Day 212 - Drove Someone to Their Car

So many things we take for granted until we don't have them.  Our cars are definitely on that list of items.  Today was a simple random act but one that can really help someone out.  Today I drove someone to the dealership to pick up their car that was being worked on.  These days, even going a day without your car can feel like a huge inconvenience so hopefully today's act was helpful!

Day 212 - Ride to the dealership

Day 211 - Spread the Word About Kind Acts

I am not alone...there are others.  While the previous sentence may seem like a line out of a horror movie, that is not what I mean.  What I mean is that I am not the only one out there who has dedicated time this year towards completing random acts for friends, family and strangers.  Some have made it their goal to doing it every day of the year like me, some have done it for lent, and some have done it for their birthdays.  My blog has fortunately gotten a tremendous amount of exposure, and rather than keeping it all for myself, I feel like I should shine a light on others out there who are spreading the kindness message just like me.  So today, for my random act of kindness, I want to spread the word about others in the RAK world who are making a difference.  If you get the opportunity, please visit the links below to see some really great acts!

http://sebskindness.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/10000RandomActsOfKindnessIn2013
https://www.facebook.com/therandomactsofkindnessfoundation

Day 211 - Spread the word!

Day 210 - Honored a Morning Radio Role Model

Most in the DFW area and around the country have heard of the loss of a great morning radio host Kidd Kraddick.  This has hit me a little harder than I thought it would but he was an amazing person and I listened to him daily for over 7 years.  He always thought about others and wanted to help others.  Knowing that Kidd is gone feels like I've lost a member of my own family.  For today's random act of kindness I purchased a bumper sticker to remember Kidd.  So sad but know he is doing his thing in Heaven for all the angels and Kidd's Kids.

Day 210 - Remembered Kidd

Day 209 - Bags for Genesis Women's Shelter

A couple of days ago I mentioned my huge sale find for school backpacks.  Well today when I visited a different Walgreens I found a few more backpacks as well as some cute little girl canvas bags. 

For today's random act of kindness I boxed up the backpacks and canvas bags and sent them off to the Genesis Women's Shelter in Dallas.  They are currently collecting new school supplies for the new school year as well as other items for the women and children they help.

Genesis provides shelter, safety, counseling, and expert services to battered women and their children.  They are committed to preventing violence by raising the level of community awareness regarding the pervasiveness and effects of domestic violence. 

Day 209 - Bags to Genesis
 

Day 208 - Restroom RAKs at the Zoo

We headed down to Dallas tonight for Safari Nights at the Dallas Zoo.  It's a wonderful summer program that brings live music, food and drink to the zoo in the evenings.  The zoo stays open an extra 4 hours which is wonderful in the summer when the temperatures are hotter.

While we were walking around the zoo visiting the animals we made a quick restroom stop.  While the girls and I were in there we found a bag and also noticed that the soap dispenser was broken.  While we were walking out Ryan found the soap dispenser pump on the floor and we fixed the dispenser.  We also took the bag to the zoo lost and found.

I'm sure many were appreciative that we fix the soap and we hope the woman heads to the lost and found to look for her bag.

Day 208 - Restrooms raks at the zoo

Day 207 - Backpacks for Kids in Need

While shopping at Walgreens today there was a crazy sale on super cute backpacks.  I grabbed all they had left.  When I arrived home I posted a picture of the bags on some local Facebook groups looking for children that could really use the new bags for the upcoming school year.

I found some very deserving children for today's random act of kindness and we passed along free backpacks to some wonderful elementary kids.

Day 207 - Backpacks for kids

Day 206 - Jump Fun for Some Friends

Elevate Jump Park is a local trampoline park.  Recently they have been offering some great Groupons so I purchased quite a few.  Today is the girls' last day of vacation bible school so as a little treat they are going to head to Elevate with 2 of their friends after VBS.  We had another friend that was going to attend Elevate with us but at the last minute wasn't able to attend.

For today's random act of kindness I sent our friend that wasn't able to come a couple of passes to Elevate to jump at a different time.  Hope they enjoy the park as much as we do!!

Day 206 - Elevate jump passes

Day 205 - Ate Chicken for a Non Profit

One of our community non profits, the Community Lifeline Center of McKinney has been hosting Dinner for Dollars events throughout the community.  On different days local restaurants will donate a portion of proceeds to the CLC.  Tonight's Dinner for Dollars event was at Raising Cane.

For today's random act of kindness we grabbed dinner at Raising Cane and did our part to support the CLC.  Happy dinning!!

