This is a forum for you to share what you do or are planning to do to help others. Share your experiences and ideas and help inspire others.
So go ahead, and post your comments here!
Check out the Lend A Hand tab to see how you can directly help those whose stories appear on the Year of Giving.
And for those of you who want to do some good in your own community but think I’m crazy to have given $10 away every day for a year…check out my Year of Volunteering to get some ideas on where you can volunteer.
This page has the following sub pages.
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Hello and thank you for inspiring me to rekindle my former practice of dropping coins or leaving dollars with affirmations written on them wherever the day takes me. I’m so glad you joined 29gifts.org and shared your giving blog with the rest of us.
You are truly an inspiration! I have once again started dropping coins in parking lots, toy stores, grocery stores and at the park for others to find and experience the instant joy and luck that finding coins brings.
When my wonderful father used to take his eight children and then his 13 grandkids and then 7 great-grandkids on walks, there would inevitably be a rainfall of pennies falling in front of where we walked – pennies from Heaven, my all-knowing dad told us.
I’m happy to carry on the tradition, since Dad passed two years ago March 31.
I love you, Dad! And I love YOU for sharing your wonderful giving project.
Mary
Houston, TX
Thanks for all the kind words Mary! I am sorry to hear about your father…he sounds like a great guy. I lost my mother 3 years ago. My upbringing from both my parents is a key element in my attitude toward giving.
Keep up your inspiring spirit in Houston!
Response to Mary – Houston TX – March 7, 2010:
Thank you for sharing the idea of your Dad’s about pennies from Heaven. I may embrace it!
I was walking with my 35 year old daughter in Newport RI when she unexpectedly dropped 4 pennies on the sidewalk. “What are you doing?” I asked. “They are only pennies,” she replied. Her 60 year old Dad (me) bent over and picked them up. I lectured her with, “Your generation throws pennies away, my generation picks them up.” I continued lecturing with, “A dollar bill has to sit in a bank for an entire year to earn this 4 pennies interest.” She had no reply. I do not know if she changed the habit of throwing pennies away, but I certainly did not change my habit of picking the pennies up.
When I walk parking lots with my grandchildren, we call them “Treasure Hunts.” We race to pick-up the coins we see. Sometimes we wrestle for the coins! Whoever gets the most coins is the winner, and gets all the coins from the others. Fast-food drive-throughs are hot spots for coins, but you must look out for cars, and employees who do not take kindly to this.
On occasion I would end up on the ground with one or more grandchildren trying to rip the newly found coin(s) out of my hand. We have memories for a lifetime. “Treasure Hunts” are fondly recalled.
Mary, your idea is just what i needed. i am in my 50’s and live only on my social security disability, so $ is hard to come by. Since seeing Reed’s work, I’ve wanted to do something similar, but $10/day is hard to come by. My answer will be to attatch an inspirational sticky note to whatever denomination bill(whether $1 or $100, depending on my current financial status) I can afford at the time and roll the bill and note up in a rubber band and leave it in different spots. I think leaving a bill in front of a homeless shelter one day, an investment firm like Merril Lynch another, a methadon maintenance clinic the next maybe.
Wherever it is dropped, I suppose the results might be dramatically different for both the recipient and their friends. Thank You Mary and Reed!
This is really a touching story. Surely God has placed it on your heart to do such a good thing. I give to the 700 club a Christian organization on a monthly basis and I use to give to Feed the Children. I think that this has motivated me to start giving more and to pick up where I have left of giving to Feed the Children Organization. May God bless you always. Remember you are doing just what God has ordained for us to do, to give to others. I know you are going to be blessed. Keep up the good work that God has placed on your heart. You truly are a cheerful giver!!
Hi Reed,
Hi Reed. Just read about your story and was really impressed with what you have chosen to do with your money and with your time. If they can make a movie about someone who every day for a year makes a different recipe from Julia Child’s cookbook, they should do one about your year.. And…it sounds like it would be so much more interesting than chicken cooked fifty different ways! lol
We live just outside of Chicago and would like to contribute in our own small way. My 17 year old son has an extra pair of size 9 sneakers that he would like to contribute. Andrew is very socially conscious and aware of other people’s struggles and thought it was really neat to see what you’ve been doing. Please let us know where we can send the shoes.
Regards,
Judy
You are wonderful Judy….I will email you directly. Reed
Hey man I think its great what you are doing. I decided to do the same thing here in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. I think a lot of people will appreciate it, and maybe it’ll further snowball into something.
Thanks for the kick in the butt Reed =)
Awesome! Promise me that you will keep us updated on how your journey goes in Saudi Arabia.
Just known this site from Washington post by Yahoo. Although $10 ain’t much, but it adds up. It definitely takes courage to do so. Thank you for your kindness.
Anyway, I am a CompTIA A+ certified computer technician from Elmhurst, NY. I have been unemployed since I grad from college in 08. Have been working for various non profit orgs since, and taking new courses, hopefully increase my chance in the tough job market.
I like to help out people with tech problem, especially those who are disadvantaged and can’t afford commercial service (like $100 for a simple job). I may be able to help. (for those who are better off, you can pay for a service)
I give the person a thumbs up for helping others in my position. I too, am disable with not enough funds to get my own computer or laptop. But I try to get to the library at least 3 times a week. I want so much to have a computer just to keep in touch with others and what is going on in our world. Every time I save a cent another medication or more demanding bill comes up. I had a computer friend who did this and it was so helpful because the elderly and disabled do not have income for any thing but food, shelter and meds. Keep up this because I would do something similiar if I had money to donate regularly. Well, I do donate monthly to Modest Needs they help but it’s the only organization that accepts $10 on a regularly scale I ever known. Again Good Luck and keep helping we really need to be computer savy nowadays. Thank You
ruth i have a laptop it works great i will be happy to ship it to you along with all the software and manuels
please e mail me directly it is a dell and about a year old i have purchased a home computer tower and no longer have a need for a laptop reed if you could please hook me up with an e mail address to this lady or give her my e mail address i will be more than happy top send her a laptop free thank you for allowing me to kindly help this person in need god bless you and yours your site is very wonderfull and you can also count on me and some friends to help with donations jon psalms 117
Jonathan, this is beautiful. When things like this happen as a result of people finding each other on my blog I am inspired beyond belief. I will connect you both. Thanks Jon…we need more of you! -Reed
I read your story and was truly touched. I don’t know how you’re making it, but I will be praying that you continue to make it. I’d love to help out, but I don’t know how. We’re barely making it financially and I’m pretty new to my town so I don’t know what I could do. I’m going to keep reading for some ideas. You have inspired me, and I’m thankful for that.
