"PAW It Forward"

PetCo will join the Pay It Forward Foundation with their twist on the Pay It Forward bracelet, the new ‘PAW It Forward’ bracelet will be introduced in January 2009.  
 
With the help of the Pay It Forward Foundation PetCo will be selling PAW It Forward bracelets, available in participating southeast PetCo locations beginning the middle of January, 2009.  The first wave of “PAW it Forward” bracelets will be sold for $1 each with proceeds going to the PetCo Foundation which gives assistance to animal welfare groups across the country.  Following the success of the first wave of PAW it Forward bracelets PetCo hopes to launch a nation wide campaign later in 2009.
 
The PAW It Forward campaign is intended to encourage pet adoption and pet rescue. “When someone says something nice about your ‘rescue’ pet which you have adopted from an animal rescue or another Pet Co adoption program, thank the person… then take your wristband off, give it to that person and ask him or her to ‘Paw It Forward’ and encourage him or her to either adopt a rescue pet or encourage someone else they know to do so.  Always Think Adoption First. Together we will make a difference”  

"PIF" by Helping the Homeless!

A friend approached me one day asking me if I would be interested in helping her with a Pay It Forward Idea.

We thought about doing a Christmas dinner for the homeless people and people we knew through our work with the mentally ill population.

We searched it out and found there was already people doing this so I decided we should pay it forward with Pancakes.

So today Christmas Morning with help of friends and family we delivered pancakes over 170 to homeless people in our community.

Kendra OBryan

A True Pay it Forward Story!

   My name is Grady Bryan Selby and, well before the movie (1997

actually), I lived in Arlington, Texas.  I had a nice job, decent

apartment, fresh out of the US Army, and had my life on track.  I

lived alone, had a dog, had a spare bedroom, and bathroom; so, I

decided one day to test the "trust factor" with, not only myself, but

society in general.

    I drove the same way to work everyday and every day, saw the same

man on the same corner, in the same clothes, and holding the same

sign.  He was a sight!  Head held high, standing defiant to the world

as if saying, "You've taken everything but, you won't take my pride!".

 I stopped everyday and gave him a few dollars, something to eat and a

big bottle of water.  One Saturday morning, no work just my "test", I

drove to where the man stood and, sure enough, there he was.  I

stopped at the light and asked him to meet me at the Burger King 10

feet from where he stood and pulled into the parking lot; he stood

there for a moment, then walked over.  At that moment, I noticed the

pronounced limp he had and took the mental picture into account.  Over

breakfast, I asked him about his life; he told me that he was an

overseas contractor, came home to find his accounts cleared, his wife

gone (with kids) and no family in the area.  He thought of anyone

around that could help him out but, no one came to mind (or would do

so) and, he ended up on the streets with no place to go.  I then asked

him if a person was to offer a hand to him, what would he say?  His

reply was astonishing; "I really wouldn't say anything, just walk away

probably.  Why do you ask?".  I told him my name, where I worked, my

background, and everything that was pertinent to the situation then, I

proceeded to lay out my proposition.  "I want to give back.  I want to

help those who've had life piss on them, turn it's back on them, and

no one ever cares.  So, if you will trust me enough, I want to do

something for you.", I said.  I asked him to come with me, on blind

faith, and to his credit he did.

     We went to the store, you should have seen the looks!  It was the

most demeaning thing to have a hundred people looking down on this

man!!  I paid for everything he'd need to get cleaned up; razors,

clippers (for his beard), shaving gel, deodorant, tooth care items,

the whole lot.  After, we went back to my apartment; I gave him a key

and told him he was staying there until he got on his feet.  He got

cleaned up, looked like a new man, and then we went to get his haircut

and new clothes.  I am not rich but, had managed to save a few

dollars.  Anyhow, I asked him what his strong employment suits were,

and we typed out a resume for his job hunting.

    Fast forward 10 years.  This homeless man now has a fine 3 bedroom

house, gets to see his kids every weekend, juat came back from the

Bahamas (he got re-married), and when he asked me how I could repay

him, I told him to do the same for someone else.  He introduced me to

his wife, and his kids, and I still get tears thinking about the

reaction these people gave me; gratitude for giving their Dad his life

back, for giving her a wonderful husband and, for giving him the

chance no one else would.

