Stories

Dennis Buckman - 6/23/2008 11:20:53 PM In late March I suffered a burst intestine. There have been three major operations, and a total of 68 days of hospitalization. I have had people come forward, people who really surprised me. Living from check to check, it wasn't long before my utilities were in jepordy of being cut off, I had no food in the house, my lawn was overgrown... Through the generosity of friends and neighbors, i have been getting by. Yes, I've been forced to sell many of my personal belongings to get by as well. I am hopeful that I can soon return to work and somehow repay the generosity others have shown...

GA - 4/3/2008 1:45:51 PM GIVING does not always mean reaching into your pocket. Take 5 min of your day to talk to a lonely elderly neighbor. It does not cost a thing.

James - 3/28/2008 12:07:00 AM I'm sure that it was not the intent, but on one of your commercials where the children are sitting on the car and there is writing on the wall behind them, I believe it is your initials that are writen on the wall. DAG. Unfortunately, the way it comes across looks more like FAG. If I were the only one to think this I would have just let it go, however, several people Have made the same comment about it. I would think that some one on your side would have noticed it also. Thank you for taking the time to read this and I still believe in what you are doing.

Brad Hancock - 3/23/2008 6:19:00 PM Your ads infuriate me. When taxes take half of my annual income you have the audacity to approach the American public with "guilt" trip. Call Hollywood for money.

cbrown - 2/26/2008 2:56:17 PM The person who thought up your ad's on tv almost forgot to get a brain.

PETER OLUSEGUN ADEBAYO - 2/18/2008 11:42:52 AM THERE IS SELFLESSNESS IN GIVING,THERE IS LOVE IN SELFLESSNESS. THORUGH DEEP THINKING I HAVE GOT TO REALIZED THAT THE ONLY AND ONLY WAY TO PLEASE GOD IS SELFLESSNESS,AND YOU JUST CAN BE SELFLESS WITHOUT YOU GIVING. SELFLESSNESS IS ALL ABOUT PUTTING OTHER PEOPLE{EITHER MALE OR FEMALE,YOUNG OR OLD,WHITE OR BLACK,ABLE OR DESABLED} INTO CONSIDERATION EVEN WHEN IT'S NOT THAT CONVINIENT FOR YOU. EVEN GOD{THE CREATOR OF THE HEAVENS AND THE EARTH} SELFLESSLY GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON{JESUS CHRIST} TO DIE FOR ALL OUR SINS.NOW WE SAY SALVATION IS FREE,FORGOTING THE TRUTH THAT SOMEONE{JESUS CHRIST} PAID FOR IT. CHEERFUL GIVERS ARE CHEERFUL SOWERS,WHO SHALL REAP CHEERFULLY IN TIME OF HARVEST.

J Dimmick - 2/17/2008 10:17:42 PM Your commercials are out of line. Specifically about giving juvenile delinqunets community centers and money. Like that would keep kids out of trouble. Get real people.

G Devadasen - 2/12/2008 2:36:46 AM Dear Friend On behalf of Mercy Love Ministries, We greet you in the wonderful name of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is our privilege to introduce you to our ministry in India. Mercy Love Ministries is a faith ministry that was born with the intention of reaching the needy and under-privileged. Much of our effort is in reaching the needy in the slums and the railway children (Street children). Our teams enjoy effective ministry via drama, music, video, stories, puppets, etc. Our outreach through street evangelism, children's clubs, V.B.S, free English classes to needy kids in the slums, bible studies, youth meetings and personal counseling are also fruitful. By God's Grace, we are praying and planning to start a hostel, and training center which would cater for these Needy and destitute kids. In recent times, we were asked to take in orphans whose parents died of HIV/AIDS. Please pray for this very costly ministry and if you can advise us further in this issue, we would be greatful. Please pray for our much needed building projects. We would like to invite you to visit India and if possible, to partner with us to be better acquainted with what the Lord is doing in this great land that is bound by idol worship and where the "Caste" system dictate who should prosper and who shouldn't. If you share a vision with us for the needy in India, then we would like to know how best we can work together to accomplish this great work. May the Lord bless you as you consider this invitation? Yours truly, Pastor Devadasen Govender (Basil)

Vic Favier - 1/26/2008 4:36:48 PM A few years ago I observed an interview with a woman representing the National Council of Churches. One of her replies about giving was that all the church giving combined did a tiny fraction of overall giving.(I think it was less than 5%. The government does by far the most. So electing people who believe in helping these causes, it seems to me, would be a more effective way to help. Maybe you should have a category that would include this method of helping. What do you think?

