Holiday Gifting and Giving Back + #SharetheJoy Sweepstakes

 

 

I truly believe in the giving spirit. Each month I have two charities that call upon us for gently used household items and clothing, and more times than not I say yes to their requests. As you know I am a World Market Ambassador and was delighted to hear of their latest promotion #SharetheJoy, which focuses on giving back to the community.

In the spirit of giving, I made a trip to my favorite eclectic home store to create gift baskets for a women’s homeless shelter in my city. The entire family came along for the shopping trip because I think it’s important for even the littlest of family members to grasp the concept of helping families in need.

The boys focused on picking out fun toys for the kids at the shelter, like a mini fishing game, retro dominoes, a puzzle, crayons, and more. They also spotted a huge canister of licorice (measuring one yard in length) and decided that the kids needed some sweet treats too!

I spent my time shopping in the non-perishable food aisles at World Market, stocking up on pretzels, popcorn, nuts, coffee, spaghetti, and sauces. My husband spotted this ultra comfy quilt that was too good of a deal to pass up. And with cooler temps expected tomorrow, it was perfect timing too.

I decided to donate to a women’s shelter because I believe women are the foundation that keeps a family united.

My friend Patricia frequently helps out at this shelter and counseling center during the holidays, so I asked her to join me that morning. She introduced me to the director, who was very grateful for the gift baskets. On our way out the door we were stopped by another staff member and a women who had just come off the street with her toddler son. They had been stranded by their husband/father who returned to New York without them. They were in need of food and money to return home. My friend Patricia felt compelled to help her and offered her some money, while the shelter said they would take care of their meals. We left with tears in our eyes. We had arrived at the exact moment when someone needed help, and we were so lucky to have been there to see the results of our good deed.

I’d love to hear your stories of giving back. Share them on social media with the hashtag #SharetheJoy, and please consider giving back to your community. Something as small as a cooked meal for a family, or gift basket for a police station or fire department, or even one toy dropped off at a charity can make a difference. Don’t forget World Market has plenty of gift ideas too!