Advancing Native Missions Gift Catalog Review #nativemissions #giftingcatalog #giftcatalog #ANM #seasonofgiving #missions #giftofthegospel

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this catalog through FrontGate Media in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. I was compensated for this post.

Advancing Native Missions is a Christian mission based organization that instead of sending out foreign missionaries that have little knowledge of the people or culture, they have native (local) missionaries to spread the gospel and minister. They are already accustomed to the physical climate, environment, and political situation. These missionaries live and minister on a fraction of the resources because their standard of living is comparable to those they serve. They also already know the language, people, and culture and can begin work with minimal training and preparation. They are more committed to working long-term because they already know and love the people; their own family, friends, and neighbors. These missionaries preach the Gospel, plant churches, care for children; found: schools, medical clinics, and Bible colleges to train others.

ANM has over 27,000+ missionaries, church planters, trainers, and workers working in 121 countries around the world with 49,000 + churches planted. Some of these countries that these native missionaries serve are closed to Western missionaries. This is the only way to get the message of The Lord out to them.

Through the Advancing Native Missions Gift Catalog you can help these native missionaries with gifts and donations to them and the people they serve so that they may live in better circumstances. You and your family can also pick from many causes and charities to aid and advocate for those that are in need, including: 

• a Bible to a fellow Christian for spiritual growth
• a boat or bicycle to a church planter or pastor so they can travel easier
• a chicken so a family can eat and sell its eggs
• a Christmas gift box: a box of small gifts to a child in need
• a goat or sheep so a family can have milk and meat
• medicine to support medical outreach in impoverished communities
• a motorcycle so a church planter or pastor can access remote areas and share the gospel
• sack of rice to feed a family on the verge of starvation
• school supplies so that a student is more equipped to learn
  
• sewing machine so that a family can start a home business and mend clothing
  
• shoes so a child can play, do chores, and walk to school safely
  
• soccer ball so that kids can enjoy healthy recreation with friends
• well to provide clean and accessible water for a community
• etc.

My daughter, Zari, looking through the ANM Gift Catalog.

My Thoughts:

I believe that food and financial security is so important and so many in this world are starving, going hungry, and don't have any way to make ends meet. People are also being persecuted for believing in Christ and that is wrong. I know that I am fairly privileged to live in America where I am living fairly comfortably and free to be a Christian and share my beliefs. I am so grateful and thankful for this. My family is overjoyed to be able to share something so important and essential as the gifts in the ANM Gift Catalog.

Included in the catalog was a coloring book for my kids to color that is based on a true story about 4 kids that go the their grandparent's house and learn about generosity through hard work where they earned money to get gifts from the ANM Gift Catalog. You can download this coloring book when you sign up on the website.

Nova says, "Give to ANM! It's a worthy cause.".

Giving to this amazing fund is a wonderful and generous thing to do to celebrate the upcoming Christmas holidays with your family. Sharing the message of Christ and giving the gift of benevolence, service, and humanitarianism is so important for those that are impoverished and/or persecuted for their beliefs. Please help those who cannot help themselves. Use the Advancing Native Missions gifting catalog to donate and directly impact families around the world.

YOU CAN HELP CHANGE LIVES TOO
Find over 20 simple ways to transform lives inside this catalog … all in the name of Jesus.

Advancing Native Missions Gift Catalog Review and Giveaway #christmasgiving #advancingnativemissons #givingcatalog #ComplimentaryProductReceived

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this catalog and a gift was given from it on our behalf through FrontGate Media in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.

Advancing Native Missions is a Christian mission based organization that instead of sending out foreign missionaries that have little knowledge of the people or culture, they have native (local) missionaries to spread the gospel and minister. They are already accustomed to the physical climate, environment, and political situation. These missionaries live and minister on a fraction of the resources because their standard of living is comparable to those they serve. They also already know the language, people, and culture and can begin work with minimal training and preparation. They are more committed to working long-term because they already know and love the people; their own family, friends, and neighbors. These missionaries preach the Gospel, plant churches, care for children; found: schools, medical clinics, and Bible colleges to train others.

