December 4, 2007
I did this last year, and it was so much fun…and so fabulous and heartwarming to see people take the time out of the terrible hustle and bustle of the holiday season to remember others.
I mean, really, that's what it's all about, isn't it? Doing for others?
So, here we go again this year. Even bigger and better, and there are two parts to this contest: one for all you bloggers, and one for everyone who cares to participate as commenters–bloggers, lurkers, regulars…whoever.
Here's the challenge:
This is the perfect time of year to Pay it Forward–everyone is so stressed out, in such a hurry, and so focused while we try to get things done to make our holiday perfect, that sometimes we forget about little courtesies.
So I’m going to challenge you all–even you lurkers who don’t post here to do at least one kind, unexpected, unnecessary thing for someone else through December 19.
Pay it Forward.
Tell us about each of your "Pay it Forward" activities (yes, you can enter more than once) in the comments,* and you'll be entered to win one of the prizes below.
I'll draw a winner on December 20.
If you're a blogger, you have an added chance to win, and a drawing just for you. Go here for details.
First, the prizes:
1. Grand Prize (one prize, drawn from both bloggers and commenters)
- $25 Gift Card to Amazon.com
- the first season of Buffy on DVD
- the BBC version of Pride & Prejudice on DVD (I'm sure you get the connection)
- a Powered by Vis Bulla t-shirt (which, by the way, make great Christmas gifts)
2. First Prize (drawn from the commenters only)
- A $25 gift card to Amazon
- The Rest Falls Away & Rises the Night (signed)
- plus a variety of other books, including Unlucky by Jana DeLeon, Taken by the Night by Kathryn Smith, The Road to Hell by Jackie Kessler…and more.
3. Second Prize (drawn from the commenters only)
- Signed copies of the Grace Valley series by Robyn Carr, author of the highly acclaimed Virgin River books–my favorite new reads of the year, and my favorite new author. The Grace Valley books are hard to come by, folks…they're selling for multiple times their cover price on eBay and Amazon and they are fabulous reads, and a prelude to the Virgin River books. Wooot!!! So excited to be giving them away this year, and signed by Ms. Carr herself! Talk about a fan-girl swoon!
Last year, people did things like:
- pay for the drive-thru order of the person behind them
- gathered up a bunch of coats for a coat drive
- gave up a prime parking spot to someone else
- let someone go ahead of them in line at the store
- visited a nursing home or other shut-in place to bring holiday cheer…
…and so many more wonderful things.
So, are you up for it?
Of course you are! I'll be looking forward to hearing about all of the goodwill being generated out there.
* If you're not sure how to comment, just click on the link at the end of this post where it says "X people joined her in the spotlight."
The second installment of the Gardella Vampire Chronicles takes Victoria to Venice and Rome.
My novel, 
December 4th, 2007 at 2:54 pm
I remember doing this last year and it was great fun. I’m looking foward to doing it again
December 4th, 2007 at 4:56 pm
Colleen, what a wonderful idea for the holiday season. I try to do this all year, but sometimes I get busy and forget. Today I held a crying baby while the mom struggled to get the big stroller out of the back of her car.
December 4th, 2007 at 8:17 pm
Well.. mine won’t be until Christmas Day where our family helps out at our temple - have an overflow shelter that rotates around the community churches & synagogue and we host during Christmas week. We’ll have dinner for the residents for the shelter. Last year helped set up and cook the meal and will do so again.
December 5th, 2007 at 1:36 pm
This was such a great idea last year, Colleen. I’m going to try and do something this year.
December 5th, 2007 at 3:46 pm
Well, I shoveled my neighbor’s sidewalk today. This is pretty extraordinary because whenever I shovel, my delicate physique complains. The downer: it’s already snow-covered again.
December 5th, 2007 at 5:22 pm
what a great idea! Ok I’m gonna think about this…
December 5th, 2007 at 6:41 pm
Amazing how opportunities present themselves: I was at a function with a friend and a woman who had come from very far had been left behind by her ride. My friend and I drove her the 20 miles home (she was going to take a cab because the bus was no longer running!) Thanks universe, wasn’t expecting that large of an opportunity but *whew*
December 5th, 2007 at 8:38 pm
Hey, Colleen! Long time, no see.
