The 16th annual James Garfield Miracle, coming soon.

in Random Crap

Hello, friend!

This isn’t a real post. It’s just me dropping in to say that every year I host a weird holiday giveaway where I send new stuffed animals to kids who might not otherwise get them, but this year I’m going to do it a little earlier than normal because I’m traveling a little. So if you are someone who wants help getting your kids a stuffy this year be sure to check back soon. (Probably Sunday or Monday. I’ve been a little sick or I’d be doing it now.) I’ve been very thankful this year with book sales and so I’m passing that happiness on to send at least 150 kids a present (maybe more…I have to check my bank account) so just know that if you read here or my substack or support me in any way you are, in turn, supporting others. YAY! It’s one of my favorite things of the year, especially because I have also been on both side of the “really want to help” and “really need help myself” coin in my life.

In case this is your first year, I’ll do a full run-down of the rules when I open the post up to start giving, but here are the basics in case you’re interested:

I’ll start a new post here in a few days with a list of about 10 different stuffed animals you can choose from (usually $15 to $25 each) and then anyone who needs one will make a BRAND-NEW wishlist on amazon of the stuffed animals they want. (One per child so we don’t run out, please.) Then I’ll tell you how to make your list public and fillable. It won’t show anyone your address or last name, just the name you add to it and your city. Then you simply leave the link to the list along with a note in the comments of that post just saying how many kids you have and what city you are in. Then I’ll go in and fill the lists, first come-first served. And also, lovely people in the comments often pop in to fill lists as well, including even people who were once the very small kids getting the stuffed animals themselves in years past. *ow my heart*

We limit the wishlists to just stuffed animals because otherwise it can get out of hand very quickly and we want everyone to get one if possible, but after Xmas the post will stay open so you can share gofundmes or wishlists of other stuff if you want. (If you share it before or don’t follow the rules I’ll just delete your comment and ask you to try again so it’s fair for everyone.) It’s for children only but if you have adult disabled kids, then of course they still count as children. 🙂

Check back soon!

I need to add a picture here but I don’t have a good one so instead here is Ferris Mewler in my lap right now as he watches the squirrels outside of my office.

He’s making that chittering “eck-eck-eck” noise and it is adorable.

38 thoughts on “The 16th annual James Garfield Miracle, coming soon.”

Read comments below or add one.

  1. Do grandchildren count? I have two beautiful granddaughters that I will not be able to get any presents for because we don’t even have enough money for food.

    (Of course. 🙂 ~ Jenny)

  2. I save my points on my Amazon Visa card to spend on the James Garfield miracle each year! Can’t wait to start redeeming those points!

  3. I was literally looking for the annual James Garfield miracle post for this year. My siblings and I always participate!

  5. Thank you so much for giving of your time and resources! This annual “extravaganza” fills me with joy every year. God Bless You. ❤️🎄

  6. The literal joy that spread through my body when I saw this post. I love this every year and I’m so excited to spread love in this amazing little community.

  7. Oh so thrilled you are doing this again! I know how challenging it is, especially monitoring people following the rules. But I look forward to sharing a little surprise with a kiddo every year. May your heart and holiday be blessed with LOVE!

  8. I love this and am so thrilled to be able to help spread the love to littles 🥰

  10. My son received Christmas gifts thru James Garfield for several years and now I’m finally in a position that I can give back. I’m so excited!

  12. What a heartwarming initiative! Sending stuffed animals to kids is such a thoughtful gesture, especially this year. Looking forward to the details! I also enjoy giving back with simple games, something like Block Blast helps to ease stress. This is wonderful.

  15. Yay yay yay!! I came here looking for this, what great timing!
    Thank you, Jenny, for giving us a way to help. 💜💜💜

  16. Have you ever explored turning this into a 501.c.3 to help expand the work? I support a non-profit that mails items to folks in need and have 8 years of experience in this.

    (Honestly that seems like a lot of work and I’m already overwhelmed. But thanks for asking! ~ Jenny)

  17. My daughter was so blessed by the one she got a few years ago. I am SO excited to be able to give this year!

  18. Thank you for doing this. My one grandniece will still be excited for this. I don’t know about the older one. She might be too. Our mama passed away in September so this will help as they have looked forward to it each year. I will let my sister know to keep an eye out for the actual time to sign up. Our mama was 88 y/o. Lots of love to you and yours this holiday season.
    {*hugs*}
    Wynterose/Sandy/Aset….Patroness Of Magyck

  19. Is it possible to do this from any country? I don’t know if there would be anyone who follows you in Brazil who needs a plush toy, but I would love to participate.

  21. Having an arthritis flare up after working too much today so I didn’t get finished in time but I’ll start this up tomorrow late afternoon or early evening. Love!

  22. This is always my favourite post to read every year. I cry. My heart swells. I’m in Canada so unable to participate in spreading love thru James Garfield, but I do it in other ways in my own little area. Much respect to you Jenny! 💗

  23. Kai, if someone on here is from Brazil, you can definitely participate, as long as the items are available in Brazil. Tariffs are an ugly thing currently.

  26. I’m halfway through “Death By Lightning” on Netflix and can’t wait until I get to the part with the wild boar.

  27. If I have a child who can’t have stuffed animals am I able to put a coloring book instead? I understand if not!

  28. If it is not too much to ask would you consider adding a weighted plush and possibly a hoodie wearable sweater blanket for sensory seekers. The wearable blanket isn’t a plush but it’s like a big hug and would help keep warm in this cold weather. Either way I just wanted to say you are an angel for doing this every year.

  29. You are amazing. I have also been on both sides of needing help and giving help. I now am in charge of our sponsored Christmas families at work as my small way to pay it forward. ❤️

  31. A few months ago . I was like a Beggar asking everyone for money and shelter, but a really nice man introduced me to the best on-line work . This work needs no special skills . Now I am able to earn $406/day and $12k/month easy and non-stoppable money . It helps lots financially .Everybody must try this by just using the info on this page.

  32. A few months ago . I was like a Beggar asking everyone for money and shelter, but a really nice man introduced me to the best on-line work . This work needs no special skills . Now I am able to earn $406/day and $12k/month easy and non-stoppable money . It helps lots financially .Everybody must try this by just using the info on this

    page…. https://r0ad2v0te77.blogspot.com/

  34. Please ignore this! I accidentally clicked on the wrong post. Comment made in the correct place now. (#56)

  37. This comment was a spam post so I’m replacing it with a tiny thank you to everyone asking for help or giving help. I so love this. ~ Jenny

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