St. Joseph Indian School and "PIF"

1.  This year boys in a 6-8th grade home at St. Joseph Indian School have done several pay it forward deeds and continue with every opportunity they get to more with pride and excitement
 
2.  First one they did was to clean up the gym bleachers and floor after the inter-city basketball games which took place every Sunday at the recreation center.
 
3.  Christmas came, we adopted a family through the women’s shelter. The family consisted of a mother and three children. A seven year old boy, a four year old girl and a four month old girl. The boys  shopped for Christmas gifts, collected food items. Had so much fun wrapping and than the excitement of delivering the items to management at the women’s shelter so they could get the items delivered in time for the holidays.
 
4.  Another family consisting of a mother, three boys and one girl was given items gathered by the boys, of furniture, clothing, bedding, kitchen items. The mom is very ill, forced into giving up her job due to such failing health. This project really touched their hearts and made the desire even stronger to continue “to pay it forward’, as one of the boys in this family , is one of ours that live in the 6-8th grade home with the others.
 
5.  Sharing their heart felt happiness in doing for others and asking nothing in return has really be a heartfelt learned lesson. They carry “pay it forward bracelets in their pockets and explain them as they hand them out to others, encouraging others to do the same.

West Boca Raton High School

From West Boca Raton Community High School: As you may or may not already know, Charley Johnson and Brandon MacKay, from the Pay it Forward Foundation and SnugZUSA came to an assembly at our High School!  They inspired the students even further to do many Random Acts of Kindness. The staff was also made aware of the Pay It Forward Concept.  I would like to tell you that our school district sponsored a  Random Acts of Kindness Scholarship award contest. As a teacher and sponsor of the Pay it Forward Club, it was like pulling teeth to get the students to apply for the scholarships based on doing Random Acts of Kindness.  Want to know why??? : The students didn't feel it was right to win an award for doing a random act of kindness.  Want to know what happened?: The students who applied for the scholarships won over $200.~~The reason: The judges noted how humble the students were and awarded the scholarships to them based on their good needs AND their good character!!.................Need I say more?   Mrs.Donney West Boca Raton High School

 

Kids Defense Team and "PIF"

As President/CEO of Kids Defense Team our organization is always

Collecting clothing and school supplies for homeless kids and low income families. 

A family near my residence was asking for help because they had no food.

Normally I reach out to the public for donations and it can take up to a week or more.  I knew this family could not wait.  So I took $40.00 out of my own food budget money and ask a friend of mine to go food shopping for this family of four.  My friend is an avid coupon shopper so I know having my friend shop with coupons the money could be stretched further. I delivered the food and the family of four was very grateful.  They have two children.  One child's birthday was coming up and the child wished she could have a pizza for her birthday.  I granted that wish by having a pizza delivered to their house on her birthday. 

This is my pay it forward story.

 

Respectfully,

 

Pam Tomlinson

Kids Defense Team Inc.

Old Idea of Gratitude and "PIF"

Hello
 
Paying it forward is one of the easiest things to do but one of the hardest concepts for people to understand.  It involves an old idea called gratitude.  Some people can accept pay it forward with gratitude and some treat it as perplexing as calculus formulas for atomic fusion.
 
I learned this in my present profession of certified nursing assistant. A nursing assistant's work involves great reward, great misunderstanding, great sorrow and doing things and touching things most people would consider gross and beyond thier station in life.
 
I pay it forward in patience, love, understanding, forgiveness and dealing with the powers that be in quiet reticence.  (my spelling is not always great nor is my sentence structure. I left Iowa State University in Ames with a masters degree, learning disabilities trying to wrestle with the concept that I left high school branded as retarded and college with an IQ in the top 1.5% of all the people in the world.  Believe me it's still hard not to feel retarded even though I got my masters in 1997.)
 
As a nursing asssistant I do what needs to be done even though it means I do move as fast as other CNA's or it seems that I answer call lights slow.
 
I pay it forward going to work in a car that needs drastic help in rain, fog, rain and fog, sleet, ice, fog and ice, blizzards because those people need the care.  I never drive less than 70 miles to work in all conditions. There are times helping these people has helped me. Making them feel better about thier life makes me feel better about mine and then enables me to help the next person either be cleaner and drier or show them that thier life isn't over, that they do make a difference in many ways to many people in their lives including themselves.  That they have alot to give and a lot to live for. (I know ended my sentence in a preposition)  Whether hosptial or care center I try to make my shift the best time they ever had and in doing so it make a good or great time for me.  Helping these people makes them want to help others which is a great impact because some of them are even ashamed they're sick.  To wake them up to who they are and what they can give is better than being Willie Microsoft even though he has the money to replace his ride even though he doesn't see the trucks of his  dreams that he saved on autotrader disappear cause I didn't have the money to get one of them.
 
