Read up on ways to give back this holiday season, then enter our Giving TEAsday giveaway at the bottom of this blog for a chance to win.
The holiday season is a time for togetherness, giving, joy, and love… but it can also be a vehicle for excess consumption. Holiday marketing adds to the pressure we feel to make the season all about stuff. Giving Tuesday falls on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving each year, and serves as a sort of counter-event to Black Friday, seeking to set a different tone, kicking off the holiday season by encouraging all of us to focus on giving of our time and resources in a way that will have a significant impact on others. The holidays are a beautiful time to reflect on all of the good things that are present in our lives, and to participate in acts of love and generosity toward others!
This Giving Tuesday, here are 5 ways to give back throughout the holiday season.
1. Donate in lieu of a gift
Let’s face it — many of us already have everything that we need. Gifts made to charitable organizations in the name of a loved one are a great way to honor the special people in your life and give them something meaningful.
2. Volunteer with family and friends
The holiday season offers an opportunity to focus on physically serving others around you. Spend time with those you love and give back together.
3. Give gifts to fill a need
If shopping is an activity that you look forward to during the holiday season, why not allocate a portion of your holiday budget to shopping for the needs of a local program that provides services to the people in your community? Domestic violence or youth shelters often have lists of household goods like bedding or kitchenware, clothing, or other items that are needed to create a home-like environment for clients.
4. Give the gift of quality time to loved ones
When I think of my Grandmother, I don’t think about the presents she bought me throughout my childhood, I think of the time I spent with her. The blueberry muffins she made us when we slept over at her home. The hours she spent teaching me to weave and make crafts. Gifts are a lovely gesture and have their own sentiment attached to them… but nothing can replace making memories with the people you love.
5. Open your home
If there is someone in your community who may not be able to go home to be with loved ones over the holidays, consider extending an invitation to join your festivities. You may be able to make the holiday season less lonely for a long distance student or refugee family!
Bonus: Celebrate those who give
In the spirit of the season, help us celebrate others who are making a positive change in the world by nominating them for our Giving TEAsday giveaway below!
HOW TO ENTER THE GIVING TEASDAY GIVEAWAY
- NOMINATE A CHANGE-MAKING LOVED ONE IN THE COMMENTS. Include the first name of the person you’re nominating and tell us how your nominee is having a positive impact.
- SUBMIT YOUR NOMINATION. Log in to the nomination widget (just above the comments section), selecting “Leave a blog post comment” and clicking the “I commented” button. Then select one or more of the (optional) bonus entry options to increase your odds of winning the grand prize drawing.
Complete these two steps to be eligible for a chance to win (prize details below), then share your nomination with friends—including the nominee! The winning nominee will receive our Grand Prize Self-Care Package and their nominator will receive a runner up prize. Two runner-up nominees and their nominators will receive a runner up prize.
After caring for others, focus inward on caring for yourself. Our Grand Prize Self-Care package (retail value of $150) allows you to:
#SteepUp with Numi Holistic Wellness teas, plus an etched glass Numi mug, honey spoons, and handmade artisan tea coasters)
Rejuvenate with Annmarie Skin Care’s Coconut Body Oil
Comfort with an Honest Co. Aromatic Soy Candle
Embrace gratitude with a Marquet Fair Trade Scarf
Soothe with a set of Eco Lips Lip Balms
The Winners
Grand Prize Winner: “Audra is one of the most giving, selfless, fun and amazing people I have ever had the pleasure to know. No matter what this life throws at her, she’s still right there loving people in every way imaginable. She has been my rock through one of the hardest ordeals of my life and without her love and support, I may have failed. The world needs more Audra’s!!!I recently spent 30 days in a women’s shelter with my 2 year old son. When I got there, we only had the clothes on our backs. Audra brought me underwear, a big bag of essential oils, toiletries and brought my son cloth diapers, lactose-free milk for his allergy, and a bag of all sorts of clothes and shoes. She kept in close communication with my sister-in-law and my mother while I was there and got me on my feet by helping me with resources and allowing me to have mail delivered to her home which she then brought to me. She’s been available at a moment’s notice to help with my son who loves her to the moon and back! Audra has always answered her phone whenever I needed her and has been the warm, open arms I’ve needed countless times to sob into to feel love and comfort. Without Audra, I may still have been in the shelter and I may not have the confidence and drive I do right now. Audra has never once made me feel judged by my circumstances, my weaknesses, or my choices. I often feel like Audra is my #1 fan, cheering me on and believing in me, that I can do something to better this world like I feel deep in my soul.She was my rock and during all this, she helped countless others, namely her 9 year old son with a painfully fresh Type 1 Diabetes diagnosis. This Mom of 4 deserves far more recognition than I could ever leave in a blog comment.” (Linaia D.)