Doug - 1/18/2008 2:26:49 AM Would you consider including this resource on your website: www.givinganonymously.com - I think many people want to give if there are no strings attached, no obligations ... this is the perfect solution. Thanks for considering it. Doug

chs - 1/10/2008 11:36:01 AM ive been hit by a person dui cant support my own family(cant work need retrained, settlement is good enough to go bankrupt) cant go anywhere gas way too high go ask the oil companies(as much money as top 10 countries) i used to believe in giving until i went thru my accident and found out how much i mean to americans. please take commercials off the air.

dizwiz - 1/9/2008 11:12:45 AM Your advertisements that are undoubtably funded in part by taxpayers through the ad council are the most unmitigated self-serving guilt-tripping pap I have ever heard.These "woe is me" stories how something bad happened because someone almost helped but did not are indicative of how far this country has fallen from the days of rugged individualism when doing it yourself was a sign of pride and idependence...the belief that the government or anyone else can "do it" for you is a false hope that is leading to a nation of helpless drains on society...what are you thinking????

Lillian Longwell - 1/8/2008 4:07:11 PM What a stupid ad! Why do you try to make people feel guilty if they're not giving. I certainly don't need a stupid ad to help me decide how to live my life.

Ryan - 12/31/2007 2:15:12 AM I watch your commerical, I almost care. Almost. You almost guilt me into your empty message. Why don't you guys go back to trying to peer-pressuring people to rise above peer-pressure. Actually, be better if you stop all together. You're just making the world a worst place. You guys are such monsters.

Tim - 12/25/2007 9:39:57 PM I almost gave, until I saw your incredibly arrogant, condescending, insulting, and self-righteous campaign ad and I decided not to.

Beryl Williams - 12/23/2007 6:30:12 PM I find I don't have to join organisations in order to give. If I want to give in a certain direction, the matching need or needy person appears before me of its own accord.

Chad - 11/26/2007 10:23:36 AM your ads are so depressing. It makes me feel guilty and I give on a regular basis. Ever thought about talking about how the U.S.A. is the most giving in the world? Your ad sounds like the evening news with nothing to say but the negative side of everything....

sir elkhatim ahmed fadl - 11/26/2007 1:26:26 AM Dear sir, I am a Sudanese geologist working in Saudi Arabia I devoted all my live to save the children's of our country, I saw you advertisement in my site(http://www.sirifadl.8m.com/), I would like to thank you for that, please continue,, If you would like to donate ,even one dollar, please contact me, This is my work address Alfaisal International Academy Riyadh 11433 , PO box 10202 Saudi Arabia Sir elkhatim Ahmed Fadl Home 96612867533

Fund Raising Through Guilt - 11/19/2007 12:31:27 AM I am SICK of your ads assailing me with the guilt message. I give thousands of dollars away on my own to families, non-profits, rescuing animals, etc. I DON'T need "Holier Than Thou" television advertisements to pressure me to give. Rather than giving after I have see one of your ads, I would rahter "almost give". Grow up and accord me the benefit of the doubt before you beat me over the head with one of your ads. Don Blackburn

Peter Thielen - 11/1/2007 2:40:46 PM Dear Eader: PLEASE GIVE ME A BREAK !!! I can't stand your radio ADs, and they seem to be on the air every half-hour with that sad, constipated woman telling me about the shut-in who who almost got a warm dinner, alomst had a ride to the doctor and almost heard a friendly voice. It is so painstakingly agonizing. Please just stop trying to guilt me, and other listeners into giving money to these agencies. I doubt you are going to try to encourage me to actually get involved, just give you money. Anyway, your announcers sound so pitiful I switch stations as soon as I hear their mournful voices. How about uplifting messages. Just me reaction! God Bless You and Yours, Peter

Luis - 10/30/2007 1:45:42 AM act of kindness: you suggest to visit a lonely bedridden person in a hospital; I thought it was really very nice, then I asked myself: would they allow it? you know what sort of military organizations hospitals are today. Sorry.

Independent Voter - 10/29/2007 5:32:25 PM Ive heard your radio ads, and now the new one about 'Sara Watkins', the 81 yr old lady. While I DO give to various charities, and understand the plight, Im thinking that maybe you should gear your ads more toward... 'Sara Watkins ALMOST saved money for her retirement, but, instead, spent her good salary on life's frivolities, and NEVER saved except for Social INsecurity!" Also, "Government schools ALMOST taught our youth about how to achieve success through finanacial training, but in their efforts to dumbdown the population FAILED their students!"