This is AWESOME!!! I’m originally from the D.C. area but right now I’m attending college out in Utah. It is so wonderful to know about all of this good that is happening near my “other” home. Now I just need to find a way to spread the kindness in my college area. I might just have to follow Mary’s coin-dropping example. What a cool idea! Reed, you are an inspiration!
I really love what you are doing. If Dana from day 33 still needs advice, my fiance is in the mortgage industry. He may not be able to give her direct advice from work (there are certain licensing regulations and he may not be licensed in your area, I’m not sure), but he will be able to point her in the right direction. Feel free to contact me by email any time of day and I’ll see what I can do.
Thanks…I have not seen Dana in a while, but when I do I will check with her. Thanks!
this is a good thing; you are a good man and make the world better. i too will try to find my own way to do such a thing. bless you. peave + love ∞
~lu
NEW YORK
Hey, I just wanted to say that what you are doing is really cool. I don’t really have any special ways that I help people, but I try to be a really good listener when people need someone to talk to, or just share their feelings with. I also try to help people with small things: just today a woman left her debit card in a coffee shop and I caught up with her to return it. I know, I know, it’s not a big deal, but I figured it would be better than her getting home and freaking out. Anyway, it’s really awesome, what you’re doing. If only the rest of the world could chip in a do wonderful things…
This is absolutely amazing! I heard your story from the Washington Post. I think what you are doing is wonderful, and it would be great for many more people to do. There is more happiness in giving than receiving, and you are proof of that. It is exciting how many others have gotten involved. Your idea of a giving day in June is a great idea. I hope that many people do it. I am passing your blog on to others. I wish you much happiness for all that you have given, and especially during such a hard time!
I’d like to share my ideas and experiences with helping others using the power of the Internet.
A few years ago, I was down on my luck and tried to beg online. I found that it was hard because all the online begging sites required you to pay to beg ($15 to $45). I didn’t think this was right because having needy people pay to beg for money didn’t make sense since this is what they were desperately looking for and money is what they really didn’t have.
So, using my know-how, I decided to create a free cyber begging site called http://www.begslist.org. This online panhandling site allows you to beg for help without having to pay for it. Homeless people on the street do not have to pay a fee to be allowed to beg, so begging online shouldn’t be any different.
Also, I’d like to let people who need help know that there is an alternative to street begging with online begging, so that those who want to retain their dignity, remain anonymous, and avoid the embarrassment of begging in-person can do so on my free begging website, http://www.begslist.org.
So far, Begslist has caught the attention of TV News Stations, Radio, and newspapers across the country.
Unlike begging in-person, online begging doesn’t have local limits and its exposure is nationwide, not to mention the worldwide.
To read more about the idea and creation of Begslist or if you are in need and like to make a plea for help, please feel free to visit: http://www.begslist.org
Good Luck to All!
Hearing about someone sacrifice so much despite the troubles in their own life is extremely uplifting. I commend you for your kindness and selflessness. It is people like you who instill hope for the future. You have inspired me to think of small ways that I can spread kindness and possibly make a difference in the world.
“Let deeds, not words be your adorning.” -Baha’i Writings
http://www.baha'i.org
God Bless.
There’s got to be a special place in heaven for a person like you. I’m personally inspired to act, and that’s a good thing!!!
JB
Your story is truly inspiring. I have decided to begin my own Year of Giving on December 16, 2010, my mother’s birthday and the day yours ends. I like, so many others, can not afford $10 a day but every Thursday beginning 12/16/10 I will find someone to give $10 too. This will continue every Thursday until 2011. I hope others will follow your lead and pick a day of the week or another pattern and give what they can. If you can’t donate money consider donating loaves of bread to a homeless shelter, used blankets or jackets for underprivileged children. Another great way to serve others without it costing a dime is to volunteer a day of service to a local charity.
Your level of sacrifice during these troubling times and in your current situation is touching and makes me realize when I think I have it bad; things could be much worse.
God Bless and can’t wait for 12/16/10 to get here.
Jodi
Jodi, you are amazing! What a great idea. I am so glad that you have been inspired to start your own Year of Giving!!! I hope you also participate in the June 15th Worldwide Day of Giving…you can get your feet wet and practice that day. I will be contacting you directly to learn more and help in any way I can. I hope that you will keep the followers of the YoG up to date on your journey! You made my day!
well……
i’m suprise there’s a man like u in this world.
i hope one day i can be like what u do now.
best regard
indy
Your blog has deeply moved me to help those around me in my small city in Montana.
I’ve chosen to get involved in a city-wide gardening community that has decided to give back this year. Though we’re not blessed to give out money on a regular basis, our gardens can be used to help others out. ‘Plant a Row for the Hungry in Great Falls’ has officially kicked off. The produce from these gardens will go to help out the organizations dedicated to the poor, homeless and shut-ins. I personally am planting 2 of everything with all produce from 1 plant dedicated to Plant a Row for the Hungry.
Thanks for inspiring me to seek out those who need a hand!
Sammie, this sounds like a wonderful endeavor! Congratulations. I hope that you will keep us up to date on how it goes. If I make it to Montana…hopefully I can visit Great Falls and see the fruits of your generosity.
Hi Reed,
I think what you are doing is amazing. I really admire you for what you are doing.
I have my own “Year of Giving” going on right now. Instead of giving money to those who need it, I am mailing out a postcard for every day this year.
I think it is so important to reach out, and do everything you can to make someone smile, at least once a day.
Thank you.
Andie
Reed,
Greetings from Vancouver, Canada. I encountered your story from Superforest.org. I just want to say that you are such an inspiration!
Thank YOU.
Hopefully I can follow your foot steps soon 🙂
Cheers,
a.
Dear Reed —
We need a person like you in every town throughout this nation, and the world. We know they’re already their… doing wonderful works of kindness from behind the scenes, but your website and stories online provide and outlet for the giving to keep on giving… thereby helping to create truly sustainable communities where many are heard, and many are seen, and no true need can go unmet. Blessings to you on your endeavor… and to those who follow… for many will. Love only — Your friend.
Hi Mr. Reed and thank you, for inspiring me to give back, I read an article on you a few weeks ago and realised that even considering my economic hardships, I was becoming very selfish. You would think that with my money troubles I would be a little more understanding, and well giving, but not so, I thought that was the old me and the new me was going to be a lot more selfish, let everyone fend for themselves I thought.
