Traci  So awesome to see your photos of the event. I work at Mariners and couldn't go to the event, but I cooked a turkey and dropped it off on Thanksgiving morning. So wonderful to see the beautiful faces of those kids.  12.13.09 - 12:59am

Denny  Thank you for sharing such of this lovely moment..  12.06.09 - 8:53pm

Elaine Carter  Thank you so much for sharing this. What a beautiful day spent giving. This touched my heart deeply. Priceless images and I could truly see the thankfulness in the eyes. Wow, I can't stop crying, to see this kind of joy is heartwarming.  12.06.09 - 1:48pm

hayley thompson  Jasmine, this would have to be the absolutely BEST blog of the year!! Whilst it is great to read about peoples weddings and ect - like you, I come from the 'other side'. Although the australian system is better than the US, I was in foster care, and I know what it is to struggle. I pay it forward by photographing foster families whenever I can!! Please dont ever stop giving back Jasmine, and I look forward to more blogs such as this one - you never know, the photo of the girl that you take at one of these functions, could grow up to be someone inspirational in 20 years time!!!!  12.04.09 - 8:41pm

joyce K.  jasmine thank you so much for sharing this. It broke me when you said that 20 years ago you were on the recieving end. I know what that's like. Growing up times were tough for my single mom and I. It's amazing what happens when you take risks and put your trust in the Lord as you make the effort to make your life what you want it. Keep rockin' the shutter chica!  12.03.09 - 5:09pm

David  so awesome to see these pics. I'm so proud of your participation in this. Miss you and JD but we'll be seeing you soon!!  12.03.09 - 9:41am

Brian Carter  Jasmine, you have guts. I need to take your lead. I was working with Mercy House, a non-profit that supports the homeless year round, but especially during the cold winter months by providing shelter. We were also handing out clothing and I so badly wanted to capture the expressions on the childrens faces, I wanted to run to my car, grab my camera, put pictures on my blog, Facebook, anywhere it would be seen, so that people could be inspired to help during this season. I chickened out, I didn't grab my camera, I didn't want to rock the boat. I need to take a page out of your book and get a little more brave. These pictures are amazing, the look that these kids have...priceless. If anyone is looking for an opportunity like this please contact me, Mercy House is constantly in need of volunteers to serve food, pass out clothing, set up bedding etc. Thanks for the inspiration Jasmine :) Best Regards, Brian Carter (626) 383-1432  12.03.09 - 2:52am

Rosaura Sandoval  You have such a big heart and are so wonderful. Thanks again for sharing your stories and talent. You made me happy and teary-eyed with this post. I too was one of those kids on the other side of the line back in the day.... Gracias!  12.02.09 - 2:09pm

KrisD Mauga  I love that you did this! It's so great to give back!!!  12.01.09 - 8:24pm

MattDJ  LOVE this post. Convicting and a blessing all at once. Thanks for writing it Jasmine! :-)  12.01.09 - 4:08pm

Elisabeth  Jasmine - That is amazing! And I had no idea you went to a Calvary Chapel :-) So do we - just in a different state lol. Glad you had a good thanksgiving and I love the idea!  12.01.09 - 2:27pm

amanda thiessen  so amazing! thank you for sharing  12.01.09 - 1:50pm

Aaron V  These pics gave me a lump in my throat. Thanks for sharing this Jasmine.....  12.01.09 - 1:39pm

Danielle  Sniff! Sniff! BEAUTIFUL!!  12.01.09 - 9:51am

Cindy Utterback Photography  Tears & Kleenex... Beautiful!  11.30.09 - 4:33pm

Anne Nunn Photographers  oh I cry. :( Thank you for sharing Jasmine.  11.30.09 - 3:47pm

fiona andersen  Oh I just cried... AGAIN... How precious is the gift of giving!!  11.30.09 - 2:22pm

Ian  What a wonderful way to spread His love. Thank you for sharing the event with all of us  11.30.09 - 1:40pm

Jessie Thompson  I am a firm believer that you get what you give in this world! What a special day for them (and you!). God Bless.  11.30.09 - 1:05pm

Linda DiDomenico  May God continue to do a good work in you so you can continue to share His love!  11.30.09 - 10:12am

Kim Cleaton  So, so lovely. And so many smiling faces!  11.30.09 - 6:47am

Olukayode Martins  Nice write up. Your article has inspired me to try at give back to my community. Am based in Nigeria and a lot of kids need this kind of support.  11.30.09 - 12:59am