Having people telling me I've made an impact on their lives and then telling them they've made one on mine and they can make an impact on others is being of service in a way I think God would approve of.  Paying it forward is being of service in a way that washes over people in a tidal wave of love.
 
James Johnson

Bees a Goat and "PIF"

My grandaughter Emma is 10 years old. She wanted to buy a book from school but her mother told her she didn't have any money at the time and that if she wanted the book she would have to use her birthday money that she had just received 2 weeks ealier and she would pay her back when she got paid.  Emma claimed that she didn't have any of her birthday money left.  Her mother was upset wanting to know what she had done with the 50 dollars that she received for her Birthday.  Emma explained that she had merely bought bees and a goat.    It seems there had been a presentation at her school about third world countries where children were starving.  She donated all of her birthday money to buy bees, for them to make honey and a goat for milk.  It's times like these that make my hear melt.   I am very proud of my Grandaughter for thinking of others, she stated that she could always earn more money later in life but these children needed food now.

I thought this was a perfect Pay It Forward story.

Scott VanOtten

Lancaster New Era and "PIF"

Lancaster New Era

Pequea students: 'Pay It Forward'

By ROXANNE TODD, Correspondent

Everyone can help change the world for the better with just one good deed at a time.   That's the "Pay It Forward" lesson that a group of Pequea Elementary School fourth-graders took with them to the Feb. 10 Pennsylvania Education Technology Expo & Conference in Hershey.  Fourth-graders Dakota Hess, Olivia Wall and Daniel Martinez made up one of 13 Pequea Elementary teams that produced their own videos based on the "Pay It Forward" concept, which teaches students to be kind and helpful to others. The idea is that you do a favor for one person and that person returns the good deed by helping

three others.  Do the math and before long people worldwide will be lending a helpful hand to others.  The "Pay It Forward" concept started in 2000 with the book written by Catherine

Ryan Hyde. Since that time, a foundation has been started to share the message.

The Pequea students in Megan Urban's and Lisa Koetteritz's classes started with an assignment to make a "Pay It Forward" infomercial to spread the message -- it starts with one who helps three and the cycle begins. Megan Augustine, district technology analyst, created a WebQuest so that the students working in teams could create infomercials of 30 seconds to 2 minutes long to inspire their classmates to help others.

On Thursday, 13 teams presented their infomercials to an audience of parents and a panel of judges. After lengthy deliberation between the judges, Hess, Wall and Martinez were selected as the winners. They will accompany their teachers to Hershey where they will present their projects.  "We (the judges) sequestered ourselves and even fought a little bit. They were all fantastic," said Charlie Reisinger, district technology director.  Creating the video was a big project for the students. They began by reviewing excerpts from the book and movie. They wrote essays and learned to create storyboards to organize their camera shots and narration. They used a variety of computer software programs to create the infomercials.  Urban said, "The idea of 'Pay It Forward' is really catching on with the students."

"They're really helping each other," Koetteritz added.  "They blew us out of the water. All 13 groups did an amazing job," Urban said.  The fourth-graders will be passing out 500 "Pay It Forward" bracelets to their classmates. The bracelets were donated by the Pay It Forward Foundation.  "We can take this concept to other districts," Augustine said. "This can be spread  out…These kids can communicate with 12th-graders. These fourth-graders can pass on a message to a large group."  Wall said she was surprised to learn that her team won the competition. "We were a little nervous," she said.  "I was a little worried," Martinez added. Hess said the hardest part of making the infomercial was incorporating music into the video.  All three agreed the project was fun and their hard work paid off when they learned they would be sharing their message with those beyond the Pequea Elementary School walls.