Julie O - 10/12/2007 6:13:23 PM My family has been very generous to specific veterans and specific Native Americans and specific Mexicans and specific seniors. My family gives because of being inspired and feeling love for others, not because we've been shamed into giving. We find your ads and approach to be disgusting and offensive. As senior citizens, we have been assaulted throughout our lives with folks like you who choose to make others feel bad in order to get them to part with their money. This is wrong and not necessary. I turn the radio off each time one of your ads comes on and I only signed onto your site in order to give you this feedback.

Louise - 10/12/2007 10:43:24 AM very powerful. thanks

David Lillie - 10/11/2007 7:28:26 PM My story? I almost gave, until I heard your damned ads over and over and over........obnoxious and arrogant!!! You think this helps?????? Save your money and give it to a good charity!!!

Chad Sandow - 10/4/2007 8:50:28 AM Here is my story. Why don't you stop spending money on stupid tv ads, and take some of that money to fight a government that spends billions of dollars on a war we don't need. One day of spending in Iraq would take care of everyone in the U.S. without healthcare. Why don't you ask big G to give a little. Stop asking everybody else. They give enough.

Wayne - 9/29/2007 11:49:07 AM I absolutely hate your flipping commercials. Can your spokeslady be any more of a whiney bitch? How bout saying "Please Give". You act like it's my responsibility to Give. Sorry, but I'm already GIVING about 38% of my salary away in taxes.

lola - 9/29/2007 7:00:29 AM Hi, I have a 16 yr old daughter that is looking for a big sister to talk to and to some day hang out with her name is Abby. I do not no how to go about finding her a friend that she can talk with. So maybe you can guide me. Please get back with me Thank You and GOD BLESS!!!!!!!......Lola

Alex Collins - 9/14/2007 7:28:31 AM I really like this website! I am an eighth grader at Telfair County Middle School. It is located in a small town called Mcrae, Georgia. Our teacher Mrs. Wendy Lee had an accident a few years ago. Her 15 monthold baby, whose name is Sailor-Kate Lee. She was in a terrible accident that changed my teacher's life. But she told us that acts of kindness can go a long wat! And i hope it reaches across America. If you want more information about this go to htpp.//Sweet_pea_lee.tripod.com

Christopher Doebler - 9/2/2007 9:34:07 PM I agree fully with your commercials, BUT the real problem is our government sending BILLIONS of dollars to other countries. We need to take care of our OWN first. It is the same thing as me letting my kids go hungry so the ones down the street can eat, it should not be happening. Maybe you can address a couple of those issues in your commercials! Chris

Rev. K. Emmanuel G. Rajn - 9/2/2007 9:42:22 AM Please contact or visit us in India. Lovingly yours in the service of the poor and needy, for our great God. Please visit our web site at; www.korrati777.faithweb.com My mailing address is; Rev. K. Emmanuel G. Rajn, P.O.Box.408, Dondaparthy, Waltair- 530004, Visakha Dist, Andhra predesh, India.

Jeff Colton - 8/23/2007 4:07:04 AM I have been reading all of you little "Acts of Kindness" and it seems that most of them involve being "kind" to the environment. Is you organization just a front group for the greenie-weenies???

jeff colton - 8/23/2007 4:04:04 AM How is replacing standard light bulbs with cfl's an act of kindness???

Bobby - 8/18/2007 9:24:32 PM I freely give time and money unconditionally without shame and guilt or coered by organizations like yours. Manipulating people through guilt and shame is sick. I give out of love and donot shame or guilt other people who dontalmostgive.

Elma - 6/9/2007 Hello to everebody, I am writing far,far away from Amerika.I have lived in USA for 6 years,and it was beautifull,I liked many tings,my job,(as a nursing assistan)I was able to be halpfull all the time to many people and to learn every day samthing nwe.Before USA I have lived in Germany and Austria too.In my country was a war so I have moved with my parents to all these countrys,only not to America.They did not wont to came with as(my husbend and my daughter)It was very hard for them and for as to be a part. But I missed my parentes who lived far away from me,and came only to visit to Amerika once in two years,and every time when they where about to live me I was crushed dawn and was depresed and did not like my life anymore.But my children kept me a live. So,I nwe that, that all was not good for me or for my Family,even do my husbend was always with me.He always tryed to understend me.My father was not feeling good anymore,he goth a hard aritmia,and was fwe time in hospital on intesive care,they all was hiding that from me but when I found that out I’ve become more and more depresived.So,I’ve decided to came back to live to my country where my parentes was.The depresion STOP’T!So,thanks to GOD,I am hier for wright now close to my dear parentes,and my children are engoing them very much,they are so happy.I am happy because we are all together and because just now I see my self I naw who I am.Probable I was samhowe lost and did not naw who am I.And I thing that is very hard way of leaving. Hoop you can reed this all very good! Good luck to everybody and engoing life if you naw how…

