This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Capital One. All opinions are 100% mine.
Hosting Thanksgiving this year was a lot of work, but it was so rewarding. Even though some of our family wasn't able to make it, we had a fantastic time with those that did. Since Chris and I hosted (for the first time ever!!) this year, we were able to have most of the leftover turkey - score! As I glanced around at the smiling faces and the plates piled high with delicious food, I thought of how fortunate I am to not only be able to provide for my own family, but to be in a position that I am able to open my doors and welcome the entire family in for a family gathering! I'm also reminded of those that aren't as fortunate. There are some who struggle to put food on the table each day, who struggle to provide their families with a home - and those struggles don't magically go away during the holiday season.
We donate often throughout the year, but make a concentrated effort throughout the holiday season. In my post last month, I mentioned that my Wish For Others is that every child has a gift to open this holiday season. While I do wish that every family has a safe home, a refrigerator full of food and gainful employment, I wished this particular wish because the simple act of opening a single gift during the holidays can bring an amazing amount of joy. My family didn't have a lot of money while I was growing up, but we always had something to open during the holidays, and I wish that every child experiences that same joy!
Along with a warm coat, and a full belly, a gift is something that everyone should experience this year, especially children.
I encourage you to embrace the spirit of the holiday season and make any donation that you can - whether it be a monetary donation, a donation to a local toy drive, winter necessities at the local homeless shelter, a donation of groceries to the local food bank, or toys to brighten a child's holiday spirit.
You can make wishes come true with some of the following programs:
Toys for Tots - The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them in becoming responsible, productive, patriotic citizens. Toys for Tots was recognized as an official mission of the Marine Corps Reserve in 1995 and has since has distributed over 469 million toys to over 216 million less fortunate children. You can make a cash donation or choose to gift a new, unwrapped toy to be presented to a child in need.
Angel Tree - Through The Salvation Army Angel Tree Program, necessities and Christmas gifts are provided for disadvantaged children from infants to age 12 and for seniors citizens who are 60 years and older. Families are referred to the program and then list gifts they would love to receive. The gift suggestions are printed on angel tags and placed upon Angel Trees at area malls as well as local corporations and organizations. Donors can select an Angel from the tree and purchase items asked for by a needy family and bring them back to the tree where they are then distributed to the family.
Capital One #WishforOthers
275 wishes will be granted by Capital One during the holiday season this year. Whether it's a full holiday meal for a family, a new laptop for a student, or a spa day for a hard-working Mom, Capital One wants you to share your wish for others on Twitter, Instagram, and the Capital One Facebook page for a chance to make that wish come true!
How to Participate in the Capital One #WishForOthers Campaign
What do you wish for others? Your wish can be for a family member or friends, a neighbor or a community – as long as it’s a wish for others. Just share your wish via a video or photo, be creative, and use @CapitalOne and #WishforOthers in your posting.
Do you need help thinking of the perfect wish? Capital One has these suggestions and guidelines on how to create a successful wish…
The more creative you are, the better. Use images and videos, if possible, and be sure to include #WishForOthers in your social network post! That is how Capital One will see it! Although it’s not required to be eligible, consider tagging @CapitalOne with #Contest. I'd especially love if you came back here and left me the URL to your wish in the comments section so that I can check it out and share it too!
Make sure that your post is set to “public” on your social media network. If you have a private account, Capital One won’t be able to view it.
If you submit a photo or video, please avoid wearing clothing with prominent branding or logos and make sure you have permission from all people whose images are included. This should go without saying, but keep it rated PG – no profanity or naughtiness.
Head over to the Wish For Others website to read the official rules and see what kind of things others are wishing for!
Make sure to like the Capital One Facebook page and follow the Capital One Twitter to stay up to date on this wonderful holiday campaign!
ellen beck
This iis neat- I dont have alot of pictures to particiipate but I am an evid giver to Toys for Tots. Its a long story but when we were little we went through that program it was a lot different then, but those tos meant the workd and i will never forget them.
Nicole Dz
My wish for others is that everyone has a warm place to go on Christmas day to eat a great filling dinner.
Anne - Mommy Has to Work
We are doing an angel tree this year through the school.
Robin (Masshole Mommy)
My wish for others is that everyone has enough to eat this winter. I hate to think about others going hungry!
Liz Mays
I think it's wonderful to think of others this way! There are so many wishes I'd like to make for people, especially sick children. 🙁
Catherine S
These are all great ways to give back. We help with Toys for Tots and Angel Tree through my every year.
Jaime
We were just talking about giving this morning in my office. I love the Angel Tree and Toys for Tots. We tend to "adopt" a child through the programs every year.
Kecia
We love doing the Angel Tree! We haven't been able to the last few years, but we have been doing the shoeboxes with Operation Christmas Child. I love helping kids have a good holiday!!
Maria
love decorating christmas trees
Annie
I love your heart, Jen! That is my wish too. And me and my kids LOVE donating to Toys For Tots and buying gifts off the Angel Tree. Thank you for helping to spread awareness.
Chrystal @ YUM eating
We do a lot of kid present campaigns this time of year and Toys for Tots is one of them. It makes me sad that their are so many kids out there who have no idea what Christmas is really like.
Stacey- Travel Blogger
I love the Angel Tree program. It is a great way to ensure more people have a lovely Christmas.
Debbie L.
We give to Toys for Tots and other local groups collecting toys and food. Hunger is so terrible - sad 🙁
Shell
I like your wish! I would wish that no one would go hungry this year.
Krystal
I don't have a lot of photos for this wonderful program, but I do always donate to toys for tots. I love this.
Virginia @thatbaldchick
We love doing the Angel Tree, too. It feels so good to give back and know it's making a child smile.
Dawn
I love participating in our local Angel Trees! Giving back is always important to us.
Debbie Denny
Always want all to have what they want and need. We help when we can
Jeanine
I love this! My wish for others would be that everyone has a warm meal and place to be this winter! We help when we can however we can:)
Theresa
We too 2 kids from the angel tree this year, but ours goes up to 14 years, which was perfect. We picks a 10 and 14 year old girl, the same ages as mine, so it was easy to buy for them!
Pam
I love this idea from Capital One. We always try to give to others during the holidays.
Rosey
I think that's such a fun idea. There are so many people I can think of to make wishes for... 🙂
Crystal
How lucky you are with all your leftover turkey!! We went home with full bellies and happy hearts. That's my wish for others this holiday season.
Ann Bacciaglia
Our local fire station runs a program for kids in the fall it is a coats for kids collection. We try to help out as much as we can.
Tess
I like the angel tree program. I like to know who will be getting the donation.
HilLesha
My wish is for others to have enough food to eat during this season. 🙂
Christie
I love helping folks' wishes come true during the holiday season. We love donating toys for kids so they have presents!
Amanda
What a great way to give back! My wish for others is that every child has the chance to celebrate the holidays feeling safe and loved.
Laura
I love this! It is great to stop and take some time to think of others. Especially during this time of the year.
Kiwi
You stated a wonderful wish! I wish for a gift for every child to but there is a harsh reality on how some kids cant have a proper Christmas...all kids deserve a good holiday!
Amanda
Your tree looks gorgeous! I really love your wish too!