It's been hard, as we've been struggling more than usual, to figure out how to do that. Last night when reading PostSecret, the one from the parent unable to purchase presents for their children this Christmas causing them to question their faith, my gut just tore open and I wished so hard that the cards weren't anonymous, so I could do something.
Kiedis' first Christmukkah wouldn't have happened without our friends Lisa and Sarvani and their generosity, so I know all too well what that despair feels like, and what that gratitude feels like when someone saves you from that shame out of the goodness of their hearts.
So I'm doing the best I can with what I've got.
Back over the summer I won a Twitter contest from Target. They were debuting a new line of dolls that strikingly resemble the American Girl Dolls -- not the historic ones, but the modern day ones -- and they did something like the first five people to tweet their favorite doll name would win. I randomly tweeted the first name that popped into my head -- Lydia -- and I won.
I had completely forgotten about it until a large box showed up at my house around Halloween. I was kind of excited because unexpected box from Target? DON'T MIND IF I DO, THANK YOU PLEASE! And this pretty lady greeted me from inside:
Her name is Layla, and as you can see she's basically Claudia Kishi updated to this millennium. She's also for ages 4 and up, according to the box.
And I think one of you could give her a lovely home.
My kids are too little to appreciate a doll like this, and I'm not really keen on hanging on to a doll for YEARS before giving it to them (save for my own American Girl Doll, but that's sentimental), so I want to give her away to someone who could really make a child's holiday this year that much brighter.
I'm hosting an honest-to-Cheesus giveaway, people.
Here's what I'm thinking. You tell me who you know that could use this doll for their child this holiday season -- whether it be you, your neighbor, your niece, a family at the shelter you volunteer at, whatever. I just want it to go to someone who otherwise might not be able to buy it. This also means that if you win and you just want me to donate it to Toys for Tots or some other similar organization that can be done. Comment on this post by Friday at midnight and I'll use random.org to pick a winner.
The prize will be one (1) PlayWonder Layla doll from Target (a $35 value) and A SECRET BONUS. I'll foot the shipping, but that means I have to keep it to the contiguous 48 US States. Unless you are willing to pay the shipping yourself, then I don't care where you live.
Cool beans?
Please know that this is in no way sponsored by anyone, nor is it influenced by any corporate entity. I just want to help out another family create holiday memories like others have helped us out (and continue to).
So, here are the rules I'm making up just right now:
1) You have to comment on this post to be entered. Not on Facebook. Here.
2) Liking Tabulous on Facebook will get you an extra entry.
3) So will tweeting "Be a Doll & make this Christmukkah a little brighter for a child with @tabulous! http://www.sotabulous.com/2011/12/paying-it-forward-honest-to-cheesus.html"
4) YOU HAVE TO TELL ME YOU DID THOSE THINGS. I'm a busy lady. Leave another comment for each social media thing you do.
5) It ends FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9TH at MIDNIGHT. I'll use random.org to pick a winner and announce the winner Monday.
6) LEAVE CONTACT INFORMATION. Email is preferred, but if you prefer more anonymity then leave me your Twitter handle. If you don't leave me a way to get a hold of you I can't pick you to win because as I said, I'm a busy lady and I don't have time to hunt you down. Sorry.
7) Contest is open only to people in the lower 48 US states unless you tell me you're willing to pay the shipping for wherever and then, I mean, that's on you.
Make sense?
Help me help a child have a better Holiday season this year. Show a family what the spirit of the season is, and know that you're making a difference.
3 comments:
As much as it hurts to admit, we have the need and a child sho would love this doll. I made my husband late to work from lunch on Friday because I balanced the checkbook I have no idea how we are going to pull off getting anything for the kids for Christmas. We usually do one gift from us parents and one from Santa, but this year I don't know how we're going to do even one for each kid. Still we are blessed that we have each other, a roof over our head and food in our tummies. And I'm patting myself on the back a little for using $13 in coupons to get us groceries. At this point, I'm willing to try anything. Thanks for the chance.
I know of a very special little girl who would really love and appreciate a doll like this. Her parents are struggling to make ends meet, and have managed to put together some homemade gifts, but a doll like this would be a really special thing under their used store Christmas tree. I have liked your page on FB, and liked the post about the doll as well. Since you're being so generous, I will also pay for the shipping to get the doll if my request is chosen. This is a cool thing you're doing! Sincerely, kate k8_is_great@yahoo.com
awesome giveaway! Wish I had been up to date on my RSS feeder!
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