SNOWBALL

CW, 52, Little River, US

I am a Manager at a local grocery Store. A few weeks ago I was approached by a North Myrtle beach Policeman in our store because he needed some assistance in purchasing some groceries. He proceeded to tell me of a family that had been evicted from their home, and they had 2 young sons, 6 and 3 and both are battling cancer. The police dept had found them a home and were attempting to fill their cupboards with food. I knew that I had to help out, so I wrote the officer a check to help with the cost. Word got around the store what I had done, and the different departments in the store approached me and asked if they could help to give the boys a Christmas. I got in touch with the officer and got the information..and now the ENTIRE store is involved, from buying presents, filling their cupboards, and giving a Christmas meal. Giving has snowballed tremendously in our store...and everyone is so excited about it...Let the snowball keep rolling!!!!!!!!!

2008-12-20 22:54:21

shopping

Sandra, 49, Mahwah, US

I was shopping at Marshall's for a Christmas gift for my boss.....I have been on VERY tight budget for so long there is no room for anything extra or frivolous. I was in line debating about buying 2 sets of 4 snowman plates because they were $5.00 each....I mean it was only $10.00! But I was in line debating whether I could really justify spending the $10.00. When I went to the register to pay, the cashier handed me a gift card worth $10.00 the price of the dishes. Now, it may not seem like it was such a big deal....$10.00...but just the kindness that was passed on has made me try and be a more patient person...and a kinder person...and has caused be to be nice and make amends with a co-worker who I do not like and have been angry with for some time. It just made me feel like I wanted to be a better person....all it took was that one little kindness.....that woman who gave me the gift card will never know how much it meant to me.....and I wish I could have thanked her....she changed my life for the better....not for the dishes that I was able to buy....but for passing on kindness, which I want to do for someone else.

2008-12-20 22:16:45

Grocery Shpping

Wandy, 27, Tampa, US

I went to buy some grocery with the last $30.00 i had in my name, and when i went to check out the total came out to $31.and change, the guy at the register said, i got a gift card that someone left of $25.00 for someone to use, and he decided to give it to me... and i had to pay out of my pocket was $6.00... I want to thank you, for blessing my life... and my family, I was buying formula for my 2month baby and food for my 2 year old... thank you so much for letting your self be used by God and blessing other people in need... you made my day and my family's... i will never forget this day nor how great it felt to be blessed, it just teaches me, that other people should feel this way too, so, when i can, i will be more than happy to bless someone too... with no strings attached... thank you so much!!! May you all be blessed greatly!!! Merry christmas and a happy new year!!!

2008-12-20 20:01:08

The Gift Revolution in the Car

Ernie and Brett Holmes, 44, Charlotte NC, US

Passing out some hot Dunkin Donuts coffee and doughnuts on a very cold Saturday morning to some folks working outside.

2008-12-20 19:13:53

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fJbw55w-hU

Pass it along

ducklings, 40, White House, US

Every year our family goes to this house that has over 1 million christmas tree lights>if you have been to the house on hwy 109 you know which one this is.We pulled up to pay and handed the guy collecting money our $8 and said we want to pay for the next 5 car loads that tour these lights.I handed him the cards to give out to the next 5 cars and started to explain.He stopped me about 1/2 way through and said "oh yea someone else has done this last week!". What an awesome feeling to know we are trying to show the world that there is love out there. We are not just changing these 25 days but how we are changing our family forever!!!!

2008-12-20 18:53:14

2nd TGR Rally In Lima!

Steve Guschov, 43, Lima, PE

This week we had 2 TGR rallies in Lima. The first, which we blogged ablout a couple of days ago, was at the main branch of the Lima YMCA, with close to 50 young people in attendance. Then on Friday we held a second TGR rally, this time at an English-language private Christian school. Around 70 students attended. Friday was their last day of classes before Christmas break, so now the 70 students have scattered to other parts of Peru as well as to other countries for two months of vacation, and they'll be spreading the revolution worldwide!

