craft I know, she does better, and I don’t have the money to buy anything for her. If someone felt like donating to us, I would be able to brighten the season for someone who has brightened our life a lot. Thank you for reading this.
Damn. Now I’m crying. You’re ruining my reputation here. But thanks for putting me in touch with the family I helped. I feel overwhelming happy that I was able to do that.
Just saw this post. This is amazing… thanks for making it happen. Let me know if you need anymore donors.
What a truly wonderful world. God Bless.
Momma Cupcake recently posted..Homemade Crunch n Munch and Tassimo Giveaway!
I am not complaining….this year my wife has not been in the hospital like she was last year.
But as it stands right now we are not doing much of a Christmas with our Great Grandchildren. My wife is disabled and I am nearly out of my unemployment. I am not asking for anything, but I will be appreciative of prayers if nothing else.
Hi, my name is Corina, i have been reading your blog for a while now! And i think this is great. I am a single mother, and i lost my job about 4 months ago. I too cannot afford christmas this year! I havent been able to afford anything since i lost my job because the very little i had saved went to bills. I feel like i have ran into bad luck after bad luck after bad luck, but i hate saying anything to anyone or asking for help. I am the kind of person that loves to help others. For Thanksgiving my son and me couldnt afford a diner of any kind so we went to the local Rescue Mission and did the Thanksgiving Drumstick Dash to earn money for the mission, its also called move your feet so others can eat! We had a blast and we saw all the families we helped, that also helped him not to worry so much about us not having Thanksgiving dinner. I would give anyone the shirt off my back, i’m far from used to having to ask anyone for thiers. But here i am, I dont know what else to do, i have no family, and no friends because i spend my days and nights with my son, so i have no where else to turn for help, and i’m scared not just about Christmas but about many other bills. My refidgerator broke 3 weeks ago, i cant afford another one so we got just a few things (milk, lunchmeat, etc) and put them out side in the snow, my son doesnt understand and he is more worried that the neighborhood kids will find out that our refidgerator doesnt work and make fun of him. Our electric got turned off about a week ago and we had to spend a few nights without power or heat but we made it thru, and sadly my son wanted me to sell the DS his father got him a 4 years ago for his birthday to pay the bill but i wouldnt thats his and thats the only things his father has ever gotten him. He breaks my heart everyday, he is such a sweet sensitive kid, he is 7 years old and the love of my life, and now i couldnt buy him a christmas tree to decorate so he thinks now that we dont have a tree that Santa wont know where to find him (because its the lights on your tree that help santa know where to land) and all i can think about is having to tell him Christmas morning that Santa forgot but when he remembers (when i can come up with money) he will get your gifts. I can stop crying, and now to top all my car is going to reposesed if i cannot pay $505.84 by the end of the month! Its one thing after another. And i hate the collections department of everywhere, all while i am crying on the phone with them they act like i want to lose my car, or go with out heat, and i must be sitting on tons of money, i hate it! So here i am, asking for help! I understand if you cant help or even if you can donate 2 dollars, anything helps, everything else, but i have nothing. I know this time of year is hard on everyone and i feel horrible for asking others who are also struggling for help, but i dont know what else to do. So if after you fullfill all of your Holiday dreams if you find that you have a few extra dollars, i would owe you forever. I truly believe in karma, and i know regardless of if your able to help me or someone else or even just to say a simple prayer for me and my son that God will bless each and every one of you simply for having the kindness in your heart! Thank you so much for listening to my story, and i’m sorry for asking for help, i may not even post this, i dont know….Merry Christmas, i hope you all have an amazing New Year….and God Bless each and every one of you…
If you still need donors, count me in. I can pay for overnight shipping as well as the gift card.
If you are in need of somebody to gift to, I’d like to offer my mother as a recipient. She has recently been deemed unable to work due to her vision loss and kidney failure, and has no income while she awaits disability. She just got out of the hospital a few nights ago, and will be starting dialysis soon. If I could give her something myself, I would, but my husband just worked his last day yesterday, and I am seriously underemployed as a substitute teacher. She has worked so hard her entire life, and lost so much. Merry Christmas!
Does anybody know how many people got matched with more than one donor? I e-mailed the person Jenny sent me, but they already got something today and we want to make sure that no one’s been left out by mistake.
When the need is great Jenny matches some folks up with multiple donors.
Just sent off a $50 Target e-certificate to one of your readers and would be happy to do the same again. I don’t make a lot of money but I do have a job and some of these stories are breaking my heart. Please put me on the list as a stand-by donor.
Also, for some reason I thought you might appreciate the below. **WARNING** Not Safe For…..well, anywhere really…..seriously…..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFyoaa_zevs
jenny,
i sent an email too, but you’re probably a bit swamped right now. there’s a gift certificate waiting for you at an austin spa – you deserve something for putting this together. let me know if my email doesn’t get thru and you need the details.
cheers,
ericka
Ericka recently posted..Hungover Owls
If there is someone in Canada I could be matched up with I could do a gift card to somewhere useful as well. What your doing is amazing and beautiful.
I already commented on the other post, but I said I didn’t know who gave you my name. I found her comment as I was reading this set. Dana, thank you. Santas, thank you. Jenny, thank you. My heart is exploding with goodwill and warm fuzzies. You are all amazing, and I am so very grateful. LOVE!
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I think that this is simply amazing. Though I’m neither in dire need, or am I in any sort of position to help, I’m amazed at people who are so willing to give, and I do wish that I had the means to help. As a newly single mom, going through a hell of a time with my separation from my alcoholic husband, I know I’m not in the best position. My kids are happy, we have a roof over our heads, I have a semi-decent job and I’m fighting through the best that I can. I only hope that next year I’ll be in a better position to help someone out, maybe someone who is going through what I’m going through.
To those of you helping others in need, I commend you. I admire you all. Much love to everyone this holiday season and always.
This is amazing. I can help. If anyone still needs it I can donate $200. Let me know and happy holidays!
This is amazing. I would love to help. Hate to put more donator to donatee matching work in your lap, but I can put a $30 gift card in the mail or via PayPal.
Kate recently posted..Baby’s First Christmas Gift Ideas
You are amazing Jenny!! You helped a friend of mine (6y request of another friend) and we all can’t thank you enough. Your heart is as 6ig as the state of Texas. May6e 6igger.
Ericka! Oh my freaking God! How could I not have gotten this sooner: YOU ARE BRILLIANT FOR PAYING JENNY FORWARD. And to a spa, no less. Which she will need in spades after all this labor. Not much left in the cookie jar but, lordy, Santa Jenny deserves to receive as much as anyone. If you read this, please send me an email and let me know what’s near her home–or what she loves–so I can research more. Thank YOU for helping. Wendy (lassieandtimmy@gmail.com)
I love everyone that’s commented on this blog so much. Donating to someone who needed it brightens my holiday cheer more than anything. I’m so grateful to my parents for always teaching me to give. Even when my father was unemployed for almost two years (just found a job not to long ago, thankfully) they still helped others.
I’m in a song parody contest right now (I think I made it to round two). I was going to write my next one about Glee, but they can wait! It will definitely have to be about the Bloggess. I can’t imagine writing it about anything or anyone else.
Cheers!
Count me in!! I want to help! Let me know if you need anything!
This is amazing. I really wish I could help, but I just spent $150 to make sure I had any presents for my own children, plus $300 for heating oil and $100 on food. I hope that maybe I can help out some of the more needy next year though. All of the people helping this year are wonderful.
MamaBennie recently posted..The Shopping is Done
Can help. Will help. Too blessed not to help. Please add me to the list of those who can spread some cheer through PayPal.
This is my second post, i am sure you’re swamped with people needing help and i fear i am too late. I am desperately in need, like i explained in my last post i am a single mother, i am out of work for four months now, my son is 7 years old, my car is due to be repo’d on the 30th, my refidgerator has been broken for a few weeks now so i am using the snow to save my perishables even tho my son said the neighbor kids are picking on him for it, i couldn’t buy a christmas tree and certainly cant afford gifts for my son and hell our dinners every night have consisted of sandwhiches or hot dogs, christmas dinner is out of the question, hell i have no where to keep any foond! This is horrible and i am truly upset with myself because not only am i living in this hell, my sweet innocent loving little boy is in this! I love him more than life and i never wanted him to have to struggle and to worry if mommy has the money to give him for lunch at school. He is upset with me for not buying him a tree because Santa cant find the house without the lights from the christmas tree, so i know come christmas morning explaining santa isnt real and i couldnt get him anything because we dont have any money is going to heart breaking, more to me than him i am sure lol, but this is killing me. I have cryed my self to sleep every night since losing my job, i never wanted my son to have to live like this and to have to worry about the lights getting cut off or waking up and the heat being cut off , which has happened to us twice since losing my job, and now worrying about losing my only means of transportation, of course i can keep my car if i can pull $505.84 out of my ass and send it to welsfargo auto finance before the 30th, thats not going to happen. I did get a job offer at my interview yesterday which gave me alot of hope but it doesnt start until the 29th and if i lose my car the next day there isnt any point in taking it because as soon as i take it i will lose it, so what do i do. P.U.S.H. Pray Until Something Happens….and i hope something happens soon!!! I need help bad, but social services said i am too late to request assistance for Christmas, so here i am, my hands are tied, so here i am on the internet telling a bunch of strangers my story and begging for help… i’m ashamed and embarassed, but theres nothing else i can do…. if someone can help me at all, even if it is just with getting my son something for christmas i will be endlessly greatful and i will pay it forward everyday for the rest of my life! Any help is great!
if you want to donate to my paypal thats fine if you want to send a gift card thats fine, if you cant help, thank you regardless for all the prayers, and well wishes and for everything! You all are truly amazing! I hope i can atleast give my son 1 gift to open christmas day! Thank you for anything and everything, from the bottom of my heart i love you all for helping me and each other! I hope someone can help me, and next year when i am better off i want to help too!
This is such a wonderful project! I am amazed by the generosity and willingness of people to help strangers in need. I’ve never been one of those people who like to ask for help, or to let anyone know how badly things can be going. But, it’s like a stab in the heart when you realize you can’t provide a traditional Christmas with Christmas presents and everything for your child. I’m a single mom, as are many of the needy people on here. I’m a full-time student, and I have been caught up in an awful, bitterly evil custody battles with my ex and his new girlfriend. I’m praying that my daughter is young enough to not care, or notice, that I’m not able to give her a Christmas this year. It kills me that I’m unable to pay back my parents with any gifts to thank them for all they do for me, that I can’t pay my day-care providers. I’m not even sure where the money for the next batch of diapers will come from. There has been some good to come out of my situation this year, and I hope I can at least spread that positive part to the other downtrodden people on here. Even though you may not have money, or may not be able to buy your loved ones gifts, it has made me become a lot more creative in my gift-giving ideas. Everything now is homemade–my daughter and I are mainly drawing pictures or painting things to give to people as gifts. So, instead of being sad that I have no money this holiday season, I’ve been able to turn it into more quality time with my daughter and more personalized (albeit cheesy) cards to give to the people on my list. I just hope that she doesn’t remember this Christmas and not receiving presents, or that she remembers it as a ton of fun with her mom, and I hope that next year I will be in a position to help us out and to pay it forward to someone else…what a wonderful Christmas wish! Bless you for what you are doing, it is truly amazing–especially the vast response you’ve received from people all over! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!!
I’d like Santa to send my grand kids something … When I visited them in November, their heater was not working … They could really use a visit from Santa.
My son’s email: Fred123@epix.net
My wife lost her job and we relocated to reduce our living expenses so we could afford the college tuition not covered by loans/scholarships for our two daughters.
Corina, check Craiglist in the free section. Many people are giving away trees because they have upgraded to different ones. WalMart has live trees discounted from 10-21 dollars. If you lived in Oklahoma I’d loan you my tree. Keep the faith. It will get better. There are angels everywhere just waiting to be able to help.
This season I am trying to put on a happy face. For the past two Christmases I have lost my Dad, my childrens great grandfather and great grandmother, and my dearest friend. I have more hospital bills stacking up daily. My van broke down and my son needed prescription refills and a trip to the doctor. So what money I did have saved was gone. I decided to ask for assistance for my brothers kids mostly and maybe something for my own too. 5 boys and 3 girls. 3 of them boys have special needs. But if help runs out before it gets to my request I still say Merry Christmas and Thank You for all that you have done for so many people. You have lifted a heavy burden from them and I know it is appreciated and will always be remembered. Just reading these posts has put a smile on my face and cheered me up more than you could know.
This is the best gift I’ve ever given. Ever. Thank you Jenny!
Nicole–you are so welcome!!!!!!! Merry Christmas!!!!!
this is a very special thing your doing for ppl! i know i work my butt off just to pay my bills, sometimes it really sucks when i look at my tree and see i cant give my kids what i had as a child! you are a blessing to alot of ppl who you help! everyone needs a little help some time! if your still helping it would be awesome to help this way a little but i understand that you’ve already helped ALOT of ppl! hope you have a marry christmas!
Hi..I am the Anon who has 4 kids and who’s brother has 4 too. trbooklover@aol.com I am sorry, I thought I had put in my email address.
Hi, I am a mother of 5 young children, and I just want to say what a nice thing you guys are doing here for those in need. I know first hand what it is to struggle, and God bless you for helping others, it will come back to you x100!
This Christmas we have been blessed with help from family, so we will be ok, I just wanted to tell you that I think this is amazing!
I’m commenting again. I can’t help it. I keep reading through these and my heart just swells. I’d have to agree with the person who said “you made us believe again”. It’s easy to forget the good in people.
You better do this again next year. I’ll try and help someone out next time.
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I am just catching up with some blog reading…. and I am so overwhelmed with what your offer of some $30 gift cards had exploded into. This is truly the spirit of Christmas at work.
If you still have families needing help… please add me to your list of people able to help. What an amazing thing to be a part of!
Colleen recently posted..Picture the Holidays – Warm Glow
Wow.that’s all I can say you all are a godsend.angelS in disguise.I had so much help delivered to my inbox it was wonderful.my kids are going to have a great christmas because of all of you.I also ended up donating to a friend of mine 50 I gift cards because I had gotten what my kids really wanted and wanted someone else to have as well she has 4 kids as well.single mother she works full time and doesn’t get any government help at all.she doesn’t have a computer so I am posting for her.if there is still any help that can be given at all if not she appreciates the 50 that was donated to me that I was able to send to her.thank you so much.I will hopefully get to be a donor next year.and jenn you have gotten a new reader on my end your wonderful.and all of you angels out there who have helped thank you so much.OH just wanted to inform the target e gift cards cannot be used for some reason.I have a 30 dollar card I cannot use the website won’t let me for some reason.pls if anyone can help another mother of 4 let me know so I can get the help to her.thank you
Christina pena
pls only send gift cards she is not in need of cash
3 little girls and one little boy in need please email me when u can
Christina
I’ve never used an E-gift card before with Target but I can try and help. I can’t find much info on the gift cards (there’s no FAQ for them on Target.com). When you were purchasing how far did you get in the process? Is the redeem code working?
Caitlin recently posted..Holy crap I havent posted in more than a month but this is what Ive been waiting for spread some Christmas cheer!
Christina
I don’t know if you entered your credit or debit card information. Apparently you have to even if you’re using a gift card or e-gift card. Just in case your order is over the amount on the gift card. Target takes the amount off the gift card first, and won’t charge YOUR credit card unless you go over the amount. I guess just extra security on their end.
Info here: http://tinyurl.com/28kol3p
But if you did that too and it still won’t work I’d call customer service. I’m sure the card works, and there’s some small problem customer service will be able to help you fix!
Caitlin recently posted..Holy crap I havent posted in more than a month but this is what Ive been waiting for spread some Christmas cheer!
I want to help!!! Please match me with someone or let me know what I can do to get someone less fortunate a better holiday. I have been blessed with a healthy family, a beautiful home and a job I love. I want to help someone else have at least a little bit of what I have been blessed with. Thank you so for doing this!!!
I am really late to this but I am hoping someone will still want to help. I am a single father to my 2 daughters 6 and 8. Their mom developed a prescription drug problem after a surgery and walked out on us after pawning most of our belongings and cleaning out our savings in October. The girls are confused and upset by all of this and really need a good Christmas. I wish I could give them more but all I can put under our tree is a few dollar store coloring books. If anyone can spare a gift card or two I would be very grateful. Thanks for listening and Merry Christmas to all.
I just wanted to thank Wendy and Beth for sending my boys a smile…and to thank everyone here for giving to so many others…we have nothing…I have nothing with which to return the favor except for a novel I wrote…a book I have published…I would like to offer a free copy to each and everyone who has helped and to all of those who might want to offer it as a gift to someone else…that is if I may…if it is alright…Grab a FREE E-Copy of ‘Where the Sun Sets’ @ smashwords.com…enter coupon code SY34P at checkout…Expires:January 31, 2011…Happy Holidays !!!
This is amazing. You are amazing. These people are amazing.
PS I totally cried like a baby reading this.
Virginia recently posted..Winter
This past year has been so difficult. I went through several jobs and had to reach out for help many times. By the grace of God I kept a roof over my head and food in the cupboards. I had to stand in line and basically beg for the help of a local nonprofit organization for my rent money one month. But you know what, they came through. The last few months found me with stable work and enough income to cover everything — its been such a blessing. I would like to pay forward the kindness shown to me as I understand how dire things can be. Please let me know if money/giftcards are still needed. I still have a little left in my Christmas budget and would like to help. Thank you.