I’ve been restricted from typing due to a horrendous case of tendonitis. Still not allowed to type much, but I wanted to share. 
Today I stopped by Starbucks to get some hot cocoa and paid for the person in line behind me. I was in my car, so it was a bit more sneaky.
Sneaky never hurt anyone, right? 
December 6th, 2007 at 1:44 pm
December 5th was a national/world wide event organized by the Harry Potter Alliance (thehpalliance.org), called DarfurFast. My band is heavily involved in The HP Alliance’s social justice works, so I participated. I fasted for a week from my favorite food: Hot Dogs. Today I will be donating the $30 I saved by eating at home instead of at my favorite hot dog joint. $3 can protect 1 Darfuri woman for an entire YEAR, so I have now protected 10 Darfuri women for an entire year. Half of my band’s profits from The Canadian Yule Ball will also be donated to the HP Alliance’s DarfurProtection Plan.
That’s what I’ve done so far…
December 6th, 2007 at 4:58 pm
I was driving to the store when I saw a guy miss the bus by a few seconds. I pulled over and offered him a ride. He was so thankful and glad that he would not be late for work.
December 7th, 2007 at 11:04 am
I held the door open for the person behind me, I stopped to let another car get into traffic, and I let the person behind me in line at walmart go ahead of me.
December 7th, 2007 at 6:21 pm
I do this every year… I volunteer at my local hospital on the 23rd where we hold a big party for all patients who need to stay at the hospital during the holidays and who do not have much family… it is a lot of fun!!
December 8th, 2007 at 5:17 pm
I had just figured out how to use the electronic parking ticketing system. The person who waited behind me as I was just completing transaction was from out of town and just as confused. I did the thing that I wished someone had done for me and stayed to show him how to work the machine.
December 9th, 2007 at 9:00 am
This isn’t about the contest, but how ironic life is.
I was at the pharmacy yesterday and saw an elderly man trying to see how many pills he could get filled with $5 until he got his monthly check. The total for both scripts would be $20 but he only had $5. I asked if I could put his scripts on my card when I picked mine up and they said ok, after looking at me funny.
The man found out what I did while I was waiting and he came up to talk to me. He said he got laid off (and found out) from the same plant my husband got laid off from and he was too old to go anywhere else. Come to find out after getting his name, my husband knew him and he (the elderly man) gave alot of money when my husband’s mother was ill (she worked at the factory with them) and had to have surgery. I thought it was funny how life works sometimes.
December 9th, 2007 at 5:31 pm
I just made a bit of cleaning at home and gave to my local thrift shop about 3 bigs bags of clothing
I am really proud!! because all the stuff is in great condition
December 10th, 2007 at 11:22 am
What up, C-Money? I’m not going to do the contest (not because I’m an evil prick, but because I don’t think any of the stuff I do is particularly kind, more like polite), but I think it’s a great idea.
December 10th, 2007 at 12:52 pm
Awesome contest idea!
I just bought kitchen supplies for a large family that lost their home to a fire a few weeks ago.
December 10th, 2007 at 2:44 pm
What a wonderful idea!
I must be on the same wave-length as Lily ~ I spent the weekend cleaning out closets, and I just returned from dropping off clothing at our local thrift store.
December 10th, 2007 at 6:41 pm
Mine is really simple, but I ride the subway each day to University and back, and I happen to go at times when there’s a lot of old people. When I can, I give up my seat for them, because it’s hard keeping your balance when you’re young, I don’t want to try it when you’re old.
December 11th, 2007 at 9:59 am
Well, I really don’t like speaking of things I do for others — it goes against my grain — but for the sake of the contest, I will.
I always choose at least three kids (from the list our church gets) to buy Christmas presents for — they never know who buys them. I always pick three because that’s how many kids I have.
I have about four huge boxes full of giveaway items and clothing (some, I’m sad to report, with tags still on them) which will go to Goodwill. This goes on all year long.
Also, all year long, I let folks into traffic or ahead of me in line (especially at the grocery store when my cart is loaded and they only have one or two items — though the self-service registers have pretty much taken care of that)
We always buy our Christmas tree/pumpkins from churches who use the money they raise for missions, etc.
I give away books from my personal bookshelf on my forum as a way to say thank you to all the people who have supported my writing and who have encouraged me as I try to get published.
