This is really hard for me to do… I really, really don’t like asking for help. But I feel like I need to suck up my own pride and whatever issues are holding me back and reach out to you.
I recently posted that I was going to give away 10 dozen cookies. I planned on getting nominations for deserving folks who could use a little pick-me-up! Five families (or individuals) would each win two dozen cookies based on the nomination of a friend or loved one.
You can read the original post here.
I received over 165 nominations, and once I saw that I had to shut down the contest. I just could not read one more request without my heart breaking!
I was at a loss. Every single one of the people nominated deserved a special treat! Every single comment brought a tear to my eye and tugged at my heart. The thought of picking just five made me crazy with dread.
This is where you come in.
I want to ask something big of you.
Would YOU be willing to make a special treat for a total stranger?
It sounds insane. I cant even believe I am asking! But I have been so inspired and touched and supported in this community… by you… I knew I needed to at least try.
Here is what I am thinking… I will match you up with one nominee (the comment, name, and address) and you can make them the cookie of your choice. This is asking a lot because in addition to baking cookies, I would be asking you to ship them. I am sorry! But if you can fit them in a medium box from your local post office it can be a little as $10 total.
Just in case you were wondering why I am so emotional and desperate to do this, here are a few examples of the comments: (read them all here)
From Lora
I would nominate a family in our church whose 5 year old son, Owen, is battling leukemia. It’s been a long road for them (since August) and they could definitely use a pick me up! They also have 3 other children under the age of 10 (Owen is 5)
From Joanna
My best friend from childhood lost her little and only sister Saturday night in a tragic car accident. She was 22, two weeks shy of her 23rd birthday. Amber was full of life, and lived each day to the fullest extent. Always wearing a smile, her laughter was infectious. Since they live cities apart the last time my best friend saw her sister was at Christmas. Being a big sister myself, my breath gets caught at the idea of losing my sister. I don’t know of a single person who will need a bigger reason to smile in the coming weeks than my best friend.
From Liz
I would send cookies to my oldest friend Tiffany. Her brother is in hospice care and at the end of his life and she is shouldering the burden of comforting her mother and mothering three children of her own while feeling unable to truly process the loss she is facing herself.
From Joy
I would love to send some cookies to my daughter’s boyfriend when he returns (safe and sound!) from a year on the front line in Afghanistan. We are grateful for his service and what better way to show it than with cookies!
From Shannon
The first person that came to my mind was Chad. I can’t think of anyone that needs a smile added to his day more than he does. I don’t know him at all, but his blog is: http://sadandchara.blogspot.com Just to warn you it is a heartbreaking story, but so awesome reading about Chads faith in God seeing him through this difficult time.
From Janis
I would love to send some cookies to my SIL Noelle – she was 22 weeks pregnant and lost her little boy on Friday – her and her kids and family would love some sweet love! 
From Casey
My cousin passed away last week after a short battle with cancer, he was only 41. He leaves behind a loving wife and 6 children…the youngest being 3 years old. They were all so brave at the funeral this past weekend. I would love for you to be able to brighten their day with some cookies.
And the list goes on…
So. After subtracting the five that I will do and others being covered from anonymous gifters, I have… gulp… 146 spots left to fill.
One Hundred Forty Six people needed to come forward and lend a hand.
Can you be one? Will you be one? I know it is asking a lot. I wish I could give you the world for even considering it!
What I can offer is a public thanks. If you have a blog or facebook or twitter you can just sign up with Mr. Linky. If not, you can just leave a comment letting me know you would be willing to donate two dozen cookies.
I will contact you with all the details!
Now, if you cannot make and ship cookies, but would still like to help, please know you can! You can send someone a cheerful greeting card with a small gift card inside, or a anonymous note sharing a message of joy, or a copy of your favorite uplifting book, or even flowers!
I would be SO appreciative! Anything would help… any amount… any thoughtful gesture.
