Jill Smokler, AKA Scary Mommy
@scarymommy
Latest posts by Jill Smokler, AKA Scary Mommy (see all)
- The Disney Reveal - May 14, 2013
- Met My Match At Disney… - May 13, 2013
- Sunday’s Baltimore Sun - May 11, 2013
Because of you, 378 families who might otherwise have otherwise skipped Thanksgiving dinner next week will be enjoying a hot meal with their loved ones. They’ll be comforted and nurtured and touched by the amazing kindness of strangers… You.
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“Thank you a thousand times over. I will think of you and the amazing donors when I look into my full fridge with thanks in my heart.”
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“There are no words for what your community is doing for my family. You have changed the entire season for me. You have no idea how very much this means to my family.”
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“I needed the money so badly, as we were down to our last loaf of bread, but more than that, I needed a renewed faith in the kindness of people. You and your wonderful readers have given that to me– the greatest gift of all. God bless every one of you.”
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634 of you opened your hearts and your wallets to help those in need. You gave from all across the world, as far as Haiti, Italy, France and Australia. So many more helped spread the word and offered assistance of other kinds. Hand-drawn pictures are being sent from children to children. Food stamps and coupons and even a turkey are making their way to families in need. Gift cards to grocery stores all over the country are currently in transit.
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Together, we raised well over $18,000 in five days. Donations ranged from a dollar to a couple hundred, which means that every single family who wrote a comment asking for help will receive enough to cover their Thanksgiving dinners.
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It’s incredible. This whole thing has been absolutely incredible.
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Thank you, thank you, thank you, for all you did to make this happen. The results were beyond my wildest imagination.
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The happiest of Thanksgivings, everyone.
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We all deserve it.
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UPDATE: The tally of families helped is now 401, and donor families is 698. The total raised? Over 20,000 dollars. TWENTY THOUSAND FREAKING DOLLARS!!!
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P.S. I did have several e-mails bounce back to me, so if you left a comment and didn’t hear back, (either as a family in need or donor) please e-mail me at jill{at}scarymommy{dot}com. I have around 30 people left who e-mailed after I closed the comments, so there is still time to help a family in need!
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P.P.S. I’ve learned a lot about organization and the importance of a thing called spreadsheets. Next year, hopefully this whole process will be easier. And, yes, there will be a next year. I’m hooked.
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P.P.P.S. I’m going to go sleep now for a million years. Good night.
{ 176 comments… read them below or add one }
Couldn’t have done it and probably wouldn’t have done it, without you.
Thank you for all the hearts you brought together.
You’re way, way amazing.
I’d like to help…you can email me at kpiccini@weichertrealtors.net
What an amazing thing you did!!! WOW!!!!
Kir recently posted..TRDC:Smile While I Wait
Jill,
This is a wonderful example of how blogging can pour good into the world. Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving…
Lynn from For Love or Funny recently posted..I lurk in men’s underwear
Can you imagine if a TON of bloggers banded together and did this next year? Oh the love that could create!!!!!
YES! I’m totally in. All us bloggers should have a giant Thanksgiving blogfest/fundraiser. I don’t have a fraction of the followers you do ScaryMommy but it would help!
Ruth recently posted..Six months
That is absolutely fantastic!!
Congrats to everyone. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving :)
Lady Estrogen recently posted..Posttraumatic Shit Disorder
I have chills.
Jill? This is fabulous.
I’m so proud to be a member of this amazing community!
xo
Galit Breen recently posted..My Life’s Seven Wonders
Yes! This exactly.
Agreed! What a wonderful thing!
Grateful I could help! Thanks Jill!
Katie @ An Authentic Life recently posted..Welcome to An Authentic Life
What an amazing show of LOVE! I’m so proud
SoberJulie recently posted..#Blogiversary~Giveaway~Young Drivers of Canada ~ $75
I second Carrie’s comment. Way, way amazing. It takes so little to help someone in need, if you think about it, but most of us don’t think about it enough until someone like you brings it up. You done good, Jill!
Moomser recently posted..Wondrous things
For those who sneer down on the blogging world, I say Take That! We are a force for good. :)
Amber recently posted..Encore Presentation: It’s Only For A Little While.
Yaaayyy! I’m so happy to be a participant. You rock.
Julia’s Child recently posted..This Post is About My (Long) Underwear
WOW! amazing – I am so glad I was a part of this!
I’m in tears reading this. I have been on the receiving side of help many times as a child. I’m not stable enough financially to help yet, but i was able to spread the word and help a friend who really needed it. His family will have a nice dinner and I’m headed over to do work around his house this weekend. Both parents in the family are disabled and unable to work. When he found out he was being helped he was speechless! and in tears! Thank you all so much for being amazing people!
Kinda restores my faith in humanity! Bless you all who stepped up.
it absolutely does! It’s nice to know we can count on each other!