I am happy to say that, that bitter side of me didnt last long and I am the old me once again. I had always been a very giving and helping person until I became unemployed. I really got to start penny pinching, I began to think, until I heard your story, which brought back memories of my late mother, who was the most selfless person I’ve known.
Now although I cannot afford to give ten or even one dollar a day, I am helping lend a hand any way I can and give monetarily in situations of more urgency. Finally, I would just like to say thank you and let you know I am doing my part as a person to give back any way I can and trying to have it rub off on others through my blog, best of luck and I hope we can collaborate in the future.
Hi Reed,
Your blog is very inspiring! Thanks for taking the time to chronicle your days for us. Like you, I am unemployed and I have been looking for ways to “give back.” I decided I wanted to inspire a little “common man” philanthropy and highlight deserving causes and service opportunities. To that end, I started a blog; http://1wayeveryday.blogspot.com . I will be highlighting your blog on April 4th. I hope you stop by and take a look! Inspire Greatness!
Don
I have a video blog that talks about my personal walk with JESUS. He is coming back soon. Come view my blog and see how you can prepare your hearts!!! God Bless
Hey Reed. I’ve read a few “days” and pages on the blog and to be honest, I can’t describe how great it is what you’re doing. Here at Puerto Rico we’re having a few economic issues. The governor fired a few months ago 20,000 government employees. Just imagine the current status. So when I see things like what you’re doing, it truly inspires me. And I don’t say it just because its “good and honest”, I say it because it is the right thing to do and it’s very admirable. I can see myself in the future using my knowledge in computers, web and technology (which is scarce in this island, very scarce) to build up a great nonprofit organization. I’ll always remember this page. Truly an inspiration. And Reed… I wish you best of luck in your economic status. Remember this: “Dios no te pone un peso que no puedas cargar”, which is spanish for “God does not give you a weight that you cannot carry.”
I try to give $1.43 per week to the Church. This is because I skipped a few weeks and noticed a ten percent tithe is too much for a poor person, so I lowered my pledge to one percent. The same would be true of taxes, so I sometimes write to congress suggesting they coin money instead of taxing. I think someone once drew a cartoon for a paper showing a wheelbarrow full of marks. Well, I’m talking about high denomination coins which the government would then deposit in it account rather than throwing at crowds or something. They probably won’t, however because maybe congress members own banks.
If only the world had more people like you and your beloved mother. I was born in the Cape Verde Islands of West Africa, every Saturday morning the poor and the needy came by and received an offering, it could have been a loaf of bread, money, water or anything that one could give. After reading your blog I believe that there is still hope.
I too am unemployed and have been for a year. I have always tried to give even during this hard time but you are truly an inspiration! I have always loved doing random acts of kindness. Just handing someone you don’t know at all something just because is such a gift itself. I hope to be able to give $10 a week while I am unemployed and up that once, I too, am in a better place. If everyone does something, everyone will be in a better place.
I truely appreaciaite what you are doing for your community. You are an inspiration to me! I have always been the type to give as much as I can to those who really need it, or do my “one good deed for the day”. Your story has put inspiration back into me…to know that peopel are inharently good and not evil, and that any act of kindness really goes along way! keep up the good work inspiring and brining hope back to people…I know you have for me!
God Bless the broken road that led you to this wonderful, wonderful thing that you are doing. Some time back, I thought of going to grocery stores and giving each store $10 to give to one person a day to contribute to their groceries. I am not sure how the store managers would have handled it. However, I believe what you are doing is phenomenal. It’s more than just the money. You are enriching the lives of so many people and yourself. Your mother must be smiling on you from heaven. This makes me rethink of how I can touch people’s lives. You are more than inspiring, you are AMAZING. I am going to follow you and when I come up with something that I can do I am going to let you know.
Thank you, thank you, thank you with all of my heart for what you are doing.
Suzi
I read about what you have been doing with your $10 a day, and how you want everyone to do that on June 15. Your story has inspired me to give $10 on that day, and maybe then on as well. Your are truely a great person!
Hi Reed,
Things happen for a reason. Maybe your getting laid off was just for this moment. What you are doing, money itself can not do. There is so much in the what some would call little ($10) that you are doing. It is reaching far and wide and touching many lives. I just started reading today and am so touched that I am going out for a quick lunch and will pay for the car behind me. Don’t have much but if what I share today touch someone the way you have me its worth a $illion to me. Thanks Reed for Loving, Doing and Sharing!
P.S. You don’t need a job, you have found your work. Maybe start a foundation or something.
Thanks Joyce…I love that you went out and did something for someone else right away! -Reed
i sell thru e bay seller id sellingoffoddstuff, the stuff i sell is from my father and grandfather they were both jewelers, i am a builder by trade and my father passed 25 years ago
1989. he left to me the contents to his jewelry store. i have had this stuff in storage sence it has been hard to deal with it as my father was a christian man and gave to anyone in need, he was a great man and was loved by many. about 2 years ago i found out i had cancer, i could not work any longer and needed chemo and now am currently undergoing. my insurance is canceled for pre existing condition and i was self employed my whole life i got asbestos from rebuilding houses and not wearing a mask but back then i was un aware of the dangers as most were it did not come to be realised that it was bad for your health untill about 1982 there abouts. so i was forced to sell off these items in order to survive and pay my own medical bills and chemo treatments. so i started selling on e bay as sellingoffoddstuff user name, i currently am still selling off the estate in my selling experiances i have run into other people whom are not well off so i as bad as i am have been doing the same thing, as you i when are told of a family in need been sending a wallmart gift certifacate $20.00 as my father had the same thoughts as your mother when reading your story my father came to mind instantly and the same words your mom spoke to you i remeber my fathers voice stating the same thing. it was like de ja vue, i am not well off and am by my self single with a 20 year old son who often asks why i am giving to others when i am in such need, i give him the same advice as my father gave me. e bay has a giving plan it would be so easy to just give thru e bay however, i find it more personal and enjoying to do it and meet others in the process, i currently give away 5% of my sales to strangers that i do not know recently helped a lady living on social security she owns a trailer on a rented lot near me, she only gets enough money to pay her lot rent plus her electric bill
leaving her pennyless i took my son to give her 20.00 when we arrived she was kind letting us in she is by herself with no family, she had inside her trailer nothing i mean nothing no books , nick nacks,pictires, nothing but bare walls she had a coutch, old tv set and a bed the intire place was empty 2 pots and a empty fridge that she kept her plate and pans and 2 spoons and water bottl;es she reused to have cold water she only had a half loaf bread
she started crying when we gave her a means just to eat
(sence then we bring her left overs from our house) but that 20$ was like a million she is proud and does not like charity and sometimes gives us a hard time we just leave the food outside her front door, but every week we try to give away 5% of our sales when reading your story i know exactly were you are comming from and what you are doing there is much needed to take care of some people that are in need here in the usa, this woman worked her intire life and is 89 years young she is unable to work at all as she is on opxygen (donated by church) all ther time. what your mother taught you is a valuable one there is good in giving no matter how bad things are, and always someone out there worse off than you i read that one woman tore up the money someday she will remeber it when she is in need of the 10$ thank you for letting me share this story with you and you may share with others except media as i do not wish any credit for what i do except self gratatification, you are a good man and someday it will come back to you and i 10 fold, but untill then we just can do the best we can to change a small part of others misfortune, and help the best we can and for our fellow people we give to it will change thier lives by the gift of giving god bless you and yours jon
Thanks for your note Jon…That is great that you give back…I bet the time you spend with this elderly woman is worth more than the $20 or anything else you could give her. Good for you! Best wishes for your personal health. -Reed
Reed,
I read your article and was very happy to see you trying to change things. it reminded me of the movie “pay it forward”. you are starting something that is truley amazing and i think that alot of people will pay it forward. i love seeing what your doing. i am a soldier in the US Army and i love seeing other people do other things to support our country. i really appreciate what you do.
