UPDATE: Wow. That went heartbreakingly fast. But there are other people out there who have so sweetly offered up gift cards that they don’t need or who’ve sent emails about wanting to help so keep leaving comments and I’ll do my best to match up donators with those of you needing help. I’m sure we won’t be able to help everyone and I’m sorry for that but every little bit counts. Also, consider contacting Toys for Tots if you need presents. It’s easy (aside from the line you have to wait in) to get new presents for your kids that way and there’s no one there judging you. And I hope that everyone reads the comments and it spurs you on to donating, even if it’s only a few dollars or to just remember how lucky we are. The world is both darker and brighter than we think.
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I’m about to ruin your image of me but it’s for a good cause.
In my family we have one Christmas tradition that we never, ever skip. Every year at Christmas Victor and Hailey and I go out and buy my parents the best Christmas present that they never actually get. This year we’re gearing up for the same thing (and I totally recommend it to anyone who has some extra cash to share) but we’re also doing something different.
This year was hard for so a lot people and so many people I know are struggling. They’re looking for work or for places to live and suddenly the things that you take for granted, like buying Christmas presents for your kids, become a luxury you can’t afford. I’ve had my years of struggling and borrowing and getting the water shut off because you couldn’t afford to pay it but this year we’ve been really lucky. We aren’t rich but we’re blessed and so much of that is because of you. Whether you left a kind comment or nice email or supported me by buying ridiculous James Garfield holiday cards you made a difference to me. And that’s why we’re taking all the money you gave me for James Garfield cards and we’re giving it back.
If you’re struggling for money right now and don’t know how you’ll give your kids presents then leave me a comment. You don’t have to use your real name or leave a url or prove anything. Just leave me a comment and your email address (always hidden and never used) and I’ll email a $30 Amazon gift card to the first twenty people who leave a comment explaining why it would make a difference in their lives right now.
Thank you to everyone who made a difference to me.
PS. My guess is that with so many people out of work right now these will go fast so if you’re in a place where you’re lucky enough to have money to share then please donate to Toys for Tots. Or if you’d like to help by doing your own gift card giveaway (even giving one can make a huge difference and you can do it all online) on your blog then just leave a comment with your url below and we can keep this going until we help as many people as we can.
PPS. I’m so grateful I’m able to do this and I wouldn’t have had the money to do this without you. Thank you. You make the world go ’round.
PPPS. I promise to be less sappy tomorrow.