Runner Up Winner 1: “I nominate my mom, Ronnie. She is the most selfless, sweet, kind, and strong individual I’ve ever met. She hasn’t had the easiest life but it’s never stopped her from being considerate of others and helping out in any way she can. She’s always putting others before herself, even in the toughest of times. She has the biggest heart especially when it comes to animals. She single-handedly takes care of our family and is the heart that keeps us alive. She’s truly beautiful inside and out.” (Kayleigh)
Runner Up Winner 2:”I’d like to nominate my mama. She does everything for everyone always without question or feeling annoyed. She volunteers and just deserves some self love. Meo.” (Cortney)

My mother-in-law helps a lot in our community especially with adults that have learning disabilities. It requires a lot of love and patience and she shows that every single day to them! Very blessed to have her in my life and have such a big heart to help others.
I would like to nominate Geraldine, the owner to a wellness center out in Duvall, WA. She cares about the health practitioners/instructors and all the people who she encounters during her days who pop in her wellness center. It is such a healing environment. She gives so much for the community. I can go on and on. It’s a good time to honor her for all her work and efforts!
I nominate my best friend, Nicole. Nicole gave up a corporate career and salary to help make changes to the way troubled youth in our community are treated and cared for. She is currently using her background to help a wonderful non-profit organization, http://www.reachfamilyservicesinc.org/, grow.
Nicole barely earns enough to pay her bills and raise 12-year-old twins, but she is making it work because she loves what she is doing. She is sending a very positive message to her children, family, and friends with her values.
I would love for her to win something for herself and would give her more if I could.
I would like to nominate Geraldine, the owner to a wellness center out in Duvall, WA. She cares about the health practitioners/instructors and all the people who she encounters during her days who pop in her wellness center. It is such a healing environment. She gives so much for the community. I can go on and on. It’s a good time to honor her for all her work and efforts!
I would like to nominate Kandis Nelson, she really helped out when we had the fires in sonoma county. She is not only is giving but a wonderful person, who is always thinking of others first. She is also an entrepreneur of a company called Pinnacle Copywriting, that helps businesses (small and large) with Website Content – Email Marketing – Newsletters & More. There is so much more to be said about her, but it would be great to honor her for all the great things she brings to our community.
I nominate my daughter Shannon – she has been a kindergarten teacher for 14 years and has made a difference in many children’s lives. Her passion for her job, her caring about the kids she teaches and making sure that they love learning as much as she does instills a love of life in her students.
I nominate my mother in law karen. She is the sweetest always with her arms wide open. She took me in and let me live at her house when I was in high school. With no questions asked. Then when I married her son and had kids she dropped everything to be the baby sitter since we couldn’t afford one or able to be a stay at home mom. She is always laughing, dancing and making the most out of life.
I nominate my sister, Sharon Cantrell, who makes a positive impact in her community by volunteering to help the homeless and leading a women’s support group at her church. Sharon gives of her time and talents at an alzheimer’s center that provides a dementia day program with activities, caregiver support and community education.
My husband Billy is the most giving person I know. He gives his time, his love, his generosity, and he gives it without needing anything in return.
Amber rallied the community and turned her home into a distribution center as an immediate response to the Sonoma County fires. She is still operating the distribution center from her home, now 6+ weeks post fire. A team of volunteers show up everyday to receive donations and serve families who lost everything in the fire. Her home serves as sanctuary, respite, counseling office, food pantry and general support through these trying times. Amber is a catalyst for change and uses all of her resources to make the lives of those around her better.
I nominate my best friend Jessica Angel, who is making a positive impact by volunteering and helping at our local animal shelter. She is always donating food and other supplies and helping to fund raise for the local animals.
I would love to nominate my mom, Kathy. Almost 3 years ago we lost my dad and it has been really hard on us. My mom really keeps it together for my sister and I. She tries to do the little traditions my dad did and even tries to cook like he did. Her whole life change, and she never complained or pitied herself once. She did what she had to do to keep our family going. I know she works extremely hard and must miss my dad a lot, they were high school sweethearts, so I thought this would be an awesome surprise for her. Let her know how much we love her and appreciate all that she’s done for us
Is this where we leave the blog post comment?