Ginger Murray  You have reconfirmed in my heart that using our gifts for others (money, talents) or just giving what we have, is such a good thing... It's a great reminder... thank you for the photos. Blessings to you this season.  11.29.09 - 5:51pm

mindy  Now, more than ever, we need to dig down and "give"...and it is hard when all of us are struggling, even if it is just a little bit. Thank you Jasmine for showing the joy in giving!  11.29.09 - 2:52pm

Jé   Aaaw I love this! I love children and the smiles on their faces this just utterly warmed my heart. P.S. Was that little boy hold up a cross at you when you tried to take his picture? lol Too cute.  11.29.09 - 2:13pm

Jeanette  I can imagine how rewarding that must've been.  11.29.09 - 2:11pm

Otto Rascon  Jasmine, you are awesome. God bless you!  11.29.09 - 11:26am

Patricia Wallace  Beautiful..... people helping others, isn't that really what it is all about.  11.29.09 - 9:47am

Helen Criston Kelleher  Jasmine, you are such a blessing and an inspiration. Love the faces of these precious children. What a meaningful way to celebrate the day. God bless you and your family.  11.29.09 - 1:42am

Harmony Loves  Oh Jasmine! These are beautiful images of beautiful people. That was me 20 years ago. Great to see people give back. You are gorgeous inside and out!  11.29.09 - 12:32am

Feuza  How precious! love these shots Jas, and small world I attend CCOB here in NJ, very cool, God Bless you and shine one girlfriend  11.28.09 - 11:42pm

Gina   This is the most amazing post I have read...my heart goes out to evey one of those smiling kids...now I must go upstairs and hug and kiss my own kids who are tucked warm in their beds and go to sleep being thankful that they are. Thank you for a wake up call in being gratefull for the things we have instead of complaining about the things we dont!!  11.28.09 - 11:06pm

Ashley  Amazing! Just the post I needed to read. Totally tearing up now.  11.28.09 - 10:56pm

Lisa H. Chang  Wow ~ Thanks so much for sharing what your church did for Thanksgiving! I'm so impressed by the generosity that was necessary to make something like this happen!  11.28.09 - 10:54pm

Rachel Perry Photography  What a great day! It's so important to give freely from the heart.  11.28.09 - 8:08pm

diandra  awesome awesome awesome! i cant believe how well they pulled this off! and gorgeous pics! :)  11.28.09 - 5:57pm

Don Hendricks  I am thankful to have discovered your delightful blog, and to share as an amateur your love of capturing images. Your faith is also deeply inspiring.  11.28.09 - 5:47pm

megmanionsilliker  this. is what thanksgiving is all about. bravo. xo  11.28.09 - 5:47pm

oneshotbeyond  delightful post!  11.28.09 - 2:52pm

melissa oholendt  I think this is one of the things I love about you. You are truly committed to giving back. Not a lot of people would think about it the way you do and I think that is incredibly special.  11.28.09 - 2:24pm

Suki  What a great event! Helping especially in that time and season of the year is so important. Not everybody is fortunate enough to have everything they need. You rock for participating in such a event :)  11.28.09 - 1:46pm

Trey Bohon Photography  What a heart-filled post... Your the best J*!  11.28.09 - 12:13pm

Kira Lauren Photography  Beautiful, Jasmine. Giving is so awesome, and it gives you a feeling compared to nothing else. We sponsor a girl in Honduras through Compassion Intl, and just a small amount of money feeds her and educates her every month. It has changed my life, to say the least. If every one gave a little more, like you, like your church, we can really make a difference in people's lives. =)  11.28.09 - 12:04pm

sarah  i have goosebumps. and tears in my eyes. thank you for sharing.  11.28.09 - 11:46am

Kaysha  Looks like the perfect way to spend Thanksgiving! I've always wanted to volunteer to do something like this, but I've never done it... thanks for the push to help create something outside of myself in this world!! :)  11.28.09 - 11:16am

claire  Kisses: jasmine star, volunteer work, and always having something to be thank-ful for! (thank god) Disses: you made me cry;) I loved/love this post!  11.28.09 - 7:59am

Lisa Harrison  I am a blog stalker but I never comment. However, I had to comment on this post as it brought me to tears. God bless you Jasmine. It warms my heart to see the smiles on the faces of these children.  11.28.09 - 7:57am

Tasha Prescott  Yep, I'm a waterbaby. I hear someone saying they cried... I cry. It's what I do. Jasmine, wonderful way to spend the day. My pastor always says everyone has a place, glad to know you're sure yours isn't the kitchen but behind a camera to share days like this with us! :)  11.28.09 - 7:41am