2008-12-20 16:19:17

To our church family

Family @ Freedom, 30, Hendersonville, US

We receive a wonderful gift every week in our family at Freedom Church. We want to thank everyone for the love and open arms that extend far out into the community to share God's love for all. The Gift Revolution is just one of the many ways that Freedom Church affects those they come in contact with.GOD BLESS YOU

2008-12-20 14:43:42

Longs, SC

Megan , 9, North Myrtle Beach , US

I was at Dollar General in Longs,SC last night with my mom and my friend. We were looking around the store and wanted everything in site. When we got to the check out the lady working gave me and my friend $5.00 each with a card from the lady that was just there. She explained to cashier for the cashier to explain to us what it was for. She wanted me and my friend to have the money to buy something. We were so excited! That was so nice and we wanted to thank her!

2008-12-20 10:10:08

Music Appreciation

Larry, 51, Springfield, US

I used to work as the activities director for an outpatient facility that provided services for mentally ill adults. One of my favorite activities was called "Music Appreciation" where a dozen or so clients would gather in our activity room and listen to classical music on our CD player. Many of the clients had loved classical music all their lives, but one, Cedric, was new to it. Cedric was a large, and somehwat intimidating schizophrenic black man of whom many clients and even staff were a bit frightened. I never had that feeling, fortunately, and always appreciated how he was above all others charmed by the Chopin,Brahms,Schubert,Vivaldi, and all the other music I would bring in from my personal collection. I delighted in how Cedric was visibly moved by the music. This was about ten years ago, and I have moved on to other work. But just last week while I was getting out fo my car in a convenience store parking lot, just down the street from the facility where I worked for Cedric, I was hailed by him coming across the street. He remembered me, and gave me a big hug. He told me how he remembered coming to Music Appreciation, and how he missed the music. I asked him if he had a CD player. He said yes, but that it was broken. The mentally ill are generally on a very small budget provided by the State. If a person in that situation is lucky enough to have something like a simple CD player it is exceptional. Replacing things like that is not easy, and usually never happens. I exchanged phone numbers with Cedric, introduced him to my ten and seven-year-olds sitting in the back seat of the car, and wished him well. I decided that I had to get him a CD player and some classical CDs. My computer has some glitch where I cannot record CDs onto blanks to make copies so I asked my friend, Kathy, who plays guitar in a trio I belong to, if she would make copies of five CDs I selected. She is getting that done this weekend, and is very excited about the project, being the good person she is. I have already wrapped the CD player, a Walmart job, and will call Cedric Monday or Tuesday to arrange going by his place. I will bring my kids so they can be part of the surprise, and experience the joy that comes from giving. Merry Christmas!

2008-12-20 09:22:23

solo quiero ayudar

ivan camilo pinilla castrillon, 19, bogota , CO

psss me encanta la idea de mandarle algo a otra persona para hacerla sentir bn haci q voy a mandar cada vez q pueda un detalle al azar jeje esto me encanta

2008-12-20 06:34:37

Ann Storck Center

BriAnne, 29, Hallandale Beach, FL, US

I am a therapist at the Ann Storck Center, Inc (www.ascfl.org), a non-profit organization that serves adults and children of all ages who have severe developmental, mental, physical, and medical disabilities. The Ann Storck Center has a special needs preschool, a day program for adults with disabilities, and 11 residential houses where both children and adults live and are cared for 24 hours a day. I wanted to do something for ALL of the staff that work for the center. The people that we care for ALL have very specific needs, and it's hard. Direct care is hard work, emotionally and physically. So I wanted to acknowledge them. I sent out a huge email to a TON of people on Monday, and by Thursday I has gathered a bunch of cakes, cookies, pies, and other baked goods. People were very willing to donate and help out. Many people thanked me for including them, as I was thanking them for giving and helping me! On Friday afternoon, 2 other ladies and I passed out all of the donations to the various houses and departments at the Ann Storck Center. It was a really good afternoon. Some of the staff were having their own Christmas parties, so we got to add to the festivities! Everyone was surprised, everyone was grateful. It was a special afternoon. I’m so grateful and humbled that God has placed me in such an amazing work and do life.