I nominate my mother Michelle Davis, along with her husband Glenn, they are members of the Shriners out of Wichita KS, they are always doing something for someone, helping with events and fundraisers, cooking for potlucks, helping with kids activities, delivering food and care packages for the holidays, and they both work full time, and have a small farm, so their free time is little, but they spend it doing good in the community.
I nominate my sister-in-law Kim, who after being diagnosed with breast cancer overhauled her household items and removed most (all?!) plastics and chemicals. Now she and her family use reusable glass bottles, natural cleaners, natural cosmetics, eat organic foods etc. to help them to be healthier longer!
I would like to nominate Janet I, the strongest woman I know. She was my mentor during my first few years as a school counselor and a true inspiration. She is now fighting multiple myeloma at Sloan Memorial. She is a true warrior!
I nominate Vickie. She has giving my family a place to stay until we find a place. My husband head a heart attack, and we had to move back closer to family. So grateful we know such amazing people.
I would like to nominate my sister Madison, she is still in high school 17 years old an already does so much to help animals in need, she is trying to get into a veterinarian program to become a vet an help stray animals, she is always going out of her way buying food an other items to donate to the local animal shelters.
I nominate my oldest daughter, Stephanie. She has a learning disability and has been battling anorexia for several years. She met a nice guy, moved to another province, continued with University and got a job. Despite her challenges, she is able to do her best to move forward in life.
I nominate Robbie Hawkins-Napier, a local nurse who is the full time caregiver to her husband, Robert W Napier, a man who has been living with ALS for over a decade, who is now completely incapacitated and bound to a medical equipment to support his life. Robbie has cared solely for their kids, the household, and her husband for the entire time and works to provide through her nursing career. They frequently have to make hard decisions about simple things, as the costs of rising care for her husband and the lack of financial support leaves them often in a balancing act. As a charity athlete and the founder of the Iron Horse Challenge and Tea Around Town, I have done all that I’m able to raise awareness and action, showing that tea can offer from its compassionate heart a message that can inspire a community. I will share this link to my page and I hope that the gift you are offering can offer light to some family or person that helps nourish them through the holidays, a time that should be joyous, but can be a hard place for many struggling through times of hardship, loss, and disease. Thank you for what you are doing and what you are offering.
I nominate my friend Luana. She is always giving to the community. Teaching peace through peace pizaz. Organizing events to spread peace throughout the community. Leading a course in miracles group bi-weekly. Volunteering to help a family learn English weekly. And much more! She is amazing and fun to be around!
I nominate my friend Chantelle Molinere. She is a selfless mother of 4 with one on the way. When I first moved away from my family and the life I knew, she was my first friend. She has taught me so much about being a mother and centering your life around Christian values. She always puts others above herself, and spends countless hours helping and teaching our children at our local church. She’s the type that will always extend a hand when someone is in need. She is fully deserving of this plus so much more.
My neighbor, Greg, is ALWAYS picking up trash on the side of the street when he walks his dog. It may be a small impact, but every little bit helps!
I would like to nominate Marene. She is a spiritual warrior! She has a heart of gold and is always happy to draw on her experiences to help others. She has gotten me and hundreds of others through very difficult times. She was there for me when my dad past away unexpectedly right before Christmas last year. The world is a better place with her in it and I’m so thankful for her:)
Sherry is my friend. Sherry created a home for end-of-life care for people in need. It is a place of love and acceptance that I have never seen or felt before. I can think of few people who deserve to be rewarded with anything than her. It is a privilege to know someone as special as her.
All of these wonderful ideas for giving back immediately made me think of my friend Mary. I have never known anyone selfless. When she is not working with special needs children, she volunteers at the animal shelter, adopts the oldest dog there, likely forgetting to care for herself sometimes. I could go on and on. If there is a need, Mary is there…even as auto immune issues ravage her body. I would like to share this with her.
I would like to nominate Rebeckah, the love of my life and the one that keeps me centered. I am thankful for her love, and desire to step forward with me each day.
