Caring Hearts Report & Winners

At first, I truly debated whether I should do Caring Hearts Card Drive again or not for this year. The past few months (prior to making that decision) been so hectic and I was worried that running it again by myself would totally overwhelmed me. But, at the end I am so glad that I decided to do it.

With your participation, I received over 1500 cards. Yes, it was overwhelming, quite a few of my other stuff get neglected, our guest room was turned into mailing room, and I even dream of counting cards! I think for each package I had to recount several times. Poor hubby, trying to talk to me and I was in the middle of counting and I'd lost my count and he'd get the dirty look from me for making me lost count. Hah...

And, it's all been worth it whenever I think of how this little gesture will brighten so many elderly holiday season. I am happy to report that all the cards been shipped out to the people who's helping me in distributing the cards around. So, by this week, your cards will be on the hand of the people at the nursing homes and brighten their day. I requested for some pictures if possible, so hoping to get some back so I can share them with you here.

Special thank you to all the people and companies who's been so generous in their support by offering prizes. Thank you to those who kindly included some fund to help with shipping. You know who you are (I am not sure whether they want to keep it private, that's why I am not mentioning name). Please know how much I appreciate your help.

Each time, I do this I am humbled by everyone's kindness. Many of you wrote such wonderful & encouraging notes. And, I know this year has been a tough year economy wise for many of us, yet you all still generously contribute. Even after hurricane Sandy affected some of you, you still find the time to mail me some cards. It's humbling and it reminds me that despite all the crazy stuff that going on in the world, there are still many good, kind, helpful people. Thank you for enriching my life and the recipient of your cards with your act of kindness.

Now, it's time to reveal some winners! You will be hearing from me over the next several days…

• Avery Elle $20 GC: Joanne Cabling
• Avocado Arts Gobble Till You Woble set: Kristin Streiliein
• Becky Oehler's You Say Goodbye I say 'Ello set: Laura Jane
• Bella Blvd package:  Chapel Card Makers
• CAS-UAL Friday $30GC: Maria Fischer
• Hero Arts 4 cling stamps of your choice: Joyce Mehrberg
• Lawn Fawns $30 GC: Carol Longacre
• Mama Elephants $20GC: Karen Milone
• May Arts 3 spool of ribbon of your choice:  Linda Patti
• Neat & Tangled $30 GC: Terry Bajorek
• Online Card Classes (from Jennifer McGuire) 2 free classes: Deb Steinberg
• Paper Crafts 5 special edition: Leesa Berry
• Paper Smooches $25 GC: Gina D'Urso
• Penny Black 1 clear & 1 cling stamp of your choice: Amy Hansen
• Simon Says Stamp Holiday Apocthary Label Stamp & Dies set: Cheryl Yamashita
• Some Odd Girl $25 GC: Pai Meng
• Technique Tuesday Jingle All The Way set: Darnell J. Knaus
• The Twinery Sampler Twine: Marylou Shephard
• Two Peas In A Bucket workshop of your choice $25 value: Mary Ann Venginickal
• Wplus9 $20GC: Ann Kikuchi

Again thank you so much to everyone for making this card drive a successful one. You are awesome!! May your holiday be filled with many wonderful moments.