This post is updated regularly, so be sure to stop in again to see how the kindness is spreading!!
Loon Lake's Pay it Forward Project is all about spreading kindness throughout the world. The choices you make every day can impact someone else, so why not choose to be kind? We are!
To learn how our Pay it Forward Project works, check out the video above. To see how our kindness is being paid forward, check out below!
Kindergarten
Kindergarten teachers and students at Loon Lake have adopted a kindness project for the year. They are collecting items for an organization called Project Night Night that provides homeless children with a special tote bag. Each tote includes a book, stuffed animal and a blanket. With the first collection, they have 38 Project Night Night totes. They also have a huge box of toiletries and another huge box of pajamas, socks undergarments and warm winter things. The staff at Loon Lake helped out too and between staff and kindergarten students, they raised $212 to help cover the costs of Project Night Night totes and to purchase items needed to make a complete tote.
H-10: Jordan bought the items in the cart of the woman behind her in line at Target. After explaining Jordan's school project, we realized the woman is a teacher in the district. Wixom, MI
H-11: My family received a beautiful turkey picture hand drawn and colored by Dominic on Thanksgiving Day! It was so thoughtful. We are excited to spead the kindness along. Livonia, MI
H-11: We received cookies and hot cocoa packets. Livonia, MI
H-12: My family was in the drive-thru at McDonald's today on Whitmore Lake Rd and the man in front of me gave us the act of kindness buying our lunch. I was very surprised. It put a big smile on our aces. Thank you so much! It made our day... Happy Holidays to all of you and God Bless you all. Our family will be doing this act of kindness really soon. Whitmore Lake, MI.
H-14: I was lucky enough to be a recipient of your Pay it Forward Project. I received a surprise diet coke (my absolute favorite). Wixom, MI
H-14: Recently we had a student bring us in a bag full of bagels along with cream cheese! Attached to the bag was your "Pay it Forward" note. What a wonderful thing to do. We plan on passing it along today! Thank you so much for your act of kindness. We think it is a great way to help change the world we live in. St. William School, Walled Lake, MI
H-19: My mother received an act of kindness. She received a dozen white roses. My name is Kelli and her name is Dolores. What a great thing to teach kids; we will be spreading the kindness. We live in Commerce,Twp., MI.
T-4: On November 28, 2013 residents on our memory care unit received flowers from two of your studentss. The students passed out a daisy to each individual resident residing on the unit. Henry Ford Village Assisted Living, Dearborn, MI.
T-5: I am writing to let you know that our family just received a wonderful gift from our neighbor children~ our backyard was raked! What wonderful kindness! Thank you Loon Lake Elementary for sharing this opportunity with our community. What a great thing for students to initiate and get others to follow. Wixom, MI
T-5: Thank you so much for the wonderful kindness our family received. We enjoyed the delicious cinnamon rolls. It was a very sweet gesture and we felt very loved. God bless you class!
T-9: Jesse made a card and donated 7 pounds of his Halloween candy to McNutt Dental Care who is participating in Operation Gratitude. They then send the candy to troops overseas-- along with other items such as toothbrushes and toothpaste. Great Job, Jesse!
T-9: We received several bags of items (boxed mashed potatoes, stuffing, corn bread mix, cans of cranberry sauce and vegetables). These items will be distributed by the food give-away program on November 23rd to anyone in need in the Toledo and southeast MI area. These groceries will feed 4 families this Thanksgiving along with a turkey donated by others. This will be extra special to those who may have been hurt by the 5 tornadoes that did so much damage in this area last weekend. We will put your Pay it Forward card in with one of the family's box of holiday food. Thank you so much for your kindness.
MZ-3: Nicole worked hard to earn coke rewards for her school.
MZ-5: On November 28, 2013 residents on our memory care unit received flowers from two of your students. The students passed out a daisy to each individual resident residing on the unit. Henry Ford Village Assisted Living, Dearborn, MI.
MZ-6: I just wanted to share that today after school, Makenzie took it upon herself to fold a basket of clothes and surprised me with it. I told her it was very kind of her and I really appreciate the help.