Erika!!!! You’ve done a wonderful thing! I’ve been thinking about Jenny and her hives off and on all day (I get hives sometimes too and I. HATE. THEM.) Bless you!
Eustice The Sheep recently posted..Where Crayzee is Mainstream
Jenny – I just want to thank you so much. We were out today shopping. I hate shopping. I was looking for gifts for people who really need nor want anything. It seemed so silly. And, it put me in a really crappy mood. When we got home after purchasing nothing, I was thrilled to find your email and instructions and to send a gift certificate to “my person.” It was the best I’ve felt in weeks and weeks!!! THANK YOU.
I’ve been thinking all evening, and if it’s okay with you, I’m going to start giving my parents the “best gift they never received.” I’m hoping you don’t mind because I’m going to put it on my blog (giving you due credit, of course) and, though my readership is small, maybe more people will be helped. And, who knows, the more people who see this kind of thing will adopt it as a holiday tradition?
You’ve done a wonderful thing and I’m thrilled to have played a small role. Tell your parents Merry Christmas! They should be incredibly proud of you (and themselves, they did something right!)
Thanks for making my Christmas.
Amy
Amy recently posted..Harry Potter Memories
Thank you Jenny for sending Alice, my angel, to me! You have taken the seemingly impossible and tackled it head on in a way only you could do. Thank you both for making the holidays bright and beautiful for my two little girls!
hey, jenny. i know i’m really late to this game, but if you need a monday morning “swooper,” i’d be happy to help.
Ali recently posted..Moving Update- Peaceful
i am catching this thread very late, but if your head is not overwhelmed yet, i would love to donate $100 to someone in need. Paypal is easy for me, but please let me know what’s easiest for you at this point.
I am available to send whatever is needed…. you are wonderful for reminding folks what the christmas spirit is all about. thank you for taking the time to extend yourself.
i hope you have a wonderful and happy holiday season.
oh.. i am also a jeweler and would be happy to donate a few pieces to the moms who are only looking to buy for their children. moms need something to open as well….
samantha june recently posted..expect the UnExpected
I needed to make sure my paycheck was deposited before I could offer – If you need any more donations, I’m good for $30 or so. This is just fantastic Jenny!
Just when I was starting to hate this Christmas, I read your blog and the world is a better place again. This has been a hard year for my family, but not so hard that we can’t help another family in need. If you still need some helpers let me know. I can donate a gift card if you have more people ask for help or if anyone flakes out on their gift.
Merry Christmas!
I just want to say thank you so very much, Jenny, and “A family”. Your generosity is truly overwhelming. I am so grateful and appreciative of the gift that I was given. I hope to be able to repay this kindness someday soon to someone else in need. The joy and spirit of giving is alive and well this holiday season and it’s totally moved me to tears. Thank you again!
Jenny,
Amazing. Inspiring.
Count me in, send me the details on how to pitch in. Hope I’m not too late.
And thanks…
T.M.
T.M. Camp recently posted..Reporting from the Robot Wars
This has really brought my spirits up. I was able to donate a bit, and I cant believe how much it has raised my Christmas cheer. We took our 3 year old to drive around and look at Christmas lights tonight and were all having a great time, when my husband said “you’ve really been a grinch the last few years, but this year you’re all into Christmas” and it’s all because of you, Jenny, and how you’ve opened my eyes to the fact that not everyone in the world is a selfish jackhole. Thank you and God bless.
Oh Jenny,
He Who Loves All Things Wicked and I were just discussing the fact we felt a little strange about how fortunate we have been this year when it has been so hard for so many. PLEASE let me know if there is anyone left unmatched or anyone flakes. We would be thrilled to help!
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Since you seem to have a large number of Givers yet I thought I’d ask…
My husband has worked so hard this year. He has back problems and has been working right through them to take care of our family. We have been able to get a few things for our children. He always works so hard to take care of us, but this year has been our hardest on him. I would love to be able to surprise him with something from the kids and I this year. Even if it’s something we get him Late and surprise him as an after Christmas gift. I know nothing will show quite how much we love and appreciate him, but I would like to try to give him Something if someone out there is willing to help us.
You are the best Jenny. I know God has a special place for people like you. The ones who can reach so many people and use that to bring so many together to help others. Even if you can’t help us with this, I still want you to know that I love you for doing this for so many people this year.
I want to thank Mir for her phenomenal generosity.
One of my kids is an artist (if he knew about berets, he’d be wearing one). I ordered water colored pencils for him, as well as a clutch of “doodle” books. Coloring books aren’t where it is at, for us, but these are different. They give starting off points from which to draw–which is perfect for him as he lacks the kind of confidence to just do “anything.” With good prompts, though…. I’m just so happy imaging the fun he is going to have:-)
Books! I ordered books! Emily WIndsnap and Little House and, umm, the name escapes me! And Legos! I’m going to be cursing in the dark after stepping on lots of those suckers! And my daughter is getting a nerf gun! There will be mayhem Christmas morning. Happy, happy, mayhem.
Jenny, and Mir, and every single one of you wonderful people, you’ve given me the best Christmas I think I will ever have. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
I now have a grand total of 95 in my paypal account I am still a little short on a bus ticket to see my son.if anyone can help with just a tab bit more it would so be appreciated.
Thank you
Lynn
Lynnsaavedra@ymail.com on paypal
i offered earlier today to be a backup for monday… but i’ve been following this thread, and it seems that there are plenty of people who can use the help before then. please match me with someone in need! i can send a gift card, pay pal, or specific gifts – whatever is needed most. i’ve been very blessed and would love to make a difference in a family’s christmas. again, this is amazing and you are amazing.
If you can find a way to help one more, my family could use it. Our car broke down this morning and it will take the Christmas budget to fix it. We sat our two boys down and told them there will be no presents. Their reply was that’s ok mom Santa will still bring us something. This is soul crushing for us. Please help those in desperate need first. We have a roof over our heads, pleanty to eat and warm clothes to wear but if there is anything left over to keep the magic of Santa alive for a little longer we would be so thankful. ~Kate and Rob
I am way late on this and I don’t have a lot to offer but if there is anyone left who needs a gift card, money sent to paypal, or a toy or something for their child, please let me know. I would love to help!
Please let me know if you still have a family that needs help.
Hi Jenny,
Thank you for matching me up with someone – it made my whole holiday season. And I hate the holiday season, lol!
Please put me on standby for any latecomers – I can manage one more gift card.
You are all JUST. AWESOME!!!
KMJ
Kelly Mahan Jaramillo recently posted..He Ran Into The Lake In Just his Socks and a Shirt
This is so amazing and touching, now I’m crying. Thank you.
Thank you to Becky for the Amazon card! It helped so much. This really renews my faith in humankind. Thank you all and Merry Christmas!!
Hi. So. We are one of the millions of families who weren’t going to have money for Christmas this year. I started furiously knitting fun toys for the kids, but still felt terrible. Little did I remember that I had signed my kids up for the Angel Tree here in my town about two months ago. My husband also got brave and entered our names in The Reddit Angel Tree. Then we got gift cards from two anon people who knew our plight this year.
We received from the Angel Trees this weekend, and used the two gifted visa cards for a few more small things for our kiddos and wrapping paper. I just wanted to cry because, honestly? Since I’ve became a mom five years ago, I have never seen people be so generous or kind hearted. I am so thankful to have gifts under our tree for our kiddos this year, you can’t even imagine.
So….Thank you for doing this for people too. Thank you for having a real spirit of kindness. I can’t still quite grasp that people actually stood up and said “I will help you” to us this year when we’ve been in soul crunching poverty for so long. I am so happy that other people are being helped too.
And . . . I can’t wait for the day when I can stand among the numbers and hold out my hand to say, “I can help you.” You have made me so excited for that day.
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I want to add my thanks to Mak and Amy, and to again thank Jenny and Peggy. And thanks to all donors! Also, a special thanks to my daughter, Saxon, who has truly given me the greatest gift of all by sending me the link to this wonderful Christmas Miracle. Today is a day I will never forget. You are all angels and heroes and have blessed so many people. I know these are the gifts that will keep on giving. Merry Christmas, everyone!
This has been such a hard year, and I wasn’t able to do the kind of charitable helping that makes the season so great, and so I was kind of melancholy and after a few days of following the comments here and yes, crying a little, I want to thank you all. You really made it feel like Christmas, even for someone who couldn’t donate.
I am so grateful that my needs are met, and that you guys are helping so many. Merry Christmas, to all of you, and especially Jenny.
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Jenny, if you need more donors I can swing another $30 on paypal or Amazon.
Honestly, this is the most wonderful thing I have ever seen done. Jenny, you really are an angel.
I will happily donate, but if you have what you need now, please hit me up later in the year when the giving is less prevalent. P.S. this is a beautiful idea and it gives me such hope that it worked out so well.
My sister sent me a link to your blog I think its amazing what you are doing. It’s nice to know there are still good people in the world. If it’s not to late to get in on this I am a young mom to two beautiful girls who don’t ask for much bc my usual response is no bc it’s not on sale. I hope that one day I can pay it forward I try to do that now by passing out coupons I don’t use Or printing out doubles and sharing those. It’s not much but that’s all I can do right now.
OK, Jenny…2 cards down and I can handle another. Courtney and Jared should be able to breathe a bit easier. I’m blessed and can share.
I so love you people. As of right now (Almost midnight on Saturday) everyone has been matched with donors and I have exactly one donor waiting in the wings to help. (Thanks, Cindy M!) Also, I have several donors set back for Monday emergencies in case someone else flakes or if I’ve messed up and missed a name somehow.
I’ve sent out over 500 emails matching people. Amazed that I’m able to go to bed tonight with my spreadsheet of givers still outweighing recipients. Thank you.
I’m exhausted and far too sober, but happy.
I hope everyone who asked for help gets it. At least I know though that SO, SO many people have already been given Christmas miracles. I’m still open for donors if you’d like to help.
I have never felt so many emotions reading one blog…Ive laughed, Ive cried, Ive gotten angry but this…this is more than ive felt in a long time. You are an angel on earth. I got a 25 dollar gift card from my husbands work, but we are fortunate this year. So I will donate it to a local toys for tots. If the whole world thought as you and your readers do…oh what a wonderful world it would be.
Love and Christmas wishes
Jennifer
I have 2 children, and I’m currently unemployed. My husband works at KFC and has had his hours cut back so we’re not making too much money right now. On top of all that our water pipes in our trailer froze and burst because the woman we bought it from didn’t plug in the heat tape ever. Our truck’s breaks keep going out and our electrical fuses keep shorting out. Because of all these repairs we have to keep up with, we don’t have very much money for Christmas presents. Anything to help us out would be so great.
A friend I work with suggested I come here and all it did was make me cry, happy tears though. We were in serious financial trouble already and my hot water heater broke this morning, leaving most of my living space soaked in water. We will not be able to afford gifts this year for our kids. My son is 8 and my daughter will be 2 in January. Like other posters here, I’ve considered breaking the Santa news to my son so he understands that he wasn’t a bad kid or anything. He’s such a sweet boy and he tries so hard to gain approval. He deserves a Christmas. His clothes aren’t as nice as the other kids in class and he often has to listen to the other kids gush over new toys every weekend. My son does all of this with class and dignity, but this is going to hurt him deeply to be without a single thing under the tree. I have no pride left. I’m begging, please help me get him something. My daughter is only 2 and she’d be happy with a single dollar store toy, but my son is going to be so disappointed. I’m tired of disappointing him.
Let me know if you still need donors – i’m happy to help.
Jenny, I can take more people if you need me.
To Cindy M
You didn’t leave an email so that I could thank you properly so I hope you read this. Thank you so much! Because of you and Monica my girls will have a great Christmas. It takes a lot to bring me to tears but I am astonished by the kindness total strangers are showinng my family. Merry Christmas and thank you!!!!!!
Jared, Hailey and Samantha
I just wanted to say THANK YOU to Bria, Jen C, Kameron and Marla! My son will get to ride to his Grandma & Papa’s for Christmas safely in his new car seat. We wouldn’t have been able to get it for him with out your generosity.
Jenny, a special thank you to you too. I appreciate you working so hard to make this all happen. I know it’s been an overwhelming amount of work for you but I am genuinely thankful. I hope you consider doing this again next year because I would love to be able to return the kindness shown to me this year.
I don’t know what I can do to help really, since quite frankly, I’m holding off on rent a couple of days to pay for our Christmas dinner, but if there’s someone in the KC area who could use a gift card to a local restaurant as a quick stop gap or as a gift for a friend, parent, etc. I’d be happy to donate one.
Let me know…
thank you again, jenny-claus, and a special thank you to the kind donor who let me forward a $45 amazon.com giftcard to my 20-yr-old son and his 19-yr-old girlfriend, so they could get a little something for each other and for their 11-month-old (my granddaughter arianna!) this year. that kind donation, along with the $35 walmart giftcard i gave them this morning, will go a long way to making them feel less vulnerable to the whims of the economy (and the seeming capriciousness of their college’s finanial-aid timing), as they struggle to build a future for their little family. from the bottom of my overfull heart, merci-grazie-gracias-thank-you. and merry christmas to all of us.
I can help Laura #610 who wants to buy her mother something. Can you find out if her mother likes jewelry? I can make her something.
Jenny, I’ve been a faithful reader since I found your blog a while back. Your blog is a must-read for me, and I come to you to read hilarious, outrageous stories, to laugh and smile. Today though, I am truly blown away. I don’t have much, but I can spare $50 – either in the form of cash via Paypal or a gift card, receiver’s choice, no questions asked.
I think my request was overlooked ( http://thebloggess.com/?p=9474#comment-81505) , but that’s ok. I talked our local Home Depot into donating a 6 foot tree for my friend and her kids. I took it to her house and we decorated it with popcorn, candy canes and cookies! The kids made paper snowflakes and paper garland and we decorated the livingroom. They were SO HAPPY, my friend and I cried to see the kids so happy. I’ll figure a way to wrangle some small gifts, fill up a small stocking for each of them.
Thank you Jenny, for everything you have done for so many people. You are amazing.
I just checked and at least one donor said she emailed you but hasn’t heard back. Check the email address you have listed with me. Is it accurate? ~Jenny
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I can also do Higgity #592. I’m looking through your comments for anyone who wants to buy for their mother.
Hello Jenny! I just graduated from college in May and I’m currently working two part-time jobs (yay for students loans) but, I’ve been meaning to leave a comment here for awhile. I can spare $50 in the form of a gift card. Just let me know how and when!
I can donate. Reading your post just gave me the time to slow down and realize it. That knowledge had kind of gotten lost in my self-absorbed first world ‘problems’. Please let me know how and when.
God knows if you’ll read this but you’re wonderful. This post made me shed a couple of happy tears.
I’m unemployed and poor myself but I did giveaway books on my blog and I sponsored a child this holiday. Hope that makes up for it. LOVE, Annah.
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I have a Target giftcard I got from my work for Thanksgiving. Since we always go out for Thanksgiving, I haven’t used it (dunno the amount, since you need to scratch off the silver stuff to find out). I could use it myself, but really, why not let somebody else have a bit of Merry with it?
Can you match me up?
BetNoir
Hi, I need help with christmas presents for my grandchildren. It doesnt have to be extravagant they love anything. Their mom struggles to provide for them and I am usually no help because I live on SSI. The babies name is Marissa 1, then theyres James 6, Tiffany 4, and Aaron7. My daughter really needs some help she works full time but their father left them after she got pregnant with Marissa. He never was any help anyways. I would really appreciate the help and I know they would too.. Ive read alot of the posts you are sure working hard. Make sure you have a good christmas too.
God Bless
Lori
Jenny, This is awesome. My daughter isn’t getting anything from me this year because I haven’t worked in a couple months. I hate asking for any help, but I guess this is for her, so I can swallow my pride and do it.
Ms. Jenny, what you’re doing here is absolutely incredible. If you need someone else willing to donate a gift card or whatever, count me in; in the scheme of things, my year has been blessed and I would like to help someone else out too!
I’m happy to send an Amazon gift card if you’ve had more requests for help or a previous match falls through – just let me know.
Many thanks for organizing this, Jenny, and to all your readers for reminding me what community (online or otherwise) is really all about.
I was sitting here a little while ago wondering how to pay the cell phone bill and still get my 2 1/2 yr old son, Alex, the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse stuff he suddenly asked Santa for this week. Mindlessly clicking on bookmarks, I found this amazing thread/event. We would gladly accept any assistance one would give and praise you wonderful people for this holiday spirit.
Merry Christmas (yeah, I said it)
This is just amazing, Jenny.
If you do this again next year you can SO count me in. I’m working MAYBE six hours a week and despite my lack of rent and utility bills I just can’t swing it this year but I would love to donate sometime.
Between my lack of work and donating what I didn’t manage to sell at our last yard sale to a girls-only group home here in town, I have NOTHING to offer, and I hate that.
