Barbara Hart Email & Phone Number

I Paid It Forward (ipaiditforward.org) is a result of a kindness of food given during the holidays in 2009 to an out of work mother with two children. With that kindness, that mother vowed to "pay it forward" with an big act of kindness. That kindness presents itself as children who need shoes. As an athletic, the mom realized that many low income school children don't have enough money to purchase running shoes. She contacted the big shoe manufacturers, who generously donated shoes for her cause. In turn, she contacted schools in the Vancouver, Washington metro area, asking if they would let her know of children who need shoes. When she receives a request, she collects shoes in that child's size, and visits the child in the school's office. The child is fitted with a new pair of shoes, and given a letter of explanation to share with the child's folks. In addition, a business-size card is given to the child with a request that the child find another child who needs shoes. The card is a gift of shoes for the other child. On the card is a way to contact I Paid It Forward.The gift of shoes is both empowering to the receiving child, and allows the good deed to be "paid forward" when that child finds another in need.

Listed skills include Fundraising and Process Writing.