Giving Back This Christmas With Walmart

The holiday season is a happy time for everyone, but for some people it can also be a difficult time. I sometimes get so busy during the holidays that I forget about families who are less fortunate that my own.

For them just dealing with everyday expenses is a hard strain. Then the holidays roll around and there isn't any extra money to purchase Christmas gifts. This always makes me sad and touches close to home for me.

When my oldest son was less than a year old I was a single mother struggling to get gifts for my child. I had a table top Christmas tree and nothing to put under it. I remember having to go to the store just to put $4o worth of toys on layaway. I couldn't afford the whole bill so layaway was my only option.

For me it was a way that I could put something on hold till pay day. I had no other choice because all I had was enough for the 10% down payment. Then on payday I could pay it off. All that mattered to me was giving my son something for Christmas. It was all worth it when I saw the big smile on his face Christmas morning.

I'm so glad those days are behind me, but I still remember the feeling of struggling to get something for my son for the holidays. All of the money I had was for diapers, milk, food, gas and rent. So I feel for those families that struggle to put a gift under their own Christmas tree.



So, when Walmart gave me the the opportunity to shop for some toys and then donate them to a local charity, I jumped right on board. My challenge was to see how many toys I could purchase for $50 (gift card provided).

Off to Walmart I headed with my two youngest children. I wanted them to experience the gift of giving instead of just receiving. We were all so excited to get started. Today I'm sharing a video
of our trip to Walmart to find some gifts for our local toy drive.


Toys That We Donated:
  • Build a Bear Sugar Puppy - $9.97
  • 3D Tangled Puzzle - $4.00
  • Transformers Dual Pack - $9.88
  • Basketball - $4.86
  • Infant Tickle Toes Plush Bear - $4.97
  • Baby Teether Pack - $3.00
  • Rubber Bath Toy Duck .97
  • Rubber Bath Toy Hippo - .97
  • Holiday Time Elephant Stuffed Animal W/Blanket - $8.98

Our total came to $50.48 with tax for all the toys we picked out. All toys were donated to the Rockwall Country Helping Hands Organization. I hope we made Christmas morning a little brighter for 4 children! I would like to thank Walmart for giving my children and I the opportunity to give back to our community this holiday season.

My kids were so excited that night when they went to bed. All they could talk about was the toys they picked out. My daughter said, mom do you think she will like what I picked out? I told her of course she will.

Carson said he loves basketballs so he knows the little boy he picked it out for will love it. They were a bit sad knowing this might be the only gifts those children receive Christmas morning. I told both of them at least they will get something and I am sure they will be grateful to both of you.



This video/post is sponsored by Walmart. I have been compensated for my time and efforts in creating this video/post. Walmart has provided me with a $50 gift card to use towards the purchase of the items mentioned. My participation is in this program is voluntary. As always the opinions stated are entirely my own.




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12 comments

Rhondi said…
Hi Tina. I urged my husband to organize a toy drive at his work, so we too are going to Wal-Mart this weekend to load up lots of toys to donate. Wal-Mart has the best toys at the lowest price. You got alot for $50!
What an amazing activity to do with your kids! Kudos to you and Walmart both! I love seeing people get excited about giving to others and your kids did such a great job!
Jennifer said…
Love it!!! Doing stuff like this with my kids is one of my favorite things about the Christmas season. Thanks for sharing :)
Jennifer
I just love this post. Great activity to do with your children. Y'all did good with $50.48. I enjoyed watching the video. Thanks to both you and Walmart.
Joy Burkhart said…
The feeling you get when you know you've done something so sweet and those kids will have something to open on Christmas is amazing! What a great video. Glad you've shown your children how to give, too. Gotta start 'em young!
xoxo
Joy
Hi Tina,
Loved reading your post this morning. What a great opportunity for your kids. Hope you all have a wonderful holiday.
Love from Utah...
~Jamie
Anonymous said…
You got a really useful blog. I have been here reading for about an hour. I am a newbie and your success is very much an inspiration for me.
Marilyn said…
Hi Tina: made the dreamy cupcakes for my daughter's birthday, she said they were soooooo delicious, thanks for the time, and effort you put into your site. Marilyn
Marilyn said…
P.S. Would love to see you on food network!
Marilyn
LOOOOVE that you can teach your kids about giving to others in this way. No one can relate any better than if we've walked in someone else's shoes...blessings to you!
Amy said…
You are the best mom! How amazing of you to teach your kids what life is about!
Michele said…
That's really great. God bless you and your family. We did the Angel tree and the pajama tree this year and it really showed the kids how wonderful sharing with someone less fortunate can be. :)