For many years I read newspaper stories about child abuse and thought there had to be something I could do to help these kids; I never followed up with any action, though, because I simply didn’t know what one person could do to help. When a story about a 6-year-old boy who was thrown over a 3rd floor railing to his death because he wouldn’t steal candy for his friends made news, again I felt I had to do something, but I was at a loss as to what and again I took no action.

The holiday season was approaching in 2001; I once again, fulfilled the Christmas wishes of needy children, as I did in past years. Somehow this time it just didn’t seem to be enough.

Back at work after the holidays in January of 2002, I listened to conversations amongst the employees who had young children as they compared notes on the number of toys their kids had received for Christmas. When I heard someone comment that her children had received “too much,” I thought about the inner city kids whose Christmas wishes I had filled and wondered if Christmas gifts were all that they had to look forward to all year. This thought weighed heavy on my heart and I knew at that moment that I could and would do something about that!

I contacted the school that the children I had provided for attended to find out what else I could do for them. I learned that one of the children, the little boy, was in special education and desperately needed attention. In speaking with the children’s advocate at the school, I told her I would like to continue to provide gifts for these two children not only at Christmas time, but also for other holidays throughout the year as well as their birthdays. She was understandably apprehensive; however, she agreed to help me by distributing the gifts. I happened to be reading a book at the time called “A Love Worth Giving” by Max Lucado, in which he referenced a proven study that revealed if children are made to feel special, they respond. I knew when I read this that it was exactly what I wanted to do for these two kids – make them feel special.

During the Easter season in 2002, my daughter and son-in-law noticed two baskets I had filled and asked who they were for. Upon hearing my story about my commitment to provide gifts for two children throughout the year, their immediate response was that they also wanted to provide gifts for two children. We had decided to pack gift bags for the summer, and we filled backpacks for the children when it was back-to-school time.

The following Christmas of 2002, Billy* asked for “a game, clothes, hand wipes, tissues and a hug.” When I read that an 8-year old boy included a hug on his Christmas wish list, my heart broke. I bought him everything on his list and much more, along with a winter coat that he greatly needed. I also sent him a bag of Hershey’s Hugs wrapped with a note that each one was a hug from me. The gifts I provided for Billy through My Joyful Heart were the only ones he received. My only wish was that Billy’s heart was as full of joy to receive his gifts as mine was to give them!

After returning to work and sharing my joy in providing for the children at Christmas, several of my co-workers wanted to sign up and help needy children. By the end of the first year, nineteen people were on board. It became clear that My Joyful Heart was being launched!

In March of 2006, I left my 14-year career to devote my time fully to My Joyful Heart. Because I am self-supporting, I didn’t see how the Heart would be able to provide salaries for anyone; as daunting as this seemed, I put my trust in God once again and my worrying ceased. I knew I was in good hands. And he HAS provided!

I would like to share how the work of this organization is affecting the lives of our neighboring children.

Kenneth* enrolled when he was in 7th grade. He had a bad attitude, he was disrespectful and he wasn’t showing up for school. He lives with his Mom and four siblings in a shelter – he’s homeless. My Joyful Heart gave him new clothes, hygiene products, school supplies and some fun stuff. As he graduated from 8th grade, we learned that Kenneth had made a complete turn-around, having won two awards – one for most improved student and one for most improved player on the basketball team.

When we asked Kenneth what he would say about My Joyful Heart, he said, “They gave me stuff my mom couldn’t afford and put joy in my life. Sometimes I felt people just gave up on me, but My Joyful Heart didn’t give up on me. I want to graduate high school and play basketball in college. I want to open a youth center. Things would be a lot different. I would have been hanging around the wrong people. It’s My Joyful Heart that changed a lot for me in school and everything.”

A seven-year-old wrote, and I quote: “Now I feel very good every morning going to class because I have what I need to help me with my lesson. I can’t wait to get started. I would like to thank you because I feel good. I have what my classmates have, a backpack. Thank you for being so kind to me. God bless you and me for sending you!”

Twelve-year-old Kadesha*, who lives with a single mom and three younger siblings, had this to say: “I just want to tell you how you all changed my life and how you made it better for me. Ever since I was enrolled in your program I have gotten the things I needed and more…like love, kindness and most of all, your generosity. You made me feel good about myself. You help me grow as a person. I’m more confident and outgoing and it is all because of you, My Joyful Heart. May God bless you always.”

One person can make a difference. YOU can make a difference by sponsoring a local child today.

*Names have been changed to protect privacy.