2008-12-20 01:46:51

giving

ashleigh, 9, weston, US

i gave a gift card to my wader

2008-12-19 22:43:56

My Vice Principle

christian , 9, sunrise, US

The present that I got from the flomingo road church,looked awsome, but I didn't open it. the next day I gave the present to my vice principle. He looked at it and said"Thank you very much. This is awsome." It made me feel so nice inside for doing somthing so nice for sombody.

2008-12-19 19:39:12

My Friend Ellen

Roz McDonald, 57, Sunset Beach, NC, US

I have been experiencing some pain for almost 3 weeks and have not been able to participate in the Gift Revolution as much as I would like. After several trips to my family doctor, I saw a surgeon on Wednesday at 2 pm and he scheduled me for outpatient surgery at 10 am the next day. My husband was working in the am and it was too late to get a sub for him. My daughter had to leave for work at 11 am. Since anesthesia was involved, I couldn’t drive myself. I called my good friend Ellen, and before I could ask her if she could take me to the hospital she had already volunteered. I really didn’t want to bother her as she had just had a knee replacement several weeks ago, but I was nervous and Ellen is the person you want by your side when you need a friend. Ellen isn’t aware of the Gift Revolution movement. She is already an honorary member because she lives her life by always giving to others and being there to support them. She was the rock in her husband Andy’s life before he was taken from us so suddenly; she was there for her nieces when her sister died of cancer. Ellen is the strongest person I know. She is a gift from God to all of us privileged to call her our friend.

2008-12-19 19:31:42

Randon Stranger

Zack, 38, MIami, US

I am from a large family and we draw names for Christmas to spend 75.00 for one person in leiu of spending, whatever, for 10 adults. The nieces and nephews are exempt so they get lots of gifts. I drew my sister in law, Deborah, who through the years was quite easy with a $75.00 gift card. However, this year she threw a curveball. Deborah asked me to go and purchase a Christmas gift for a complete stranger. At first I thought it as being very a very interesting concept, however, when crunch time came, I started getting nervous. The first Toys R Us, as I looked around, I realized I forgot my money. Best Buy was next and there I felt like a stalker. Finally Sports Authority, I was at the front of the line ready to pronce on my new victom but when it was my turn, I quickly dodged the opportunity and proceeded to the back of the line. Back in the line I struck up a conversation with a nice gentleman qnd his 4-5 year old daughter. I told him my story and finally asked him if I could purchase his Christmas present. He said it's $150.00, I quickly said okay then, how about half. he laughed and said he appreciated the gesture but had to decline. I said to him, "Do you think this is easy for me? All I ask is for you to do something good for someone else, just pass it on. He continued to laugh and decline. Upon reaching the front of the line, when he was called, I saidthe offer still stands if oyur interested. As God may have it I was called to the register right next to his. I reached accross and asked the man at the cash register to please put $75.00 on my card. I simply said to this perfect stranger, "It's on you now." He continued to laugh, looked down at his daughter and said someone must be looking after us for what we did last week. I wonder what that was?? God bless exerone during this Holiday season. Thanks, Zack

2008-12-19 18:27:01

Flowers for My Birthday!

Melissa, 30, Searcy, US

My co-worker, Jeremy, and his wife, Tamara, received this card while they were having dinner. Without telling them, another couple in seated near them paid for and sent them a dessert. The waiter gave them the card. Jeremy and Tamara brought donuts and chocolate milk to work this morning and left the card on the counter. They also brought a cake for me. Another employee, Rusty, found it. He and his wife, Cassie, sent me flowers for my birthday today. I just can't wait to randomly gift someone! This is so exciting!

