If you follow me on The Twitter you might have noticed that I got all philanthropist on you lately in the name of an organization called Feeding America which is doing ridiculously amazing things to help feed families in America. I came across them in Real Simple magazine and while the cause is worthy all on its own, what really struck me was how such a small donation could have such a profound effect on so many.
A $1 donation will help feed 8 families. Eight.
Then I read some of the sickening facts on hunger in America on their site. It was startling. I looked up my local food bank in my area (you can too on the website) and saw just how many pounds of food per year – more than 16 million in my supposedly cozy suburban So. Cal community – are being served thanks to Feeding America and its partners.
Knowing what I know now, I couldn’t not donate.
I have a hard enough time explaining to my boys each year why we donate toys to Toys For Tots and Spark of Love. Why there are some kids who wake up on Christmas morning and don’t have gifts – nevermind families who don’t have food to eat… Right here in our own community. Right here in America.
So today, as we sit down with our families on Thanksgiving, thankful for all we have today and everyday, I’m going to urge you to consider donating $5 to Feeding America so that 40 families who don’t have enough food to eat on any given day, let alone a feast on Thanksgiving, might have something to eat tomorrow because of your generosity.
If just 5 of you donated $5 to Feeding America, that would equal 200 meals for families.
If 20 of you donated $5 to Feeding America that would equal 800 meals for families.
I understand money is tight for so many this year. It’s no different for me. But I know that I can give up a venti holiday drink at Starbucks one time and there is my $5 donation.
To up the ante, I am going to give away a $25 my good friend Emmie and I are giving away a $50 Starbucks gift card to one random person who donates to Feeding America between now and this Sunday, November 27, 2011 ending at 9:00 pm PST. For every $5 donation you make to Feeding America, please leave one comment on this post as an entry. (For example, for a $20 donation, please leave 4 separate comments, etc.)
Please be sure to also visit the fabulous Jett Superior who is my partner-in-crime in this giveaway-goodness, hosting a giveaway all her own on her blog in the name of this fantastic cause.
If you decide to also blog about this cause or if you do a giveaway, please link up below. You can follow Feeding America on Twitter here, following along and re-tweeting by using the hashtag #giveameal.
And if you and your family need help this year, that’s what Feeding America is for. You can find out how they can help you here.
Wishing you a very happy Thanksgiving.
{Megan}
__________
UPDATED:
First, a huge thank you to everyone who donated, shared this post, tweeted/re-tweeted, Facebooked and more… Remember that Feeding America needs donations year-round, not just Thanksgiving time, so if you’re looking for worthy causes to support, check them out.
Just from the comments on this post, we surpassed my goal of donating enough money to provide 4,000 meals… donating $530 which provides 4,240 meals to hungry families in America. Additionally, people have tweeted and emailed me without commenting, so who knows just how much we’ve really accomplished. I do know one blogger, who wishes to remain anonymous, donated $700 though her company who then matched her donation ($1400), providing another 11,200 meals alone. Donations big and small, they all count so thank you so much.
I used Random.org to find a winner of the $50 Starbucks gift card…
And the winner is…
Congrats Nicole Elizabeth!
And thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who was so very generous!
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Just gave my part. This is amazing!
Just donated…thanks for bringing this organization to our attention!
You Go Girl!!!!!
I just donated and shared.
Sometimes with all the rushing around during the holiday season, you forget what’s really important. Thanks for the reminder. Just donated, and will be sharing with my facebook and twitter friends.
To be fair, I’m only counting the donations *I* made and not the ones my mom makes on my behalf when I’m not with her. So I’m currently at $5 (I gave $1 twice and $3 once because Publix makes it super easy at the register).
And then I just gave $5 to Feeding America because I left your blog page open and my tummy started growling and I didn’t want to imagine someone else wanting food and not getting any. Damnit, you’re turning me into mush here. I’m an easy target.
Thank you for all your efforts Megan! Your network is really mobilizing for the nearly 49 million people in the US struggling w/hunger this holiday season.
Dan Michel
Feeding America
I just donated! This is a really great thing you are doing! I had no idea that so little would do so much!
Pingback: On Giving Thanks with @FeedingAmerica :JustOneMiss
Just gave a little love! Thx for reminding us to give a litttle :)
I just gave $25.
I’m glad to be a part of this – it’d be amazing to know how many meals we raised when all is done.
Comment #3 for $25 donation
Comment #4 for my donation
Comment #5 for my donation
I just donated $10 by texting “meal” to 50555 and replying with yes to the response. Easiest thing ever.
I forgot to leave my second comment.
I just donated, blessings to you and your boys.
I love this! You are all so great to get on board with us, w00t!
Great idea!
Donated $25. Glad I saw this on twitter.
Entry #2
(I love your comment box. Nice design!)
Entry #3
Entry #4
Entry #5
Thanks Megan :)
Donated – it’s heartbreaking to think there are so many hungry people in our country. Thanks for reminding us how to help.
Another step closer :) great way to help out a great organization.
I should be spamming your comment box now. My aunt gave $50 last night.
Then my mom gave $10 (because I was so excited about my $5).
And my grandpa also gave $10 because I was ‘already on the website’ :D
#1 Donated $25. Got here through Suebob. What a great organization – thank you for sharing this wonderful organization!
#2 I feel like I should continue my comment with something funny, but just not feeling particularly clever after having just stuffed myself on leftovers.
#3 $1 will feed 8 families? I spent nearly $200 just to get us through Thanksgiving and a few special things this weekend. Sheesh.
#4 ….
#5 And done.
This is awesome. I’m in!
I gave $25
I gave $10 more today (additional $10 was given on Thanksgiving – commented on Jett’s site for that one). :)
Donated $25, but I don’t need the gift card. Knowing that people are getting food in their bellies is enough for me. You’re amazing for calling attention to this.
Megan you are awesome! I just donated my $5! Thanks for bringing attention to something so easy we can all do to help others!
Not entering. BUT just letting you know I donated $25.
Done! You rock, dude.
xoxo
According to my email receipts, I hit submit twice and donated twice, so I guess this is comment #2. If, uh, Canadians can win? HA!
Thank you for bringing this organisation to our attention Megan. It makes me grateful to know that there are small ways to help those who need it.
Thank you!
This is a great cause! Thank you! I just donated $10.
Second entry. Thanks!
Just donated.
So proud of your efforts!!!
Xo,
Mom
I donated. Thanks for doing this.
I donated!
I donated again!
Last mention of my donation. Promise.
$25 donated.
Thanks for reminding me to give back Megan
Here’s my second entry
Here’s number 3
Here’s number 4
…and number 5. This has been an emotional month and I’d like to dedicate. all of these donations to my Mom, Margaret Dolph who passed away on November 4th. RIP, Mom. We all love you and miss you
Donated!
And here’s entry #2. Thanks for reminding us what’s important.
Thank you for doing this :-)
Entry #1
Just donated. If I win the gift card please use it to buy your senior friends some holiday Starbucks drinks. Happy Holidays everybody!!
Entry #2
Entry #3
I donated $5. Hoping this helped you meet your goal.