ANM serves 345 native (local) mission ministries with over 10,425 missionaries, church planters, trainers, and workers working in 97 countries around the world. These missionaries are engaging 858 of these 7,000 unreached people groups and are reaching out to more all the time. Some of these countries that these native missionaries serve are closed to Western missionaries. This is the only way to get the message of The Lord out to them.

Through the Advancing Native Missions Gift Catalog you can help these native missionaries with gifts and donations to them and the people they serve so that they may live in better circumstances. Included in the catalog is a coloring book for your kids to color of a true story about a small girl facing big struggles and how she overcomes with the help of others and the hope of Jesus. You and your family can also pick from many causes and charities to aid and advocate for those that are in need, including: 

• Beekeeping kits for a native worker to support themselves through honey sales (brand new to the catalog)
• a Bible to a fellow Christian for spiritual growth
• a bicycle to a church planter or pastor so they can travel easier
• a brick bundle (10 bricks) to help build new classrooms
• a Newborn Care Package: care for a newborn and their mother in Israel for one month
• a chicken so a family can eat and sell its eggs
• Children's Gift Bundle: includes school supplies, sports equipment, a Christmas gift, and a pair of shoes
• a Christmas gift box: a box of small gifts to a child in need
• COVID-19 Relief Package: food for hungry families, hygiene supplies to help families stay safe and healthy, and financial aid for those who have lost jobs during the pandemic
• a goat or sheep so a family can have milk and meat
• medicine to support medical outreach in impoverished communities
• a motorcycle so a church planter or pastor can access remote areas and share the gospel
• a Persecution Aid Package will provide temporary safe housing, basic medical and care for injuries, food and other necessitates
• school supplies so that a student is more equipped to learn
  
• sewing machine so that a family can start a home business and mend clothing
  
• shoes so a child can play, do chores, and walk to school safely
  
• sports equipment so that kids can enjoy healthy recreation with friends
  
• support a worker so they can start churches and care for their congregation
  
• well to provide clean and accessible water for a community
• etc.

 

My Thoughts:

By reviewing the Advancing Native Missions Gift Catalog I was given the choice of three gift packages: Animals Gift Package, Children's Gift Package, or the Newborn Care Package that I could pick from for ANM to give on my family's behalf. I picked the Animals Gift Package which is a $116 value and I believed had the most benefit to a family. This package gives 2 goats so a family can have an economical supply of milk and meat and gives 12 chickens so a family can eat and sell its eggs. 

Food and financial security is so important and so many in this world are starving, going hungry, and don't have any way to make ends meet. I know that I am fairly privileged to live in America where I am living fairly comfortably and free to be a Christian and share my beliefs. I am so grateful and thankful for this. My family is overjoyed to be able to share something so important and essential with our global brothers and sisters who are less fortunate. I hope this gift blesses a family for many years to come.

 

My daughters looking through the ANM Gift Catalog.

 

Giving to this amazing fund is a wonderful and generous thing to do to celebrate the upcoming Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays with your family. Sharing the message of Christ and giving the gift of benevolence, service, and humanitarianism is so important for those that are impoverished and/or persecuted for their beliefs. Please help those who cannot help themselves. Use the Advancing Native Missions gifting catalog to donate and directly impact families around the world.

 

YOU CAN HELP CHANGE LIVES TOO
Find 20 simple ways to transform lives inside this catalog … all in the name of Jesus.

• Visit the catalog online: https://catalog.advancingnativemissions.com/
• Request a mailed catalog:https://advancingnativemissions.com/request-anm-catalog/

 

WIN IT

• Prize: Win a painting from one of their partners in Bulgaria! They are artists and use that art to share the gospel and fund ministry.
• Host: Advancing Native Missions and FrontGate Media.
• Who Can Enter: Open to US Residents 18 years or older.
• Selection Process: 1 Winner will be selected on 11/30/2020 and notified by email at which time they will ask for your address. Winner will have 2 weeks to respond.
  
• Where to Enter: Go to this link https://www.blessedfreebies.com/advancing-native-missions-giveaway.html and fill out the form to enter.

