This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, INC. and The Coca-Cola Company, all opinions are mine alone. #LayerOnLove #CollectiveBias
My mother was born in a small town in Chihuahua Mexico to a Mexican mother and an American father. When my mother was very young her father decided it was time to move his family back to the states where it was safer, because there was a revolution going on in Mexico. My grandfather also hoped there might be more opportunities here.
Due to the revolution, they arrived in Southern Arizona with very little to their name other than a few meager possessions and basically the clothes on their backs. They were poor. So very poor, and because they arrived in America at the tail end of the depression, opportunities were still scarce. But at least they were safe. My mother is the little girl with Betty written underneath her. She looks so much like some of my girls.
This small and impoverished family of immigrants, my family, went on to have some very educated and successful children, grand children and now great-great grand children. But none of us have forgotten our roots. My siblings, cousins and I grew up on stories from people who were molded by extreme poverty, hard work and also stories of how the kindness of others helped turn them into the people they are today. If you’ve come from something like that, then giving to others is not considered charity. It is a way of life, and it is just what you do to pay-it-forward. This family tradition of giving to others is something my extended family takes very seriously, and something my husband and I work very hard to pass onto our own children.
I know many of you reading this are also working to instill these same values in your families, and so this holiday season I would like to share one way you can easily give to others. Coca-Cola™ has a program called Layer on the Love and has partnered with Walmart and One Warm Coat to help those in need and layer on the love by providing warm coats this winter.
For most of us, when the temperatures drop too low for short sleeves and sweatshirts, we solve the problem by tossing on our heavy jackets. But for the nearly 15% of Americans living in poverty, a winter coat is something “extra” that isn’t in the budget.
Last year Coca-Cola™ worked with One Warm Coat® to provide a layer of love for over half a million people in need. This year, they’re doing it again and want to make it easier for you to get involved.
My family is totally planning to participate! If you would like to as well, here are a few ideas for how you can help.
Host a party with all your favorite people and your favorite Coca-Cola™ products purchased from Walmart! Ask your guests while at the party to donate by texting “LOVE” to 501501 to donate $5 to One Warm Coat®! Isn’t that easy, and fabulous?!
Because it is always a winning party when you share the refreshing taste of Coca-Cola™ products with others, right?! Plus adding in the element of giving to those in need at your party makes for a double win.
You could also consider sending out an email asking friends and family to text “LOVE” to 501501 to donate $5 to One Warm Coat®. I have a pretty big email list, and this is something I can totally do.
By choosing to help layer on the love this holiday season with Coca-Cola™, Walmart and One Warm Coat® you can take comfort knowing that your generosity will be making an impact to bless the lives of those in need.
Thanks for stopping in, and good luck in your own efforts to layer on the love!
Before you go, make sure to sign up for my email list, because I have loads of fun holiday posts you aren’t going to want to miss!
Love,
Jen
Comments
What a great way to give back during the holiday season. Thanks for sharing your family’s story!
Isn’t it the best?! This is definitely something so simple we all can do, but that makes such a big difference for those in need.
Jen recently posted…Layer On Love This Holiday
What a wonderful thing to do. We have a like project we do with our yacht club. Giving back is a good thing.
Have a fabulous day, Jen. ♥
Sandee recently posted…Sparks
Agreed. You never know what effect your kindness will have.
Jen recently posted…Layer On Love This Holiday
Definitely a wonderful cause and appreciate you sharing more about it here today, as well as a bit more about your family’s story, as well <3
Janine Huldie recently posted…5 Easy Ways to Say Goodbye to Waiting in Lines at Disney World
Thanks Janine! I hope this year they can make sure even more warm coats get distributed to those in need!
Jen recently posted…Layer On Love This Holiday
Beautiful post, and such a worthy cause! Thank you for sharing.
-Lauren
ShootingStarsMag recently posted…Planner Hop: Thoughts, Reviews, and Giveaways!
Thanks Lauren! Let’s hope more coats find their way to those in need than ever before!
Jen recently posted…Layer On Love This Holiday
What a wonderful cause! I have some coats I need to donate.
Akaleistar recently posted…Just in time for Thanksgiving… My best Stitch Fix yet!
Yay! I am so glad to hear that!
Jen recently posted…Layer On Love This Holiday
I always love you history and family stories.
Also, how good is this? I just donated a bunch of old coats here. I want to continue the trend!
Tamara recently posted…A Sore Throat Solution This Cold and Flu Season
Thank you. It’s quite the history.
I did too! Isn’t it awesome!
Jen recently posted…How To Stay Hydrated, Manage Aches and Pains & Sleep Better!
I volunteer with Moments of Hope Outreach in Hanover, Va. anyone wanting to donate coats, we are happy to take them off your hands. We serve about 400 people on roster.