Christmas Jar

My name is Laurie Paisley and I live in Indiana.  I have been so intrigued by the concept of the traveling bookmobile! I look forward to following the adventures as it makes it's way across the US this spring!

I though I'd share with you a story about a book that has changed my life and hopefully thousands of others.

In 2006 a gentleman came into the Barnes and Noble in Carmel, Indiana where I work part-time.  It was the holiday season and he requested a copy of the book Christmas Jars, by Jason F. Wright. We didn't have a copy and we weren't due to get any in so I ordered him a copy and one for myself.  It changed my life.

Briefly, the book centers around a tradition in which you put an empty jar on your counter and fill it with spare change throughout the course of the year.  In the days leading up to Christmas or on Christmas eve you donate it anonymously to someone in need.  The recipient can be a coworker having trouble paying their bills, a neighbor who has been laid off, or a single parent who isn't sure how they are going to put presents under the tree this year. You judge the need and choose the recipient. The jar will not fix all of their problems and it's not intended to.  What it is intended to do is provide a little bit of hope.

My family has been giving away Christmas Jars ever since I read the book in 2006. This past May I decided to take my passion of the Christmas Jar up to another level.  My goal was to distribute 1,001 empty jars to individuals across the country. As a result of my project I know of 1,300 empty jars that are being filled this holiday season. These jars join the thousands of others that are being filled by people all across the country. We know that there is at least one jar in all 50 states and 11 countries.

If you get a chance to read this little novella, I think you'll not only enjoy it but it may inspire you to start a jar as well.  I guarantee if you give away one jar you'll be hooked forever!