I hope you will consider being a part of this.
*****
YOU DID IT GUYS!! As of right now a mere FOUR HOURS into it, ALL of the nominee’s have been accounted for!! Every single deserving one will be matched up and assigned this coming week… I am just FLOORED by your generosity and kindness!! I have cried many a tear this morning in awe of YOU! THANK YOU!!
SO BLESSED BY YOU ALL!!!
More details to follow. Expect an email from me this week!
Consider me IN. I have a group of 4-H cake decorators who would love to be included. I have sent you an email.
ROCK’N GOOD IDEA.
Consider it done. I would love to help!
Loren @ The Baking Sheet
lorenoneill@aol.com
http://www.thebakingsheet.blogspot.com
I’m not an official baker by any means but would really love to help if they’re in the UK or Europe!
I’m going to make your peppermint patties for my friend Terrell tonight and send some home for her family, so she will be taken care of. I’m glad there was such a huge outpouring of love from everyone to nominate friends and family.
You are such an amazing and wonderful woman! I am not a big cookie baker but would love to help, it’s the least I could do. Can I make brownie cookie dough bars and send them to a person/family in need?
Nellie
Maspeth, NY
I will help. I can’t promise perfection but I can promise it will be made with love. Please include any allergy information.
I’d love to put a smile on someone’s face who needs it! Count me in! :0)
When you match me with a person can you give me their story, too? That way I know how to cheer them up.
I’ll help. Just let me know when and who.
I can help but I’m in Canada. Have you got any Canadians who’ve made a request?
I can help!
jaymea9@iheartchocolate.com
I would love to help. johnson39 at gmail
Amanda,you are doing something wonderful. I would love to help, feel free to send me 2 families info.
I’d love to help out! Please match me,it will give me a good excuse to bake next week.
I have a chocolate chip cookie recipe that would brighten anyone’s day! It would be my joy to participate. Please match me with someone.
sharinlilbit (at) gmail (dot) com
I’m happy to help if you have any UK people that need cheering up. I’m going through a tough time at the moment too and I know how much I’d appreciate a little pick-me-up. Sometimes giving can be just as rewarding though so please let me know if I can help.
Louisa (www.lulubellescakes.com)
I’d love to help…just send me the info.
Georgi
georgianderson@me.com
I would love to help! This is a great thing!
I love that show Secret Millionaire and it inspires me to want to do more.
Kara @ lifeaskara.wordpress.com
karab819@gmail.com
I don’t know how to do the link thing, but I would be happy to send 2 dozen cookies to someone. Shelley
I’d love to help: melthoughtsblog@gmail.com. I’m on the east coast (mid-Atlantic region), so the cookies would be freshest going to someone nearby.
I would like to bake for someone!
I would also love to send something to bakerella! she’s a favorite of mine!
I would love to do this. Just send me the information. I can’t wait to help. – heidi
aweekfromthursday at gmail.com
Count me in lovemyabbie at gmail.com
Great idea! I would love to help.
Please send me 2 people’s information! I’d love to help brighten someone’s day!!
I would love to help.
Yes! A thousand times yes. I’d love to help.
I would love to help as well. I adore making cookies and it would make my day to send some to someone. Let me know what I can do!
erinsumrell@yahoo.com
i want in on this! yes, please!
I’d love to help! I’m not a professional baker, but I love to dabble in it!
Lety
I’m in TX. YeeHaw!
leticia.larez@gmail.com
count me in… I linked above.
I also stumbled, tweeted and facebooked this. <3
I’d love to help out! Let me know how I can
I’d love to help out! Let me know how I can
Please count me in!
I would LOVE to help!
stephklos at gmail
I’d send something to someone, but I also am in Canada (NS).. if you have a Canadian (only to avoid customs etc) family/individual in need of a pick-me-up, I’d be more than happy to send one along!
