A Port on the Isle of Unwanted Things -

The Christmas season in the office is typically

filled with little holiday happenings.

Company/Departmental gifts,

luncheons

and the obligatory Secret Santa

or co-worker gift exchange.

Not that it isn't nice, 

it's just that there is nothing I can possibly give

 for a dollar or two

that anyone truly wants or needs.

Except this year.

The people in our particular department have been blessed:

a good job, a warm house, food on the table.

But many in our communities are not so lucky.

So this year

my gift to them is actually a gift to those

less fortunate in my town.

I had my husband accompany me to

The Agape House in Pacific, MO.

This is a resale shop connected to a food pantry.

All proceeds from the shop go to maintaining the

food pantry for those less fortunate.

All workers are volunteers.

There is nothing to crow about here.

Just another port on the Isle of Unwanted Things.

I am hoping these will

translate into food, clothing or

to keep the electric on

for those that have lost their jobs,

are under employed, sick or 

otherwise unable to support their families.

What Did I Select?

The wonky Santa cookie jar - $4 to grace my kitchen.

He really fits together well, the tops are taped to prevent breakage

so they may appear out of alignment in the photos.

A vintage mirrored tray will sit atop Taylor's dressing table.

A crock may hold wrapped candies.

These are all staying at my place.

For my Co-Workers

There were planters with bold colors,

never used Mikasa crystal candle holders

that would be darling sprinkled

about the table or on the mantle. 

A tiny crystal Christmas tree that can be filled

with the joy of your choosing.

Cookie jars and a ceramic watering pitcher

that I added a couple of seed packages in. 

There as also a crafty holiday banner that 

might be perfect for decorating

a cubicle.

Little plates as little fillers.

I will add a note of explanation to their cards

with an "Open First" warning on the envelope.

I added a sprinkling of holiday candies

just to liven it up.

While my coworkers may not want or need these items 

I wanted to put my very limited funds into

rejected treasures that help to feed my community.

If they don't want to keep their "gifts"

they can return them to me and I will re-donate.

Or perhaps auction them off and send the proceeds 

to the food pantry.

The mission of the AGAPE HELP HOUSE is to assist low income, disabled and elderly families who have difficulty meeting their monthly financial needs. Our organization assists with our on-site food pantry, utility bills, rent/mortgage assistance, pharmacy assistance, and other needs on an individual basis.

The Boutique is open to the public, operated by volunteers and stocked with donations of shoes, clothing, household items, knic knacs, dishes, stoves and refrigerators on occasion  televisions, electronics, and furniture, along with numerous other items.  Proceeds from the shop support daily operating expenses, financial assistance to our qualified clients and purchase food supplies for our pantry.

Linking to Homestead Revival Barn Hop

and The Chicken Chick Clever Chicks Blog Hop