Okay, that’s enough for me — I already feel funny…
December 11th, 2007 at 10:06 am
Our family buys toys for the Toys For Tots campaign every year. My kids can’t seem to comprhend that there are kids out there that don’t get toys for Christmas, so we do our small part for those in need. And it makes us feel good.
All through the year, I leave a bottle of water in my mailbox about once a week for my mail carrier. She seems to appreciate it.
December 11th, 2007 at 10:38 am
I blogged it and did it (adn I’m gonna go do it again)! Again a great idea Colleen
December 11th, 2007 at 1:02 pm
Me and my daughter were at the grocery store the other day and just getting out of the car when we saw a van hit a parked car and it backed up and took off out of the parking lot. We managed to get a partial license plate, called the police and waited until the police got there. Gave them all the info, description and everything. Turned out it was the managers wifes car and they caught the person before we were done giving them all the info.
I also take all the books that I have read to the nursing home where my fil is. The people there love it.
December 11th, 2007 at 1:04 pm
I meant it was the managers wifes car that got hit. LOL Thought I should clear that up. LOL
December 11th, 2007 at 2:10 pm
Ok heres my “Pay It Forward Story”. Well I lost my father in October of this year. It was very unexpected.He had a heart attact in his sleep. And left behind his kids which are grown , grandkids, that are still little & his wife & 3 dogs that he loved alot. Well he had a boxer( dog) that he really cared alot about she would get up in the morning , when the other dogs would still be asleep with my mom. And she would get to go on walks with my father & even gets treats out my dads pocket that he would put there for her. My dad talked to that dog like he was her daughter. Lol. But when my father died my mom called me & said Amber im sorry sis but im going to have to find a home for Sammy the dog, my heart was broken shes been in the family for a lil while. Because she was starting to fight with the other dogs but was very gentle around kids. My mom called the vet & they said that the dog was grieving for my dad.And she was my dad’s b-day present one year..So we spent days & hours trying to find her a home no one would take her. Then one day me & my husband was at our good friends house & so I decided to ask him if knew anyone that would want a boxer that was still a puppy & good with kids.Our good friends wife said yes we have been looking for a boxer to help get Rusty’s spirits back up & have something to keep his mind occupied, because Rusty is fighting Terminal Cancer. And hes only 36. So they said call your Mom & tell her we want her. So I made the phone call to my mom. And we took her over to her new home & she instantly got so happy & was howling with our friends one night when they was singing to some music on the radio. So I helped my mom& them out too. But thats my “Paying It Forward Story”.
December 11th, 2007 at 9:03 pm
I think this is such a great idea ~ not only at Christmas, but all year long.
I took 8 coats to our local warm hearts/warm coats drive today.
December 11th, 2007 at 10:44 pm
i feel a little odd about it because it seems like a very “O. Henry” sort of statement but i donated about 12 inches of my hair to a cancer center the other day.
December 11th, 2007 at 10:56 pm
I actually have 2 stories.
The first one: I was at a shopping center, and there was this lady with 2 children. She was holding one by the hand, and the other was in a stroller. She felt in the escalator! I tried catching her first, and failed so I grabbed the 2 years old and the baby in the stroller and ran down to see if the mother was alright. Thank God she someone else caught her as she fell. She was scared, but fine.
My second story: I have been “working” the streets for a few weeks now. By that, I mean that I have been meeting with homeless people on the streets, feeding them and talking to them, give them warmth as winter started already. For Xmas, I will be shopping for them…finding warm clothes or sleeping bag so that they can make it through our rough winter.
December 12th, 2007 at 2:02 am
One year, just before Christmas, my daughter and I returne a lost wallet to a man with three children. He had just cashed his paycheck, and was so happy to get the wallet back he asked if he could give me a hug. My daughter and I still talk about how good it felt to give that wallet back to him.
December 12th, 2007 at 11:31 am
My daughter was at horseback riding when the grandson of the owner was dropped off without his car seat. I couldnt let him be driven home without it (he was only 3) and because my youngest wasnt with me, I offered to drive him home. It was only 5 miles out of my way but I was happy to do it.
