Christmas Jars: The True Stories

Christmas Jars Story: 'It was the kindest thing anyone could do'

2011-12-28T14:18:00.002-05:00

Kansas City, Missouri:

I recieved a Christmas jar on our porch Christmas morning and thought it was the kindest thing anyone could do. Our life has always been a struggle but I think their is someone else out there struggling more then us, so we decited instead of keeping and spending the money in the Christmas jar we are going to put it in a bigger jar and add to it so we can pass it on Christmas 2012.

Christmas Jars Story: 'A fire broke out in the home of one of the families who attends our school'

2011-12-28T12:35:00.002-05:00

Woodstock, Virginia:

My second grade classroom was fortunate enough to have Jason Wright come to read his story, Penny's Christmas Jar Miracle, to us a few weeks ago. The students then started collecting any spare change that they had at home and brought it in to our classroom Christmas Jar. We were going to give our jar to an organization that works to provide food to needy children, but things changed on the day that the jar was to be given away.

That morning, a fire broke out in the home of one of the families who attends our school. As soon as my students found out that this family had suffered such a loss that morning, they knew immediately that we should instead give our Christmas Jar to that family. We contacted our assistant principal and presented the jar to her to then, in turn, give it to the family. It touched my heart so much and the children felt so proud to be helping others!

Christmas Jars Story: 'My wife has stage 4 Breast cancer'

2011-12-27T22:00:00.000-05:00

Guerneville, California:

My wife has stage 4 Breast cancer and has been totally disabled by it. She had to give up her job and has had 4 surgeries and lost 60+ lbs from the chemo therapy. She is not expected to survive for very long. I had been retired due to my inability to find work at 64 years old. Luckily I was hired temporarily to fill my wife's position. Unluckily I was laid off on Dec 17th. We are in fairly desperate financial shape but worse is the depression and feeling that the whole world is set up for others, rather than us.

Yesterday we were having a small Christmas get together when I went out front and found a bag on our porch. It was a jar with $50+/- in change in it and a copy of the Christmas Jar. This has really lifted our spirits because it is a touch of caring from another person.

We have isolated our selves as the disease has gotten worse and that has cut off many of our friends. This increased the isolation and makes us feel lonely and outside all that is going on.

The jar, being a totally unexpected gift, cut through our sadness and made us a lot happier. Both of us read the book already and our daughter is almost done. I have already designated a jar for us to fill for next year and it will surely be a very neat addition to our Christmas traditions. I thank the author for thinking of this book. It is a great concept and desperately needed in these times - Both the giving and the receiving.

Thanks to Some really sweet person who thought of Us!!

Christmas Jars Story: 'There was almost $500 in that jar, we were speechless'

2011-12-27T21:49:00.000-05:00

Potomac Falls, VA:

The week before Christmas and I was just about to begin some Christmas shopping, telling myself we're "keeping it simple this year" and just feeling overwhelmed with the extreme busy-ness and stress as of late. You see, my 7-year old, Joey, was born with a form of bone marrow failure, and although he "escaped" getting a bone marrow transplant when he was one-year old, and had not needed a transfusion for 4.5 years, his blood counts had plummeted to dangerous levels again since early 2011 and the doctors told us it was time for tranpslant. The Monday after Thanksgiving Joey started immune suppression treatment in the hospital for 2 weeks, and I recall leaving the hospital being surprised by all the Christmas decorations and surprised by time not having stood still in the outside world. Where did the time go? Yet for Joey, it was all about time...waiting to see how this immune treatment is for him, waiting to see if we find a donor match.

And then there we were, one week until Christmas, still interviewing people to be Joey's caretaker while he has to be out of school for the next 4-6 months during this treatment, and beside myself with the logistics of a full-time job, finding care for Joey, and taking care of his older two brothers as well. However, I knew I had wonderful support, from my fiance, family and friends, I knew that the people around me were acting as God's hands, feet, and words in our lives. But it is still hard and discouraging at times, which I'm actually ashamed to admit. It is easy to feel alone and discouraged, and sometimes wonder if God is listening, and time and time again, He shows me He is ALWAYS THERE!!

One week before Christmas, and after my fiance and I left church, we stopped by my house before shopping to find a gift bag in front of my door. We looked in the bag and pulled out a jar filled with bills and coins, and the book "Christmas Jars" and a card that read "From our family to yours" and no names. We were silent with wide eyes. It was unbelievable. There was almost $500 in that jar, we were speechless. And we didn't know who it was to even thank them. So we thanked God and counted our blessings.

Then later that week the principal at the boys' school told me there was a package waiting for me. And to my complete surprise, it was a Christmas Jar that collected donations for Joey from selling ornaments decorated by the school staff. Again, just speechless. It's hard to describe the feeling of love that is felt, it's literally heart warming and makes the eyes widen with joy. I am just so touched beyond words, although want everyone to know how much I thank them. THANK YOU!

The love and support we have felt has just been so amazing. It is hard to ask for help and often easy to feel alone dealing with a child having a life threatening illness; but we are not alone! I am just so amazed by the outpouring of prayers and generosity. I know every prayer is being heard!!

This has been "the best Christmas ever", as Joey himself put it :) And from the bottom of my heart, I thank those that did this for Joey and our family. Please know that you and your intentions are in our prayers.

With sincere gratitude,

Joey's Mom

Christmas Jars Story: 'This is enough to pay the hospital co-payment'

2011-12-27T21:29:00.002-05:00

Phoenix, AZ:

With tears running down my face I thank the person who delivered a Christmas jar at my church addressed to me. On the jar in red and green it read "For God so loves ... He gave His one and only Son, Jesus!"

As a single mom working only part time due to health issues and expecting another surgery in Jan. 2012. This is enough to pay the hospital co-payment. I was truly blessed to receive this gift from God, from one of his children to share the love he has for us all.

I enjoyed the book and I am excited to teach my son to collect through out the year so we can bless someone in need next Christmas.

Christmas Jars Story: 'It made me believe again and there is no greater gift'

2011-12-27T21:28:00.000-05:00

Pittsburgh, Pa:

The jar was so much more than what was in it. My husband lost his job 18 months ago. We have been getting by on savings. We have 3 wonderful little ones. Although I try to stay positive it has taken a toll. I have been sad and honestly my faith has wavered. It seemed like every time we got close..we missed. I didn't even realize my hope was diminishing and I was scared how we would go on. Until the jar showed up...

See to me it was so much more than what was in it... It was the heart and the hands that brought it to me. I don't know who it was all I know it they gave me the greatest blessing. They turned my light in my heart back on, I feel open, my faith renewed and I couldn't be more grateful. This gesture is a symbol of all the love and it is overflowing in my heart now. We have chosen to pay the contents of the jar forward to someone else, the gift I will always have is far greater...

They brought the light back and this jar has meant the world to me today and given the hope for tomorrow. It made me believe again and there is no greater gift... My deepest gratitude!

Christmas Jars Story: 'It was enough to pay our light bill and the gas bill!'

2011-12-27T21:25:00.002-05:00

Downey, CA:

I have been saving state quarters for ages, for no particular reason, just because they were different. Then I read "The Christmas Jar" and decided that was the reason! I filled the jar, and gave it to a neighbor.

Her son later told me that "we found a jar full of quarters on the front porch and it was enough to pay our light bill and the gas bill!" Now we can put up our tree!

I've already started a jar for next year!

Christmas Jars Story: 'My eyes overflowed with tears'

2011-12-27T21:24:00.000-05:00

Island Lake, IL:

We found our Christmas Jar and book in our mailbox on Christmas Eve. This year has been such a struggle. My husband had two surgeries and we felt so blessed that he survived his bout with kidney cancer. It has been a hard year where we just barely made our mortgage and bill payments (with only a few dollars to spare) during the time my husband was ill and eventually lost his job. Always trying to make ends meet and dealing with two major car breakdowns; it was only with God's help, we kept a positive attitude and survived. When I saw the jar filled with coins, my eyes overflowed with tears. Someone actually cared and took the time to think of us. I feel so very blessed. My husband's health is much better and now I am starting my own jar to pass on to someone else next year. A very special Thank You to all of the secret guardian angels & may God bless you throughout the year.

Christmas Jars Story: 'even though it wasn't Christmas I knew they needed the jar'

2011-12-26T22:03:00.000-05:00

Vacaville, California:

I read the book a couple years ago. This year I decided to start a jar. I ended up saving $148ish. I had written names on slips of paper of people who I thought could either use the mones or their spirit lifted. I was going to pick a name on Christmas Eve and deliver it.

In November I visited a friend to hang out and chat. She revealed she had been afraid that she was going to get laid off from her job. She also talked about some recent struggles her family had been having. Her husband had been out of work for quite a while and pride kept him from getting disability. She had been out of work for a while too, and she only recently got the job she was afraid she was going to be laid off from. She has beaten cancer twice. They sold their nice home in the country and moved into town. The money that wasn't spent on the house went to bills and they were now tapped out. Recently other events have brought their spirits down more. It just seems like they can't catch a break.

I went home that night and my step mom and I talked about them. She told me it was worse than I thought. Even with roommates they were struggling to pay their part of the house payment. Struggling to buy grocerys and make car and insurance payments.

They have ALWAYS been there for others. Especially my son and I. So even though it wasn't Christmas I knew they needed the jar. The next morning before work I took the jar and the book and left it by their door. My dad was there when they found it. He said they were shocked and very grateful.

Christmas Jars Story: 'My jar couldn't have come at a better time'

2011-12-26T22:00:00.000-05:00

Marysville, Pa:

This was the first Christmas jar that I have ever recieved. It was yesterday, on Christmas day, around 9am I heard a knock on the door. When I answered there was a lady that I don't think I have ever met before standing, holding a wrapped present just for me. I was beyond excited since I was never expecting a present. I said thank you as she walked away. As I am walking down the hallway to my kitchen where I place the present on the table. I realize there is no name of who this wonderful present is from. I open the box and find the book on top and under newspaper I find my Christmas jar. I right away wonder who this gift is from. I search everywhere and find nothing so I start to read the book and looking at this website to hopefully find some answers. My jar couldn't have come at a better time. I plan to start to save all our change through out the year and give away my very own jar next year.

Christmas Jars Story: 'I am sorry it has taken so long to post my miracle'

2011-12-26T21:58:00.000-05:00

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA:

I received a Christmas Jar in 2009 and in 2010. In 2009 the Christmas Jar was used to buy food for us. We had no clue what we were going to eat. In 2010 on Christmas Eve our furnace went out. The Christmas Jar helped to get the the blower motor replaced in the furnace.

My family has not had a heart warming Christmas for years. It is good to know that there are people in the world that care about others without wanting something in return.

I don´t know who sent me the jars but I want whom ever it was to know. I am thankful. I am sorry it has taken so long to post my miracle. It seems that everything happens to me. I do not post anything from work. My computer stopped working at home. I am using a loaner laptop. I did not want another year to go by without letting others know that miracles do happen.

May God continue to Bless everyone that gives away a Christmas Jar and those that receive a Christmas Jar.

Christmas Jars Story: 'A weird accident left me with a busted eardrum and no money for a doctor'

2011-12-26T21:54:00.000-05:00

Vidor, Texas:

Thank you for sharing Christmas Jars. This year has been a very hard year for me emotionally and financially. Back in September i lost one of my clients from my home based home cleaning service business due to their own financial problems. Due to the economy the last thing people spend their money on is someone to clean their homes. I had to make changes all over the place to make ends meet never knowing from day to day how things will get paid but they all seem to get done. I am a single parent with a 12yr old daughter still at home. So Christmas is still a big deal i had been saving for the little bit she had asked for using all the little bonuses that my customers give me each year.

Then on Thanksgiving Day a weird accident left me with a busted eardrum and no money for a doctor visit or medicine. This is when my jar started for me. My dear friends from my church choir stepped up and payed for the 150$ ear drops needed to help the healing. This happening after an ACTS brother from church looking at it for free on his on time.

Flash forward to 10:30 Christmas Eve warming up with my choir to sing the praise of Christ coming when my dear friend who was home for the holidays from the seminary handed me this box that said DELIVER TO SABRINA. I asked him what it was about, he simply replayed i was asked to give this to you. Wondering what it was about i opened it there on the spot to find a book entitled Christmas Jars and a box full of all kinds of dollars and coins. Being that I was trying to prepare for mass I set it aside to look at when getting home and 2am Christmas morning. Counting the money to find a little more than 186$.I was delighted that people had thought of me.

I know that it was many involved with my Christmas Jar and it warmed my heart of their giving during this time of year.But on to the real reason for me to come to your web site to tell of my story. I have finished the book that came with my package and have been moved so very deeply by it's meaning.

As i reed through the pages I began to see that although I have never started a jar or giving a jar of my own to someone else that I did indeed have already received many.I received it almost daily wither by and friend being there with their shoulder to cry on, or the face on my kids when they are happy, or the financial help that comes wither by actual money or services i can not afford. I will forever be grateful for the jar i received this Christmas Eve because it is a wonderful reminder that we all receive them wither with a jar or a kind hello from a passer by.

Christmas is for all year and I pray that although never having giving a actual Christmas Jar of my own to someone that I have giving it in the many ways that I have received it even without a jar. Thank you again for passing this story forward to all who read it and begin their own personal Christmas Jar.

Christmas Jars Story: 'We plan on doing one every year'

2011-12-26T21:53:00.000-05:00

Meridian, Mississippi:

The church has a Wednesday night fellowship meal and then Bible study. After the meal, but before the study, we pass around a red plastic container labeled "Christmas Jar". We all put loose change or bills in the jar each week and at the end of the year it adds up to a large sum of money. This way, people give a small amount each week, one they usually don't miss, but the results are great at the end of the year. Those giving don't feel overwhelmed and someone with a financial need gets help. It's a win, win for everyone. This is the second year we have done a Christmas Jar. We plan on doing one every year. So many get blessed, the ones giving and the ones receiving. Thank you for giving us this avenue to help others.

