Today my children experienced the joy of giving. I am hoping it made a lasting impact, but that remains to be seen.
Most of you know I am one of Walmart’s “elevenmoms” (now actually 22), which is essentially a social media experiment that became a community of mom bloggers dedicated to helping others “save money and live better”.
The program does involve a few perks, like a Flip Video Camera and a trip to Bentonville in October among other things. Along with the perks came a lot of flack in the blogosphere about the program in general, mostly because we are associated with Walmart.
I have experienced name calling, insults, rumors, and negativity (although thankfully not on my blog). I can truthfully say today that it has all been worth it. Every comment, every question, every snide remark.
You see, the very best perk I have received has been the opportunity to bless others, through Walmart. As an elevenmom, I have been able host several giveaways sponsored by Walmart on my blog.
Most recently, Sherry was blessed with a $500 gift card that arrived just in time for Christmas. You can read her story here.
In addition to the giveaways, a while back, each of the elevenmoms was sent a preview of Walmart’s special “12 Toys of Christmas”. Huge boxes of toys showed up on my doorstep. We all had complete freedom to do as we pleased with the toys (keep, review, giveaway, etc.), with no obligation to blog about them.
I must confess I did. not. open. one. It was tempting, believe me. I decided I would keep just a few of my favorites, and donate the rest to a local charity. I hid them away from my unsuspecting children.
Actually, one vendor accidentally sent multiples (a dozen!) of 2 of the toys, and graciously allowed us to keep them. So I had 12 Girl Gourmet Cupcake Makers and 12 EyeClops Night Vision Goggles stashed in my garage!
Today was the day. We loaded up the back of my Volvo station wagon, and headed over to the Keller Community Storehouse, kids in tow. The car was stuffed to the max, and it was freezing, but that did not matter.
Amazingly, my girls did not utter one complaint. They trooped inside, toys in hand, and cheerfully added them to the donation pile.
The volunteers were very thankful for the toys. In this year’s tough economy, they are needed more than ever.
I am thankful for the opportunity to give more than I ever have. For the chance to show my girls what it means to be generous. I left feeling 10 pounds lighter (which is not easy being 5 months pregnant).
I plan to continue being a part of the elevenmoms campaign next year. There are already a few exciting opportunities in the works. I am sure there will be more negativity, as well. But I am prepared for it.
And like I said, it’s worth it.
Alyssa, what a great thing to teach your girls- how to share with others when they have everything they need. Beautiful. Happy holidays.:)
That is so great that you were able to do this and that your girls got to go with you and see what giving big feels like! What a great thing! Have a very Merry Christmas (and I hope the Scrooges stay away – I happen to like all your help with deals at wally world :-)!!
When I was growing up, I couldn’t stand having to give to others. (I was a total brat, by the way….) I love to give what I can now, and leading by example for our children is great. I love the feelings it leaves, and you are right, I totally feel lighter when I give. Thank you for your blog, by the way, I think you truely help me be a better person in this aspect!
I think that it is wonderful that you are extending your blessings to others. I think that the Wal-Mart eleven moms is a blessing to whomever is apart of the program and I love to see that y’all are doing something positive with the program. Keep up all of the awesome work that you are doing.
What a wonderful thing to do.
I’m sorry some people have been giving you grief over your association with Wal-Mart. That’s just uncalled for. You have a great blog. It’s always uplifting visiting here. That is so wonderful you were able to donate all those toys. There’s no telling how many children will have a better Christmas because of that!
Your girls are beautiful!
Alyssa, it’s so great that you’re also teaching your children the importance of giving. Moms like you are helping to raise a generation of people who can see the importance of giving back and passing things on to others. In today’s economy not everyone can afford to give and more need it now than ever – you were so blessed to be able to do that!
That is wonderful! I know that my DD enjoys taking in a gift that we had purchased for a needy child. It is a wonderful thing to teach your children.
Have a wonderful holiday season — fyi – there may be people who give you a hard time, but you have so many people that stand behind you here in the blogging world.
How generous of Walmart, and of your family!
By the way, I’m really glad that you’ve been one of the 11 moms, and that you’re continuing to be! It’s such a great concept and a help to so many people.
Keep up the awesome work!!!
Thats great that you where given the oppurtunity to help others. I don’t understand why so many people are giveing the eleven moms trouble. Maybe that they are envious I know I would love to have been a part of the program. Its always great when I get things in the mail to host giveaways with and try out myself. Being able to help others gives me a nice warm feeling and Im so glad that you all such a nice gift to share with those that need it.
That is wonderful that you were able to donate all of those toys. We hope to do more of that next year.
You all have been so upstanding through all the blog smearing and I really respect you for it. What an amazing opportunity to be able to share the blessings and teach your children a lesson. Merry Christmas!
Wow.. that was so awesome to read! How great to be a blessing like that! I enjoy your blog so much, and think it is geart that Walmart has the elevenmoms.. keep up the good work and put in earplugs when the naysayers are talking… they need to remember what our moms taught us “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all”
Here’s wishing you and your growing family a very MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!
How wonderful!! I usually try to take the kids somewhere to give something somehow,… but we haven’t this year (my car hasn’t been working and we’ve been sharing one vehicle so that makes it more difficult.) How neat that they let you keep all those extra toys! Some kids are going to be very very blessed! 🙂
That is exactly what we did with almost all of our toys and they are waiting for the homeless shelter’s children’s birthdays so that they will have one gift to give each of them.
I am so proud of you, hun!
I have the 11moms program to thank for introducing us, I am so blessed to know you and get to talk to you every day. I love reading stories like this, because it not only brings me joy for the families you served, but inspires me in my own life as well. Brava! 🙂
That is so wonderful. I would love to be able to do something like that to show my children — especially my two middle children — the real meaning of Christmas and giving. My oldest daughter baked cookies, cake, homemade mac & cheese and took them to school for her classes' Christmas parties and just because. I am so proud she has turned into a very giving person (even better than I am) and I hope my three younger grasp this as well.
BTW: You look great! I hope you're feeling well.
Merry Christmas.
Praise Jesus! For hearts like yours. I pray God blesses you abundantly.
Don’t get discouraged by what others may say. We are supposed to give and give without counting the cost.
Have a Blessed Christmas!
BillieJo
Louisiana
Good for you, Alyssa! It is awesome that you gave those toys to children who needed them and involved your kiddos. My two big girls participated in the Angel Tree program this year and loved it.
And, as for those who are nasty, SHAME ON THEM! They are crazy if they can’t see all the good you do. KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK! And, Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas Alyssa! I agree with you – the amount of good we are able to do in the Eleven Moms campaign is worth every mean comment and blog post. I didn’t get dozens or extra toys sent to me, but I did share the toys I received with other families. It really feels good to be able to give back.
Good for you, Alyssa!
I know God has His hand in your selection as an #11 mom because he knew what you (and some of the other moms on the campaign) would be doing! It is so desperately needed in this economic situation and you will be blessed!! And, Walmart is great for offering all of the toys too!
Merry Christmas!!
It’s a shame that you’ve received negative comments, some people are never pleased.
I work at a walmart, this year you ladies inspired me to give more. I chose 3 names off the angel tree at work (one for each person in my family) and purchased toys that i normally wouldn’t have been able to afford. Thanks to you, I have learned how to save money and stock pile necessities that my family can really use.
please know that you’re worth it to us.
Wanted to say – Good for you, Alyssa! I think what you’re doing is great!