I would like to nominate a very sweet, caring, and ambitious person. Her name is Lorain. I Grew up with Lorain she’s very close to my family that we consider her my aunt. Lorain helped me through rough times and is ALWAYS willing to open her home to ANYONE who needs help. She got me closer to Jesus and she motivate me to help out the community! We’ve volunteer at the Art and Wine Festivals, Food Bank for thanksgiving, Volunteering at a camp to help children get out and be active, helped at our church! I mean this women is just AMAZING and I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for Lorain. I love you Aunty and thank you for everything. You definitely deserve this give away.(I know how much you like there tea!)
I nominate my good friend Dylan because he is such a good person with a big heart.He had organized a huge coat drive for the homeless community this winter and he goes out and passes sacked lunches out to the homeless every saturday.
I would love to nominate Cyn from Wolf Feathers. She is a silversmiths and designs jewelry and she donates her profits to doggie rescues. She’s in a dark place right now, and has lost her direction. I think this would be a lovely way to thank her for all she does for the dogs, and hopefully it would help her on her way to finding her path again! 💕
Evelyne, my Mom,who is 92 yp; she is still very involved in SUNDAY School in her church & at our local Senior Ctr. Daily. It would be nice for her to win.Thank you for the opportunity to enter.
Lisa, my mom who raised her kids and adopted kids. She is also raising her grandkids now. She always helps everyone out. Even if she doesn’t know you but hears you need help. She will be there helping how ever she can. She always puts herself last to take care of everyone else. Thank you for this amazing chance! 💞💕
I nominate Rachel – she is an amazing human being. Her life is about giving to others, and rarely does she think about herself. She has lead volunteers helping moms in the Dominican Republic, twice last year,among many other volunteer efforts. (Habitat for Humanity for example)
She has given so much time and effort in helping those affected by the Northern CA fires, non-stop since the very first day. She has collected and organized donations for families, with Schoolhouse Distribution (https://recovers.org/organizations/59e50db0b028142ed90028c2). Her calm demanor and organization has a key factor for many famlies, especially for those that need it the most.
And all this plus being a single mom to an amazing young man, who will follow his mom footsteps to help make this world a better place!
I would like to nominate my boyfriend. He works so hard and selflessly is taking care of 4 girls. He makes sure we have everything we need, and he deserves this.
I’d like to nominate my husband Jason. He is the kindest soul I’ve ever known. When I was sick these past few years with tumors and endometriosis lesions on my ovaries and uterus, he was there to take care of me. He would sleep in the hospital room with me for days never leaving my side. He’s always there to help me and make me tea when I don’t feel good or when I’m having pain from my endometriosis. He’s more than just my husband he’s my best friend and I love him so much.
I would like to nominate my mother-in-law Diane she has an open door policy at her house if you have nowhere to go you can stay with her she always gives and never does anything for herself I love her so much she’s helped our family so much
My husband Lajos. He’s been with me for 14 years, and he’s the best I can imagine. A friend, a lover – my other half.
Shelley is my stepson whom I love with all my heart because now, as a grown man, he has chosen a career of formulating Chemo prescriptions for individual patients at his local hospital. His kindness to others, ability to care & smile for those in great pain & stress, & bring a bit of sunshine to patients in an otherwise scary situation is making a difference everyday. Shelley is very shy when it comes to accepting compliments as he feels his role in the hospital pharmacy department is a blessing so that he can not only deliver life saving medications but also deliver hope to each patient he meets.
My dad is always lending a helping hand. He particularly likes to collect items to take to the local shelter.
Cindy schmeid is always helping in the community. A great friend
I would like to nominate my niece, Dominique. She is an amazing 21 year old who is always putting the needs of others before hers. She gives back to the community every chance she gets without hesitation.
I would like to nominate Elizabeth Brooks. She is a single mother who works very hard to provide for her two small daughters. Elizabeth helps others every chance she gets to show her daughters the right way to do things
There are situations in the emergency room where patients clothing is often soiled, cut off and/or kept as evidence leaving them wearing only a paper gown at discharge.
My Mom, Evelyn made it her mission to establish a closet in the emergency room that’s filled with new clothing to outfit those patients in need. The closet is named after her, “Evelyn’s Closet” and located at Carteret General Hospital in Morehead City, NC.
Mom has the most thoughtful, generous and loving heart, always doing for everyone. She’s so deserving of this recognition, I hope she wins your Self-Care package.
I nominate my husband Will. He is one of the most caring and giving people I know. I have personally seen him take the shirt off his back to someone. He works hard and has been stressed lately and a nice care package would be great.
