Hello, today is DAY TWO of our Holiday Open House Series. Today we have Emily from Eleven Gables joining us to share a very special “party” she put together. We love this so much, it is also the perfect fit for Our Season of Giving Series!
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Hello! I am Emily from Eleven Gables. What fun to be invited to share in the Holiday Open House with the sweet gals of 11 Magnolia Lane. Since it is still early in the month and I haven’t hosted a party quite yet, I wanted to share a tradition that my family does before the holidays get into full gear.
Every year around Christmas, my husband and I search for a ministry where we can give back. This year, we invited two families to join us for a “packing party” at THE HUGS PROJECT. This non-profit organization has opportunities that our whole family can participate in throughout the year!
The Hugs Project was started by a couple from Oklahoma who wanted to reach out to soldiers fighting for our freedom and show them how much we appreciate them.
Donations pour in from all over the country and volunteers organize, wrap, sew, sort, pack, you name it, into care packages for every troop at Christmastime.
(Karen pictured above is the founder along with her husband, Ray, in the orange shirt below)
the shipping room
the packing room
Our family absolutely loves serving others in this way. It was especially rewarding watching my boys take a special interest in each task they were assigned.
I promise they are happy… not thrilled their mom was taking their picture!
Santa’s little helper!
Little hands are used to color the boxes for the troops.
my boys and their buddies
At the end of our time at The Hugs Project, we prayed special blessings and safety over each soldier.
It is my hope that you will consider serving some way in your community this Holiday Season.
Thank you, 11 Magnolia Lane, for inviting me to take place in your Holiday Open House by sharing a tradition in our family. I hope you will stop by Eleven Gables to see more Christmas inspiration, how to make yourself a Chinoiserie DIY ornament, and Spiked Caramel Apple Cider that is perfect for the Christmas season!
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We can’t tell you how much we love this, and it’s our privilege to share this post today. Thanks Emily not only for joining us in our series but for your support of our service men and women. Please join us in praying for all our men and women serving our country this holiday.
Here is the entire Open House series line up~
Here is the Open House series line up~
December 4th~Heather from Southern State of Mind
December 5th~ Emily from 11 Gables
December 6th~ Summer from Simple Stylings
December 7th~ Pam from Simple Details
December 9th~ Sarah from Life on Virginia Street
December 10th~ Paige from The Pink Clutch
December 11th~ Amanda from Dixie Delights
December 12th~ Brett from Being Bianca
December 13th~ Aniko from Place of my Taste
December 14th~ Rachel from Useful, Beautiful Home
December 15th~ Shirley from Housepitality Designs
December 16th~ Julie from Less Than Perfect Life of Bliss
December 17th~ Krystine Edwards
December 18–Pretty Preppy Party
December 19–Amy from 11 Magnolia Lane
December 20–Christy from 11 Magnolia Lane
We’ll see you tomorrow, Simple Stylings will be here with her darling holiday Dining Room.
XO,
Emily, what a wonderful project and way to serve! You and your family are a blessing, I know the packages are SO appreciated! Merry Christmas!
Thanks for sharing this with us, Emily. What a great reminder of what the season should be about!
What a most wonderful project and so nice to see the family involved..yes, you are reminding us that we must give of our time and money to support those who are in need during this special time of the year. A great feature here today!
Emily, such a great great way to celebrate all the Christmas represents. Love that you are mentoring your boys at the same time….I wish you and your family a beautiful Christmas! Joining you in prayer for our men and women who serve. xo Lidy