Lindsey recently posted..What It’s Come To
So … you’re like a drug dealer. This felt so amazing. I’m high… I love this feeling. I can’t wait to do it again! This is cheaper than drugs and a better high! Already investigating ways my kids and I can help others for Christmas! I don’t say this often or lightly – but God bless you!
Evin Cooper recently posted..Milwaukee co-sleeping ad – gettin’ me all riled up.
LOL. I totally agree. I’m addicted.
Oh, Jill, what a fabulous thing you did!
Shell recently posted..Things They Can’t Say: Holly’s House
I just want each and every person who donated out of the kindness of your heart. It is because of you I went to sleep without tears in my eyes for the first time in a week. Today I get to call my mom and my grandmother and tell them to please come to my home for a wonderful thanksgiving meal and great time with family. I cannot begin to completely express the appreciation for the kindness that has been shown to all of us who have fallen on hard times.
Way to go, Jill!
tracey – justanothermommy recently posted..If you don’t see me for the next 6 months? THIS is why.
Shoot – I meant to respond and then I missed it. Can I still donate??? I can do $25.
Thank you.
As always I am amazed by you and the rest of the wonderful Scary Mommies out there. So proud to be part of this and so inspired that you saw the need and just did it. Didn’t think about it for long, just responded. We need to do that more often. God bless you and hope you have an amazing Thanksgiving!
Megan recently posted..Family Ties
What a blessing and real measure of people helping other people and Selfless giving. Thank you so much for using your post to help so many. You ARE AMAZING :)
You all are my angels. You really have no idea the impact you have had.
Again, I’m getting teary. I’m so glad I was able to be a part of something so freaking awesome. What an amazing thing you did by posting and orchestrating this entire thing. It really showed me a side of compassion and human nature that has been lacking in my day to day. Thank you!
Lindsey recently posted..What It’s Come To
damn woman. well done!
nic @mybottlesup recently posted..the secret is out
Are you SERIOUS!!!? WOW, just wow!! How amazing is that! Way to make it happen, Jill!
I cant thank you enough Jill. You are an amazing woman And everyone who donated, your all angels
you are so great. thank you for putting this together. you rock big time. that is all. xo
wendy @ mama one to three recently posted..I Am a Guest: Plan B Is for Backsies
I am ashamed of our need for help, don’t let people know when my family is going with out. Thanks to all of the kindness of strangers my family will celebrate the joy that should be involved in this holiday I give thanks to every person that gave from their heart for others to have joy.
I am the same exact way! I feel like I should be able to provide for my family and I don’t like other people knowing when I can’t. It’s nice to know there are other people out there like me. And all of you who donated will never truly know what this means to us people who will not have to worry about feeding our families for one day. (or two or three) You have made this holiday special again for so many families! May God bless you all!!
That is absolutely amazing! Here’s to the power of moms, with huge kudos to you, Jill!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Sky recently posted..Link ‘Em Thursday
I am happy to help someone else. Email me their details, I will ship it out today, Priority Mail.
Thank you Jill and all the other moms that gave, whether it was your time or money! I am patiently awaiting the gift, like a child at Christmas lol. I’m so excited that my family will be able to have Thanksgiving, especially since we have no extended family to celebrate with this year :( I sometimes doubt that anyone cares anymore, but all of you helped me to believe again. Thank you from my house to yours. Hopefully next year I’ll be the one helping another mom in
need…
I am in tears! I was waiting for this post! So honored to have been able to be a part of it! Thank you for all that you did to organize this wonderful event that is going to help so many families enjoy the holiday next week!!!
Jamee @ A New Kind of Normal recently posted..What I Wore Wednesday
AMAZING!!!!
Like so many others, I have been on the receiving side of the generosity of others when I was a child. My grandmother raised me and my brother after my mom died and if it weren’t for the kindness of others, we would have missed out on Thanksgiving (which was ALWAYS hard since my mom passed 2 days before) and Christmas, as well as Easter clothes for me and my brother. Thank you for organizing this!! You are a true blessing to so many!!
I was brought to tears when reading your original post about these donations. Although I could not help because I have two children of my own and I am a very young mother, I just wanted to say that this is truly a miracle. I wanted to thank all of you lovely ladies who pulled together through word of mouth, or donations, or by whatever means. This does show that there is still some form of humanity and kindness out there in this horrible world. Thank you Jill.
Jill,
You and your readers are awesome. I’ve been there- and it’s so nice to think that so many family WON’T have to “be there” this year.
Thanks!
-Angela
OhanaMama recently posted..Defining Success For Our Family
This is so inspirational! And I am so very proud to be a member of your community!
And so happy that I was able to be a part of this!
You are right EVERYONE deserves a happy Thanksgiving!
Erin recently posted..The Blind Side
Wow that is incredible! What an awesome thing you’ve done for those in need. Congratulations and get some sleep! :o)
Jamie
For Love of Cupcakes
Jamie recently posted..Y3W: I NEED SLEEP
When people look at me, and question what blogging is about … oh a bunch of bored housewives gossiping and oversharing … this stuff here, this is the stuff that makes you proud to say ‘Actually, we can make a difference, blogging can be used to make a difference’
You make a difference … you are an inspiration!