    My thoughts were then, and are now, if we can trust again and help

those that need it again, just think of the world it would be!  Now,

Pay It Forward is International; my hats off to you!  You have a

supporter and friend in me!

Sincerely,

Grady Selby

Prepaid Alliance "PIF"

Hello,

I just wanted to tell you our Pay It Forward Holiday Donation program was a big hit with my customers this year. 

We distributed (35) $100.00 blank checks to each customer. 

In their honor they had the job to "Pay it Forward" to a charitable organizations of their choice. 

$3,500.00 given away to worthy causes because of your motivational idea.

Thanks for the bracelets,

Andy

Prepaid Alliance

Kathy's "PIF" Moment!

Kathy's Pay it Foward moment:

Yesterday I had been shopping and went into the McDonalds about 3:00 p.m.  I saw an older man sitting in a booth as I got my drink.  I went out and got into my car and realized that I had left my cell phone in McDonalds.  I rushed back in went over by the man and began looking all around.  He said are you ok?  I told him I was searching for my phone.  We talked and I found my phone in my purse and turned to him and said.  "Well, you have a Merry Christmas!"  He said to me, "it will be a sad one this year. My wife is gone and I have no money to buy my 2 grandchildren a present."  "How old are your grandchildren," I said.  They are 6 and 4 years old.

Wait here I said to the man.  I went to my car where I had just bought sweaters and shoe slippers and dolls for my grand children Emery and Stella who are the same age. I came back into the McDonalds and gave the old man the presents.  His eyes filled with tears.  "I can't take these he said".  "Yes you can I replied.  They are for your grandchildren.  

As I drove away I looked down at the white bracelet Susan had given to me that said "Pay it Forward". 

    

Thank you for the opportunity to do this.  Steve and I have truly been blessed this year and we are so grateful that we know each of you.  

Merry Christmas and love to you all.  

Love, Kathy Postma

West High School "Paying it Forward"

Think of it as a pyramid scheme for the altruist.

Students from West High School business teacher Lisa-Marie Burns’ marketing class have taken it on themselves to extend a favor to three people for every good thing that someone does for them. The idea: To “pay forward” a good deed instead of paying it back.

In doing so, West High students plan to make the world a kinder place, one good deed at a time. 

Inspired by a movie released in 2000 called “Pay It Forward” about a boy who takes it upon himself to change the world for the better one good deed at a time, Burns’ marketing students aim to get the social movement off the ground in Tracy this holiday season.

Several have already started over the Thanksgiving Day break, by feeding strangers, doing extra chores for their parents or babysitting for younger siblings — without expecting anything in return.

West High junior Tristan Pulliam gave a woman $10 at a San Francisco BART station last weekend because she said she lost her purse and needed to get to Daly City.

“She looked so worried, like she didn’t know what to do, so I just gave her the money,” the 17-year-old student said. “I told her about the movie, and what we’re trying to do and told her to pass it on.”

It seems like an experiment more suited to a sociology class than a business class, but Burns said part of business, part of success, is sharing with people less fortunate.

“It’s not enough to be successful, to ‘make it,’” said the business teacher. “You have to share that with people who need it.”

The teacher ordered white-and-black bracelets for her students emblazoned with the title of the inspirational movie.

Already, she said, students outside the class have started sporting the rubber bracelets after students from her class passed them on with their simple acts of kindness.

“So if you see the bracelet, if you see someone wearing it this holiday season, you can be aware of what they’re up to,” Burns said.

The lesson to “market” goodwill is something several of her students have seriously taken to heart and put into practice.

“If we take responsibility … and take these small steps, we can change the world,” Pulliam said. “It can start with one person.”

"PIF" in Minnesota

Greetings from a very cold Minnesota!

It seems like there is so much going on this time of year. When people ask me how I'm doing, my typical response has been--"really busy".  I think I used to wear this "busy" thing like some badge of honor...then I met Charlie Theisen.  Charlie and his wife Jolie live in Fort Lauderdale, Florida--far away from the below zero high temperature for another day...lately, Charlie and Jolie have been spending several weeks in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  They've been there before.  