Christmas Jars Story: 'There are no words to describe the joy'

2011-12-26T21:50:00.000-05:00

Monticello, Utah:

Our family recieved a Christmas jar which was a huge blessing in renewing our faith. We had experienced several hardships during the year and our money situation was in such a downward spiral that buying Christmas was very difficult, My kids had a gift I had made them under the tree yet I was feeling a little down that I couldn't do more. Then While driving down the street of town on Christmas eve we noticed two wrapped gifts just laying in the road. I stopped and we picked them up, and we searched until we found who we thought the gifts belonged to. A little part of me was sad that the gifts couldn't have been for my two children. I said a little prayer and I told God that maybe I just needed to become more selfish as I thought through the many times through out the year that I had helped people in need even though we were short on money, but here I was not able to bless my own family with gifts. When we arrived home, I asked God to forgive my attitude, and that I was thankful for all that we did have; our warm home, and lights, and the soothing sound of Christmas hymns. I went to my room full of joy for the beautiful evening, and the special spirit of Christmas, quickly forgetting my frustrations, when suddenly my daughter came flying down stairs yelling that someone was running from our yard. She ran to the door and came back with 2 jars full of coins along with the book, Christmas Jars. I sat down as tears fell down my face with a gratitude I can not even put into words, and thanked God over and over for the huge blessing we just received. I Thanked God for whoever blessed us so abundantly and prayed they would be blessed as much or more then they had blessed us. There are no words to describe the joy, and the manner in which this experience renewed our faith. Our family is excited to do this for someone next year. What a wonderful book, what a wonderful way to reach out. Thank you!

Christmas Jars Story: 'For me this was devine revalation'

2011-12-26T12:07:00.003-05:00

Sylva, NC:

Christmas Sunday morning I checked my Email before Church. There was a message from one of the church members asking for prayer for her friend who had just lost her house, all her possesions, and her two cats in a fire. For me this was devine revalation of who should get my Christmas jar.

Christmas Jars Story: 'All year as we dropped change in the jar'

2011-12-26T12:07:00.000-05:00

Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania:

After reading the Christmas Jars last Christmas, our family decided to start our own jar in January 2011. All year as we dropped change in the jar, we thought about who would be the recepient at the holidays. As we got closer to Christmas we just knew in our hearts what we planned to do. We decided to donate to Mary's Shelter which is a local shelter in our area for young pregnant woman and new moms with their babies. Here are the details: My dad died two years ago after a tough battle with cancer. On December 6 he would have been 76 years old. In honor of his birthday our entire family bought 40 childrens books. Then with more of our Christmas jar money as well as other donations from family we bought baby supplies and toiletries for the women. All donations were brought to our home on Christmas Eve and Christmas day. The books were delivered to the shelter before Christmas. All other donations are being delivered this week. We loved doing this activity with our family and have already started a new jar for next Christmas.

Christmas Jars Story: 'In July my husband got sentenced to 7 years'

2011-12-26T12:06:00.000-05:00

Aztec, NM:

Last year a week before Thanksgiving, I found out that my husband had embezzled a bunch of money from the buisness that he was working at. His parents were coming in that next day so I called his dad. My father-in-law is a wonderful Christian, as well as my mother-in-law. He is a minister as well as has a way with everybody. So he was the onlyone that I thought of calling. They came down the next day and talked to us at leangth abour our Lord God. My husband, Paul, got arrested the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. Stayed 3 months in county, because the bond was 80,000. Due to the loss of his job our income was cut in half. So it was up to me to make the bills. During this time $300.00 was stolen from my purse at work. It was part of my house payment. By this time I knew I needed something that I turned to God. I started going to a church about a block away from the house. I am now baptised and I love our Lord God and have been trying to walk in his path.

In July my husband got sentenced to 7 years. Since it wasn't a violent crime, he is to serve 3.5. We have 34 more months to go. This Christmas was especially hard. My mom passed away September 22, my husband wasn't able to get out for her funeral. So I went it alone. Had my siblings, and my kids, but...Then I realized that I wasn't alone. My Jesus was walking along side me all the time.

But now it's Christmas, and my heart sad and heavy missing mom and Paul. I went out to start my truck before work Friday, Dec 23 when I found the jar with change in it and this book. Haven't counted the money yet. Through out this ordeal I and my husband have found so many blessings. And the jars are one. So I made up my mind that I will start saving my change and give some one a blessing next year. I will pray that my Lord God show me who needs this. Praise my Lord God for all that He has given me and shown me throught out my life.

Christmas Jars Story: 'I have faith that God will provide'

2011-12-26T09:38:00.000-05:00

Burton, Mi:

This has been a hard month! On December 1st my gramma passed away and then the very next day my husband got laid off of his job that he has only had for 6 months. Before getting this job we had a long 2 years of looking for work cause he was laid off from another job almost 3 years ago. Then we found out he was not eligible for unemployment, so we were facing a very rough December. My youngest became very sick the week before Christmas and that made things even harder. We went to church Christmas morning and I was handed a bag and told that someone left this on the front table for me. When we got home and opened it, there was the Christmas Jars book and of course a jar of money! The Lord has sure watched over us this month, He knew we were down and going through a rough patch! My husband is still looking for work but I have faith that God will provide!! :)

Christmas Jars Story: 'We will never know if it changed their lives, we only know that it changed ours'

2011-12-26T09:30:00.001-05:00

Stafford, Virginia:

This is our second year with doing a Christmas jar. My kids love the "gathering" of the coins. We don't keep the change in one place. Coins are found in pockets, on the dryer, in the couch, etc. The fun part is the search for the coins and filling the jar. All of the coins we found filled the jar to overflowing.

As I sat in amazement at the full jar, I prayed that God would lead us to the "receiver" of the jar. Somehow, I knew this years recipient would not be random. In fact, I think I agonized over the fact that the family receiving it would be a mother and daughter that have been a constant source of frustration for our youngest daughter and myself. I knew it was going to be them. Selfishly, I wanted it to be a nice family and someone unknown to all of us.

In the cover of darkness, we set out for our delivery. We parked in front of their house, my son ran to the porch, placed the coins, jumped in the car and off we went. We never saw them, nor will we ever know their reaction to the jar. We do have the peace knowing that the one's who have emptied our "jars" and left us exhausted and worn out are the ones who received the full jar of love.

We will never know if it changed their lives. We only know that it changed ours.

Christmas Jars Story: 'I couldn't help but cry as I read the letter'

2011-12-26T09:28:00.000-05:00

Tacoma, WA:

My family received a Christmas Jar and a copy of the book this year. It was our wonderful mail carrier who delivered it, but I don't know who the giver was.

My family has certainly seen our share of trials and tribulations over the years starting with my dad moving cross-country for work and constantly being down-sized. We carried on and made ends meet. My mom and brother delivered newspapers (about 450+/-) every day. I worked 2 jobs, one full time and one part time as a CNA. We got by. A couple years later we almost lost my mom to illness. she only has 1 kidney and it's function is greatly decreased. After 3 weeks in the hospital and 3 weeks in a rehab facility, she came home the day before my son's 3rd birthday. Since then it's been a battle with her health. Several problems and they tend to not be compatible with each other. We get one thing better and another acts up.

Three years later I had to have 2 surgeries in 1 year. I couldn't work for 3 months straight and had almost no income and was months behind on my mortgage because of it. It took me almost 2 years to dig out of that hole. I finally caught a break and got to refinance my house the end of 2009.

June 23, 2010, my son had just gotten out of school the day before and we went to dinner with a good friend of my mom's and her brother. On our way home (less than 2 miles from home) a teenager was texting while driving and hit us. I almost lost my mom AGAIN, this time because of someone else's negligance. Ten days in the hospital and 8 days in rehab before Mom got to come home. She was on dialysis then. Stayed on it for 2 months and miraculously her kidney started working again. I had serious injuries, but nothing I had to be hospitalized for. However, I was again unable to work my normal shifts for over 3 months. I am blessed to have wonderful coworkers who made it possible for me to work shorter days so that I could regain some of my income. I finally returned to full duty Oct. 2010. I am fortunate to have a fantastic man in my life who helped me immensely while recovering.

May 2011, Mom ends up in the hospital for a week. She has to go back on dialysis. This is very scary for all of us, as we know what it means.

Whoever gave us this wonderful gift has watched us struggle and work through life for several years. They included a wonderful personal letter with the jar and book. I couldn't help but cry as I read the letter. I just want to say to whoever is the giver, that Mom, my son and I greatly appreciate the generous gesture. This is truly what the spirit of Christmas is about.

Merry Christmas!!!

Christmas Jars Story: 'You don't know how wonderful it feels'

2011-12-26T09:24:00.000-05:00

Corning, CA:

This is my 4th year of giving a Christmas Jar. This year I gave my jar to a young mother who lost her husband 2 weeks ago in an accident. My two grown children have helped me deliver my jar every year. It has become a wonderful Christmas Eve tradition.

You don't know how wonderful it feels to give anonymously. You don't realize how much we as humans think we always need recognition until you do something like this...then it's catchy and you find yourself trying to find other ways to do random acts of kindness throughout the year.

Christmas Jars Story: 'She had the same look on her face as I did a year prior'

2011-12-25T23:40:00.000-05:00

Carson, WA:

Last year I had received a jar, at a time that couldn't have been better. It brought tears, and gratitude and my oldest daughter was able to understand the kindness involved, the thoughtfulness that someone took for us.

This year has been a financial struggle that leaves no money at the end of the month, not even enough to fully cover all the costs. You see I have been taking care of an extra child, not my own. She is 12, and has been living in my home over a year now. She is a wonderful child, I now consider one of my own. We tried hard all year to repay the miricle of the jar, but just couldn't get the jar even half way filled.

While at work one day, I noticed my boss had a jar, a big jar filled with change. I decided to tell them about Christmas Jars. I got online and ordered 2 copies of the book, and after I had told them what good could be done of that jar, they came to me and said they were interested in participating in this great gift.

Time, months actually, have gone by and today I asked if they had given their jar. They had every intention on doing it but lack of time they said, and so I offered to help and deliver it to someone today after work. They agree and handed me the jar, which was now about half full of change, and a card with my name on it. When I opened the card, I found a small christmas bonus inside. I went straight to the store and asked the clerk for a roll of quarters and some $1 and 5's and filled the rest of the jar. I went home to wrap the top of the jar and grab my copy of the book to give with the jar.

I decided to go to the nearest hospital which was an hour drive. About 60 miles from my town. When I arrived I asked information to where could I gift someone that needed it, and she pointed me to the emergency area.

When I arrived I spoke very quietly to a nurse there and told her that I was looking for someone that could use this gift. Someone who may be down, or struggling, even a patient already admitted. She suggested talking to the hospital chaplin, who was busy at that moment but asked if I minded waiting for him. I happily agreed.

Shortly after, the nurse came in waiving at me to come over where she was. She said that she had thought of someone, a woman who worked only part time. She was a young single mom of an autistic boy, and was in her opinion very deserving of the jar. She told her name and where to locate her.

I agreed and as I approached the counter she worked behind, I asked, "are you Lindsey?" She slowly said "yes". I reached in my purse to grab the already half exposed jar with ribbon and bows, and grabbed the book setting it right in front of her. I said "Merry Christmas." She obviously wasn't sure what was going on, she had the same look on her face as I did a year prior.

She asked who is this from. I said "Me", Merry Christmas!" And I smiled, and turned to walk off.

She, still shocked and wondering who "me" was I am assuming, said "Thank you, thank you so much!"

I was grinning ear to ear, feeling blessed to be able to participate in this amazing act of giving
and kindness. Thank you!

Christmas Jars Story: 'Would really like to thank the folks that did this for me'

2011-12-25T23:18:00.000-05:00

Smyrna, TN:

I am a 55 yr young white single male, no roomate or family nearby. I have been on disability since 2004. In the spring of 2010 I returned to the warmth and friendship of the the Catholic Church after thirty six years. In 1991 I had a major motorcycle wreck in Bath ME while on assignment as a Senior Field Engineer for Martin Marietta Aero & Naval Systems (now known as LockeedMartin), working on the MK 41 Vertical Launch Missile Delivery System. I was pretty much a rocket scientist, sharp as a tack, with an above average intelligence.

After the wreck I was laid off from my position, which was after my six month rehabilitation. Post wreck my mind is like scrambled eggs, I lost the bag that held all my marbles, and my smarts smart. I am fortunate to still have my greatest gift of all, my sense of humor! My life has been not perfect, some struggles and difficulties, but nothing my faith, love of God, and humor cant overcome. A great many people have it really bad, and I am thankful for all that I have.

Thanksgiving thru Christmas is usually a sad time for me, not being able to spend it with my family, and this year started that way, but changed for me thru the grace of God. I was really feeling good a few days before Christmas, and was really pumped up today on Christmas. Plans to share Christmas dinner with my neighbors got cancelled, and I didn't miss a beat! I was watching the movie The Bible, and had just pulled a homemade pizza out of the oven when there was a quick knock on my door. It was dark, and I had seen someone running from my door to the parking lot, and at the front doot was my Christmas Jar.

What a flipping surprise!!! This is my first touch of the Christmas Jar, and definitely not my last! Print my whole name, complete story, whatever. I just would really like to thank the folks that did this for me. It really really comes in handy right now! Thanks to all and God Bless!!!

Christmas Jars Story: 'She just lost her job'

2011-12-25T22:00:00.000-05:00

Maumee, OH:

This is the fifth year I have given a jar. I have a friend and her granddaughter deliver the jar for me each year...

This year my jar went to a single mom who is struggling with raising her son and twin daughters. She just lost her job so this jar will be such a blessing....

Christmas Jars Story: 'Receiving the Christmas Jar wasn't simply money'

2011-12-25T20:41:00.002-05:00

Gilbert, Arizona:

My family was the recipient of a Christmas Jar. My husband was recently diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer and we have faced some of the hardest times of our lives. Our last couple years have been rough, we have been foreclosed on, left our home and moved across country, my Husband took a job as a long haul trucker to make ends meet and then this! His faith seems to be unshakeable, but I must admit, mine was almost gone.....receiving the Christmas Jar wasn't simply money, it was a gift of the renewal of my faith.

Christmas Jars Story: 'It was our Christmas miracle'

2011-12-25T20:40:00.002-05:00

Las Vegas, Nevada:

It was a rough end of the year for my husband and I. Our son was born the week of Thanksgiving and I've been out of work since. My husband was down to 2 days a week working, and his second job had barely started. Money was VERY tight for us, especially with a newborn.

Christmas Eve, I was with my husband and 1 month old son in our room, talking to one of our roommates when the doorbell rang. My roommate went to the door, but no one was there. She got scared that someone might jump out at her and didn't open it. Jokingly, I grabbed the 5 pound cat to "protect me" and opened it a crack. No one was in sight, but a jar sat on the ground by the door. It had "Merry Christmas" and our names on it, but nothing else. It was FULL of coins, some money, and a Walmart gift card. I brought it inside, trying so hard to figure out who would do something so wonderful. I finally gave up wondering and accepted it as a gift from someone who wanted to remain unknown. It was our Christmas miracle, a much needed one as well.

