Miracle of Adoption Christmas Campaign is Coming!

For the last several years, I've participated in Reece's Rainbow's Christmas Campaign.  The goal of the campaign is to raise $1,000 for a chosen child's grant and to do everything you can to get their face out there and hopefully find them a family.

In 2013 and 2014, I advocated and fund raised for Kimberley.  Sadly, her country has closed to US adoptions.

In 2015, I decided not to participate because we had just moved and I was beyond stressed with my new job.  I was really missed it and wished I had made the effort.

In 2016, I picked Andre.  He was just a little chunk of a baby waiting for a family in Colombia.

Now he's home, thriving, going to school, getting the medical care he desperately needed and being loved every day.

In 2017, I picked Lianne but then found out she was being adopted to Italy so I changed to AJ.  He now has a family who loves him dearly and are working to bring him home as soon as possible.

So, now I'm gearing up for 2018.  I was informed today that any child 5 and under can be a part of the campaign.  So, I'm rethinking my choice and planning and plotting my fundraisers.  I'll let you know who I picked as soon as it's official.  (Although the choices for kids 5 and under in Latin America are pretty limited.)  

But, I also want you to consider participating.  I know $1,000 sounds like a lot but it's doable.  And, if you don't get there, that's ok too!!  The most important thing is getting kids faces out there!  You never know who might see them and decide they should be part of their family.  I certainly never thought my childhood friend would end up adopting Andre and that her teaching friend would adopt AJ.  You just never know!  

*If you think you might adopt someday, this is a great way to get your feet wet with fund raising and find out what works and doesn't.

*If you think it might be fun but aren't sure if you can do it, there is a facebook group that provides support for everyone participating.  There is also a group just to promote fund raisers.  And, I'll gladly help you with ideas and marketing.  You don't have to be super crafty or creative.  You just have to find a niche item that will sell.  Pinterest has a million ideas.

*You can always grab a friend or two or a group to help.  Last year, I did a dress down day at work with a raffle and made more than half of the goal that way.  People want to help kids.  People want to support you and your efforts.  You just have to ask!  

*If you don't want to choose your own child but you want to help me share fund raisers or host fund raisers (maybe you have a great idea or your own business), just let me know!!  I'll always take some extra help.

Check out all the kids on Reece's Rainbow that are five and under and see if one of them tugs at your heart strings.  Sign Ups will be at the end of the month.  

Boys 0-2 with Down Syndrome Here

Boys 3-5 with Down Syndrome Here

Girls 0-2 with Down Syndrome Here

Girls 3-5 with Down Syndrome Here

Boys 0-5 with Other Special Needs Here

Girls 0-5 with Other Special Needs Here

Miracle of Adoption Christmas Campaign for Lianne

Once again, I said I wasn't going to do Reece's Rainbow's Miracle of Adoption Christmas Campaign.  I have work and grad school and Sara and too much to do.  But last year worked out so well, I just couldn't help myself!!  (Andre is now home!)

So, meet Lianne.  There isn't much information given about her.  She's 3 and in Latin America.  She's clearly beautiful but her picture breaks my heart.  She needs love and comfort.  She needs a family!

Check back often for fund raisers as we get into November and December.  The goal is $1,000 and I'll need lots of help and support to get there there!

Just a note---Only donations made during November and December will count toward the $1,000 goal.

Current Fund Raisers:
*Scarves and Skirts for Sara.  50% of each purchase from now until January 1st will go to Lianne's grant.

*Plexus.  All of my commission earned from September through December will go to Lianne's grant.  I'll be writing a post about Plexus and the benefits off it soon.  In the mean time, feel free to ask questions!

*C&E Baby Blankets.  $10 of each blanket purchased will go to Lianne's grant.  Just mention Lianne when you place your order.

*Homemade Lip Balm, Sugar Scrub, Bath Salts, and Bath Melts.  50% of each purchase goes to Lianne's grant.  Custom scents and flavors available.

*Ornament Sale.  Make a donation to Lianne's account of $35 or more and get a Christmas ornament with her picture on it.  November 1 - December 31.

*Teacher Tired Shirts and Hoodies. Through November 24th.

Upcoming Fund Raisers:

*Dress Down Day at Batavia High School - December 8th

*Genesee Country Christian School's Christmas Bazaar - December 2nd - 4120 Long Point Rd, Geneseo, NY - 10AM-3PM


Past Fund Raisers:
*LuLaRoe Pop-Up.  Online.  November 6-10.  Any sales made this week benefit Lianne.  And LLR matches the donation of the consultants!