By Word of Mouth Musings recently posted..Baby Names. And WHAT were you thinking?
So proud! Of the whole thing! And excited! Yeeeoooohh!!!
Stephanie recently posted..Pete and Repeat Were on a Boat…
This is my first time being able to donate to any cause ever because I’ve always been the one in need. Thank you, Jill, for inspriring us to be more kind and generous and for giving me my first cause and great reason to give. Bless all of you moms givers and receivers!
You all are wonderful! There are no words for the relief you have brought to so many families. God Bless you all for your kindness. If I have learned one thing from
Our struggle to get back on our feet it is there are amazing people in this world that want to make a difference and bring happiness into the lives of those who are in need. You all ROCK :-) Happy Holidays everyone!
I have always believed people are good. Too often the “bad guys” steal the spotlight from someone who does a kindness however large or small for another person. I’m so glad this was a success! I think it would be a great annual tradition.
It was so easy to help out–I just looked up the town where my family lived to find out what kind of grocery stores are nearby and then ordered a gift card on-line.
Victoria KP recently posted..Write on Edge: Dialogue from Lost and Found
I cannot say my thanks enough for the help we are receiving. My kids and I have had an incredibly hard transition in the last 6 months from a bad situation. I was worried that because of the tight money situation we wouldn’t be able to have a proper first holiday in our new place. Because of the generosity of some many I will have so many reasons to be thankful this year. I can never say enough thanks and when my feet are planted firmly back on the ground we will be paying it forward. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts! :)
Jill, you’re an inspiration to us all and proof of what great things people can do when they come together for a cause. Count me in for next year too! xo
Carpool Goddess recently posted..Where would you rather be: tropical island paradise or cabin in the snowy mounta…
All of you ladies are absolutely amazing! What a wonderful and thoughtful thing to do. It renews my faith in the kindness of strangers!!!!
Thank you so much to all the people who donated. You all are amazing!
Bless your heart Scary Mommy.
Mama Kat recently posted..Money Lessons From Kids
Best post of the year! :) So happy to be a part of this…
Actually, honored is more like it.
Thanks Jill. Sleep a thousand winks & Happy Thanksgiving.
xo
Kelly recently posted..The Striiv Challenge Week 3
You guys are amazing. I am so proud to be part of this community, and so thankful that there are kind, thoughtful people out there. Thanks, Jill and thanks Scary Mommy readers. You’ve enabled my two girls and I to have a Thanksgiving feast. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
You are an answered prayer to so many people including myself. Thank you! You are an angel! my husband and I will now be able to enjoy Thanksgiving with our children and continue holiday traditions!
This was beyond awesome :) “Never doubt that a small group of committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it’s the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead
jenn recently posted..Kid Quotes Friday
This is so fantastic and a GREAT way to really celebrate Thanksgiving!
<3 I am proud to be a part of this <3
So happy to be apart of this wonderful idea.
What a wonderful thing to be a part of. Now, I challenge each of you who were so generous in this effort to give either food, clothes, or money to your LOCAL food bank, salvation army, etc. In these hard time, lets show how grateful and helpful we can be! Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
WOW! Im a bit late here but that is amazing!!!! I wouldn’t have been able to help as we just had triplets and $ a bit tight but wow, this is just wonderful!!! Congratulations on organizing this!!
So easy (for us, that is) and what an amazing impact! Thank you, Jill, for going to the effort and letting us be apart of what is an amazing display of generosity!
Amy ~ Eat. Live. Laugh. Shop. recently posted..Napa winery tour.
This is so awesome. Sending that gift card felt great. Moms helping moms!
Robin | Farewell, Stranger recently posted..Dwelling On Joy
WOW. We “Scary Mommies” aren’t so scary sometimes. Yay everyone! Hoping to be able to help next year.
To heck with the government, Moms rule! Mary S., your gift card is on its way. :)
Jill, congratulations and thanks for what I know must have been a LOT of work in a short amount of time!
(Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. ~ Margaret Mead)
–>You are amazing for doing this. What a wonderful thing to help so many families on Thanksgiving. THANK YOU!
WebSavvyMom recently posted..And Then My Baby Turned 1,825 Days Old
So honored to be a part of this. Sounds like we have plan to repeat next year? Let me know. I’ll be one of the first in line!!
the robot mommy recently posted..the my memories review and giveaway- t.r.m. style
I am SO glad to be able to help! I can’t wait for next year, too…and would love to help try to get even more families next year if you want me to host on my site too!
natalie recently posted..What I’ve Learned Since Becoming A Mom (The Things That Suck)
Outstanding!!!!! Love that so may families were helped. This warms my heart. Well done Jill for organizing this!