Christmas Jars Story: 'They helped get closer to enjoying my Christmas and get some of my hope back'

2011-12-25T20:39:00.001-05:00

Rigby, Idaho:

The other day I had the worst day I can ever remember. I had been teaching all day, had a parent accuse me of something false and horrible, and hadn't seen my kids till 10 pm when I got home. I had been in tears all day and just didn't know if I could enjoy Christmas. I walked into my house and on the table was a Christmas jar. My husband came home from picking up our son from school and it was sitting on our front step. I yet again was crying but for a different reason. I am so grateful for people who are sensitive to the spirit and knows who needs a little pick me up. My family didn't really need the money but the next day a good friend knew i was looking for a drumset to learn a new instrument and for my kids for Christmas. They didn't know about the Christmas jar but they found a nice one for $100. I was able to get the drumset and put the rest in the bank for safe keeping. It sounds so selfish to buy a drumset with some of the money. But, that person will never know how much they helped get closer to enjoying my Christmas and get some of my hope back.

Christmas Jars Story: 'We praise the Lord that there are generous people in this world'

2011-12-25T20:38:00.000-05:00

Springfield, MO:

We have been mentoring a young single mother for a year. She has completed a semester in college and hopes to become an LPN. She spent most of her life in foster care but her biological family is constantly adding stress and even danger to her life. These family members are vindictive and have been known to vandalize to get back at people. So when the door bell rang and no one was at the door we were concerned. My husband watched from a bedroom window and saw someone sneak back up on our porch. He then turned on the light, opened the door, and yelled, "What are you doing." A young girl screamed and ran away.

Then we realized there was a jar of money on the porch. At first we thought we had scared someone who was collecting money. Then we realized that the money was for our young single mother.

Thank you so much. We are sorry that we scared the donor. The young mother had dental surgery this week and her vehicle died. We help her manage her finances and she gets along on very little. Thank you for choosing to give your Christmas jar to our friend but we're so sorry that we scared you. We praise the Lord that there are generous people in this world.

Christmas Jars Story: 'Part of the blessing is the delivering the jar'

2011-12-25T20:37:00.000-05:00

Clermont, Florida:

Merry Christmas. This is our 2nd year delivering our Christmas Jar. We actually gave it today on Christmas Day. It almost didn't happen. We are full time Rvers and I rely on a church to give me a name. Went to two churches they didn't want to give me an address. First church, the priest said "he didn't know me and was reluctant to give me an address" -- the other church wanted me to give the jar to the Secretary and she would pass it on to the recipient. No go for me because I think part of the blessing is the delivering the jar and the other part is the person who is receiving the jar, Yet that didn't stop me--I knew God would lead me. wow I had saved this money for a whole year. Time was getting short so I went to another church and low and behold I had a address. So after breakfast we drove to the home and two school age boys and their mom came to the door and we said "Merry Christmas" and left. What a feeling..I am a happy camper...literally

Christmas Jars Story: 'A lot of lives were touched through this experience'

2011-12-25T20:35:00.000-05:00

Claymont, DE:

During Christmas 2010 I was shopping in the book store and saw the book Christmas Jar by Jason. I bought it and began to read it. I could not put it down, it was such an amazing story. So I began my own Christmas jar on Dec. 26, 2010. I began to put coins in it and watched it fill up over time as the year went on. So when it came time for me to give it to someone I could not figure out who needed it. My Mom told me about a single parent who had a fire at her home and her two children were injured in the fire and still in the hospital. A local supermarket was collecting monetary donations to help the victims of the fire. My Mom suggested that I give the Christmas jar to the family.

At first, I was not certain I should give it to the supermarket because I wanted it to be given to someone directly. My Mom encouraged me to give it to them. So she went to the store and took my Christmas jar to turn in as a donation and was told that the supermarket was no longer accepting donations at that location. There was a location however that would accept it but it is further away from where I live.

The next thing that happens is what becomes the miracle of this jar. My Mom sees my pastor at the store shopping and describes the situation to her and she says that she will take the money to the other location because she is actually going to be going there very soon. So the pastor takes the jar and then plans to drop it off. However she is running late the next day and asks another member of the church to take the jar to the supermarket. She explained the entire story about the Christmas jar and how the money will help the victims of the fire.

So here is the amazing ending to this story...the woman takes the jar into the service desks and explains that she wants to donate the money to the victims of the fire and then the manager makes a call. Suddenly the next thing that happens is that a woman walks up to the counter. The manager indicates that she is the mother of the children who were injured in the fire.

The person with the Christmas jar explains about how the jar is coins that were collected all year and then given to someone in need. So the jar was given directly to the mother and she began to cry. The woman giving her the jar began to cry and everyone just felt amazed by the power of the jar. I heard the story when the pastor told us and of course I began to cry.

Today is Christmas 2011. I will begin my second jar tomorrow on Dec. 26th, 2011. I can't wait to see what happens next year. It was truly meant to be that we gave that money to the family and they did feel blessed to receive it and I felt blessed in giving it. A lot of lives were touched through this experience.

Christmas Jars Story: 'We will never forget your charity'

2011-12-25T20:32:00.003-05:00

Shoreline, Washington:

On Christmas Eve my husband and I were sitting up in the living room with our 2 eldest girls getting ready to do Santa's work when a knock came at the door. Being almost 11:00 at night it startled us! Who could that be at this time? Not expecting anyone that night my girls looked out the window to see who or what it was. Seeing there was no one there they cautiously opened the door to find a gift bag on our porch. They carried it in exclaiming, "this is heavy"! We opened it to find a large jar of money! No note to be found, we stood in awe wondering who could be responsible for such a kind and generous gift! Upon further investigation we discovered two fifty dollar bills folded up and a hundred dollar bill as well buried amongst the massive amount of coinage! With nine people living off only a single income, and the economy being what it is we have been stretched to say the least. This will helped ease our financial burdens, and renew our faith in the Christmas Spirit! The lord really does work in mysterious ways! Thank you to the Santa that yelled back over his shoulder, "Merry Christmas", while running from our residence! We will never forget your charity and will be looking for opportunities in the future to pass it along to others that may have fallen upon hard times. What a great example of the true meaning of Christmas this was for our children.

Christmas Jars Story: 'To think I was thinking of killing myself only 2 days ago'

2011-12-24T20:51:00.000-05:00

Bellingham, Washington:

I read this book while I was deployed last christmas in the Arabian Gulf on a US navy ship.

I collect all my change for the entire year after my return in March. My husband kicked in too.

I was going to go to walmart or some place where I could tell someone needed the money, but as I was driving back from an appointment tonight, I had my jar with me and this truck was at the gas station, driver door duck taped shut and the lady getting out on the passenger side to wash the windows and put gas in because the guy couldn't get out of the drivers door. It was a moment of complete random, "Hey excuse me wait please dont drive off I want to give you something.... Here - I hope you have a merry christmas or that this will help you in some way if you dont need it please find someone else that could use it. Your my first I will remember this moment forever...." I handed them a big mason jar full of nothing but silver coins and a copy of this book by Jason Wright " Christmas Jar's" I singed it inside with the Month and Year saying the same message and my hope for them to pay if forward some day when they are capable, and signed my name. They were completely speachless. She looked at me with a huge confused look, he muttered thank you.

This was the best thing I have ever done and it made me feel amazing. and to think I was thinking of killing myself only 2 days ago...... thank you sir, for this wonderful book, I almost forgot about it.

Christmas Jars Story: 'We are in our 5th year'

2011-12-24T20:50:00.000-05:00

Las Vegas, Nevada:

It's a family tradition to save the entire year to fill the jar and then we make a call or text the cousins that it's time for the mission. They know exactly what to do and we are very covert. We have always found someone in need of Christmas cheer, Financial relief or just a chance to believe again. We are in our 5th year and hope to continue for many more.

Christmas Jars Story: 'We're sure that each day is a struggle to make ends meet'

2011-12-24T20:48:00.001-05:00

Ridgeville, SC:

For the past several years we have saved our spare change and given our Christmas Jar to a waitress at a favorite restaurant in the nearby rural town of Holly Hill. She is a young, single mother of 3 babies/toddlers. She works long hours for a small salary, and we felt like she could probably use it more than anyone else we knew. This year we decided that our jar would go to our adult 40+ year old son who works at one of our local grocery stores. His job is not flashy and he doesn't receive a huge salary. We're sure that each day is a struggle to make ends meet. He is, however, reliable, hard-working and good-hearted. As my husband and I have have had several health issues to deal with over the past year, his regular visits and assistance in handling the "heavy lifting" of things around the house have been invaluable. He will receive the traditional Christmas gifts from the family and even Santa's stocking, but we thought that the surprise of the Christmas Jar might make the day a little brighter still. All year long we plan and talk about who our likely candidate might be. Thank YOU for the lovely gift of "The Christmas Jar".

Christmas Jars Story: 'We're sure that each day is a struggle to make ends meet'

2011-12-24T20:48:00.000-05:00

Ridgeville, SC:

For the past several years we have saved our spare change and given our Christmas Jar to a waitress at a favorite restaurant in the nearby rural town of Holly Hill. She is a young, single mother of 3 babies/toddlers. She works long hours for a small salary, and we felt like she could probably use it more than anyone else we knew. This year we decided that our jar would go to our adult 40+ year old son who works at one of our local grocery stores. His job is not flashy and he doesn't receive a huge salary. We're sure that each day is a struggle to make ends meet. He is, however, reliable, hard-working and good-hearted. As my husband and I have have had several health issues to deal with over the past year, his regular visits and assistance in handling the "heavy lifting" of things around the house have been invaluable. He will receive the traditional Christmas gifts from the family and even Santa's stocking, but we thought that the surprise of the Christmas Jar might make the day a little brighter still. All year long we plan and talk about who our likely candidate might be. Thank YOU for the lovely gift of "The Christmas Jar".

Christmas Jars Story: 'My sister comes and wakes me up and I find a jar full of money'

2011-12-24T20:45:00.000-05:00

Lancaster, California:

Well on December 24, Chritmas Eve, I Am Asleep and my mom was putting up christmas lights at the last minute! Then my mom sees a Red Ford passing slowly by our house. My mom sees the truck then turns her back to it, not noticing that the truck had stopped.

Then she hears an olderly man talking to her and he says "Take this", and it was a brown bag and it was heavy.

So then my mom notices, It's Money! My mom says to the man "Who can I thank". The man said to my mom "Anyone! Me, My Wife, Anyone!"

So then my sister comes and wakes me up and I find a jar full of money, and the book by Jason Wright, "The Christmas Jar."

Christmas Jars Story: 'We lingered long enough to see her open the door'

2011-12-24T20:44:00.000-05:00

Chantilly, VA:

We gave away a jar tonight. We loaded into the car and sang along to the Christmas music on the radio as we drove and looked for someone walking in the cold. We found a mother helping her small children with a car seat and some groceries. Just as soon as they had gone into the house, we dropped it off on the door step and knocked.

We lingered long enough to see her open the door and find the gift.

What joy!

Christmas Jars Story: 'To whoever gave us this jar, thank you so much'

2011-12-24T20:42:00.000-05:00

Madison, Wisconsin:

Christmas has been a time of year filled with joy and sorrow for my family. On December 23, 1990 my dad died after a month long battle with Cancer. Less than a month after Christmas, in January of 2009, both of my grandparents on my mom's side were killed in a car accident. Christmas had always been my Grandma's favorite holiday and since then, Christmas has not been the same.

Just two weeks ago on December 12th 2011 my 25 year old cousin was killed in a helicopter accident.

My parents, youngest siblings and I had just moved to Wisconsin six months ago. In addition to being away from family and friends, we've been experiencing financial difficulties.

I was not looking forward to this Christmas at all. I was determined to make the best of it but honestly wished that I could just sleep through it all and pretend that nothing had happened.

Just this evening, Christmas eve, we were sitting in mom's house after finishing the last of our Christmas shopping when we heard a knock at the door. My mom went to open the door and found no one there but a large jar full of money and the book Christmas Jars.

We don't know exactly how much is in it, but know it's somewhere around $300.

Though the money is much needed, the biggest blessing the jar is not the dollar amount.

To know that someone had saved up all year and chose our family of all the needy people in this city to bless with this jar, is an amazing gift.

It is reminder that we are never alone and God is NEVER silent or far off.

To whoever gave us this jar, thank you so much. God had used to bless us and I hope that you are blessed beyond measure this year.

Christmas Jars Story: 'I can't begin to tell you what a blessing it has been'

2011-12-23T21:09:00.000-05:00

Saint Johns, FL:

Three years ago my wife purchased the book, Christmas Jars and we read it as a family. Of course, it touched our hearts so profoundly that we immediately began our own family Christmas Jar project! The first year we gave away $120, followed by $160 the second year and this year we have collected $200! In each occasion, we have looked for someone or family in need and have secretly delivered our money. I can't begin to tell you what a blessing it has been to our family as our children get excited to deliver it on Christmas Eve! We have shared our love of the Christmas Jar with our families and encouraged them to do the same! It is truly more blessed to give than to receive and each year the Lord teaches us the value of giving!

Christmas Jars Story: 'It helped to be reminded that others care'

2011-12-23T21:06:00.001-05:00

Lewiston, Maine:

I was completely surprised to receive a Christmas Jar on December 22, 2011. I was laid off from my job more than 2 years ago and have struggled mightily to take whatever work I can find and continue to keep on keeping on. This year has been particularly difficult as I live in a very cold climate and just ran out of options to pay bills, heat my home and keep the lights on. While my Christmas Jar won't solve all my problems, it certainly will help me buy some oil. More importantly, however, it helped to be reminded that others care. The hardest part has been to need help. I think of myself as a giver and it hurts me as much not to be able to give as it does to continue to struggle with loss and efforts that do not bear fruit. I am so thankful and can't wait to be on my feet so I can pay this forward. Thank you, Mr. Wright, for your great idea. I am sure I will be sharing future stories of Christmas Jars that I give away!

Christmas Jars Story: 'I will never forget the pain and heart break they suffered'

2011-12-23T21:05:00.000-05:00

Crowley, Texas:

Well this year's jar was a no brainer as to where it needed to go. Yet it seems so small based on the need.