For the last eleven years Jolie has been battling cancer and winning.  Three times Jolie has fought and won.  

At the Cancer Treatment Centers of American in Tulsa, Oklahoma Jolie is now battling her fourth cancer.  Charlie's flying in from Tulsa to the snow and cold  of Minnesota Tuesday night and my good friend Mike is picking him up at the airport to bring him to Willmar, Minnesota.  Tomorrow from noon until midnight, Charlie will share a message of love, hope, and encouragement with you.  We have all been touched by cancer, or know someone who has.  

As I've gotten to know Charlie he has given me such a gift; such a reminder--cherish every moment...  Charlie has made me look closely at my own relationships and how, and if, I am cherishing the moments with those I love.  About how I am spending my time--the things I am giving my attention to.  I have slowed down a bit--I'm paying attention more and not living a blur. There is no gift under any tree that I would not wish for more than the health of a loved one.  Everything else is so trivial.  I have been amazed at Charlie's absolute love and devotion to Jolie--his uncompromising love.  I know quite a few men, including myself that could do better by our partners in demonstrating our love to that special someone...hold your signigicant others tightly, let them know you love them.  Pay attention more...

Join us today--tell husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, friends, and co-workers--please join us to hear stories, encouragement, support for caregivers, relatives, music, and more with Charlie from noon-until-midnight to receive Charlie and Jolie's gift of love, hope, and encouragement.  Please slow down for a little while and visit us today, Wednesday, December 17th.  

The links below will take you directly to the webcast page, a video about the webcast, and a page with more of Jolie and Charlie's story--this is a very true love story.

Thank you

Webcast direct link:
http://www.helloworld.com:80/global_frameset.aspx?target=myworld&ID=hooganaga&section=show

Link to short video about webcast:
http://tinyurl.com/agift4youvideo

Link to more of the story:
http://tinyurl.com/agift4you

Everyone Deserves Shoes!!!

My 14 year old daughter has a friend that she spends a lot of time with and is at our house quite often.  She is very kind hearted and sweet and has always been a good friend.  After I got to know her a little bit, I found out that she does not live with her parents and that her Aunt has legal custody of her, (I am not sure of the circumstances).   One day while she was over to the house, I noticed that she was wearing flip flops.  It is the middle of winter and there is snow on the ground.  When I ask where her shoes were she non chalantly mentioned that she just hadn't gotten shoes yet this year. My heart dropped and not long after we were shoe shopping.  No child should go without shoes.  She was grateful and excited to pay it forward, asking immediately when does she get her bracelet.  I am confident that this will not end with her.  

I am very thankful to share the great feeling of sharing and caring with you.

I look for opportunities to help people now.  Thank you for this, payitforwardtoday.org  !!!

Susan Kalma

Interstate Hydraulics

Talk about 'Pay it Forward' – Salt Lake City – RC Willey

It's been quite a week for Julee Wright.

The single mother of four has been struggling to get by this Christmas and was shocked to discover that someone had left on her doorstep a book about giving, The Christmas Jar, and a jar filled with five $100 bills and $76 in coins.

The next day, a woman came into the RC Willey store in Provo, where Wright works, and wanted to buy a $500 bunk bed set for Christmas for her 17-year-old son, who only has a mattress to sleep on currently.

It turns out the woman also is a single mother of four and she told Wright that her husband had left her shortly after he returned from a military stint in Iraq and her credit rating was poor. She told Wright she could pay in cash on Friday and wondered if Wright could hold it until then. But without a deposit, Wright could not put it on hold and there were only five of those bed sets left in the entire state.

Remembering the anonymous act of kindness shown to her, Wright put $96 of her own money down for the deposit, which the woman would repay on Friday.

Later, Wright was relaying the story to her sister over the phone and a customer overheard her. Once he learned of the other woman's plight, he wrote a check for the entire $500 so the woman could get the bed.

The next day, he returned with another $1,000 he asked Wright to give to the woman, telling Wright to wish her a Merry Christmas.

