Domeij donations update

Many of you have asked how the efforts have gone to raise money for the Domeij's.  In fact some have been checking this site and/or our Facebook page in order to get an update.  We were not sure we were going to post the gifts that were purchased, but have since decided that we would so all of you who donated can take pride in the blessings you have passed on to the Domeij family.  Therefore, although we have 5 days to go until Christmas, we wanted to provide an update, especially since last weekend we were able to visit Mrs. Domeij and her daughters in order to give her the gifts that had been purchased using the $1,100 that had been received at that point. With these funds we were able to give the Domeij family:

• Littlest pet shop scooter/doll/animal toy 
• Littlest pet shop swing set/cat and dog toy
• Little Mommy play set (stroller and crib)
• Little Mommy doll 2 year old +
• Little Mommy doll 18 month +
• Little people Lego's
• Fisher Price smart laptop
• Fisher Price tea set
• Little people tree house
• Little people castle
• Pajamas for both girls
• Dresses for both girls
• Sweater/legging set for both girls
• Magnetic dolls
• Diaper bag for baby dolls
• $400 Safeway gift certificate
• $25 Starbucks gift certificate
• $75 Kohl's gift certificate
• $200 Target gift certificate
• $100 Shell gift certificate
• $30 McDonald's gift certificate
• Box of gently used hand me downs from a neighbor with a Kohl's and Great Clips gift certificate
• We also had a Christmas ornament made.  The ornament is of Kris and his 2 daughters on his lap.  The picture was etched onto a glass ornament and we sent 1 to Kris' mother, mother-in-law and of course, his wife.

Since last Friday another $400 has been raised...taking the total donations in excess of $1,500!!

On the 23rd we have hired Sam's Custom Sets (www.samscustomsets.com) to construct a playhouse/swing set (see picture on previous Facebook posts) and have purchased a kitchen set to be placed inside that the girls can play with.

Lastly, the Domeij family was featured in this weeks People magazine and contained therein is a fantastic summary of Sgt 1st Class Domeij and everything he did for our Country. 

Thank you to everyone who have donated and we are excited to see what else is raised over the next 4 nights. 

God Bless and Merry Christmas

Galatians 6:10

Operations Christmas Lights was started based on Galatians 6:10, which says "So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who belong to the family of faith."  As I write this on December 14th I am amazed by the outpouring of support for the Domeij family.  What started off as an idea to raise a "few hundred" dollars for a good cause has turned into a renewed passion to show people how we can all make a difference.  To date the following has happened:

• Over $500 has been raised in the donation box outside our house and it is only December 14th
• Ayala High School USB joined in the efforts and raised $265!  Awesome!
• A Chino Hills resident knocked on our door on Sunday and brought a box of very lightly used clothes, toys, and books for the Domeij girls.
• A random $100 bill in an envelope appeared in the donation box on Sunday sometime during the day (when the lights were not even on).
• The city of Chino Hills informed us that they enrolled us in the Christmas Light competition.  We have never enrolled in a competition as this is not the reason we put lights up.  However, we will rely on the fact that perhaps the publicity will only increase the donations for the Domeij family.
• An incredible note was left in the donation box offering a blessing to Mrs. Domeij which we will forward on to her.
• We have decided to use all the money raised to provide presents and gift cards to the Domeij family.
• We have decided to build a playhouse/swing set for the Domeij girls.  In searching for a builder we found www.samscustomsets.com who is based out of the same neighborhood as the Domeij's and been very gracious in his dealings with us and is making our dream a reality.

If this list is not proof that God blesses those in need then nothing is.  Yes, the Domeij's will be blessed by receiving the above mentioned items, but what if becomes bigger then that?  What if the outpouring of love and support they receive causes them to reach out themselves someday?  The whole pay it forward idea.  I encourage you to all find a cause, get behind it, and rely on the good nature of people to take over.  After seeing the outpouring of blessings to date I can truly say people want to help; and will, if given the opportunity.
 
Merry Christmas and God Bless

Our Cause...

We have decided on the cause we are going to support this year! This year we are going to take donations in order to provide Christmas presents to the children of soilders who have lost their life this year supporting our freedom. Our goal is to provide a bit of happiness in what surely will be a very difficult time as these childern spend their first Christmas without their father/mother. Noth...ing will replace the loss of their parent and nothing we do will come close to thanking them for their sacrafice, but we will do what we can to bless their children. There will be a donation box on the lawn this year and we will also take donations in person. We have researched soilders lost this year and currently have a message into one family to see if she would allow us to support her daughters this Christmas. We will update this page once we hear back!

Only 2 more weeks left!

We are putting the final touches on our show sequencing and will begin the set up in 2 weekends.  We anticipate the opening night to be Sunday, November 27th and can't wait to share our display.  We will keep you updated on any changes!

We ask for your continued prayers for the family from whom we are waiting to hear back.  They recently lost their soldier in Afghanistan and had to bury their husband, son, friend and hero this past week. If you could keep them and all the families who recently lost a loved one on duty in your thoughts and prayers we would greatly appreciate it. 

Like us on Facebook for updates and photos at www.facebook.com/operationchristmaslights

Operation Christmas Lights launches in 2011

This 2011 Christmas season will be the first one in which "Operation Christmas Lights" will couple our love for over the top Christmas displays with helping those that are in need during the Christmas season.  Check in for more information.  We will be picking a cause to support this Christmas season very soon!