Jenny did tweet me back saying that she was looking for a donor that could help me, however i have not heard anything since. I dont know if she couldn’t someone that could help with the huge need i have or if there are no donors left, or maybe its too late at night and i may hear something tomorrow. I think this is amazing, truly, i keep reading the comments of all the people donating and needing help and the kind words alone are enough to make any one cry. Like i said in my other posts my car is going to be repo’d on the 30th unless i can come up with $505.84 to give to welsfargo auto finance, my fridge has been broken for 3 weeks now so i have no way to keep perishables even if i could afford to buy them, and most important to me right now is i cant afford to buy my 7 year old baby boy anything for Christmas this year. if you cannot help i understand there are so many in need, or if i am too late i understand, it makes me feel warm all over just to see the love and kindness spread about by a simple blog offering a few gift cards. I hope a miracle will happen and i will be able to give my son a Christmas he deserves and maybe be able to save my car so that i will be able to work the job i have been offered (which doesnt start until the 29th). Thank you all for everything you have done for one another, thats what this country was built on one neighbor helping another, if we as a nation could remember this all year round the world would be a much better place. I know its easy to forget when someone is rude, or the guy in traffic flips you off, or the chashier at the store is ugly to you, remember you never know what they could be going through, everyone is human. I hope everyone gets their needs met, and i will continue to hope and pray for my miracle! Thank you Jenny and all of her helpers it will come back to you ten fold…and then some….you are all angels!!!
I love you all!!!! xoxoxox! Merry Christmas! God bless you all!!!! I wish you the most blessed New Year ever!!!!
Hi Cynthia. The email address you used in the email box is @gmail.com but the one in the comment is @yahoo.com. If you own the gmail account you might want to check it as I set you up with a donor willing to help. I also emailed her this morning to ask if she could contact you through the @yahoo.com address. I paypalled you $50 myself so you could go ahead and pick out a present for your little one today.
~ Jenny
I don’t have a blog of my own, so I’m going to borrow Jenny’s for a moment…
It’s been a tough year, I lost my job this year and have been feeling off-kilter… I know it’s the economy, but still, it feels like I’m in flux… do I wait for the dream job that is sooo close (but currently has no funding) or try for a crappy job and a 40% pay cut? I never thought I was one of those people who was defined by their jobs… until I didn’t have one anymore.
But today, for the first time in a long time, I made a decision I feel is absolutely right. I gave back. I gave money to complete strangers and it feels really good. I don’t have a lot of money coming in right now, but I’m better off than most. I have a roof over my head and a nice cozy wood stove to keep me warm and some money in the bank and food to eat and people that will take care of me if things ever get really bad, so I told Jenny I would help. “Sixty bucks,” I said, “count me in.” And then I waited…
When I got the first email from Jenny with the emails of people I could help, I was so excited… it was better than opening any Christmas present ever. So, the $60 turned into $200 and then $300 and finally $400 and I feel great (exhausted, but great–I don’t know how you do this all day, Jenny)!
So I want to say THANK YOU to Jenny! And to the recipients who were so grateful and wished me Merry Christmas and to “A” who called me an angel and to “D” who sent me a beautiful smiling picture of his kids! THANK YOU ALL for making me feel like a person again, actual and whole.
I made a difference today.
First!
All kinds of special, Jenny. It’s a wonderful thing you’re doing here.
A friend just told me about this. I am hoping you can help. My son and I are having a very horrible year, it started with my now ex fiance losing his job and taking off on us. He left behind a pile of bills and rent I can’t afford. Basically my phone and power will be shut off Monday and my landlord is threatening eviction. I have been searching for a job but haven’t had any luck.I feel like such a failure to my wonderful baby boy. Is there any way you can help?
Hi Jenny, I recieved help for my three nephews and I’m so grateful. I mentioned this blog to my older sister (I have three sisters) and she was going to post on behalf of herself, but I don’t see her post. I don’t think she can handle asking for help (she’s used to being the helper, not the helpee, as the oldest of 7 kids). If you haven’t passed her e-mail along to anyone (maybe I missed it, or she disguised it so I wouldn’t know that they are in need), I put her email in the box above. I’m sure she’d be suprised and overjoyed if a little miracle showed up in her inbox.
Thanks.
She did leave a comment and I set her up with a couple of donors. Thanks! ~ Jenny
Thank you so much to Lindsay, Allison and Julie. I ordered gifts for my nephews that they’ll be so happy with and that their parents could of never provided on their own.
I called my mom to seek her help in just what I should get for them and she told me that my sister’s tried to get gifts from a Secret Santa program in their hometown, but they ran out of gifts before they got up to the front and were sent away. How disappointing! To swallow your pride, go stand in line, in a town where ever one knows just who you are, and then be told, sorry, we don’t have anything for you to give your little ones on Christmas.
I am so happy that I’ll be able to make their day Christmas so much brighter.
wow. i was not going to reply, as i don’t need a gift card.
however, i do need money for medicine.
my neighbor is remodeling his (very old, mold/mildew-ridden) house and i have not been able to shake a bad asthma reaction to it since, say, october.
consequently i have to go to the sliding scale clinic and somehow prove income (which i kinda can’t) in order to simply get my inhaler prescription.
i am of course grateful there’s sliding scale help – but also i am wondering how to tell them i support myself by being a (poorly-tipped) stripper, therefore i don’t exactly have a paycheck stub.
so i may have jumped on this bandwagon a little late, but, if someone would like to help me defray asthma inhaler costs, i will gladly send you a reply letter full of thanks? and perhaps pay it forward soon?
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Thank you Olivia G. (comment 554) for you thoughtfulness. Jenny hooked me up with three donors, one for each nephew.
I’m sure someone else can use your help more than they could now. Thank you so much for thinking of us though!
Merry Christmas to you and your tiny little miracle.
Wow, what a touching story. I wish I had known about this earlier. I’m one of those people in need…my family is struggling to keep what little we have, we’re losing our house, we have pets we need to place and can’t find homes for but are having more and more trouble caring for, my mom’s been out of work for over a month, I’m self-employed and barely scraping by (as there’s no work and I have some health issues)…it’s a position so many people find themselves in anymore and it breaks my heart. I just want to keep my heat and power on and eat heh. I don’t have money to spare, but I would be happy to maybe donate a few small items from one of my online shops.
Your stuff is way underpriced. I just bought all of your skull and crossbones soaps and I’m sending you some extra cash now. ~Jenny
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I am so grateful for one of the deserving recipients of a gift card for passing this story along to me. I have been through a lot of mental anguish lately & it has had me questioning whether there are any decent people left in this corrupt world that we live in. This has given me much needed affirmation that indeed, there are MANY good people still out there. Thanks to all of you who have helped brighten my spirit in a time of need. Thankfully, we don’t need the gift cards. This simple story of kindness has done more good than money could ever buy. Thanks to every one of you!
I was ashamed to ask but my christmas wish is for help with my rent Ive been trying to catch up on my medical bills and got behind on my rent. I have rheummatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia and I also suffer from depression related to being in chronic pain. I get alot of steroid injections my hip injections cost 400 per visit.. I get injections for my wrists and my neck muscles. My toes are twisted under. I need surgery to straighten them. I wish I didnt need medicine but the pain is unbrearable. I dont have medical coverage and am on SSDI. My daughter received two gift cards already for christmas which really helps.. I havent told anyone about my debt because its very emberassing. Im just asking for some kind of help my paypal is my email address. Anything would help with some of my bills. Ive never been this bad off before. Ive lived with family for a long time and now that Im on my own with my daughter I feel like I cant survive. I read that I will get medical coverage after two years of being on SSDI. So that will help alot then. but thats far off. Im not asking for all my bills to be paid just something so I can pay alittle on my rent. My phone is gonna get shut off on monday so thats why Im witing now. Gee this sounds desperate but oh well what do I have to loose.. My little girl has no idea what kinda situation were in… I dont think my landlord would evict us in the winter.
Just when I’m certain that our society deserves to die out like the Romans, I see someone like you trying to make a difference. And for no other reason than you can. You are an amazing person. Match me up with someone and I’ll send them a gift card right away. Keep being you.
you can put me down as a stand-by donor… would love to help out!
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I’m a little behind in my blog reading and was very moved to see what you have accomplished in just a few days! This is the Christmas Spirit that I feel gets lost in all the craziness of the holidays.
Count me in to help if you need more donors.
Ah Jenny and minions – this is so amazing!! Reading the comments has given me more Christmas spirit than anything else this year.
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Oh, I would love to help in any way I can. Please keep me posted!
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Let me know if you have someone that needs help! My company can help.
Sign me up if you need another!
I missed out on the original post on this, but please put me down on the backup donor list for a $30 Amazon card. I don’t know what next year will bring (baby on the way and childcare is going to be $$$) and I don’t know if I’ll even be able to sponsor a child like we do at work, so I want to put in extra this year while I can.
As of this moment we’ve been able to set up everyone with at least one donor but we only have two donors unmatched as of this second. If you want to help and haven’t heard from me yet please leave another comment with your email. With all of these comments I’m sure I’ve missed a few people still wanting to help.
(But give me 10 minutes first because I’m sending out “here’s your match” emails to the 15 of you who’ve offered to help since last night. (Thank you!)
Add me five deep to your $30 Amazon Gift Card donor list. (I’ll need the instructions again, though.)
I’ve been touched by some holiday angels this morning. I opened my email and saw not 1 but 3 emails from angels giving wonderful gift cards to my family for Christmas help. I am beyond words to share what this means to us, but I had tears streaming down my face as I told my husband. I can’t wait to order some gifts for my girls today and because of the generosity of my angels, I will be able to get my husband something as well, and we’ve not exchanged gifts in years since we always put the kids first.
Thank you to Amy D, Kate M and Juli for bringing tears of joy and soon to be smiles and joy from my kids to us this holiday season.
Thank you to Jenny, “The Bloggess” for showing me and your readers that the true meaning of Christmas is still alive and well. I am hopeful that if this done next year I’ll be able to give back!
Happy Holidays!
Congrats to you and everyone on doing this — woo hoo, how amazing is the internet. Once you cut away the psychos and douchebags that is!
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Hi jenny,
I left a comment on the other thread, not sure how I got there or here hehe. I haven’t heard anything as of yet. It’s ok though there are many families in need and tons of comments to look through. my email is givennsz@yahoo.com
I saw your other comment and set you up with a few donors.
You should hear something soon. ~Jenny
Bless you my dear and everyone on this great blog.
I just wanted to come back and say thank you to the two angels who donated to me. Diana and anonymous, thank you from the bottom of my heart. My son will have presents under the tree & that means more to me than I can express.
Please let me know if I can help!
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Hi Jenny – I would love to donate also. I can provide a $30 amazon card to anyone still in need.
xoxo,
Tracy
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I don’t have a lot to spare right now, but I’d like to help someone if I could.
Jenny, you are amazing. I’d elaborate, but it sounds like you’re busy.
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Jenny, if you need more backup donors, please let me know! Otherwise, let’s be honest, I’m just gonna spend the cash on whiskey, and while that’s important and all, I think the liquor store will make it through the holidays without my contributions.
I left a comment on the other post asking for help for my sister… but I also want to say that I have about $30 in Paypal that I could send to someone who needs it.
I’m in. I have no idea how paypal works and I live in Australia, don’t know if that’ll be an issue, but I’m definitely up for giving someone $20 or so, if I figure out how to do so technologically.
Also if you email me and I don’t respond straight away, it’s because my email is being an asshole.
I’d love to help out Jenny, match me up please.
I have $20 I can send on Paypal, if that’s helpful for anyone.
Jenny – my mom asked me to thank you for providing this opportunity for her to help out someone in need. This is her first Christmas without my dad (they were married for 58 years), so it’s been a little tough. She’s always been an extremely giving and generous person, and being part of this loving community of yours has made her very happy.
Thank you.
My question is what can we do for YOU, Jenny??
I don’t need anything. Except for possibly crutches and narcotics. The only thing I really want is to remember to accept help myself if we do this again next year. This is so not something one person can do alone administratively and next year I’m going to take the help offered instead of doing it myself.
Hi. Yes. This is wonderful. And I want to help. Please let me know what I can do. What do you need?
Oh my goodness.
Thank you, and thank you Rebecca.
This is … overwhelming, and I’m very grateful. I don’t even know what to say.
This is incredible, Jenny. Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Running out of what I can donate, but there’s always something. I can give a small gift card or paypal donation, maybe a book or two (or three) for MG/YA. sarah dot laurenson at gmail (dot com).
Sarah Laurenson recently posted..Gifts
I have $20 I could donate to someone in need either through amazon or pay-pal. Just e-mail me
I just want to say Thank YOU for the all the help. Iwas able to help 2 little girls in need of christmas who were just put back into the foster system. I called around to all the reg places you would ask for help an no one has money/toys yet. I have 2 of my own kids an just didnt have the extra money to go out an buy a christmas for these kids. With your help I got them each 4 gifts off amazon. Thank you this will make for 2 very happy girls.
Hi Jenny!
If you need anymore donors count me in for a $50 GC or money directly to Paypal. I’d love to help!
Shannon
I can do a $50ish or so order from Amazon. PLEASE NOTE! I only do cool gifts, such as Legos, Transformers or chemistry sets.
I can donate $25 to a person in need. Please email me if you need my help.
My Bloggess Match sent me a sweet e-mail and a picture of his beautiful daughter who will be getting the presents the money I sent will buy. Suddenly, I don’t feel so unhappy anymore. Thanks D & A. You made my Christmas much more happy than I could have possibly made yours. Bloggess, words fail me. Thank you.
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I just want to say that this really touched my heart and I was all teary eyed by the end of it. This is the true meaning of Christmas. It was a wonderful thing that everybody did, and it’s amazing to know that there are still awesome people in this world. Bless all of you, especially you Jenny.
I don’t know how to contact Metamorphosteph – but if you’re listening…
I can’t get you a job, but I might be able to get you some speaking gigs. sarah dot laurenson at gmail (dot com)
Sarah Laurenson recently posted..Gifts
I don’t even know what to say. I thought about this for a while and I really cant decide which side im on! I myself am personally struggling to make ends meet. I had to give out presents that were home made and (probably not so awesome) this year instead of getting my family what i wanted to give them. They told me not to get presents – they know I’m trying to make ends meet- but i can’t help it. Giving is what the holidays are for!
So even though I’m struggling to pay my rent and utils — I know that, as a single girl without a family of my own, I could be SO much worse off and at least I just have to make ends meet for ME and not have children to depend on.
Which makes me feel like I should be on the donor side— I don’t have much but so many other people are worse off than i am and i wish i could make a huge donation and show them that im thinking about them and praying that their christmases are full of love and joy, and at least a good meal on their table.
So I guess I’m just calling it even! Im struggling myself, but im ok enough to not have to ask for donations, and for that im extremely grateful to God, but I don’t have anything to give except my continuous prayers for those who are worse off that I. I hope that for every donor you have – there has to be at least one other person wishing they could donate more- I fall into that camp.
This unannounced project that took off is amazing and I’m THRILLED to be silently watching it’s progress and I’m praying for every family in need and thanking God for every donor.
Merry Christmas to each and every one of you.
Hi-
I have a new set of Scholastic hard bound animal encyclopedia type books that would be perfect for a seven year old. I would love to send them to Jeanine (comment 505) for her son. I’ll run them to the UPS store today if she is interested.
Thanks!
Jenny,
I sent in my $50 giftcard to my match. I greatly hope it helps someone and I KNOW you’ve heard this a lot this season, BUT THANK YOU. I give a little to charities when I can and I love how this goes directly to the source. You’re honestly an inspiration. Keep doing what you do! I hope you still have time to have Christmas with your family as well!
Also! Everyone sending in Amazon giftcards–today is the last day to order gifts from them for use for Super Shipper Savings to be delivered in time for Christmas! Just a reminder!
I’m glad that you’re going to do this again next year, Jenny. This is so much fun! Last week I was hating Christmas. Today I am singing Christmas carols and am so excited to help.
I wish I had seen this blog sooner. If you need any more donations, Jenny, just let me know.
Wow, just wow. You guys are amazing. I truly wish I could offer up a donation, but the truth is I’m on the other side of the fence. A week before Christmas and my bank account is literally at zero. We live off of SSI right now and I can’t work because my daughter is on a hospital/home bound education plan. I didn’t sign up for any of the local Toys for Tots programs because at 9, 11, and 13 my kids aren’t in to toys and I didn’t want to take away from any other kids who would really want them. So, if there are any donors left we could really use some help.
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Don’t worry. We’ll be there for you when you need heart surgery.
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I want to thank Jean from Francesca Fine Jewelry for making my daughters Christmas. She is sending me some jewelry for her. I am so excited, wish it was Xmas day already hehe.
My grandsons are 1 and a half and 2 and a half and my son is 20..He understands about the finances and such but I would like to have something for him to open with the other kids.
Thanks Jenny for matching me as fast as you did. You are one fantastic lady.
You’re matched with a few other donors too. You should hear from them soon if you haven’t already. ~Jenny
Jenny – after the dust settles, and you have a chance to enjoy your spa trip (as well as some time with your family), let’s talk. If you are going to do this again next year, and you want help, then help you should get – and the *first* thing to do IMHO is to plan it out, and see if there is something that can be done to make this every bit as successful, but a little less work on you.
Enjoy your holiday. And again, thanks.
~EdT
(a.k.a. “one starfish among many”)
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I am seriously overwhelmed by all of this. I didn’t want to ask either because there are so many people who are in much more dire situations than I am. I am able to buy my son a few presents but only because family members lent me some money and because I’m not paying a couple of bills this month. It’s been a very stressful year with the constant worry over how I’m going to pay bills and now to pay back the money I borrowed. You have the most wonderful readers and you Jenny are AWESOME for organizing this! If I am one of your lucky recipients I promise to pay it forward as soon as I am able.
People are amazing. Thank you for being a catalyst for this avalanche of giving. xx
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Jenny,
Thanks so much for hooking me up with some recipients. I hope Grandpa Dave’s son doesn’t think my random Amazon gift card is a scam.