Stuffed Animals and "PIF"

Hey Blog site:  To date, we have collected more than 175 stuffed animals to give to the elderly and to sick children in a hospital during the HOLIDAYS!!  Do you realize how those stuffed animals overpowered my classroom????  And also, the students have donated multitudes of canned goods to donate to people who need food the most.....we could hardly move in my room due to all the generosity!!! My students know the deal and are ready to meet the PAY IT FORWARD Challenge.....now the question is: ARE OTHER HIGH SCHOOLS READY???? LET'S   "JUST DO IT"  !!!   Mrs.Donney

Many Ways to "PIF"

There are many different ways to contribute to your community. and our way is "Paying it Forward."

Paying it forward is simply an act of kindness, passing on of a favor or doing a good deed that has been done for you and rather than “paying it back”, you “pay it forward ”, like the book/movie written by Catherine Ryan Hyde.

Taylor Williams and Alicia Carter established a club last year at Moorpark High School called, Pay It Forward. They currently have around 30 members.The club is an opportunity for Students at Moorpark High School to take part in helping others in need, earning community service hours and having fun doing it. It is a place where students share the same interests, “less ME and more WE.”

"We feel it is important for our generation to learn selfless characteristics at a young age, become conscience of those around us and make a greater contribution to our community. Pay It Forward is not only an inspirational club, it is a state of mind that makes you take action when the opportunity presents itself it. Basically do something nice for someone else when you recoginize the need. Let's help make this world a better place one act at a time."

Recent events and fundraisers:

October, The Metro Link Garage Sale: raised $1400


November, Coldstones Fundraiser Night: raised $250

December, Moorpark Kiwanis Breakfast with Santa -

December, “Random Acts of Kindness Day”

December, PIF Adopts a Family for Christmas-

Our Random Acts of Kindness Day will be held December 17th at Moorpark High School. At lunch our members will pass out our famous "Pay It Forward" bracelets and explain the purpose and responsibility after a person puts it on. The purpose for the bracelets are to inspire people to do something nice for someone, give them the bracelet, and tell them to do the same for someone else. Eventually the bracelet will be passed around due to many random acts of kindness. We don't know where our one action will lead. We may not see the change immediately, but like ripples in a pond after a small pebble is thrown in, the movement continues and expands and spreads out and out. That’s the concept of Pay it forward. It is our goal to have neighboring cities join in our efforts and PIF as well. We would like to make this an annual event and recogize December 17th as the "Random Acts of Kindness Day" in Ventura County.

Our upcoming events may include a Pay It Forward Scholarship for a graduating Senior, Food Drive, Fashion Show, Bowling Night and Sweetheart Raffle with the proceeds going to various local charities and the Moorpark Food Pantry.

If you would like to contribute to the club, Pay it Forward at Moorpark High School or join our efforts, please contact Ms.Simmons at Moorpark High Schoolfor more information.

Be the change you wish to see in the world and Pay it Forward ~

"PIF" @ The NYC Marriott Marquis

Hi,

My name is Molinda McDaniel. I once had the opportunity to meet Charlie when he stayed in New York at the Marriott Marquis for whom I work for.

I had never seen the movie, but just after a few minutes of speaking with Charlie I became more of a believer in helping people. Charlie had given me a bag full of the wristbands and I shared them with my co-workers. Unfortunately, at that time there weren't enough to go around. I honestly don't remember when he was here; if I had to guess I'd say somewhere around the end of last year to the beginning sometime. However, I have faithfully worn the wristband just about everyday since. It's amazing how clean and intact I was able to keep it. Though others have slacked in wearing their I do see how they have been keeping the vision of PAY IT FORWARD alive.

As you can probably tell from the email address, I work for a hotel. Here, we are encouraged to assist each and every guest with a SPIRIT TO SERVE. Every time I wear the bracelet I get a comment from someone, whether it be an associate or a guest of the hotel. It only reminds me to go the extra mile. I believe if everyone would do at least one nice thing to someone everyday this world would really be a better place.