Not long ago someone nearby suffered a fire at their home. Though no one was injured, it was particularly heartbreaking. It started small in the garage, and the fire department from a training station was on scene in a matter of couple of minutes. Upon arrival the fire was still very small and could have been managed, but something happened. What I am not sure, but no water ever made it out of that truck. In the half hour or so that it took for the next unit to respond, the home was almost a total loss.

As they watch their home burn, I will never forget the pain and heart break they suffered. Neighbors were coming out to offer what support they could, not just to see the commotion.

Today we dropped our jar of change, with the few stray bills that find their way into a coat pocket throughout the year. Bills that I don't bother to put back in my wallet for one reason or another make the Christmas Jar. The wife and I put it and a copy of the book in a Christmas looking box and left it in front of a shell of a home. The front door is of what was a home, (and will be again) had plywood nailed over it and a blue tarp over a hole cut in the roof. No danger of anyone opening the front door on us this year, yet its a bit special too. Just maybe when they are forced to remember the fire, they will also remember a jar. The amount in the jar will not change anything, but the prayer that went with it can.

Christmas Jars Story: 'I know the jar will make a difference'

2011-12-23T20:55:00.000-05:00

Stevens Point, WI:

I sent my first Christmas Jar today after reading the book a few months ago. The Jar went to a Single parent family in Appleton, WI. I knew from face book that they were struggling and it was breaking my heart. I know the jar will make a difference not only in their Christmas, but also in their spirit. Your book touched my heart and I am hoping it will touch this family as well. I have no doubt at all that they will send out their own jar when they are able. Thank you for this inspiring book and the ones that followed. Merry Christmas!!

Christmas Jars Story: 'This is beyond amazing to us'

2011-12-23T20:54:00.000-05:00

Shenandoah, VA:

A couple years ago, my dad left. Mom has been struggling to make it on her own since then. She works hard and is making every effort to get herself to a better position financially. But it's always tight. She does what she can - but often goes without. She's leading a very frugal life, because she just doesn't have the means. She's the type of person that gets excited when she finds a dollar or two tucked away and every little bit helps.

Imagine her excitement, when she left work yesterday, and found a Christmas Jar sitting in her car. This is beyond amazing to us. It's a miracle! I'd never heard about this amazing gift and nearly cried when she told me about it (I live very far away, so she actually showed the jar to me over Skype). I don't know who gave this gift. Someone very special and we feel blessed! It means so much to us that this person was so kind to do this for mom.

I'll start my own Christmas Jar to give away next year.

Christmas Jars Story: 'I am so blessed to have someone care about me'

2011-12-22T21:03:00.000-05:00

North Tonawanda, New York:

I am currently unemployed and also had to have an eye surgery for a detached retina putting me on strict bedrest. As you can guess my holidays were seemingly depressing. I opened my door one day to a package wrapped in a clear plastic bag with the tag saying "Taylor, Merry Christmas". No name of a sender in sight. When I opened the package to find the book and a jar of coins and bills I was baffled. I read the story on the back of the box and was in tears that someone did this for me. I immediately called multiple family members and they were all just as quizzical as me. I am so blessed to have someone care about me enought to do such a kind thing. I am just sitting down to read the book and cannot wait to return the favor of this tradition next year to someone deserving.

Christmas Jars Story: 'Words cannot even begin to describe how I feel right now'

2011-12-22T21:02:00.001-05:00

Virginia:

I just got done delivering my very first Christmas Jar. Words cannot even begin to describe how I feel right now. Our Christmas Jar was originally intended for someone else, but weeks ago God showed me that He had another recipient in mind. I recruited a friend to help with the delievery so we could remain anonymous. We drove out to her house and I ducked down in the car so I couldn't be seen. My friend went and knocked on the door and told them that she was Santa's helper and had a Christmas gift for the family. The recipient peeked inside the box and asked if she could know who it was from and my friend told her no, so she told my friend thank you and gave her a big hug instead. This may have started out to be a blessing for someone else, but it has been a huge blessing to me as well. That God would allow ME to be a part of something like this...there are just no words. And my friend was so touched that she is now planning to begin her own Christmas Jar for next year. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for the idea of the Christmas Jar. God is so good!

Christmas Jars Story: 'I stood in my kitchen stunned and humbled'

2011-12-22T21:00:00.000-05:00

Pineville, NC:

My husband was at work at the restaurant and I had just put our 17 month old baby girl down to bed. No sooner did I walk out of her room, exhausted from the day, did I hear the doorbell ring. I had no idea who would be at the house at 8pm, I wasn't expecting anyone. When I opened the door, no one was there. I looked down and saw a simple brown gift bag with a ribbon tied around the handle. I saw the top of a jar and thought maybe one of the neighborhood kids and their parents made something. I picked it up and noticed it was pretty heavy. When I set it down and pulled out the jar, expecting something like homemade applesauce or another goodie from the kitchen, I was surprised to find a plastic jar FULL of change! I stood in my kitchen stunned and humbled that someone would anonymously bless our family in such a way. I looked at the book and knew this was something special. Alone in my kitchen I started to cry at the wonder of this sweet gift. A few minutes later, I picked up the book again, after reading the back, flipped it open only to find a crisp $100 bill! I lost it and just stood there crying in my kitchen.

What I haven't said is that while God has been so faithful and always provided for us, my husband has been out of steady work for over a year, we have a wonderful 17 month old little girl and another baby due the end of February, along with our 5 year old chocolate lab. We have two homes, one is a rental, of which the tenant just informed us they will not be renewing their lease come February, leaving us to find another tenant or try and carry two mortgages on one and a half incomes. In order to help make ends meet, my husband has taken a job working weekend evenings at a nearby restaurant. While we've been able to pay all our bills, and even have a few dollars left over every now and then, it has been tight. We haven't gotten Christmas presents for each other or our daughter yet, but we were just trusting God it would all work out. He is faithful and has always taken care of us before, and we know He will continue to do so going forward. This Christmas Jar is proof of just that. We are going out of town tomorrow to visit with my husbands family, this was an amazing early Christmas present right on time!

Thank you to who ever so richly blessed us tonight, may you receive a greater blessing in return.

Christmas Jars Story: 'If my angels read this'

2011-12-22T15:13:00.000-05:00

Hayes, Va:

Story: Hi. My name is Kristen Millen. I was in Dollar tree with my sister and my 5 month old son today when I experienced a miracle. My year has been so hard starting with losing my job during my maternity leave to havin my son being born sick. To top it all off we lost the great grandmother to my son who was supposed to meet him on the day she passed as well as my car broke down. I went in Dollar Tree to buy my son a few small presents and was given a true miracle when I walked outside and was approached by a stranger. She walked over to me with her friend and put her hand on my shoulder then handed me an envelope and told me it was to make a family very happy. I thanked her and she walked away. When I got to my sister's car I buckled my son in and opened the envelope. Inside there was a letter explaining why she gave the envelope to me and some money inside it. I immediately began to cry. Thanks to these ANGELS my son will have the best Christmas ever. I have never wittnessed such a miracle. I went from struggling to having the money to make a Christmas for my son. If my angels read this I just had to say God Bless you and it is my turn to pass on a miracle to somebody else in need. Thank you.

Christmas Jars Story: 'Tears filled my eyes!'

2011-12-22T15:12:00.000-05:00

Honey Brook, PA:

Story: I am a school bus driver, waitress, full-time student, and single mom. I love by bus driving job because the children are wonderful, and keep light in my daughters' and my life. I went to work early this morning and discovered a gift on the seat of my bus. My daughter exclaimed "look mommy, santa came"! I opened a card that read "Stephanie and family, wishing you a Merry Christmas, may his peace be with you now and through the year ahead, with love". I was confused because the card was not signed, and then I looked inside the bag and found a jar full of cash and change, along with the Christmas Jar book. Tears filled my eyes! I could not stop crying, and could not believe someone could be so thoughtful! I am now able to make my beautiful daughter a little happier this holiday season! Times are tough and this gift was truely amazing. I am forever grateful, and will pay it forward next year! Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night! Thank you to my gaurdian angel!

Christmas Jars Story: 'Christmas jars are supposed to be anonymous'

2011-12-22T14:13:00.000-05:00

Great Falls, Virginia:

It's funny how every year, the Lord puts someone in my path, swings His glowing lamp in front of them to light their faces and says: "Hey! Here's your Christmas Jar recipient!"

My son attends Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA and as he was preparing to leave for Thanksgiving break, he called me in tears; I could hardly understand what he was saying. The previous night, five students from Liberty were out stargazing after a week of rain and wandered onto a train trestle they thought was inactive. It was not. Of the five, three escaped with minor cuts and scrapes, one suffered serious injuries and a beautiful, obedient, loving child of God, Hannah, was killed.

This rocked the LU community to its core, leaving heartbreak in its wake even those among us like my son and me who didn't even know Hannah.

Through Facebook - or as I prefer to say it: through God - I "met" Hannah's Mom, Terri, who is a single Mom now raising her teenage son alone. Every posting from her as well as from the mother of the injured girl, had me sobbing for weeks. But it wasn't just me, many of us in the Liberty family couldn't even think of Hannah without bursting into tears. The kids were devastated, as was the faculty and staff of Liberty. There is no pain like the pain in a mother's heart when she has lost one of her children, or watched another mother deal with the grief of losing hers.

It would take me ten pages to explain how remarkable Hannah was and another ten to describe Terri. Despite unspeakable grief, Terri's rock solid faith and belief that Hannah is in Heaven with Her Savior and dancing in its streets has been nothing short of, well, a miracle. Her faith in the deepest of grief is stronger than mine in abundance. At last count, at least a dozen new believers have made a decision for Christ after hearing Hannah's testimony - from her Mom. What I call in my head "the power of Hannah's Grace" is a force that defies anything other than faith.

Hannah's Grace includes a Scholarship Fund set up by Terri to provide funds to students majoring in Government, as was Hannah.

I was blessed with spending some time with Terri earlier in December near her home in North Carolina, and was again left in utter amazement at her faith and love for God. It is no wonder that Hannah turned out the way she had.

Okay, so Christmas jars are supposed to be anonymous, and we have adhered to that rule since Jason first published the book. However this year I knew our jar was meant to be a part of Hannah's Grace and we gave it to Terri to be used for either her needs at Christmas, or as a donation to Hannah's Scholarship Fund.

Its no accident of art that shiny gold points of light come out from the jar in the picture on the cover of the book. I watched those shiny bits light up Terri's eyes when she accepted the jar, knowing that Hannah had reached down and made yet another difference in someone else's life. They are miracle twinkles. Truly they are.

Christmas Jars Story: 'The jar had contained $474 plus a $100 grocery gift card'

2011-12-22T10:29:00.002-05:00

BYERS, COLORADO:

This is our third year of giving a jar, but this one especially touched my heart. There is a little boy in my son's first grade class whose family lost their house several months ago. As a result, the mother left, leaving the father with 5 children to care for and no house. They were lucky enough to find someone to let them rent a house no bigger then a 2 car garage. The father has had a hard time finding work this time of year as well, as he is an electrician and also has to be home to care for the kids. Their little house is nearly bare inside, no television and minimal furnishings. The younger children all wear clothing passed down from their older siblings, that is way too big on them, shoes and all. We had heard that he had told a mutual friend of ours that he would not be able to afford Christmas and that he had planned to give each child $20 to go out and buy one thing they really wanted. We usually wait until Dec. 18th to deliver our jars because it is also our youngest sons birthday and we hoped to start a tradition for him to look forward to. But this year we decided to give a few weeks early. Since the family knows who we are, we took advantage when our older son returned home from college one weekend with two friends. We had them go deliver the jar for us. I think it touched all of them as well. They knocked on the door and the father came out closing the door behind him. He asked them who they were and they replied "Merry Christmas". Again he asked who they were and what they were giving him. They handed it to him saying Merry Christmas once again and walked off the porch. The jar had contained $474 plus a $100 grocery gift card. I hope this helps them to have a much nicer Christmas.

Christmas Jars Story: 'The man had little to no food at his trailer'

2011-12-22T10:28:00.002-05:00

Raton, New Mexico:

This is are third year to give Christmas jars and it's just great. This year I had my given the a Viet Nam Veterttan that I knew was in need of money. My wife went to a man just recently started visiting our church on Wednesday nights which is meal and prayer meeting night. My wife later learned that the man had little to no food at his trailer. This is great he has money to buy food. This is simply and great way to help people. Thankyou God you are awsome.

Christmas Jars Story: 'I am a single mom who raised two kids'

2011-12-22T10:26:00.002-05:00

Dayton, Ohio:

Today...I opened the door and a box sat in front of me...I am a single mom who raised two kids...always working to take care of them. My company closed two years ago and I have tried to get a good job but right, now I was working for a temp agency. They thought they had work through the holidays, but on Tuesday they said they had not. So I came home feeling overwhelmed, today I opened the door to a box that had a special book, with a special message from friends. The message said that I was a child of God and you are loved...I prayed to God the night before not for myself but for other people, he blessed me and he will bless those who helped me...it is a wonderful thing that they did...

Christmas Jars Story: 'My christmas miracle was the christmas jars'

2011-12-22T10:25:00.003-05:00

centerville, ohio:

My christmas miracle was the christmas jars I received on my front porch two night ago from an anonymous christmas angel! I am a single mother of 4 children and in October my youngest son was diagnosed with a very rare life threating disease called Dock 8 mutation. The only treatment currently being tried for these patients is a bone marrow transplant. Due to the many appointments and with needing to be home more with my children I have been unable to work much these past few months. When I opened the door and saw these jars and the book christmas jars me and my son broke down and cried. We were so touched! My youngest son said while in tears "mommy people really love me and they are helping me". The christmas jars are a true christmas miracle and we are so grateful. The Centerville community have been so wonderful to me and my family during this difficult time. The community is beyond Amazing! Thanks again for bringing cheer and joy to are hearts. We are so grateful.

Christmas Jars Story: 'As i sit here with tears in my eyes'

2011-12-22T10:24:00.001-05:00

oshkosh, wisconsin:

As i sit here with tears in my eyes still, i am overjoyed and very appreciative!!! it's been a long and hard year (or a while more) for our family. we don't have much due to the fact that i only recieve social security because of a disability. i do not beg or ask for help really, even tough we could use it. the school social worker became aware of our struggles and has been helpful and supportive! i recieved a call from her today asking if she could stop by. of course...we received a christmas jar and the book just an hour or so ago..at a time when we really could use it!! my sons will have something for christmas this year and we too will pass on a christmas jar next year...so to our anonymous jar giver, we'd like to thank you and wish you a wonderful holiday season!!