If you are looking to purchase any gifts this Christmas season, I encourage you to join the Miracle of Adoption Christmas Campaign Virtual Vendor/Craft Fair.  You will find all of your usual sellers (Tupperware, Avon, LuLaRoe, etc) while also finding crafters with one of a kind gifts and many who will take special orders just for you!  Let's help more kids find families instead of supporting corporations and big box stores!

Missions Trip Fund Raisers

Current Fund Raisers:

You Caring Link

Avon Link - 20% of each purchase will go to the missions trip.  Please follow my facebook page for sales and special codes.

Amazon Link - a percentage of each purchase  made through this link will go to the missions trip.  (The percentage varies.)  

Scarves and Skirts for Sara - Hand knit items.  50%  of each purchase goes to the missions trip.  Custom orders accepted!

Baja T-Shirts - Each shirt is $20 including shipping.  Shirts can be ordered on this form.



Future Fund Raisers:
Online Auction

Christmas Scarves

Here is one of my Christmas Fund Raisers for Angel Tree.  $10 from each scarf purchase goes to help this little girl find her forever family.  

The scarves are made from beautiful Christmas ribbon.  They can be sewn into cowls upon request.

These fabrics are also available.  

These scarves are available for $15.

If ruffles aren't your thing, you can check out other hand knit items here.  50% of each purchase will go to Kimberley's grant.

If scarves and knit items don't interest you, you can order Avon items here.  10% of each purchase during October and November will go to Kimberley's grant.  During December, that number doubles to 20%!  Make sure to follow the Avon Facebook page to see current sales and new items.

The Angel Tree officially starts on November 1st.  During November and December, you will get an adorable ornament with Kimberley's picture for a donation of $35 or more.

From Unwanted to Wanted

My new friend Priscilla has started the Ribbon Box Project.  You can read the original story here on her blog.  The general idea is that someone gave Priscilla a box of ribbon.  The woman wanted to help her with her adoption but didn't have money.  Rather than just give up, she gave what she had.  A box of ribbon.

Priscilla has turned this into the Ribbon Box Project.  She's going to document every dollar that comes in from that box of ribbon so she can show this precious woman how much she really did give.  Above and beyond that, she is going to use these ribbons and other donated supplies, to make bows for other adopting families.  Priscilla is adopting.  She doesn't have cash to help other families.  But with donated items, she'll do what she can!

So here is where you come in.  I'd like to replicate her project with yarn.  (I wouldn't have a clue what to do with ribbon.)  If you or someone you know have yarn sitting around the house that you're never going to use or you just don't want, please send it my way.  If you are local, we can figure out a good time for me to pick it up.  If you aren't local, you can message me on my knitting page and I'll give you my address.  For the cost of shipping, you could help a child be united with their forever family!

I will take the yarn and make something new, usable, wanted.  These items will then have their own album on my knitting page.  They will be available at no cost to families who are adopting and fund raising.  They can use them for auctions, give-aways, or whatever they want.  The cost of the shipping of the finished products will be my donation.

By taking something unwanted, and giving it away, you can help a child who is very much wanted!

Angel Tree Fundraisers

I am working to raise money for Kimberley's grant this Christmas season.  The goal is to raise $1,000!  I will keep this post updated with current fund raisers.  I hope you check back and help out where you can!  I will also keep an updated total of the money raised between November 1 and December 31st.

Current Fundraisers:
October 1-December 31:  Scarves and Skirts for Sara.  So far this has raised $21.50 for Kimberley.  50% of the selling price of each item will be donated to Kimberley's grant.  This includes Buy It Now items and special order items.

November 1-December 31 - Ornaments Available.  Any donation of $35 or more to Kimberley's grant will get you a beautiful Reece's Rainbow ornament with Kimberley's picture on it.

November 1-15:  Online Auction.  I am looking for donations if you have something that you can donate.  Here is a post with the current items.

November 1-27:  Colossal Crossroads Challenge.  This is a local event.  So far this has raised $348 for Kimberley.  

Upcoming Fundraisers:  
November:  Paparazzi Jewelry Sale..   There will be an online sale and a local party.  The local party will be on November 22nd.  The online sale will start shortly after.  (Just in time for Cyber Monday!)