I want to nominate my wife, Danielle. She is a nurse and works so hard to take care of people regardless of how they respond to her. Recently I mived for school and she switched jobs to a new hospital. The new hospital is very different in how much care they give patients. My wife has been working really hard to continue providing high level care and has been inspiring her coworkers to do the same!
Would love to try. Never tries these teas, but tea is a daily routine! Some of these tea blends sound amazing.
🌍My mom Janice is making a positive difference in the world every day.🌍
Her acts of generosity are not forced or manipulated, they come naturally from within. She can’t help but be hospitable, kind, generous, and forgiving to ALL people; it’s just her nature. There are no other intentions, she just radiates pure light and love.
❤The world is sweeter because she’s in it.❤
I nominate my husband Chris Murphy. He is making a positive difference by cooking homemade, healthy food. He is growing food in the garden so our food is as healthy for us as can be. He shares his meal photos on Facebook daily which is helping others see how delishes food can look and taste real good too.
I am going to nominate my friend Bethany. Bethany is constantly on the go, she volunteers a ton at her church and works hard helping put together church dinners and church fundraisers(I swear that there is one a week)! She also helps with their food pantry. She has a huge heart and is truly awesome! If anyone truly needs help, they can count on Bethany.
My sister Susan she volunteers her time to help so many, she volunteers her time for American Red Cross blood drives and the list goes on
I’d like to nominate my daughter, Chloe. She’s completely selfless at such a young age. She won’t throw anything away, she wants to donate everything. She tells me and her Dad to buy those bags/boxes at the grocery store that are donated to families in need. She wants to put toys in the donation box at Walmart. She always welcoming to everyone she meets, she wants to do something for everyone, no matter the situation. She’s always in the spirit to give, love and make people feel better. I’m such a lucky mom to have such as amazing daughter with a big heart.
I nominate Roberta Fuchs, who runs Shiba Rescue of NJ and helps all the Shibas/Shiba mix dogs that need help and rehoming. She’s a true hero in m book and I hope to rescue one of her doggies soon.
I would like to nomanate Samatha Wilson. Avid tea buyer, drinker. Cancer survivor, Helps good causes all the time with her donations of hand made jewelry. She also teaches church school to young children, 1 hr drive north of us. Nice and and sweet young girl. Gets around I say awesome with just her one leg.
I would like to nominate my sister Miriam Rammal because she is a hard working student. She is studying to be a nurse and she studies 12 hours a day. She cares about her patients in the hospital that she visits. She is very caring and loving. Her patients love having her around them.
My 87 year old Dad is 18 years in remission from Cancer and I just had a biopsy yesterday and waiting to hear results as a single Mom praying everything is ok but if it’s bad results my Fad said he would be with me every step of the way . My Dad is the strongest person I know from raising 4 kids and getting us all through school and three through college and getting through 18 years after prostate cancer going through needles in his stomach every day , blood work etc he is my hero !!
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all ! Mary 🌲🎅🏻🤶🏻
I would like to nominate and activist in our community, Jeri. She has been doing so much in this community and making a big differerence. There is a lot going on right now for her and I feel like she truly deserves this gift. She works hard within her family and outside. She truly has a passion for making a difference.
Our friend Brad is on the board of a homelessness organization. In addition to working to meet the needs of the poor, he works to discover the causes and to empower individuals to learn to help themselves. He does one on one mentoring too. Tireless!
I would love to nominate my daughter Tasha. She lives 18 hours away and drove up to take care of me after I was rear ended last year. This year she took time off from her work to be with me for my birthday. She is a generous, kind loving spirit. I am proud of all she has accomplished and prouder still to be her mom.
An older family friend of ours is putting together a front door caroling for a local girl in her last surviving days of her battle with cancer. All the locals who wish to show up and sing Christmas songs outside her window are invited. Ellen cane up with a great idea.
I nominate my sister in law, Jess H. This past summer she hosted all the older nieces/nephews/her kiddos for mission Monday’s. She shared the gospel with the kiddos and helped them spread the love of the Lord in our community by giving back & doing good.
I’d like to nominate my mama. She does everything for everyone always without question or feeling annoyed. She volunteers and just deserves some self love. Meo.
I am proud to nominate the love of my life and best friend Jordan. He has been my rock for many years now and everyday he knows how to keep me smiling and see the positive side of any situation that comes in our lives. He helped push me into the woman I am and the woman I want to be. Couldn’t ask for a better partner in life <3
I nominate Natasha, she served 13 years in the Army, was seriously injured, is battling the VA and still continues to take care of and support many people homeless and in need, inspite of her disability.