Things have been rough for me emotionally this Christmas (chronic depression, work stress, and my mom’s health are a combo breaker for me), but being able to give a little bit to those who really need it helped lift my spirits.
I even put up my tiny 24in fake Christmas tree up last night >_>
Happy holidays, everyone!
I can help.
What a great thing you’re doing!!
You’re so welcome, Tanya! I love making jewelry for the girls. My daughter is 21 and her friends light up when I give them something. Teen girls just love their jewelry!
Would love to help if I can.
I can donate $25 via Paypal. Drop me an email if you need it, and thank you for doing this. It made me cry when I read your post, and I don’t cry at much. I’ve been one of the people barely scraping by in the not-distant past, and I’m grateful this year we’re doing a little better and I can pass some joy along.
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Dear Thebloggess,
I already posted a quick little comment asking for help, and said that i wouldnt go into my story on here. But i realized that was very rude. I shouldnt be embarrassed to ask for help, even though I feel it. It’s just the way I was raised.
im 22, a college student, paying my way through out of pocket. My dad went to iraq in 2001 and returned in 2006 with a disabling back injury. He and my mom are retired and use their income for doctor visits, medication and their own little bills.
I usually work 2 jobs while in school, however last month my hours have been cut (Im a waitress and a receptionist) They have been cut so bad that im making less than 100 dollars every two week. I ended up with loosing both jobs due to lack of customers. My birthday was the 4th, I turned 22, I spent it with a few close friends watching DVD movies, but I couldnt afford to buy a box cake mix for my birthday cake. Im use to living on Ramen and other bulk foods, but money is tight right now and even ramen is looking to be expensive.
Im still looking for a job and have a few leads for a few but they wont start until January. And I havent paid my rent. its $225, but every day that i dont pay it my landlord adds a latefee. Every Day I get deep and deep into this rent hole that Im afraid i will be homeless when Christmas rolls around. Ive tried talking to her and explaining it to her, but I was late paying last month so she wants me to pay now. (currently up to $300.)
I’ve asked my family for help but being from a Poverty stricken town in Eastern Kentucky they cant. Im the First of my family to go to college, and its rather a big deal to me and them.
I know that everyone has probably already helped everyone and im late to the game but I just wanted to see if anyone could help, anything would. Im not asking for a miracle and have it completely paid for, thats a lot of money, but
$.50 cents or anything could help me out. I promise that Im a real person, that my cause is real. I could talk to you (but i cant promise you that I wouldnt cry through our conversation.) I just want to have a place to stay when Christmas arrives. Eat my ramen and Not be so stressed and worried that I make myself sick.
I know there are others out there who dont have a home and are far worse than me and Im usually the one who is passing out warm drinks and food and blankets for the needy.
If I can just make it through December, I know things will get better.
God Bless everyone Who has helped out others, May your Holiday season be full of warm love, kind memories, family and friends, wrapped in bows and filled with chocolate.
Thank you.
Jenny, this is what I get for not coming around and checking your blog as of late, but by all means, fix me up with someone deserving if they pop up. And get yourself into a Santa suit, stat!
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If there is still time and someone who needs a little I would love to give what I can. I knit kids stuff and make a few other baby items, I will give anything I can. This is amazing Jenny.
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I’m good for a $50 Amazon gift card or through Paypal. Please let me know.
I will gladly deliver a gift card. You tell me where and to whom, and I’ll do it. Hit me up, Jenny.
What you are doing is wonderful. I have been collecting donations for the past 3 weeks for a lady I met that needed help and I am sending her over $400 tomorrow to go shopping. but the truth is I need help myself. I only work part time and I support 5 people. I just don’t have the money to shop for my kids this year. I am trying to figure out how to answer the questions on Christmas morning as I know my youngest is not going to understand why he doesn’t have anything from Santa. It is heart breaking. My oldest two have already been told that there will be nothing for Christmas and that is the hardest thing I have ever had to do. People have asked me why I am I collecting for someone else when I need the help myself and well because that is just who I am and It broke my heart to hear her story. I can’t morally collect donations for myself as that is just not right. But I did tell my oldest two kids that we were helping someone else and they both agreed that that is what Christmas is all about is giving and not receiving. So I think what you are doing is wonderful. Keep up that good work.
Jenny,
I am bawling my ass off. I need to help. Please match me up with someone in need. Or? I will stab myself. Do you want that on your conscience?
XO,
Sally
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Oh with the loving of the YOU… and of the everyone.
Would love to help if needed. Also… last minute if your hands falls off, let me know- I can gladly collect info on my site, and take care of the last few days!
*big sloppy kisses*- and I don’t have a cold, I swear!
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Hurray!
Jenny you are so selflessly amazingly awesome. I am so happy to know there are people like you in the world. In the chance you see this and have another Christmas angel standing by, I could use a small miracle as well. While I am blessed enough to have a job and be able to provide for my family, today is my daughters 3rd birthday. I havent even began to figure out what we will do for Christmas morning. I’m sure there are others who could use this more but since there are so many people willing to give, I figured it wouldnt hurt to ask. God bless you and everyone else in this community. So heartwarming to know so many people who had no hope this year now have a true real Christmas miracle to tell their families for years to come about the one year they didn’t think Santa would make it.. seriously in tears here, not for me but knowing how powerful this is and what an impact you are making on so many people.
Jenny,
My sisters in Nashville always participate in the various charities there, but I seem to get absorbed into work and stuff and miss these things…so I want to help too. I can do a $50 gift, or two $30 gifts…whichever is more effective. Amazon or PayPal.
Bless you for doing all this work for people…this is why you are awesome. Helping people who need it, and you say “fuck” a lot.
If you and Victor are in Austin sometime, drop me a line. I’d love to buy you guys a drink.
Sheri #752 how old are your two oldest kids?
Jean#757 My two oldest are 8 & 12 and my youngest is 6
Hi Jenny-
I’m not particularly religious in any way and have never cared much about the holidays … but no matter what time of year, this is a fantastic thing you are doing and bringing out in others. I have gift cards to Bliss, Sephora, and Bath & Body Works that I would be happy to donate.
I also nerdishly love making Excel spreadsheets and hate the thought of one person trying to organize her way through all these comments. I know it’s a little late, but I would love to offer help on the administrative front–whatever you need, just let me know.
Thanks, Jenny.
-Jillian
Happy to help if you have some last minute ones in need. This is really what the holiday is about! Thank you for making all this happen!Email me if you have someone in need
This is fabulous! Paying it forward and enjoying the joy it brings to others faces is amazing!
This year as always I collected diapers, wipes, gently used clothes for the ladies of a family shelter here in my area and took 20 of the ladies out to lunch. I didn’t do it alone I had some very special ladies who offered to sponsor a lady for lunch and supply her with a gift for her alone.
We took over 100 cases of diapers and wipes and the look on the 49 Mom’s faces as we carried it all in the door was worth every sleepless night and all the hard work.
The other night I planned to take 35 pizza’s to the 99 residents of the shelter. I bought them and headed down to the shelter and ended up caught in bumper to bumper traffice cause a slight sheet of ice had formed and the city wasn’t prepared. There were accidents everywhere and people falling all around. After 3 hours of getting nowhere I had to turn around. I was so upset! They were waiting for me and I had to let them down. Maybe not a big deal but things like Pizza and soda are never provided in the shelter. I ended up giving out all 35 to people in my own area that I knew were struggling! The looks of the faces as we knocked on their doors was priceless. I had to find a way to make it up to the shelter residents but didn’t know how to provide more pizza as I am broke myself and I had no more to give. I save all year to do this and sacrifice things for my own family to be able to provide it.
I sent WMMR a letter and they read it on the air and 2 pizza places have offered to donate on 2 different days. Sometimes the Lord has better plans than I do! LOL
Truth is with 7 kids, 2 in college and not a pot to piss in these days I was stretched beyond belief to do what I did this year but I did because its the right thing to do! A hand up for those who try to help themselves is what we should all be doing.
Now I find myself in trouble. My big ass 12 passenger van broke down and I have no money for repairs. My son’s car broke down and it needs fixed to take him to school and work. My Christmas shopping is definitely done since the money is done too! LOL It’s all fine …..my kids understand. But I hate to think of all the kids who have nothing.
We will find a way. I just have to believe that. God will have a better plan.
What I’m trying to say is that we all have too many curveballs thrown to us in life. It’s all in how we hit them outta the park that matters! I’m becoming one hell of a hitter! LOL
Please don’t take my comment wrong. I’m NOT asking for help at all. I’m just pointing out that sometimes all it takes is one big heart to get a good thing rolling and I wanted to tell you just how proud I am of you for doing this for all these people. You are a girl after my own heart!
I wish I could contribute and usually I am the first to jump in but this time I’m gonna have to leave it up to you and these kind hearted readers of yours.
Good luck and I will keep you in my prayers! You are helping so many people and that in itself is the best Christmas present in the world to yourself! Big hugs sweetie! Take care and have a wonderful holiday season!
I want to thank Jean who offered to make some jewelry for my daughter. It is so much appreciated. I hope you understand though that I will not be able to give it to her on Christmas without things to give my 2 boys but I will make sure she gets it.
I’ve hooked you up with a few donors so you should be able to get presents for your boys as well ~ Jenny
Oh My Gosh. Jenny thank you so much! What a wonderful thing. You can not imagine how that makes me feel. I am sitting here in tears reading all the comments. I think I have made it through page two of them. Everyone here is awesome and it is warming my heart to see what all everyone is doing to help each other out. I am so happy I was able to help the lady I helped it made me feel so good!!
I know my slow self is late to the party, but my family is so blessed this season and we would love to be able to help another family have a happy holiday.
You are such an amazing inspiration Jenny with the heart of an angel! Sign me up please on the donating end. Love to you & your family for a wonderful Christmas!! Cheers, Sandy
My donor was burried in my spam box and my mail proxy wasn’t checking my mail for the last 3 days. I had to get in and hunt it down. thank you thank you thank you. You guys are amazing!
I’d like to help if it’s not too late. Sign me up! This is amazing.
I am one of the lucky recipients, I have been hooked up with a couple of unbelievable donors! I am overwhelmed at the generosity of total strangers and I hope it comes back to those 100s of times over. My stress level has been reduced significantly and now I can enjoy this holiday season with not only financial relief but by also having experienced this Christmas miracle. Jenny, I am so happy that your heart is huge right now because you did an unbelievable thing and showed us all the true meaning of Christmas. I can’t thank you enough for that and I will be sure to pay it forward as soon as I am able to!
I already got in touch with my match and got the card to her, so go ahead and consider me back in the donor rotation for Monday if needed.
Oh Jenny – if you need more donors, I’m up for round 2. I have more money – can paypal, Amazon (with extra to cover expres shipping), whatever the need is.
I know that you have heard this, but you have made Christmas for me. My husband has been deeply depressed all year and dealing with that has made me feel a bit scrooge-ish when it comes to making Christmas special for my kids. However, now it feels like Christmas. Well, that and because I finally dug out the chili pepper lights. Because Christmas ain’t Christmas without glowing chili peppers, especially up here in Seattle, where they are sorely lacking in the redneck Christmas spirit.
Kegel the Elf told me I had to help the Bloggess.
Tip o’ the stocking cap to The League.
You’re very welcome Sheri!
This is such an amazing story– truly the spirit of christtmas. I’d like to go on the list of donors if any more are needed.
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Great story. Hit me up with an address if anyone else is in need. I have access to a post office through Thurs am so I can overnight something. Great story.
I would like to help as well. I know you’re flooded but I’d like to donate $50 to someone in need. Thank you SO much for doing this. Unbelievable.
i didnt know you had this going on because my internet has been off for several weeks. jenny, we are in need. i have 5 beautiful children who have gone through a really rough year. i moved them across the country from indiana to texas last year and promised them a better life. what they got was 6 weeks of homelessness over the summer when we didnt find good jobs fast enough and we got evicted. i promised to make it up to them this christmas and here we are less than a week away and im falling short. i lost my foodstamps this month because i didnt know that i had to reapply in nov in order to get december benefits and now my new application is floating around waiting to be processed. i need help with gifts for the 5 of them .. and help putting food on the table christmas evening. i hope its not too late because these kids really deserve to wake up to hope on saturday morning.
much love .. always,
madness
Thank you so much. So far I have Jean making some earrings for my Daughter and Thanks to Emily was able to order my each 1 toy from Walmart. This is so awesome. Now at least their won’t be nothing under the tree!!
This was amazing to read and really touched my heart. I know all about times being hard. I lost my job 2 years ago and have been unable to find another one despite having a solid background of experience and college degrees. I had to give my apartment and move back in with my mom over a year ago, which has been an adjustment for a 40-yr old who is used to being on her own. Thank goodness I have no children…it’s just me to worry about. My unemployment benefits ended 2 months ago, I exhausted all 99 wks. So now I am living off of what my mom can get via social security and I get food stamps and some public assistance. We’ve had a lot of mishaps happen like we had a bed bug problem where we were forced to throw out our beds and furniture. I only had enough money for my mom to get a bed so I have been sleeping on an air bed for about a month. I don’t go out often because I just don’t have money to spend and am hesitant to even spend $4.50 on a roundtrip on the bus or train unless it is mandatory. I owe the IRS about $3000 because I had to cash in all of my 401K early to live off of. But thru all this, my mom always says to me, “We’re going to be alright as long as we have each other. We have the basics in the fridge and roof over our heads.” And I lean on those words daily. I probably have about $200 left in the bank at the moment to live on so I don’t have much to give but I would be willing to donate $20 to someone in need. Because in the end, there are people who are worse off than I am. I count my blessings daily and have faith that things will get better. So please let me know! Thanks!
Hello…How AWESOME are you? Thanks for going the extra mile during this holiday season.
If you haved a gap tomorrow, please let me know I will be more than happy to send a gift card to someone in need.
Thanks!
Amy
I was so wrapped up in my own stuff this week that I got behind on my reading. Clearly selfish, right? It’s been 10 minutes of tears before I could even type this note. Count me in – I’ll send a gift card directly.
My heart grew three sizes, too.
I’m a little strapped myself, but if you need another donor, I can find $20 to send someone.
Such an amazing thing you are doing. I think I commented yesterday, but can’t find it. I could use the help. We don’t even have a tree this year, sad huh. This Christmas is going to suck but at least we are all healthy.
I set you up with donors yesterday. Check your spam filter. And make sure the email address you’re using here is the correct one. Thanks! ~Jenny
I don’t need money or gift cards but those of you who believe in a Higher power can really help me out with some prayers. I am on the verge of losing my job and maybe I can keep it through a miracle. I have been very fortunate and my kid will have a great Christmas with more presents than he needs this year, but reading this comments has made me realize how quickly things can change and how I could be on the needing end next year. So, if you could spare a minute or two and say a prayer on my behalf I’d appreciate it. And if I can do something to help someone I’d be more than happy to do so. Merry Christmas!
PS. This is awesome!
I have just sat my husband down to have him read this post. Then I told him of the help we have already gotten with a gift a piece for each of my 3 kids and this is a man who doesn’t let emotions show about anything at all and he is in tears in just plain awe that people are helping us out like this. It is truly amazing what this community is doing. You are amazing people and we are definately paying it forward!!
I’ve been watching this all unfold and been wanting to help. I don’t exactly have a lot of money and since I don’t consider myself Christian, I don’t celebrate Christmas any more. I have been somewhat mourning my loss of Christmas. However, I absolutely love Christmas and I don’t have to change my views to support someone else and donate a bit to help them have a happy Christmas. I would love to help, I just don’t want to be involved in you getting carpal tunnel. If you promise to not blog about how we gave you carpal tunnel, I would love to contribute.
JC # 784 Prayers are on their way. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers daily that you don’t lose your job!
If there are any Canadians in the mix, match me up!
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This was amazing to read and really touched my heart. I know all about times being hard. I lost my job 2 years ago and have been unable to find another one despite having a solid background of experience and college degrees. I had to give my apartment and move back in with my mom over a year ago, which has been an adjustment for a 40-yr old who is used to being on her own. Thank goodness I have no children…it’s just me to worry about. My unemployment benefits ended 2 months ago, I exhausted all 99 wks. I don’t tell many people but now I am living off of what my mom can get via social security and I get food stamps and some public assistance. We’ve had a lot of setbacks happen like we had a bed bug problem where we were forced to throw out our beds and furniture. I only had enough money for my mom to get a bed so I have been sleeping on an air bed for about a month. My mom has had breast cancer twice, is diabetic and is constantly needing medications and going to doctor appts. I don’t go out often because I just don’t have money to spend and am hesitant to even spend $4.50 on a roundtrip on the bus or train unless it is mandatory. I owe the IRS about $3000 because I had to cash in all of my 401K early to live off of. But thru all this, my mom always says to me, “We’re going to be alright as long as we have each other. We have the basics in the fridge and roof over our heads. We have our lives.” And I lean on those words daily. I probably have about $200 left in the bank at the moment to live on so I don’t have much to give but I would be willing to donate $20 to someone in need. Because in the end, there are people who are worse off than I am. I count my blessings daily and have faith that things will get better. So please let me know! Thanks!
As usual, I am very late to the party. The good part about being perpetually late is that you are freshly ready to engage with other late arrivals!
With that said, we’re having a tight Christmas here – BUT not so tight that I can’t help someone else in need.