Nicole @MTDLBlog recently posted..Mom Incorporated {Blog Idol Interviews}
I hope you enjoy this…you sooo deserve it.
http://wp.me/p1QPQb-1W
Stayingalivemoma recently posted..Hottest Movie Picks for January 2012 by Stayingalivemoma
Beautiful.
Christine @ Quasi Agitato recently posted..Permission Slip.
so amazing!
Devan @ Accustomed Chaos recently posted..Gluten Free Diet is Not as Complicated as You Think
wonderful results!!!
Debbie recently posted..giveaway
Everyone who donated is amazing!
abnormalmommy recently posted..A Change in Perspective
Awesome way to use your forum. Amazing response from your readers. Inspired.
If you can still help, i could really use it! Lost my job and have only 25 for the next two weeks.
thanks
I want to thank Lauren, the sacry Mommy who helped my family. This has been the hardest year of my life. We go without so often, even though I work full time. My family is going to be able to have a wonderful holiday dinner because of you. I wish I could thank you personally but I only know your first name. Thank you, Jill and thank you Lauren, for the sacrafices you made that has helped my family this year! I am blessed.
This is one of the best things that I have seen the blog world do. I got goose bumps reading the responses from the people helped. The world is full of good people and that is good to know.
Jen recently posted..Hair Tutorial for New Long Hair
Happy to help if you still need it. Just let me know how many families are left!
Jess
Jill, what an absolutely, amazing thing you have done.
I agree that many more bloggers need to follow your example and do this.
I will definitely be participating next year.
Thank you for setting the bar.
Missy recently posted..Sunday Coupon Preview 11/13
You are amazing! How you pulled this all together & so quickly is outstanding!
Your readers, the donors are by far the most amazing!
Happy Holidays to Everyone!
YAY! The power of what people can do when they pull together is utterly amazing!
Gigi recently posted..How do you go from *this* to *that* overnight??
Love the symbolism of 18,000. What an incredible amount in such a short time! Major kudos, Jill!
Nina recently posted..Finally, His Name
I just want to say how wonderful I think this is. I wish so much that I could of helped. I hope next year if you do something like this I will be able to. My husband works his butt off doing everything he can to earn money for his family and if it wasn’t for the food stamps program we wouldn’t be able to put food on the table for our kids. I know a lot of people put down people on food stamps but if it wasn’t for it I wouldn’t be able to give my family a Thanksgiving. I just wanted to tell you how awesome I think what you did for all of these families is. Thank you for caring and thank you all of you that donated to help these families. It’s good to know that there are still people out there that care.
You have defined Thanksgiving here. Thank you.
Who rules the world? (Mommies!)
I can’t believe how many people who were helped and able to help others in such a short amount of time. My family is on the receiving end of this and we are so grateful!! We can’t wait to get our gift card and be able to get the things to have a proper thanksgiving dinner next week. So from my family we are ever so thankful for special people like you who will give to those in need.
Thank you for doing this-you ROCK! What a great cause. It’s so nice to be a part of something so rewarding.
You are incredible! With the help and kindness of a stranger I will be able to take a break from the constant worrying and enjoy a meal with my family. I am forever grateful for your generosity :)
What a wonderful thing you have done! I am hopeful that next year I will be able to help! Bless you :)
Jill, you’re truly my hero. I’m so glad to have helped in my small way.
To all the others who have opened their hearts and wallets, you are all truly inspiring.
To all the families who will have a wonderful Thanksgiving – YAY!!
Have a blessed Thanksgiving, everyone.
Alison@Mama Wants This recently posted..Literally, Mom
WOW. That’s all I can say. WOW.
Jamie B recently posted..Web Wednesday #5
WOOT! Don’t tell Mamakat I said WOOT! but WOOT!
tracy recently posted..Why I’m Not a Victoria’s Secret Model
So, so cool! Amazing and inspiring and makes me so proud to be a part of the blogging community. And you, Jill, made it happen. Pat yourself on the back!
Just Jennifer recently posted..TGIF: Diaper Dads Edition
Thank you so much for organizing this. What a great idea. I knew it would be successful, even if one family didn’t have to worry about putting a meal on their table, but $18,000 worth of meals? That is some serious good karma.
Mommy’s Minions (@MommysMinions) recently posted..11/18 – Tinker is a lookie loo
You rock!
It’s amazing what one little blog post can do, isn’t it?
So flipping amazing!
Regina recently posted..Mommy knows best
Would not have even thought about it without you! Please make sure to let me know if you are going to organize (or need help) a Christmas giving.
Jill, This only happened because YOU CARED enough to start it. Once the ball was rolling, everyone else got in the spirit. I am thankful that I could help. God bless you for what you do. jo-anne
Jill, you are amazing and wonderful.
You are so ridiculously awesome!!
Mel recently posted..World Prematurity Day
People can be truly amazing! This post brought tears to my eyes! I hope I’m in a better financial position next year so I can help out.
Bee recently posted..New Kernel Seasons Winner Announced
This made me a bit teary eyed. I cannot believe how much was raised; that is amazing!!
