Anna's House 2012

Each year as part of CR we help an organization called Anna's House purchase Christmas gifts for children who are in state custody. I've been in charge of this efforts for 3-4 years now and really enjoy it!

We do a big donation night and then I take all the money and spend it! The first year I did all the buying by myself. Bad idea. It was so overwhelming. Now I have one or two helpers, depending on the load.

I love buying these gifts for kids who I don't know. I just imagine the joy on their faces when they get these toys, clothes and other things.

Our CR family never ceases to amaze me. I have to admit in the days and even weeks leading up to the donation night I get nervous. I get doubts. What if we don't make our goal? Well, you guys are awesome -- not only did we meet our goal, $650, we blew it out of the water!! Raising almost exactly $800!!

Here's this year's loot. I bought for two boys, ages 6 and 9. Jen bought for three little girls (I don't have pictures of her stuff). Also, this year Anna's House asked if we could use any additional money to buy pjs, socks, underwear or other necessities in all sizes. Target had awesome fleece pants on sale so I grabbed 12 pairs in varying sizes. Then I found those cute shorts (with shirts, not pictured) at Wal-Mart for $3!! So I snagged a few sets.

They also said a couple families could use help with groceries. So, I got two VISA gift cards and loaded them with some cash.

I have to be honest, while my favorite part of all of this is imagining the excitement these kids will have Christmas morning I do get a somewhat sick thrill out of seeing just how much I can buy each kid. I set a spending limit for each kid ($75-$100 depending on their age) and do my best to maximize those dollars. I try really hard to buy them nice things too. I don't want to just get everything cheap. I figure why not get everything cheap but still super nice (mostly clothes, toys are really about the same everywhere).

For example, take this load below...

All of the clothes are from The Children's Place. Thanks to e-mail coupons and awesome Christmas sales I was able to get really nice jeans, wind pants, two t-shirts, one polo, one sweater and a hoodie!! The hoodie was just $9.99 (regular price $24.95)! In fact, I set the clothing budget and my total after the sale prices and extra 30% off coupon was $.02 under budget -- I consider that pretty awesome. Not only that, but my savings was $130!

I also make sure to include stocking stuffers -- like candies and small gifts.

I feel so blessed to be a part of this effort every year and hope to see it continue for years to come.

Thanks for your donations!

Grateful Believer,

~Chellie