Pam
pam.c.stronach@gmail.com
Amanda, I am not a bake like you, but I would still love to send some cookies to someone. Even if I need to send them to the person I nominated. Let me know!! jumpforjoy@gmail.com
I would love to help! Email me my person and I’ll send something out asap jessicalynnwrites (at) gmail.com
I would love to help! Sign me up!
I would love to help !
But I’m in Montreal (quebec, canada). I have my own cookie business.
I don’t know if we had any request within Quebec ?
100% YES!! Sign me up
(I’m a newbie but would love the opportunity to help!)
What a wonderful idea! I would totally do it!
My heart just tore when I read those submissions. I’d love to help! Count me in for 5 spots.
I’m the Canadian girl above.. go ahead, Manda, and send me 2 families info. I wondered if I could request 2 but now that I see others have as well then please count me in for 2 requests.
)
Count me in!
Maggie
maggiehall at gmail dot com
http://www.cookie-365.blogspot.com
As I have told you in Twitter, please let me know if there’s something I could do from Spain, maybe sending a small gift, or card, or something. Beautiful, beautiful post!
I would love to help! I am not the best baker in town, but I would certainly give it a try!
thanks!
I would love to help!!! I have a dozen calla lily cookies that I’m actually working on right now, and didn’t even know who I was going to give them to… now I do! sweetartsweets@yahoo.com
I’m in!
Please sign me up to help, this is a perfect opportunity for me to serve more, and help others. We all benefit:)
Such a beautiful idea, I would love to help. Please let me know if you have anyone who needs a pick-me-up in the UK!
I would LOVE to help any way I can!
Claire Gallam
The Realistic Nutritionist
http://nutritionfor.us
We will tag-team two orders for you
We will tag-team two orders for you
Sign me up
I am SO in!
@nomnivorous
nomnivorous@gmail.com
http://www.nomnivorous.com
I am very blessed… with 6+5 (his and mine) wonderful children… a husband that loves me and that I adore… could I bake and ship some cookies…? Of course I can…!!
100% YES. I would be honored to help!
oops, just in case my email didn’t go through…
doegirl26@verizon.net
Yes, yes, of course! meredith@thegoodlifegourmet.net
I don’t mean to be paranoid, but isn’t it a little unsafe to let complete strangers bake things for others? (Isn’t this why we have to carefully check our children’s halloween candy to make sure that they haven’t been opened?) I’m sure most of the individuals who visit this website are loving, wonderful people, and I the sentiment for this is lovely, but I’m really not sure it’s very safe. (Or maybe I watch too much “Criminal Minds”!)
Anyway, love your blog!
Yes, please count me in! Ill send cookies to whoever needs them! My email is 350degreeconfections@gmail.com
Blog is 350degreeconfections@blogspot.com and
Facebook link Ill link below.
I would love to help if you have any left.
I am ready to roll my sleaves up. Sign me up!
I can make some cake pops. Please email me (I don’t twitter).
Would love to personally deliver if I could sign up for local person? I live North Carolina. Please let me know?
Blessings,
Jackie S.
sjacks2001@carolina.rr.com
I make handmade greeting cards. Maybe someone would like a box of assorted cards and some stamps so that he/she doesn’t have to go out to buy them for loved ones.
This is Melissa with Ambrosia Candies…here is my email ambrosiacandies@gmail.com You can count me in for sending someone something special and also sending a special something to Bakerella. You are a wonderful person for doing this! And so is everyone else for assisting! God will bless those that bless others ^_^
count me in Amanda
I have signed up and have the oven on preheat!
You can count me in as well
I would love to help, sorry I didn’t see this sooner! Sign me up:)
Hi! I am not a pro, but I make a mean chocolate chip cookie
I would love to help send some happy thoughts and cheers to a family that needs a pick-me-up. Not sure if you are trying to pair people up regionally, but I am in Vegas.
I’d love to help! Be forewarned, I’m not the really a professional baker though. I’d give it my best and they’d be full up on love though!
