The CW’s longest running television show, “Supernatural,” will outlive us all. That seems to be the common consensus among fans, critics and vaguely familiar audiences, anyway. The show has even earned its spot as the longest running genre/fantasy television series in the United States. Even more impressive than “Supernatural’s” longevity, however, is the incredible relationship that has formed over the years between the cast, crew and the fans. Currently in its 12th season, the show quickly formed a fandom unlike any other, even dubbing itself the SPN Family. The amazing amount of love, camaraderie and generosity among the fans certainly makes this group feel like a family; and the cast took notice. Over the years, stars Jared Padalecki, Jensen Ackles, Misha Collins (J2M) and many other actors and actresses that have worked on “Supernatural” have harnessed the power of the SPN Family in order to direct that loving and giving spirit towards various important causes. For this holiday season, Jared, Jensen and Misha collaborated with Creation Stands in their SPN Family Love Campaign.
As the guys explained during a Facebook livestream, the campaign was created to help children and families in need over the holidays. Speaking directly to the fans, Jared described the campaign “as a vehicle through [you] guys and your love and your support, both emotionally and financially” to support those kids and families who need it this time of the year. J2M’s views on the fanbase reveals a great deal about the power of the SPN Family and the generosity that stems from the cast as well as the fans. The combined effort of this unique family has proven time and time again to be a solid force for good, and this time has been no different. With the campaign selling an amazing number of shirts, beanies, and hoodies (45,250 to be exact) the SPN Family, the cast and everyone else involved did a wonderful job helping children and families in need for the holidays.
I had the opportunity to speak with Michelle Henning, the President of Creations Stands, about how the campaign came to be and its success: “The boys discussed/planned what they wanted to do," she said. "They have [known] that they wanted to work together for some time on this project and have obviously collaborated in the past successfully. In terms of design, charity etc, they were very hands on and had a very clear idea of the message they wanted to put out. They feel the #SPNFamily is a force for good in this world, and it was important to them to not only rally that strength but also provide updates and messaging to the fan-dom. The holidays are traditionally a time for giving and it was important to them that this platform was leverage to provide the most good possible - and to as many children and families as possible. J2M and CS are over the moon at the response and the impact of this campaign. From their side and ours, the gratitude felt for the success of this campaign is immeasurable.”
As the campaign was winding down, a video was released to update the fans and donors of the love the donations from the purchased merchandise was able to spread. First and foremost, J2M’s campaign helped a young “Supernatural” fan and his family who have been struggling for a long time now. The young fan, Wes, was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer and his mother had to quit her job to take care of him. So, Jared, Jensen, and Misha made it their goal to help Wes and his family utilizing the power of the SPN Family. Not only will this family be able to go on a vacation for the holidays (having not had one in over five years), the funds raised will cover the family’s utilities, rent and some other bills for the next 12 months. While providing this special family with an amazing and memorable holiday gift, the campaign benefited a handful of amazing charities and hundreds of children and families. One of those charities was the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau. The SPN Family Love Campaign's donations to the LMCB was able to provide gifts to kids as well as holiday meals to over 100 families. Another charity the cause supported was Feeding America, in which over 100,000 meals was sponsored by the campaign donations through FA’s food banks. Those funds also assisted Lydia Place, which is focused on ending homelessness for kids. Through their adopt-a-family program, the community is able to fulfill wishes submitted by children. Part of the funds from J2M’s campaign will help with the 400+ families in need over the holidays that Lydia Place serves. Another amazing story comes from the Elf Factory: every year, a young kid, Jamie, collects and delivers toys to children in need. After the flooding in Baton Rouge, Jamie’s goal this year was to help 40 other kids in need as well as 18 families that were affected by those floods. Not only did the campaign provide all of the money needed to make Jamie’s goal possible, but according to the Elf Factory website J2M’s campaign helped “to grant wishes to more than 60 children and families” this holiday season. Last, but certainly not least, the campaign also assisted children in Austin, Texas, home to Jared and Jensen. Money raised from the campaign funded 1,500 toys out of 5,150 that were delivered to the North Austin Medical Center by the Texas State Guard in the 2016 Christmas Toy Roundup.
Jared, Jensen, Misha, the SPN Family and Creation Stands came together in an amazing way to honor the giving spirit of the holidays. This fandom really is capable of anything, especially spreading love to those who need it.
Since the SPN Family Love Campaign officially ended on December 20th;the LOVE merchandise is no longer being sold. However, the charities that have benefited from this campaign are linked below and are always ready to receive donations and support!