many blessings
Danielle M.
kudos to you! i heard your story on NPR and i’m glad i found your blog to share with my children. you are an inspiration.
I love the idea of giving without expecting anything in return.
I have on occasion done the same at grocery stores when I’ve observed a mother telling her children to put the item back because they cannot afford it.
I will commit to giving on June 15th, and whenever possible randomly.
Great work, and may God bless your deeds always.
You should consider using “Until the whole world hears” by Casting Crowns song as your intro….
Hi Reed,
I think it’s great what your doing, especially being unemployed. I have been unemployed for quite sometime but part of that is because my parent’s are not doing well health wise and just last month my dad had his right leg amputated…. So I am helping to take care of them. I have always been a very giving person and I believe in the “Random act of kindness”. In the past few month’s I have kept that up, even though my life is suffering financially
Just the other day a friend and I were at a burger place and this little girl about 7 year’s old held the door open for us as they were walking in before us, then when we got in line, her mom said go ahead we are not sure what we want. What a great kind family so I bought them ice cream cone’s, and let me tell you, they were close to nothing in cost but the appreciatiation from the family was amazing, it made me wish I could do it all the time, something so little made people so appreciatve.
Then last Tuesday I am out eating pizza and this little kid was at the table in front of me and kept smiling. Being unemployed, my life suffer’s alot and a smile or how are you make’s a differnce in my day. So I bought that family a funnel cake. Something again not alot of money but everyone said thank you and the parent’s shook my hand and said how nice and generous I am and thank you so much. I go out to eat alot and many time’s I surprise people in some way either to buy their meal or jsut a simple soda or cookie.
I expect nothing in return for whatever I do, I get personal satisfaction just knowing that I made a difference in someone’s day, and I find that most people are really shocked and thankful. Like you I have many stories of thing’s I have done. I enjoyed reading your story today and am very inspired and will participate on giving day. If there is anything I can do to add to your site or blog, please let me know.
Steve
Reed,
Love what u are doing, it’s a great feeling knowing there are people out there that really do care about others. I am in a tight spot myself and am not sure i could financially do exactly what you do, but what i will do every now and then is pay for the person behind me in line at a fast food place (drive-through) that way they have no idea who or why, but maybe they will also decide to “pay it forward”. Its a feel good thing and it may be a small gesture but you never know what kind of day someone is having, and by helping out you may have just brought a smile to someone who will return the favor, and so on.
I am so happy to have stumbled across this story. I NEED stories like this for life to make sense to me.
Volunteering started for me at a very early age and has continued throughout my life.
When my son was a baby, I was really poor. I had a job, but wasn’t making much money and a friend of mine showed up one day unannounced with a CAR full of baby things — diapers, wipes, toys, clothes, and more diapers. I will NEVER forget that, EVER. I asked him why he did this and he said BECAUSE IT’S MY BIRTHDAY! I thought what a fabulous thing to do on a birthday, so that started MY tradition.
On my birthday every year, I go to a grocery store and pay for someone else’s groceries. It’s really fun!
One year, I saw this adorable young couple. She was pushing a basket and had a pad and a pencil and he had another basket, carrying their baby. She would look at an item, then look at the one next to it, check the weight, price, those kinds of things. Then, she would decide, put the item in the cart, write down the price and tally up her spending. All the time, he patiently tended to the baby. I became intrigued by this couple and watched them for about 10 minutes and finally approached. I said, “what are you up to?” She said, “pardon me?” I said, “how much have you spent so far?” she shrugged her shoulders and said she didn’t really know. Her husband came over with a puzzled and protective look on his face, so I told them I wanted to pay for their groceries and I needed to know how much they had spent. She immediately said $47.28. I said, okay then.
She said, WHY are you doing this?” I said because it’s my birthday! Her husband said, WELL HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! I thanked them, handed them $80.00 and walked out of the store. In my peripheral vision, I saw them both with huge grins on their faces, holding that money like it was the lottery. It felt good. A little pressure was off of them, at least for THIS week.
Reminds me of a grade school classmate, Jennifer G., who used to give all us classmates a book on her birthday. That was a pretty cool thing to do on her birthday! -Reed
I was just thinking, there is a guy out there that used to go out and give hugs. He held up a sign that said free hugs. Between you and him it helps me think there is still hope for our little world we live in. If you google free hugs by sick puppies, there is an amazing video of this guy. For those people who are unable to give money or other items, it’s amazing what just a hug could do for a person. You are an amazing person and helped me remember there are good people out there and it’s good to give.
Hi Reed,
I just wanted to say that you are a one in a million kind of person my boyfriend and I have been looking for something to like this for a while now. The most we have come up with so far is donating money to animal shelters and going around to different animal shelters to lend a hand whether it be cleaning up dog kennels or washing the animals pretty much anything. I am attending school right now to be a vet and hopefully opening a non profit veterinarian office/ shelter for homeless animals. I believe the reason I am more for animals is because of the unconditional trust and love they give. But i will keep checking out your lend a hand section to see if I am ever able to help.