Klinge@gmail.com
I’m in! I’ll take two, please.
I’m so very happy to help!
What an awesome idea! I’m in!
Allison
allib07@ku.edu
I’m in too!!
Would love to help!
This outpouring brings me to my knees. Please, please count me in. It would be my honor. Babcakesbakery@yahoo.com
If you still need people…I’d be glad to send something.
Hi! I did write in the original post for a buddy who after returning from Iraq volunteered for another tour in Afghanistan where he currently is. I would love to help! Feel free to shoot me an email!
I would love to help out and send cookies!
I would love to help, if there is anyone in canada I would love to make something for them. I have never shipped my cookies before but my friends and family love them
I’m sure any cookies I make will not be as beautiful as yours, but I love any excuse to make treats and give them away (really my thighs don’t need any more). I’d be happy to help. I started reading the comments when you originally posted and I thought the same thing, “how is she ever going to pick?” Good luck with volunteers- looks like you are doing pretty well so far.
I’d love to help! This is such an amazing idea! My email address is lovetorun131@yahoo.com
Thank you <3
I’d love to help as well. And if anyone hasn’t asked for Bakerella yet, I’d love her as well, I follow her blog too. But either way, I’ll help out!
Just pleast let me know who and where.
I’d be happy to help! Count me in.
amanda.bothwell1@gmail.com
Hello,
I’d be happy to help! I also have some friends that would likely pitch in too. We can make up some baked goods and custom cards to send to anywhere in Canada and the US.
Ashley
Ottawa, ON, Canada
I would so love to help! I am not a professional or even have a blog, but I love love love to bake! How amazing that you are doing this! So count me in!
I am in! Please email me the details as soon as you have a chance
After reading this, there is no doubt that I would love to help. Please sign me up!
Yes! I gave up sugar for lent but miss baking. This will hit two birds with one stone
I will help! What an awesome way to serve someone else
I’d love to help! I’m not a professional baker at all, but just made some delicious monster cookies. I have enough leftover to send, if I do it soon! But I don’t mind eating those and making some more. The stories you shared are so genuine!
What a great idea! I’m an amateur baker, but as someone else mentioned, my cookies will certainly be made with love. I’ve linked up above. Look forward to hearing from you with details.
Count me in!
send me an address
You can count me in too, from Rosie’s Country Baking
This is such a beautiful thing! I’m in!
Count me in! If you’ve still got names, that is – I see the peoples of the Internet have definitely stepped up to the challenge!
Alexdreamz@yahoo.com
I’m a ‘HeartSister’ and we love to ‘pass it forward’. Just tell me what I can do to help. I’m in the process of moving, but I’ll work it in!
I would love to help. With everything going on in the world we need to spread a little love. May God bless all the families in need.
I would love to help, as far as the gift idea – not much of a baker but I do photography and I can put together a beautiful framed cheerful something to brighten someones day!
I just linked up with Mr Linky. I’d love to know the story behind the person I’m sending the cookies to. Thank you so much for letting us help you with this. SO many people have helped my family,I’d love to help others.
Our family would love to do this!
Anna
I would totally make some cookies. Count me in!
You’ve had so many responses already I’m not sure if you need anymore. But if you haven’t filled you quota count me in as well
swtretreats@gmail.com
I would love to help! I’m in Canada, any Canadian folks who need cookies?
I would be happy to send something else to uplift if it’s only folks in the US.
The nominations are heartbreaking.. I wish I could send all of them cookies if I had enough.. but since I’m in the Philippines, and being a nurse, I think I’ll just give some to some of my patients.. I really admire what you’re doing for all of these people.. I’ve always wanted to comfort everyone in need of it.. This is a great inspiration.. My prayers are with everyone.. God bless!
This is such a great idea, and I would love to help! The last time I tried to ship cookies to America though, they confiscated them at customs. Do you know anything about international shipping? I’ll check up on it, but I think shipping food really is not that easy. I would still love to contribute something else!