Bobbie Brown  This post reminds me of just how lucky I am to have jackets and food....  11.28.09 - 7:26am

Rory Mole  Hi there Jasmine, I'm so amazed at you Americans. You have built into your holidays a day of thanksgiving. I'm sure that thanksgiving means different things to different people, but I want to say thank you for sharing the spirit of your thanksgiving with us. I live in South Africa and we don't have a thanksgiving day built into our official holidays, but my wife, Cathi, and I always have a special thanksgiving on Christmas eve. We have a special dinner just for us as a family where we sit down to thank the Lord for His goodness to us and enjoy the abundance of food that He provides. We are thankful every day of the year, but our personal thanksgiving meal happens on Christmas eve. We've been doing it for years. Once again, thank you Jasmine for sharing with us. Blessings, Rory  11.28.09 - 6:26am

Alexandra  Jasmine these are beautiful!  11.28.09 - 3:46am

Tracy Jane  Amen!!! God is sooooo good.  11.28.09 - 3:18am

gina  great to see such kindness and joy. it is a great way to start the holiday season.  11.28.09 - 12:37am

Nicole Glenn  Simply beautiful. :)  11.28.09 - 12:23am

tish  I love these faces!!! And your B&Ws are so beautiful. I was just looking through your earliest archives; it is inspiring to see your growth in such a short amount of time. (It was funny to see a heavy vignette on one old photo!) One thing I love about your photos is that your skin tones look so natural...not like the super bright whitish faces that many photogs do. Would you say that is a matter of metering...or more of post processing?  11.28.09 - 12:07am

Julie Massie  Thanks for the cry, Jasmine. ; ) But honestly, thank you for reminding me of the simple things to be thankful for this week...like food, warm clothes, etc. Seeing the faces of those children completely humbles me. Thank you.  11.27.09 - 10:55pm

Katelyn James  Michael and I stopped at a gas station on Thanksgiving Day and caught a glimpse of little man, bundled up and sitting on the curve behind the dumpsters...we offered him a sandwich which seemed like nothing when we thought about what we were about to experience... Food, family, friendships. The Lord has a way of humbling us. I will never know that little man but what a blessing he was. What a wake up call for us....if only we could live constantly with overflowing thankfulness and be reminded daily of how blessed we truly are. He is so good. Thanks for sharing jas, they're beautiful.  11.27.09 - 10:43pm

Sheila   What an absolutely beautiful story you told, Jasmine, and those are some stunning photos you chose to blog.  11.27.09 - 10:30pm

ciara   This is beautiful. It truly touched me. Thank you.  11.27.09 - 10:16pm

ronnie  Okay. The jacket thing really struck a chord.... Sigh. Thanks for sharing!  11.27.09 - 10:08pm

Brandi  Moving images. i was one of those on the receiving end too. many Thanksgivings and Christmases we wouldn't have had a thing without the generosity of others. I try and do my best to continue to pay it forward.  11.27.09 - 10:00pm

Esther  Jasmine, you are one true and beautiful person. You are truly incredible...because of your feelings and how passionate you are about other people and life. Truly, you inspired me. And choked me up at the same time! God Bless you and your family!  11.27.09 - 9:22pm

Lauren  Thank you so much for sharing this with us. What an awesome experience!  11.27.09 - 8:23pm

Karen Slate  soulfully beautiful ... thank you.  11.27.09 - 8:21pm

Andrea Mariño  OMG.. I'm crying :( this is too beautiful.. :)  11.27.09 - 8:05pm

Regina White  Jas I always love looking at your wedding photos but these are by far the most amazing photos I could have ever seen. You captured these so well. Just touching and awesome. Thank U for sharing.  11.27.09 - 8:00pm

Lydia  Beautiful.  11.27.09 - 7:45pm

Cecile  Yep.. I'm crying.  11.27.09 - 7:39pm

anda  beautiful, jasmine. loved reading about your experience.  11.27.09 - 7:30pm

Nicole Benitez  Your post brought me to tears. The joy and beauty in the simplicity that is praising God is wonderful, and what a beautiful thing God has given you to share.  11.27.09 - 7:22pm

Naomi Figueroa  Wow, these pictures are truly amazing, and I LOVE those boxes your church gave out! ;) After reading all the "Black Friday" specials and talking all about presents and things during this holiday season, this post is bringing back to basics and is inspiring me to do something more, something different! Thank you!  11.27.09 - 7:00pm