Please count me in. I can do $25-30 with no problem. I also have Amazon’s Prime, so items can get shipped right away – or I can paypal. Whichever is easiest.
I’ll check Monday morning to see where we stand.
Love you Jenny. This just adds to it. Best Christmas party ever.
Jenny,
Get in touch if you need another donation. I’d be happy to help and yes, I’m one of your minions for a long time now. And yes, we are awesome.
Allison
Jenny, You are amazing. If you need another donor, please email me. I can help someone out this season as well.
Laura
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This has been an amazing blessing. Within fifteen minutes, several different people had sent their love and help. Thank you so much, Jenny, and everyone who has been so unbelievable kind and generous!
Wow this is amazing. Jenny, I’m happy to donate a $30 Amazon card. Let me know what to do!
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If you need another donor put me on the list! I mean for a gift card, not for a kidney or something. I don’t have any sick time left.
Oh, Jenny. I am in tears at the thought of your generosity. I am writing on behalf of my mother and brother. They are on the verge of being homeless and are struggling for the bare necessities right now. They both work very hard and are doing the best they can, but unfortunately it isn’t enough. They live without heat and hot water (the oil burner is broken and much too expensive to fix) , and often times there isn’t enough food to go around. I do as much as I can to support them, both financially and emotionally, but my modest income can only get them so far. Every penny of my expendable income goes to helping to improve their situation, but I still feel like a failure because it’s never enough. They’re recently swallowed their pride and applied for government and community assistance, but these things take time and help hasn’t arrived yet. Truly, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for any assistance you and your wonderful readers can offer. I will be sure to pay in forward.
With infinite gratitude,
Jacqueline
Jenny–I just got wind of this and I’m happy to help. Count me in for three gift cards. I will overnight them to whomever to tell me to overnight them to. Very awesome that you are coordinating this effort.
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Wonderful, Jenny. I reposted this on Facebook so hopefully some of my friends will consider being donors too.
Sign me up – I’m in Canada, so that’s a little more straightforward (in terms of exchange rate, etc.) but I’d be happy to help anyone I could.
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I’m probably too late but if you have any more donors my family could really use some help. All I want for Christmas is to be able to take my kids to visit my parents. They live almost 3 hours from us and I can barely afford presents let alone the gas it would take to get there. My truck gets 12 miles per gallon and when gas is $3 a gallon it adds up way too fast. We haven’t seen my parents since august cause they can’t afford to get here either. I’m praying that with my taxes we will be able to move closer to them, it really sucks ass that I have no friends here and no family. My husbands fam is wonderful but it’s just not the same. I have 2 boys that are 3 and 12 and my daughter is 7. I got them a couple things from the dollar tree, I go to school full time and have been trying to find a job for almost a year but theres just none in this town. The state assistance that we gets just pays for my truck payment and insurance and not much else. If it wasn’t for food stamps and food pantrys we wouldn’t be eating. If theres anyone that could help us, it would be truely appreciated. If I’m too late I totally understand, I could sure use prayers if thats all I can get. Bless you all. I need to get a tissue now.
I just found out about this! If you need more donors, please put me on the list!
Jenny –
I hate to bug you! I got my hookup last night, and she was in need of two, so I was trying to figure out how to co-ordinate with her. I wrote her an e-mail and she has not written back. Should I just let it go?
Oh, and I will definitely supply you with crutches and narcotics – just say the word!
Hmm…it might be stuck in her spam folder but if you don’t hear from her by Monday just let me know and I’ll put you on the back-up list for people who still need help. There are still people coming in to ask for help and as of right now we have about 4 donors waiting to be matched. The donors increase as the need increases. It’s kind of amazing. ~ Jenny
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Count me in as another just-in-case donor.
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I’m totally a scrooge about Christmas this year and I hate materialism… but between you doing this and my mother baking cookies for poor babies I think I found my heart again. I have $30 for the cause. Let me know how to do it…
I want to help in situations where things don’t come through on Monday, if needed. I can replace up to $60 worth of whatever; just let me know.
Thanks for everything you’ve done. You are amazing, and everyone else who has helped out is too. This is truly what it’s all about, my friends.
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Jenny –
P.S.
I have checked all spam and junk (kind of obsessively) so….I’m-a just gonna chill….and read more of your blog. I cannot believe I found you this way, and you have me laughing so hard if I blow my nose I’ll wet my pants. I keep interrupting my husband reading to him. You are like a fucking crack-pipe
Kelly Mahan Jaramillo recently posted..He Ran Into The Lake In Just his Socks and a Shirt
Wow, you really ARE like Mother Theresa. Only WAY better. What with being alive and all.
For the privilege of that snarky comment, I will be pleased to be a match for up to $100; let me know.
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Hi there! I think what you and all of your readers are doing is amazing!
My family has sort of adopted a family of 4. Really they have no place to live and are currently living on our couch. I have the food taken care of, but would like to get their 2 daughters something more than a coloring book or pair of fuzzy socks for Christmas morning. If anyone can help me with this, I would totally appreciate it! In return, I would love to send someone a nice, warm pair of handmade slippers, (it’s all I can do to say thanks!)
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I can’t believe how huge this has gotten, you are amaaazing, Jenny! You have inspired me in so many ways!
I don’t know how anyone can read this and NOT be touched. What an awesome blessing and an AWESOME thing you have started!
Miley recently posted..A Christmas MIRACLE and Truth about Santa Munchkin knows
I must admit that I am not a devoted everyday reader but my wife is. She always has me read the blogs regarding depression though because I battle with that everyday and it really helps. I was laid off 3 months ago and this next week has been a major stress to my wife and I. We always tell each other that we will just worry about the kids this year and next year will be better. My wife is such a great person and works full time and is going to school full time to get her masters degree. I really wanted to get her something this year so I secretly saved a few bucks here and there after going to the grocery store because she wouldn’t have me spending anything on her when we have 3 small kids to worry about. So in an effort to hide her gift that she has wanted for so long so she wouldn’t find it with a few other gifts for the kids in my car I left myself open to a thief. My neighbors car as well as mine were broken into the other night and they got everything. It’s so very disappointing but at the same time I know that those are just material things and I have all I could want in a beautiful loving wife and 3 healthy kids. The thief surely must need those gifts more than us…..So I am reaching out… as hard as it is to ask for help my family is worth the slight hit on my pride this year. If it is too late for us, that is fine too because what people have done already for others in need has really made me feel like there are way more angels out there than grinches and that feelings is what Christmas is all about:) Thanks for reading this and thanks to all of the special people out there who have helped others this holiday season.
I would like to help someone. I don’t have a snarky comment to insert here but I really, really want to help.
hey lady, I am sure this got lost in the cavalcade of awesome that is happening, but I would like to donate a grown up bracelet or two, so some Moms can feel presenty…I am cool with regifting if that makes them happy, too.
I know you know this but, you are the shiznit.
T.
Traci recently posted..Straight Pimpin’
I would totally love to be a Donor if there is still an additional need. Thank you!
Wow. What an incredible community. I love coming here for the fun and laughter, but the heart is just beyond belief.
I do not have any children, else I would be one of the ones in dire need this year. I live on a tiny disability pension with my elderly mother (who receives a small old age pension). We have decided that we will simply not celebrate Christmas this year. There are no small children who will be let down as all of my siblings are full grown with families of their own. I can imagine the stress of the great people of this community, struggling to find a way to have Santa in their homes. It brings tears to my eyes to see so much compassion, warmth, and generosity of strangers.
Keep sharing the love, dear Bloggess and friends. You are the very best kind of special.
Thank you. This isnt the first time Ive thanked Jenny Lawson with tears in my eyes. And something tells me this wont be the last. Thank you Jenny, and thank you to the kind and generous angels who are helping to make this possible. You people are crazy amazing!
madness recently posted..Dont Doubt
I love this. Love it. I don’t have the words to express my amazement at what one person can do in this world. You’ve not only changed the holidays for the better, but you’ve changed lives for the better. I hope the happiness that you’ve brought to so many carries you through your own dark days.
You are truly an inspiration and more than a little spark of light in this world. Thank you.
Kat recently posted..Crack – It Does a Mom Good
Someone sent me 50 no name, wanted to say thankyou!!!!! Also lovin angels and Leanne M! Thankyou so much for the gift cards this means so much to me and my grandchildren. This is a truly amazing experience to think that people you dont even know are there to help you. Thankyou thankyou!!! I hope you all have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. You have brightened my outlook on everything.. Warmed my heart and filled me with love. I am going to look forward to next year. I want to give next year and will save up just for this. Jenny you are an amazing woman to be working around the clock finding help for everyone. You are angels. God Bless!!!! Hugs from all of us
Lori
Jenny-
The gift has truly been ours that we are in the position to help this year. Please let me know if we are needed for another donation.
Aunt Buckethead and family
Not sure if my comment went through because I got a server error message, but if not, I would love to be an additional donor. I could do either one $30 gift card or two $20 gift cards.
If you still need donors, please put me on the list. Sorry for the delayed response. I’ve been slowly catching up on my very backlogged reader. What you have done here is amazing.
Hi Jenny,
I’m a huge fan of “A Day in the Wife” and just read about your blog and donating. Is it too late to help someone?
Thank you,
Heather
I’ve had enough lean years to appreciate what you’re doing here and I’d love to help. I’m in the UK but get paid in $, so I’m up for donating a gift card or a direct Paypal in either currency.
This is the most beautiful thing I’ve witnessed this season.
I can help donate a $30 gift card or paypal if you need another match.
I think it was around this time last year that you had an email that pulled me out of my scary, dark place.
Much better this year. THANK YOU.
HOLY FREAKING COW!!!! We were a recipient thanks to Ying Hua and Melissa. We have no way of thanking you ladies except here, and I still feel I cannot express enough my thanks. We are usually the ones who give, and so this has been THE most humbling of years. To those of you who gave and it kept you from committing suicide, I just can say that those of us on the receiving end, especially for the first time, cannot cannot tell you how much you have impacted our lives. Let’s ALL keep paying it forward and reaching out – for those who are less fortunate and for ourselves. The feeling of fear (in whatever form it takes) may not go away for a long time, but the choosing to have faith over that feeling of fear and taking action is STRONGER!! Thanks again so very much, Merriest of Christmases to you ALL!! Especially to Jenny
Cherie Vann
My cousin Dina has received help from here. She reffered me. And has let me use her computer. I dont have internet at my home. She is so happy and excited about everything.
To Cassie S. and Secret Santa-
Thank you so much for your generosity and giving and compassion. You will never know what this means to me. I wish I had your email addresses to send you a personal note of thanks, but I hope that you will see this here and know how grateful I am.
This is my first time here, and I’m in tears.
Match me up with anyone, and then match me up again. I’d love to help.
Jenny -
Catching on a little late here but in awe of what you’ve created. The true meaning of Christmas. I would happily be a donor if you still have folks who need a hand.
Best wishes.
Shannon
Jenny, you are a WONDER. Truly this is a Christmas miracle – I have no words.
Things are pretty tight for us – but not as bad as last year, which was scary & awful. I’d love to help along the miracle with $30 to someone in that scary, awful place this Christmas. Please put me on the list and thank you, thank you, THANK YOU. Real proof that people are wonderful is hard to find.
kaela recently posted..Dry-Brined Roasted Turkey
Im late to the game but if you need any additional donors let me know, im more than happy to help in whatever way I can. This is the true meaning of christmas. Im so happy that not everything about this holiday has become commercialized. And you The Bloggess are amazing.
Jenny-
Thank you & the donor for the GC. It will give a little bit of joy on Christmas morning to have more than dollar store stuff under the tree. As a recipient, I can’t tell you how much this has touched me. With all the worrying and stress of all the everyday stuff & then to add stress of Christmas, the glimmer of hope that things will get better and people DO care that you brought to us, saying just thank you just doesn’t seem enough. The true spirit of Christmas has burst forth from what you started & you and everyone else will be remembered in our prayers of thanks this holiday.
Have to post another Thank you!! We received and amazon gift card that allowed me to get another gift for each child so now there are two gifts each going under the tree. This is truly amazing. Jenny I just have to tell you to please not send paypal donations to this email address as my paypal addy is different and I noticed that some where getting those so I wouldn’t want someone’s money to get lost in the mix. You all have been wonderful and I am thankful that there will be a couple of gifts under the tree now!! Truly amazing and you have touched our family in such a way that you could never imagine!! this is about the 4th time I have been here today with tears in my eyes.
I’m not a frequent if ever commenter, but a regular reader. Let me know if you need more donors. We can help. We want to help.
You and this amazing online community are physical manifestations of true Christmas spirit and I can’t even tell you how much it’s touched me. If you’re still in need of donors, please let me know. I’d like to offer two $25 gift certificates for Amazon.
Thank you, Jenny. Merry Christmas.
Lainey recently posted..Conversations with My Father – Pt 7
I just wanted to say Thank You to my Angels. You have no idea how much your generosity and grace will mean to 8 children. I wish I had the words to properly express it but all I can say is Thank You!
oh crap. your update is going to make me cry again (but in a good way). I don’t have time to cry!!
If you still need donors, I’d like to give $30.
This is just an incredible display of Christmas spirit, and I’m just so filled with hope reading through all of the comments. Thank you to everyone involved – I’m just in awe.
This is simply amazing. I am a new reader (I found this article through your twitter) and I am SO glad I stopped in to read it. The power of people never ceases to amaze me. I wish we had this kind of capacity of giving all of the time. It takes a village they say, and you have quite a fine village.
Happy holidays!
Juliea Paige recently posted..Taking Stock On The Past And Notes For The Future Blog Hop
I am not sure if you are still matching people in need or not, but here goes:
A little Background: My son, who is disabled and autistic, had spinal surgery over a year and a half ago. After the surgery, he needed a new wheelchair (he is paraplegic and once he was “straightened out” from the surgery, he could not longer use the chair he had prior to surgery). The vendor ordered a chair that didn’t fit him and the long battle and wait began. After about a year, we finally got the money together to purchase him a chair because he was stuck in a hospital bed unable to leave the house for a year. When he finally did get the new chair we brought, the frame was bent and it had to go back! It looked like he was never going to get a wheelchair and get out of bed! Finally, after a six month wait – he got his new chair just last week. For over a year and a half, he sat in a hospital bed in the living room waiting to get out. Nobody came to visit him and every day when the mail came he kept asking if he got any mail (he loves to draw and write letters). Nobody loves Christmas and people more than he does. He has been busy all week drawing pictures and writing poems about Christmas waiting for Santa to come. Anyway, here is what we could really use:
Christmas Cards. He loves to get mail and would really love to get a few cards. I don’t know how to go about this because I don’t want to just post my address on a blog – but if we could be matched with a person or two who would like to send him a Christmas card to cheer him up, it really would mean so very much.
Thank you.
Cindy, I’m going to set you up with a few donors because Christmas cards delivered are nice but Christmas presents delivered are sometimes nicer. If you feel comfortable adding your email address to a comment then people could email you directly for your address. No pressure though. ~Jenny
UPDATE: Here’s the email address created to contact Cindy if you want an address to send Christmas cards (or New Years cards) out: xmascards00@yahoo.com Thanks! ~Jenny
I’m so proud to be part of this community. I’m so proud of each and every one of you, donors and recipients alike. I love you all so much. THIS is what the season is all about. Merry Christmas to you all.
This has been the best Christmas gift. All I was able to do was send a little boy in Tennessee some clothes and a couple of matchbox cars, but it has made a world of difference in changing my attitude this Christmas. I have been feeling bad that we are having a pretty light Christmas and we couldn’t afford to do everything we wanted. Coming here and reading everyone’s stories has made me so thankful for what we do have and for the love that surrounds us…even the love from total strangers. I’ve been wanting to do something nice for someone, but just hadn’t motivated myself to do it until Jenny started this awesome chain reaction. Thank you all for the best Christmas gift…hope!
Merry Christmas one and all!
I dont’ have the words to explain how i’m feeling. You have such a beautiful soul and i think you SO MUCH for helping me out this Christmas. I only hope this tradition keeps going and maybe next year i can be blessed enough to help someone out. Your last update gave me goosebumps and you and all of these wonderful people really have opened my eyes that not everything in this world is dark and ugly. Also, I don’t know if he’ll see this but THANK YOU SO MUCH NATHAN. I will forever appreciate you for helping me and giving me hope. I hope you have an amazing Christmas!!!!!!!!!!
Santa has a little more left in him so count on me for another $100 if needed.
Jenny,
If you have anyone else that needs some help this Christmas, let me know. We are able to help, and I’m happy to do it. I’d prefer to help a family with children, but will help where help is needed. Just let me know and I’ll make it happen. Also, you’re awesome!
elz recently posted..Friday Favorite- Favorite Ornaments
I’m out of money to donate but I would gladly make/send a few Christmas cards.
Sending you Cindy’s email address now. ~ Jenny
Holy shit you are amazing. It’s what Christmas should be about. xx
Bern Morley recently posted..INFINITE
If it’s not too late (and I like to think that with something like this, it’s never too late), I’d like to play too. I live in Canada, but the exchange rate between Canada and the US is pretty much on par right now, so if i get matched with someone there, that’s ok, too.
Thanks for being so awesome, not just right now, but all year round.
Hi, this is my first visit to the blog, but count me in to donate!
(from Sunday 2pm Update: There were even some who admitted later that they were considering suicide until this gave them hope. Some of those people considering suicide? Were the donors. Some felt isolated and depressed in the holiday season and being able to have someone somewhere count on them made them feel connected and less alone. I know just how they feel.)