I would love to help in any way. Even if you have enough people to bake, I’d love to get a few peoples info so I can send a little note and some love their way! Great idea!
I will help if you still need it!
Am amateur baker here, but would love to help, if you still need people. Notchenovsky (at) yahoo (dot) com
I will help too – if they are in the UK
i would love to take part! there is nothing sweeter than care packages
We’re happy to help (we’ll bake and ship 20 dozen from our corporate kitchens) and will also be sending this out to our national team of independent Demarle at Home sales representatives who may also be interested in participating. Thanks for making a difference Amanda!
Also-I’m not far (geographically speaking) from Jen & John from Cake Wrecks-so I’d be happy to send them some cookies if you want.
I would love to, please!!
I would love to help! I was one of your 146 commenters yesterday, but I can take care of that one on my own, and take one another one! Let me know what I can do! cwong_138@yahoo.com
I’m in ideally if you have any Canadian request since I’m in Montreal but I can work around customs
I would love to be a part of this special event!
Beth Schuff
beth.schuff@gmail.com
http://justsoparenting.blogspot.com/
I’d love to help! And since I don’t have many recipes that will only make two dozen cookies, would you mind signing me up to help two of your nominees?
I am in! I am no means professional, but I will bake my treats with lots of love and am honored and humbled to have this opportunity.
Best,
Meredith
I would love to help. Please send me the info. God Bless you and your kind heart.
absolutely I would be willing to do anything to help. Don’t feel bad about asking for help. This is when you see that humanity is still alive and well in 2011! Sometimes we need to remind ourselves that not only are people suffering but at the same time there are still wonderful people out there willing to help.
I would love to help! I’ve never shipped cookies before so that would be new to me, but I could give it a shot! What a great thing you are doing, Amanda!!!
What an amazing post and I am truly honored that you have reached out to your blog friends to help! Count me in for sure, there is nothing better than some cookies to brighten your day! I would love to help a family in need! I’ve added my link above too! I read about Bakerella the other day, and I just hated to hear that news! I would love to send her a special treat too, afterall she has been one of the most inspiring and creative people that has helped my baking evolve and is the reason I started blogging! Looking forward to getting my special cookie assignment!
I would be honored to help! A chance to practive what I love and help others all at the same time
I love to help!!
I would love to do this! Sign me up!
I would love to help! Please sign me up!
I want to bake a treat for someone! It is an honor to help out in this small way! Thank you for reaching out to us and allowing us to enjoy the blessings of serving others!
p.s. I LOVE your blog!
I love this idea and would love to be a part of helping bring joy to others. Please count me in.
I am not an “offical baker” but Sign me up, I make excellent peanut butter cookies…I live in Texas.!!! jdwbmw08@gmail.com
I am not by any means a baker like you, But I can make cookies!
(this is my second post)I can actually send 2 dozen cookies to two people, so feel free to match me up with two. Shelley
I’d love to! My cookies arent half as fantastic as yours but I’d love to join in if you’ll have me!
jennywennycakes@gmail.com and you can look for cookie examples on my flickr page http://www.flickr.com/jennywenny
I’m in san diego, so it would be extra special to help a local!
I would also love to help if you have any UK requests- please do let me know at
devouringtexts@gmail.com
This is seriously such a lovely thing to do
Count me in, sister!
I linked in above, and facebooked as well. The email is cakegirl680@gmail.com. What a fab idea!! Many blessings for setting this up!!
Please count me in!
I’m in the UK so if you’ve anybody this side of the ocean on your list please count me in.
Yes, I would love to do this as well: mransom699@aol.com
Mary
I would love to help! Thank you so much for posting this!
erin.armknecht@gmail.com
We’re sure you know this, but you are pretty amazing!
We are in to help a family, and would love to send a special treat to Bakerella as well.
