One of the greatest perks about being a blogger is often I have products, tickets for events, or even opportunities for charity that I can give to others. Without these connections I wouldn’t be able to give nearly as much as I have been able to. It is often funny how God works in His “mysterious ways.” I’ll have a product to review that is just what a friend needs. It will be an opportunity to buy school clothes when a friend is having a tough time figuring out where to find the money to buy pants for growing children, or an opportunity to review pots and pans when I know a family who has had a recent fire, etc. While this may seem silly to you, money is tight. Even at our house. Many people are having a hard time this holiday, so giving to others may be totally out of the question – especially when you are finding it tough to meet your own needs.
Another such opportunity was given to me. As a member of the Walmart Mom program, I’ve been given the opportunity to tell you about a wonderful charity that you can get involved in AND to purchase $100 dollars worth of items to be donated to the charity or family of my choice.
I’m sure most of you know that Walmart has worked with the Salvation Army for years at the holiday. Lately Walmart has been teaming up with The Salvation Army to do even more. This year is the second annual Walmart Fill the Truck event. There are collection bins at 3500 Walmart stores across the nation where shoppers can donate new, unwrapped gifts to make sure that kids in their local community have toys this year. The boxes will be in stores through Dec 15th–so look for yours! If your store doesn’t have a “Fill the Truck” bin, then they probably have another longstanding charity partner–The Marine Corps “Toys for Tots”.
Regardless of where you donate or give, I encourage you to look for ways that you can meet needs. You might not be a blogger that has opportunities like me, but if you look, you will see ways you can help – be they big or small. And sometimes, that something small is just what a person needs. So, even if you can’t give a lot, don’t let that stop you from giving.
As usual, God present us with an opportunity to meet a need in a family we know. So this year, these toys will go to that family to make their holiday a little brighter. We were excited to be able to get as much as we did for $100 {money just doesn’t go as far as it used to these days!}.
And, like I explained earlier, God worked it out perfectly for us to give some great items. I had the opportunity to review the new Leapfrog Leap Reader a few weeks back and they sent us two! So, I set one aside knowing my children would be fine to share one. So, that meant the extra Leap Reader could go with the other toys we bought at Walmart. And, since Walmart carries this system, we were able to pick up a couple more books to go with it.
Each child got at least 2 nice items {there are three children we are shopping for}. One will get the Leap Reader, books, and a cute princess scepter that makes all kinds of sounds. {There were several other toys like this one that were extremely affordable – made just for Walmart I think}. The other girl will receive a doll and a fun stamp making kit.
The boy, a Star Wars fan, will receive this light saber and a cool “Craft” for boys – the Smithsonian rocket. There are several other kits like this one in the craft department at Walmart if you are looking for a fun, educational toy.
It feels good to be able to give. But, remember people need you to CARE all year round. Make this a permanent part of your families character – not just a characteristic you have at the holidays.
Disclosure: I am a Walmart Mom. This post is sponsored by Walmart. Walmart has provided me with product and/or compensation in exchange for my time and efforts in creating this post. My participation is voluntary. As always, my opinion is my own.