World Vision Gift Catalog and Royal Silk Scarf Review and Giveaway

The Royal Silk Scarf and the World Vision Gift Catalog.

This review and giveaway is sponsored by World Vision.

The true meaning of this and every holiday season should be giving and what better way to do that than to create a Christmas list through World Vision and their Gift Catalog. World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.

In their catalog you can choose from more than 250 meaningful, life-changing gifts to meet the essential, immediate needs of children and their families around the world. These alternative gift ideas such as: animals (goats, sheep, cows, chickens, pigs, oxen, ducks, donkeys, rabbits, alpacas), sewing machines, bicycles, education and training, homes, clothes and shoes, clean water, fruit trees, honey bees, supplies and tools, medicine, etc. - honor the recipient and make a lasting impact for people in need. The catalog also offers a wide variety of 30+ gifts to match the interests and hobbies of the gift recipient to make the gift giving more meaningful. The recipient of the gift you give, whether a friend or family member, will get a special card describing the gift and its impact. Also with a contribution to the Maximum Impact Fund donors can also receive free handmade items from around the world: such as ornaments, jewelry, scarves, totes, etc. These donations help the areas of greatest need.



From the Handcrafted Gifts category I received the Royal Silk Scarf. This gorgeous vibrantly colored silk scarf is woven by Vietnam's Ma Chau villagers, helping to provide them with a sustainable income. This luxurious scarf has a beautiful sheen and is smooth to the touch. I love how it feels and looks on me. Its colors look tie dyed and each scarf is unique, so size and color may vary slightly. Approximate size: 68". Free with a donation of $95 or more.

Be Social:

You can follow World Vision on Facebook/Twitter/YouTube

WIN IT
Prize: Royal Silk Scarf (US Only!)

I run giveaways with Rafflecopter on my blog. Please click on this post link if you do not see the script for it below. Also, if there is anything that is wrong with it let me know by emailing me: finamoon AT gmail DOT com I will try my best at fixing it. Thanks for being awesome readers!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

BUY IT
To order from the World Vision Gift Catalog, visit www.worldvisiongifts.org. To order by phone or to request a print catalog, call toll-free at (888) 511-6511.

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I received product for free to review and an opportunity to giveaway one as well. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.

Sam's Christmas Wish by George D. Durrant, Illustrated by Dan Burr Book Review

We received this product free from Shadow Mountain to facilitate this review and participate in the blog tour. This post contains affiliate links which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and make a purchase. Thank you for supporting my blog!

Since loosing his job a few week before Christmas, Sam Edwards isn't looking forward to Christmas. He also isn't looking for charity from anyone for him or his family. Christmas brings a mysterious surprise left anonymously at his home, without any tracks to follow. Sam's heart changes when seeing his family's reaction to the gifts and kindness of this unknown someone. With the spirit of Christmas renewed in him, he makes the wish to have the opportunity himself to do something good anonymously for another. Only when he is old and sickly does he get the chance to have his wish fulfilled and granted. Read this book to find out how.

Sam's Christmas Wish is a wonderful book with gorgeous illustrations that helps get the Christmas spirit of love, gratitude, service and sacrifice flowing through us. I love this beautiful book. This book is a tearjerker. I couldn't help but tear up while reading it. Such a great miracle and blessing Sam became because of the remembrance of one act of service that opened up his heart to others. I love the heartwarming story and message it tells of the reality of the: joy of service, true giving, and the miracle of love. I would recommend this book to anyone needing some more Christmas spirit in your home. This book is so inspiring and begs the question to ask ourselves, “What gift will I give in secret this Christmas?”.
 
BUY IT:


DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I received products for free to facilitate my review. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review. This post contains affiliate links which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and make a purchase. Thank you for supporting my blog! 

World Vision Gift Catalog and Prosperity Cinnamon Review and Giveaway

This review and giveaway is sponsored by World Vision.

World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.

