Making Dreams Come True: Wishes Delivered

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of UPS for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.

The holiday season can be a struggle for many.  For those grieving the loss of a loved one, for those struggling financially, for those coping with depression, for so many reasons that many of us cannot understand the holidays can be a season of stress or dread.  I know that it’s impossible to entirely lift the burdens or the pain that people are facing this holiday season but even the smallest acts of kindness can restore someone’s hope or ease a little of the stress and strain this time of year.

This year it’s my wish to make the holidays a little easier, a little happier for anyone I can.  My goal is to give a little anywhere I can to help others and to assist friends who are doing the same.  Giving can be donating your time, putting together gifts or meals for those in need, or donating money.  Giving doesn’t have to be big and expensive to make a difference.  Small things add up and can make wishes come true.

This holiday season UPS is highlighting people and organizations who are dedicated to making their communities, country, and the world a better place by helping to make wishes come true in their own ways.  They want to hear your story – your wish for the greater good, or how someone in your community is making wishes come true.  For every story shared this holiday season, using the hashtag #WishesDelivered, UPS will donate $1 to one of their charity partners (Boys & Girls Club of America, World Food Programme, Toys for Tots Literacy Program, The Salvation Army, or The UN Refugee Agency) up to $150K!

My story is about a really special woman I’ve come to know named Tricia.  I met Tricia several years ago when she needed some special baked goods for her son’s birthday.  Over the years I’ve gotten to know her and her unwavering kindness and generosity.  She’s always giving, year round, to those she can help.  I’m not sure I’ve ever met anyone so selfless and kind.  Just last week she shared that a young family had reached out to her that they were struggling and didn’t know how they would be able to celebrate the holidays with their 5 children.  They’d spent their last dollar to catch up bills and nothing was left for their children.  Tricia knew it was too late for the family to sign up for some of the programs that normally help in a situation like this and she quickly pulled friends together to make a difference for this young family.

In a matter of hours Tricia had volunteers offering gifts for the children, monetary donations for her to purchase what they needed, gas cards for the parents, offers to pay the families utilities, and so much more.  She inspired children to offer money from their piggy bank and gently used toys they no longer used.  Tricia made a huge difference in this family’s life and is making sure this family, these children, have a happier holiday season.  She’s making sure these parents have a little less worry and stress.

Beyond what she gave this specific family is what she gave her community.  She gives us all hope that there are people who care, people who are selfless and want to bring happiness to others.  She brought a lot of people together for one cause – to grant a family’s wishes.

UPS #WishesDelivered wants to celebrate the great people across America who are making a difference, who are making wishes come true for those around them.  Use Twitter or Instagram, and the hashtag #WishesDelivered, to share a story about someone you know who is making a difference and spread the holiday cheer while raising money for charity.  You can also share your story on the #WishesDelivered Site.

What’s your wish?