MZ-11: Pumpkin muffins delivered to our door. We are new to the neighborhood. Wixom, MI
MZ-15: Logan was so thoughtful and brought Carson and Cooper their favorite candy! Commerce TWP, MI
MZ-17: This is a short note to let you know that Samantha P. showed such kindness as she brought many bags (gifts) for our Toys for Tots campaign, here at MST, in South Lyon, Mi. What a delight she was! And so generous, too. This will truly be a blessing for the children that will be lucky enough to receive her gifts. Thank you from the MST Team in helping build our inventory for the Toys for Tots campaign! This Kindness Project is a wonderful idea for children and I was so happy to be a part of it with Samantha. South Lyon, MI.
MZ-22: She did an amazing job cleaning her room. Wolverine Lake, MI.
MZ-23: My nice neighbor, Andrea and her daughter Isabel, raked my leaves for me on Saturday before my open house. I will miss them once I move. What a wonderful project to do! Brighton, MI.
MZ-24: I received my dozen donuts for free at the Looney Baker in Livonia, Michigan.
L-14: Hello, a new friend played ponies with me. Madisyn (5 yrs old). Commerce Twp, MI
L-14: Someone drew us a beautiful family picture! Milford, MI.
L-14: I received a wonderful thank you note for extra help to Maddie's Grandma and Grandpa. I got a wonderful bag of nuts and dried cherries from Michigan. It will be a snack while I am delivering the mail. My good deed- I am always looking for ways to help our veterans. Our post office is collecting things for homeless veterans- food, toiletries, clothes, etc. My husband and I will take what we get dow to the A2 VA. Good luck children and remember, giving a smile to a stranger is one of the best deeds you can give and share.
I wanted to say thank you to staff and a few people I didn't know who stopped by to check on me (or alerting someone that I may need help!) today after my car spun out and was stuck on Loon Lake Road. Thank you also to those for checking on me once I was in my room. I was taking it slow, but must have hit the ice patch just right. I am doing OK and the car seemed good once it was pulled out mid-morning. Than you to Chrissy and Anita for rides to and from my car! Thank you also to Angie for talking me down after and getting my room ready and watching my class! Thank you Karen for checking on me too! That was the bonus part to that happening~ being reminded of what a wonderful supportive staff and community we have!
First Grade
B-9: On November 15th, Colton helped my husband and I move into our new house. He spent the entire day moving (light) boxes, unloading the contents into proper rooms, setting pictures against walls in the room they belong and even helped put together my daughter's room! Such a delight to have a great little helper all day. West Bloomfield, MI.
B-26: Shaylee made a beautiful bracelet for me. Wolverine Lake, MI
B-26: A Christmas Card from a friend. Richmond, KY
B-26: My name is Andrea and I am currently living in Richmond, Kentucky. I received the "pay it Forward" card from Tamara of the EKU Upward Bound program. I was completing an internship at the program at the time. The act of kindness I received was from Tamara. The day she gave me the card, the staff wen tout to lunch. Since it was my last day at the program, Tamara paid for my lunch! Thanks!
B-28: My daughter cleaned the house. Commerce Twp, MI
B-28: Received a home made Christmas table centerpiece. West Bloomfield, MI.
D-2: Michelle has worked really hard collecting points from family and friends to donate back to the school (my coke rewards). They thought it would be nice to give back to their school.
D-12: Your student, Zahraa, has raked our yard for us. We appreciate her kindness. Walled Lake, MI
T-20: I received a beautiful bouquet of flowers, a plate of blueberry muffin squares and a delicious smelling candle in a jar. What a wonderful thing you are doing! I can't wait to spread some kindness to someone else!!!!! Walled Lake, MI
T-20: I received some scratch off lottery tickets. I am from White Lake, MI.
T-23: Jason helped me make cookies yesterday. He got all the ingredients out, measured everything and rolled all the cookies in sugar and placed on them on a baking sheet. Then he even cleaned all the dishes. Today we will take the card outside of our home and pay it forward. Wixom, MI.
T-23: I received a gift bag with candle holders and a bag of cookies from a young boy from my neighborhood. He was excited to give it to me. Thanks for teaching an often overlooked character trait--kindness. I think the students will remember their acts of kindness and this project for a long time. Novi, MI.