Online and in their print catalog you can choose from more than 250 meaningful, life-changing gifts, ranging in price from $10 to $39,000, to meet the essential immediate needs of women, children and their families around the world. These alternative gift ideas such as: animals (goats, sheep, cows, chickens, pigs, oxen, ducks, donkeys, rabbits, alpacas), sewing machines, bicycles, education and training, homes, clothes and shoes, clean water, fruit trees, honey bees, supplies and tools, medicine, etc. - honor the recipient and make a lasting impact for people in need. The catalog also offers a wide variety of 30+ gifts to match the interests and hobbies of the gift recipient to make the gift giving more meaningful. The recipient of the gift you give, whether a friend or family member, will get a special card describing the gift and its impact. Also with a contribution to the Maximum Impact Fund donors can also receive free handmade items from around the world: such as ornaments, jewelry, scarves, totes, etc. These donations help the areas of greatest need.



The World Vision website has a online tool allowing individuals the option to make a personal My Gift Catalog page at www.mygiftcatalog.org for personalized fundraising. The individual can then encourage family and friends to visit their page and purchase a gift from the catalog instead of or in addition to traditional holiday presents. You can use this during all year round too, such as: the holiday season, birthdays, weddings, graduations or other celebrations.

From the Handcrafted Gifts category I received the Prosperity Cinnamon for free to facilitate this review. This is perfect for baking and cooking with. I love cinnamon! It is one of my favorite smells and spices. This cinnamon comes in a gorgeous hand carved cinnamon bark box that smells just as good as its contents. The box and lid has the common Asian character for prosperity carved onto it. There is 3oz. of cinnamon inside the box. It also has a cinnamon stick tied around it with a natural raffia ribbon. Vietnam's renowned sweet cinnamon is a renewable resource collected from the Cassia tree, sold to benefit generations of hard-working families. It is a sweet smelling box with a nice sentiment for anyone who loves cinnamon.

$85

Approximate size: 3" x 3"

BUY IT
To order from the World Vision Gift Catalog, visit www.worldvisiongifts.org. To order by phone or to request a print catalog, call toll-free at (888) 511-6511.

WIN IT
Prize:  Prosperity Cinnamon (US Only!)

I am trying out Rafflecopter on my blog. Please click on this post link if you do not see the script for it below. Also, if there is anything that is wrong with it let me know by emailing me: finamoon AT gmail DOT com I will try my best at fixing it. Thanks for being awesome readers!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I received this product for free to facilitate this review and the opportunity to give away one for free. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.

World Vision Silver Vines Cuff Review and Giveaway

This review and giveaway is sponsored by World Vision.

I have posted before about the power of giving and the awesome humanitarian organization, World Vision. This holiday season gives the chance to give back a little. World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.

You can read these posts from this year on my blog and enter to win another prize, a gorgeous 100% silk scarf from them too:

• World Vision Philippines Disaster Response Fund #GivingTuesday
• World Vision Gift Catalog and Thai 100% Silk Scarf Review and Giveaway

From the Handcrafted Gifts category I received the Silver Vines Cuff for free to facilitate this review because of my post on the Philippines Disaster Response Fund. This bracelet is designed by artisans in Old Delhi, India and made of silver. It has pretty scrolling lacey engravings of flowers and vines on it. It is adjustable by bending the metal, although I wouldn't recommend doing this often as the metal might get brittle in spots. The underside of this cuff is shiny and smooth. This gorgeous piece is the result of once mistreated jewelry makers banding together to support their families through Fair Trade practices. I love the beautiful design and pattern it has. It also comes with a pretty organza gift bag.

Approximate size: 2 1/2" x 2 1/4" (adjustable x 1 1/2"W)

BUY IT
To order from the World Vision Gift Catalog, visit www.worldvisiongifts.org. To order by phone or to request a print catalog, call toll-free at (888) 511-6511.

WIN IT
Prize: Win a Silver Vines Cuff (US Only!)

I am trying out Rafflecopter on my blog. Please click on this post link if you do not see the script for it below. Also, if there is anything that is wrong with it let me know by emailing me: finamoon AT gmail DOT com I will try my best at fixing it. Thanks for being awesome readers!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I received product for free to to facilitate this review and the opportunity to give away one for free. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.