My friend Mackenzie, who has been making changes in her life to help the environment. From switching personal products to cutting out plastics and pollutants, I admire her for making such a change on things that are prevalent in our every day lives.
I nominate my nony she is like a super grandma .She helped me through my toughest times.she help raise my sister and I half my life .She got my sister out of bad house hold.she done so much for us. She drove my sis back and fourth to school 40 mins away and she helped us through some really tough times.she even moved to la to help take care of other family and her mother in law. She helped me become who I am . Her and my grandma are really involved in the church and just loves to help out. She is also a ex alcoholic for many years and is taking care of my mom who trying to overcome alcoholism and get back to being a mom.she drove her and given her so much.she does to much for our family. I could go on and on about what she done for our family.she also runs despit she has health issues and she is 75 .she super grandma.i told she helped become who I am today.i love her so much.she really deserves this.
I nominate my sister in law Angel she’s much stronger than she realizes and she has a very giving heart. I see how much she puts others before herself to the point of exhaustion and ignoring her health and physical pain. She’s very humble, and her beautiful smile reminds me that we do good out of love and because it’s the right thing to do, not for a reward or to receive credit. I don’t know what I would do in life if there wasn’t such a strong and beautiful example like her in this world.
I would love to nominate my younger brother Ryan who is making a positive impact every day with his service in the Army, especially after just coming back from his deployment to Puerto Rico in order to provide medical aid to those in need. He is no stranger to giving back, having volunteered with the fire department in our town, running health and fitness classes for the elderly and youth as well as his time with the National Guard. I am proud of him to say the least but thankful for his giving nature and kind heart~!
My friend Sandy is an amazing woman who is making a difference by teaching yoga and holding classes at several locations. She doesn’t turn away people for lack of money. She wants everyone to experience spirit, peace, and healing. She spreads love and understanding throughout the community.
I nominate my daughter Anna Bass because she is a hard working ft RN working 12 hr days taking care of her family working pt at another facility and going to school full-time…she’s simply an amazing young lady…
My sister Nora Figueroa she always helps everybody .Shes helping and elderly woman by cooking for her.If they need a ride she helps.
I nominate Mandi Degner for her work with young Hispanic girls. She is teaching them to love themselves… on the inside and outside. She is teaching them to be joyful and kind in a world where pessimism and hate speak loudly. She is teaching them to see their worth in spite of our racist and sexist culture. She is teaching them the truth so they will grow up and be able to combat the false darkness. She is amazing.
I nominate my mom, Shelly, who has been tirelessly taking me to doctor appoinments while my husband works overtime. I have chronic illnesses that I need help managing, and she is constantly at the ready when I need help. She also comes and cooks and cleans so I don’t have to, letting my husband rest when he gets home.
I nominate my daughter Erica. She has traveled to other countries to help out the children in the orphanages, volunteered during the summer with kids from the Appalachias, volunteers every summer as a camp counselor to foster kids. These are just a few ways she is making a positive impact.
Audra is one of the most giving, selfless, fun and amazing people I have ever had the pleasure to know. No matter what this life throws at her, she’s still right there loving people in every way imaginable. She has been my rock through one of the hardest ordeals of my life and without her love and support, I may have failed. The world needs more Audra’s!!!
I recently spent 30 days in a women’s shelter with my 2 year old son. When I got there, we only had the clothes on our backs. Audra brought me underwear, a big bag of essential oils, toiletries and brought my son cloth diapers, lactose-free milk for his allergy, and a bag of all sorts of clothes and shoes. She kept in close communication with my sister-in-law and my mother while I was there and got me on my feet by helping me with resources and allowing me to have mail delivered to her home which she then brought to me. She’s been available at a moment’s notice to help with my son who loves her to the moon and back! Audra has always answered her phone whenever I needed her and has been the warm, open arms I’ve needed countless times to sob into to feel love and comfort. Without Audra, I may still have been in the shelter and I may not have the confidence and drive I do right now. Audra has never once made me feel judged by my circumstances, my weaknesses, or my choices. I often feel like Audra is my #1 fan, cheering me on and believing in me, that I can do something to better this world like I feel deep in my soul.
She was my rock and during all this, she helped countless others, namely her 9 year old son with a painfully fresh Type 1 Diabetes diagnosis. This Mom of 4 deserves far more recognition than I could ever leave in a blog comment.
