Christmas Crazy 2015: The Total

To say that Christmas Crazy drop-off day is one of my favorite days of the year is no exaggeration. It's the sort of thing that I wish I could share with everyone because ... oof. There's something magical about playing the complicated game of Tetris that leads to this mountain of happiness.

Then somehow fitting all of that happiness into a few cars is overwhelming and wonderful and all of that. And then it gets even more overwhelming and wonderful and all of that when we show up at Center for Victims and unload it all.

One of these years I will remember to have someone video what it looks like to unload boxes and boxes of toys, in part because hearing the comments from the staff at Center for Victims is THE BEST. "That hockey set is perfect for the twins."

Twin 6 year-old boys who look nothing alike and who are always headed in opposite directions will get to throw some purpose behind their nonstop energy.

"We never know what to do for the bigger kids, but then you show up with things like this."

NINE Kindle Fires, three cell phones, a chromebook, headphones, iPod Shuffles, and some Best Buy gift cards. The staff will figure out who is the best fit for what and at the end of it all, there will be a bunch of very happy kids.

There's a little something for everyone sitting at Center for Victims, just waiting for Christmas.

SO many smiles are coming. They'll be added to my smile because you, Internet, are full of fabulousness for allowing me the privilege of delivering all of these toys.

Thank you to each and every person who helped make this mountain of happiness possible.

An extra thank you to a few people who went above and beyond this year.

Ben, yes THAT Ben, did his thing again. He's about a foot taller than he was when he showed up with a giant pile of toys last year, which means he's got about a foot more of space for that fantastic heart of his.

Emilie was a huge help as she busted butt to help me deliver (plus she showed up with coffee in hand so she is my favorite person ever). Thanks so much, Emilie.

Melinda has repeatedly managed to somehow quietly pull together groups of people to help with Christmas Crazy. It's been an invisible sort of help that she's done, but it has had a HUGE impact.

There were also a few companies that did amazing things. Orb Factory and their giant delivery of craft kits are going to make so many kids happy. Mountaineer Keystone collected for Center for Victims and did an AMAZING job. There was also Mecka Fitness and Crossfit Mt Lebananon with a little bit of magic.

Thanks to all of those people and thanks to YOU (seriously, every single person who sent a toy or money, who tweeted or shared a post, you all made such a huge difference), this year's total came in at ...

Wait for it ...

Wait for it ...

Yep, I'm still stalling. I mean, c'mon, I'm mathing on a Saturday night ...

$10,622.89

Seriously.

GOOD JOB, Y'ALL!

Comments

[Heather]

Thank you for letting Ben be a part of this again. He really does enjoy it as one of his favorite things about the holidays. Yes the Internet did a good thing once again. It makes my heart happy.

Thank you for coordinating this and for those who helped deliver it.

[Mary]

I wait for this post every year. You do the Lion's share of the work, putting it together and the delivery. All I do is push a button. A Ben. Ben gives me so much hope for the future. What a fantastic young man. Thanks for renewing my Christmas spirit.