The comment about having a renewed faith in the kindness of others is what got me.
Happy Thanksgiving, Jill!
liz recently posted..My kids are 5 & 3, and I’m out of gift ideas
Thank u for doing this. This and Christmas drives does so much for proud people that are on hard times, that just need a little help with these 2 times of the year. There used to be a thing called a community where we would share what we had whether ya needed it or not:). that way everyone got fed:). miss those days.
How amazing! I am honored to have been able to participate. I depended on the kindness of strangers to have my son (surrogacy), so I’m glad to have any opportunity to help another family.
Thank you
KH99 recently posted..Why I’m Excited about Breaking Dawn
I hope you are still sleeping.
Thank you for making the world a better place.
Life with kaishon recently posted..What should I do if I suspect sexual abuse of a child?
$18,000!!! $18,000!! In just 5 days!! Goosebumps ladies..Goosebumps! And I seriously thought “I hope my little 25 dollars can do some good”. Oh…if women ruled the world…. :)
That’s why we have a beautiful relationship.
And we couldn’t have done it without YOU.
So proud to be part of this.
Thank you
Alexandra recently posted..Sometimes, I Get It Right
Amazing. Simply amazing.
Jill, I have so many friends and family who have contacted me about wanting to help. Please know that we are continuing to pay it forward. Thank you so much for starting this movement.
Carolyn (temysmom) recently posted..Buy an App, Save a Child
All I can say is thank you.
I am so glad to hear this! I still can offer some help to a local Norfolk VA family if need be. It wouldn’t be much but I could take someone shopping. Just so you know, in case someone wasn’t able to be helped.
Bella recently posted..Not prepared for Motherhood.
Thank you so very much. :)
Jill, we couldn’t have done this without YOU! Thank you for putting this together and allowing those of us who are able to to help families that really need help this time of year (and all year I’m sure). Even though my family couldn’t give a lot, I know the little bit we did give will help a lot.
tatiyana recently posted..Holy Guacamole!
Today I opened my mailbox and found an envelope addressed to me. I wasn’t sure who it was from until I opened it. I started shaking when I pulled out the money, as I got back into my car I showed my husband and we both smiled at eachother as we looked at our babies sitting in the back seat.
Because of what you have done, three active duty Navy personnel and 12 of their family member will enjoying Thanksgiving together. Even collectively we didn’t have enough to share until we received this wonderful donation.
My heart is full and there is a burden that has been lifted, if even for this one day.
Thank you to EVERYONE, scarrymom, Sarah and every single person that found it in their hearts and wallets to share. You are awesome!!!!!
PS- I just bought my ham!!! I have never bought a ham before!
i just read about what you did for all those people. thank you! as someone who is in that situation myself, seeing that people not only care, but are willing to help really warms my soul. i will be eating a microwave dinner with my love and our kitty at home on thanksgiving, and thanking god for people like you who help people in need :)
Am I too late to help? Please email if I can still donate.
Carolyn recently posted..Gift Budgeting Worksheet, Freezer Holiday Cooking, and Christmas Decor
this was so awesome, way to go Jill, you and everyone who helped are special angels. so many people these days seem oblivious to the problems around them, and its nice to know there are people who care. this time around, i will receive the blessings and help, hopefully next year things will be better for me and i can be one of the angels.
I just wanted to thank you all for this amazing, AMAZING!!! thing you’ve done here. It really blows my mind. It sounds so cliche, but you ladies have certainly restored my faith in humanity. I’ve never seen nor been a part of such kindness and generosity – at least not to this degree ($20,000??!!!! Holy cow!)
I received a $25 gift card to Walmart, which can only be used online. Can anyone tell me if I can buy food from Walmart online? And do you think it can get here buy Thursday? I am not at all trying to sound ungrateful, because I am VERY thankful for my gift, I just want to know if I should try using it for Thanksgiving dinner (for 6) or save it for Christmas. I don’t usually shop online, and I’ve never bought food online at all. Sorry to sound stupid! LOL
Again, I am so appreciative of this $25 gift, It’s about $25 more than I had before.
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone here – givers and recipients, all!
Oh, no! about it being used on-line. You should also be receiving $25 cash or Visa card, so perhaps use that on the food and save the other for Christmas?
Thank you for the quick response! I didn’t know there was more coming…I’m a dope! LOL I think that is what I’ll do then. Lord knows I could use the extra for Christmas too, so it should work out well. Thanks again “Not-So-Scary-Mommy” ;)
Yes, everyone will be getting $50, just sometimes from 2 different people. :)
I hate to even say anything… but I only got the one gift card. I don’t need a new one sent out – I just want to let somebody know. That way you can track it.
Courtney recently posted..Caramel Apple Spice Cupcakes
Just wanted to say that I think this is fantastic. Really heart warming.
Jack@TheJackB recently posted..Reciprocity In Blogging
That is soooo nice of everyone! I found this site not to long ago and I am now addicted and could sit on it all day! There’s some funny women on here!