Christmas Jars Story: 'I hope to make this a tradition'

2011-12-21T10:26:00.001-05:00

Ashtabula, Ohio:

I read the book "Christmas Jars" in January 2011. I asked my daughter if she would be interested in doing this with me, and she was. She asked her father to help us also. I have to admit, we weren't as consistant with putting the change into the jar as I had hoped we would be. But when we counted it there was over $50.00. We decided to use the money to purchase items for animals at our local Animal Protective League. This wonderful organization has been stretched to the limit lately. And humans aren't the only ones who need help or need to know someone cares. We felt good knowing that the cats and dogs would have treats and toys to play with. This experience has motivated us to be more disciplined in our "deposits" into our Christmas jar for the coming year. We hope to be able to fill more than one jar so we can help people as well as the animals next year. I hope to make this a tradition that will be passed on for generations.

My Fox Memphis: Young Mother Gets a Christmas Jar

2011-12-21T08:39:00.003-05:00

Young Mother Gets a Christmas Jar: MyFoxMEMPHIS.com

Christmas Jars Story: 'I hope that "the jar" gave them the joy of knowing that there was someone who was thinking of them'

2011-12-20T10:30:00.000-05:00

New Philadelphia, Ohio:

I read the book last year but had actually heard about it the year before and started my jar then. Last year I prayed about who should receive our jar and a person was laid on my heart.I added to our jar a gift card to a local grocery store and several bills of various denominations. On the night of giving our jar we attend our church's annual Christmas dinner. The family who was going to receive our jar was there too. My husband and I left the party early so that we could deliver our jar. We had put it in a gift bag with lots of tissue paper and left it hanging on the door knob of their back door. I don't have any idea of their reaction and I am sorry to say that this Christmas the couple is preparing to divorce.I hope that "the jar" gave them the joy of knowing that there was someone who was thinking of them even though we had no idea of their struggles.We are preparing our jar for this year much the same way and we know who will receive it. A young girl who lives on our road whom we have not met but lost her boyfriend last year to a massive heart attack. She is new to this area without much family close by.My husband is suffering from a debilitating health problem but we plan to continue this new tradition.Since we don't buy gifts for each other,we give our "jar" as our gift.Merry Christmas

Christmas Jars Story: 'I really did not know that lose change could add up so fast'

2011-12-19T17:35:00.003-05:00

After reading your book, I decided to start my own Christmas Jar. For a whole year now I have been putting my lose change in a small jar and then a larger jar and now as of today I had to go get a much larger jar ( I really did not know that lose change could add up so fast). Tonight is the night that I ‘m delivering my jar to a needed family. I have been looking forward to this night all year. God has blessed my family so much that this is a perfect way to help out this family.
My God bless everyone who is taking up this charge and helping out your community.
Merry Christmas.

Christmas Jars Story: 'I have done 10 jars in the last 5 years'

2011-12-19T10:32:00.000-05:00

Readers, I am delighted to share this very special Christmas Jars story. It's from an incredible man in Nevada who embraces the spirit of the Christmas Jar as well as anyone I've ever met. If I could have one wish, it would be that everyone believed in the magic of the jar as much as Daniel does.

Henderson, Nevada:

First of all, I was diagnosed as high functioning autistic at the age of 9, when the number of kids diagnosed was 1 in 10,000 high functioning. This meant I could do well academically, but socially I had trouble getting the courage to talk to anyone. The differences between me and those around me didn't make themseleves apparent to me at the time, but for many years before my parents saw them. Looking back on it, there were times that was so bad with social situations I didn't even want to say the teacher's name out of fear or ask to go to the bathroom because I thought they would say no. Despite this, I continued to accel in academics, kind of a "sport" you could say I competed in. As elementary school ended I started to get what we call fallouts. Many times I would get upset over times when everyone got punished for a few's mistakes. That said , I would cry in the corner holding those sentiments. Later on in middle and High School I would get that way still, but I would try to work it out with myself, and try to see it from the teacher's point of view. I needed my Dad less and less though he would still come to my progress meetings with special ed facilitators. As this time progressed, I saw the autism as a part of me, but I continued to progress enough until, when someone looked at me, they couldn't even tell.

Through all of this, something troubled my parents. Given what I had, and the difficulties with it, they wondered if I would ever graduate High school. From the get go, I proved many people wrong. The chance arose that I wouldn't have been able to live a very normal life. The social problems didn't deter me from graduating and in the end I was able to graduate with a 4.2 GPA and with an advanced diploma. Then came college. There were still things that I had to have accomodations for, like tests, but I didn't need that sometimes. It wasn't easy getting through some of these classes, but I got through them, and was able to in 4 years graduate from junior college with a 3.64 GPA, enough for high honors.

It was around the beginning of college that I started into the Christmas Jars program. I mentioned that it started out in a Sunday school class I was in. In my ability with math and like seeing how high some numbers get, I took on the challenge. In doing so, I wanted to make sure there wasn't a week without money going in it since it took the entire year to do. So with some benefits of the autism and the ability for me to care about some things more than maybe is necessary. I'm a little obsessive. I kept going along with my classmates, inspiring someone else in our class to do one on her own. Since then I have done 10 jars in the last 5 years, splitting them evenly into two the first year, two the second year, four in the third year, and three in the fourth year. For this year I am planning on 5 jars, breaking my record of approximately $228.70. By the end of the year I should have $250, and in raising enough next year I I hope to get a total of $1000 for all 6 years. If there is any one thing that keeps me going is that it is something to do, and trips to the grocery store and the gas station get me out of the house.

Christmas Jar Story: 'I had no money coming in'

2011-12-18T12:08:00.003-05:00

Today, December 18 I went to Church and
found my Christmas Jar. It is so nice to know
that someone is thinking of me this
Christmas season.

Back in 2008 my dad passed away suddenly.
Then in 2009 my mom died in March. Then in
May I lost my job and in June my ex-wife and
I separated. It needless to say was a stressful
beginning to my year. I am so glad that God
brought me back to the Church. I had started
going back in 2007 and it was the best day of
my life.

Not all the year was bad. Since my job was
leaving the country, I was eligible to go back
to college and get my Associates Degree which
I now have thanks to a June graduation. Since
June I my unemployment had ran out and I
had no money coming in at all. I was living on
the money that I had received from my parents'
life insurance policies. I have continued to look
for work before I graduated and have had no luck
finding a job until a week ago friday. A company
said that they would hire me as a contract job
for 6-8 months. Wow, thank you Lord!! The
money was running out and I had began to
worry about how I was going to pay my bills.
I put my faith in the Lord at the beginning of
this part of my life and He is still there right
in front.

Christmas Jar Story: 'we parked near a homeless shelter'

2011-12-18T07:46:00.006-05:00

Boise, Idaho

Last evening, December 17, 2011 my wife and I set
out to give away our Christmas Jar. We prayed before
leaving that we would find the receiver of our gift.
As we drove downtown we were hoping to give it
to a homeless family in great need. We decided to
drive around in the area where the homeless are
usually gathered. We parked near a homeless
shelter and after waiting for about 20 minutes an
older car drove up and parked near the entrance.
I went to the drivers window and started a
conversation with the occupants. I found out they
were a homeless family of four waiting for the
shelter to open so they could secure a place to
stay for the night; it was going to be a cold night.
My wife and I presented them with our Christmas
Jar. They were so happy and appreciative! I will
never forget that joyous feeling of being able to
help that family in their time of need. We wished
them a Merry Christmas and left seeing their
hands waving and faces smiling. God bless
them and all of you and may you all have a
happy and fruitful new year!

BTW - Next year's Christmas Jar is already
receiving funds...

Christmas Jars Story: 'When she received the Christmas Jar that night...she became richer then ever'

2011-12-17T20:13:00.000-05:00

Layton, Utah:

As I was sitting in class in the middle of November my teacher Mrs. Denson mentioned the Christmas Jars. She told us that the book is about people who fill jars up with money and give them to people. I thought this was the coolest thing ever. The next day I heard my mom talking to
my aunt Traci. I heard my aunt Traci sobbing and crying saying she had no money and she doesn't know how she is going to give my little cousin a Christmas. I was thinking about it for a while and I think God made this happen for a reason. Mrs. Denson's whole purpose for that day was to tell the class the story and for me to hear. My purpose for the next day was for me to hear my aunt Traci crying about money.

The next Monday I sat my family and told them about the Christmas Jars and read some stories on line and we were all touched. My thought on Christmas was already starting to change.

As the days and weeks went by the jar was already starting to get full of money. My mom came down stairs and announced that we are having a family party and Traci was coming. I was so excited! My jar was almost full!

Every time I put a penny or a quarter or whatever kind of change my thought on Christmas was changing and turning more into a spiritual season than a present season.

The day of the party finally came and I couldn't sleep the night before. I was so excited to change someone's life without knowing it would change mine. When my aunt got to my house I was going to die. I couldn't sit still. When my aunt finally started talking to everyone I snuck out side without anyone noticing me. Her door was locked so I had to sit it on her car and I went back inside. I just had this horrible feeling that she would not get it. Then all of a sudden my uncle asked her to unlock it.

Once again god is helping me because this is meant to happen. My uncle had no idea about the jar and how much he helped me. That was his whole purpose of the day. When he went back inside I went out there and carefully snuck it in her car. That was it.

When everyone finally left I was sitting there with my mom just waiting to get a call from my aunt, but there was nothing. All of a sudden she called. I was running around the house, jumping, screaming, and waiting for her to mention the jar to my mom. My aunt said nothing about it. My
mom said her good bye and hung up. I was so disappointed. Then my mom's phone was ringing again. It was my aunt Traci! My aunt was sobbing. She told my mom that her heart was so hardened and now it was filled with such gratitude. She was asking if it was me but we told her it was a neighbor. She was so thankful for the letter I put in the bag. This is what the letter said:

"As I was walking down the street you were on I saw you get out of the car. A very humble and sacred feeling came to me that I needed to give the jar to you instead of the family I was going to give it to. I hope this jar is a blessing to you in many ways. It's not much but it can help
a little. Merry Christmas, and a happy new year, may next year be your best."

Sincerely,
The Giver.

My mom called her the next day and said that my aunt said she is so thankful for the jar. My little cousin was asking for an iPod and there was no way my aunt could give it to her. That money helped her get the iPod. I have a totally new thought on Christmas now. I took the "mas" out
of Christmas and made it the spirit of Christ instead of the spirit of Christmas. My life is now changed forever and so is my aunt's.

My aunt used to be very, very rich, and was richer than ever. And she lost all of her money and was left with nothing but a little tiny house to live in. She is not used to not being able to buy expensive things.

When she received the Christmas Jar that night...she became richer then ever.

2011-12-17T12:06:00.000-05:00

Louisville, Kentucky:

This is my third year receiving a Christmas jar!
I am a single mom of 6 and this has been such
a blessing to us at this time of year. I pray
whoever is doing this will be blessed abundantly!

Christmas Jar Story: 'it couldn't have come at a better time.'

2011-12-17T12:00:00.005-05:00

Westerville,

My family just received a Christmas jar tonight
i would love to thank them with all our hearts it
couldn't have come at a better time. our daughter is
in the hospital fighting phenomena and we have her
daughter our granddaughter with us for Christmas
and we didn't know what we were going to do for
her. it couldn't have come at a better time, her
Santa wishes will come true thank you.

Christmas Jar Story: 'I noticed this jar with money in it'

2011-12-17T11:54:00.003-05:00

Middleburg, Florida:

I took my grandchildren with my daughter to
a Christmas giveaway that they have at the
fairgrounds and when I came out and was
getting in my car I noticed this jar with money
in it and me and my daughter looked at each
other and I said oh my goodness thank you
Lord for this blessing. We just couldn't believe
this happened to us and are very thankful for
and it encourages me to one next Christmas
for someone else.

Christmas Jar Story: 'Your Christmas Jar Friend'

2011-12-15T13:15:00.006-05:00

Woodbury, Tennessee:

On February 18th of this year, my husband and I
were blessed with a precious gift of a son. We
knew beforehand that he was going to have some
problems, specifically a cleft lip and palate.
When he was born we were heartbroken to find
out that Christian was blind. We were devastated,
but as time went on and we learned to adjust the
newness of a new family member and his special
needs, God began opening our eyes to how much
of a gift Christian really is. We were once saddened
by the facts of his medical diagnoses, but now,
although we still wish he didn't have them, we
are more so just happy that he is here, he is healthy,
and that God chose us to be his parents.

Of course, having a child with special needs
entails extra time and expenses, so when my
husband lost his job in August, we knew it was
going to be a challenge to make ends meet,
but we never worried, because we KNOW that
God will always provide for our needs. After
4 months, my husband finally found a job. It
pays good, has a great benefits, and he has
wanted to work there for years. God really did
bless! But he won't get his first check until
December 30th, so we were trying to figure
out how to hold out until then. Today we found
out how. Someone delivered a Christmas jar to
my mom at her work to give to me, complete
with a $50 gas card to help with the 60 mile
trips we take to the closest children's hospital
for my son's appointments. It also included
enough change to pay the bills until he gets his
check, the Christmas Jars book, and a card,
signed only "Your Christmas Jar Friend".
I have no idea who decided to bless us with such
a wonderful gift, but even if I never find out, I
will be sure to thank them by paying it forward
next Christmas!

Christmas Jar Story: 'I lost my mom the end of October'

2011-12-15T09:45:00.000-05:00

Today, I received a Christmas Jar at my door.

I lost my mom the end of October, she and dad had lived with us and she truly was the matriarch of our family.. but suddenly she was gone. 10 days later.. I lost my job and I sit here at home though blessed with the birth of 2 grandchildren this year.. feeling lost broken hearted and in fear of what tomorrow will bring. But, through the heart of a distant friend, a Christmas jar found its way to my house and caused me to do some research since I had never heard about the Christmas Jars.. Today, though in tears.. the thought that someone cared enough to reach out to me has filled my heart with hope... hard to believe that a simple jar can reignite all that is good about life, friends and the holidays. May all that read this and the story of the Christmas jar feel a bit of what I feel at this moment.. the love that is around us!

Merry Christmas
LB

Christmas Jar Story: 'A glimmer of hope from a mysterious angel.'