Day 205 - Raising Cane for the CLC

Day 204 - Shared Jeremiah's Story

Today on Facebook I read the story of Jeremiah Steepek.  I was so moved by the story that I shared it with everyone I know.  This is Jeremiah and his story is below.

Pastor Jeremiah Steepek (pictured above) transformed himself into a homeless person and went to the 10,000 member church that he was to be introduced as the head pastor at that morning. He walked around his soon to be church for 30 minutes while it was filling with people for service, only 3 people out of the 7-10,000 people said hello to him. He asked people for change to buy food - NO ONE in the church gave him change. He went into the sanctuary to sit down in the front of the church and was asked by the ushers if he would please sit n the back. He greeted people to be greeted back with stares and dirty looks, with people looking down on him and judging him.

As he sat in the back of the church, he listened to the church announcements and such. When all that was done, the elders went up and were excited to introduce the new pastor of the church to the congregation. "We would like to introduce to you Pastor Jeremiah Steepek." The congregation looked around clapping with joy and anticipation. The homeless man sitting in the back stood up and started walking down the aisle. The clapping stopped with ALL eyes on him. He walked up the altar and took the microphone from the elders (who were in on this) and paused for a moment then he recited,

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

'The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

After he recited this, he looked towards the congregation and told them all what he had experienced that morning. Many began to cry and many heads were bowed in shame. He then said, "Today I see a gathering of people, not a church of Jesus Christ. The world has enough people, but not enough disciples. When will YOU decide to become disciples?"

He then dismissed service until next week.

Being a Christian is more than something you claim. It's something you live by and share with others.

Day 204 - Shared Jeremiah's story

Day 203 - Tried to Save Water

Our area has been under a water restriction for quite a while.  We are asked to only water on trash days and only in the evenings.  Well this morning we noticed that the sprinklers at our neighborhood park were on while it was raining.  It is also not a trash day so I wanted to let the HOA know.  Would hate for them not to know that they are running.

Day 203 - Contacted the HOA about sprinklers

Day 202 - Took Coffee to Volunteers

Tonight was a baptism event at our church.  It was a night full of good music and about 20 individual stories and baptisms.  Because most of the volunteers working the event also worked the 3 normal services in the morning I knew they were probably beat.

For today's random act of I went to the coffee station and fixed a few cups for volunteers at the welcome desk and a few information desks.  We definitely appreciate all the volunteers and what they do to make our church such a welcoming place.

Day 202 - Coffee for volunteers

Day 201 - Invited a Friend to the Pool

The girls has a soccer game today and were definitely worn out once it was over.  With the hot weather we thought a trip to the pool was in order.

For today's random act of kindness we invited a friend to come swim with us.  The girls had a blast with their friend!

Day 201 - Invited a friend to the pool

Day 200 - Took a Pledge for Infertility

Today is the random act bi-centennial; Day 200! Since it is a nice round number, I'd love to thank everyone who has ever helped with a random act, suggested an act, and even just followed along with acts by reading this blog. December 31st will be here before we know it but lets not get ahead of ourselves. There are still 166 random acts to perform after today. On to Day 200...

Infertility affects 7.3 million people in the U.S. This figure represents 12% of women of childbearing age, or 1 in 8 couples. Fortunately for me I knew the source of my infertility at a very young age so seeking out surrogacy as our path to parenthood was an easy decision. But for many the source of their infertility is unknown and so many couples struggle for answers and deal with monthly disappointment during the process.

RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association, established in 1974, is a non-profit organization with the only established, nationwide network mandated to promote reproductive health and to ensure equal access to all family building options for men and women experiencing infertility or other reproductive disorders. RESOLVE improves the lives of women and men living with infertility.

Project IF is RESOLVE's ongoing public education project. The goal is to make sure the public

• understands that infertility is a disease that affects 1 in 8 couples of reproductive age; 
• acknowledges that there are many ways to build a family; 
• understands that the disease of infertility impacts the physical, emotional, and financial health of those that are facing it; 
• and those diagnosed know when to seek the advice of a specialist.

For today's random act I supported Project If by taking the pledge in recognition of the work that RESOLVE, its supporters and I will do together to ensure that people with infertility stop being ignored. I can be part of the solution to stop the cycle of misunderstanding.

Day 200 - Took the pledge for infertility

Some pictures with our amazing surrogate!

Day 199 - Get Well Card for a Friend

Recently a few friends of mine have been struggling with some health challenges.  The kids and I wanted to do something to raise someone's spirits so we decided to make a get well card.

So for today's random act of kindness the kids worked very hard to make our friend a card.  We mailed it out today so hopefully it'll bring a smile to her face.  We're praying for you Theresa!!