Thank you Jill for putting the word out!!! Because of YOU, it all happened!
I received my gift cards today and I can’t even express the emotions running through me! Thanks to the kindness of perfect strangers, I can breath a sigh of relief for the first time in weeks. Thank you to everyone for being so giving and helping those in need! My spirit has been lifted, and my family will pay it forward for sure!!!
I just received my gift card in the mail and wanted to tell you how very grateful I am. This year has been so difficult for us and I’ve often wondered how we would go on. When my kids and I eat our Thanksgiving meal, I’ll think of you and our donor, Ann. You both are angels.
Thank you for organizing and thank you to the people who donated. You are all Amazing. The kindness you have shown will help me make a wonderful dinner to share with my family and have renewed my spirits. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart and i hope next I can be the one to GIVE! Thank you so much! God Bless!
I’m sitting here near tears..Thank you so much. This money means food on our table and I thank you from the bottom of my heart and the rest of my family’s heart, thank you, thank you, thank you. This wouldnt be possible this year without your love and kindness and generosity.
I got my card in the mail. Thank you to the woman that sent it to me. I’ve had the worst few months and something today made it even worse. You made me feel like there are people out there that care and I really thank you for that!
I just want to let the donors know that I and my family appreciate you. Your heart is so big and money can be a touch thing and you were willing to open your hearts and your wallets to those in need and I am one who believes what goes around comes around and I am so thankful for you. Please know I don’t take you for granted. Thanks to you I am able to feed my children during this thanksgiving week while they are out of school and home this week. I didn’t know how before but now i do and I know why also and that is because of you. Thanks!
I am so touched my heart is overflowing. Thank you so much for everything you did.
My gift cards arrived yesterday and I can’t accept my gratitude enough. To be able to have a real Thanksgiving meal with my family is such a blessing and I thank you and Corrine from NJ from the bottom of my heart.
I was confused for a moment when I saw the envelopes in my mail this afternoon (Huh? I don’t know anyone named Meghan in Arizona….). Then I remembered Scary Mommy, and my heart skipped a beat. Words cannot express how grateful I am to Meghan, and to the woman with the postmark from Kearny, NJ (signed simply “Me”) who also, incredibly, included “a little something extra for the upcoming gift-giving season.” You have made my family’s holidays immeasurably brighter. Thank you so, so much. And thank you too to Scary Mommy herself for making the season better for so many!
My neighbor recieved her gift card and is so over joyed.Thank you all for doing this.Thanks to the kindness of strangers their holidays are much brighter now.From the bottom of my heart i thank you!!
Bless you for what you have done. For the first time in years, we will be celebrating with turkey, stuffing, potatoes, veggies, rolls, dessert… we are pinching ourselves and thanking our angels for everything.
Recieved my gift cards today.Thank you to Andrea from IN and Natalie from CA.Because of you my family will have a great thanksgiving.Thank you scarymommy for doing this.My family is so grateful for what you all have done for us.Happy Thanksgiving to all!!
I am completely overwhelmed by the generosity of strangers. My heart is so full and my faith in humanity and in God’s goodness has been renewed, refreshed…restored! My family has been so blessed by this generous act of kindness. Thank you all for your blessing to us and I pray you all have a very Happy Thanksgiving. We absolutely will pay it forward. Much love!
So proud to be a part of this amazing effort, Jill. And even more proud to know you.
Yes! Go sleep now!!
Happy Thanksgiving all around!
XO
Anna
Anna Lefler recently posted..Frankenwhat?
Way to go, Jill, you’re an amazing person all around… I think you’ve exceeded your ‘good deed’ quota for the year! ;) Such an awesome thing you’ve done, along with everyone who took part and helped out! Happy (almost) Thanksgiving! Also, HI! I miss you. Haven’t talked to you in forever.
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Someone mentioned that they couldn’t use their online Walmart card for food. What you can do is order something of equal or lesser value and then return it (for store credit) to a Super Walmart that does carry groceries. That is what I am doing :)
How amazing, and it all started with you.
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This is so amazing Jill!!!! And all the others who contributed! This is what true human kindness is about! Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!!!!
Thank you so much!! I received a fed ex envelop yesterday and my heart just stopped! A very special thanks to the Sustala and Webster Families for the help. My family greatly appreciated the help that your families provided. Have a great holiday to you both and to all of the other families on here. Thank you Scary Mommy!!
Jill – way to use your connection s- this – I LOVE!
I’m sorry I didn’t see this earlier but all I can say is WOW!! You did one hell of an amazing thing! Congrats….$20K in ridiculously impressive! I use to work for a non profit and it took us 6 months to raise that!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!!
Erin Judd
Erin Judd recently posted..What’s got me so thankful!!!