2008-12-19 16:45:11

Expect the Inexpected

Lacey Wallace, 29, Ava, Mo, US

Hey Fellow Christ followers!! My name is Lacey Wallace, my husband and I are the youth pastors at Life Church in Ava. I posted one other time about our family being able to move into a bigger home. We had a huge free sale with the stuff we just really could live without and really didn't want to have to move!!! It was an amazing day!! It was so sucessfull that we did another one 2 weeks later!!! Anyway the reason for this post is what happened to us after we did the free sale. Our family is very large, we have 6 kids ranging in age from 17 down to 5 year old twins. When we moved back home after pastoring for a couple years in a town about an hour away, we moved into a very small 2 bedroom 1 bathroom duplex.(Yes I said one bathroom for 8 people to share)!!! It was suppose to be just a month or two until we could get back on our feet and found something bigger. We had to make a lot of sacrifices to be able to move home and ended up paying off lots of our debt with the equity we made on the sale of our home.So our option to buy was not there. Our kids were great about it and we really started to grow to love our little home. Two years later we knew it was time to finally say good-bye to the duplex when a beautiful, huge house opened up just outside of town. The rent was higher, however with the things we would be able to cut out the difference was manageable. We packed up and moved about 2 weeks ago and this house already feels like home!! We are also blessed to be friends with the owners of the house and I actually work with the wife. The other day she called me into her room and met me at the door. I was hoping all was ok because she had a very serious look on her face. She told me in a very shakey voice that someone who loves us very much paid our deposit and our January Rent!!!! What?? Wow!!! Praise the Lord!! I was cryin' she was cryin' it was great!!! I just stood there for a few minutes trying to take it all in. Christmas time in our family of 6 kids is usually a very stressful time and the gift giver wanted us not to have to worry about money over the holidays!! I know that my God will always provide and He has shown me this time and time again, however sometimes I still have to remind myself of that when I feel the weight of the bills pulling on me! This holiday season I am walking in the amazing provision of God and am so greatful that whoever it was, was obedient to the leading of the Holy Spirit to bless us!! May God richly bless them !!! Keep on sharing the Love of Jesus!! And With God always expect the unexpected!!!!

2008-12-19 15:47:29

"MY SPEICAL NEIGHBORS"

Sonia & Peter, 49, Ocean Isle Beach, US

Jules and Earl, Thank you for your kind words. Peter and I appreciate the friendship we have and though we may not get to spend a lot of time together, you are always in our hearts, minds and prayers. We have spent many afternoon watching you enjoy your garden and love up on your Grandchildren. To commemorate that for you, we wanted to create something that would always let you know what a wonderful joy and comfort you provide to your family and friends. God bless you and keep you both! And may the stepping stones forever make you smile! Love, Sonia & Peter.

2008-12-19 15:37:25

Gods Little Touches ( Oh and h

Carol Christian, 41, Cross Plains, US

I've Been A Christian for twenty years and it is so refreshing to feel God speak. He spoke to me at work this past thursday a lady I work with said she liked the earrings I was wearing and I said thank you and God said in my spirit give them to her and I thought to myself no I like these and they are one of my favorets and I really dont know her or like her. God continued to deal with me and I got up the next day and brought her not only the earrings but the necklace that matched them. It was such a gift to me to feel god working in me. Im the one who really received the gift. Now I truly know what The Gift Revolution is truly about.

2008-12-19 12:40:00

To my delivery friends...

Marcy Ribeiro, 25, Pembroke PInes, US

As a receptionist, I was wondering how I could pass the gift revolution to my pals at fed ex, ups, dhl, and the post office. Thanks to Juice Blendz partnership with TGR, I now have GR cards that say you can get a free smoothie from Juice Blendz. This morning I attached two JB/GR cards: one for my pals and one for them to give out as a gift with an extra GR card. I attached them to foam stockings and some instructions on the back. There are still 6 days to inspire the world, so I hope they jump on board. Thank you too all who work in this area, delivering day in and day out!!! You guys rock!!

2008-12-19 12:16:13