Thanks for your time…
Liz
I have just read about your endeavors, and am thrilled at the outcome. I have been wondering for sometime just what I was to do with my life, as a big huge change is in the process and “pow” your story popped up, and then “kaboom” the whole thing has fallen into place. I can’t get over this way this miraculous Universe of our works – I am moving back to South Africa next week and will start this project there. So expect updates from Polokwane starting the beginning of next month!
Awesome! I can help you get started if you need help with a blog, or I can create a sub-page here that you can add your posts to. Please keep in touch!
Wow, what a marvelous way to connect with people. Not everone will be affected and not everyone will appreciate it but I know its one of the last few acts of kindness you ever hear about for people in our country. Youve inspired me and I have marked down on my calendar to give 10.00 away on June 15. I hope it makes a difference in someones life to just make them smile. Last year on Easter the person in front of me in the supermarket line forgot her money and called her brother inlaw to meet her at the store. The cashier was such a bitch and was so nasty to her. I gave her the money and said heres my address. You can bring me the money after he meets you here. She was so appreciative and although I did it for her I got alot of satifaction to just HELP someone.
I have it marked on my calendar to give 10.00 to someone. Im looking foward to it.
Your mother sounds a lot like my mother. She used to keep money in her pocket to give to people she ran in to on the street who looked like they could use a little help. She would often take a complete stranger who looked like they needed someone to talk to to lunch. I applaud what you are doing and it has inspired me to be a little more like my mother, who I lost a little over 3 years ago. You can count on me joining you on June 15 to find someone to give my $10 to.
Sorry to hear about the loss of your mother, she sounds like a wonderful woman. Looking forward to sharing June 15th with you! -Reed
Reed,
Reading all your stories today has put a smile on my face for the first time in a long time. My Mother came down with cancer last September and was gone on December 17, 2009. She was my best friend and my inspiration to life. She never let life get her down and was a big believer of giving. She always said giving may not come back to you but might be passed on to your children or grandchildren. I have tried to live my life this way, that by doing good someone I love will someday receive it back. So in a since you are giving an everlasting gift to your Loved Ones. I know your Mom would be so proud of you and what you are doing. So I’ll leave you with what my Mom always said, What goes around, comes around, be it good or bad. Keep up the Great Work!
Sorry to hear about your mother Cindy. Sounds like you really appreciate the woman she was. Stay strong. -Reed
Hi Reed!
This is AMAZING!!! some of the stories brought me to tears! We all pass people every day on our way to work, in the store, even in our own apartment buildings and we make judgements or speculations but you are actually getting the story! How cool! I have always been one to give, now in college i participate in many programs and in high school i travelled with my church to new orleans, kentucky multiple times. I am soon to be studying abroad in Spain and you have truly inspired me to do something when i get over there. I always think, $1 wont make a difference but the spare change and more importantly the smile or greeting that comes with it can make a change and you are that living proof! I don’t know yet what i can do when I get there but I here and now promise to give back and make a change! I think we as americans are constantly judged as being selfish and greedy and here is my opportunity to change even just a few peoples perspectives!!
Thank you so much!
I am moving to Phoenix next week and I have been reading stories on your blog and crying for the last hour instead of packing. Anyway, to get to know my new city, I would like to pick someone every week to give $10 away to. I would also like to start a blog so that I can tell the recipients stories and find a way to get additional help to them if needed. Can you give me any suggestions on how to get started? Thanks for your time and all you are doing.
Hi Joyce. As far as getting started to give, just go for it. In regards to blogging about it, you can set up a blog rather easily using WordPress.com or other blogging softwares out there (Blogger, TypePad, LiveJournal, etc.) I had never done this before and find WordPress fairly straight forward. I think there is a way to create a sub-page on my site if you would like to just use that…might be the easiest way. I have been meaning to look into that but haven’t yet. Will do it this weekend. Email me at reed@yearofgiving.org for more specific questions, I am happy to help. -Reed
I, too, will promote a Day of Giving on June 15. I will send your idea to all people I have an email address for, which may number a few hundred.
In encouraging others to join us, your web site will be promoted, and I am sure your idea will produce many adherents, and some lives will be changed.
I authored a book some years ago (no longer published) entitled, “You CAN Change the World!” by writing inspiring letters to others. An email is one type of letter to do this with. Your web site and emails to you for our benefit will certainly “Change the World!”
Capt. D, thanks for sharing the word about the Worldwide Day of Giving! I hope to make it a very special day. Imagine if someone comes up to me unknowingly and offers me $10…it will have came full circle! -Reed
Hi Reed,
Reading your story has uplifted me today. It is so comforting to know that there are angels in human form that walk among us, reminding us all of why we are here and what is truly important in life. I feel so inspired! Bless You!
Chrissie
I have been an out of work artist and have tried hard to stay positive while doing every little thing I can to bring in extra income. My lastest is to paint curbs in front of houses. I go beyond the normal blah white and decorate them! I am meeting people I would not have met because of my curb art.
Your mother’s words of helping someone when you are at a low point ring true to me! I don’t have income to give anyone but I can lend a hand in many other ways. Thank you, Reed, for sharing your journey with us.
Becky
Reed,
Just heard about your blog and what you’re doing. What a wonderful idea!
Like yourself, I was downsized last year (in March) and have been giving back in a “nonmonetary” way. I’ve been doing quite a bit of volunteer work over the last year for a variety of nonprofit organizations. I’ve been doing pro bono grant research and writing, event fundraising, etc. I’ve met so many caring, kind and wonderful people.
I remember I used to pay the tolls for the car behind me when driving down the New Jersey turnpike in the summertime. Some folks would later pass me and wave…some “recipients” seemed really annoyed. Strange, huh?
In any case, keep up the good work! May your endeavor(s) be fruitful and fulfilling.
What you are doing is simply wonderful. Hopefully more people will pay it forward because of your efforts. One thing I enjoy doing is paying for the person behind me when I’m at toll booths. I like the anonymity of the gesture.