We helped a family have christmas a couple years ago, and you’re right, its addicting. We didn’t set out to, we’d just usually donate to Toys for Tots and the local foodbank,and think we’d done fine. That year a friend posted on Facebook that a girlfriend of hers had just admitted that day (less than a week before Christmas) that her child support was late, and it was either feed her four kids or buys gifts. Faced with that, she was going to tell kids ages 8,6,4 and 2 that Santa couldn’t make it to their house this year. I did the ugly cry for about ten minutes and then realized $50 would buy a toy for each kid, and I could afford to do that. So I called a couple friends, thinking some they might donate a dollar or two as well. What I got was another $50, another, and another and another… I bought toys, clothes, a gift for Mom, and Target gift card for $100. I wrapped each gift as if Santa’s elves were looking over my shoulder. My oldest son helped me, and when I wept with appreciation for all the generosity, he asked me why I cried. I explained that some kids don’t get piles of gifts, or even one gift, some get none. The horror on his five year old face was extreme, then he brightened. He asked “If you get me less gifts will we have more money to buy gifts for the kids with nothing?” I said yes, and my son RAN to the tree. I asked what he was doing and he said “Finding all my presents so we can take them back to the store for money for the kids with nothing.” I fell into a chair. We’re not religious, but we teach our children compassion, love, what it means to give. But this was so much more, there was my five year old son, reading tags on gifts making a pile of HIS presents, not taking from his brother or sister, just himself, not knowing what was inside his gifts but willing to give up everything so someone he didn’t know and would never meet wouldn’t go without. I’d never been half as generous. Since then we get our children three gifts, period. And we find a family who needs Christmas help, team up with friends to pool our resources and make it happen for the kids in need. Though my younger two kids aren’t yet old enough to fully understand, my oldest takes such joy in picking out gifts for the unknown child, special care and attention goes into wrapping and he waits with bated breath to hear about what it was like when those gifts were delivered. Last year he heard how the kids were jumping up and down squealing with delight, he looked at me and said, “I know how Santa feels when hes done a good job.” Since that first year I am taught again by a child what Christmas Spirit actually IS.
Truly amazing!! I just saw you on the National news. Incredible what you did. Thank you so much. I wish I had seen this earlier, as I would have loved to have been a part of this wonderful movement. Thank you! I hope you and your family have a fantastic Thanksgiving.
We just got home from the hospital at 10am. The twins are happily playing in their room. When I checked my mail I had a $25 gift card in my mailbox. Somebody named Shannon in Austin, TX sent it to me. Thank you so much for this. The boys had tubes inserted in their ears and their adenoids removed, so we aren’t cooking today – but we will have Thanksgiving this weekend. We are planning to share the meal with another family here in town. They don’t have much either but they help us with rides/errands whenever they can. They even came to the hospital last night to bring the boys each a balloon and a book. I am so thankful for what you did for all these families. I have always said that if people would just work together, so many people could be helped. If 50 people donated $1, that could buy dinner, buy gifts, buy diapers, pay an electric bill. That is a big help for a family – especially a single parent family on welfare. We ended up getting a turkey donated to us, so I will use my gift card to buy the roasting pan and some yummy treats for my boys. (I might sneak some diapers into the cart as well – I hope that is okay.) Happy Thanksgiving.
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I would like to send a giant thank you shout out to the Ingrassia family in NJ. I can’t believe the results of this amazing reach out thank you to everyone who donated to help us who needed it and I hope next year I’m on my feet so I can pay it forward.
This literally takes my breath away.
You are SO very welcome Caroline! I hope you and your family had a great holiday filled with delicious food and great memories. I was worried it would not get to you on time- I’m glad to know that it did! :)
BIG thank you to Jill for organizing. So glad to have been part of something so incredibly uplifting.
Corine recently posted..Black Friday Traditions and Giving Back
Would like to say thanks to all who donated. I had asked for help, but did not receive a gift card in the mail. I was able to scrape up enough to make a little something special for me and my girls (lots of change was involved). I’m thankful that so many of you gave to help those of us who need the help, but really have a hard time asking for it most days. God bless
Oh, no!!!! Your card must be stuck somewhere– I am so sorry!!! I will get you out a new one tomorrow– please use it for christmas or whatever else!!
It’s fine. I live in the middle of nowhere so it takes forever for stuff to get here. You really don’t have to… I am just thankful there are people like you out there who are amazing enough to help others. I will definitely pay it forward when I can :)
i also didnt receive the one she sent for me. must be holiday mail clogging up the post office. i was able to find a food bank that had some stuff and my family and 2 others combined what we had and made an awesome dinner. i even had some turkey i brought home so my cat can eat since we are out of money until the first (my kitty i have had for 18 years got sick and i had to pawn some stuff to have the vet see him thankfully he is on medicine now and feeling better). i am still hoping the giftcard might show up monday or something so i can buy catfood. i know thats silly but its life. i am glad you also were able to figure it all out. i know how you feel about not wanting to ask for help. sometimes its harder than scraping by on next to nothing just to reach out for help.