Alisa Greig  thank you for sharing, just beautiful!  11.27.09 - 6:40pm

s h e r r y  I think you are amazing for partaking in making their days. It warms my heart.  11.27.09 - 6:40pm

Pol  So beautiful. I have tears in my eyes.  11.27.09 - 6:40pm

cassandra m  I am sqqqqqquuuuueeeezzziinnnggg my computer right now...sending a big hugg to each precious child you captured. Thank you for sharing your story of the experience. My heart smiles big tonight.  11.27.09 - 6:35pm

Tacey  So moving. The true spirit of this holiday season really IS in the giving...Happy Thanksgiving from BC Canada.  11.27.09 - 6:12pm

Rachel Clare  Jasmine Star, I love everything about this post.  11.27.09 - 6:10pm

Rachel Logan  what a meaningful and beautiful ministry. thanks for documenting and sharing your story, and for representing Christ in a way that reflects his heart.  11.27.09 - 6:05pm

lucy  awesome~ moved me to tears once again. I love the all black and white shots. I love the last shot and the one with the little girl with the white jacket. What an awesome church.  11.27.09 - 5:43pm

Jackie  what a beautiful way to spend thanksgiving!  11.27.09 - 5:23pm

Eileen  Very touching. So many people are struggling these days. If we all just gave a little bit we could make a huge impact in those lives that have nothing. thanks for sharing the heartwarming photos.  11.27.09 - 5:12pm

Leyla   What a wonderful way to give back! It's really sweet of you and JD... and yes, when I look back at my past, and how far I've come... I feel so humbled and blessed for everything that I have today...  11.27.09 - 5:00pm

Ravyn Stadick  What a beautiful way to spend Thanksgiving.  11.27.09 - 5:00pm

Leandra  Thank you for posting about this. Getting through these past few crazy months has been overwhelming, but that doesn't give me an excuse to stop looking at others and their needs. Thanks for the reminder. :)  11.27.09 - 3:36pm

Lori Lee  J* you have brought me to tears once again! What a blessing to be able to capture these priceless moments. The gratitude these children have for things that us sometimes take foregranted- such as buying a new jacket. I am truly moved. Thank you for letting God use you to document this day so well! May God continue to bless you in your journey!  11.27.09 - 3:31pm

jamie delaine  So beautiful Jasmine.  11.27.09 - 3:06pm

Dee  You have a pure heart of gold. <3  11.27.09 - 3:05pm

Peyton Cooke  That's amazing. I'm crying and I can feel my heart melting as I look at these beautiful children. Wow.  11.27.09 - 2:59pm

Kellie  I love these types of stories!! They make you want to run out and help the world! Thank you so much for your inspiring words and beautiful photographs!!  11.27.09 - 2:56pm

Rhiannon Banda  I'm in class stalking yoru blog as usual and I just got crazy goosebumps and tears running down my eyes reading this. We did this Last Christmas and it truly is one of the best things we can all do. Props to you Miss star. I love reading your stuff :) But ou already knew that! xo  11.27.09 - 2:31pm

Lesley Wong  incredible event and awe-inspiring photos of delightful children. thank you for sharing this experience.  11.27.09 - 2:26pm

Michelle Rose  Thank you so much for being a part of showing God's love to others. I wish I could have been there. Who knows, any one of those little ones could have been an angel. He knocked, you opened. I think your photography is amazing! Thank you for sharing!!  11.27.09 - 2:19pm

Gladys Jem  this is beautiful jasmine. i work with children with disabilities so the day before thanksgiving we threw them a thanksgiving feast. it was the best feeling in the world to provide that for them. i'm sure you gave those children and their families the best feeling in the world as well. thank you for sharing this. you are truly blessed and definitely a blessing to many. xo  11.27.09 - 2:10pm

Corinne Primus  Wow, that's incredible. What an awesome opportunity to be involved in something like that. Thank you for giving us a glimpse!  11.27.09 - 1:57pm

gina  thank you for sharing this! very touching. i've been at that end too and always try to give back what i can. i especially love the coats' portion of this and how they got to choose one for themselves. how great is that!  11.27.09 - 1:51pm

Amy Clifton  My tears began before I even read the first word! Those precious faces, so full of hope and gratitude...we should all be so pure and innocent. Beautiful post, J*.  11.27.09 - 1:43pm

Gina Meola  Beautiful faces. Beautiful outreach. Thrilled you could be a blessing AND be blessed!  11.27.09 - 1:38pm

michelle white  oh jasmine i can see why you became choked up I would too. You documented this so well and its very touching. Thanks for sharing such an amazing event.  11.27.09 - 1:37pm