I am one of those people that you may have unwittingly saved. I have suffered from suicidal depression. I have been on the path to recovery but as you know it is a slow journey with many bumps. I slowly, but deliberately, disconnected my self from others over the course of many years until I was left with know-one but myself. I had become cynical and jaded.
Giving to your cause has truly helped me see that it is up to me to have a little blind faith in others. I never thought that in helping others that I would be helping myself . It has been an uplifting experience and a valuable lesson. I promise that I will reach out more from now on.
Thank you to all of those who came together and made this an extraordinary life lesson.
To Jenny, I found this faith because of you. YOU. ARE. AMAZING.
I had two sales today thanks to this blog.
Every little bit helps, plus people buying things makes me feel like less of a mooch. :/ I hate having to ask for help, but sometimes you just have to swallow your pride. If there’s any Target, Trader Joes, or Pet store gift cards floating around out there I could use them for sure. Again, thank you Jenny. In case my email doesn’t show up for some reason, it is nemesisn72@yahoo.com
Also, Jenny, I am working on upping my prices. I just want people to be able to buy things and worry about raising them too much.
Lori Gallagher recently posted..Lavender and Whole Grain Face Scrub
Hey Jenny,
I’m late on the bandwagon with this one…but if anyone needs help or a little extra please send me their details. (Logistically it needs to either be a Paypal or Amazon transaction because I am outside of the states).
Thanks for creating an awesome community.
I would love to help if you find that people are still in need of it. Just let me know
Sara recently posted..its a question of absurdity
Is it too late to look for help? My 9 year old son, Austin, was adopted by a Christmas Angel on a website (CafeMom.com) but we found out THIS MORNING that she can’t ship anything! I missed the deadline to sign up for Toys for Tots or the angel trees in my area, and I have no idea how I’m going to get him anything. If anyone can help us, it would truly be a Christmas Miracle! I live in California.
We don’t have a lot – no jobs for a while now – but we have a rooof over our heads, clothes on our backs & food to eat. Even though we aren’t in an ideal situation, we still are not suffering.
I try to save up all year long when I can so I can do something charitable around the holidays. I could manage to give two $25 gift certificates to two folks in need (or deposit into their Paypal accounts if they have accounts). I’d give more, but a friend is struggling to keep on top of things so I’m going to be buying her some groceries with the rest I’ve saved up. I wish I could do more.
I want in! Match me up, Jenny, I want to donate too …
I’d love to send Cindy’s boy a card from Ireland… it would have to be a Happy New Year card as the post isn’t that quick. Let me know.
Jenny Meng recently posted..Getting to Know Your Photographer
Thanks for the inspiration. Took a bunch of toys to a Toys for Tots donation sight for the first time. You rock!!!
I am back again with my heart full and feeling so utterly blessed to those that gave gift certificates to my family, to the owner of this site you are an angel and doing gods work in helping others in need bless you! I am utterly thankful for the help given to our famiily I will never forget your kindness and generousity at this time in our life. it means the world to me and my family thank you from the bottom of my heart, May god bless you all and Merry christmas!!
Just wanted to say that I am working on Christmas cards today and would love to send out one to Cindy’s son as well. Feel free to give her my email address or send me hers.
I still fall really short. One of my donors didnt respond. I needed help with my rent.
This is awesome!
I think it needs to become an annual thing and I will jump on board.
My heart is in my throat since there are a few people in my own community that could stand to hear this story and realize how truly blessed we are to be able to provide a Christmas for our own children.
Rumour Miller recently posted..Santa
Well I really dont know what to say.. I am bawling my eyes out right at this very moment because its amazing to know that there are so many people that care.
I could really use some help this year but honestly its not for me that I ask this it’s for my sister who is way too prideful to ask for anything herself she is struggling, in fact the whole family is but her four children mean the world to me and I really dont want them to go without anything and knowing the financial burden that has been put up on this family is why I am asking I Just want the children to be able to have something. If there is anyone out there still willing to help please. And thank you in advance for anything.
We can help someone
Amy recently posted..And the year ahead
This is wonderful! I’d love to help if you need more donors. Please let me know.
Emily recently posted..Southern-Style Chicken and Dumplings
Thank you Jenny!!!!
Here is the email address I made to put up on the blog/public: xmascards00@yahoo.com
Perfect! Just to clarify, this is the email address to contact Cindy if you want to get her address to send Christmas cards to her sweet son. ~ Jenny
First time here, what a wonderful world. I’d be happy to kick in a $35 gift card if you’re still taking donors.
I can send Cindy’s son a card from Guatemala if you let me know her addy.
Expat Mom recently posted..Fiber Gummies
I was referred here, for help, i have read through all of your comments, and my heart is so full, i think i too now suffer from an enlarged heart but it is worht it. I am in need, and i understand i may be too late. I dont have ready internet access, so my friend that referred me offered her computer to me to use. I am a full time college student, and i provide care for my 89 year old grand mother and my mentally handicapped uncle, they both have been very upset this year because my grandmothers SSI has been cut back and now she cannot afford her house payment and electricty, medication, food, nothing, she does get $100 in food stamps but really thats nothing, my uncle had to sell his church suits at a consignment shop to come up with money to help with bills, now he refuses to go to church because he feel like he needs dress clothes to attend the church that he has been going to since his accident when he was 18 (he is now in his 60′s). He has provided care for my grandmother his entire life, he said after his accident (when he was 18 he and his friend where on the way to the beach as their high school grad gift and they were hit by a drunk driver attempting to commit suicide, leaving my uncle in a coma and the dr’s said he would never walk again) my grandmother took care of him teaching him to walk, talk, feed him self and everything that he now feels he needs to take care of her. She is on many many medications (That she hasnt been able to afford in over a month), oxygen, and has managed to worry herself so sick about these finances that she hasnt been able to eat, barely sleep, and i feel like she is literally killing herself. I love both of them very much, and i have been looking for night time work so i could work while they are sleeping to bring in some sort of income but havent been able to find anything. I know i have come in very late in the game and no i have no small children to worry about, however i am very worried about my grandmother and uncle, the bank is threatening to take her home, and the electric is due to be shut off wed of this week, her oxygen and heat are both ran off of electricity. I have found a back up oxygen for her that has about 4 hours on it without needing to be plugged up but i know she is just grief stricken worrying with this. I over heard her the other night in her room praying that God would just take her home so that i could move on with my life and for my uncle to go into an assisted living and to use her house to pay for her bills, it kills me to hear her talk like that! This is the woman that raised her children, her grand children and even her great grandchildren. She is an amazing woman and it kills me what bills alone can do to someone. I never want her or my uncle to feel like i would rather be anywhere else than where i am with them. I hope you have someone that could help, if you do not i understand, this is an amazing thing that you are doing. So i have tucked my tail inbetween my legs and have come to ask for help, i know my grandmother is going to cry so hard when i tell her about this, she fears that there arent any good people left in this world with all the hate, hurt and crime she see’s on the nightly news, she wonders what this world is coming to. She has also said to me that she feels this time of her life is worse than living through the great depression because then she was a child and didnt have medication needs, and also she said those times were different, what you didnt have if someone in the town had it they would share with you, so i know this will touch her heart greatly just to hear of all the good deads. She isnt worried about christmas gifts, all of the children are grown as i am the youngest, but i know she would appreciate any help with these bills, medications, food, finances, anything would be a great help. I dont know how this works exactly so i set up a Pay Pal account at PayPal.com and i dont know what information you will need to send money there but from what i understand you just need my email and it is Sfultz6411@yahoo.com. If you can help let me know! Thank you soooooo much, God bless you all, i am so grateful for everyone here, helping and having the balls to ask for help. If you do this again i want to help, when i am on much more stable ground and have my grandmother living the way she deserves to live at 89 years old! Thanks again!!!
contact me if you need any other information or anything! Thank you all so much, i cant wait to tell my grandma and uncle that we may very well be able to keep the lights on, stay in the house she has lived in for over 40 years and get my uncle some church clothes and maybe even make a Christmas Dinner! xoxoxox Merry Christmas to everyone, my thoughts and prayers go out to each and every one of you!!!!
im a single mom of a disabled child i signed up for toys for tots those toys came unwrapped and my wallet was stolen with my car payment in it so obviously i have no saving if i did i’d dip in so my child would have the greatest christmas ever i have nothing left to pawn just really would appreciate any help i can get
I so wish I could help, but alas I literally have nothing right now myself. My 4 children and I are barely surviving through a bad divorce ourselves. However I wanted to commend ALL of you for what you are doing, I’ve read through the posts here and I am wishing every single one of you the absolute best and all of the blessings in the world. I hope you all have the merriest Christmas ever for all that you have done for families in need ~ you truly are angels to everyone in need and it melts my heart and brings a tear to my eye to see so many willing and ready to help others during these times. BLESS YOU ALL!
i don’t even know what to say, this is so amazing. what can i do in australia?
Hey everyone! I’m a reporter with the Washington Post (and a huge Bloggess fan) and I’m overwhelmed by everyone who’s commented on the posts, contributed and asked for help. I just spoke to Jenny and I told her how I felt like I was watching the digital equivalent to the end of “It’s a Wonderful Life,” with everyone in town giving gifts of money to the Baileys. I’d love to talk to any of you — either people who have asked for help, or people who have sent off gift cards. If you’d be willing to share a little bit more of the story with me, could you contact me? I’m at bellm (at) washpost.com. Thank you so much and happy holidays! Melissa
Melissa Bell recently posted..Provo Tabernacle in flames Berlusconi lampooned on Twitter Gap woes and more
Do you know how difficult it is to admit you need help? All my life I was taught I didn’t need anyone. My mom was a single parent and raised me & my sister alone from the time I was 4 and she was 2. I swear when I admit I need help it literally gets stuck in my throat. What a situation to be in.
Funny you would make a comment about families considering telling their children there is no Santa because of the lack of gifts under the tree this year. That is exactly what I was saying to my husband just the other night. My children are girl 8 yrs old, boy 5 yrs old, and boy 3 yrs old. They are all SO EXCITED that Christmas is coming. My 5 yr old has been counting down the days for over 2 months. For what? To wake up Christmas morning and have nothing under the tree? And a few days later to lose your home?
Yes we got a foreclosure notice on our house as well. Only weeks before Christmas. Happy holidays, right?
Then I read a news story about Michelle Obama paying $2500 FOR ONE DRESS. ONE DRESS. I have never in my life had a dress that cost that much, not even my wedding dress. And ironically THAT SAME AMOUNT would SAVE my children’s home. But I guess I don’t understand the importance of that dress.
As I sit here typing my story I am just bawling. What else can I say? My husband works so hard, 6 days a week, EVERY SINGLE WEEK, yet we are losing our home. How does that make sense? Someone please make sense of it for me.
Monica recently posted..Rat giggles -
We have been strangely and gratefully blessed. My husband, who had a good job that kept him out of town for two weeks at a time, lost his job on October 1st. He is on week two of a new job that pays better and has him sleeping in his own bed at night!
Our power bill, which we were so behind on, was taken care of by the benevolence of NC.
Two nights ago, my youngest son struck up a conversation (I was only a few feet away) with a man who afterward handed him a church tract and told him to give this to his mom when he left. It had $100 in it! How can I NOT give back. I’m taking the money to buy my kids jeans, which they are sorely in need of. The money left is going on a gift card and will be handed to a mom who looks desperate, just like I did a couple of weeks ago.
Thanks for the inspiration, Jenny.
Kimber recently posted..Healing- reverb10 Prompt
I’ll help someone!!
Keven #810 would your wife like jewelry?
Jenny –
Last e-mail, promise.
I just worked my checkbook, and I made a screw-up ( kind of a big one, for my limited income, and I feel like a total moron)- I am so so sorry but I am not able to cover my second donation – I did get in touch with the other donor, and the woman is covered with what she needed, but I just wanted to express my deepest apologies for thinking I had enough to do a second gift card. I am really embarrassed, and just hope there are others out there who can jump in and take my place.
My sincerest apologies, again.
Merry Christmas, everyone.
KMJ
No problem! We’re fairly caught up as of now and have a few extra donors so I can put someone else on the second donation. Thanks so much! ~Jenny
Kelly Mahan Jaramillo recently posted..He Ran Into The Lake In Just his Socks and a Shirt
See how awesome it is to be you!
I just made another donation to our neighborhood soup kitchen because of all this, too!
tokenblogger recently posted..Frah-jill-lee…
Wow! What an amazing read this has been…so many caring, giving people at such a blessed time of year. I am a single mom to an 11 1/2 year old son with Spina Bifida. Times have been tough for us this year–my son suffered a 2nd ruptured bladder in September that required airlifting to Mayo Clinic in MN for emergency repair. I was off work to care for him for 6 weeks without pay, as I only has 13 hours of PTO time at work. It’s been hard to make ends meet since then as the bills are piling up faster that I can get paid. But we are blessed that he is back to being healthy and we still have a roof over our head that we can call home! That’s really what the season is about–finding a way to be grateful for what you do have and for having people to love. Much love to your followers who all seem to have overflowing hearts of joy! Merry Christmas!
First i want to say THANK YOU to everyone… for helping me and one another…. I requested help on here and i have a donor, who has helped me beyond with just Christmas but she has also restored my faith in mankind! I obviously still dont have the funds to help anyone as financially i am still short with bills etc however i would like to make Christmas cards for a few children who would like a card from santa, they will be hand crafted by me and my 7 year old, but if anyone would like a card for their children or family, i could probably get ten or so out in time for Christmas is you would just email me for now thats what i can do to give back the help i have gotten. Also i am still in need if anyone can donate even just $1 or $2 to my paypal and of course i am going to remember this day and this holiday season forever and so will my son and i am going to pay this forward forever….so please if you can help, or if you would like a card email me and i will try to get some together and if you would like a personalized message for your child in the card i can work that out too just let me know! Thank you all for all of your help!!!! You all are so kind and huge hearted and i know my cards arent much but its what i can do right now!!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you, from the bottom of my too enlarged heart… THANK YOU!!!!!
I notice someone on FB asked if they could help with the spreadsheet/matching work – I would love to help you with that too, if it’s needed/possible, now or in the future. I am so grateful to be able to be in your donor column, and hope to do so again next year (if you can handle doing this again!)
Santa doesn’t live at the North Pole, folks – SHE lives in Jenny’s house – oh, IS Jenny!
Wow, what an amazing blog! The kindness of strangers is amazing… We are having a tough year as many across the country are also experiencing. Health problems have plagued our family and money is super tight. However; my two kids will be able to have a small Christmas (two presents each: one from Santa and one from Mom and Dad), and for that I am super thankful. have talked to my 5 year old and my 7 year old, and they realize Christmas comes from the heart and the family that we are lucky to have. We would like to help with your project. We don’t have much to spare, and we can not donate the full 25 or the thirty dollars, but we hope that you could take our small donation and pair it with someone else’s donation to help a family! Thanks for making my eyes swell with tears and my heart feel joy, Merry Christmas and God Bless you and your awesome Christmas project.
Sara # 867 I understand totally where you are coming from and how bills can do this to a person as I go through this daily myself. We don’t have heat in my house we use 1 karosene heater which only heats one room and at $40 every 3 days I have borrowed so much that my income tax check is gone when I get it repaying everyone. However, I do know that with a medical condition such as your grandmothers ( in any state in the U.S.) it is illegal for them to cut off her electric. All you need to do is call the electric company and and take the required documents to them and they can not by law cut off your electric. How do I know this you may be wondering? I have a son who is 8 that has asthma, though he is not on a machine it is a respritory problem and that alone makes us medically eligable to keep our electric on. This is part of a government action so I know it is the same way in every state so please do that so that they can keep their electric.
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I wish I could help but I myself received help from this post and was able to get my 3 kids 2 presents each with the help I got so now I can concentrate on how to get karosene tomorrow to give us a little heat for the next week. I will be praying for you and your family.
Other people in need for christmas we all live on an Indian Reservation in SD.. Low income poverty sticken area.. LaceyJewett 1 person, sd_redrose 5 children, monicajewett 2 children.
My kids and I would love to send some cards/mail to Cindy’s son. Would you pass along my email or forward hers?
My friend from Francesca Fine Jewelry sent me over. Jenny – this is what the true spirit of Christmas is all about. We all have too much and forget about those who are struggling. I have an online Children’s Clothing boutique, sell on Amazon, Sears and Ebay. I will donate a $100.00 shopping spree for clothing or toys on my website to any needy family. Please match me up and thanks for your time !!
I am reporting for duty:) email me if you need another donor!–>mruch@gonzaga.edu
they have a dial up connection so may take awhile to recieve any thing… Very slow connection.. But thanks in advance we truly are in need of help here. Especially my aunt and her 5 kids she has a full house the older ones live in the basement the younger ones live upstairs. My aunt is the strongest woman I know been through alot during her time.. Please if ur gonna help someone help her she really needs it.. not alot of people have five kids to care for…
I just came across your site by a friend who sent me the link. Is there still time to ask for help? My 3″2 kids are young still and don’t know they they will miss out on presents, but they will know when we lose our electricity and water. My job has been very slow and I’ve only been Nanking enough to cover rent and one utility, so I cycle through. Since November, I haven’t been able to pay a utility and I’m very afraid of waking up with no electricity. I have called the utility help services but they told me they’re so swamped that it will be 6-8 weeks until they can even review my case. I’ve never been in such a difficult place, and it’s scary. If you by chance have some extra help available, I would really appreciate it. I understand if it’s too late. Merry Christmas.