Day 199 - Get well card

Day 198 - Food for Lifeline Market

The Community Lifeline Center's Lifeline Market motto is "feeding families every day".  I have a strong passion for the work of food pantries, community non-profits and organizations like CLC that are on the front lines every day.  With so many individuals, not just in our country, but our own community dealing with food insecurity there is a lot that can be done.

Keeping pantries and programs like the Lifeline Market stocked is essential.  I've mentioned this before but this is most important during the non-holiday months.  Pantries receive a huge increase in donations in November and December when attitudes and feelings of gratitude and giving are in the air but during the other 10 months they can really struggle.

So for today's random act of kindness we went shopping for the Lifeline Market.  Kailey and I went to their website to see what items were most needed, we made a list and went shopping.

Day 198 - Items for the Lifeline Market

Day 197 - Hosted a School Supply Drive

I cannot believe there are only 5 weeks remaining in the summer.  With school quickly approaching the purchasing of school supplies is right around the corner.  For many of us the purchasing of new backpacks, school clothes and school supplies is the highlight of the summer.  For others it is a stressful time because they are just not able to afford those things for their children.  To help bridge the gap Frisco Family Services hosts a yearly Back-to-School Fair where children in need are able to receive a new outfit and shoes for school, a brand new backpack and all their required school supplies.

So for today's random act of kindness I purchased supplies and initiated a neighborhood and daycare-wide school supply drive.  We are hosting the drive through the end of the month,  prior to the Fair, so hopefully we will be able to make a  nice donation to FFS and the children of Frisco.

A number of local stores are already beginning their own school supply drives so please remember those children in need during your next shopping trip or when you are purchasing those brand new supplies for your own children.

Day 197 - School Supplies 

Day 196 - Brunch for an Amazing Family

We know an amazing family that has been lifesaving to our family this summer.  They made it possible for the girls to attend some wonderful summer camps and vacation bible schools by driving them to and from their events.  As just a small mid-summer sign of our appreciation we sent them a Groupon for brunch for 4 at a cute little restaurant in downtown McKinney called Gather.  We really hope they enjoy their time and know how much we appreciate them. Enjoy!!

Day 196 - Brunch Groupon

Day 195 - Ran a 5k Benefiting MDA and PAL

Our weather this month has been amazing! 70s in July in Texas is unheard of but we've been experiencing those temperatures all throughout the month. This morning I ran Too Hot To Handle a 5k in Dallas in amazing 70 degree weather. It was a great course and benefited some wonderful organizations.

The race beneficiaries were the MDA-ALS and PAL. The MDA's mission is to lead the fight to treat and cure ALS through global research and nationwide advocacy while also empowering people with Lou Gehrig's Disease and their families to live fuller lives by providing them with compassionate care and support. PAL is a non-profit organization composed entirely of volunteers & committed to improving the health and welfare of cats, kittens, dogs, and puppies. PAL strongly urges spaying and neutering pet animals and offers low-cost spay/neuter certificates for use at participating area veterinarian clinics.

Day 195 - 5k benefiting MDA and PAL

Day 194 - Soccer Cleats for a Friend

The girls are growing like weeds and they have officially grown out of their soccer cleats.  After ordering some new cleats for the Fall season we passed down their cleats to a little friend of ours that will be starting soccer in the Fall as well.  Hope they get as much enjoyment out of soccer as the girls do!

Day 194 - Passed down soccer cleats

Day 193 - Left Amazon Feedback

To say I love Amazon would be a huge understatement.  I make at least a purchase a week from the site and love everything about it.  The option I enjoy the most is the feedback section.  I won't purchase anything with very little feedback or poor feedback.  I place a lot of faith in the opinions of others and have definitely been swayed one way or another on many an item based on buyer feedback.

Although I use Amazon regularly I have never left feedback on any of my purchases.  For today's random act of kindness I picked a few items we have really enjoyed and left some great feedback for future buyers.  I hope my feedback helps others as much as other folk's feedback has helped me.

Day 193 - Amazon feedback

Day 192 - Shopped Locally at Farmer's Market

Our area has a wonderful Farmer's Market twice a week.  Saturday morning and Thursday afternoon.  We love to go to walk around and see all the wonderful produce but also the great locally made crafts, gifts, clothing and more.  The girls always have tunnel vision for the face painter so we rarely miss that booth.

For today's random act of kindness we shopped at our local Farmer's Market to help support small local business owners.

Day 192 - Shopped Locally

Day 191 - Storybook Bibles for CASA

Faith is something very important to our family and something we are nurturing in our girls.  One of their favorite books to read these days is the Jesus Storybook Bible.  The illustrations are wonderful and of course the stories are captivating and entertaining.  We thought these storybook bibles could encourage the children at CASA with stories of hope, love and compassion.