Please let us know what we can do.
orders@asweetintent.com
I’d love to help, but am in the UK. Please let me know if there is anything I can do from over here.
I would absolutely love to help! Count me in! This is a wonderful and truly inspiring idea, and I’m so excited to be a part of it!
Jordan @ Kitchen Karate
http://www.kitchenkarate.blogspot.com
kitchenkarate@gmail.com
send me someone on facebook- The Angry Bee Bakery page
This is wonderful idea! What a great way to get more people involved! Please let me know what I can do
Samantha726@gmail.com
Flour-de-lis.blogspot.com
I would be happy to make 2 dozen custom cookies to whomever you pair me up with!
Thanks
Sam
I am happy to help. What a wonderful gift to be able to help a stranger in need.
Oops! Clicked on post a bit too soon!
Also, our company looks for ‘Sweet Intents’ to do every month…where we donate our baked goods to a good cause. Thank you so much for making this month’s Sweet Intent a no-brainer. We’ll be tweeting and facebooking to try to bring more volunteers.
I’m in.
brightlightsbigcolor @ gmail.com
I would love to help!
Sugarnspicepatisserie@gmail.com
I’ve been baking cakes from home for a few years. I’ve never decorated cookies, but I’d love to pitch in and help! You can shoot me an email and I’ll do my best!
~Kim layered@live.com – I’m in nw FL by the way.
I would love to help! What a great excuse to bake; great way to spread some love!
Would love to help – just let me know the details.
I will make something for someone – consider me in!
Send me one family’s info, please.
I would love to help. I love baking and I love helping strangers.
I absolutely love baking and always share them as I don’t want to eat them all myself. So if you still need volunteers, please consider me in. I’d love to be able to lift someone with something I so enjoy doing.
I’m in too! I linked above. Send me an email and let me know who I should send the goods to!
Laura
I would be more than happy to help!
I’d love to sign up and contribute two dozen cookies
Of course I would love to help! Please sign me up!!!
I would like to help out. I am in western Canada and if there is anyone out in this area, I would love to send them some cookies!
YES! Count me in. You have given me so much joy and excitement from all your lovely creations, it’s the least I can do for you. They will be your basic Chocolate Chip, but they will be made with love. Please let me know where to send my cookies. You are an angel to have such a tender, giving heart. Thanks for letting us help you out!
I’m IN!!! I nominated my roommate, so why would I not be willing to help someone else?!?!? Also, Bakerella could use 2 treats I say! Sign me up to send her one as well
The Lord is SOOO good! I am so excited for this!! Do you get my email when I post this, or do I need to send that somewhere else?
Hi Amanda,
What U are doing is really commendable and I am truly touched. I am too far away to help (I’m from Singapore) but I am inspired by your selfless gesture that I have decided that I might just have something like that here in my own country!:) I will keep U posted!=)
Meanwhile, to all those who have offered ur generosity, may God bless all of you! =)
I’d love to help out! Let me know how I can
I’m in- in Jesus’ name!! Email me if you need help! ♥- Katrina
I’m happy to help! I love baking sugar cookies and using your frosting recipe, so just let me know what I can do!
We will tag-team two orders for you
Count me in Amanda!! Of course, of course. I’ll take two, please.
PS. I’ll spread the word on Craft Gossip, too…
I’m most definitely in!
Totally in! I posted my blog in the linky!
Hi Amanda! I’d love to donate some cookies! Just let me know to who and where….this is a great thing you are doing : )
Sign me up!
I would like to volunteer to bake cookies for a family in need of a pick-me-up.
I want to help! Please send me the details when you have the time. You’re so awesome!
This is beyond moving. I would love to help you! I can do special stuff for food allergies too.
Sarena at creativecannonball dot com
I would absolutely love to bake for someone that was in need of a pick me up. Please let me know who and I will get them some baked goodness stat. xoxo
Sign me up! I would love to help