Ranger 911 Christmas GIVEaway

It is better to give than to receive.

This year's Ranger 911 Christmas Giveaway is all about

giving.

With the recent disaster of Hurricane Sandy, we've once again witnessed volunteers in action. 

 Click here to view and read a very personal account of the immediate aftermath of the storm
 written by Jersey Shore resident Jenny of Everyday is a Holiday blog.

Photos courtesy of Everyday is a Holiday.

Carnival animal among the debris.

Jeep from carnival ride.

This is just a sampling of the destruction they're dealing with.  There are many

more photos to view by clicking on the link above.

 While you're there, check out

 Jenny and Aaron's fun and funky original art for sale and

 see how they've gone from despair to hope in a very dismal situation. 

  There were and still are volunteers from every walk of life and many organizations

 helping victims on the East Coast and all over the world, but I've chosen the universal symbol

 of the Red Cross as my jumping off point for the design of this year's prize.

    If you've followed my blog, you know by now that I collect vintage

 sock monkeys (you'll meet them next year) and I make new vintage inspired

 sock monkeys from the original Rockford Red Heel Socks.  Our country's

most recent natural disaster is also the namesake of this year's monkey

 I'm offering for this giveaway.

Meet Sandy, a volunteer nurse for the Red Cross.

She proudly wears her starched white cap which was

bestowed to her upon earning her nursing degree.

She dons the traditional blue cape with red lining to keep

her warm when the weather turns cold.  Her only jewelry is the

vintage WWII pin she's clipped to her cape.

Nurse Sandy's white pinafore with a red cross on the bodice makes

her easy to identify in a crowd when her medical skills are needed.
Underneath she wears a red and white thrift store dress.  Thank goodness she found
 the dress so we could get this giveaway post up and running!

She carries a leather bag filled to overflowing with magical potions

to cure whatever ails you.  Let's take a peek inside, shall we?

Life Savers, Kisses, and Hugs.  :)

She puts in long hours and never complains, but at the end of the day

she likes to relax and escape from the troubles she's seen.

She hangs up her hat and pinafore wherever there's a room to be had and snuggles

 under a warm blanket with her night cap pulled down tight. 

A cup of coffee warms her right up.

A good book and she's all set!  It is rather difficult to find a classic book
in her size on such short notice.  Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
 is a classic, isn't it?   It is for us Baby Boomers!

Darn it!  Her vision just isn't what it used to be! 

Much better. 

There are so many ways to give to those less fortunate than ourselves.

You can donate articles of clothing you no longer wear to the Salvation Army or Goodwill.

Craft supplies are always in demand at nursing homes.
Of course, there is still so much to be done for the victims of Hurricane Sandy.

Animal shelters are filled with dogs and cats in need of food, blankets, and a loving home.

The local food shelves can't keep up with the growing number of people in need of food.

There are Meals on Wheels to be delivered and soup kitchens in need of volunteers.

Soldiers who can't be home for Christmas would love to receive a letter, or better yet,

a care package to brighten up their day.  The list goes on and on.
  So, please, do what you can.  Every little bit helps.

Now, let's party!!!

If you'd like a chance to win Sandy, all you have to do is leave

a comment at the end of this post.  No Facebook, tweeting, standing on your head,
just leave a comment!  Simple as that!

She may not be your cup of coffee tea, but perhaps you've got a friend

who could use a little TLC this time of year.   Sandy comes complete with her

nurse cap and cape, leather bag, book, coffee cup, night cap, and reading glasses.
I hope to put a smile on the face of whoever wins this hard working monkey.

 If you're reading this post, you're eligible to sign up!
.
The winner will be picked on Sunday, December 16 by a.......well, depending on
 our sketchy rural internet service, a random number generator, or as a backup,
the tried and true "pick a number out of a hat method".

Merry Christmas!
Vickie

While you're out shopping this holiday season, don't forget to toss some

change in the bright red kettle or maybe pick a name off the Giving Tree in

your local mall. Your donations are sure to be appreciated!

I can't wait to meet my new roomie!!!