Hi! Unfortunately, you did sign up pretty late, so I was worried about it getting there in time for Thanksgiving. But, I sent it out myself last week, so hopefully it will arrive in the next day or two and you can put it to good use. :) Let me know if you don’t receive it by the end of the week!
i know. it might help even more this way though. so its really a good thing it didnt get here before thanksgiving.because the whole thing with my kitty came up. it sucked to have to visit the pawn shop i have never done that before. but its worth it to see him feeling better.
Thank you so much! My family received our gift and I had a smile on my face all the way to the grocery store. Our thanksgiving dinner cost $46.78. I wanted to tell you that it brought tears to my eyes to be able to go and warmed my heart. thank you for your gift and may god bless you for your generosity.
I just learned of this after watching the segment on ABC – I mean, you freaking made the national news! Such an amazing accomplishment. What a wonderful thing you’ve done, Jill.
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Because of this, I didn’t have to choose between buying our prescriptions and buying groceries. We were able to have a real holiday meal and spend one night not worrying about our finances. To Scary Mommy and the two women who sent me grocery gift cards, you’ll never know how thankful we are to you. Happy Holidays.
I wanted to send a note of thanks to you for organizing the Scary Mommy Thanksgiving and for the generosity of your readers. Because of $50 that you sent, our family was able to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal with turkey, dressing, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, Jello salad, and pumpkin pie. It’s not often that we can afford a $50 meal, but thanks to you and your readers, today we could!
I just saw the story on the news. Each and every one of you are amazing! Those that helped and those who accepted help so their families could have a great Thanksgiving. I’m not an overly emotional person but I was extremely touched by the story. Well played, ladies. Well played.
After watching this story on Nightline I came to tears because I was one of these children that had to skip meals when I was younger, so that my brother could eat. Skipped meals should never happen. I would love to help out anyway I can with Christmas coming along, many more will skip meals.
I just want to say that you ladies have done a tremendous service and I could only hope more people will follow in your footsteps!
Just watched the telecast on how you made such a wonderful difference for so many families this Thanksgiving. Don’t know if you have already received this information on this resource, but a friend works with the Share Food Network. They have several food packages available ranging from $20 to $38 plus 2 hours of volunteer service. Transportation is also provided for an additional 50 cents to a 1.00. The $20 holiday package package included the following: whole chicken, pork chops, ground beef, turkey sausage links, stuffing mix, elbow macaroni, frozen danish, sweet potatoes, white potatoes,onions, and apples.
The network provides food each month and the website is http://www.sharedc.org. The are chapters in every Maryland county plus Baltimore City. Also Washington D.C. Some of your followers might like to volunteer time in order to help other families. Let’s share this information so families in need can get help each month.
Thank you so VERY much for the wonderful Gift Card.It really helped my family so much.Thanks again to each and everyone @Scary Mommy you guys are amazing!!!
Just wanted to say thanks, Jill to you and all your readers out there. Because of you our family was able to have a wonderful Thanksgiving meal and enjoy the day together. You are all Thanksgiving angels!! With hard work and a little luck,we hope to be return this incredible kindness next year. Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!
Thank you, Thank you Thank you!!!!! i received a giftcard from Ann, and it was such a blessing! But lo and behold, I was going through my big ol’ pile of bills this morning, and I discovered another card in the mail from Keri! That was such a wonderful surprise!!! I often start feeling like nobody really understands or cares how hard it is for us struggling to keep just the basics for the children. My friends just don’t seem to get it, and it seems that after so many invites to activities that we simply cannot afford to participate in, they start to drift away.
What a wonderful thing you have done Jill – you are truly amazing and an inspiration. So glad to be part of this :)
Tina @ Life Without Pink recently posted..Using Social Media For Social Good – YouGiveGoods Online Food Drive
My message is simple: THANK YOU. You have truly blessed my family this year.
My smile here, today, to be able to help.
My smile here,t oday, to know someone like you.
My smile here, today, for the families who had FOOD because of this community that exists.
This is what LIFE and LIVING and BEING HUMAN is: This is life.
Thank you, Scary Mommy.
Thank you more than what I can say.
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Hi ScaryMommy,
Just wanted to thank you for doing this! My family received a check for $25 from a wonderful donor and we really appreciate it. I understood that their would be $50 coming from two donors and I wanted to let you know the second one hasn’t shown up for my family. I wanted to make you aware in case it was another check, so the donor would be aware that it was maybe lost or stolen so they could protect their info.
We are grateful for the $25 and we made it work. Thanks again :)
Amazing. This gave me chills. I’m so proud of the community we have here. And thank YOU, Jill for spearheading such an amazing thing. xo
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Your kindness and generosity went very far this year in our lives. We were down to almost nothing to eat at home and now we have been living off of the Thanksgiving leftovers. This will only last until next payday. We would have been in a really bad place if it wasn’t for all of you and we are forever thankful!!!
Wow! You are amazing. I’m so sorry I didn’t read about this until today. Wish I could have been a part of it. Hopefully you do this, again, next year. You are one heck of a great person!!!!