Second Grade
M-6: Maddie invited me to her home to share a Sunday lunch with her and her family. Thank you for participating in such a wonderful program to instill life long kindness in the children at Loon Lake Elementary. Commerce Twp., MI
M-7: Thank you for your act of kindness buying my McDonalds Sausage & Biscuit at Walled Lake this morning. I will be sure to pass on a act of kindness when best needed. Wolverine Lake, MI.
S-6: I received an act of kindness from my daughter, Lauren. She noticed a cut on my finger and quickly came to my aid by getting me a band-aid. She showed me a great amount of love and comfort. Commerce Twp., MI
S-10: Thanks to Nolan and Colin for helping to paint the set for our upcoming production of "The Jungle Book KIDS." They painted with their mom for 2 hours yesterday! Hickory Woods Elementary, Novi, MI
S-12: My husband and I recently asked friends and family to help us pack for a move across the metro Detroit area. We received help from many on November 15th to help us pack all our remaining items before the move the next day. Two Loon Lake Elementary students helped us pack. We thank everyone for their support.
S-16: Monetary Donation (Hospitality House), Walled Lake, MI.
S-19: Bob shared a tray of fresh venison sausage and crackers with me. Vermontville, Vicky
S-19: I received a wonderful recipe from a friend that I plan to use for the upcoming holidays. Eaton Rapids, MI.
S-19 I received a Thanksgiving card and picture from the Shatrau Family. Jackson, MI.
H-3: We received the gift cards and notes that the children sent. We appreciate the cards from Mitchell, Ryan, Jason & Tyler. We are sharing them with families and children who lost everything in the tornado on Nov. 17, 2013. The families in our community are sharing and helping one another. Appreciatively, St. Patrick's School Washington, IL.
H-11: My name is Sarah and I teach catechism at Mother of God Chaldean Church in Southfield, MI. Today a wonderful student named Nathan donated a large bag full of toys and clothes for our toy drive! Thank you for all that you guys are doing! There should be more projects like this out there.
U-17: I love the Kindness project! What an incredible gift you are giving to your students, the abiliy to think of someone beyond themselves. This project forced them to think of something that would mean something to another person. I received my kindness from 2-U-17. I am the manager for the 9-1-1 center in Scottsdale Arizona. I have been in law enforcement for 32 years. My niece sent a thank you card to my local police department- Phoenix Police, for keeping my city safe. She had to have given consideration to the fact that police are dear to my heart and that this would mean somethng to me. Her card included a beautiful drawing of two police officers walking a beat in a colorful, vibrant city. The sun shined brightly (as it always does here).
I'll be following your kindness project and suggesting it to my daughter Emily who will begin her semester of student teaching next month in Tucson, AZ.
M-6: Maddie invited me to her home to share a Sunday lunch with her and her family. Thank you for participating in such a wonderful program to instill life long kindness in the children at Loon Lake Elementary. Commerce Twp., MI
M-7: Thank you for your act of kindness buying my McDonalds Sausage & Biscuit at Walled Lake this morning. I will be sure to pass on a act of kindness when best needed. Wolverine Lake, MI.
S-6: I received an act of kindness from my daughter, Lauren. She noticed a cut on my finger and quickly came to my aid by getting me a band-aid. She showed me a great amount of love and comfort. Commerce Twp., MI
S-10: Thanks to Nolan and Colin for helping to paint the set for our upcoming production of "The Jungle Book KIDS." They painted with their mom for 2 hours yesterday! Hickory Woods Elementary, Novi, MI
S-12: My husband and I recently asked friends and family to help us pack for a move across the metro Detroit area. We received help from many on November 15th to help us pack all our remaining items before the move the next day. Two Loon Lake Elementary students helped us pack. We thank everyone for their support.
S-16: Monetary Donation (Hospitality House), Walled Lake, MI.
S-19: Bob shared a tray of fresh venison sausage and crackers with me. Vermontville, Vicky
S-19: I received a wonderful recipe from a friend that I plan to use for the upcoming holidays. Eaton Rapids, MI.
