What does the Christmas season mean to you? For me and my family, it is a time to celebrate the birth, life, death and resurrection of our King, Jesus Christ. This birth brought great joy into the world, because that baby became our undeserved salvation. Without God's sacrifice of His son, we would be dying in our sins.
This year on Pennies on a Platter we're also celebrating the life of another King. His name is Jeremy King. A son, husband, father and friend to many of my readers who suddenly passed away in November at the young age of 31. Surviving his death are his pregnant wife (Veronica), two adorable children (Faith and Caleb) and another son (Carter) due this Valentines' Day.
Jeremy was a blessing to many during his short life. It is amazing to hear about the impact he had when reading posts on his Facebook wall. I can't help but think of Jeremy when I hear the lyrics of the song "If I die Young" by The Band Perry, when she sings,
"Who would have thought forever could be severed by the sharp knife of a short life."
And then again at,
"A penny for my thoughts, oh no, I'll sell them for a dollar.
They're worth so much more after you're a goner.
And maybe then you'll start hearing the words I've been singing.
Funny when you're dead how people start listening."
It is so true how a death can shake up someone's heart, mind and soul. I can assure you, though, that Jeremy was impacting lives even before the date of his death. He was a singer, as well, and lead the worship at his church. People were hearing the words he was singing every week.
This nightmare began for Veronica, her family, and close friends on Tuesday, November 9. (You can read the story here on her blog). I know she has been surrounded with love and contributions, but I've been thinking and praying about a way to chip in and help as well, and finding it difficult while living so far away.
An idea finally hit me. An idea that I'm very excited about and want to tie into the Christmas season. Without sharing contractual details, I can tell you that I make a tiny bit of money from the one advertisement I have on my blog. The money I make off this advertisement is solely based on blog hits, which means how many times readers (you) click on my blog each month. Since Veronica's life insurance is very minimal, I feel like a monetary contribution to her is the best way to help. This is why I've decided to donate 100% of my blog's profit to Veronica and her family for the month of January.
What does this mean to you? This means that there is a way for you to help Veronica, for free! I'm asking all of my readers to visit Pennies on a Platter as often as you can from January 1 to January 31 in order to increase the blog hits for the month. This will, in turn, raise more money for Veronica and her family.
What else can you do to help? You can tell all of your friends and family, coworkers and neighbors, about this opportunity to help so that they can also click on my blog and help raise money, for free (just tell them to visit PenniesonaPlatter.com).
I'm so excited to see the turn out for this, as it will be more than Ben and I would be able to give out of our own pockets. If, after reading Veronica's story, you feel compelled to donate to her family on your own, you may send a check payable to Veronica King, 300 W. Princeton, Pontiac, MI 48340 or you may also donate online via Paypal by clicking the button below (or on the left sidebar). (This period is now over.)
Thank you, everyone, for taking the time to read about Jeremy, Veronica and their story. Remember, the clicks do not count until January 1st through January 31. I'll post another reminder next week. Please remember to share with everyone you know. 🙂
Merry Christmas!!!
Amy says
This is a wonderul thing that you are doing for their family. I lost my father suddenly and unexpectedly at a very young age. I watched how difficult it was for my mom and how difficult it will be for their children. My heart goes out to this family and I pray that they are able to find their new "normal".
LuAnn says
I think this is a very wonderful idea. The only thing that really, really concerns me, is that you are posting her address for the world to see. This from a safety aspect is not good for her home, or for her personal information. Is there another place we can donate money to so their address is not posted for all of the world to see?
Pennies on a Platter says
Hi LuAnn,
I checked first before posting this address. It is the address where her donations are accepted, and was approved to post. Thanks for your concern!
-Nikki
Vicki says
Nikki-
Thank you for this awesome surprise! I just know its going to be a huge blessing!
LuAnn-
The only other place that will accept donations limits her access to the funds. She is moving soon and, therefore, the address is temporary. Thanks for voicing concern for their safety...
Cass Weber says
I am so excited about this. I, like you, have been trying to come up with some way to help. I only had a couple of contacts with Jeremy and only met Veronica a talked to her briefly. But the love they shared was very noticeable and their love for the Lord was undeniable! I am thrilled to be able to help by passing this on to everyone I know. Thanks again for what you are doing.
Denise flynn says
I go to church with Veronica. She is a sweet woman who loves God. You are going to be surprised how many hits your website is going to get because of this. Thanks for doing this for her.
Sharon says
I am trying to figure out how to subscribe to your blog so I can be a part of this.
Am I too tired from Christmas day? I don't see "Follow" or "subscribe for email updates."
Love this idea. I am all for it.
Pennies on a Platter says
Thanks Sharon! Underneath the "Search This Site" field at the top right corner of the page, there is a link called RSS-Posts. You can click that to subscribe to my posts on your RSS reader. Or, I just added a field where you can enter your email address and subscribe via email. You will have to scroll down to find it on the right column.
Merry Christmas! - Nikki
Anne Marie says
What a beautiful thing you are doing for this dear woman and her children. I promise I will do my part.
Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior, too.
Sue Gladd says
Just saw this Nikki! What a great idea and blessing to the King family; I'll pray for a phenomenal month of hits for Pennies...
kirstenalana says
I know/knew Veronica and Jeremy and my heart breaks for Veronica. Thank you so much for all you are doing to help her and the kids. I will be sure to come here often this month so I can do my little part to help as well.
erin says
its people like you that make this a wonderful world
kati greene says
Great idea nikki, praying for her family! What a blessing and reminder of Gods love!
kati greene says
What a blessing! What a reminder of what God can do through us! Praying for the king family!!
sara says
This is great gift that you have offered for Veronica and her precious children. I am wondering if you have any updates as to the amount of visits so far. We're spreading the word and checking the website many times a day. Many of us want to do anything we can to help in some way. Our hearts go out to them!
Pennies on a Platter says
Hi Sara,
The visits continue to be thousands more than my normal average. They have dwindled down a little bit since the first couple days of the month, so keep spreading the word! 🙂
Thanks for participating!
-Nikki
Noor says
While I can't contribute financially, i can visit your site as often as possible. however i was curious regarding "hits". Are you paid for unique hits per day or total visits per day? I do web designing for the business I work for so I know it varies from site to site.
Pennies on a Platter says
Hi Noor,
The "hits" that count are actually ad loads. So, any one person can visit the site multiple times a day and as long as the ad loads on the page, it will count. So click away! 🙂
Thanks for helping!
Nikki
Noor says
Great! I will definitely be visiting as much as I can then and telling as many others as i can.
peggysue says
What a sweet thing for you to do. I wish the family well and will be praying for them.