I just read this through another blog. I cried to see so many people helping out. Iam really not the type of person to ask for help. But this Christmas has been by far the hardest on us. Ive been out of work for quite awhile and my husband makes min wage. With having 4 kids it makes it hard to get them thier needs met. I was getting unemployment but it stopped since early this year. We have struggled to get the bills paid and all the other needs. But kept trying to give the kids a nice Christmas, I even had a bakesale to try to make money. But that only helped pay some bills. I would really appreciate any help that is available.
Thank you and God Bless,
Diana
If there is anything I can do to help out please let me know! I would love to help someone out. I am actually trying to find families in need around my area (Marion & CR Iowa) who are in need of toys this year for girls ages 2-4 and boys 2-8 as I have a lot of extra new toys that I have forgotten about or over bought for my 4 kids.
Kara recently posted..Old Fashioned Ginger Cookies
I would like to ask for help for my 21 year old son. I am so proud of him. He has been living on his own since he was 18. He works 2 jobs and just started fire fighter academy at our local community college. He saved for a year to pay for the tuition himself. 2 years ago, he took out a small loan to purchase a used car. He made his final car payment last week. I got a phone call this morning at 5 am, he had was in a car accident on the snowy roads coming from work, and totaled his car. Since it was an older car, he just carried no-fault insurance. My heart just breaks for him, he worked so hard to finally get that car paid off. His sisters and I are helping him all we can, sharing rides and rearranging schedules so he can still get to school and both his jobs over the next few months until he can try to get another car. I know it would lift his spirits so much to receive a little something in his stocking this Christmas. Please email me if you can match him up with somebody! God bless you!
Mary
f1still@comcast.net
Jenny – I was prompted here by Single Dad Laughing and wanted to let you know that I’d love to help if you still need a donor. Though I’ve been out of work since September, we are blessed that my husband has been able to work a lot of OT and I’ve been able to collect unemployment. Though it’s not what we used to be bringing home, it’s still much more than most people have and my 4yo daughter will have an amazing Christmas. I’d like to make sure another child has an amazing Christmas, too.
You are all amazing. The good you are doing in this world for people who don’t have enough is incredible.
I know a family in desperate need. If you could help them I would forever be greatful. My friend and her husband have been on a rollercoaster of one medical nightmare after another for 21 months. They have 2 children, ages 14 and 9. The dad is currently in the hospital and the mom who is still trying to recover from her illnesses is working part time. They don’t have money to pay their basic bills let alone extras. It is 100 miles one way to the hospital and my friend is there as much as she possibly can be but not having the money for gas makes it very difficult. The medical bills alone are over a million dollars right now. Their children did not have Christmas or birthdays for 2 years now.
My family has sent $100 gift card. If there is anyone out ther who can help them I would be so thankful to you.
Thank you to all of you angels,
Dianne
dizzyblonde1028@aol.com
I love that so many people have gotten the help they needed, or at least a little bit. I never commented because I was taught never to ask for help when I was young, no matter the need. In fact, even writing that kind of hurt. My husband and I made sure to get enough for our daughter for christmas but now we’re waiting for the electricity to be shut off. Here’s to hoping it stays on until the 26th! At least I’ll be able to see my daughter’s beautiful smile that morning. That is worth the world to me.
You are an amazing person Jenny. You make the world a better place.
Sheri #881 i was wondering if you could look into getting space heaters that are electric, they are much cheaper than kerosene and that is what i currently have, because i cannot afford gas for my heater. I know walmart has small one’s for $10 and 1 of them alone heats my entire living room beyond warm. I would look into it that way you could save quite a bit and also if you are looking for space heaters check out Freecycle.com local in your state there you can usually find someone giving them away or willing to help you get one! Take care and i will pray for you and your family! Also i dont know how old your children are but if you would like me to make them a personalized card from Santa please let me know.
I can’t do space heaters because of the wiring in my house. We used them last year and it jacked my electric bill up to over $300 for one month and the wiring in my house is so old that the land lord is afraid it will catch on fire with the space heaters. We have found that the karosene heater works much better without the outrageous electric bill. Luckily I am in TN and we don’t have to run the heater during the day only at night so that helps.
Jenny,
I’ve taken care of the ones you have sent to me, and have confirmation they received the cards, so all is well. It has been a tremendous ride. I was watching Mr. Deeds Goes to Town last night and thinking about the similiarities in the “care for your neighbor” movement started by Mr. Deeds in the movie and what is happening here. I feel so very lucky to have been a small part of it.
Today I stopped to get a hamburger for lunch. There was a woman in line behind me, whom I allowed to go in front of me. She looked a little lost, and when I turned to let her go in front of me I noticed she had a black eye.
I went to my seat, but could not sit there. I told myself, “Mindy, you were once a battered woman. You cannot sit here until you know her story.” So, I got up and asked if I could join her for lunch. It didn’t take long before I had her story. She was staying in a local MHMR transitional house, had injured herself recently, was trying to get home to her family in another city. We had a good long talk. She told me some of her fears. I hope I was reassuring to her. When she got up to leave, I gave her the $20 I had in my purse. She told me that I had no idea how much this meant to her. Because of that, she could start the trip home today.
So, you can add Mary to your spreadsheet as someone else who has been helped because of this. The stories everyone has been brave enough to share caused me to really look today, when I might not have before, and be braver today, than I otherwise might have been.
I cannot thank you enough for all you are doing to help us all by coordinating this. Please put my name on the reserve list for Monday in case you need it.
Mindy
I found your blog through SDL. Wow! this was such a heartwarming post to come across. I know what it’s like to not have. If not for the grace of a really good friend last year, my kids would have gotten nothing at all. this year i’ve barely managed to squeak them something as our circumstances haven’t changed. I’m not asking for anything. I just wanted to say how much seeing all the people who really care doing something good for someone else who really needs it. It’s wonderful to see it paid forward. I think i’m going to add your blog to my daily agenda. thanks
Thank you to those who helped me,I was able to get a few gifts for the girls.We are counting on our town for Christmas dinner as funds are tight.Still wanted to say thank you for all we were given. Jennifer
Jenny
If anyone on your list is still unmatched with a donor, I’m here to help. And I would like to apologize to Mr. Dickens for all those times I scoffed at how ‘unrealistic’ characters like the Cheeryble Brothers and Christmas-morning Scrooge were. Clearly, you and he are wiser about people than I. Thanks gods.
Alohahowards you are a pure angel!!!!!! I am so relieved thankyou soooo much from the bottom of my heart… I feel like crying
Theres so much emotion going on here. Amazing so much thanks….
This is very inspiring and gives people who don’t know how to help an opportunity to show they care.
Would love to offer a gift card if you still require more – just let me know.
Merry Christmas!
Lynda
I LITERALLY got goose bumps reading these posts! That there still remains so much goodness in the world totally just made my Christmas.
I wish I could do more other than say this kicks so much ass that I’m sending everyone I know here, so that they may be able to help, too.
Sarah recently posted..Small- eensy- weensy favor
700+ gift cards sent out. There are still another 20 emails I need to send out but as of this moment (unless I’ve miscounted) everyone commenting so far will get at least one donor to help them.
More emails will go out late tonight or early tomorrow. My mom is in town and I have to stop to visit with her. Her visit is my Christmas miracle.
Also, I would LOVE to have help with this but I feel weird about sharing all the email addresses so I’ll try to power through as long as I can. I think tomorrow morning we’ll start winding down.
Thank you so much everyone!
(through tears) Thank you for doing what I wanted but was unable to do for so many reasons. I spent most of my childhood short on money but not love. I know there are people out there that are putting themselves in credit card debt to avoid disappointment in their childrens eyes, and I so want that to stop! Christmas puts such terrible stress on low income people that it makes me sick. If anyone reads this and needs some ideas for Christmas gifts that dont cost alot please read my webpage and TOTALLY IGNORE the Amazon module please. I just want you to get the IDEAS from it. God Bless all those struggling, and I pray that 2011 will be better. From a person that faced lean Christmas Days as a child, LOVE meant more…..Mum and Dad did their best and we always had SOMETHING to open Xmas day, even if it was only a couple of dollars worth. There were always hugs and kisses to go with the Christmas gifts, and they last forever!
Thank you Jenny and thank you Heidi for being so good to my family. I am at a loss for words and thank you just doesn’t seem like enough. This is all just so…..magical.
I came here from Single Dad Laughing. This is just amazing and incredible. I am one of those people who was “in need” this season, but I was fortunate enough that my family came together to provide for my children. I also received help from a local agency that generously gave a gift card to my children. It’s truly heartwarming that so many people were willing to help those less fortunate. Especially in this large world of the internet. I just wanted to say that I am thankful to all of those that helped out the less fortunate (like myself) this season. That is the true meaning of Christmas.
I, unfortunately, am one of those in need for Christmas. I have a 17 year old girl, an 11 year old boy, and an 8 year old girl. This is the most difficult year we have ever encountered. My husband and I were both laid off 2 years ago, so unemployment benefits are long gone. He just recently obtained employment as an independent contractor with FedEX, but his first check comes Christmas Eve, which will go for past due bills. My oldest daughter understands, but the 2 little ones really do not. They have been such troopers for 2 years, going without any extras, and I would love to be able to make Christmas happen. If there is anyone out there that can help, it would be repayed so many times again. If not, I understand that times are hard for most of us right now. My daughter is asking for an American Girl doll, and my son for an IPOD touch. I would be happy just to have a gift or 2 to wrap. I am so thankful so many have been helped here, and hope you all have a very Merry Christmas.
a friend showed me this blog. How amazing! Please, Id love to get matched up with someone. I can’t help much, but I can send out a gift card to someone in need!
I have to say that I’m impressed. Hearing and reading all of these comments and everyone pouring inwards with the ability to help absolute strangers during this season…It’s done something to me. When I saw the repost on FaceBook through Single Dad Laughing, at first I was going to jump in and post and see if there would be any gift cards still available. However, after reading the post, and then reading many of the comments that followed, I’ve been touched by what you’re doing here. It is a wonderous thing. *smiles* I would love to say that I could donate as well, but I cannot. I lost my last job a couple of weeks ago – thankfully 99.9% of my Xmas shopping was already done! – and even though I begin a new job tomorrow morning, bright and early, I only have a few bucks in the account until my first paycheck. ^.^ But I know I can make it. And I know that there is local help available for me, if for some reason I begin to run out of food or gas in my car. I am nowhere near as needy as some of these people already here. Money doesn’t mean to me what it means to a lot of people, and I’m sorry if this doesn’t fit most people’s perspective, but I don’t see the need to go out and buy all the latest toys and gadgets for my daughter. Her father is good for going in on the competition on that end…I know that there are quite a few things under the tree that are second-hand that I bought for her, or they were bought at dollar stores or something like that, but where it comes from doesn’t even come into the picture when she opens the presents on Xmas morning and her face lights up – and when you see that, the world is alright. ^___^
So, I guess that I sort of fall in the middle here, in the shadows. I cannot donate – no matter how much I wish – and I do not really need the help. But I do want to say that you all are doing a thing here – all of you, the blogger, all the commenters, and EVERYONE who has joined in to help – you are ALL doing something that many people don’t know how to do anymore. You are giving because you want to. You’ve seen the need, and you want to fill it. No strings attached, and you surely aren’t looking for acknowledgment, since most of the people receiving these gift cards don’t know you from Adam (or Eve). You’re just giving.
And I want to say THAT’S GREAT!
I guess today is a good Sunday, after all.
^.^
Hi- I can help someone if they have Paypal. Let me know please, Merry Christmas Jenny.
Hi I am limited on my funds for christmas as is my daughter and sister. My daughter is the one who told me about this. I have two kids to get presents for. Thankyou for your time. I would appreciate any help you could offer. Even the smallest amount of help would be cherished.
Monica
I have five children my neice told me about this site and I just had to inquire. My kids have been through many hard time, ups and down. The death of their father (2 years ago), no money, no food. But we pull through on love. It would be a tremendous help if you could possibley spare something for us. I also have an address if u want to buy the things yourself even late presents are still presents and they dont have to be expensive.
I was comment # 504 on the the original post – but I’m re-posting the entire thing in case you missed me, as I haven’t received an email from you yet.. (and if Jenna H – comment #573 on this post hasn’t received an iTunes gift card for her kids yet – I’d be glad to help her out!) PLEASE LET ME KNOW HOW I CAN HELP!!
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.
Rusti recently posted..one of those days
I just heard of this through Ayeletw on twitter. You are doing a wonderful thing.
We just put some money in your paypal account for you, anticipating that a lot of people will want to help and your bandwidth/hosting costs will get hit. If you need help with unmatched need, we want to help with that too.
Jon and Marian Gallagher
I am so full of joy reading these blog comments and posts. I know I’m too late to ask for help but as a newly single mom to three and recently laid off and Knowing what a struggle it is it warms my heart knowing that people that care about others are still out there. Christmas is what you make it. Ours won’t be filled with presents this year but it will be filled with love. Merry Christmas to all.
I just want to say thank you so much. I was one of the amazing lucky ones to receive a gift card and I was able to make my kids Christmas a little brighter. I always thought there was magic around Christmas time and this confirmed it. Thank you for giving my kids a reason to believe!
I’m late to this party, but I had tears in my eyes reading this. If there is anyone that still needs help, please forward me information and hubs & I will happily donate a $30 amazon gift card. Sometimes I need my faith restored in humanity. Today was one of those days. Thanks.
My husband has been out of work for 18 months. Things have been really tight & stressful around here, but I know good and well it could be so much worse. As I sit here in my warm house with many blessings I too would like to help if possible. I am able to contribute $25. I know it’s not much, but hopefully it could be helpful to someone in greater need than we are in my family. I have a paypal account, or could get a gift card in the mail tomorrow. Please email me if I can help. I love what you are doing here and wish I stumbled upon this earlier than just today. God bless you and everyone donating and those in need.
Hi I have two kids that are in need of presents. My daughter told me about this and was all excited. “Mom you have to try this”!! I will be so relieved to get help with presents. I just need two for my son and daughter. They would be greatly appreciated.
I had posted earlier on the first blog post, not knowing about this one. I was able to get each of my kids one small thing this year, when a friend asked me over to show me your blog. I wasn’t able to make it until today, and since she found this post as well I was wondering if there was still help available? My husband and I have taken in my mother and had to dish out quite a bit due to a water leak and the electrical box getting drenched by it… so we had to spend our Christmas stash to get those things fixed. Its been a rough month! I just can’t believe how many wonderful people there are out there…
Jenny, I have loved your blogs for a while now, and also fallen a bit in love with you. Now I love you even more! What an angel you are! I am going to send Cindy and her son a card, and hopefully send out a gift card to some other who need it.
I thought I was crazy for sitting here crying while I read through the comments, but I see that it isn’t just me. It’s funny how it takes something like this to spark the real joy of Christmas within us. I am lucky that I have a job and a family and an amazing boyfriend and that I am healthy and can pay my bills. I haven’t always been in this situation though so I can appreciate the situation these people find themselves in.
I just want to say, don’t feel bad for asking for help. For many people it is the thing that can change their lives and keep them going until they get a job or what not. And when you find yourself able, you do something small for someone else.
I wish all of you the best and hope you have a smile and enjoy your family on Christmas xo
Dear Jenny,
I have been a long time fan and usually do spit-takes when I read your brilliance. But this is a different kind of water coming from my face. I have been in a state of the weepies all day after reading about your gift card giving. We were about to go out Christmas shopping for our best friends who always spend Christmas with us when I came across the last entry. I emailed my pals and asked if we could skip our modest gift exchange and buy gift cards instead in their honor. Please, please, please match us up with someone who is in need! We too have had our share of financial worries over the years but the tree has always been surrounded by gifts for our son and the thought of a family having nothing to give breaks my heart into slippery shards of sadness.
What you are doing is so fantastic and festive and feverishly kind. Thank you for being the Bloggess Bad Ass!!
Dotty
Dotty recently posted..Time to make the
At first I was just worried about my little daughter receiving a present but my older boy Chaske needs one too hes 13. He lives with his mother.
Thankyou
Having been one of those people in need in the past…
I can’t thank you and all of those involved enough. That little shimmer of hope that there’s still good left in in the world is quite often one of the biggest boosts that pull us through the rough spots.
This brought the biggest smile to my face!
Bless you all!
- Violet
I am new to your site and have loved reading your blogs and comments. I would really love to help someone out but we are just so snowed under with everything that Christmas just doesn’t have the same spirit for me that it used to. I am even struggling to muster up enough happy thoughts for my 2 year old this year. We had her through IVF, then moved interstate to be with family and since then have not regained any of our financial footing. Both hubby and I suffer severe depression with associated expensive medication expenses, and we cannot afford to buy anything for his wonderful parents who have supported us constantly. We rent, we don’t take holidays and we both work only part-time because our illnesses don’t allow us to cope with any more than that. Unfortunately my parents have disowned me (due to being ‘mentally ill’) sp they have never known their beautiful granddaughter. I have siblings but they too have told me to get lost and get over my problems before they will speak to me again. We are both Christians and try to forgive and forget but it is a very hard thing to do, especially at this time of year. I cringe at the thought of asking for any help…… I really do……. I don’t know what else to say now because I am upset just writing this and knowing that there are people far worse off than us. I so wish that I could give….. perhaps it would make me feel better. You are all so wonderful and generous and it has been a pleasure just to read through the hundreds of comments. Anything will be greatly appreciated and maybe just some of my prayers will be answered this year.