So for today's random act of kindness the girls and I decided to send a couple of copies to our local CASA office.  We purchased an english copy and a spanish copy.  We thought the kids would really enjoy them.

Day 191 - Storybook Bibles for CASA

Day 190 - Spread the Word About Buddy

I noticed a local friend of mine post about a lost dog in our neighborhood named Buddy.  Having been a dog owner I know how they become a part of the family and how heartbreaking it can be when they are lost.

For today's random act of kindness I shared the info about Buddy with my Facebook friends.  Hoping he is found soon and gets back to his family quickly.

Day 190 - Spread the word about Buddy

Day 189 - Thanked Some Soccer Coaches

The girls just finished up their 2nd week of soccer camp last Friday.  They really enjoyed their 2 weeks of drills, games and practice.  It seems to have sparked a real love of soccer in both girls and the improvement in their skills has been evident at their indoor games.

So for today's random act of kindness I emailed their soccer camp coaches to thank them for all their hard work with the kids.  I let them know how much the girls enjoyed the camp and how thankful we are that they are able to offer such a wonderful opportunity.

Thank you so much On the Ball!!

Day 189 - Thanked some coaches

Day 188 - Concession Coupons for Movie Goers

Today was a family movie trip to see Despicable Me 2 with the girls.  We had a few coupons from our Entertainment Book for drinks and popcorn.  We went to our favorite theater, which is our favorite because tickets are always $3.25!  Finding concession coupons was just an added bonus.  After we grabbed a few snacks for the family we had a couple of coupons left over for a free popcorn and a free drink.  For today's random act of kindness I left them with the concession stand employee for the next movie goer to visit his register.  What a fun surprise for someone!!

Day 188 - Concession coupons

Day 187 - Paid for Someone's Water Park Pass

Things are starting to warm back up here in Texas so to cool off we decided to visit a local water park and splash pad.  It was a great facility with so much for the kids to do!

For today's random act of kindness we paid for the next 2 children to enter the park.  We hope they enjoyed their time as much as we did!

Day 187 - Water Park passes

Day 186 - Gave Someone 15 Cents

Today while I was checking out at the grocery store the women in front of me had a total of $10.15 and she only had 2 $10 bills and no spare change.  For today's random act of kindness I gave her .15 so she didn't have to break her other $10 bill.  She was very thankful.

Day 186 - Change for a stranger

Day 185 - Glow Necklaces for the Neighbors

Happy July 4th!!  The weather in Texas has been amazing this week!  60s in the evenings and 70s/80s during the day.  Tonight's firework celebration was wonderful and attendance was record-setting I'm sure.

For today's random act of kindness we took extra glow necklaces we had and passed them out to neighbors before heading in for bed.  Hopefully they will have some fun with them while they celebrate the holiday!  Hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable evening.

Day 185 - Glow necklaces for the neighbors

Day 184 - Ice Cream for Chick-Fil-A Customers

Our girls love Chick Fila and it's a great little treat for them.  A nice thing Chick-fil-a does is allow kids to trade in their kids' meal toy for a free ice cream.  The girls weren't going to get ice cream today so we decided it would be nice to gift to some other kids.

So for today's random act of kindness the girls gave their kids' meal toys back to the employee and asked them to gift the ice cream to the next 2 kids that purchased kids' meals.  Hope those cones were a nice little treat for someone!

Day 184 - Ice cream at Chick-fil-a

Day 183 - Gave Away Baby Exersaucers to a Neighbor

We are in a purging mode at our home.  Cleaning out room after room.  One area we tackled was our garage.  We donated a car full of items to our local resale shop but had a few items we wanted to give away to neighbors.

Kailey helped me by making a few "FREE" signs and then we placed them on 2 baby exersaucers and a small table and chair.  We placed the items in the yard and taped the signs to them.  We had a very sweet neighbor come by that just moved into town and was looking for items for her young infant.  She was so appreciative.

For today's random act of kindness we gave away items to a neighbor.

Day 183 - Gave away exersaucers

Day 182 - Caught a Misspelling

While we were running errands I noticed that a local drug store has misspelled not only "meningitis" on their marquee but also "immunization".  I immediately called up the store and asked for the manager.  I let her know that both the words were misspelled and she was so embarrassed but definitely thankful that someone let her know.  I am so thankful to help because I am one of the worst spellers on the planet so having folks point it out to save me the embarrassment is more than appreciated.

So now graduates can make sure to come in for their meningitis immunization instead of their "menigitis immnization".

Day 182 - Caught a misspelling