World Vision Gift Catalog and Thai 100% Silk Scarf Review and Giveaway

This review and giveaway is sponsored by World Vision.

The true meaning of this and every holiday season should be giving and what better way to do that than to create a Christmas list through World Vision and their Gift Catalog. World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.

In their catalog you can choose from more than 250 meaningful, life-changing gifts to meet the essential, immediate needs of children and their families around the world. These alternative gift ideas such as: animals (goats, sheep, cows, chickens, pigs, oxen, ducks, donkeys, rabbits, alpacas), sewing machines, bicycles, education and training, homes, clothes and shoes, clean water, fruit trees, honey bees, supplies and tools, medicine, etc. - honor the recipient and make a lasting impact for people in need. The catalog also offers a wide variety of 30+ gifts to match the interests and hobbies of the gift recipient to make the gift giving more meaningful. The recipient of the gift you give, whether a friend or family member, will get a special card describing the gift and its impact. Also with a contribution to the Maximum Impact Fund donors can also receive free handmade items from around the world: such as ornaments, jewelry, scarves, totes, etc. These donations help the areas of greatest need.



The World Vision website has a online tool allowing individuals the option to make a personal My Gift Catalog page at www.mygiftcatalog.org for personalized fundraising. The individual can then encourage family and friends to visit their page and purchase a gift from the catalog instead of or in addition to traditional holiday presents. You can use this during all year round too, such as: the holiday season, birthdays, weddings, graduations or other celebrations.

You can also join the "Share Joy With the World" Advent Challenge on their blog where World Vision would love for you to participate in a suggested activity each day to share joy and share your experience with friends, family, etc.

You can also learn more about some of the recipients of the items purchased from the gift catalog through their Facebook page.

World Vision Thai 100% Silk Scarf

From the Handcrafted Gifts category I received the Thai 100% Silk Scarf for free to facilitate this review. This gorgeous purple Sabai scarf is hand-woven by the hard-working women of Thailand’s Surin Province on a loom into distinctive striped patterns. I absolutely love the colors and it is made of a lovely material. I love to wear this in so many different ways. It is so versatile.

Approximate size of scarf is 66" long by 16" wide. Each is unique - size and color may vary slightly.

BUY IT
To order from the World Vision Gift Catalog, visit www.worldvisiongifts.org. To order by phone or to request a print catalog, call toll-free at (888) 511-6511.

WIN IT
Prize: Win a Thai 100% Silk Scarf (US Only!)

I am trying out Rafflecopter on my blog. Please click on this post link if you do not see the script for it below. Also, if there is anything that is wrong with it let me know by emailing me: finamoon AT gmail DOT com I will try my best at fixing it. Thanks for being awesome readers!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I received product for free to to facilitate this review and the opportunity to give away one for free. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.

Rainier, Oregon Giving Tree 2012

Rainier, Oregon, where I live, is having their Community Giving Tree again. I was one of the families blessed by the giving tree last year. It was wonderful! I feel so blessed living in a community that cares so much. I feel that getting the word out about this awesome program is important!

There are 8 trees total. Trees are located at Cornerstone Cafe, El Tapatio, Chevron, Cole's Coffee, Deli Store and More (Mini Mart), Hometown Pizza, Rainier Community Church of God and Riverside Community Church.

We need your help! If you live in or around Rainier, Oregon and have not already done so, please think about adopting a family or a child in need this year for Christmas. Please go take a "Giving Tree Tag" off the trees and bless a child from our little town of Rainier, Oregon. These are done anonymously. We have over 280 tags that need to be taken which is a total of over 30 families.

The deadline for those that are getting gifts for people off the trees (wrapped or unwrapped with gift tag attached) is December 18th. They need to be dropped off at either of the two churches involved. Drop off dates and times are Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9:30am-12:30pm at both churches, Wednesday evenings from 5-8pm at Rainier Community Church of God and Tuesday & Wednesday evenings at 6-8pm at Riverside Community Church.

For more information click on the above image to make it larger and then you will be able to read it. Thank you!!