Hi Linaia, congratulations! Your nominee has been chosen as the winner of our Giving TEAsday blog! We sent you an email with some instruction at setzzzersdream@xxx.com. To claim your prizes, please respond to that email or connect with eclausen@numitea.com. Congratulations to you and Audra!
I’m nominating Jacques, my husband, a wonderful teacher who really cares about his students and about improving the world. He is having a positive impact by getting kids to think and question things, to read and analyze what they read, to come up with solutions and be creative, to care about others and the world around them, and by teaching them real life skills they will need as adults and inspiring them to become more independent and capable.
I nominate my husband Ron, who has my back and helps me keep my sanity. He is a wonderful father who actively parents by my side and shares the housework with me.
I nominate my mother Rosemary. She has been an RN for over 35 years. She worked many a hospital night shift when I was growing up and it can be a rough, thankless job. she and other women like her save lives every day. She always told me that she became a nurse to help people. She passed up chances to switch to hospital desk jobs to remain “on the floor” where she could help people. She really is an incredible role model and I am awed by her compassion and selflessness. After all these years of giving so much of herself, I’d love to treat her to some much deserved wellness gifts!
I nominate Sharry – a neighbor who is never home because she is always devoting her time to giving to others.
I would like to nominate my Mother-in-law, Halina. She has been an RN for over 35 years and is the kindest most generous person I’ve ever met. She works in the ICU and is always volunteering to take extra shifts because she truly enjoys being able to help her patients and make them as comfortable as possible.
My friend, Nancy Schwartz, of Billings, MT defends the individual, who are despised by society. She treats her clients with dignity and she demands due process for them. She represents the very best of the legal profession.
I nominate my friend Elisabeth (I call her Friend Lisa). She’s the greatest!
I nominate my best friend Rachael O’Donnell she’s a good person and the peanut butter to my jelly. She deserves this ❤❤
I nominate Melissa Ann Taylor. She is a supportive and wonderful friend.
My daughter Cherie is a CNA at a nursing home for nearly 20 years now. It is one of the toughest jobs out there. I have no idea how she does it and stays so upbeat to boot!
I nomimate my daughter Braitlyn Kay. I am proud of the young woman, she has turned into with her Godly heart. She will give her last dollar to a homeless man and sees the better in people, when they don’t deserve her help! She tries to love everyone!
I nominate my husband, Roman. We usually work different shift but recently had a chance to work a few days with him. He goes out of his way to help someone out that’s way out of our job description. We deal with a lot of patients in the emergency room, and He always makes sure they have everything they need to go home. I was a proud wife:)
I nominate my husband Joseph. He loves our cats as much as I do. We shelter elderly rescues that need a lot of care and he is right there beside me. We have 12 at the moment and we also feed some feral colonies.
I would like to nominate my mom. She loves tea and is a giver.
My brother James gives his time and money to several charities throughout the year. He has done this for 28 years and is a generous kind man.
My amazing husband Jason deserves a relaxing tea prize for working so hard to make our dream of restoring my childhood home a reality and supporting our three wild children! He goes above and beyond to provide for us every day.
My mother is the most giving person in my life. Always giving to us kids, to her husband, and friends. She plans gatherings that bring people together. She never puts herself first. She deserves to be put first.
I would like to nominate my boss, Joan. I’ve worked with her for a little over three years and right from the start, I knew she was special. She welcomed me into the office not just with open arms, but an open heart. Joan has the biggest heart of anybody I have ever known. She is the mother of 3 adopted children, all of whom are mixed-race, fall somewhere on the autism spectrum, and have various health-related problems. She is a tenured professor of Sociology AND the chair of Women’s & Gender Studies, she volunteers at numerous organizations and is always willing to do more. I don’t know where she finds the strength, when she takes time to sleep, or if she has ever found the end of her seemingly limitless patience! She does all of this without complaint, with grace, and without recognition. She refuses to self-nominate for any awards on campus or in the community but she is always thinking of who she could be nominating for recognition. The most recent example of Joan’s selfless caring is that she noticed the zipper of my (almost 12-year-old) winter coat had finally given out. She sent me a gift card to a store before Black Friday and asked that I pick out a new coat. That Monday, she brought in a bag of winter gear that her children had outgrown but barely used and gave it to me for my son, saying she couldn’t bear the thought of him not getting to play in the snow this year.