Heard about this in the news today im 18 and a senior but enjoying my last year in high school is preety hard, i was left without a mother when i was ten so ive been moving on with my dad ever since its been going fine but then the debts and my dad trying to bring his new wife to the states got us real tight on our pockets, im known around school as a giver and seeing that im not the only one who does the same makes me feel great. i would apprciate if some people can help us out my dad just trying to buy a house here around my state in florida if you could help that would be fine i know the economy is hard but heck even when its bad we all have to look for other right?. well i hope someone can help a family in need thanks.
I’ve already put June 15th into my calendar and bookmarked this site!
If only high school was this open about talking to someone in class they normally wouldn’t talk to or offering a ride to a friend of a friend they aren’t familiar with. I think a lot of the social issues at my school might not be so bad but i definitely plan on making an effort to spread the word about your blog to some of my friends. It takes a lot to give those little bits of time to each person and I give you props for it. Hopefully I’ll one day have the chance to do something like this where you get a ripple effect and people start joining in.
Thanks for being such an inspiration! :]
Wow I love seeing things like this! Reed you are amazing and I know there are others out there who are helping others every day too! I love giving and have been looking to do more for others these days, I am signed up for a Big Brothers Big Sisters orentation and also going to look in to Habitat for humanity, it makes me feel alive!
I love how your tracking all of your adventures! I hope others catch one, lending a helping hand to others, become more open and try some thing to give back as well!
Thank you for making my day! Bless you and every one who reads about what were doing!
—Amanda—
Hello Reed,
It was so great to follow up and read on your kind deed that you have pursued daily in honor of your mother. No doubt she is smiling down upon you. Is not much I could say that some one hasn’t already said, done or complimented you on so I just want to applaud you for your efforts and I realize the unemployment factor is some thing we are experiencing as well right now, my fiance was left in the same situation through a different reason I will not get into, but it was very unjust and unfortunately it makes our plans this year a very difficult one for now. We are struggling to see if we can manage to keep our 10-10-10 wedding date ” alive”, but time will tell, just a shame to possibly loose any non refundable deposits we have already paid. But I’m a real happy go lucky person who has always bounced right back no matter what, life is like a roller coaster my father used to say, he is deceased now but he was a life long missionary who devoted his entire life with helping people over seas especially. He said we would always have ups and downs in life, do the best you can with a situation and move forward, leave the rest in God’s hands.
But , I will conclude with the fact that what you are doing is such a blessing and inspiration to so many, even if they do not really need it, it is the “act” of giving that many must realize that if one person does it and those who can do similar follow in those footsteps, in the end the possibilities are endless because it takes a world wide effort not just the few who do to really make a huge impact on the nation. But, it has to start from some one, some where….if society was to sit back and just expect it to fall into their laps, or for free hand outs, nothing would ever come to fruition so, that being said, thank you for what you believed in and for having the love, compassion, and courage to pursue if even in small doses and for a shorter amount of time, then a huge corporation who has the funds and ability to donate in the thousands or millions, but some don’t, they should be inspired, from people like yourself, you being one unique individual, are already making a slight impact on a daily basis.
God bless and keep you safe as you continue your care and love for helping people.
i wrote u a comment earlie not sure why its not here anymore but i just wanted to tell u thanks for all that u do
I think what you are doing is incredible. God has touched your heart in many ways. My husband and I will definitley mark our calendar for June 15th. I am going to pass this on to all my family and friends, and hopefully we will get something going in CT. God bless and keep you safe and with a job.
You are a true inspiration. It’s nice to see there is still good people in the world.
I spend three or four years growing my hair where in which I donate it to either “Locks of Love” or “Wigs for Kids.” In addition, every three months I donate blood.
Thanks for doing this Reed. I just love stories like this, they make my entire being smile!
~Penny
I am touched, beyond words. Tomorrow I will begin again my previous daily commitment to a “random act of kindness”. I have forgotten how much this lifted my spirits, as well as others.
I use to run early in the morning in downtown Chicago and carry $5 bills with me. I was too afraid to stop and talk to the homeless I saw but would jog by them and just hand them the money or get close enough to place it by them. I have no idea what they did with this small gesture, but I know it made me feel better about me.
Thank you for the inspiration.
Ruth
Hi,
I too lost my job in 07. I was unable to find on and in Aug of 2008 my daughter was turning 9 and wanted to do something for the homeless. So we started a program called “Kerrine Kares”. Once a month 7 little girls between the ages of 5 and 13 gather to make complete lunches for the homeless and we then drive into the city and hand them out. In the past year and a half I have been very ill and almost died 3 times and then they found Cancer. They found the cancer because I got sick so I am very blessed. I live on disability now and money is tight but I make sure that I take what I need to buy the food to feed the homeless.
Two friends of mine and I are teaching our children the meaning of giving but we get as much out of it. When I got sick last year I was sick a long time and had a pic line in my arm for months. These men that we feed were unbeleivable concerned about me it was uplifting. Even now I seem to go into the hospital every other month and if we miss a few weeks the first thing they ask is about my health. So even though money is tight, tighter then it has ever been I wouldn’t stop what we do. I will always find a way to give because the benifit far out weights the money that I put out monthly.
Thank you for letting me tell my story. You are an inspiration.
Thanks for sharing Louise….truly remarkable! Tell your daughter I am a huge fan of Kerrine Kares! -Reed
Reed,
What your doing is wonderful! I posted your websites on facebook to my friends and some have joined me in sharing with their friends.
I’ve posted a few times all day. 🙂
I’ve been thinking about your project alot and thought if you have considered making a book out of your adventure?
Personally, I would love to read a book like that. Day by day moments and then the follow up…then on to the next person you helped. Sorta like those Chicken soups for the soul books.
You’ve inspired many people already to get the word out to others how wonderful it is to help someone out even if they are a stranger.
After all, I’ve heard it said that ‘A stranger is just a friend you haven’t met yet’.
Keep inspiring us Reed! I can see this is going to be big and anyone can be a part of your project. That adds an extra dimension to it also!
God Bless,
Diane
I just came across your website today – and love what you are doing! After seeing a show on Oprah about 10 years ago regarding unclaimed money, I began my hobby of attempting to locate at least 3 owners/heirs of unclaimed money each day. All of the 50 states are holding unclaimed money, stocks, insurance proceeds, etc. There is NO CHARGE for filing a claim. One out of every 8 people has unclaimed money.
You would be doing a lot of people a big favor if you would pass this information on to them. Just go to http://www.unclaimed.org, click on any state and look up your name, deceased relatives, friends, businesses, schools, etc. Just put in your LAST name for a complete list. I have helped thousands of people find their “lost” money and have made many new friends along the way. (Reed, I looked up your name in DC, but didn’t find anything for you there. Keep checking, though, because new accounts are added daily!)
