Stories Of Giving Back

1. Tammy Waddell was truly a teacher until the very end. When she died in 2018, the Georgia, educator had one last wish for her funeral: instead of flowers, bring backpacks full of school supplies. Her final request was met an outpouring of support. Backpacks filled with supplies lined the pews during her funeral service. Over 100 teachers who had worked with Waddell throughout the years attended as special pallbearers. Their job: carry these donated supplies to students in need. Do you think this was a wonderful way to honor this woman?

2. After suffering two miscarriages, Mary Davis and her husband Ari Kadin wanted to find peace but didn't know how. In 2013, they found a way to share kindness and Mary started "Worthy of Love", a nonprofit in Los Angeles that brings joy to homeless children. Since then, 'Worthy of Love' has thrown unforgettable birthday parties for over 40,000 children and teens experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles County & Houston, Texas. Families who are going through tough times come together to celebrate. Mary and Ari's dream started out small, but now over 40,000 kids have had special parties at shelters and rooftops. Each child leaves feeling like they are truly seen and loved. What's so special about their story is that Mary and Ari met in 2010 while volunteering to help people on Skid Row in LA. They never got to throw birthday parties for their own children, but they chose to create something beautiful for kids who might never have one. Isn't this a great example of turning something tragic into a gift for others?