Without Joan’s kindness and support, I’m not sure where my life would be right now!
I would like to nominate my sister Rachel, who has been and continues to be an advocate and changemaker for those individuals with special needs in our community. She founded and has run for several years, on an entirely volunteer basis, an adaptive and inclusive camp for kids of all abilities. She is an inspiration to me and many who have the privilege of knowing her!
I would like to nominate my husband Isidro, he works more than 1 job to provide for us so that I can stay home with our kids. He never complains and he treats me like a queen. I really am the luckiest woman in the world.
I would nominate my sister Danielle, she volunteers at multiple animal rescue places. She has a huge heart for animals and people no matter their appearance or disability. All in all the best sister you could ever wish for.
I nominate my mom, Ronnie. She is the most selfless, sweet, kind, and strong individual I’ve ever met. She hasn’t had the easiest life but it’s never stopped her from being considerate of others and helping out in any way she can. She’s always putting others before herself, even in the toughest of times. She has the biggest heart especially when it comes to animals. She single-handedly takes care of our family and is the heart that keeps us alive. She’s truly beautiful inside and out.
I nominate my husband Anthony. He helps people everywhere he goes whenever possible. He is nice to everyone.
I would like to nominate my children. My children and I volunteer at the local food bank each month and in December we visit the local nursing homes and adult day centers to sing Christmas carols and hand out Christmas cards. This is fostering their compassion for helping others.
I nominate my friend, Jamie. She is a hardworking, selfish, and kind registered nurse who dedicates each day to caring for others when they are most in need.
I nominate my husband, John, who supports so many in our family while I work full time. My parents are in a retirement home where my daddy is bedridden from a stroke in May. We are blessed in that my mother is able to live in an apartment with him while he gets the care he needs. Last year, before my daddy’s stroke (though he still had dementia), my mother was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. My husband John took her to all of her appointments and chemo treatments, and enabled my parents to still live in their house a little longer. She has been cancer free for a year now but he stepped in to manage their finances, help remodel the house, and drive mom to appointments when they are too far for her to comfortably manage. All the while, he does our laundry, cleans, cooks, and takes our grandchildren to school. Not many men would be as caring or able as he has been throughout my family’s troubles. For these reasons, I would like to nominate him, with much love and appreciation!
My Nanny, Winifred, is 90 years old. She prays continually, helps others learn to quilt, makes quilts for others, cooks for others and helps in anyway that she can.
I am nominating my friend Robyn for her love and dedication for young mothers pursuing academic or vocational goals while receiving stable housing and wraparound services from her mom-profit Anetrice House, Inc which will celebrate its grand opening on December 13, 2017! She has worked so diligently for the last 7 years while holding down a full time job, loving her kids AND being an awesome foster mother to several young women with children. Whew! Just typing all she does with such grace and love, makes me want to relax! Lol! She is so deserving of some much needed rest and relaxation! Thank you for the chance to gift my friend with your kind giveaway!
I would also like to nominate my mother Mary. She is a light to so many people. She always helps anyone she can. She has a way of making people feel at ease. She has four kids and life was never easy for her but nothing seems to ever get her down or make her give up helping others. She feeds homeless and volunteers every chance she gets.
Gary lends a hand to everyone. I was in critical care for over a week during snowing weather to have dinner with me every night after working more than 12 hours each day!….he so kind and giving to all.
I nominate my friend Cindy she goes above & beyond as a caregiver! She truly makes everyone feel important!
I nominate my husband David. I have suffered with chronic migraines for 12 years and a back issue for 6 years. He’s been with me through the good and the bad. He’s a great dad to our kids and when I’m unable to be there for them because of a migraine, he is there for them. He cooks, cleans, helps them with homework, shops, etc. I’m so thankful to have him in our lives.
I nominate my friend Octavia. She cares for two of her great nieces as if they were her own. (They luve with her as there mother is basically non-existent in there lives.)
A truly beautiful human.
I nominate my friend Kelli M. She is a amazing woman who shines where ever she goes. She is so personable and friendly. She makes everyone feel welcome and that you have been friends with her forever.
She works with the youth in such a positive way and I have seen how they react to her. It is all respect and praise coming from the teens she works with. Overall, Kelli is a amazing person and that is why I nominate her.
My friend Sandy she is always there to lend a hand for anyone in need. She puts others before herself and always find the time to help out friends, her church or just anyone that she comes across that needs a helping hand.