Thanks so much for what you are doing – may God bless you richly!
I started this website a month ago:
http://www.justtalk2010.com
All responses come to me anonymously – I just listen. I don’t answer back (I can’t), I don’t judge or try to fix it. I just let people talk about whatever they want to – about whatever they need to.
It has been immensely rewarding – I embrace every response and feel very thankful that someone shared their life with me….that is a privilege and a blessing. When they say “Thank you for listening” or “I feel better”. I smile because I am the one that is thankful and usually I feel better!
We pass strangers on the street every day that very well could change us and our perspective about many things. People that are amazing and special. I believe everyone has a “story” to tell and a need to be heard.
My mission is to listen until people stop talking.
On your April 9th piece you say that Lianne has pretty much worked every weekend for the last 20 years…would you be willing to do that?
Theater and writing have been my life. And now I am 56 yrs. old.(though I don’t look it) I got pretty damn good at acting and 99.9% of it has been for free.
I discovered many years ago that being a good person was more important than being a good artist. The unexpected consequences of that has been that I got to be a good artist because of that priority. And another is that I have struggled all my life financially.
This recession has made things much much harder. I didn’t have a credit card until I was 48 years old. And now I owe them about$25,000. At the beginning of 2008 all the house painting work I had lined up (as an actor/writer I have done a million different jobs and my parents have helped financially although begrudgingly) fell through. I had a handful of odd jobs in 08 and in 09 I worked in a deli that closed after one month of my working there.
My energy level is really fading. I have applied for over 1200 jobs on line both theater related and other. And I am about to go bankrupt.
Friends are scarce. Can’t move back in with parents because my brother and his wife who often visit there are hostile to me.
In lieu of all this, money I have been taking from credit cards I have been doling out to local public radio and one in Philadelphia. And a local peace center.I have given money to a homeless woman who wanders the streets here, given her rides and contacted a church that helps the homeless. They already knew about her.
I have given money to an organization that has a half-way house for drug addicts and alcoholics.They have people roaming the streets collecting money or selling pies or selling raffle tickets. And recently, someone who I grew up with reconnected with me on facebook. He and his 2 children were homeless so I gave them $700.Bought them dinner and am just there for him when he needs to talk. I figure the banks got bailed out. My credit cards could help me bailout my friend.
I need help though I don’t know who can help or how they can help me. I only have an Associates degree in General Education though I have tons of theater experience, studied with some great people, lived in NYC, Boston and Vermont. And I have a lot of poems, prose pieces, a few plays and a screenplay in progress. I have taught acting to kids and adults. Without theater and writing I am gutted. With the loss of friends I am abandoned.
Danielle, hang in there. I too have done theatre and know the how rewarding it can be. At least for me, I have never been financially rewarded for my theatre work as I have done community theatre. The reward has always been the smiles, the laughter, and the hugs afterwards. It sounds like you might acting professionally…which is such a tough industry. As for the job search, I think you need to think out of the box these days with that. Too many people are applying for jobs posted online. It comes back to networking. I spend a lot of my time interacting with people that I know and letting them know that I am actively looking for work. Several opportunities have came my way, unfortunately, nothing has been the right fit yet, but I am hopeful. I am hopeful for you as well. Careful with the credit card debt…that can get scary. I, and I am sure many of the other readers, will be thinking about you and maybe someone in your area can help you. I think you are in Philadelphia area right? Keep us posted and stay strong! -Reed
Hey Reed, thanks for replying. And jeez, I forgot to say what a great thing you are doing here. I wanted to start a blog called The Squeaky Wheel cause squeaky wheels get attention but I am not computer savvy.
Yes. I have let people know what is going on with me. And I have gone to places in person as well as computer applications. Many of these places tell me to apply on line. Or they are hiring younger people which is good. young people need to work too. ‘
I am about an hour from Philly in Bethlehem, Pa.
I’d like to think out of the box believe me, but am feeling tapped after 2 years of this. And living my whole life thinking out of the box. Know what I mean?
Reed, I took you up on your suggestion. After emailing you directly I’m posting my story here.
I saw an article about what you’re doing with your “$10 a day” project. When I read that you started this after losing your job, I thought, how can he do this? He has no job. Isn’t he worried about his income? I lost my job last May and to say it’s been a struggle is an understatement. But then something happened today and I understood what you’re trying to do. I was out walking my dog Huggie Bear and I encountered a homeless man that I’d seen in my neighborhood before. We had waved at each other prior but had never spoken. Today my dog found the grass near the local church interesting. This man was huddled near his tarp that he had hung from some bushes next to the church. We greeted each other and my dog, who is a good judge of character, approached him for a pat on the head. I learned the man’s name was Mark Anthony, yes, like Cleopatra’s lover. We chatted for a few minutes and then my dog and I were on our way. But I thought of you and I felt so selfish. Today in
L.A. was cold and rainy. Huggie and I were going home to a good hot meal. This man was hiding from the rain. I came home, fed Huggie and heated up a bowl of soup, grabbed some crackers and an apple. Huggie and I got back in the car and drove back by the church. Mark was still there. I handed him the bag of food. He thanked me and said he hadn’t eaten today. And as I drove away, he stood there in the street and watched me. I don’t know why he stayed in the street for as long as he did. I drove by a few minutes later and he was sitting on the sidewalk, eating. It wasn’t $10 worth of food, but it was something. Thank you for inspiring me, and I’m sure others, to step outside of our own circumstances and think of someone else. Things are so tough for so many right now. I hope others who are reading this realize it doesn’t have to be $10. Maybe it’s a meal, maybe someone to listen, maybe it’s clothes or a blanket. I heard a minister a few months ago say “We can’t rely on the government to take care of us. We have to take care of each other.”
Reed, I think your mom would indeed be thrilled with what you’ve done. I’ve book marked your blog so I can stay inspired. Don’t stop doing what you’re doing, you’ve made me believe that people are still inherently good.