Well today is the day that my wristband decided to disconnect itself from me. Right now it is being held together by staples and tape; I'm not sure how long it will hold itself together like that, but I am hoping you would be so kind to send another bag or batch of wristbands.

Thank you.

Molinda McDaniel

NY Marriott Marquis

"PIF" KJZZ and Red Robin

Wow...WOW...and WOW.!!!

Wow...WOW...and WOW. !!!

I had the distinct pleasure of speaking with both Marty and Carole yesterday. Their little Sam is home and they are not only amazed, but just delighted. He is quite the spirit indeed. Sam is making his way around the house in his wheel chair and navigating with his one good arm. His siblings help him a lot as well.
Marty was not familiar with "Pay It Forward", but definitely exemplifies the philosophy. He was just thrilled to hear from us and that we had them in mind through an anonymous friend. (He wished me a Merry Christmas and God's blessings numerous times). He put me on to Carole and then I called her to set up our visit for next Tuesday afternoon.
Carole invites you in with her warmth and charming southern accent. She was quite familiar with "Pay It Forward" having read the book. I told her that someone that knows and loves them shared their story with us and we were Divinely directed to their family. We spoke as if we had known each other our entire lives.
I believe we stumbled on the "gold at the end of the rainbow" with this family. For certain, we are the ones blessed here in knowing them and we will try our best to place you in that home when writing about the "Pay It Forward" experience next Tuesday.

This family continues to accept prayers for their family and little Sam's recovery.

Grandview Terrace "PIF" at the West Side Food Bank in Surprise, AZ

Grandview Terrace Retirement Center residents and staff donated approximately 750 lbs. of can goods and non-perishable food items on November 18th.  We collected these items for three weeks and wanted to make sure that we helped those in need over the Thanksgiving Holiday.

Paying it Forward has become a way of life at the center and through out the company. Out next event will be collecting Toys for Tots for the Surprise Police Department. We have been informed that the officers working in the Surprise area see many families in need and our staff and residents wanted to be a part of giving these families hope at Christmas.

There will be more photos to follow after the Toys for Tots event. The staff and residents at Grandview Terrace want to say Merry Christmas to all those who Pay it Forward everyday.

Merry Christmas!!!!

"Barnes & Noble and PIF"

 My name is Anthony Valerius. I always was a beleiver in helping others but wasn't able to put a name to it, until I read Pay it Foward about 3 months ago.

 Since then my story goes like this:   I went to a local diner and ordered a cup of coffee & bagel which came to $4.95. I gave the waitress the $4.95, and she began to walk away, when I said.."wait, here's your tip"...I gave her a $50.00 tip and she was so amazed she gave me such a huge smile, and there were tears in her eyes. She asked me why I did that and I simply asked her to pay it foward one day. After explaining what I meant by that, she promised she would. The next week I took my jar of quarters to the bank and there was $175.00 worth of quarters in there. I then went to a local Targets and bought 7  gift cards of $25 each, totaling the whole $175. On a busy saturday afternoon I went back to the Targets and handed 7 families 1 card each just to make their shopping a bit more pleasant. I told them what I was doing, and asked them also, to one day Pay it Foward.

What was truely weird was the very next Sunday I went to a local Barnes & Noble for a coffee & to read. I was sitting at a large table by myself cause the store at that time wasn't crowded. Afetr about 30 minutes, 5 women whom were together came up to me and asked if they could sit with me, even though there were empty tables. They all introduced themselves to me, and began talking among themselves when all of a sudden they went to get lunch for themselves and offered to buy me lunch. They not only came back with lunch, but Bought me the very same book I was looking through while at the table. That has never happened to me, ever, but maybe what we give someday comes back..........True Story !!!

ANTHONY VALERIUS

Giving Gasoline and "PIF"

I figured I'd write you with my own type of PIF that was directed at me. I ride a motorcycle and I know relatively to the mile when I need to get gas.  Well this morning I pushed it too far, I was not too far from a gas station but far enough that it would of been a pain to push the bike to the station.  When it happened I only could blame myself.  I pushed it into a neighborhood and I guess someone getting ready for work saw me and came out saying he had a gas can he would let me use, I thought sweet that way I won't have to buy one.  When he brought it out and handed it to me it was full, it caught me off guard and I didn't know what to say, all I needed was a few ounces to save me a bunch of time.  