S-19 I received a Thanksgiving card and picture from the Shatrau Family. Jackson, MI.
H-3: We received the gift cards and notes that the children sent. We appreciate the cards from Mitchell, Ryan, Jason & Tyler. We are sharing them with families and children who lost everything in the tornado on Nov. 17, 2013. The families in our community are sharing and helping one another. Appreciatively, St. Patrick's School Washington, IL.
H-11: My name is Sarah and I teach catechism at Mother of God Chaldean Church in Southfield, MI. Today a wonderful student named Nathan donated a large bag full of toys and clothes for our toy drive! Thank you for all that you guys are doing! There should be more projects like this out there.
U-17: I love the Kindness project! What an incredible gift you are giving to your students, the abiliy to think of someone beyond themselves. This project forced them to think of something that would mean something to another person. I received my kindness from 2-U-17. I am the manager for the 9-1-1 center in Scottsdale Arizona. I have been in law enforcement for 32 years. My niece sent a thank you card to my local police department- Phoenix Police, for keeping my city safe. She had to have given consideration to the fact that police are dear to my heart and that this would mean somethng to me. Her card included a beautiful drawing of two police officers walking a beat in a colorful, vibrant city. The sun shined brightly (as it always does here).
I'll be following your kindness project and suggesting it to my daughter Emily who will begin her semester of student teaching next month in Tucson, AZ.
Third Grade
H-2: My husband and I are friends of Brandon's family and Brandon was at our home visiting and instead of watching TV or doing his screens, he decided to go outside and help my 77 year old husband blow leaves and help clean up the yard. It was very cold and windy that day so he was very appreciative. Living in today's world, it is so refreshing for a child that age to step forward to assist an older person in need without asking for their help! Walled Lake, MI
H-5: Izzy gave a generous gift card to Loon Lake's crossing guard. Happy Holidays.
H-5: In return for the act of kindness bestowed upon me, I have baked delicious muffins for the teacher to enjoy. Have a great day!
H-9: delivered homemade soup and muffins (muffins made by H9) for a surprise dinner. It happened to be on a VERY busy day and I had no inclination about dinner. What a nice project! I will definitely pass it on. Novi, MI
H-11: Act of kindness to us was shoveling our driveway after the first big snow fall this winter! Now, that took some big muscles to accomplish! Thank you! Commerce TWP, MI
S-16: We received homemade sugar cookies; they were delicious. Walled Lake, MI
S-21: Our family was very happy to receive a Kindness gift from your sweet student, Lea. She made a homemade card and delicious chocolate chip cookies. We (family of 2 former LLE grads turned Spartans) will Pay It Forward to others soon and give them the card. Than you for spreading KINDNESS in your class and beyond. Foxcroft Subdivision in Commerce Twp, MI.
S-27: After the recent heavy snow, I was speaking to my son Adam about me having to go out and use the snow blower to clear the driveway. After going out to try, I slipped and hurt my back so I came back into the house and mumbled to myself that I would try it again the following day and decided to go upstairs and watch some TV in my room and rest my back.
I came downstairs about an hour later and was very surprised to find that my son, Adam, had gone out to the driveway and cleared all the snow with a shovel. This was such a kind and thoughtful act on his behalf. Commerce, MI.
S-28: Antonio helped clean up after the Thanksgiving meal as well as dried the dishes.
W-2: My son, Jack, straightened and organized all of the shoes for me. He showed me with a huge smile on his face. Wolverine Lake, MI
W-2: Thanks very much for the donut and coffee for me and my wife at Tim Hortons!
W-10: Ella came home from school and was extra sweet and kind to her mother because she knew I wasn't feelinig well and had a bad cold. She gave me a big hug and said that she loved me and then was extra helpful all evening. She even helped to clear the table and clean up the dishes after dinner without being asked. I'm the luckiest mom in the world. I will pay it forward too.
W-11: Thank you so much for the wonderful kindness our family received. We enjoyed the delicious cinnamon rolls. It was a very sweet gesture and we all felt very loved! God bless your class!
W-22: Tyler has held the door for me every time for the last two weeks. Today we will take the card outside of our home and pay it forward.