Areyvut - 4/12/2007 Areyvut empowers youth around the world, enabling them to infuse their lives with the core values of kindness, charity and social justice. Over the past year, Areyvut, has directly involved several hundred teens in community service projects, inspired over 10,000 individuals with our “A Kindness a Day” Desk Calendar and “Make a Difference Day” programming and reached over 25,000 people through our newly updated online resources. visit our website at www.areyvut.org for more information

Sam - 4/9/2007 It was a few years ago when i was at a Jesse McCartney concert and I found someones wallet lying on the ground. I went to go get it and i saw it had money, and a lot of credit cards. I showed it to my dad and the next day we sent it to the lady who owned it. Then this Christmas she sent me a card saying if i remembered her and she wanted to thank me again for returning her wallet and not keeping it like most people would do. I felt good that I did that for her. -Sam

Mike - 4/9/2007 I am an 8th grader at my school. Two lockers down from me is a girl who has had trouble opening her locker since day one of school. For about two weeks, I took time everyday to show her how to open it. When she was finally able to open she flashed a huge smile that would light up the room. I know that it is nothing huge, but the fact that everyday she can open her locker is rewarding enough.

Rosa C. - 4/9/2007 Here at my school, my teacher assigned us to a project known as Acts of Kindness. So today, this is my first Act of Kindness and it’s a general one. I washed my parent’s and brother’s laundry. This really is a surprise because I sometimes mostly have my parents do my laundry. My thoughts were pretty much just good. Like I actually liked the fact that I did something for them that I’ve never done. My feelings well really I felt good. Like they actually relied on me to get something done. My reactions were also good, I guess. I mean I did something I’ve never done for them, I DID IT! Just thank god I didn’t ruin their clothes, or else they would have killed me.

Anj - 4/9/2007 On March 9th my mom planned a a middle school dance that she was working on for a month maybe more. Putting together a middle school dance can get very stressful and i could tell by listening to her phone conversations that things weren’t going as planned. With it being a middle school dance and i am 13 in 8th grade i was very excited but also i felt bad about how my mom felt. The night of the dance i went with my mom early to clean set up tables and food and help the D.J. During the dance instead of being with my friends dancing up a storm i worked behind the counter selling candy for the fundraising of the Grant Township Pageant. Then after everyone was gone i took out all the garbage and cleaned the consession stand. I was proud i did that for her after all of the things my mom went through with me and my activities i’m glad i helped her.

Kathleen - 2/20/2007 I love your television ads. I think they are eye-opening and thought provoking. Some even bring tears to my eyes. These beautiful videos deserve a chance for a greater audience than just those who happen to watch tv when they come on. I searched video sites for the commercials, and was surprised to find not a single one. I recommend making a way to repost the video, so that others who may want it to be shown might be able to. I know that if I put it on my myspace, it would reach a lot of people that have never seen it.

Linda Daniels - 2/14/2007 I am the Volunteer Coordinator at Heartland Hospice in Frankfort, Il. I am always amazed and delighted when I meet so many people who are willing to give their time and energy to patients they have never known. Volunteers sit with patients as their lives are ending. They will sit and be with a dying person for the sake of giving their time. Volunteer are so wonderful, and I am proud to be part of hospice as a volunteer coordinator. End of life care is an opportunity volunteers feel is their “calling”. I feel that also. After all, it takes a special person to want to be with another person who is going from this world to the next.

Morgan - 1/30/2007 At my high school, I usually eat lunch outside but today I decided to eat in the cafeteria. Upon entering, I was bombarded by the sight of dozens of teenagers chattering, yelling and eating. Bewildered, I walked through the crowd over to the tables and sat down to eat lunch with my friends. We had a nice lunch and, after we’d all finished, my friends were heading out. I threw away my trash and I was about to follow them – and then I noticed on the floor a small Ziploc bag that had likely been carelessly brushed off the table. Without thinking much about it, I picked it up and tossed it in the garbage can. My friends called to me and as I answered, “Coming!” and began to walk away, I felt a tap on my shoulder. Startled, I looked up to see an older man with a dirty mop by his side. “Thank you,” the janitor said. I smiled. “No problem.” And I walked out. It’s amazing how surprisingly gratifying is can be to receive a sincere “Thank You” for such a seemingly small deed.

Stefanie - 1/25/2007 I saw the ad on tv for your campaign. I have to admit, that I am guilty of “almost giving” but never realized it until it was brought to my attention. It made me realize that even though we all may have good intentions, we must act upon them to really make a difference.This is a fabulous ad campaign, and if it changes many people out there as it has changed me, the world will become a better place for everyone. Excellent job!