Kathleen Johnson
Studio City, CA
That is fantastic Kathleen! I love it! Keep up the good work out there in Studio City! -Reed
Let me start by saying i’m a very spiritual person, but I’m also very quiet. These last two years, which were my frshmen and sopmore year in highscool have ben tough. When I started highschool I wanted to join clubs and make friends but my nerve of being excepted and not good enough got to me. I began to get into a slump and stoppped doing the small things I once thought would help other. Everytime I see a penny on tails I would flip it over and hope it would be good luck for someone else. Strangely this blog as changed my whole perspective. I recently just foud it due to the AOL report and that same day I read all posts. Let’s just say along with a new uprising I also had no sleep. =] Not only have I realized little gestures can make a whole big of a difference to others but in the process you truely find youirself. In highschool its hard to be yourself. I wont lie and say my nerves wont be shaking the whole way through, but from your blog and your stories of giving not only have I been inspired to help others with even small gestures but put myself out there, face my fears, and possibly find myself in the process.
Good for you Jessica! If you want to really take it to the next level, consider organizing people in your own school, church, or community to give $10 on June 15th and then share their stories here at http://www.yearofgiving.org. What do you think? -Reed
i think that what you are doing is great! nothing touches my heart more then seeing people that care. i told my two brothers about your story and Worldwide Day of Giving and they pledge to give somebody $10 and so do i.
I do what i can by volunteering at my local food bank for the last 4 years (and counting) but being 16 doesn’t offer me much mobility to go places freely or get a job to donate so i love seeing others helping no matter how small the gesture, so thank you for brightening my life, even if it is just a little, because in the end it all the little things that make life worth living.
Thank you for inspiring me today. I am as well “in transition” for the first time in my adult life, and have noticed that the only thing that i know for sure is that without giving i have no hope.
God bless you.
Reed,
I am so impressed with your kindness and true care. While I have not given money, I have given time and my help since I became unemployed over a year ago. Part of my goal is to encourage others to do the same. It isn’t even about giving to others that I enjoy, which I do, it is the smile and the joy that the recipients have that they give to me.
My life has improved dramatically since I began giving back to my community, especially when I see people like you doing something so phenomenal, thank you for being the good person that you are.
Hello All , This is a way to HELP Everyone, You get to Join Free & If your website gets at least 15 points for a one month period you will get a Check. Now there are NO hosting fee,s for this Website & It will LOWER alot of Peoples House Payments, Just Share with People you Know and they do the Same. Congratulations on what You have Done and I Hope that I have at least HELPED One or TWO FAMILIES ! Thank You . Howard Gibson http;//www.gaspayday.com
My eight year old daughter wants to give the $10 she got for her birthday to a church in Uganda that is trying to buy food and supplies to assist those in need in that country. She is an amazing girl that is always looking to help others and is not jaded by society even though she watches CNN with me all the time.
Thank you for what you are doing Reed. It help reinforce what my daughter feels and wants to do for others!
I got a reminder message on my phone this afternoon to give $10 as I vowed to give several months ago. I want to share how you reap what you sow… my husband had been waiting on an invoice to pay for nearly 2 weeks and I received a phone call this morning advising to pick up a check for my husband’s business (just in time to give the money) so I shared with him how God faithfully comes through to allow you to keep your promises when it comes to giving. At 9:30 tonight I realized we were still holding on to the $10 and we had to keep the promise-we went to the gas station and blessed another patron. I told the recipient your story and he was amazed… he said his mother does things like that but he wasn’t sure what he would do with the $10… he said, “I may just frame it to be reminded of this day.” Thanks for making a vow to make a difference.
I have always had a soft part in my heart for people who are homeless. Today on the way into work driving down New York Avenue I was struck by a young man sitting under the columns by the old Hecht Warehouse, he clearly homeless but he was sitting there with his hands in his head and I thought wow, I know the position but I wondered when I do that is the same for both of us, did he feel like the whole world was on his sholders, was he wondering where his next meal might be, was he wondering where his next fix might be, or was he in a fantasy land. I had driven about three blocks in slow moving back to back traffic when I suddenly turned around, I just had to go back and give that guy some money honestly I didn’t care what he did with it what pained me was the fact that he was living on the street, and that for any human being has got to be the most unbearable existence to endure. People always tell me when I do stuff like that to be careful, but I have faith that God is with me. So I pulled up by then he had laid down and he had his head covered with a jacket, I blew my horn had to do it three times but he looked up and I called out to him, “here, get something to eat” he came over took the $10, the smallest bill I had and he said thank you and I left.
So kudos to Reed Sandridge for what he is doing, and I wish deeply in my heart that all the folks like him are blessed, maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow but God is watching. I wish I could take care of all the homeless people in the DC area, get them off the streets a shower, clean clothes, a meal, maybe even a conversation to see what’s really going on. People don’t chose to become homeless something happened in their lives, lost of job, death in the family, mental illness whatever it is these people are still human beings, when has it become so easy for our society to simply disregard these people? How could the richest country in the world turn a blind eye? Sad, very very sad. So Reed Sandridge I hope God continues to bless you, with good health and good heart and eventually you will find your place too.
Hi Reed!
I read your article in the Woman’s World Magazine recently & wanted to share with you our family’s plans with the idea of giving. Our family has been on the recieving end of the giving, in January Tracy had back surgery due to an injury he suffered in Sept. The community we live in delivered (unknown to us who all was involved) a food pkg for us & we used it for meals for the fam. My daughter (in college now) is volunteering at a Theraputic Riding Center, newly orginizes & non-profit, we recently gave them a donation to help. Also I plan on giving whatever $ amount possible to help someone else out. We also make bookmarks out of the Inspirations article in the mag & give them as small ‘pick me ups.’
I always try to say Hello to people & give them a smile.
Hope to write again soon.
Lesli
Thanks for writing Lesli…great stuff you and your family are doing. Thanks for sharing. Keep up the good work! -Reed
Reed,
Good afternoon! I am a middle school student. I come from China.I can speak a little English.I read your article in the YANGCHENG newsaper.I think you are a kind person.
Good luck!
I could only say thank you。!
Hello,
You are doing so much good. You will be Blessed. We have been trying to raise money for this fundraiser to help a family in desperate need. If you could please promote this fundraiser it would be greatly appreciated. Time is running out and the funds needed are $3,500.00 by November 1, 2010. Thank You! Please keep on doing the great acts of kindness. Please pass this link along. Thanks!
http://funds.gofundme.com/wnj0
Hello! My coworker offered that I share what I am doing for at our local high school theatre program. We collect used formal gowns and evening dresses from the community and share them with high school students who cannot afford dresses or just want a cheaper option. It makes me feel GREAT! I often buy dresses at thrift stores to donate to the cause. One students told me that she still wears her dress at home, even after prom, because it makes her feel like a princess! :O) Tiffany