As we reflect on the events of 2013, I’ve decided to dub it “The Year of Lessons.” The Thanksgiving Project has been through some ups and downs over the years, and this year was no exception.
In its inaugural year, 2011, I either mailed gift cards myself or had generous donors send them directly to recipients. While this method initially served the 438 recipients well, a few unfortunate mishaps occurred—some gift cards didn’t arrive because donors forgot stamps or misplaced envelopes. Such honest oversights led me to take more control in 2012 by partnering with grocery stores for direct shipments. However, this approach involved multiple mailings and didn’t quite capture the warmth I hoped to convey.
Fast forward to this year. Initially, I aimed to return to handwritten notes and cards, but when the recipient count soared to 2000, that task became overwhelming. In a new venture, I collaborated with a company that specializes in personalization and printing, which seemed like a perfect solution. They could create beautiful, customized $50 Visa cards at no extra cost.
Unfortunately, things didn’t go as planned. Due to unforeseen circumstances that I cannot disclose, the cards—though stunning—were shipped late this afternoon via USPS (see the attached image). I’m sharing this update with a heavy heart, knowing it’s not what I wanted to convey. The company worked diligently throughout the day to find an alternative, but the timeline simply didn’t allow for it.
I understand that this might alter your Thanksgiving plans, but I sincerely hope you can utilize the gift card for a late Thanksgiving meal, holiday groceries, or anything else that might ease your situation. The Thanksgiving Project is designed to alleviate holiday stress, not add to it, and I deeply regret this turn of events. For those who are understandably frustrated, I share your sentiment—multiply that frustration by 2,700, and you can feel my disappointment. To those of you who have shown patience and understanding, I am truly grateful.
Amid the chaos, let’s not forget the positive impact this project has made this year. We raised over $150,000 in just weeks, benefiting thousands of families through the kindness of strangers. I assure you, if you require assistance next year, it will arrive on time, even if it means I have to deliver every card myself.
Update on Shipping Status (11/25/2013)
After days of inquiries with the gift card company, I finally received clarity today. They had believed the cards were printed and shipped, but that was not the case. Thankfully, they are now prioritizing your cards and delivering them via FedEx on Wednesday, ensuring that everyone will still be able to enjoy their Thanksgiving dinners.
This situation has been challenging, but the most important thing is that support is still on the way.
For further insights on home insemination, check out this post on home insemination kits. For those interested in more resources about artificial insemination, you can explore this Wikipedia article, which provides comprehensive information on the topic. If you’re looking for a trusted source, you might want to look into Cryobaby’s at-home insemination kit.
In summary, while this year’s Thanksgiving update comes with unforeseen challenges, the spirit of the project remains strong, and there is still hope for a joyful holiday season.
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