Past Fundraisers:

October 1-12:  Cards for a Cause.  This event raised $261 for Kimberley.

Angel Tree

UPDATED SEPTEMBER 21 TO INCLUDE A PAPARAZZI ACCESSORIES PARTY!

I saw yesterday that there are 100 days until Christmas so let's start planning!  

As you probably know, I found my daughter through an organization called Reece's Rainbow.  Each year at Christmas time, they have a huge Angel Tree project with a goal of raising $1,000 for each child listed on their site who has Down syndrome.  This money is held in a grant and then used to help pay for that child's adoption when a family is found.  (Sara had $0 in her grant when I committed to her.  $1,000 would have been a huge blessing!)  

I have signed up to raise money and awareness for Kimberley.

She is an adorable 6-year-old in a country that I love in Latin America.  There is a family that is in the process of adopting a little girl from there right now.  Is it believed that she will be the first child adopted from there with Down syndrome.  Wouldn't it be great if Kimberley was the second?  

I've started working with the service learning coordinator at work to figure out ways that our students can be involved.  I love watching them give back to others and finding ways for them to serve.  I have a few ideas that may work for individual classrooms or for our whole program.  (Classrooms compete in a coin drive; an online auction of art/items made by the kids; Christmas ornaments to sell; etc.)  The Angel Tree doesn't officially start until November 1st so we have lots of time to think and plan.  

I'm also thinking about ways to raise the rest of the money.  (I don't expect the students to raise the entire $1,000.)  

*All orders from my Scarves and Skirts for Sara page will benefit Kimberley during the months of October, November, and December.  It's not too early to think about special orders for Christmas!

*I am planning to host an online auction on my auction page from November 1 to November 15th.  

*I will be selling Cards for A Cause through Usborne Books from October 15 to November 1.  Each box of cards contains 30 cards.  The box sells for $30.  This is way cheaper than buying cards at the store and they are adorable!!

*I will be hosting a Paparazzi Accessories party locally and online at the end of November.  I've never heard of this company before but they sell really cute costume jewelry for great prices.  And they have a kids' line!  I guess I know what I'll be filling Sara's stocking with.  

I'm really excited about advocating and fund raising for this beautiful little girl.  If you would like to help in any way, please let me know!  If you are interested in helping your own child this Christmas season, you can check out the Angel Tree page on Reece's Rainbow.

*Anyone who makes a donation of $35 or more to any child on the Angel Tree will receive an adorable ornament with the child's picture.  What a great gift for those people on your list who have everything!

Meet Vaughn

How precious is this little boy with his hands in his pockets.  I'm impressed they got a boy that age to stand still to take a picture!  

Here is the description of him on his Reece's Rainbow page:

Boy, born January 2007

Down syndrome, otherwise reported to be healthy

What a handsome young fella!  I adore how he’s standing with his hands in his pockets.  Vaughn is already 6, and at a great age to join his forever family.  This is a great program with a wonderful agency partner.  Hope you will consider Vaughn as your son!

Not really a whole lot there.  It's one of the shorter descriptions that I've seen.  I'm sure the agency has more information on him.  He's such a cutie.  I can't believe he's still waiting.

If you've followed the blog and thought, I could do that or I want to do that or I'd like to help someone else do that, now is your chance.  

*Vaughn has $11,553.00in his grant currently.  This is a great start!  This will cover about a third of the final cost of his adoption.  (Vaughn has a great group of people working to increase his grant right now.)  If you'd like to help their effort and  make a tax-deductible donation to help his future family, you can do so here.

*If you order something during the month of August from my Scarves and Skirts for Sara page, you can choose for 50% of the sale price to go to Vaughn's grant.   (More detailed information about the Scarves and Skirts can be found on the blog.)

*If you are interested in adopting Vaughn, or another child with special needs, you can find out more at Reece's Rainbow New Family Info page.    The specific requirements to adopt Vaughn's country are:  (He is also in Latin America.) 

• Single heterosexual parents may adopt
• No family size restrictions
• Both parents must travel to the country and stay until completion of adoption — approx 5-7 weeks (one parent may leave after a week or two)
• Estimated total cost $21,000-24,500

Join me in praying that Vaughn will experience the love of a family while he is still young!

The Aschoff Family

Meet the Aschoff  family.  I "met" Jodi in an online adoption group.  She and her husband Ted have a beautiful little Colombian princess with Down syndrome. 

