Giving Their Gift Exchange Away: Jasmine and friends

When my daughter, Jasmine, read about the urgent need for windows at Slaveikov Orphanage , she and her friends decided to turn their annual Christmas gift exchange into an opportunity to raise money for One Heart Bulgaria. Jasmine was very touched by the story describing the poor conditions at Slaveikov, and especially so since her brother, Mitko, is adopted from Bulgaria. 

At first, Jasmine wasn’t sure how a group of 13 and 14 year old girls would take to the idea of donating their gift money rather than spending it on presents for each other, but everyone that she approached was excited about the idea. She decided to host a little party at her house with goodies, pop and games and then watch some video footage of older children living at an orphanage similar to Slaveikov that her mom had from her adoption work in Bulgaria. Jasmine also made a brightly wrapped box for the girls to place their donations in. Ten girls attended and one mother was so touched that she sent along $100 towards the cause in addition to her daughter’s donation.  The girls raised $252 in all. They all went away feeling happy and satisfied to have helped these children, many of which were their age, at least be able to be warm this winter, and they all want to do something like this again next year. We are all pretty proud of these girls! 

Kathy Junk, UT

Thank you to Jasmine, Allie, Kristen, Rachel, Ariana, Steph, Jen, Brinley, Tessa, Sami, and two great moms, Kathy Junk and Carolyn Smith!