I'm really independent and I have never really been in a situation where I was the one that needed help but I was very greatful for the guy going out of his way to make my life a lot easier when he could of just ignored the whole situation.  I didn't know how to thank him other then just to say thank you, and to continue to "pay it forward"

Luckiest Man Alive!

I am a recent recipient of a kidney donated by a friend. I was at Stage V of kidney failure, perhaps months shy of requiring dialysis. I feel like the luckiest man alive.

While your mission is fabulous, tens of thousands of kidney patients still suffer through years of waiting for donors.

My donor and I are interested in promoting the concept of live kidney donors receiving college tuition credits in return for their donations (along the lines of Obama's plans for national service--Peace Corps or military service--resulting in a 'free ride' through college). In order to qualify, the donor would have donate to whoever was the best match (not a friend or relative). In other words, it would be an anonymous donation, though donor and recipient could be put in touch with one another.

Consider that a kidney transplanted before a recipient needes dialysis will sidestep years of decreased productivity on the part of the recipient. Not to mention preventing years of physical PAIN, malaise, dietary restrictions, the cost of blood tests, blood pressure (and myriad other) medications, and, of course, the time, cost, and unpleasantness of dialysis itself!

Please visit our blog & join in the conversation 

http://kidneytwin.wordpress.com

Lea Jones

West High School

Think of it as a pyramid scheme for the altruist.

Students from West High School business teacher Lisa-Marie Burns'

marketing class have taken it on themselves to extend a favor to three

people for every good thing that someone does for them. The idea: To

"pay forward" a good deed instead of paying it back.

In doing so, West High students plan to make the world a kinder place,

one good deed at a time.

Inspired by a movie released in 2000 called "Pay It Forward" about a boy

who takes it upon himself to change the world for the better one good

deed at a time, Burns' marketing students aim to get the social movement

off the ground in Tracy this holiday season.

Several have already started over the Thanksgiving Day break, by feeding

strangers, doing extra chores for their parents or babysitting for

younger siblings - without expecting anything in return.

West High junior Tristan Pulliam gave a woman $10 at a San Francisco

BART station last weekend because she said she lost her purse and needed

to get to Daly City.

"She looked so worried, like she didn't know what to do, so I just gave

her the money," the 17-year-old student said. "I told her about the

movie, and what we're trying to do and told her to pass it on."

It seems like an experiment more suited to a sociology class than a

business class, but Burns said part of business, part of success, is

sharing with people less fortunate.

"It's not enough to be successful, to 'make it,'" said the business

teacher. "You have to share that with people who need it."

The teacher ordered white-and-black bracelets for her students

emblazoned with the title of the inspirational movie.

Already, she said, students outside the class have started sporting the

rubber bracelets after students from her class passed them on with their

simple acts of kindness.

"So if you see the bracelet, if you see someone wearing it this holiday

season, you can be aware of what they're up to," Burns said.

The lesson to "market" goodwill is something several of her students

have seriously taken to heart and put into practice.

"If we take responsibility ... and take these small steps, we can change

the world," Pulliam said. "It can start with one person."

Indianapolis Indiana Folks Needed to "PIF"

I need folks in the Indianapolis, Indiana area to try and "pay it forward".

The family I am hoping to help consist of a single mom and 4 teenagers.  This hard working mom is such an inspiration to me as she never complains or is in a bad mood due to her circumstances. I have provided some holiday meals for this family and I have just bought coats for her and her girls to put under their Christmas tree. I also bought her youngest a Winter outfit online at Wal-Mart and I am also planning to provide their Christmas lunch.  However as this family needs so much and I can't provide everything , I have compiled a list of the most important missing necessities.

On their list is a reliable used car, as her current car is not in very good running order and she needs a reliable vehicle  to get safely to and from work in the cold snowy evenings. She currently works 3 jobs as a nurses aid and will soon be fighting snowy conditions with a car that doesn't run properly.  Alicia does not have a land phone line or even a cell phone so her and the children cannot communicate in the event of an emergency. (She works nights and leaves her children alone often).  I also think that they need sponsors of clothing vouchers, shoe vouchers, furniture and window treatments (her window treatments are old sheets).

