…In all 293 stores in 21 states, every copy sold of the $12.99 Saint Nicholas video generates a 50-cent donation to Operation Christmas Child that is matched with another 50 cents from the James Fund. The stores are also a distribution point for the ministry’s decorated shoe boxes and have sent out 150,000 so far.

Above that, Mosoiu says, any customer who spent more than $30 between Oct. 3 and Nov. 12 generated a direct donation to the Samaritan’s Purse ministry. This goes to cover the cost of the Gospel brochures explaining “the real meaning of Christmas,” which are given out by the churches that distribute the gifts. So far, Family Christian has raised enough for 300,000 brochures.

VeggieTales production company Big Idea’s donations carry the theme forward as well. Fritz says Big Idea invested $50,000 to underwrite the creation of a song that would reach beyond the traditional Christian family fan base to a wider radio audience.

The company commissioned Sparrow Records songwriter Matthew West and co-writer Sam Mizell, who “nailed it on the first try,” Fritz says.West, who has written a companion gift book featuring 101 ideas for giving, also is donating the proceeds of his current singing tour.

The voice they all wanted on the song: multi-platinum Christmas album vocalist Grant. After hearing the song, Grant signed on to do a duet with West.

The song plays over the credits of the Saint Nicholas story and on video extras including a music video with scenes of thrilled children opening shoe boxes and an interview with Grant and West about the making of the song….

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