Rainier, Oregon Christmas Toy and Gift Exchange

This is my friend's son's Eagle scout project. They've collected an amazing amount of toys, books, games and other gifts. Anyone you who is struggling this Christmas is invited to come and pick out some of the items for your child(ren). It is today at my church chapel! Also, they will be having the exchange again on Tuesday December 18th from 4-7:30pm at the LDS church chapel. Although they are requesting donations for the foodbank, no one will be turned away for lack of ability to make a donation.

For more information click on the above image to make it larger and then you will be able to read it. Thank you!!

World Vision Gift Catalog and Hand Carved Serving Spoons Review and Giveaway

The true meaning of this and every holiday season should be giving and what better way to do that than to create a Christmas list through World Vision and their Gift Catalog. World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.

In their catalog you can choose a meaningful, life-changing gift to meet the essential, immediate needs of children and their families around the world. These alternative gift ideas such as: animals (goats, sheep, cows, chickens, pigs, oxen, ducks, donkeys, rabbits, alpacas), sewing machines, bicycles, education and training, homes, clothes and shoes, clean water, fruit trees, honey bees, supplies and tools, medicine, etc. - honor the recipient and make a lasting impact for people in need. The catalog also offers a wide variety of gifts to match the interests and hobbies of the gift recipient to make the gift giving more meaningful. The recipient of the gift you give, whether a friend or family member, will get a special card describing the gift and its impact. Also with a contribution to the Maximum Impact Fund donors can also receive free handmade items from around the world: such as ornaments, jewelry, scarves, totes, etc. These donations help the areas of greatest need.


New to 2012 is a online tool allowing individuals the option to make a personal My Gift Catalog page at www.mygiftcatalog.org for personalized fundraising. The individual can then encourage family and friends to visit their page and purchase a gift from the catalog instead of or in addition to traditional holiday presents. You can use this during all year round too, such as: the holiday season, birthdays, weddings, graduations or other celebrations.

Donors can also follow "The True Spirit of Christmas" tour on Facebook where World Vision staff travels around the world to get a look inside the lives of families impacted by the Gift Catalog. You can also learn more about some of the recipients of the items purchased from the gift catalog through their catalog Facebook page.

From the Maximum Impact Fund selection of gifts I received the Hand-Carved Serving Spoons to see for myself. This is a gorgeous set of two hand-carved serving spoons delivered in a gift bag of African fabric hand-sewn by local women. The serving spoons are made to benefit orphans of the Kamba tribe in Kenya. Each one is unique—just like the children they help. These are made of olivewood and have such fantastic figure in them. They have exquisite spiral handles that loop around and are nice to hold. These would be wonderful in tossing a salad or serving a pasta or other dish. The bag has a floral design of earthy tones and has a drawstring that closes it. It is a very nice set and will "serve" many less-fortunate souls.

BUY IT
To order from the World Vision Gift Catalog, visit www.worldvisiongifts.org. To order by phone or to request a print catalog, call toll-free at (888) 511-6511.

WIN IT
Prize: Win the Hand Carved Serving Spoons and Bag.

I am trying out Rafflecopter on my blog. Please click on this post link if you do not see the script for it below. Also, if there is anything that is wrong with it let me know by emailing me: finamoon AT gmail DOT com I will try my best at fixing it. Thanks for being awesome readers!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I received product for free to review and one to giveaway. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.

Rainier Oregon Gift-Giving Program

My good friend and fellow homeschooling neighbor, Talina Aubian, has been tremendously busy giving her time and her love to the Rainier Gift-Giving Program with the Angel Trees that have been posted around Rainier Oregon. She and others have been making sure kids in this community don't go without this Christmas. The number of kids that have been provided for is an astounding number of over 200! Each child was selected by a member in the community that witnessed their need and the entire process is anonymous.

My family was among the ones on the receiving end of all of this selfless charity. We were not expecting this at all and want to thank whoever put our name in and whoever got gifts for our kids. They are so excited! I also want to thank Talina and whoever donated them to her for the awesome real Christmas tree for our home! I love the wonderful smell it brings. The kids loved decorating it and placing the new gifts under it! We are so very grateful and are truly blessed. God is good!