Verona and "PIF"

In November, four people were chosen to receive $500 courtesy of Becker Law Office to “Pay it Forward.” This is part one of a four part series following up with those people and their “Pay it Forward” efforts. The stories were written by Kelsey Sweeney and Maggie McCann, student interns in the Athletic Marketing Department

Chad Warren, a teacher in Verona, has taught for over 15 years, and in the process has crossed paths with hundreds of students. As a teacher he always hopes to have a small impact on as many students’ lives as possible. This year, however, the tables have turned as one of his students, Mikey O’Brien, has had a huge impact on his life. Mikey is like any normal 14 year‐ old girl besides the fact that she is battling something that many kids her age never have to face: cancer. Mikey was diagnosed in December 2004 with a brain tumor and since then has had to go through numerous surgeries and bouts of chemotherapy. Although she is currently undergoing chemotherapy, she takes every chance she has to attend school. In fact, on a recent snow day, Mikey was unlike many other kids, crossing her fingers that school would not be cancelled. Mikey loves school and looks at learning as an opportunity that she is blessed to be given. This perspective shines through in all aspects of her life as she says, “ I am blessed to have the friends, family & community that are there to support me through all of this.”  Mikey’s school in Verona has even begun a campaign called HEADRUSH for Mikey, where $ 2 bracelets are being sold to support HEADRUSH, a foundation that supports individuals battling the same brain cancer as Mikey, as well as Mikey’s family. Most recently, Gilda’s Club of Madison gave Mikey and her family the opportunity to attend a Wisconsin football game in a suite, where she got to meet Barry Alvarez and Ron Dayne. These opportunities have given her an outlet to experience the same fun and joys of a normal 14 year old. Mikey knows she is lucky to have the overwhelming amount of support of countless people along her journey.

When Chad received information about the Pay It Forward campaign sponsored by Don Becker,he said there was no hesitation as to who he wanted to nominate and where he wanted the money to go. Chad Warren immediately submitted the proposal of using the $500 to assist Mikey and her family with medical bills and other expenses that were difficult to pay due to the time and energy that is devoted to such an illness. On November 24, Chad received a phone call from the UW Athletic Department notifying him that his submission had been chosen out of over 200 submissions. He was ecstatic and instantly began devising ways of getting Mikey and her family to the Women’s Hockey game where the winners would officially be announced. On November 30, a few minutes before walking onto the ice to receive the $500 from Becker Law Office, Mikey and her family were notified that Chad had submitted this idea and that they had won the award. Tears of joy streamed down their faces as they ere honored by the efforts Chad made to help their family out.

After receiving this money, Mikey herself has continued to Pay It Forward in her own community. Just a few days ago, she was ringing bells in support of the Salvation Army with her family. She also bought a holiday gift card for an elderly woman that would not otherwise have been so lucky.  This kind, giving attitude is something that Mikey has had all of her life, and is something that has even grown since being diagnosed with brain cancer in 2004, as since then she has seen the many people devoting their time and energy to her cause.  With 10 months left of chemotherapy, Mikey knows she has a long road ahead of her, but she also knows that she will be take it one step at a time with the support and guidance of her family and friends. When asked what she wants people to know about what she has learned through this experience, Mikey smiled and said, “ Take things day by day. Do what you can for yourself and leave the

rest in God’s hands.”

 

If you are interested in learning more about HEADRUSH for Mikey, please contact Chad Warren at chad.warren@verona.k12.wi.us.

Inkanyezi Committee and "PIF"

thank you very very much for the bracelets that you gave to us, inkanyezi committee really appreciated it. We as Inkanyezi have decided to them to the first 300 school learners that sign-up for our mentoring programme and we think this will really be cool for the promotion of the "pay it forward" idea.

thank you,

Sihle Mhlongo, (Inkanyezi Market)

Lincoln Northeast High School and "PIF"

Hello! After teaching freshman for three years, I couldn't help but feel

they were missing something. How do I get them to take ownership of

their educational experience? How do I get them to see their connection

to the world around them? These are questions I asked myself hundreds of

times. These questions led me to an online search for inspiration where

I found the pay it forward website. From there, I created a week-long

unit tying it to civic involvement and what we, as citizens of a

democracy, owe our country. At the end we watched the movie and I gave

each student a bracelet. The week brought many great conversations, eyes

opening, and connections that I had to wait 27 weeks of school for (in

some cases). 

This was last spring. Ten months later, I still have students come to me

in the hallway telling me that was their favorite experience their

freshman year. I still see bracelets in the hallways, and I get stories

of how they are paying it forward. I even have one student who has put

the bracelet on their shower rod at home to remind them every morning to

try to do something to help others! He said it has become his family's

mission and purpose bringing them together when they used to argue on a

daily basis. 