2011-12-12T11:06:00.002-05:00

Corfu, NY:

I received my Christmas Jar today, Dec 12, 2011. I
couldn't feel more blessed. I'm a single mom with
a 9 year old son. I lost my job in August and just
went back to work in the middle of November.
My bills fell behind and Christmas for my son was
becoming a slim possibility. I am also in the
beginning stages of trying to build a house thanks
to a loan from my dad. My roof is falling down
around me and to top it all off my grandmother
recently passed away. Like everything else in
my life I was beginning to feel hopeless and
defeated. And then came the jar. A glimmer of
hope from a mysterious angel. My son and I
decided to put the jars contents towards the
building of the house and were so touched by
a "strangers"kindness that we've decided to
start our own Christmas Jar to pass along next
year. Thanks again to our anonymous angel
should they happen to see this.

Christmas Jar Story: 'I want her to know that somebody notices her HARD work.'

2011-12-11T16:33:00.006-05:00

Downingtown, PA:

I met a women who moved here from a Scandinavian
Country . She works many jobs to keep her kids fed
and in clothes. The Dad isn't so much in the picture,
so things are tight! She hasn't been home in 15 years
and her parents haven't been able to make the trip
over in six years! I know my jar will only put a small
dent in the bills. But I want her to know somebody
notices her HARD work, and just maybe it can help
put aside a bit of stress this Christmas Season.

Christmas Jar Story: 'I came home from work and my husband had moved out'

2011-12-11T11:25:00.005-05:00

Zimmerman, Mn.:

I have been married for 7 yrs and on august
12th I came home from work, and my husband
had moved out. It was one month and 1/2 before
our 8th Anniversary. It was a total shock. I went
into a survival mode and immediately set up a
garage sale to make some extra money. Our rent
at that time was 900.00 per month which I could
not afford on my own. He did leave 600.00 in our
checking acct.,and left all the furniture. He only
took all his clothing,motorcycle,and tools. I sold
most of everything accumulated in our 7 years
together. I made 3000.00 dollars. I was offered
by an old friend and her husband to move in with
them for 5oo.oo per month. I paid them a 1000.00
out of my moving sale. In the mean time I still was
paying the bills from where my husband and I
lived.

I talked a lot on my wireless phone and to make a
long story short, went over my minutes, not
realizing the amount it was adding up to. I ended
up paying around 900.00 total. Then where I
moved, after a couple of weeks I decided it was
not going to work out living with someone else.
I felt bad because my friend and her husband
financially did need some help. I do believe God
was looking after me because I found a mobile
home for sale for only 3000.00 . I told my
friends to keep the other 500.00 because of them
offering me to rent with them. The rest of my
money, like I said before was to live on and
pay previous bills. Someone who I cannot
mention his name,borrowed me the 3000.00
to get the mobile home. When I went to pay
for the mobile home,the mobile park had said
they needed 400.00 damage deposit for the
lot plus 290.00 for the lot rent. well the person
that was selling the mobile home, said that
they would only charge me 2600.00 for the
trailer, so that I didn't have to worry about
the lot damage. In the meantime I knew when
I got this I would really be living on a tight
budget.

Now, about the money can.. I came home from
work and there was a Christmas bag on my
steps. I picked it up and thought somebody left
me a heavy candle. I opened! I it up, and started
crying. Someone is really looking after me. I
cried several times during the day, also read
The money jar and cried again. I am crying
now typing this letter, because that gift from
some unknown person, really is making me
think about life differently. There are people
out in the world that are much worse off then
I am. I at least am thankful that I have 2 part
time jobs, and some very dear family and
friends that are there for me when I need
them. I am starting today, to put my change
in a jar, for someone else to experience what
did, when I received my Money Jar which
amounted 92.00, that I put in the bank to
pay another bill. Thank-you very much
mystery friend, you opened my eyes up to
how good life really is. Everybody that was
there for me, I can never repay them for
their tremendous help,I truly thank you
from my heart, and I will always pledge
to do a money jar, starting now.
thanks,so much......Debbie

Christmas Jar Story: ' Thank you for redirecting our intentions'

2011-12-09T11:11:00.003-05:00

Ottoville, OH:

I finished The Christmas Jars in late November this year.
It is a beautiful book that has made me rethink Christmas.
Giving should be at the top of our list. So we made an
Advent wreath this year with 3 purple and 1 pink candle.
We are lighting the candles designated each night while
the wreath sits atop a love table(purchased on our
honeymoon 11 years ago). In the center of the wreath,
on the table, is our Christmas Jar. My 7 and 9 year old
daughters discuss nightly who will get our Jar, what
they will do with the money, how happy they will be.
It is so exciting for them to help others. We do not
yet know who it will go to. God will lead us to where
it belongs. The expectation is exhilarating. As should
be our expectation of our Lords birth. Thank you for
re-directing our intentions this and every future
Christmas season. God bless!

Christmas Jar Story: 'I will never forget this special gift'

2011-12-08T10:57:00.007-05:00

Selden, NY

I am a single mom, working three jobs to make ends
meet. Recent auto repairs and other unexpected
expenses, have made Christmas for my family
almost non-existent. I was feeling as though there
was no hope until an angel left my miracle jar. It
was given to me at work, delivered anonymously.
From the moment I received the jar, I knew that
there is hope. It was not the money, but the comfort
and love I felt and I knew that I am not alone. I will
be eternally grateful to my angel and this special
miracle. I will never forget this special gift.

Christmas Jar Story: 'we noticed something wrong with the refrigerator'

2011-12-05T18:48:00.007-05:00

Riverton, UT:

The past year of our lives, has been one of complete
humility. We were always the family who served,
who donated, who helped out when no one else
could. When the economy took a nose dive, my
husband had to leave a business he had help
create to keep it alive. We obtained a new job
after 9 months at 1/4 of the pay. With 5 children,
4 teenagers and a college student, we were are
at the most expensive stage of our married life
and starting over.

I work at a job, I absolutely love, however the pay
and hours are not enough. So with 2 incomes,
our basement apartment rented out we still are
short each month by almost 1/2. Trimming the
budget to the bare bones, depleting all our savings,
cashing in our 401K & receiving help from family
& as a last resort, ecclesiastical help. We are doing
everything in our power to keep life as normal as
possible as to not bring doom and gloom into out
children's minds.

So this Sunday evening, After eating dinner we
noticed something wrong with the Refrigerator -
It was not working, luckily we live in Utah where
it is cold, and we started piling our food into the
cold garage, to safe as much as we can. As a family
we sat down to watch a broadcast of the Christmas
Devotional given by the first Presidency of the LDS
Church, We heard a knock at the door and found
the Christmas Jar and your book. I will be honest,
I was embarrassed that I was being given this
generous gift, yet it could not have come at a better
moment, seeing as I was just worrying as to how
we were going to fix the fridge. I wish I could
thank that family who felt the Spirit and shared
the Light of Christ with us this evening.

I hope to be able to pay it forward in the future.

Christmas Jar Story: 'many people lost their homes.'

2011-12-05T10:05:00.004-05:00

Mandan, ND:

Our 6 year old daughter and 4 year old son worked
hard to "make" a Christmas jar this year. We had
a thousands of houses flood in our area this
summer and many people lost their homes. We
decided to give our jar to a retired couple who lost
their home to the flood. The kids took the jar to
them on Thanksgiving day, handed the jar to
them and promptly chirped "This is so you can
buy a new house." I was very proud of my children
that day and hope it makes them feels as good as
it did me.

We have already started our next Christmas jar.

Christmas Jar Story: 'We knwe the jar was for her.'

2011-12-02T18:17:00.005-05:00

Wichita, Kansas:

My husband read the book after watching the
author on TV. He gave me the book to read. I got
transformed in such way that I took it to my work
and shared it with lot of people, especially with the
Tuesday study group women I attend. I told them
I want to start this project this year. By then it was
summer time of 2011. They agree to do it as a group.
Every meeting we brought our change collected
during the week.

The time came to decide who will be the person in
need to bring the jar. We mentioned different
people as potential receivers. One lady in the group
knew that one of us in our group was passing some
struggles but she was quiet but after Thanksgiving
more things happened to her. When we learned
about her situation, we knew the jar was for her.
The awesome detail was that when we were sharing
about our potential individual or family, she was
asking me if I knew a family from a program I lead,
that was in need. So she was thinking about others
when she was in such struggle. That really breaks
my heart. I'm so glad she was chosen. We put the
money in a special box with the book at her desk
when she left her desk to go for lunch. I had to do
a TV program that day so I was not in the office
when she came back. All that I know was that when
I call her on the phone to let her know that I was
running late for one of my class I teach, her voice
was like she has been crying but trying to control
herself because she is the receptionist. We couldn't
wait until the week of Christmas because we felt
we had to move quickly.

Today Dec. 2, 2011 I'm sending a news release to
the media, sharing about our Christmas Jars
project. I want to inspire other organizations to do
the same we did. I found it is a very easy way to
help others and bring hope when it seems there
is no light at the end of the tunnel.

God Bless you for this so inspiring book. This little
book is a bomb! I took a picture of our jar if you
would like to see it. (I think you will need to add a
box for photos :)) Next week we are going to take
a picture of the group with the jar to have a good
memory of a begining of this project of hope.

Liz

Christmas Jar Story:'we have now started operation Christmas jar'

2011-12-02T18:08:00.003-05:00

Riverside, Ca:

Story: I was given a copy from a co-worker, it changed
our lives! we have now started operation Christmas jar
to ensure all of our neighbors and community have a true
Christmas, my 5 yr old was recently given some money
when asked what she would spend it on, toys , candy ?
she replied that she wanted to put it in the jar for
children who might not have a Christmas! From the
mouth of babes.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR AMAZING
BOOK, A TRUE BLESSING

Christmas Jar Story: 'all we could see was change, but inside was a very large roll of bills!'

2011-11-29T15:41:00.002-05:00

My name is Kimberly, my husband is Joel and our ten year old daughter is Jadyn. Joel will be 47 years old in a few weeks. We live in Fort Wayne, Indiana. I'd like to give you a little bit of our background for the last two years before I share our Christmas Jar experience with you.
Joel was diagnosed with an uncommon form of melanoma cancer on August 6, 2009 and at that time was only 44 years old. This is a skin cancer, but in rare instances in can just occur inside a body, in a lymph node. This is what happened to Joel. This is an aggressive cancer which spreads rapidly. At this time Joel was diagosed at stage 2 (out of 4 stages, with 4 being terminal).
To make a VERY long story as short as possible, Joel went through several surgeries, one being a "modified radical neck dissection" which was absolutely horrible. The doctors weren't sure what to do after that so Joel was put on an aggressive treatment called Interferon. This is given to HIV patients when there is nothing else to treat them with. It is supposed to help ones immune system "gear up" and fight the cancer itself. It makes a person terribly sick, and the treatment lasts an entire year. We though Joel was going to die many times because he was so ill from this treatment. Unfortunately, five months later the cancer had spread to three places in his brain. The Interferon didn't help. They then gave Joel "full brain radiation" and told us to wait. Joel became more and more ill and began having unexplainable "spells."
We took it upon ourselves to contact the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN and drove up there to see if they could help us at all. Joel's driving priviledges were taken away because of the brain tumors and possiblity of seizures (which he was having minor ones and we didn't realize it at the time). At the Mayo, after many tests, they determined that they could surgically remove two of the three tumors. They would cut his skull in two places, remove the tumors along with as little brain matter as possible, and then sew him up. Then about a week or two later they would perform gamma-knife radiation on the third tumor because it was in an area which could possibly cause permanent damage to Joel if they tried to surgically remove it.
Around 5 pm on a Thursday we were told about the possibility of brain surgery. One of the country's best brain surgeons "happened" to have a cancellation the next morning at 6 am. Joel had to make a decision that night by 7 pm so the arrangements could be made and tests could be done . We prayed about it, felt the Lord's peace that transcends all understanding, and Joel decided to go ahead and have the brain surgery. We had no family with us (except our daughter), no friends in the entire state, we were four states away from home, and yet we were calm and collected. We know that was from God, and that the Lord was with us, we felt Him continuously throughout this time.
We made a total of six trips to the Mayo Clinic within the next twelve months (which was from March/April 2010 to March/April 2010). It was an incredibly difficult and enormously stressful time for the three of us. We not only had the cancer to deal with but insurance "situations," soc sec to deal with, crucial financial difficulties, and more. Joel's cancer continued to spread over the next year. Gamma-knife radiation was performed at the Mayo two additional times. Joel was also put on a chemotherapy "pill" called Temodar which gets into the brain easier than IV chemo does. During that year Joel had times of feeling very well, and other times of feeling very sick. But no matter how he felt, we trusted in Jesus Christ completely and knew that He was in control. During these trying times we wanted to take every opportunity to teach our daughter how to react during trials and tribulations that life brings. How to react according to scripture, so that she will be better able to deal with problems in life more appropriately when she is older. Believe me, the Lord brought us many teachable moments in the last two years.
During the January 2011 and March/April 2011 trips to the Mayo, Joel's cancer began spreading even more rapidly. We continued to trust in the Almighty God and He blessed us tremendously during this time. Because by this time all of our resources were gone (savings, 401K, etc.) we had to trust in the Lord for His constant provision. And He provided for every single one of our needs! He never left us nor forsook us. Joel now had this cancer in about 25 places all over inside his body. Joel was changed to "stage 4 terminal." We continued praying for a miracle.
We were told by the Mayo doctors about a brand new medication that was not even approved by the FDA for use in the USA yet. It was specifically for those with melanoma cancer that had spread to the brain, and it was called Yervoy. It was incredibly expensive and we were not certain if our insurance would cover it. The cost was approximately $125,000.00 for four treatments. Yes, that's only four IV treatments over a twelve week period of time. It was approved for use in the USA on April 11, 2011 and Joel received the first treatment on April 28, 2011. Joel was the first person in Fort Wayne to receive this treatment! We were told he was the first in Indiana to receive it, and definitely among the first in the USA to receive Yervoy! We were on the local news several times and even though it was exciting, it was also overwhelming. We gave God the glory constantly during this time, on the news, during the interviews for the story on the oncology website, etc.
Joels last Yervoy treatment was on June 30, 2011. He had a full body PET scan on July 28, 2011 to see if it had shrunk any of the tumors inside his body. We hoped and prayed that at least some of them would be gone, or smaller at least. On August 4, 2011 (exactly two years to the date from his first surgery to remove the inital lump that we found) we were given the results of this PET scan. The oncologist could find NO CANCER anywhere in Joel's body!! None!! Joel was in remission! This was totally unexpected by anybody, even the medical professionals!! We praise the Lord for this miracle! We truly believe this is a miracle from Above! This is the miracle we prayed for! And even though the doctors say Joel is still considered "stage 4 terminal" and that will not change. They tell us the cancer returned in 2 or 3 months during the clinical trials and was even more aggressive.
We were on such an emotional roller-coaster ride during the past two years and so many things happened that it's impossible to mention them all in this email. Good things were brought to us from Jesus, like our church family. They helped and provided for us (and continue to do so) like we've never seen before! The "church body" is truly alive and well in Fort Wayne, Indiana! Other negative things happened also, really stressful things. One example is that our health insurance was terminated FOUR times in this calendar year, and never once due to our error. Every time was due to errors by the insurance company. They reinstated us every time, but oh, the problems that were caused. Especially when Joel had difficulty getting his seizure medications filled.
So, now on with our Christmas Jar experience. One thing we were very worried about was Christmas last year. We had no money left. We didn't know where we'd get money for our bills or groceries, etc. Joel was on Soc Sec Disability Income and I had to quit my job to care for him and for Jadyn. We depended on Christ daily for all things: food, mortgage payments, gasoline, etc. And we still depend on Him for all things. We trusted that He would provide something for Christmas for our daughter Jadyn. Joel and I haven't exchanged Christmas gifts much at all since Jadyn was born. So we weren't worried about us, just about her having some gifts to open on Christmas morning. We've always taught Jadyn the real meaning of Christmas, about Christ's birth, and yet we wanted her to have gifts also. We have family and friends in the area and had faith that God would provide, through them, for Jadyn.
About a week before Christmas Joel got a phone call to look outside our front door. It was cold and the ground was covered in quite a bit of snow. On the doorstep was a package. Inside was a Christmas Jar and the book. We were astonished because we had not heard of this before (later on I realized that I had heard of this years ago). Being the normal humans that we are, we first counted the money in the jar. At first all we could see was the change, but inside was a very large rolls of bills! There was over $700 in that quart sized jar! Yes, there was!! We were stunned! We cried and got on our knees thanking our Heavenly Father above for this tremendous blessing! Later on both Joel and I read the book. I cried, of course. What an endearing story, what a fantastic thing that was done for us! And what a wonderful thing we can do for others in the future.
It seemed so unreal, we remained in shock for awhile! That someone would do this for us was mind-boggling! We have not to this day, discovered who gave us this Christmas Jar. We don't want to know either. It's such a wonderful thing to do for others. We did buy some Christmas gifts, but didn't want to "squander" any of the money the Lord provided for us. We wanted to be good stewards. We saved some, but we also anonymously provided some Christmas gifts to two single mom's at our church (and their kids). We paid some smaller medical bills with some of it, too! We anonymously helped another family, also. It felt SO GOOD to be helping others for once, to be on the giving end and not the receiving end!! God is so incredible! He has blessed us enormously in so many ways during this difficult time, and the Christmas Jar was so HUGE! It touched our hearts so deeply. We were very humbled knowing that someone (probably a group of people) went to this much effort for us, the little ol' Saunders family!
After the holidays we then began saving our change in the Christmas Jar so that we could "pass it forward" to someone else this year. We've had to turn the change into bills a few times, and the jar is again almost filled to the top. We have encouraged Jadyn to put her extra change into the jar whenever possible. We have been praying for God to let us know who He would like us to anonymously deliver this Christmas jar to. We have someone in particular in mind!
Jason, we humbly thank you for the story of the Christmas Jars. Thank you, Heavenly Father, for loving us so much! Thank you also for listening to our story. Again, we give God all the glory for all good things!

