In an “accidental miracle” this holiday season, a simple offer of 20 gift cards led to an outpouring of generosity and more than $40,000 going to those in need by none other than Jenny Lawson, also known as The Bloggess, also known hereabouts as a SexIs cover girl (below) and resident humor columnist.

On Dec. 15, The Bloggess posted on her site: “This year was hard for a lot people and so many people I know are struggling. They're looking for work or for places to live and suddenly the things that you take for granted, like buying Christmas presents for your kids, become a luxury you can't afford. I've had my years of struggling and borrowing and getting the water shut off because you couldn't afford to pay it but this year we've been really lucky. We aren't rich but we're blessed and so much of that is because of you.”

Jenny originally planned to give away 20 gift cards to the first 20 commenters, but when the 21st and 22nd commenters popped up in need, other readers rushed in to help out in lieu of the Bloggess’ donations. By the 20th of December, more than 900 gift cards had been donated by 689 people to help 450 of those struggling to make it over the holidays, with Lawson orchestrating the whole thing, hooking up givers with receivers.

“Being able to read a story of wrapping empty boxes because the baby won't notice and being able to say, ‘We've got you covered,’ and set them up and know that person is going to have a great Christmas was incredible,” The Bloggess told the Huffington Post, which named her the HuffPost Greatest Person for yesterday. “I think more than anything I felt really lucky that I was able to find myself in that situation. It's not very often that people let you play Santa Claus.” And what a wonderful, raunchy Santa Claus you make, Bloggess!