Sunday, December 16, 2012

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 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


8 comments:

Sunnybrook Farm said...

That is one of the few ways to get good cheap stuff and help others at the same time.

Candy C. said...

What a great idea, I hope your coworkers "get" it! :)

LindaG said...

What fantastic finds! I wish they had a place like that here, I would definitely stop buy and spend some money.
Have a blessed week! ♥

Gorges Smythe said...

Well done!

Unknown said...

Most of my shopping this year was done at Thrift Stores (these benefit battered women and the homeless) as well! I have found some really wonderful, thoughtful gift items, including a drink dispenser that matches my mom's dinnerware for $4! You can read about our $10 Christmas Challenge if you like at www.greeneggsandgoats.com P.S. I am in love with that Santa Cookie Jar!

Thrifty Mom In Boise said...

I really love this idea. In fact I was actually thinking of doing something similar next year for all my Christmas gifts. We are all so blessed with what we have. I love the idea of helping others.

Our Neck of the Woods said...

Great idea! You chose some great items for them.

Kathy Felsted Usher said...

Good for you! I did spend more than $10 for family but it's only Mom, my two children and Taylor, my granddaughter who is 8. My husband & I don't exchange. We did make purchases from local boutiques for Mom and my daughter. Taylor's main gift is also from a local, small town store. I did get her a Barbie outfit though although it was under $6. My son is in Seattle and not coming this year. I'm at a loss. He is vegan so a gift card to his favorite restaurant is out because they just don't have those in Robertsville! I think everything here is Meat and More!