This family needs a proper dinning room suite to enjoy meals together and Alicia needs a bedroom suite so that she can have something to remind her important her well being is to keep her family maintained.  I also think that the children need a computer to be able to do their schoolwork as they are in middle and high school. If you know of any company or persons who would like to "pay it forward" and enrich the lives of folks who desperately need help please contact me soonest.

Any help would be greatly appreciated- Brenda - 317-243-9498

Temple Lutheran Church in Havertown, PA

In a few weeks, we'll be handing out PIF bracelets. I'm putting together an event at my Church, Temple Lutheran Church in Havertown, PA. Here's the link to the event

http://templelutheran.blogspot.com/2008/11/community-christmas-celebration.html

The event is meant to celebrate the non commercial aspect of Christmas. We'll be celebrating the joy of Christmas with different activities such as a Christmas Carol Sing a long, making ornaments, writing letters to Army Troops that are going to Iraq, and much more.  We'll have a non-profit table which will include the PIF bracelets! We'll also have the Good Gifts Catalog- where you can donate money for causes around the world. You can "purchase" animals such as chickens and goats for farmers around the world,  to make an impact in their lives.  We'll have a donation basket for the bracelets, and will forward money collected to PIF. I really think people will enjoy them and it ties in perfectly to the event. :)

After the New Year, I'm going to get our Girl Scout troop involved in PIF, too.

Thanks,

Susan Osborne
American Marketing
Clifton Heights PA

Pay it Forward via Starbucks...

I have to share something I heard on the radio today.  One of our local

Star Buck reported a drive-through customer wanted to not only pay for

her own drink, but also the one for the car behind her.  Well, that

individual decided to pass on the blessing to the next car.  This went

on for 109 cars total, each willing to pass up on the freebie to 

enjoy instead the blessing of giving it to another.  What a trip!  I

think that's true PIF thinking.  I only wonder why car number 109 didn't

want the blessing but the freebie instead, not worth nearly as much,

especially since he/she was planning on paying for it in the first

place. Maybe he/she just really needed the blessing more.  

Keep on PIF!

Robin Moyher

West Boca Raton High School Teaching "PIF"

Thanks for all you do Mrs. Donney

Mrs.Donney’s Senior High School English Students

…I will pay it forward whenever the possibility comes up. I think that the Pay it Forward idea is a very, very good one and over time, it will become HUGE!

I have already paid it forward once and can’t wait to do so again in the future.

I will also tell people about the idea and pass my bracelet on after I pay it forward.

I hope that many other people think positively about this idea. ~~ Justin

Mrs.Donney’s Senior High School English Students

…If everyone followed Pay It Forward, the world would be a different place. Everyone who it helps will then, in turn, help more than one person.

There are a lot of stubborn people out there. The stubborn people who don’t want to be helped only make this process slower than what it could be.

Pay it Forward can affect many people. If you don’t try it, then at least consider it. For all you know, you might actually have the heart to change a person’s life.

~~ Stephanie

Mrs.Donney’s Senior High School English Students

…I do think that pay it forward can change the world because it helps people resume their lives they thought they had lost...Random generosity, that’s what paying it forward is all about.

 Random generosity is the key thing to change someone’s life. ~~Edwin

Mrs.Donney’s Senior High School English Students

…..I believe that there are ways of paying it forward. It could be helping someone out with the dishes or laundry, taking out the garbage, or just opening the door for someone. People respect you more when you do these things for them.

You can even save a life by paying it forward.

Even when you think nothing is possible, it always is. ~~ Aerial

West Boca Raton High School

Pay It Forward Story

by Paris from West Boca Raton High School

I think this Pay it Forward thing is great. Pay it Forward is something I didn’t know about until I got in Mrs.Donney’s class. Pay it Forward to me is like giving your hand out to a person that really needs it at that point in time.