Rachel - 12/16/2006 I currently serve as president of my high school school’s Gay-Straight Alliance, or support group commited to ending GLBTIQ-bias/discrimination. I have never been more fulfilled.

Mama Joyce Lest - 12/5/2006 Hello I am as many refer to me “Mama Joyce”, I teach adult down syndrome, and developmentally disabled, adults in a day program, independent living skills, and then I offer free rides to the elderly and disabled to the grocery store, and I do what I can to help feed and clothe the homeless when the donations come in from those who know me. I am ONLY ONE PERSON, I am NOT an organization,but my passion is helping the hurting and outcasts in our world, because, I myself have been made to endure many tragedies in my own life..It has developed in me a deeper sense of compassion and understanding, and love for all actually. I have a religious flavor to what I do but I embrace all walks of life, and leave the judging part to God. I have a web page that further proves my credibility that my son put together for me, you are welcome to see more of what I do and what I look like, the links are at the top of the page when you arrive. http://angelofloveministry.com I so love helping people, and would love to see a spark in others to do some of what i have managed to do as well…You see, I am partially disabled myself, yet , what’s important to me, is to help others who are hurting. I have been successful, with what little I have. I have on occasion deliver bakery to the ER at St. Joseph Hospital in Burbank, because their work is so selfless, and they help so many people. I have also delivered to the local fire dept’s and postal services, because they work so hard also and often go unrecognized. I do what I can do ease burdens…This year has been very difficult, I have not received many donations and so I am unable to distribute like I would like to, I NEVER solicit for money, only good used toys and clothing, and non perishable food items, but this year has been rough for a lot of people I guess.. I try and ask people instead of giving this year to the Goodwill, and Salvation Army, to think about putting it into my hands, so I can place it into the hands of those in need, I have a used mini van which I use to distribute these things, perhaps you can pray for God to open a door of provision for me as there are many needs, as always… One more thing, I do not do this only at Holiday time, I do this all year long for the past 26 years. Thank you for allowing me to share my story here :) God Bless Love and Peace Mama Joyce

Erica - 11/8/2006 Last night I found a purse on the subway platform and returned it. Today I recieved an email from the owner of the purse. Below is the email. I believe you found my purse on the subway platform last night – thank you! I was anxious all evening, and when I spoke with my roommate, who my colleague told about you bringing my purse, I was relieved beyond words. It’s so comforting to know that someone in this big, crazy city could find a purse full of money and not only resist taking it, but even go out of her way to return it. Again, I really appreciate this, and want you to know how happy I was to find it! Thank you,

David - 10/7/2006 The Wisdom Of Sharing Stone Soup There are many variations on the story of stone soup, but they all involve a traveler coming into a town. The inhabitants try to discourage the traveler from staying, fearing he wants them to give him food. They tell him in no uncertain terms that there’s no food anywhere to be found. The traveler explains that he doesn’t need any food and that, in fact, he was planning to make a soup to share with all of them. The villagers watch suspiciously as he builds a fire and fills a cauldron with water. With great ceremony, he pulls a stone from a bag, dropping the stone into the pot of water. He sniffs the brew extravagantly and exclaims how delicious stone soup is. As the villagers begin to show interest, he mentions how good the soup would be with just a little cabbage in it. A villager brings out a cabbage to share. This episode repeats itself until the soup has cabbage, carrots, onions, and beets-indeed, a substantial soup that feeds everyone in the village. This story addresses the human tendency to hoard in times of deprivation. When resources are scarce, we pull back and put all of our energy into self-preservation. We isolate ourselves and shut out others. As the story of stone soup reveals, in doing so, we often deprive ourselves and everyone else of a feast. This metaphor plays out beyond the realm of food. We hoard ideas, love, and energy, thinking we will be richer if we keep to them to ourselves, when in truth we make the world, and ourselves, poorer whenever we greedily stockpile our reserves. The traveler was able to see that the villagers were holding back, and he had the genius to draw them out and inspire them to give, thus creating a spread that none of them could have created alone. Are you like one of the villagers, holding back? If you come forward and share your gifts, you will inspire others to do the same. The reward is a banquet that can nourish many. Affluent citizens from European and North American countries are traveling to exotic luxurious developing world (Bottom of the Pyramid) destinations in record numbers. They are drawn to these destinations by the rich indigenous cultures, cuisine, festivals, traditions, World Heritage Sites as well as pristine wilderness experiences found there. Engage the world, become a philanthropic traveler. http://www.philanthropictravel.org/