Thanks. Thanks for the great resource and tool that I was able to

utilize. Since then, I have made it a year-long project for our freshman

this year where we have posted individual projects on dosomething.org.

Each of my four classes have a cause to work towards (ie. homelessness,

child abuse, etc.). I will show the video at the end of the year and

give each student a bracelet. 

I would love for someone to be able to come to our school someday. We

never know how we impact others, but I have to believe that more is

more, and that we can make a difference. 

Carrie Vanschoiack

SpEd Teacher, SCIP Team, Character Club Sponsor

Lincoln Northeast High School

SEDQA - PAY IT FORWARD MOCKTAILS

SEDQA - PAY IT FORWARD MOCKTAILS

The sedqa – Pay It Forward Mocktails is a project launched by the Community section of the Prevention Team of sedqa – the Maltese National Agency working Against Drug ad Alcohol Abuse. This project has got the aim of promoting alternative drinks to the general public, particularly young people. The project consists of Mocktails Training Courses that are being delivered to young people who will be committed to promote this alternative within the communities they come from. The content of the course includes tips on how to make and present Mocktails in an attractive manner. The course is mainly based on hands on experiences where the participants will be given the opportunity to create new Mocktails whilst given feedback by a qualified lecturer and the rest of the participants.
 
The initial trainings resulted in great success since young people from different organizations joined forces to learn from this opportunity and later creating initiatives where Mocktails were served to the general public. The response of young people towards this project shows that there is a great need to invest in these opportunities. In order to address this need sedqa is offering the opportunity to groups of young people to organize the said training within the community. Following the training the participants should then organize an event where they will be serving Mocktails to the general public.
 
Through these initiatives sedqa PAY IT FORWARD Mocktails project is linked with the international PAY IT FORWARD Movement.
 
 
To date the following organizations / individuals participated in the sedqa PAY IT FORWARD MOCKTAILS project and in return organized events to promote the alternative beverage.
 

• PLYG – Qormi
• CFC- Youth For Christ
• ZAK Malta
• ZAK Mosta
• KZM- Kummissjoni Zghazagh Parrocca Mosta
• Oratorju Marija Mmakulata Mosta
• Xghajra Scout Group
• Razzett tal-Hbiberija
• Tarxien Local Council
• Navitas
• Grupp Flimkien Naslu
• Representation of Maltese Personalities
• Comunio
  

 
Sedqa also promoted the principle of the Pay it Forward Mocktails during the European Youth Week celebrations that were organized in Malta. Various local personalities paid a visit to our project and praised the work and the concept of this project.
 
Further information about the sedqa PAY IT FORWARD MOCKTAILS may be obtained from www.sedqa.gov.mt <http://www.sedqa.gov.mt/> or by sending an e-mail on martin.chetcuti@gov.mt

P.S. first photo one of the participants promoting mocktails during an activity that was organized following the training
Second photo is a bar mat that was produced to promote alternative drinks for alcohol. This was used during European youth week celebrations and other activities
 
 
Martin Chetcuti
Sedqa Prevention executive 

Paying it Forward Everywhere!

hi,

My name is Asif Rajput. I am Pakistani working in Saudi Arabia since 2005 as an English language Instructor. I watched this movie quite long ago during my student life in 2001, and I was moved by the idea of paying it forward. My story begins his way:

 I left Karachi, Pakistan for Dammam, Saudi Arabia early in the morning of 27 August, 2005. After tow and half hour I reached Dammam at dawn. from the airport i phoned my family of my safe journey. We waited long time for the representative of the college we were hired by. And he came very late. he took us in a city called Jubail that is almost 90 km away from the airport. I was obsessed by the new place and forget to call my family. then late at night I suddenly realized the need of calling my family. I left the room without my passport in search of a call cabin near by. On the way i found three pakistani and I asked them about the Call cabin near by. Unfortunatley there was not any  Call cabin; therefore, on of the person gave me his mobile i phoned my family.

I am and will always greatful to that peron who led me use his moible. On the other hand my mother was completely fazed and worried because I had not phoned
them till late night with the differnce of time. Since then I had it in mind to pay it forward. Next yeasr seven moe teachers were hired from Pakistan. When they reached here in the accomodation at first I gave them my mobile asking them to sms or call thier respetive family. This di dnot end here. I also facilated them as much as I could giving them my food stuff and what ever they want.