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My name is Brad and I am one of Gavin's neighbors. Today, a few others and Gavin have executed his pay it forward exercise. He has shoveled our driveway and did a fine job. Thanks for teaching him to do the right things in life.
For over 17 years, Gest Omelettes along with their guests, have adopted a local family over the holidays. My mom is the owner of Gest Omelettes and I am blessed that she has shared the power of giving and kindness to me at such a young age. That is why I was very excited to hear that your class was participating in the kindness project!
Fourth Grade
D-14: Just a little note to let you know that Luke did an act of kindness. We came home from shopping one day and the dog had gotten up on the counter and grabbed a box of nerds. They were all over the floor. Luke came in and immediately went to the closet and grabbed the broom and dust pan and cleaned it up before I had a chance to. It was much appreciated! Wixom, MI.
D-18: I got a yummy cup of coffee from D-18 at Walled Lake Central (MI).
N-28:On November 15th, Cooper helped my wife and I move into our new house. He spent the entire day moving (light) boxes, unloading the contents into proper rooms, setting pictures against walls in the room they belong and even put together my son's room! He was the best helper we could have asked for! West Bloomfield, MI.
Loon Lake 4th Graders and Girl Scouts are participating in a service project called Looms for Love. Looms for Love donates rubber band bracelets made from the Rainbow Loom to children's hospitals, nursing homes and other places of choice. The bracelets are given to patients or residents to put a smile on their face and to brighten their day. This project will continue through May. If you'd like to help, they need Rubber Silicone Bands, clasps or completed bracelets. For more information, contact the fourth grade teachers or leave a comment below.
D-14: Just a little note to let you know that Luke did an act of kindness. We came home from shopping one day and the dog had gotten up on the counter and grabbed a box of nerds. They were all over the floor. Luke came in and immediately went to the closet and grabbed the broom and dust pan and cleaned it up before I had a chance to. It was much appreciated! Wixom, MI.
D-18: I got a yummy cup of coffee from D-18 at Walled Lake Central (MI).
N-28:On November 15th, Cooper helped my wife and I move into our new house. He spent the entire day moving (light) boxes, unloading the contents into proper rooms, setting pictures against walls in the room they belong and even put together my son's room! He was the best helper we could have asked for! West Bloomfield, MI.
Fifth Grade
W-21: The student watched our house, brought in our mail and took care of our dogs while we were on vacations. Wolverine Lake, MI.
W-24: Mitchell has said thank you consistently for the last couple weeks. He has even approached me at random times during the day with a list of things I do that he is thankful for. Today we will take the card outside of our home and pay it forward. Wixom, MI
ST-13: Rhianna held a door open for me while I carried stuff into the house. Commerce, MI.
ST-13: I was bought lunch at Total Sports. We then went on a trip to Charleston SC and then to Orlando. Along the way we ran into a couple in need of some help. We were at McDonalds so we purchased a Mc Cards for them. We wished them well and headed on our way.
We then were in Daytona Beach where we ran into a lady in tears. The lady and her family were moving and were tired but they were short $8 for a room for the night. They had their van and trailer loaded up and needed some rest before finishing their journey. We gave them $10 and wished them well. Unfortunately the pay it forward paper was in the bus. We will help another person and pass it along. Thanks for the idea. WE may have helped them anyway, but this made us think a little harder.
SC-4: My husband, Lt Col. Jeffery Kenney received an act of kindness from Loon Lake Elementary School. He received several notes and cards written to the Marines in his Batallion who just returned from Afghanistan. We live in Twentynine Palms, CA.
SC-4: Jacob is a friend of our family and was visiting us last week. We are getting ready for our annual holiday sale at our home and are very busy setting up 12 vendors for the show. Without even being asked, Jacob stepped in and started to mark items, move furniture and watned to help organize everything. Which, I may add, he is an expert! It is very refreshing to see someone his age not being so engrossed in screens and willing to help out a couple of seniors. Walled Lake, MI.
SC-16: I received an Act of Kindness. It was from a lovely 10 year old and it was a gift of a chocolate from from Disney World.
I am at The Villages, FL. What a wonderful program for the children. Congratulations on teaching the children such a good thing. God bless you.
