Let the giving begin! How about you - how have you been spreading joy? How is it being received?

Thanks for telling me your story!

10/1 - gave away 4 reese cups(my absolute favorite candy other than m&m's in the whole wide world), 1 apple pie, 2 planners and 2 encouraging/uplifting emails. (9 today)

10/2 - volunteered time at shelter and turned in a baggie full of box tops for education (notice...all free joy today...love it!!!) (2 today)

10/3 - gave away a planner to the lady at drive thru, left a calendar at dr. office for next patient to have, left one joy pack (baggie with goodies in it) for waitress where I took my step dad out to eat. (3 today - not counting my stepdad's lunch, although it was quite joyful and nice!)

These things were received very well - of course thank you's were given. I'm hoping they will be inspired to do their own 30 challenge and record it here!

These will get me much closer to my goal of 1000 acts of Joy - what do you think?

Last Edited on 7-Oct-2008 2:53 AM

So having to deal with a "fractured" foot (Megan's - not mine), I didn't get to do as much as I wanted but here goes...
10/4 - left joy pack and bought 3 books to give away to some well behaved young ladies. (4 total)
10/5 - gave away another joy pack (forgot the 3 books, will give them away next week - woke up with horrible headache that lasted entire day) (1 total)
10/6 - Took in mustard, mayo and ketchup for our department - This should last the month (at least)
Also - gave the 3 guys I work with 2009 Bovine in Blue calendars from Chic-fil-a. Free stuff once a month for 12 months...lasting joy! (6 total)

I need to take a look at the calendar for October and see if I can do some of those things...

Last Edited on 11-Oct-2008 12:31 PM

10/4 - 5 bags of clothing donated (1 today)
Now, back to regular dates:
10/7 - left change in vending machine for next person (1 today)
10/8 - called 2 people to check on them and say that I love them and appreciate them. (2 today)
10/9 - Gave out 3 joy packs which was spreading the word about Spreading Joy at the same time. (3 today)
10/10 - BBQ! Purchased BBQ from Linden ARP church today and emailed an encouraging note to our soldiers using the link found on the 26th of October calendar. (2 today)

If I have added correctly - that is 34 acts of Joy for the month and it feels wonderful. Next week after I get paid, I'll be getting some toys to plan ahead for the Christmas season....as suggested on October 1st calendar. I've also GOT to start doing 1 $5.00 McDonald's gift card a week (so I don't break the bank) to donate as well. I'm very excited. I'm looking for companies to do a toy fundraiser. A store in Huntersville will have a Giving Tree for the month of November. People can pull off an angel and purchase a book/gift for a child. How about you? Can you organize a toy drive for us? Donate gift cards? Christmas is almost here! Also - don't forget, I've set a personal goal of 1,000 acts of joy! I'm working my way there - one day at a time!

Last Edited on 11-Oct-2008 12:30 PM

10/11 Put together a basket of goodies for a "thank you" for all you do. (1 today)
10/12 Purchased 3 items from a girl scout fundraiser (1 today)
10/13 Gave note to someone's supervisor telling them what an outstanding employee he is. (1 today)
10/14 Gave assorted note cards to someone who sends cards out all the time (1 today)
10/15 Shared a McDonald's 2 for $2 (yummy) (1 today)
10/16 Purchase 3 toys for Christmas Joy (3 today)
10/17 Bought a meal for a friend (1 today)
10/18 4 Joy packs given out(4 today)

I'm also "spreading the word" by giving out introduction packs to various organizations with the hopes that some of them will have a toy drive for Spreading Joy. Simply wrapping a large box (or 2 depending on the size of your company) and posting a few signs, sending a company wide email, including it in your news letter would be a great way to gather toys for Christmas Joy. Please email me if you or your company would be willing to host a toy drive. marie@spreadingjoycorp.com

So, how is your personal goal of giving coming? As of 10/16 I'm at 358. That is such a long way from 1000. I can not wait until I'm there! (one day at a time...one gift at a time)

10/19 visited nursing home, left 3 joy packs, took a meal to someone and helped someone who doesn't drive much do some errands. (6 today)
10/20 emailed several people to encourage them (1 today)
10/21 left 3 joy packs (3 today)
10/22 mailed puzzles and jokes to nursing home and bought a sonic half price slushie for a friend (2 today)
10/23 gave away 2 books
10/24 left money in snack machines at walmart (3 machines)
10/25 left 2 joy packs (2 today)
10/26 gave away an encouraging book (1 today)
10/27 left joy pack

so - that catches me up to today. I need to fill in November's calendar start on December's. What ideas do you have? How are you spreading joy? If you don't mind me using them here - let me know and I'll add it to the calendar for future months!

Here is my update so far. I have had so much fun these past few days giving!

10/28 - Took basket of canyd by local ER waiting room. (1 today)
10/29 - Bought toys for Christmas Joy. This was a great find. Walmart had a paint set that was normally $3.53 on sale for $1.00! They had 16 out and I nabbed all 16 of them. (would this be 1 or 16??? - we'll count as 1 for today)
10/30 - Very busy day off from main job. But still took time for spreading joy. Met up with my son and fill up his tank with gas. He was on the way to his college class with 3 others that he carpools with - so I gave him $$ for them. they stopped by a fast food place and enjoyed some treats before class. And lastly - took some books and a basket of Halloween treats by for the residents at a local Women's shelter.

Today (the 31st) I plan on getting 5 $5.00 McDonald's gift cards - with the prayers that others will come in. Starting tomorrow - I'm going to be calling every single McDonald's within driving range asking if they will donate 5 gift cards of $5.00 - so after my purchase today, if 99 others will give, we'll meet our goal! (I have huge dreams of giving - BIG!)

It has been a great month! How about YOUR month? How are you doing?