I still pratise PIF habit asking the other person not to pay it back but forward. whterh it is money or any movie CD or music, whther it is a ride in my car or my laptop I always do the favour beliving that I am paying it forward; thus doing my portion to make the world a better palce.

Asif Rajput
jubail, saudi Arabia 

Salvation Army and "PIF"

I was generously given a box of  bracelets after being moved by the story and searching online! I work at the Salvation Army in Lawton OK. I have the opportunity to personally help those w/o. Whether it’s with a purpose driven life book or sometimes with clothes or occasionally with money. I fill the need and include a bracelet and watch. when they ask what this is for, I tell them God blessed me with the ability to meet your need. So when you see someone with a need pay it forward. Thank You! God bless!

Sincerely,

Bob Schwarz
Shelter monitor
Salvation Army of Lawton,OK

Pay it Forward Day 2009

Well done – good work! Just thought I’d drop you a line to let you know that Pay it Forward Day is all set for the 30th April, 2009. A new schools kit and cards have been created and can be downloaded from the web making it very easy for schools around the world to get involved. It would be awesome if you can help spread the word.

Cheers,

Blake

PS: The web address is: http://www.payitforwardday.com (it’s now in 15 countries around the world which is very cool) - the difference we can make is phenomenal.

Wow! Must Read!

Hi,

I have a pay it forward story that has changed my life.  My daycare

provider, Lori, has suffered a major family change as her husband was

thought to be having a stroke but instead it turned out to be a brain

tumor.  For the past three weeks, their family has been sitting by his

side as he endures brain surgery, countless other tests and begins to

rehabilitate through OT and PT.  There is chemotherapy and radiation to

come but we continue to believe that he will be all right.  In the

meantime, Lori hasn't been open so she hasn't been receiving any of the

income that she depends on.  

I found a person in our neighborhood who would take my children while

our regular daycare was closed.  She refused to allow me to pay her

although she ended up having my kids at her house for 7 days feeding

them both breakfast and lunch.  She insisted that I "Pay it Forward" and

give Lori the amount that she would have received.  My mom also took

some time off to babysit and asked that we pay Lori for those days as

well.  

Today I delivered the check.  She started to explain that I had overpaid

her but I stopped her and told her that she was paid as if my children

had been at her house the whole time because of the two women who were

willing to sacrifice in this time of need.  

It touched Lori's heart so much.  I know she is receiving numerous

kindnesses during this trying time in her families life, but I know

she'll be the first to 'Pay it Forward' when her turn comes.  I only

wish I could do more.  Her struggles have only just begun as her husband

carries their insurance and only has 2 weeks of vacation left and 4

weeks of medical leave.  After that, Lori isn't sure what they will do

financially.  She is an amazing person and is keeping such a positive

attitude through all of this, I simply cannot express my love and

gratitude for what she has done for my family in the past.  Please keep

Lori in your thoughts and prayers!

Thanks Charley,

Sincerely,

Kimberly Scheuring

Ponsonby Intermediate School Auckland New Zealand and "PIF"

Hi,

Last year I contacted you for 100 bracelets for my own 3 year 8 English classes. The ‘pay it forward’ effect was humbling both for myself and my students. Students left their bracelets in airports, basketball stadiums, on car windows, in letterboxes of elderly neighbors to name but a few. Not one student approached this task with  a ‘whats in it for me?’ attitude. Each and everyone of them was touched by someone elses experience.............and the thing that we couldn’t get over was how our actions always seemed to come back to us as another  positive in some way! By the way......The children involved loved seeing their blogs up on the site!

I would like to read parts of the book out loud at school assembly and teach all 550 children the gift of pay it forward through the words of the author.
Thank you for your continued uplifting e mails each week. We use them on the staff notice board and I share them with my classes for discussion time .

Regards in the spirit of pay it forward

Joanne Sussex
Ponsonby Intermediate School
Auckland, New Zealand

Spa Girl Parties and "PIF"

Hello,

This is Di Ana Ford, founder of Spa Girl Parties! You provided us with “Pay it Forward” bracelets last August. We started offering “Pamper It Forward” home spa parties in August of 2008. Our independent Spa Girl Reps conduct home spa parties across the country. When someone agrees to host a spa party the consultant gives her a “Pay it Forward” bracelet. Also, each guest at the party receives the “Pay It Forward” bracelet in along with her order.
 
