Gregory's Paper Airplane

   

   
   I'm so excited to introduce you to Benjamin Sherman, who at the age of 8, heard about how little children in Cambodia are being mistreated, and wrote a book about it. This book is called Gregory's Paper Airplane. Some of the proceeds from his book go to two different organizations that are working towards freeing children from human trafficking. (International Justice Mission, and Agape International Missions) 

 Gregory's Paper Airplane tells the story of a boy whose restless heart compels him to act 

after watching a TV show about Cambodian children living in an orphanage. 

   When I read about Benjamin and what he is doing for the children around the world, it really moved my heart. I am so proud of Benjamin! I'm so encouraged to see kids making a real difference in this world! I love this message, it doesn't matter how young or old you are, you can make an impact! Please consider buying this book for your kids. You can purchase his book here, and to learn more go to http://www.gregoryspaperairplane.com/.  

A message from Benjamin's Parents

Benjamin started writing "books" when he was 5 years old. By the time he was 8, he had written over 100 books, including “Gregory’s Paper Airplane”.  Revealing his entrepreneurial spirit, he opened up Ben's Bookstore in his bedroom and sells his books to willing customers (aka, Dad). 

As a dad, of course, I think all of his books are awesome.  But this one, which he originally titled "How a Guy Made Earth Beter by a Flyght of a Paper Airplane" (and which cost me $1, I might add), really touched me.  Ben told me he wrote it after learning about the enslaved children in Cambodia one day at church.  I was so moved by the compassion of the story; I knew I had to do something with it.  Although I did some editing and tweaked the storyline, the vast majority of the book stays true to Benjamin’s original composition. 

Our prayer is this story inspires you to help oppressed and less fortunate children.

Ben’s Dad  

Our hope is that readers of this book will look beyond their own world and be inspired to use their gifts and passions to make a difference in the world. Ben continues to speak at events in order to raise funds to help bring rescue, freedom, and hope to children here in the United States, as well as around the world. Because his compassionate heart moved him to action, our whole family is now on mission for justice!

Ben's Mom

   I hope this story inspires you as much as it has me.  I love that at the age of 8, a little boy joined the fight for justice around the world! Great job Benjamin!

Love,

Jessica

P.S. Benjamin is now 10 years old and still speaks at events to raise funds for justice!

Info, pictures, and video were used with permission and can be found at:http://www.gregoryspaperairplane.com/

Happy Blankie Free Shipping!

   Happy Blankie is a great buy one give one option for a Christmas gift this year! To find out more about Happy Blankie check out my post about them here or go to everythinghappy.com.  

Right now Happy Blankie is offering free shipping and a free Happy Pals coloring book with every order!

The Starfish Project

   I've been wanting to share with you about one of my favorite organizations; Starfish Project! This one is really close to my heart. 

   The Starfish Project was established in 2006 to empower exploited women in Asia. The Project developed a socially responsible jewelry business in order to provide women with alternative employment and a range of holistic care opportunities. In 2011, the project has grown to support approximately 35 women in 2 different cities, primarily through the jewelry company where women have taken on new levels of responsibility and leadership, and are able to provide for their families through meaningful employment. The Starfish Project also provides opportunities for women to heal and grow through counseling, vocational training, language acquisition, family education benefits and health care access, as well as providing housing in our women's shelter. The Starfish Project is committed to restoring hope for each woman that enters its doors.

(This info and more can be found at: www.starfish-project.com)

   The jewelry that these women make is beautiful and affordable, and the profits go to the women's salary, housing, health care, and to continue freeing more women from lives of abuse and hopelessness. 

Beautiful earrings, necklaces and bracelets

Really cute jewelry for younger girls too!

   Check out Starfish jewelry at: www.starfish-project.com

   Happy Holiday shopping! I hope you will find some great gifts that give twice this Christmas! In the next few weeks I will be posting about more wonderful gift ideas!

 Love,

 Jessica

Happy Blankie

   There are a few companies out there who use the model of buy one give one. The company I want to share with you today is called Happy Blankie. This organization is really unique because it was inspired by a seven year old boy's idea. Please read the info below and watch the video to learn more. I think this is a great way to give a gift to your child or a child you know and then get your kids involved in giving to a child in need across the world or close to home!

Happy Blankie's Mission:

 

David Holdridge, founder of Happy Blankie, had a remarkable idea. His mother Emily encouraged him to bring his idea to life – and then added a life lesson that we can ALL teach our children - share. Her idea was to share the happiness of Happy Blankie with children in need of a smile. Thus, ONE to Love, ONE to Share, became the core philosophy of Happy Blankie. The concept is based on Emily’s message to David (and her other 3 children) – love one another, share with others and make a difference in the world.

 

Happy Blankie is donating blankies to children in need all over the world. YOU will be able to make a difference by choosing where you would like to give a blankie. When you receive your blankie you will be able to follow the instructions on the "giving is cool" tag in order to donate your second blanket.
We will send you an email that will keep you informed of our future giving dates and destinations. Both you and Happy Blankie are changing the world, two blankies at a time - and that is what we call REMARKABLE.

Happy Blankie Mission from Happy Blankie on Vimeo.

Some of the cute blanket designs:

 

Sizes:

• Small approx. 18” X 18”  (security size: newborn - 2 years)
•  Medium approx. 32” X 36” (perfect for nap time, car trips, any time! newborn - 6 years)
•  Large approx. 46” X 54” (newborn - 75+ years)
•  Blanket prices range from $32.00 to $128.00

  

    They also just came out with a clothing line of kid's tshirts, rompers and onesies. Right now if you buy a Medium or Large Blankie, you will get a free clothing item of your choice! I'm not sure how long this deal will be going on, but if you are already thinking of purchasing a Happy Blankie, then take advantage of this deal!

Love,

Jessica

Happy Blankie Mission. Check out http://www.happyblankie.com for more details and information. There are also a few new blanket designs to choose from!

Pictures, video and information used with permission from www.happyblankie.com