Hey There! The 12 days of Christmas officially commence today…in the U.S., that is. Over here in Germany Christmas Eve (the 24th) is the big, celebrated Christmas “day” where the feasts, the church services, the tree decorating, and the gift-giving all happen. The 24th is THE day. And then the 25th and the 26th are also official Christmas holidays…. But for the sake of the song “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” I’m going to post today, precisely 12 days before “U.S. Christmas,” and spread a little Christmas cheer.
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It’s the season of giving. Alright, it should always be the season of giving, but around the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays it’s the season for even more giving. We should always strive to give of ourselves—our talents, our time, our cash, and of course our love. There is always someone else out there with a sadder story, a tougher rode, and much less in their own pocket books, bellies, and sadly, sometimes, hearts.
So in this beautiful season and spirit of giving, I’ve decided to use my talents (aka- that new book I have out, Bumped to Berlin) in a give-back-to-the-community sort of way. It's a small idea, but hopefully it will help someone in need. Here’s the deal:
* Throughout the rest of December I’m going to donate 20% of each ebook’s sale to the organization, Helen Keller Services for the Blind. * AND, for each review or star rating that Bumped to Berlin receives on Amazon or Barnes and Noble in December, 100% of an ebook’s sale will be donated.
What is Helen Keller Services for the Blind?
This fabulous organization helps people, young and not-so-young, who are blind and / or visually impaired, to become independent so that they may participate in their communities in an active, full, and fulfilling way. They offer free workshops and seminars, children’s learning and early education centers, rehabilitation services, and much more. Find out more by visiting their website at: www.helenkeller.org
Why HKSB?
If you’ve read chapter 11 of my book, then I don’t have to tell you why I have an affinity for this organization. But for those who haven’t gotten to chapter 11 yet; basically I had a close vision impairment scare a few years back where I ran the risk of losing vision in my left eye. Thank God my vision was saved and all is well. That scare, though, always reminds me that vision is something that almost all of us simply take for granted. It’s a given for most of us to see, hear, smell…have all of our senses in tune. To imagine what life would be like without vision is dreadful. And I don’t have to harp on that for those who are avid readers! A man’s eyes, and even more so a writer’s and a reader’s eyes, are invaluable.
With this scare a few years back, and with vision troubles that run in the family, in particular with my dear, dear Nana who has recently hit hard times in the vision department, the Helen Keller Services for the Blind really hits home for me. My heart goes out to all of the children and adults who do not have the ability to see. And I hope that these donations can lend a helping hand.
How You Can Donate to HKSB
- Click on HKSB’s “Donate Now!” Button (this link will lead you there)
- When you purchase Bumped to Berlin on Amazon or Barnes and Noble in December I’ll donate 20% of each ebook sale to HKSB.
- When you rate or review Bumped to Berlin on Amazon or Barnes and Noble in December I’ll donate 100% of an ebook’s sale to HKSB.
- Super awesome, easy and a FREE donation! Before you do your Amazon.com Christmas shopping, just head on over to this HKSB link (click here) and click on their Amazon.com banner. That banner will take you directly to Amazon.com, where you can do your shopping, and 4-8% of the proceeds will go straight to HKSB. It’s easy. It’s safe. It’s Amazon’s donation through your purchase. A serious win-win!
Please, as you count down the 12 days ‘till Christmas, remember to give a little extra of yourself. Whether it’s a financial donation, or an extra smile to a complete stranger. It’s the season of extra giving! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, everyone!
Happy Reading!