Since August 2008 we have sent out over 800 bracelets that have gone to 22 different States including: AR, AZ, CA, FL, IA, IL, IN, KY, MD, MN, MS, NC, NY, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI.
 
If these bracelets change hands 5 times then Spa Girl Parties has impacted 4000 lives!
 
As well, our company then donates a percentage of every party sale to a different non-profit organization each quarter. Last quarter we supported an non-profit called the Pink Door: http://www.pinkdoornonprofit.org/ - Between Jan – March 2009 we will be donating to the Make a Wish foundation.
 
Our Independent Spa Girl Consultants are so proud to offer “Pamper It Forward” spa parties and know they are helping to make a difference.
 
Thank you so much!
 
 
Di Ana Ford
Founder & CEO
Spa Girl Parties

State College Nursing and "PIF"

ALFRED, NY, January 2009-The Alfred

State College Nursing Department continued its "Pay It Forward" philosophy through the awarding of its third annual round of  "Pay It Forward" scholarships, established during the fall 2005 semester and presented to this year's recipients, senior nursing students Carla Chamberlain, Andover; Laura Lindsey, Olean; and Michael Otugh, Brooklyn (originally from Nigeria), at semester's end.  Each student received $150 and a copy of the original signatures of those who initiated the scholarship, class of 2005.  The premise of "paying it forward" comes from a movie by the same name where a school child, as the result of a homework assignment to change the world, begins the practice of helping others, expecting not pay back, but that each of those beneficiaries will go on to help three more people.  The caring aspect of that concept prompted Linda Panter ASC professor and chair, Nursing Department, to incorporate it into the nursing program, where it has grown, and culminated, thus far, into the scholarship.  Each eligible nursing student submits proposals to the faculty for activities they could conduct to demonstrate the caring nature of the profession. The proposals need to demonstrate an understanding of caring as identified in the nursing caring project and evidenced by implementing a unique caring project and revealing insight and sensitivity in the written assignment.  Additionally, the class of 2008 made a quilt (noticeable in the background of the photo) for the class of 2009.  At the end of each senior semester, the senior class gives something to the (more)
 
Page 2-Alfred State College Awards "Pay It Forward" Scholarships incoming seniors.  This past year it was a quilt. Years prior there have been posters with personal comments on them.  The quilt has personal comments from every student; 2008 graduate Clay Hulin's wife put it together. Also, for the past few years, the graduation class has left some money for the incoming seniors to have a pizza party. To further extend the Pay It Forward movement, the seniors do breakfast for the freshmen on the day of their first exam and in return, the freshmen automatically prepare a breakfast for the seniors on their exam day. Pictured here, Panter, far left, welcomes recent nursing graduates and congratulates the scholarship winners:  Otugh, Chamberlain, and Lindsey; Hulin and Dee Spina, 2008 graduates of the ASC nursing program, who were invited by Panter to assist in the presentation of the caring projects. Every graduate receives a letter annually re: the Caring Project, which helps keep the Graduates connected to ASC Nursing.

Making Ends Meet and "PIF"

Hello,
 
I would like to thank you for mailing our organization the bracelets.  Our organization has a monthly meeting for single moms and our moms have been fortunate enough to receive in-kind donations from BJ's Wholesale Club, Walmart, and more.  At each meeting I hand out the bracelets to let the moms know that it is now their turn to Pay It Forward.  I just think that it creates a spirit of giving because someone has just given to them and they know what that feeling feels like. I know that with that bracelet they would like to pass it on to others.
 
Thank you again and this is an awesome thing that you're doing!
 
Kind Regards,

Monique Neeley
Founder/Executive Director
Making Ends Meet, Inc.

Village School in Houston and "PIF"

Hello,

My name is Amy Nelson and I’m the Counselor for The Village School in Houston, Texas.  Each year we choose a theme for our 1st thru 8th grade students to focus on and follow; this year’s theme is “Make a World of Difference.”  Part of our goal is to teach our students to make a difference to others and we’ve tied the “pay it forward” idea into our activities.  For years the Student Council has conducted a Valentine’s fundraiser involving selling Candy Grams to students then taking the proceeds and buying something for the school.  Well this year the students decided to “make a difference” to others instead of buying something for the school.  So, Student Council is spear-heading the “Kids Loving Kids” project and has asked every student to bring in $1.00-$5.00 for the purchase of small toys, games, stickers, etc.  The Middle School students will decorate 1 box each (230 boxes), putting various goodies in the box and hand delivering them to the local children’s hospital to be given to children being admitted.  Though we would have loved to have had some of the bracelets to put in each box we had ribbons printed that say “Smiles are contagious, share yours” as a substitute. Each box will contain 3 ribbons with a note instructing the child to pass give their ribbons to people who are important to them or who have made a difference in their lives. The students will the charge those people to do the same thing.  Our hope is that these ribbons will make their way out of the hospital and into the community all the while showing our students how kindness impacts others.  
 