My heart is bigger than you think. One day, I was walking in the neighborhood. I saw this wonderful poor old lady. She had to be 75 years old. She was doing something that a normal 25 year old lady would be doing. She was cutting the grass, so I went to her yard and asked her if she would like me to cut the grass for her. She said no and explained that she didn’t have any money. I said to her, “Excuse me, I don’t want any money. I just want to help.” So she gave the lawnmower up to me, and let me finish cutting her yard. When I was finished, she tried to give me some money. I just told her, “No, thank you” and walked away with a smile!

"Mission To Be More Mission"

I just wanted to share a bit of information for your readers as well as fulfilling our "Mission To Be More Mission-driven" at my church, Wellspring Church in Farmington Hills, MI.. (Therefore, "Paying it Forward".).!

We are in the 4th month of offering a program to our community in Michigan, which we all know is struggling with unemployment and home foreclosures.

This is called Angelfood Ministries (angelfoodministries.com). In the true spirit of giving without expecting something in return, this program enables you to get approx. $70 worth of food for $30. Enough to feed an average family of 4, dinner for a week! They also take food stamps. There is no limit to the amount of $30 boxes you purchase. The only requirement: "If you eat, you qualify."..

This also helps those who: may have an income, but still have difficulty paying their bills. Or maybe they have to choose between filling their prescriptions or groceries. There are many reasons one might need a hand-up (not a hand-out..). You can go to the angelfood website and enter your zip code and they will direct you to a distribution site near you. It is a nationwide program, so far in 38 states, I believe..

We've had over 100 orders each month and have had only positive feedback!

Since we began this program, we have had many people come to church that would have never stepped foot in church otherwise. They are so grateful to God and Wellspring Church for bringing them this opportunity to feed their families nutritious food for very little and enabling them to maintain their dignity as well.

Angelfood was first started as a co-op in Texas, when a family had a vision and opportunity to get a large order of food in bulk, which they distributed to some of their neighbors who had a bit of bad luck and couldn't afford groceries.. What started as a charitable act, became a neighborhood effort for all to combine their funds and get food for cheap.. They decided to "Pay it Forward" by starting the "Angelfood Ministries". Please visit their site and spread the word.. And while spreading that information, please also share the fact that "God Is Good All The Time" and he works through you and me....

We are going to implement PIF during our Stewardship campaign this month. We are making cards to pass out at this time, since we didn't even realize this site existed.. We thought up the concept after seeing the movie. So happy that you have it in action already.!

God Bless You..

Muriel Pearson;
Wellspring Church, Farmington Hills, MI.

"PIF" Challenge for 3 Young Sons

My husband and I are challenging our 3 sons (13, 8 and 5 years old) this year. We always tell our boys to help those who can't help themselves. Usually that pertains mostly to the playgrounds at school. Keeping the bully's from hurting others and helping everyone join in whenever they feel left out. We are taking it one step further this holiday season. We are going to teach them how to "pay it forward" not just to their peers but to anyone they think they can help this time of year, young or old. They will all be given $100.00 each to keep with them and the money must be given away before Christmas Day. They will have to be responsible for this money and they will also have to keep a record of where the money went. The child that we feel gave the money to the most deserving person will be rewarded. This year we are not giving many presents to our children we are wanting them to give rather then receive. I want them to be able to feel that emotion. This challenge will make this holiday very special and memorable to all of us. I am certain it will become our new family tradition.

Jamie B
Missouri

HUGE "PIF" Message MUST READ!

Hello:   Please e-mail me back and let me know how I can get a supply of Pay It Forward Bracelets.  Today I had a complete stranger come to my home and pay my mortgage for December because I have been off work since September caring for my disabled son.  I would like to get some bracelets because I now plan to begin a major movement in my city due to this very unexpected gift.  The man that did this for me was paying it forward to me and told me of his story....I will be contacting the local newspaper to request they feature our stories and I would love to have bracelets so they can be pictured and we can use your bracelets to start our local movement.  Please respond as soon as possible and advise how soon and how many bracelets I can receive.  Also advise if you have any additional info you can forward to me for use in print or if I may mention your website in the news article.   Thank you.   Tonja

Paying it Forward is this Easy!