Every time one of us tells a story about our girl, the other ones laughs because our girls are so similar!  I'm convinced if we lived closer to the Aschoffs, we would all be good friends.  Someday we are going to get these too little sassy chicas together and see what trouble they can get into.   Or, we could just play music and see who gets tired of dancing first.   

I've watched as Jodi and Ted have searched for another little one from Colombia.  We forwarded pictures and info back and forth trying to find a child that would fit into their little family.  I remember the day that Jodi sent me a picture of little Leo.  While he isn't Colombian, he's adorable and perfect for them.  I am so excited to watch their process unfold.  
Here is what their Reece's Rainbow profile has to say about the Aschoffs:

Ted and Jodi met in 2001 and married in 2005. After many years of infertility they chose to pursue adoption as a way to grow their family. Initially they encountered some bumps in the road including a domestic reclaim (of a boy with DS) but in their hearts they knew that adoption was the right choice and in 2011 they completed the adoption of their daughter (with DS), Kayella, from Latin America. They knew that Kayella should have a sibling and decided to pursue international adoption again specifically hoping to add another child with Down Syndrome to their family. Once they were ready to begin the process, their search of options for another adoption led them to Leo’s profile and they fell instantly in love with him and knew he would be the perfect addition to their family.

Can we encourage this wonderful family?  Even if you can't make a donation, head over to their blog and leave an ENCOURAGING comment.  Adoption is hard.  It's exhausting.  Encouragement and support are crucial---even when they come from complete strangers.

If you love adoption blogs like I do, you can follow their journey  here.    

If you feel led to donate to this amazing family, you can make a tax-deductible donation here.   

If you want to follow their journey and future fund raisers, you can like their facebook page.

If you want to purchase a hand-knit item to help with adoption costs, you can do that on my Scarves and Skirts for Sara page.  (50% of the price of the item will go to the Aschoff family.)

Can you find a way to support and encourage this great family?  

She's pretty excited!

Ladder Scarves for Sara

UPDATED: July 1, 2013:  I will continue to knit scarves and other items in order to benefit both waiting children and adopting families.  Check the side bar on the blog to see what child and family are benefiting this month.  50% of the selling price of each item will go to either the child or the family.  (Buyer chooses which one.)   

Sara is modeling one of the ladder scarves.  (Ignore the fact that her clothes are too small.  I had a hard time saying goodbye to the 3Ts.)  These scarves are long and light-weight.  I wear mine doubled up.  I always get compliments when I wear it.  

Find Scarves and Skirts for Sara on Facebook!

Scarves are $15 each plus $5 shipping.  $7.50 of each purchase will go to the Family or Waiting child of the month.  

Here's how it's going to work:

*Leave me a comment and let me know what color you want. I will also need an email address.

*I will make a list of those who have ordered and the order in which you placed your order.

*When your scarf is ready, I will send you an invoice.

*When you pay the invoice, I will ship your scarf.

*I will then donate half of the selling price to the Waiting Child or Adopting Family.  I will forward the email receipt to you.  

Here are samples of the color choices:

Color 2 Jade Yellow

Color 3 Sky Blue Silver

Color 4 Gold Brown Green Orange

Color 5 Lilac Red Silver

Color 6 Black White Gold Lilac

Color 7 Red Pink Black

Color 8 Gold Pink Red

Color 9 Blue Purple

Color 10 Brown Gold

#29 Light Purple Blue Yellow

#30 Grey Black with a Hint of Blue

#32 Primaries

#33 Pink Peach Blue

#35 Pink Light Blue Yellow

#36 Pinks Yellow Blue Green

#38 Pinks Aqua Yellow

#64 Black GoldSilver

#73 Red Lavender Green Yellow

#74 Blue Yellow Silver

#78 Pink Purple Orange Black

#80 Reds

#90 Hot Pink Red Brown

#101 Blue Yellow Pink Black

#103 Pastels Blue Pink with Black

#104 Pink Light Blue Black Orange

#105 Magenta Pinks Black

#106 Magentas

#108 Hunters Gold Brown

#110 Black Pink Blue Green

#111 Neons

#112 Purples Fuchsia

#113 Purple, Green, Brown

#114 Red Yellow Purple

#115 Pinks

#116 Yellow Pink Blue Green Purple

#117 Purple Orange Aqua

#118 Orange Blue Fuchsia 

#119 Blue Yellow Green

#120 Purple Blue Green

#121 Pink Purple Black

#9093 Black Purple Blue