Blog POP! World Vision Catalog Provides Gifts With Hope Handmade Giveaway~ 11/29

**** I received samples from World Vision Catalog in hopes I would share my honest thoughts with my readers. All photos below are copyright Momma Told Me Blog 2013.

Momma Told Me: It's the season of giving. Give to everyone.


When I was just a little girl I admired Momma's mother- an immigrant from Germany, her and my grandfather had made the trip to the United State while pregnant with their first child, my mother. They were young, even by today's standards, and had little to their name but enough money to get by, and a big American dream. My grandfather worked hard to provide for his growing family and buy the 'house' his wife, Mrs. House had always dreamed of running. As it turns out, this short, stubborn, balding immigrant had an amazing idea to match his grand American dreams. He created a way to transport and deliver CO2 for commercial (restaurant) beverage carbonation that would revolutionize the industry. Before long an investor had decided to take a chance on this German immigrant and helped fund my grandparent's first business.

Several years later, kids in tow, and working under the family name, my grandfather sold his company and licensing to a very hefty sum. The last of their kids were moving out and my grandmother and grandfather had profit to indulge in anything their hearts could dream of. But they never moved out of that little house my grandfather built from the ground up. This holiday season will be the second without our family's matriarch at the table, and I am reminded every day of the legacy my grandmother left behind. You see, no matter where life brought my grandparents, they never forgot their blessings, or where they began. Every holiday was always filled with lonely employees, Church acquaintances, and even guests invited in off the very street. My grandmother understood that, sometimes, all a human really needs is a chance- and that, is what the coming holiday season is truly about.

I've shared this tale with you because, in life, my grandmother consistently surprised me with how far and long her outstretched hand could reach. The only force that could outshine her love for her family was he faith in humanity. As a woman who could have nearly anything she asked for, she was more concerned with what others might ask, that she could give. How do you shop for such a woman? You shop by honoring their life, their morals, with a gift that gives back to the World Vision she holds so dear. When gifting another electronic bauble or piece of jewelry doesn't seem quite appropriate, honor a friend or loved one with an outstretched hand to a fellow human in need. That is precisely the mission behind the World Vision Catalog, with over 250 gifts that immediately impact someone in need within the U.S. and around the world.

World Vision Catalog is not a new concept; gifting to support small start ups and charitable organizations, but is one of the original models. This season marks the 18th year of giving back through gifts that matter, with over $33 Million raised last year alone to put food in mouths, get vaccinations to children, and provide livestock for sustainable living. One of the unique aspects of World Vision, however, is the option to make a direct donation to support an immediate cause (ie: disaster response supplies, clean water, etc) and gift an honorary notification card, or choose from one of the 30+ handcrafted gifts which will ship free with your donation. While more can be done with a larger donation and no handmade gift, some recipients prefer to gift a physical object that commemorates the donation made in the recipient's honor.

The World Vision reach touches more than 100 nations, including my own United States of America, where poverty and child hunger had continual risen over the past decade. I had a chance to experience the true whimsy and wonder of World Vision's handmade donation gifts in the form of Gertie The Plush Goat and the Animal Trio Ornament Set. A $25 donation will earn you a complimentary Gertie plush character measuring about 3 x 5", small, yes, but the impact is certainly big. Gertie benefits the Maximum Impact Fund which assists children and families worldwide. The stunning 3 piece Animal Trio features 3 very substantial sized hand beaded copper wire animals; giraffe, ox, and elephant. These beautiful ornaments come with a $150 donation and are handmade in Nairobi by Zakale, comprised of Kenyan artisans. Not only does the donation benefit the Maximum Impact Foundation, but helps provide for the Kenyan artisans behind the gift set.

The World Vision Catalog believes the best give one can give is a second chance, and their donations demands know no holiday; there is a constant need for a helping hand in our world. Donate today to help the families recovering from recent Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines, or choose a cause more close to home. There is no donation too small to make the impact and, together with the force of large organizations like World Vision, we can truly change lives for the better. This holiday season consider a donation to World Vision to honor someone special in your life.

What Daughter Says: Share the spirit of our nation's holidays with a gift that truly touches lives, from World Vision.

One Momma Told Me reader will win a Gertie The Goat Plush and 3 Piece Zakale Animal Ornament Set. Please be sure to check out the Event Giveaway LINKY for ALL the Christmas Wishes giveaways!

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