Applications for Thanksgiving, 2013 will open October 2013. Stay tuned!

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In the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving 2011, several members of the Scary Mommy Community posted anonymous confessions about being unable to afford a Thanksgiving meal. The confessions were turned into a blog post, along with a simple plea: Could the community help these few members in need?

The answer was a resounding yes. The Scary Mommy Community members sprang into action and raised more than $20,000 in one week to provide Thanksgiving meals for not only the few in need, but for more than 400 families.

The Thanksgiving Project garnered international attenton, appearing on Good Morning America, Nightline, the homepages of Yahoo, Huffington Post and more. After the humbling demonstration of compassion, it became clear that the community was there for more than just a light hearted look at motherhood: It had a heart. Out of that heart, Scary Mommy Nation was born.

From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank you. Today, I came home to a toy for my son, who turns two on September 3rd! The past two years have been hell on me, with my husband out of work, and his unemployment running out back in April has put the stress of paying ALL the bills solely on me. I don’t make much, and knew his birthday probably would be a couple of dollar store items and maybe a cake. Seeing that toy sitting on the dining room table made me cry. He won’t probably remember how special this toy is, but I always will. Thank you, so much. For seeing that mommies like me sometimes need help, a shoulder, a hug, or a laugh… and for making it possible for us to come together. Most of all, thank you for the smile that will light my boy’s face when he opens his gift on his 2nd birthday.

Scary Mommy Nation brought me more than hope for a Happy Holiday Season, it brought me the gift of amazing companionship and an a source of encouragement down this bumpy road we are traveling.

Thank you ladies from the bottom of my heart. I am crying tears of joy! My son’s birthday gift arrived just now! I cannot stop crying! I cannot believe how kind you ladies are! You do not even know me and you still went out of your way to help me. The gift is even wrapped! Your new birthday project is awesome and a blessing to say the least! You even must have rushed it — I just sent the request last week. There is a place in heaven for all of you! OMG you have nooooooo idea how happy you are going to make my little guy! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

Bless you for what you have done. We have invited another couple with children to share Thanksgiving with us, and together we moms went shopping today. Turkey, stuffing, potatoes, veggies, rolls, dessert- so many things sitting in the fridge waiting for Thursday –  all because of you and your angels. Thank you so very much!!! 

Thank you so much for the Thanksgiving feast. When I pulled the envelope out of my mailbox, I almost broke down into tears. It meant that I didn’t have to decide between a decent meal and gas for the week in my car. We decided to do something we haven’t done in a long time-make cornish game hens stuffed with stuffing and all the trimmings. It’s a bit more work than a turkey, but we love them just the same and we haven’t had them in years. It has been a difficult few years for us, and we love the fact that you care enough about those around you that you made this happen. We will forever be in your debt. Count us in next year to pay it forward and help those who need it most. 

I just received my gift card in the mail and wanted to express how grateful I am. This year has been so incredibly difficult for a number of reasons, and sometimes you find yourself in a position that you can’t believe you’re in. Then, an unexpected gift like this comes along. You and your generosity means so much to me. When my kids and I eat our Thanksgiving meal, I’ll think of you.  

Amazing. There are no words. Tears over here. You should’ve seen my husband’s face when I told him we could have a Thanksgiving meal — it was like the weight of the world was lifted from his shoulders. Thank you a thousand times over. I will think of you and the amazing donors when I look into my full fridge with thanks in my heart.

It has been a difficult few years for us, and we love the fact that you care enough about those around you that you made this happen. We will forever be in your debt. Count us in next year to pay it forward and help those who need it most. 

Today I opened my mailbox and found an envelope addressed to me. I wasn’t sure who it was from until I opened it. I started shaking when I pulled out the money, as I got back into my car I showed my husband and we both smiled at each other as we looked at our babies sitting in the back seat. Because of what you have done, three active duty Navy personnel and 12 of their family member will enjoy Thanksgiving together. Even collectively we didn’t have enough to share until we received this wonderful donation. My heart is full and there is a burden that has been lifted, if even for this one day. Thank you to EVERYONE, Scary Mommy, Sarah and every single person that found it in their hearts and wallets to share. You are awesome!!!!! PS- I just bought my ham!!! I have never bought a ham before!

I am completely overwhelmed by the generosity of strangers. My heart is so full and my faith in humanity and in God’s goodness has been renewed, refreshed…restored! My family has been so blessed by this generous act of kindness. Thank you all for your blessing to us and I pray you all have a very Happy Thanksgiving. We absolutely will pay it forward. Much love!

I cannot say my thanks enough for the help we are receiving. My kids and I have had an incredibly hard transition in the last 6 months from a bad situation. I was worried that because of the tight money situation we wouldn’t be able to have a proper first holiday in our new place. Because of the generosity of some many I will have so many reasons to be thankful this year. I can never say enough thanks and when my feet are planted firmly back on the ground we will be paying it forward. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!