As we navigate the challenges of the 2023 holiday season, I’ve coined this year as The Year of Lessons Learned.
Reflecting on the inaugural Thanksgiving Project in 2011, I handled the distribution of cards myself or relied on donors to send them directly to recipients. While this system worked reasonably well for the 438 individuals involved, there were unfortunate cases where gift cards didn’t reach their destinations due to simple oversights—like forgotten stamps or misplaced envelopes. These honest mistakes led to last-minute efforts to rectify the situation, prompting me to take complete control of the process the following year.
In 2012, I opted for a slightly improved method: cards were shipped directly from designated grocery stores, accompanied by handwritten notes sent separately. Although this approach was more efficient, it resulted in two separate mailings, and the generic envelopes didn’t quite capture the warmth I intended to convey. Clearly, a better solution was needed.
This year, I aimed to return to the charm of handwritten notes and personalized cards. However, once we surpassed 2,000 recipients, the task became overwhelming. Therefore, I made the decision to collaborate with a company equipped to assist with this undertaking. They offered personalized cards at no extra cost and provided a great deal on the printing of a custom design. With their experience in shipping millions of cards annually, I believed I had found a reliable solution.
However, unforeseen circumstances led to the cards—beautifully designed and paired with customized $50 gift cards—being shipped later than anticipated via USPS. While this is not the update I wished to share, it was the only solution available at the time. The company worked diligently to find alternatives, but ultimately, the timeline could not be adjusted.
I understand that this may not align with the Thanksgiving experience you envisioned. I hope that you can utilize the gift card for a later Thanksgiving meal or even for Christmas dinner, groceries, or anything else that might ease your situation. The goal of the Thanksgiving Project is to alleviate holiday stress, not contribute to it. I am sincerely sorry for this unexpected turn of events. For those feeling frustrated and upset, I can empathize deeply, as my own frustration is multiplied by the number of recipients involved. I am immensely grateful for the understanding and patience many of you have shown during this time.
Amidst the chaos, it’s essential to highlight the positives: we’ve raised over $150,000 in just a few weeks, benefiting countless families through the generosity of strangers.
Next year, I assure you that if assistance is needed, it will be delivered in a timely manner, even if it means I must hand-deliver every card myself.
Update (11/25/2013):
After days of communication with the reputable gift card company managing the Thanksgiving Project, I finally received clarity on the situation. They initially believed that the cards had been printed and shipped, but it turned out they had not. Thankfully, they are now taking swift action to ensure that the cards will be delivered via FedEx on Wednesday, allowing everyone to enjoy their Thanksgiving dinners after all. This is what truly matters.
For more information on related topics, consider checking out our blog on intracervical insemination. Additionally, if you’re seeking authority on home insemination, visit Cryobaby’s artificial insemination kit. For further guidance on pregnancy, the Fertility Center at Johns Hopkins is an excellent resource.
In summary, while the Thanksgiving Project faced unexpected hurdles this year, our commitment to supporting families remains unwavering. We will strive for improvement and ensure timely assistance in the future.