Christmas Jar Story: 'I have just finished your story'

2011-11-20T18:01:00.005-05:00

Frankfort, IN:

Story: I have just finished your story, The Christmas
Jars. What a beautiful story. My son, Anthony, died
from suicide 5 years ago. I belong to a Bereaved
Parents Group in Crawfordsville, IN. I am going
to give each member of this group a jar with your
book for Christmas.

God bless you. Doris

'Christmas Jar Story:'The little girl said I was her angel'

2011-11-18T17:05:00.008-05:00

Alaska:

I am originally from California but I came here to
Sitka, Alaska to change my life.

The first December was so rough for me because
of the Christmas holiday.It was hard because I
missed my family back in California; I didn't know
anyone here; it was also my birthday, and I only
had enough money to pay for rent for the month.
I was hungry. All I thought about was how I was
going to get food that day or not.

Something really amazing happened to me on
Christmas Eve. I was depressed so I decided
to go for a walk. It was night and it was pouring
down rain. I was walking, a car stopped beside
me. I turned around to look and a little girl got
out of the car and told me, I have a gift for you.
"My glasses were wet and I could hardly see. I
replied, "What is it?" She said, "It's a gift. Merry
Christmas." She said again, "I have a gift for you"
and I said "What is it?"She walked up to me and
handed me a jar. The little girl turned around
and walked back to the car. She opened the door.
Before she got in, she looked at me and then
pointed at me and said, "Mom, that's my angel."
The little girl got in the car and left.

It was dark and the jar was painted with Christmas
trees so I could not really see it. I kept walking.
The jar was heavy so I decided to go back home.
When I got home, I set the jar down. I opened it
and looked at what it was.

It was a jar full of money.

The little girl said I was her angel. In reality, she was mine.

Christmas Jar Story: 'We all piled in the car to deliver it'

2011-11-17T13:58:00.003-05:00

Anchorage, Alaska :

December 2010 was our first Christmas Jar and now we
are so excited to deliver our 2011 jar. My family saved
change for most of the year and then I decorated
a big jar with Christmas ribbon, decals...we
attached an angel with a bit about the Christmas
Jar and included a copy of the book with our jar.
A few days before we were to deliver our jar our
friends started asking if they could drop their
change off to us to include in our jar-we were
so thrilled. We rolled coins several evenings
and ended up with well over $300.00 in our
jar! It was so heavy we decided to cash in the
coins and filled our jar with paper cash-it was
awesome.

We put the jar and the book in a lovely gift
bag and all piled in the car to deliver it.
While a fiend ran up to the door we all
ducked down so that the recipient would
not see us (slight chance she may have
recognized one or two of us). It was so
exciting to make this anonymous delivery
as I know this family could truly use the
blessing of this gift. The thrill and joy our
family has gained from this simple act of
giving is unmatched. I know this tradition
will be an everlasting one in my family.

Christmas Jar Syory: 'We were both crying by the end of counting the money'

2011-11-16T12:16:00.001-05:00

Clinton Township, MI:

It was just over a year ago that my husband
and I found out that our second child had
a chormosome defect known as Trisomy 18.
This is fatal to anyone who has it. The
chances of our little girl even being born
alive were 40%. If she made it through
a live birth, more than likely she would die
within the first 5 days of her life. There
was only a 5-10% chance that if she made
the live birth that she would live until
she was one. This devistated my family.
Here it was coming upon a season of
Thanksgiving and also the spirit of
Christmas and we had little to be joyful
about. Instead of dreaming how different
our family would be in a year at these times,
enjoying the last time of these holidays as
a family of three, we were planning on
where to bury our daughter, where
to have her funeral, and playing the
"waiting" game to see what would
happen with her.

My husband and I were wondering at
this time, "How can we afford a funeral
when we are just living pay check to pay
check?" We were making ends meet, but
it was rough. It was overwhelming to me,
but I had to remain calm because I wanted
our daughter to have a fighting chance at
life and I couldn't get too stressed out. It
was the Sunday before Christmas. My
husband, son and I were coming
home from church and Sunday School.
We were pulling around to our condo
and I noticed that there was a package
by our front door. After we got upstairs
to our condo (we live on the second floor
one), I asked my husband to go downstairs
to get the package. When my husband came
back upstairs with the package, he was
grubbling that it was heavy and probably
a candle that we would never use that the
neighbors left us. It was right after lunch
and I just put our son down for a nap when
I decided to look in the bag. I am not a big
fan of candles so I was in no hurry to open
the bag. Curiosity got the best of me. I went
and pulled the tissue away and I gasped. I
asked my husband if he actually looked into
the bag to see the candle. He told me no he
hadn't. I told him to come over to the bag.
He came slowly, asking me if it was a scent
that I would like. I told him to open it up and
take it out of the bag. When he looked in the
bag his eyes got really big. He took out this
large Mason jar full of coins, mostly silver,
and we could see bills tucked in here and
there. I started crying. He was just amazed.
We opened the rest of the present and there
was the book, The Christmas Jars, in the bag
also. I sat down and started reading it right
away. We didn't open the jar until later that
night. We were afraid to!

After we put our son to bed, we decided
to open the jar. I had finished the book
by this time and had told my husband
the meaning behind it. Of course we
searched the gift bag, tissue paper, jar,
book, anything to find out who had given
us this. (We did find a button in the jar, but
that is still a mystery.) We dumped the jar
on our living room floor. My husband
decided to count the bills, I started on
the coins. We were both crying by the end
of counting the money. We were in shock.
We had enough money plus a little extra to
pay for our daughter's casket. I am forever
grateful to whoever gave us this jar. You
helped us in a time when we didn't know
how we were going to buy our daughter a
casket for a funeral we planned 4 months
in advanced. Everytime we think of who it
could be, we think of at least ten more
people. We have given up trying to figure it
all out.

Our daughter did not make it to a live birth.
She was stillborn at 37 weeks. She was
beautiful, but I know that she is in Heaven
with Jesus free from her chromosome defect.
I can't wait to give our own Christmas Jar
in memory of her.

Christmas Jar Story: 'We decided to make this a Christmas tradition'

2011-11-16T11:44:00.004-05:00

Pittsburgh, PA:

Since I read the book 3 years ago, we started
our jars.

My children are grown and God has been very good
to all of us. We decided to make this a Christmas
tradition. Every Christmas when they all come to
my house among their gifts is a coffee can with the
words Christmas Jar printed on it. Each family
takes the jar home and starts filling it. I let them
know ahead of time that at Thanksgiving dinner
we will be picking families we feel are in need of
the jars. After dinner we discuss who will receive
the jars. My youngest granddaughter is 11 and
loves going to place the jars at peoples doors.

We pass out 3 jars each year, and if we don't
have enough names we get one from the church.
That is our Christmas Tradition and we love it.

Thanks
Betty

Christmas Jar Story:'She showed me the bill'

2011-11-15T11:35:00.001-05:00

Downey, CA:

I started saving coins in a canning jar in August,
2010. By November it was full so I started another.
On Christmas Eve I had 1 full jar and 1 1/2 full jar.
Unhappy with that I went to my credit union,
poured all the coins into their counter and it came
to a total of $42.18. I took that cash, put it in a red
envelope and left it on the door step of my neighbor.
The next day, Christmas Day I took over a tray of
cookies to the same neighbor and she told me about
the "special gift" she found on her door step. She
wept and said "Now I can pay my light bill." She
showed me the bill - in the amount of $42.18. I feel
very blessed to have seen this wonderful miracle!
Who knew that my change could be just what my
neighbor needed?

Christmas Jar Story: 'They have been trying to catch up'

2011-11-15T11:12:00.004-05:00

Syracuse, Utah:

Several years ago my daughter and son-in-law
went through a financial disaster. They have
been trying to catch up as they pay monumental
medical bills and other bills which pile up. They
are the most giving, positive people we know
and always are looking for ways to serve others.
My wife has stage four metastatic breast cancer
and my daughter and her family have constantly
reached out to us at a time when they need so
much help themselves. They have loved and
cared for us in ways that would make any parent
proud. This year my wife and I decided to give
our Christmas Jar to them.

We have saved and saved all year to surprise
one person and give them hope. We have
helped them along the way but this Christmas
Jar will bring additional hope and a spirit of
love for a family so much in need.

We have given your book to so many
hoping they might look for ways to help
someone else and give them the light
and spirit of Christmas.

Christmas Jar Story:'due to the circumstances, the last two were given before Christmas'

2011-11-15T11:02:00.005-05:00

Acworth, GA:

This is my 3d year giving a Christmas Jar; however,
due to the circumstances, the last two were given
before Christmas. In 2010, a father with children
was separating, looking for a new home for himself
and his children, and needing money while making
these life changes. My jar was still small but it did
help in a trying time.

This year, the jar went early again, this time to a
man with Stage IV cancer, having problems
getting his meds with no insurance. It was a small
help but a help anyway.

So, I have an early start on next year's jar. Maybe
it will make it all the way. It does make for
Christmas Spirit all year long; dropping that
change in the jar every few days really feels good.
I try to give a copy of the book with the gift.

Christmas Jar Story: 'I don't know who it went to and they didn't know where it came from'

2011-11-15T10:55:00.005-05:00

Kanab, Utah:

We moved from San Diego to Kanab in 2007 and I
wasn't familiar with the situation of our new ward
members. I gave my Christmas jar to the bishop and
he passed it on to a needy family. I don't know who
it went to and they didn't know where it came
from... Perfect!

Last year we had a new bishop. It took me
awhile to convince him I didn't want credit for it,
I just wanted it to go where it was needed. He set
it on his desk and accepted donations from ward
members until time to deliver it. I still don't know
where it went, I only know it was a lot fuller by the
time it was delivered.

Christmas Jar Story: 'We decided to go to Prince William Hospital'

2011-11-10T09:41:00.003-05:00

Haymarket, Virginia:

My daughters and I started our "Christmas Jar"
tradition in 2009. The first year we literally
drove around the city of Manassas on Christmas
Eve for hours trying to figure out who to give the
jar to. We went to the homeless shelter, it was a
ghost town; we staked out toy stores looking for
just the right family. Then, we decided to go to
Prince William Hospital. We went into the ER
and told the administrator at the front desk what
we were doing. With tears in her eyes and after
offering us some of her Grandma's homemade
fudge, she contacted a public relations liason who
was in the hospital at the time. The woman came
and met me and my daughters. She agreed to take
the jar and see to it that it got to just the right
person. I told her that we wanted to remain
anonymous but that I would give her my contact
information so that she could tell me the story
behind the person she had given the jar to. A
couple of weeks later I received a letter from the
hospital administrator. She said that she had given
the jar to a young single mom who had no partner
and little family support. The mom had told her she
was going to put the money toward a car seat for her
newborn child. The letter also told of how the story
of the Christmas Jar had spread through the
hospital and how inspirational it had been to
all who heard it.

