Christmas EVENT from 2013

Thank you for your GINORMOUS part in helping these children to wake up to some toys on Christmas morning!

Thank you for the RTs on Twitter, the Likes and Shares on Facebook and other Social Media Sites.

Thank you for the amazing donations that allowed us to go and purchase toys that were needed, as well as food, drinks and desserts.

Thank you for the prayers that wrapped all of us in a blanket of blessings, protection and health so that we could work together while putting this together for these families.

Thank YOU!

Together, we impacted the lives of at least 29 families and 69 children. 

Our event was on a Saturday in December.  We invited as many families as we thought we could provide for.  We brought them in to a wonderful meal from Olive Garden that included spaghetti, salad and bread sticks.  We also had hotdog, chips, drinks and desserts for everyone.

The fun began by enjoying our meal and then we took all the Mommies next door so that they could be encouraged and then shop!

A huge thank you goes out to Carla B. for the great encouragement she gave the ladies.  This allowed me to spend the day with the children, something that I’m truly thankful for.  Carla worked hard weeks before the event and got beautiful necklaces donated for each of the Mommies.  We also had a few other things for them.  Lisa generously donated some Avon items for them so that they could pamper themselves a little bit.  We also were able give them some cute notepads and such in their bags too.  This is huge because two weeks prior to the event, we didn’t have anything for these amazing moms.  Thank you for impacting their hearts with great JOY!

The workers were buzzing around helping the children color, and make thank you cards.  (Those will be going out in the mail soon…I Promise) We had a craft time, where we decorated foam stockings and continued to make the cards.  We had a story time as well.  Everyone needs to hear about the Reason for the Season!  These kids listened very intently as Dale S. took time to explain about Jesus being born in Bethlehem in a manger.

Who can forget the candy store? The kids were so calm and collected going through the line!  Afterwards when they were back at the tables scoping out their treasures, they were giddy with delight! (See what you did there?  Complete giddiness, all because YOU gave so that we could purchase gobs of candy for them to shop for!)

Half of the workers were over helping the ladies wrap gifts.  This is always great fun for anyone who helps.  Knowing that the children will be able to open these Christmas morning is such an amazing thing!

After all of the festivities, we were able to let each family take home a huge box of food!  A couple of great guys worked it out so that we could provide this for them and I know that this was so needed by these families!

Every year I think in my heart that “this” was the best year and this year was no exception!

Every year, prior to this year, my heart’s desire was to do something really nice for the teens that come to Christmas Joy.  Never ever ever do they complain about getting basketballs, footballs, or makeup kids year after year.  Teenagers are difficult to buy for and this year, I decided that I would ask as many people as I could to help make this Christmas special for these teens.

I spent several hours emailing hundreds of people (every single person I have an email address for) and asked them if they would consider donating ONE Galaxy Tablet that was on sale the weekend after Thanksgiving.

Within 24 hours, 6 were promised! Within a few weeks they all were promised, thanks to YOU!

These teens had no idea when I called them over to the side and sat them down what was waiting for them.  They were surprised and completely caught off guard that someone that had never even met them would care enough to give them such a nice gift!

See, you did it again! You FOREVER impacted their hearts with great love, joy and hope! Thank you!

I hope that you’ve enjoyed the photos!  I hope that you’ll always know that YOU matter!

Thank you for Spreading Joy to these kids!

Did you notice I said “at least 29 families/69 kids” up there earlier?  We left our Toy collection boxes in the various places and in doing so, this allowed me and the Mr. to go out on Christmas Eve and deliver gifts!  Talk about FUN! 

A special thank you to the volunteers that came and helped, for those that collected toys for us (Sport Clips in Denver, Clark Nexsen in Charlotte and Filesolve in Charlotte)

Thank you to the Pastor and members of New Grace Baptist Church in Iron Station NC for allowing us use of your facilities and helping! Thank you to the members of my own church (Beth Haven) for coming out and volunteering.

Thank you to Ms. Sonya  B of In His Time Photography Studio for the amazing photos she took for us.

Thank you to Angie B @GodsWordisTruth who traveled from Delaware to be part of this event! You’ll never know about all the work she did behind the scenes in the months leading up to this event! I’m thankful for how she loves these kids and now, she has met them!

Thank you – all of you who had a part in bring love, hope and JOY to these families.

I know that you made their Christmas nothing short of amazing, but I hope that as you look at the smiles and see their faces, that this reminds you that Christmas is truly more than packages, gifts, tags and bows.  That Christmas is love, hope and JOY!

Thank you for how you continue to impact others!  You’ll have opportunities each day to make a difference; don’t let it pass you by!

Have fun Spreading Joy and making a difference!

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