TRUE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

December 22, 2011 was "Shop With A Cop" day in our town. It was posted on face book by our sheriff and there were 212 photos. Seems it was a very positive and happy day for all involved.

The 168 children who shopped with a cop went home with things they would have not gotten if not for this program. There were photos of children with bikes, computers, clothes and toys of all kinds and the children were of all ages. Hard for me to believe that there are that many families in need at this time of year in our little town.

Times are rough all over our country. Some will not even have a meal if they do not go to the shelters on Christmas day. Our community Center is opening up with volunteers to cook and serve those who would not have a Christmas dinner.

It breaks my heart when I see kids and families doing without any time of the year. We do not have people living under bridges here but we do have one man who sleeps on benches because he wants to. His name is Rockie and he has been offered help and all he wants is give him money, no clothes or food and no paying for him to stay in a motel for a week. He only wants money and when he gets it he gets drunk and does something that gets him a week or two at the local jail.

It is mostly the kids that get to me and what a joy it was to see the photo's of all these kids and cops at our local walmart at one time shopping for special gifts and thanking the cops who they shopped with.

Also, Wendy's, Burger King, Pizza Factory and McDonalds had open house for the cops and kids. Free meals for all who participated. This included the parents of the children also.

It was reported that this is the 14th annual shop with a cop here and it was by far the best. The money comes from contributors who give what they can and also some businesses give a large donation to this even though their business is not part of the store that gets shopped in. They just want to help those in need.

I just wanted to share what a joy it is to live in a community like this. I think shop with a cop is in a lot of other states too. The cops do not get paid that day to wear their uniforms and drive these kids to walmart in a police car which is a thrill for a lot of them. They spend the whole day doing this. A 20 hour shift as with that many kids they do not all go at one time. 

I hope you and your family are fortunate enough to not need these services and have a wonderful and very Merry Christmas. So when you say grace on Christmas day before you have a beautiful and delicious meal please pray for those in need, be it health, food, shelter or just a toy for a child.

From me and mine Merry Christmas to you and yours. Remember the reason for the season.

Just a note that I will be having an after Christmas blow out sale at http://ola.com/store/chateycathey  so stop by to see what I am losing money on just to be able to clear out a room.

Used Toys and Clothing

In this time of tight purse strings, how many of you have looked at things around the house that are gently used but still have great life? Remember when Toys for Tots first started out? You could donate good, used toys to those less fortunate for the holidays. Well, no longer. And I can see why but I also know that with the amount of toys that children receive now days, there is a lot that goes by the wayside that someone would love to recycle.

This year, be thankful for what you have and start a new tradition with your children. Go through toys no longer played with. Have your children help decide what goes to the less fortunate. Then clean them up and join a Reusit site in your locale. Do the same with gently used coats, mittens, hats, and clothes. Be sure they are clean, join the sites and away you go! Someone out there can use these items!! Help someone bring joy into their childrens lives at Christmas by donating items you can no longer use and teach your children to share at the same time.

The Reusit site is FREE!! No exceptions. Here is the link for the main page: http://www.reuseitnetwork.org/us.htm

Be thankful this season by sharing! And if you are looking for great deals for the holiday season, be sure to stop by OLA.com!

Those Christmas Toys

Victorian Bride Doll

This beautiful doll is just one example of some wonderful collectors dolls! And we have other kinds of dolls, too!! Just in time for the holidays and your little angel!! Vintage Japanese Tin Toy Overland Express Train
When I saw this beauty, I immediately thought of my daughter, who collects tin toys. If she were still single, she would love this!! Ahhhhh, if she only had room for more!! Wood Cowboy Pop Up Toy
Remember the old pop-up toys? They made kids laugh!! Simple yet so clever!! 8" Monkey Hand Puppet New
This adorable little hand puppet is sure to please! And there are more animal friends available!! Just the thing to help a child's imagination! Vintage Wind Up Toy Main Street Train Station
Another wind up train!! For the older collector, this is a gorgeous piece!!
Wooden Toy Grader
Who doesn't love handcrafted wooden toys? Hours of fun are to be had by some little boy with this grader!! More styles are available, too!!
Montgomery Wards Airline Portable Record Player
Ah, yes, the old record player!! I remember getting one that was 2 toned blue and Mom hid it under her bed. Ha-ha!! I found it!!! Ruined my Christmas!! Never peeked again!! This is a mint little player and OLA.com has LOTS of old 45's available, too!!
Toy Story 3 Woody Mattel 09 Moc

Toy Story, one of the most popular of kids toys today!! This is a collector piece and the figure is mint on the card.
Huge Lot Doll Clothes Patterns Starts at 25 Cents
If you like to sew doll clothes, this is an auction that can't be beat!! This has started out at 25 cents and is an inventory reduction sale!! Don't miss out!
Disney Toy Story Figurines
These great little Toy Story figures are just waiting for a new home!!

Now, whether you are looking for toys for young or old, come to OLA.com! We have great sellers, great prices and great items for you to see!
While you are at it, please check out our store - Korn Kountry Treasures! You will be glad you did! Thank you!!