Amy Nelson
Counselor
Houston, TX 

Red Cross and "PIF"

Hello,

 

We have started a Red Cross Club at a local high school, Mitchell High

School in New Port Richey, FL.  There are 55 kids signed up and more

coming in everyday.  We are using the Pay It Forward concept to educate

the kids on compassion and believe me, they are doing a great job.  They

are in the planning stages of several events.

 

Janet McGuire

American Red Cross Tampa Bay Chapter

Pasco County Manager of Preparedness & Response

Hudson, FL 

London and "PIF"

Good Morning,

 

My name is Madison McCowan.  I am 17 years old and live in London, Kentucky.  I have been inspired by the "Pay-It-Forward" movement for several years.  I have followed your concept and made it my lifestyle.  It thrills me to no end to incorporate my friends and family into this movement.  As of January 1st of this year, I (along with several adults) have established a London Chapter of Pay It Forward.  We have made a monthly Community Service Project our goal.  For the next quarter, we have our projects and goals set.  Our January Project is the Shriner's Children Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky.  We have been collecting Teddy Bears in our community.  I will travel to Lexington and deliver these to the patients of the Shriner's Children's Hospital on February 15th.  Our project for February will be the local nursing home.  We are partnering with another local club to prepare gift bags of love for each resident at the home.  In March, we will be collecting much needed items for our Pregnancy Center here in London.  This is just a few of the plans we have for our community and state.

 

I just wanted to email and let you know some of the things that we have planned.  I am honored to be a part of such a fantastic movement.  I am excited about the outreach and support we have received from our community.  I know there are a lots of great things in our future.  Our website is still under construction.  As soon as we have it up and running, I will let you know.

 

Sincerely,

 

Madison McCowan

President,

Pay It Forward, London Chapter

Must Read Below!!!!

PAY IT FORWARD with the WOMEN IN YOUR LIFE

Strickman-Ripps Casting is looking for women who would like to participate in a unique feel-good video project, sponsored by Crystal Light. The online video series called COLOR IT FORWARD is based on the concept of  "Paying it Forward."  The idea behind the series is to give real women the chance to surprise the important women in their lives with a special "thank you."  We are looking for women between the ages of 30-50 yrs. and women of all ethnicities to participate in this video celebration of generosity and kindness. We are primarily seeking women in the NY TriState Area (NY, NJ, CT) but will consider submissions from across the United States.

The Pay it Forward concept is about creating a chain of kindness and good deeds that spreads across the country. Each woman who is recognized through Crystal Light's Color It Forward program will receive a surprise gift/experience and then be asked to pick a special woman from her life to receive a similar experience.  That woman will then pick someone else, and so forth.

If you want to surprise a special woman in your life with a positive experience, please tell us your story.  PLEASE SUMBIT YOUR COMPLETE INFORMATION ASAP as we are selecting people THIS WEEK.  EMAIL YOUR COMPLETE INFORMATION TO

Strickmanrippscasting@gmail.com.

WE WILL ONLY BE CONTACTING YOU IF WE ARE INTERESTED IN HAVING YOU PARTICIPATE. Thank you for understanding that we cannot respond to everyone who submits their information.

WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU:

Your Name:
Phone: (cell, work, home)
Geographic Location: (City and State)
Email address:
A picture of yourself.

Why do you want to participate in this project?

Tell us about the woman you want to surprise?

What is your relationship to her? (relative, co-worker, friend)

What does she mean to you?

How old is she?

Where does she live? (City and State)

"PIF" and “Experience Project”

Pay it forward today has teamed up with the “Experience Project”, an online community of millions.  To check out the Experience project pay it forward page click on this
Link - http://www.experienceproject.com/mk/pay_it_forward.php .  To check out all that Experience Project has to offer and to get in touch with it’s millions of members