The very next day goodwill was returned to me as I was driving my oldest to school. A woman who was driving to church honked and drove up aside me to inform me that my tire was low. She offered to follow me to the maintenance shop and then drove my daughter to school. Because she was running late( bless her heart), she offered to let me use her car while she was in church and return to pick her up an hour later. I was flabbergasted. Particularly since when I got behind the wheel, I realized the car was a mercedes and I could barely figure out the controls.
Imagine being that trusting.
Anyways, this happened a few months back, but I still cant get over it.
Have a great holiday.
December 12th, 2007 at 3:14 pm
Well, I have been reading all the other entries and have gotten somegreat ideas. I also wanted to add a couple “Pay it Fowards” I have had the pleasure of doing:
1 - My best friends brother lost his job in November and they were struggling ALOT. His wife happens to sell beauty products. I am in charge of the company gift this year and decided to buy a large quantity of product from her - thereby giving them some much needed bill money and my employees a great Christmas gift.
2 - I try to shovel the neighbors walks when I can. they are probably more than capable but I get exercise and they get a little more time to spend with their families.
3 - I hold the door open for people behind me AND I thank those kind people who do it for me.
4 - I give fresh flowers out of my rose garden to family and friends to brighten their day.
Happy Holidays All & Thanks Colleen for reminding us to “Pay It Forward”
December 12th, 2007 at 3:28 pm
I have another pay it forward. My wonderful hubby who I lost in October always used to get so upset with me because when we went into the store (we live in a small town) I would talk to everyone. I’m always friendly, smile at them, I make sure that I read their name tags so I know their names, and I’m one of those people that I call everyone hon. LOL I told him that you never know if that person is having a bad day or not, or if the customer before you was hateful. Just that little bit of time that I give might brighten their day. He thought about it and so he started doing it too. Everyone was always so friendly to us and knew us very well because of this. Well our pay it forward came back to us when he passed. These wonderful people at the stores we went to everyday took up collections, made sure that me and my family had food to eat during those rough days, and were there for me in more ways than I can imagine. I have made some wonderful friends because I took the time to care.
December 12th, 2007 at 6:11 pm
Hello COlleen I have posted about the contest information on my blog.
My pay it forward I did this month was donated a box of books to charity
It felt good to do that and I hope the people will enjoy reading the books. I think it’s very nice to donate books to others and share the love of reading.
Hugssss
LindaH
December 12th, 2007 at 6:16 pm
I have another Pay It Forward
My sister in law had a baby boy in November. She trusted me enough to ask me to stay with her for two weeks and help her. I said yes I missed my fiance during those days but it was worth it. I had a great time with the new baby and getting to know my sister in law better.
Hugssss
LindaH
December 12th, 2007 at 9:56 pm
I am dragging, but I did finally get the contest posted on both my blogs: A Reader’s Journal and .
December 12th, 2007 at 9:57 pm
Whoops! Didn’t look like the second blog got listed. I’ll try again. In Season
December 13th, 2007 at 11:15 am
I stopped to let someone enter into morning traffic. Maybe not a big thing, but you’d be surprised at how crazy the drivers in this town are.
December 13th, 2007 at 11:16 am
I helped host a party for kiddo’s french club (26 kids) at my sister’s house ~ actually, I was the babysitter. But, I helped host the party and helped clean up afterwards.
December 13th, 2007 at 2:15 pm
Wonderful idea! I love it.
I helped furnish Christmas gifts and dinner for some less fortunate families!
December 14th, 2007 at 12:19 am
I love this idea, and its nice to see the kind things people are doing during the holiday season. One of the student orgs I’m in at law school did an “Angel Tree” program where we collected gifts from “wish lists” for less fortunate children this holiday season. It was fun- and really great to see both the students and faculty step up to the challenge.
December 14th, 2007 at 2:07 pm
I organized a blood drive at work (and also donated).
December 14th, 2007 at 2:11 pm
Yesterday when I went to my pick my children up from shcool, my neighbour was picking up her four children, and had bags of heavy groceries so I carried some home for her.
December 14th, 2007 at 5:01 pm
This time of year our library accepts canned goods for fines. I only needed to take 1 can to cover my fine, but I took 3.
December 14th, 2007 at 7:26 pm
I was in the bus yesterday and saw a woman with a lot of bags… so i gave her my seat… and satyed 30 minutes on my feet after 12 hours on the job!!
