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03-21-2007, 07:20 AM
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#1
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Help Us Select a Winner!
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Ms. Mommysavers
Last Online: Yesterday 10:58 PM
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Southern Minnesota
Real Name: Kim
Posts: 9,916
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Now through March 23rd, cast your vote for your favorite Pay It Forward Idea. The top three vote-getters will win!
#1 Thanking Local Firefighters
Last year we got a fire station near our home - my girls and I often drop by things like cookies, bread, a bag of fruit we picked up at the farmer's market, movie tickets, etc...But the biggest hit was when we brought by a bunch of notebooks, stickers, markers, coloring books, etc.... that we told the guys they could give to their kids as a thank you for sharing
such a brave mommy or daddy!We did it with cheap school supplies on clearance & sale - it was quick and cheap.
#2 Return the Shopping Cart
I do this all the time and someone did this for me today. I you are in the parking lot and see a person unloading a cart or walking back, just offer to take it back for them. Or if you see one in the parking lot,
just take it in the store with you. This will also help with runaway carts.
#3 Dinner for Sick Families
So many of us know what it's like when the whole family is ill, it's horrible; especially if mommy is ill! One Christmas a couple of years ago, our whole family was very ill w/the flu. Lovely neighbors down the street
that had kids that my son played with knew that, and right around dinnertime, rang our doorbell to bring us "leftovers". Trust me, these were not leftovers. I was too ill to cook, and we had planned to try to go out,
but none of us could do it. I sent them a bundt cake in return, but in no way was it a payback for helping our family feel a little more Christmasy. I so hated it when they had to move away!
#4 Drive-thru
On the first Monday of every month, for breakfast, I go throught the drive-thru. When I pay for my meal, I tell the cashier that I want to pay for the car behind me also. The cashiers are always a little shocked
& say what a nice thing it is. The cashiers always tell me the balance & I just pay. I had someone do this for me years ago & it really impressed me. I was just so stunned that a total stranger could be so nice to
someone they didn't even know. And, it happened to fall on a day that had been just so terrible for me. It really brightened my day. That day has stuck w/ me ever since & I have felt so good about doing tis for others.
You never know what it might mean to the person behind you!
#5 Donate Work Clothes and Makeup
to a women's shelter. A lot of women that are in shelter's need professional clothing to interview for jobs and then clothes to wear to their new jobs. I used to sell Mary Kay and was wondering what to do
with all of my old samples. Someone suggested giving them to the women's shelter. They really appreciate them.
#6 Give Back to the School
Every now and then I make something up and leave it in the staff lounge. I want to make sure the janitor and other behind the scene staff know they are appreciated just as muh as the teachers. Don't forget the school social worker. they often get those last minute calls for help. I give stuff that kids get free from various places. I always ask the kids first. they pick out their favs and give the rest. I just gave 20 rulers and about 40
pencils at the start of the school year. Give used clothes to school nurse for those accidents. they also need undergarments and socks. In the winter extra boots/gloves/hats/etc for kids who forgot to bring them.
I like to give the teachers first crack at any kids books I am getting rid of.
#7 Adopt a Local Family for Christmas
Every year our kids pick a service project to do for Christmas. This past year the kids decided to adopt a local family and give them a Christmas they'd never forget. The kids made cans to collect coins in. We contacted the local food bank and asked if they knew of a family that could use help at the holidays. We wanted everyone to remain anonymous. So, we only requested the age and gender of each family member. The kids asked friends and family for donations to support their Christmas project. They raised nearly $200! Some also offered items. We had asked the food bank to request a wish list from the family. The kids and I did all the shopping and wrapping. We were able to buy several gifts for each member of a family of eight and give them a fantastic food basket for the holidays! We also gave them a Bible and signed it with the date from Santa's Elves. We dropped off the surprises at the shelter food bank, and they made arrangements for delivery of pick up.
#8 Donate Maternity/Baby Clothes to Maternity Home
I had a few maternity/baby items that were in OK shape so I called the Maternity Home in my area to see if they would be interested in them and they were so grateful, you would have thought I gave them $1000!
#9 Sharing Spring
Pay it forward for free. If you have some spring flowers in your yard, pick a few and take them to an elderly neighbor or a nursing home. Many times the elderly are lonely, so taking a few flowers and having a cup of
coffee or tea with an elderly neighbor is the best thing you could do for them. There are lots of elderly patients in nursing homes that do not have visitors. A little spray of flowers would brighten their day.
#10 Teaching Children to Pay It Forward by Donating Toys
My daughter (3) & I go through her toys a few times a year and decide wich toys she is ready to give to other children. We go together to a local women's shelter and she gives them the toys she has selected. I also take any leftover diapers, babyfood or any other household items they might need. I will also donate items that were given to us from other families. For example a freind went through her daughters' closet and gave us a few winter coats that they had outgrown. Rather than sell them at consignment I will give them to the shelter. If someone was
kind enough to give it to me, then I will pay it forward by giving it to someone who really needs it. I consider that much more rewarding than making 5 bucks from a consignment sale!!
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I'm so honored to have a suggestion nominated 
)!
I feel silly...
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