Pay it Forward :: Idea #8

Click here to to view a very special Pay it Forward tip from artist, writer, and blogger, Melody M. Nuñez. Visit www.melodynunez.com.

Crochet Coral Reef Project

Pay it Forward :: Idea #7

Click here to to view a very special Pay it Forward tip from artist, writer, and blogger, Melody M. Nuñez. Visit www.melodynunez.com.

Pay it Forward :: Idea #6

Click here to to view a very special Pay It Forward message from mixed-media artist, author, instructor, and CRESCENDOh Alumni Curator, Susan Tuttle.

Pay it Forward :: Idea #5

Teach what you know. Click here to hear to view the video and share with us what happens at mailbox@crescendoh.com when you Pay it Forward.

Pay it Forward :: Idea #4

The next time you go to the dry cleaners, recycle your used wire hangers. Click here to hear to view the video and share with us what happens at mailbox@crescendoh.com when you Pay it Forward.

Magic of Paying it Forward by Alyice Edrich of The Dabbling Mum

Over the years, my husband and I have fed the homeless (see our story here:http://thedabblingmum.com/parenting/hometown/postalvet.htm), clothed the poor (see my story here: http://thedabblingmum.com/parenting/hometown/homeless.htm), and instilled random acts of kindness upon complete strangers (see my story here: http://www.alyiceedrich.com/2009/09/14/random-acts-of-kindness/)-- all on a modest salary.

There is just something truly magical about the act of paying it forward. And the best part is that it's an act that both blesses the giver and the receiver.

Take my most recent "pay it forward" act (see complete story here: http://www.alyiceedrich.com/2010/06/29/donate-your-art-supplies/ ). I discovered an organization called, Free Arts For Abused Children, and immediately I wanted to volunteer.

Unfortunately, the organization is based in Los Angeles, California and I am located in South Dakota. But upon perusing their website, I discovered that they are always in need of art supplies, so I dug through my stash and sent a box of goodies.

When I contacted the organization a few weeks later to make sure my stash arrived in one piece, and that they could use what I provided, I was told that they serve 300 or so children per event and are always in need of art supplies.

Currently, I am on my second box. Each time I open my supplies drawers, I think about those kids, and choose one object to put in the box. When the box fills up, I'll ship it off and start a new box, knowing that the supplies I set aside will go to great use, healing and saving lives.

Keep up with Alyice Edrich of The Dabbling Mum at www.thedabblingmum.com and www.alyiceedrich.com.

Pay it Forward :: Idea #3

The next time your child is asked to bring an item for a school project, consider sending two. Click here to hear Jenny's perspective and share with us what happens at mailbox@crescendoh.com when you Pay it Forward.

Tuckaway Hearts by Peggy Helfrich

I have designed and started to create something I call "Tuckaway Hearts." The idea cam to me as a dream of sorts and everywhere I go and everywhere I send them they are received so joyfully it makes my heart sing!

My hearts are small and handmade and are filled with love and good wishes. They are meant to be received and if possible, passed along to another friend or family member and so on ... or they can be kept and treasured. I send them to whomever I feel needs a hug or a bit of love on any given day. Sometimes, complete strangers get them. There is no better feeling than knowing that a small gesture just might make someone smile or feel validated! 

Thank you for allowing me to share,

— Peggy Helfrich

Pay it Forward :: Idea #2

Be aware and Pay it Forward by reaching out to those who live on the streets and find yourself becoming changed for good. Click here to hear Jenny's perspective and share with us what happens at mailbox@crescendoh.com when you Pay it Forward.