December 14th, 2007 at 7:28 pm
Yesterday, I told my friend that I would pick her up super early…because she had an important appointment… and I hate car-pooling!!
December 14th, 2007 at 7:29 pm
I helped my mom with the christmas meal preparation - it was time to begin the baking!!! when I had a final the day after… I know it was just stupid, but I also love food
December 14th, 2007 at 7:31 pm
My mom and I are gooing this saturday to help pack baskets for christmas and help out with gift wrapping at our local community center.
December 15th, 2007 at 1:29 am
Pay It Forward. Yesterday I helped a guy who lives in my building with the door. He had a hand full of grocery bags & a big thing of Pizza pie in his hand so I opened the door for him. He smiles and said thank you
Hugssss
LindaH
December 16th, 2007 at 12:05 pm
I was in the supermarket and late as usual… and I saw a woman struggling with her bags… and I helped her to put them in her car… even if I was late to a class… she was a nice old lady though
December 16th, 2007 at 12:07 pm
My friend was supposed to be working yesterday, a saturday, but it was her mom’s birthday, so I excahnged with her… when I didn’ even have to work on the week-end… That is REALLY nice!
PS: I have regretted it a bit though
December 16th, 2007 at 5:12 pm
I have a couple pay it forwards:
~ the usual holding the door open for a large group of frazzled shoppers on the way out of the mall with too many bags in hand to open the door themselves.
~ Let a pregnant woman with a 3 yr old ahead of us in line at Costco.
~ last week my dad and I saw the local homeless man Louie going into McD’s. We went back in and bought him coffee and a burger and dad gave him some money.
December 16th, 2007 at 5:34 pm
I don’t think I’m sacrificing anything when I open a door for someone, letting someone in ahead of me in line, or in traffic. There are other things I do because I chose to do them. That’s how I live my life.
December 17th, 2007 at 11:31 am
Colleen ~ Did you hear the story about the starbuck’s in south Florida? Evidently, the car in front paid for the person behind them all day long. I thought of you when I heard this story.
December 18th, 2007 at 11:41 am
My husband and I loaded up a box of groceries early this week and took it down to the local food bank and my 15 year old son bought tennis balls for our local animal shelter. (the dogs love to play with the balls)
Merry Christmas everyone!
December 18th, 2007 at 3:13 pm
It was pouring with rain, I had just finished a workout at 24 Hour Fitness and ran to my car. I was just reversing out when I noticed the car parked next to me had its windshield wipers going and no one in the car. I realized that this would eventually run the battery down (though I didn’t think the windshield wipers kept working once you switched off the engine). Anyway, I have to admit that if I hadn’t read your challenge yesterday, I may well have said, Ah well, too bad, I’m sure they’ll be OK. But instead, you galvanized me into memorizing the registration number, then I parked right outside the club on a red line, ran in, asked for a pen and paper and wrote down the number so they could announce this over the speaker system and find the driver. Thanks, Colleen!
December 18th, 2007 at 4:26 pm
I was inspired by a display at my bank branch (and by your post) to put together a stocking full of toys for the Salvation Army drive. I don’t usually do things like this, but I’m glad I did. Shopping for toys and necessities for a young boy was a blast, and I hope the gift brightens someone’s holiday! It’s so heartwarming to read everyone’s good deeds.
December 19th, 2007 at 9:57 am
1. I helped out a friend who was doing her master thesis in architecture… she needed someone to help her build buildings.
2. We had a lot of snow last Sunday and I helped out my neighbor whose car was stuck.
December 19th, 2007 at 7:57 pm
I also helped a friend study even if I still had a lot of work to do!
December 19th, 2007 at 8:03 pm
I also helped a neighbour clear his drive-way from all the snow!
December 20th, 2007 at 7:37 pm
I heard about a single mom with a baby girl who was walking everywhere with the baby, the baby was constantly sick and the mom was having a hard time paying for meds and saving money for a car, so my husband and I gave her a car I had from before we got married, for Christmas. We have also sponsored Christmas for her and the baby. The rest of my family has helped out with her Christmas dinner.
December 21st, 2007 at 2:57 pm
I gave my car for the day to my dad for him to go to an important meeting!