Elmer’s Virtual Bag It Forward Charity Blog Meme

I was given the opportunity by Courtney Velasquez of Detroit Mommies to share with you an opportunity to blog about a good cause! The Elmer’s Virtual Bag It Forward is charity blog meme, bloggers are able to raise $10 per blog post for Adopt-A-Classroom by writing a blog post and donating a virtual bag of school supplies. Elmer’s will donate $10 per each post written to Adopt-A-Classroom, up to $10,000.

HOW CAN YOU JOIN? It’s easy.

• Participate in the Elmer’s Virtual Bag It Forward and by giving away a virtual bag of school supplies and creating a blog post with specific rules described below.
• Elmer’s will donate up to $10,000 to Adopt-A-Classroom.
• You can give as many virtual bags as you want.
• The Elmer’s Virtual Bag It Forward will officially begin at 12 AM EST on July 22, 2010 and end at 12 PM EST on August 12, 2010. Blog posts submitted to us before or after that time period will not be counted.
• The blog post link has to be submitted in the comment section below for your participation to be counted.
• In addition copy and paste the following text into your blog post:

ELMER’S VIRTUAL BAG IT FORWARD RULES

• Copy and paste these rules into your blog post.
• Create a blog post giving a “virtual bag of school supplies” to other bloggers or write about your Back to School shopping trip at Walmart.
• Link back to the person who gave you a bag of school supplies.
• Let each person you are giving a virtual bag of school supplies know you have given them a bag.
• Leave your link in the Elmer’s Virtual Bag It Forward comment section. You can also find the official rules of this virtual #bagitforward program there.
• Elmer’s is donating $10 for each blog participating in the Virtual Bag It Forward Donation to Adopt-A-Classroom (up to total of $10,000 for blog posts written by August 12, 2010).
• Please note that only one blog post per blog url will count towards the donation.

Here is the photo you can use for your virtual bag or create your own!

 Read more about Adopt-A-Classroom

I AM GIVING AWAY A VIRTUAL BAG OF SCHOOL SUPPLIES TO:

Erin of Connected2Christ Blog
Lindsey of Kindred Spirit Mommy
Janet of Loving Heart Designs
Kristinia of Loving Heart Mommy

If you want to be a part of this hurry and let me know and I can add you to this list, but your post has to be posted by August 12, 2010!!

Blanket and Quilt Charities For Children

My daughter, Tatiana, was so very blessed while she was on this Earth with us and we were very blessed to have her as long as we did. Over and over she was showered with gifts from various charities and organizations. Among them were the people that made quilts and blankets for her and her siblings. Tatiana spent a lot of her time at Doernbecher Children's Hospital in Portland, Oregon and the majority of the time she was greeted to her room with a handmade, homemade treasure to have while she was in the hospital and to take home with her. I want to thank everyone who volunteer and contribute their time and effort into making these and other lovely items for children who are in need of some comfort. I know that my daughter appreciated every one of these beautiful expressions of love and compassion and so did I.

I recently received an email from Better Homes and Gardens about P&Gs Downy Touch of Comfort Program that partnerships with and benefits Quilts For Kids, because I am a member of Better Homes and Gardens Reader Panel. You can help donate 10,000 comforting, handmade quilts to hospitalized children. When you purchase specially marked Downy with the quilted label, 5¢ goes to Downy's charity partner, Quilts For Kids. You can even make a Downy Touch of Comfort Heart Quilt with this free pattern.

This email reminded me of the many blankets and quilts my family has received from organizations like Quilts For Kids. I wanted to list them here too because I am grateful. Click on the links to learn more about them:

♥Project Linus♥ See Tatiana with one of her Project Linus quilts.
♥Love Quilts♥ See Tatiana with her Love Quilt.
♥Binky Patrol♥ See Tati and her siblings with their Binky Patrol blankets.

If you are a quilter or a blanket maker and would like to donate your talents to one of these wonderful organizations please consider doing so! They need your help! Thanks!