In 2010, we again got our Christmas Jar and book
ready (we always give a copy of the book with the
jar). About two weeks before Christmas, I got
a call that my dog groomer would have to cancel
our appointment because her husband had
committed suicide. My dog groomer is a young
woman with very young children. My children
both came to me at different times and said that
they believed we should give the jar to this
woman and her young children. That was
easier said than done. We insist on remaining
anonymous and my groomer of course knew who
I was and who my oldest daughter was. However,
she had never meet my younger daughter who had
just turned twelve. We got the address and waiting
until dark on Christmas Eve and headed out. When
we got close to the house, I turned off the interior
lights in our car so that when the door opened you
couldn't see who was inside. My youngest daughter
went to the door. When my dog groomer answered
the door my daughter gave her the jar and book and
said this is from my family. She asked who that
family was and my daughter replied, "I am not
allowed to tell you". The young woman said well
can I have a hug then. They hugged and my
daughter returned to our car. Another successful
year!

This year, I have two jars to give away. My mother
passed away on 10/22/11 in New Market, Virginia.
While going through her things I discovered cans
of collected change. My daughter, now 13, as soon
as she saw the cans said, "I think MawMaw would
want this change to go into a Christmas Jar". So the
story continues....I will check back in the New Year
to let you know how the two 2011 jars went!

Christmas Jar Story: 'We were struggling financially and spiritually.'

2011-11-09T13:12:00.006-05:00

Morehead, Kentucky:

I received a Christmas Jar in the year of 2009. My
husband had just had his 2nd surgery in less than
a year. We were struggling financially and spiritually.

I am a teacher and had found what I thought was a
fruit basket on my desk. I was surprised to find in
the basket, a jar of dollars and coins! Along with the
jar was a copy of the book, Christmas Jars. It was
truly inspiring and I have continued the tradition
each year since. I've even included my students
in helping raise money for our own Christmas Jar.
What a blessing!

Christmas Jar Story:I left him just before Christmas'

2011-11-09T09:11:00.003-05:00

Glencoe, Alabama:

The Christmas jar changed my families lives.
Although I have never had the chance to read
the book, a few years ago I was able to read the
cover. See I have been in abusive relationships
for a very long time and the last one, I was in
I was married to him. I had finally had enough
when I realized he was hurting my babies..
anyway I left him just before Christmas with
nothing but a broken down van. I did get to
keep the place we were renting and stuff but
I had no job and no way of getting the kids
Christmas gifts or any of our basic needs or
anything. I never gave up that something would
happen and that I would be able to provide for
them and sure enough.... One day I walked out
of church and sitting in the seat of my van was
a jar FULL of money! I couldn't believe it! And
at the bottom was the cover to this book! No one
has ever confessed or anything but one day I
know I will be able to help someone in the
same kindness that we were shown.

Thank you Jason Wright for your wonderful
gift. I can't tell you how much that it changed
my life but to let you know because of that I
have been able to give my children all their basic
needs and we had a great Christmas that year
as well as we are all very happy and in a fulfilled
life with a wonderful husband and dad and a new
addition to our family. Wow! I can't express
enough how much that book helped change our
course in life. I cant wait for the day when I can
get a copy of it and finally read the entire thing.
Thanks again and God bless!

Christmas Jar Story: 'join in the feeling of the wonderful spirit of giving'

2011-11-07T08:43:00.003-05:00

North Pole, Alaska

I live in the great white north, North Pole Alaska.
This year will be the fourth year our family will do
a Christmas Jar and two years we even were able
to do two jars a year. I heard of the book while
watching Glenn Beck and hearing him talk about
the book and all the good that could come from
the Christmas Jars given anonymously. Our
family's Christmas is never complete without doing
some act of service and doing it anonymously is
always the best way. Our children's favorite memories
are leaving goodie or treat boxes on doorsteps, knocking
and running before they got caught. We still do treats
but our main focus is our Christmas Jars. We've been
able to give all our jars anonymously through the help
of other Christmas angles but the stories they bring
back to us really touch our hearts. It truly is amazing
how one jar can change a whole life.

One of the years a friend of ours was volunteering
at one of the local homeless shelters and befriended
a woman who was all alone. She was trying to turn
her life around and was making better choices but
was struggling all alone. Our friend happened to
mention her in passing one day during the Christmas
season. At this time our family was prying trying to
know who our jar should go to. The next couple of
days this woman and that conversation kept coming
back to me and our family decided that she would get
our Christmas Jar. I called my friend, swore her to
secrecy and had her deliver our Christmas Jar. My
friend came back the very next morning, telling me
she just had to share with me the wonderful experience
that had happened as she had delivered our jar. This
wonderful woman who was so bravely making decisions
to change her live sat and cried that anyone would do
this for someone else that did not even know. She felt
her life was not worth that much and she repeatedly
told my friend that she couldn't believe anyone would
do anything like this for her. Again, as with many
Christmas Jars, the money is welcome and needed, but
it is the feeling that someone knows your name and
recognizes that your struggling. Mainly, that God knows
who you are and He cares and loves you is the greatest
gift of all.

Our family has had many opportunities to not only give
Christmas Jars but tell others about them. All about the
book, about how they started and how they can join in
feeling of the wonderful spirit of giving, kindness and
love that surrounds all of us as we continue the Christmas
Jar Legacy.

The Jar That Has Changed Lives

Christmas Jar Story: ' Each classroom filled their own jar.'

2011-10-09T20:10:00.003-04:00

Grants Pass, Oregon:

I fell in love with Wednesday Letters, which led
me to Christmas Jars...which I loved as well.
I'm a 5th grade teacher, and I'm also the
coordinator of our school's Student Council.
Every student council member (18 3rd, 4th,
and 5th graders) decorated a jar and then
placed their jar empty in their "adopted"
classroom, which ranged from k to 5th
grade...18 classrooms total. Each classroom
filled their jar. Then over Christmas vacation
it was the Student Council members job to
hand out their jar, and write about their
experience. When they returned from vacation,
Student Council members read their papers
to the students in their "adopted" classroom.
It was amazing for the entire school! Students
felt like they made a difference in someone's
life and helped spread hope and love!

I'm now having my Church's home fellowship
over and we are decorating 14 Christmas jars
this evening...one for each family in our home
group, which will then be filled until Christmas
and delivered throughout our city.

Christmas Jars will be a tradition in my life
and my family's lives forever. Thank you!!

Christmas Jar Story: 'It was huge encouragement.'

2011-07-29T16:43:00.002-04:00

East Greenville, PA:

Christmas morning, the dogs started barking &
then we noticed a little later that there was a jar on
the doorstep, full of change. There was $84 in it,
and being a very rough year for us, we were so
happy to be able to pay on our son's emergency
room bill which we wouldn't have been able to
do. It was a huge encouragement!!

Christmas Jar Story:' teach my children that Christmas is 365 days a year.'

2011-07-21T17:02:00.003-04:00

Silver Spring , Md:

Another Christmas had passed and the decorations
were put away. I realized that I wanted to find a way
to keep those feelings of hope and givings alive, a
way to teach my children that Christmas is 365 days
a year. When I read the book "Christmas Jars", I
knew it would change our lives. I knew that I
found a new family tradition, a tradition that kept
the meaning of Christmas alive throughout the
year. My husband and I put a jar on our kitchen
counter and explained to our 2 children what
we were going to do.

Throughout the first year, they kept asking,
"who are we going to give the jar to?" Our
response was always the same, "God will let
us know". That first year, it was a local family
in need. The second year was a young struggling
college student that tutored my son.

My husband just commented that the jar is nearly
full and it is only July. It looks like we will be
giving 2 jars this year.

The joy that we have experienced in giving hope
and sharing God's love has been incredible.

Last year we delivered our jar to a single
mother of 3 small children that had lost hope
when her husband walked out on his family.
My teenage son was overwhelmed with emotion
when this young woman threw her arms around
him and said, "I didn't know anyone cared. How
did you know, who are you" (we didn't know her
or her us, but God certainly knew to lead us
to her). When my son and I left her home, he
looked at me and said, let's do this next year.
I knew that this had reached his heart.

This year, who will get the Christmas jars...
God will let us know.

As a look at the jar on my counter, I feel
excited about being a part of something so
great and so joyous. Of course, that is what
Jesus meant about experiencing Heaven on
earth.

Christmas Jar Story: 'Although I did not receive my jar until today July 3rd, it brought healing & faith to face this years trials'

2011-07-04T11:15:00.002-04:00

Welch, Oklahoma:

Hello, I am a 48year old wife of 31years, mother of 5 & grandmother of 5. I am a christian and believe that god can touch your life through many wonders! My life has had many trials since 2007, with the loss of a brother, both parents and a diagnoses of heart failure from a childhood disease.

Although I did not receive my jar until today July 3rd, it brought healing and faith to face this years trials with an uplifted outlook. See I was diagnosed with breast cancer August of last year, I am at high risk for surgeries do to a metal mitral valve, a bad aortic valve & blood thinners. But I had a biopsy, a lumpectomy, and radiation by mid December. By February I was told that I had to have a hysterectomy and a bi-lateral mastectomy, in order to keep the cancer from returning! In March I had the hysterectomy & this week I will have both breast removed.

I have had a lot of identity issues, and I have asked god what my purpose in life is? I asked him because I have always been a giver but it was always in a way that required my physical abilities, which were cut down with the heart problems, and then cut out with the surgeries due to cancer. Leaving me to question what my purpose is? My jar came with the book! And was left for me in the church office this morning, i don't read much but the jar touched me so deeply, that I read the book to the end by the end of the day! I now know something I can do! It may not be as much as the person left me but it will be something! The jar touched me in many ways! Emotionally, spiritually, & financially it will provide the gas needed to get back and forth for my surgery and post-op appointments! Plus the change will bless my husband while at the hospital with vending machines he doesn't leave the hospital when I am in! I want to add that I will share this as a tradition that I will encourage my whole family to begin doing their own! We use to save up in a similar way for the Salvation Army's angel tree. Thank you for writing such a touching book and spreading a tradition that will keep circulating and touching lives for ever!
Sincerely Cozzette

Christmas Jar Story: 'It wasn't Christmas but we just received a Christmas Jar'

2011-06-08T18:48:00.003-04:00

Riverside , CA:

It wasn't Christmas, but we just received a
Christmas jar tonight. Times have been
impossibly hard, so much so we can't even
put gas in our cars. We haven't known what to
do for the past few weeks, things have been so
bad, and we've really been suffering alone with
it, not wanting to effect the customers we do
have that patronize our business. Tonight, June 7,
2011 a jar full of money and the book showed up
on our door. We hadn't heard about this book,
and were puzzled as to what it meant, so we read
the first page out loud and all the women in our
family had tears come to their eyes. Now we can
at least put gas in our cars to get to work and try
and make things better.

A Christmas miracle in June.

Christmas Jar Story: 'We are struggling every day in this economy'

2011-06-08T17:15:00.003-04:00

Riverside, CA:

Story: my youngest daughter came home late from
work last night, as she came through the door she
called that someone had left a paper bag on the
front step...were we expecting something because
it was heavy....I said no what is it...she sat the bag
on the table and withdrew a jar full of silver coins
and a copy of your book.....I woke my husband
and oldest daughter to see if they knew what it
was....reading the jacket of the book we felt we
understood what had happened. We are struggling
everyday in this economy and didn't know where
my husband was going to get the gas money to
go to a job this morning..we sold his grandmother's
silver to pay last months mortgage...we own our
own business and things are very tight...our
daughters and grandson have moved home to
help with the bills....it is June and we have received
a Christmas Jar because someone cared about
us...we will start our own jar tomorrow and will
hope that it is full by Christmas so that we can
send it forward...THANK YOU

Christmas Jar Story: 'We filled a big old wine jug'

2011-03-23T18:59:00.001-04:00

Millmont, PA:

We filled up a big ole wine jug and selected a
beautiful young couple with a month-old baby.
Dad was recently honorably discharged from
the service and the job situation wasn't that great.
We had a great time sneaking around in the dark
to leave the jar without getting "caught!"

Christmas Jar Story: 'I was 7 years old when my mom read me Christmas Jars'

2011-02-20T19:04:00.003-05:00

Idaho

I was 7 years old when my mom read me Christmas
Jars. After she finished reading Christmas Jars to
me I asked my mom for a jar. I put in money that I
didn't need into the Christmas jar.Then the next
year a leader from my church got really sick. She
had already gotten 2 surgeries. She couldn't go
home for Christmas and I found an opportunity. By
Christmas Eve I had gotten 50 something dollars
and 78 cents. We delivered it to the hospital late
at night with something else... Our own Christmas
Jars book. She didn't know it was us but it was a
miracle to her... And us!

Christmas Jar Story: I challenged all the kids to pray about it.'

2011-02-19T19:11:00.002-05:00

Provo, Utah:

We made a goal last year to leave a jar on someone's
porch in 2010. Throughout the year we added coins,
a few bills, and all are earnings from collecting cans.
My 3 sons often pulled a dollar from their job money,
adding it to the jar. With a little boost at the end of
the year we had over $100 to give.

As a family we discussed where it could go, and then
I challenged all the kids to pray about it. One by one
they came to me sharing the name of the family- a
kind single mother in our neighborhood who was
recently hit with an unexpected divorce. We waited
for the right time, sneak over, and left the jar
mysteriously on her door. The boys hid in the shrubs
while she picked it up and looked around. While I
know the money was a blessing to her, the act of
dropping money, little by little, day after day through
the year, blessed us with a feeling of gratitude and
humility that will never be forgotten.

We have already started our jar for 2011.

Christmas Jar Story: 'While we ate the neal someone put the jar in her car.'

2011-01-23T19:20:00.004-05:00

Bowling Green, OH:

I work for Brookdale Senior Living. There is an
associate, Joan, who also works there. Joan is
one of the most hardworking and compassionate
people I know. She cares about the elderly people
that we work with more than she cares about
herself.

One evening before work, Joan was not feeling well.
She laid down and was okay so she came to work.
As the night wore on, she did not feel any better,
sweating, etc. She finally decided that she should
go to the ER. But, before she did that she made
sure that someone covered her shift to take care
of the residents. Joan had a heart attack and
has not been able to return to work.

I received the book and a mason jar as Christmas
gift. I decided to set it out at work and collect
money. When our holiday celebration dinner
happened, we convinced Joan to come. She
loved getting out of the house. While we ate
the meal someone put the jar in her car.
She called the next day to say thank you and
that she remembered our conversation during
her interview. She said that she remembered
me saying that working here is not just about
us selecting you, but you selecting us. She said
that I asked her what she was looking for and
she said a place to belong. She let me know
that she had found that place.