How Jen Lilley Uses an Ugly Christmas Sweater to Help Orphans
By Movieguide® Contributor
Actress Jen Lilley is using proceeds from her ugly Christmas sweater project to give back to orphans in need.
In a recent photo she posted on her social media, Lilley wrote, “A homemade ugly Christmas Sweater…but make it fashion. Made this at #ChristmasUniversity to raise money for @project_orphans and even got glued on edible chocolate ornaments. @jerrodblandino and @iamdebbiem…I feel you’ll appreciate this gem ?? thanks to @people for showcasing this treasure and thank you @thats4ent for another epic #ChristmasCon”
Project Orphans, the non-profit Lilley is donating proceeds to, strives “to meet the needs of the orphan in a physical, emotional, & spiritual manner. We help people who have no identity heal, gain a family that loves and cares for them, and help them to know their God-given purpose.”
Lilley also founded Christmas Is Not Cancelled in 2020 to “rais[e] awareness and funding incredible organizations focused on the well-being of vulnerable children.”
“It started as a one-time campaign during the pandemic because I felt so helpless,” she shared. “You know, I wanted to help, I didn’t know how, I think everyone can relate to that kind of same feeling in the world right now. It just exploded and grew into this movement so I could not even tell you how many people we have involved.”
For the actress, her faith plays a major role in why she helps others.
“I have Jesus, I love Jesus and I know Jesus loves me. I know that every single person, I truly believe, is born on purpose for a purpose. So I have a lot of hope. And I have a lot of peace,” she explained. “My life’s really been changed by that, and it’s just funny what God will do when you try to build other people up. He’s so kind to make it grow and become something more than what you thought.”
The actress is also a mom to four kids, two of whom are adopted.
“…while not everyone is called to foster or adopt, everyone is called to do what they can for the most vulnerable among us. That’s why Christmas is Not Cancelled provides the perfect opportunity for anyone who loves Christmas—especially Lilley’s Christmas movie streaming right here on Great American Pure Flix—to get involved and make a difference,” Pureflix reported.
Movieguide® recently wrote about Lilley and her goal to lift others up this Christmas season,
Whether through her organization Christmas Is Not Canceled or her movies, Lilley hopes to uplift people during difficult times.
“I think people need uplifting content,” she explained. “I think 2023 has felt a lot like 2020. I think it feels very disheartening, all the things that are going on in the world, and divisive. And I think people really need uplifting content. I’m really proud to be part of something that’s healing for people.”
From October to December, Christmas Is Not Canceled partnered with Toys for Tots to donate thousands of toys to children in need.
“As of a couple of hours ago, we were at a little over 19,000 toys, and our goal is to get to 25,000 toys for children and families living in poverty right now here in the United States,” she said…
“My life’s really been changed by that, and it’s just funny what God will do when you try to build other people up,” she added. “He’s so kind to make it grow and become something more than what you thought.”
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