@Heidi who emailed me last night with ideas. (wink) I strongly encourage you to read and follow up with commentator #871, Melissa Bell. Right up your alley, girl. (smile) ~ Wendy
Ok I couldn’t help myself. I had to blog about this. Thank you for bringing out the best in people and all you are doing. I blogged about you and added you to my blog roll. http://www.onebusymoma.net/2010/12/christmas-angel-to-remember.html
Jenny,
I just sent the gift card from Amazon…Let me know of you need help with emails and things. I’d be delighted to do what I can. Cheers!
Allison
I was glad to see that you said you have people matched up. I’m hoping that means you had a match for me too (comment 640 I think). I’m so full of hope that we’ll be able to surprise him with a christmas present too, since all he’s gotten for so long were things he Had to have weeks ago, and nothing he wanted, even for his birthday a few months ago.
The only reason I’m commenting again is that I haven’t received an email from anyone. I have a blumail.org address and I know that I still add an E to make it BLUE so I wanted to check that the email from my giver wasn’t sent to the wrong address. I even mistyped it just now.
You really are a great person Jenny. Really, I don’t know how to tell you how Wonderful you are for putting this all together. And everyone who is donating to everyone else… I just wish I could hug the stuffin out of all of you.
You have a donor matched to you so I bet you’ll hear something soon. ~Jenny
I’ve come and gone from this post several times. I’ve started a comment, but deleted it a few times. I’m in awe of you and your amazing community. I need any help that I can get this year. I would be forever grateful if there is still someone out there willing to give….
I would be happy to help out if anyone needs it. I asked my parents if instead of buying me a present they would let me do this instead. I struggle with major depression and PTSD and spend almost 4 months of combined time in hospitals this year, most recently up until 12/17. I want to do this to help someone else, but I also want to help myself remember the true humanity of the holidays, and indeed, mankind.
Jenny~
I am so happy your posts got such a response! I love your blog and so many times I have read it and been uplifted but this truly has uplifted me most of all. My husband has been in and out of work over the past few years and we have struggled so much and to hear that others have been helped by total strangers that is just amazing. Keep it up Jenny!
Wow! All I can say is “wow”. I know what it is like to receive an unexpected Christmas blessing and it brought me to tears and completely changed my outlook on the world. Your community is amazing!!
Elise Dalton recently posted..A Lesson in Acceptance
Getting in on this really late in the game but this just really brought home the meaning of Christmas for me. If there is still enough time for me to help someone please contact me. There really IS a Santa Claus!
Count me in for anyone who still needs help.
Jenny, if you still have anyone in need, I’d like to help. I told my young sons what you’re doing and they are excited to be a part of it. You are truly an inspiration to us all.
Jenny, you are amazing! I received two gift cards from two amazing donors and my daughter’s first Christmas is going to rock thanks to you all!
I’m commenting with the email address of my friend Karen. She has two beautiful kids, aged 9 and 3, and is struggling as a single mom. Daycare costs are over $1,300 per month and she’s facing the choice to let her oldest take care of her youngest or move back to her family home in Puerto Rico. She and I are moving in together to save costs in a few months, but in the meantime I know she’s struggling to make ends meet. She told me today how hard it is for her to get presents for her kids, but she so desperately wants them to have a great Christmas.
I hope there is someone out there that can help her, even though it is kind of late in the game.
Mama Canard recently posted..Mamas Dont Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Tomboys
You need a donor… let me know… my kids even offered to donate… they are ages 9, 9 and 7… kinda makes a mama proud….
Happy to donate if you still need people! Things are good for us, I would love to be able to pass it on! This has also given me the kick in the pants I needed to take my three boys and buy presents for those struggling this year so thanks for the reminder! Oh and if anyone has contacted you for help from Australia (where I am) I have $60 worth of gift cards for Susan (women’s clothing store) which I would be thrilled to give away, just need a postal address. Keep up the great work! Sarah
Please put me on the donor list for a $30 gift card.
I’m sure this has taken much more of your time than you expected. Thank you for stepping up to coordinate this flood of goodwill you started. I’m not familiar with your blog but after this I will certainly be back.
Virginia C McGuire recently posted..Buy a whole new lifestyle in New Zealand
I admit that I am not one of your normal readers. I stumbled across this through SDL, a blog that I follow sometimes. So…maybe its not fair of me to ask for help…but I guess I’m going to anyway. My husband and I are expecting our first baby in January. A little boy. Anything and everything that comes into our bank account goes toward purchasing everything we need to prepare for his arrival. The result is that this year, there will be no Christmas. This is fine for me, but my husband desperately needs a new bike as his finally broke completely down a month ago (a problem as its his main source of transportation). Even the smallest amount of help would be so so appreciated and could help me get him something he needs. Might there be a gift card out there for our family? Bless you Jenny and have a Merry Christmas!
hi jenny,
i sent you an email too, but i just wanted to say here too (in case this is faster) that i am happy to donate a $30 gift card to someone who needs it. i know that isn’t too much, but maybe if tacked on to another small donation….
love this, and you. merry christmas all!
Please sign me up to help.
Thank you for allowing me to help…
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I’m here for someone who needs help. Let me know who I can send a $30 donation to.
Xo susie
Jenny I was just talking to my kids and they thought you might be able to help out 2 boys that we know. They are 17 year old twins in a children’s home. Since they are both seniors in high school they had to live in an apartment on the home’s grounds but not in the main house.
One twin works full time and attends high school full time all while keeping an A average! The other twin needed a little more guidance and recently moved to another state with his old house parents. He works 30 hours a week and maintains great grades. These 2 boys have no one! We help them out on occasion but can’t handle too much since we have our own 7 kids.
If you have the ability to help them out let me know and I’ll send you their addresses.
They are 2 of the most grateful, hard working kids I’ve ever met and they could surely use a hand up this Holiday season.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
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Wow, Jenny, you are an angel. This thing you’ve begun has truly reaffirmed my faith in humanity. I know I am very late coming to this–my sister just told me about it today. I was really hesitant about leaving my first name and e-mail address, because I am truly embarrassed and ashamed to have to ask for help. And, I know I’m late, so I more than understand if I’ve missed out–even so, this movement has put a smile on my face and warmed my heart. I am a single mom and a full-time student. My daughter’s father is verbally abusive (to me, not her) and threatens to take my daughter away from me, and I’m struggling to find a lawyer that might be willing to do something pro-bono to help me, because he doesn’t even pay his child support. I wonder if there are any family lawyers or lawyers that do custody issues that visit this blog…that would be amazing, even if I could just email them and ask for advice as to where to go from here. I know it seems silly, but I haven’t even been able to afford a hair cut for the last six months! I don’t want to sit and whine about my situation, because I know I should be content that I have a place to live, I just…I feel like such a failure as a mother that I cannot get my daughter any presents for Christmas…I’m almost hoping that she will just forget about it and not notice at all…but, even if I’ve missed all the donors–does anyone have any words of encouragement to help me feel less useless and like I might still be a good mom? I have two diapers left, with less than $20 in my bank account. I have no presents for her, I don’t even care that I have none for me or that I can’t step up. This feeling of failure is just overwhelming, and I wish I could thank my mom for being so self-sacrificing and being amazing. She’s driven hours to pick up my daughter when I wasn’t able to, even taking time off from her job, losing money, with only a few minutes of notice to just to help babysit my daughter when I had to be rushed to the hospital (three ER visits and one visit to a surgeon in the past 2 months). I don’t know how to pay those bills, to pay any of the bills sitting very near the trash can because I’d love to just throw them in there and forget about them. I’m not even able to pay for my anti-depressants, anti-anxiety medicines, my pain medicines, even my inhaler. I’m so sorry that I am here, invading your blog (it feels like), to ask for help. I’m not even certain where to begin with what to ask for. And I don’t want to be demanding saying, I need this and this and this. This is just so hard for me to even write this. I’m just so embarrassed and ashamed of myself as a mother. How could I fail my daughter like this? No, I’m so sorry. I cannot feel sorry for myself, I need to be strong. Even if it’s too late for me to ask for help, I am overwhelmed and amazed that good people like your donors and receivers on here, that there are actually people out there, in this world, willing to help strangers they don’t even know. I am going to become an avid reader of your blog, because you simply amaze me. And, I want you to know, that if by some miracle there is still someone left willing to help me, that I will double their goodness and pay it forward next year. Even if I don’t get help, you have reaffirmed my faith, and I can share these amazing stories with my daughter and that could be a present enough. Maybe even if anyone has any diapers, pointe/dance shoes (for mymom), toddler girl’s clothes or used toys, I don’t know. I didn’t know if it’s easier to write some gift suggestions? I’m so embarrassed I am so sorry for writing this. Maybe I shouldn’t have even tried out my luck here. But, no pity party, I’m terribly sorry. Thank you for what you do Jenny, you are a beautiful person. And I did get to see your pictures of James Garfield, and those are just hilarious. Do you have any of those cards? They’re the cutest! I am going to become an avid reader of your blog, and if I get even $5 worth of help, I will pay-it-forward doubly next year. But, if not, thank you for reaffirming my faith in the human spirit. That, in and of itself, is a Christmas miracle! Thank you, thank you, thank you Jenny!
How can I not join the fray and tell you you’re my hero.
If the requests keep coming in, count me in for helping. I’m lucky that this is a year I’m on that end and not the other.
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I’d love to help, too. Let me know what I can do.
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If you are still in need of donors please let me know. We’ve been very fortunate this year and are will to help out someone in need.
I don’t know if it matters, but I live in the Missouri/Kansas/Oklahoma area, and I didn’t know if you had heard of any donors in those areas? Oh no, this sounds even more selfish, I am so so so sorry
This is so great…let me know what else is needed!
I would be happy to donate a $50 to anyone who needs it. Send me an address and I will send the money tomorrow – it might make it for xmas to someone on the west coast of the US.
This is such a good thing. There really are no words big or poetic enough to express what I have felt reading about this. I love what a generous and inclusive person you are, Jenny. Thank you for being you.
Gretchen
Please set me up with someone or a couple of someones….I can donate $60 – cards or paypal, or whatever is needed.
Thanks! This is an awesome thing you are doing!
need to pay forward. am here as need be.
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Thank you to Jessie for the 50.00 Walmart card and to Jean for the earrings I am going to be receiving for my daughter. I am still in shock as to how many people have been helped. Next year I will be on the other side and be posting as a donor. God bless everyone….Christmas time is about miracles!
What you are doing here is amazing. I cried while reading this, it’s a truly touching gesture.
I’m not sure if you still have anything to give, and if not that’s okay. I’m here for my sister. She’s currently living 12 hours away, far from her family. She had to move because her husband is in the army, and they’ve hit hard times. They have two kids, both still very young, and because she has to take care of them alone most of the time(her husband is on base most of the time), she doesn’t have time for a job.
They’re struggling to pay for their bills and their food, so Christmas is hard for them. To top it all off, they can’t come home this year because they don’t have the money to pay for it. I’ve had to pay for their phone bill twice, which I’m fine with, I’m happy to, but I can only do so much to help them.
So, if there’s anyone left to help them, we’d all be very grateful. Thank you for your generosity up until now!
Hi, I posted yesterday saying that I didn’t need any help for gifts as my family has helped us. They sent us 2 boxes full of presents for our 5 kids, and I will be forever grateful for that. However, I don’t know about Christmas dinner. My hubby doesn’t get paid until next Thursday, and we ran out of money quicker than we thought we would. That can happen pretty quick when you have so many children, one of them always needs something unexpected. If anyone could help us just a little, I would really appreciate it, but if not I totally understand. Thank you so much for the oppurtunity to post here.
Belated, but if you still have requests, count me in for a gift card (or PayPal if the recipient has); I’d love to help. As a side note, I also have a few extra sets of holiday cards and postcards so if someone is interested, I am happy to send those along as well.
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This just made my heart grow 10 times bigger.
I may not have much but count me in for a $50 GC for anyone who still needs it!
hi jenny,
you’re friends with my friends brene, karen, and katherine. and i think you are the bees knees.
i am a new mom to an 11 week old baby boy named true. i cannot imagine not being able to give him a magical christmas. in his honor, i just sent you money to your paypal acct to send to a family in need.
thank you so much for the opportunity to do this.
xo
kelly rae
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I don’t want you to run out of donors! I can swing a gift card for $25 or so, if needed. We’re a bit tight for funds this year, too, but we’re not underwater yet.
A man stopped in front of my apartment this morning because I’d left my newspaper out. I wondered what he was doing, so I went down. I said hello, and he said – oh, I was just looking for work. He wanted the classified ads. I wished I could’ve helped, but we couldn’t find any in the paper. Nor was there anything else I could give him.
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I am taking a huge leap here and throwing out some of what my daughter and I have gone through this year.
A friend of mine boasted about this site and I would like to be a person that could donate but this year things haven’t been so great for us.
A little history – I am a single mom to a 7 year old girl, she doesn’t see her father at all – she hasn’t spoken to him in 2 years and we think he lives in Texas…this summer my girl had a mental break down, she started hearing voices and felt as though the devil was telling her to do things, very naughty mean things. It got to the point where she said she wanted to kill herself or me – she said she didn’t care if either of us lived and she felt she was going crazy because the voices wouldn’t stop. We went to the childrens hospital, spent the night for observation and the next day they sent us on our way with a referral to a day treatment program for adolescents. The next week my little girl had to start day treatment M-F from 9-3p for 18 days. It was a Godsend program but also very very costly. She has been diagnosed with a mood disorder, anxiety disorder and adhd. She started medication her first week at the program and it has helped so much.
Every day is a work in progress, every day we have to stop and look at each potential issue and make the decision if we are going to recognize it or let it go.
We continue with therapy and psych appts and I have faith that she will grow up to be a wonderful adult someday…
I don’t even know what to ask for or how to ask for help – but if anyone out there can help in any way – I sure would appreciate it. Thank you for reading this blurb of our story.
Being the only income in the family and working a barely-above-minimum wage job, I just want to go to sleep and wake up after Christmas. About half my weekly paycheck goes to my fiance’s medical copay, and he’s unable to work or get disability. Luckily my two year old has grandparents that spoil him and he’s too young to really understand why there’s no presents under the tree at my house. He’ll have plenty to open at theirs. Its my 11 yr old son I’m worried about. He lives with his father, on the other side of the country. I haven’t seen him in over a year now because I couldn’t even afford plane tickets to fly him home last summer. He has lots of family out there and gets lots of Christmas presents but this year, like last, I won’t be able to send him much of anything at all. I couldn’t afford to send him a birthday present last month either. I know he’s old enough to understand why, that I don’t make enough money. But I can’t begin to imagine how heartbreaking it is for him to not receive a package in the mail from his own mother. I just want to be able to show him I’m not the poor trailer park trash that I will forever feel like when every holiday goes by.
I’m so mad I walked away from my Reader for a week b/c I totally missed all of this! I’d love to help. Seriously. I will never ever not read you again Jenny. This post and the one before it have me bawling.
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Blogess, thanks for being a conduit for people to use to make connections. You are awesome!
Ardee-ann
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Jenny,
Love this. Love you.
Let me know if I can help someone…
Merry Christmas
I’ve been amazed at the love and kindness from every single person involved in this. I’m coming a little bit late to the party but I would love to be a part of this. Our family has been blessed this year, so if any last minute gift cards or donations for medicine, electricity, rent or a holiday dinner are needed. I’d love to help.
Thanks, Jenny for coordinating and inspiring…
Thank you for restoring Some of my faith in humanity. I appreciate the help some of you have sent so much that I can’t even begin to describe it in words. Happy Holidays to everyone. <3
I'd like to return the favor. If you know of someone who'd like a small gift sent, I have two shops you can choose something from (there's a link to the other one in the announcement of the Spooky Grrrl shop). I can't go crazy but I'd like to give something back. Please let me know if you know of someone who can use a small pick-me-up or just needs a tiny gift. I currently still have some supplies for bath and body goods or I could send a nice little 5×7 print to someone.
nemesisn72@yahoo.com
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Please add me to the list of people who are there to help if need be. Hoping you’re RA decides to go the f*** away. I have an autoimmune malady as well, so I sort of get it. Be well. Merry X-Mas.
This post made me cry. I am absolutely astounded. My cousins have been trying to make ends meet, and have had several serious medical problems come up, that they don’t have enough food in the cupboards. They could really use a Christmas Miracle, even if it came a day or two late. Please, if there is still enough to help them e-mail me and I will send you their address. You are a god-send, and may God bless you and all your supporters. You are angels in my eyes.
You have a gift card that hasn’t been redeemed yet. Check your spam folder. ~Jenny
You have done a wonderful thing. I wish I would have seen this a few days ago and possibly have gotten some help (Husband has been laid off for two years, We have seven children and I have been able to get the three youngest a tiny something to open on Christmas morning, the four older ones are just going to have to understand) oh well a little to late, but I am so glad to see that things like this go on in the world, what a Christmas miracle!
If you need more donors I am also in. I can afford about $40. Please let me know if I can help.
Jenny if you could broker this- next up you NEED to tackle mideast peace and world hunger– I am in awe of what you’ve started and the seeds you’ve planted
How can you not cry at the shear beauty of this? If there is still a need please let me know. I might not have much, but I’m happy to give what I can. This is the most beautiful thing I’ve heard in years. Thank you. To everyone, thank you.