T-4: Nico helped me carry stuff out to my car. Hartland, MI.
T-23: I am writing today to provide an update on your kindness Project, which I think is a fantastic idea. I received the card T-23 one day after my neighbor shoveled my driveway free of snow. I in-turn shoveled MY neighbors driveway (on the other side of me) the very next day and another person's driveway a few days after that. Additionally, while driving yesterday I saw someone stuck in the snow in their car. I pulled over to help them get pushed out (some other people stopped too). In short, even though I have passed on my one act of kindness, I am continuing to help the class spread kindness throughout the world! Thank you and God Bless- Loren
Mrs. Ellis' Class
EL-10: Helped someone move and do laundry!
EL-12: What a great program! We, Commerce Township Deputies, received our breakfast for free at Lulu's on Wednesday. To whom it was that did this, we don't know. But we will pay it forward. Thanks again!
Dr. Cohen's Class
CO-2: I have received kindness from COs. It was the second year she punched holes in the corner of index cards (100s of them) for a Word Ring program I have in my kindergarten class. I will be following your project on your blog! Barb Ozminkowski, Commerce, MI. (Guest Elementary)
CO-14 gave me a lovely surprise when I returned from break. I had a new name plate on my door. I know who I am now and where I belong here at Loon Lake.
CO-16: Took Judi and Jack out for a wonderful breakfast and visit! Waterford, MI.
W-21: The student watched our house, brought in our mail and took care of our dogs while we were on vacations. Wolverine Lake, MI.
W-24: Mitchell has said thank you consistently for the last couple weeks. He has even approached me at random times during the day with a list of things I do that he is thankful for. Today we will take the card outside of our home and pay it forward. Wixom, MI
ST-13: Rhianna held a door open for me while I carried stuff into the house. Commerce, MI.
ST-13: I was bought lunch at Total Sports. We then went on a trip to Charleston SC and then to Orlando. Along the way we ran into a couple in need of some help. We were at McDonalds so we purchased a Mc Cards for them. We wished them well and headed on our way.
We then were in Daytona Beach where we ran into a lady in tears. The lady and her family were moving and were tired but they were short $8 for a room for the night. They had their van and trailer loaded up and needed some rest before finishing their journey. We gave them $10 and wished them well. Unfortunately the pay it forward paper was in the bus. We will help another person and pass it along. Thanks for the idea. WE may have helped them anyway, but this made us think a little harder.
SC-4: My husband, Lt Col. Jeffery Kenney received an act of kindness from Loon Lake Elementary School. He received several notes and cards written to the Marines in his Batallion who just returned from Afghanistan. We live in Twentynine Palms, CA.
SC-4: Jacob is a friend of our family and was visiting us last week. We are getting ready for our annual holiday sale at our home and are very busy setting up 12 vendors for the show. Without even being asked, Jacob stepped in and started to mark items, move furniture and watned to help organize everything. Which, I may add, he is an expert! It is very refreshing to see someone his age not being so engrossed in screens and willing to help out a couple of seniors. Walled Lake, MI.
SC-16: I received an Act of Kindness. It was from a lovely 10 year old and it was a gift of a chocolate from from Disney World.
I am at The Villages, FL. What a wonderful program for the children. Congratulations on teaching the children such a good thing. God bless you.
T-4: Nico helped me carry stuff out to my car. Hartland, MI.
T-23: I am writing today to provide an update on your kindness Project, which I think is a fantastic idea. I received the card T-23 one day after my neighbor shoveled my driveway free of snow. I in-turn shoveled MY neighbors driveway (on the other side of me) the very next day and another person's driveway a few days after that. Additionally, while driving yesterday I saw someone stuck in the snow in their car. I pulled over to help them get pushed out (some other people stopped too). In short, even though I have passed on my one act of kindness, I am continuing to help the class spread kindness throughout the world! Thank you and God Bless- Loren
Mrs. Ellis' Class
EL-10: Helped someone move and do laundry!
EL-12: What a great program! We, Commerce Township Deputies, received our breakfast for free at Lulu's on Wednesday. To whom it was that did this, we don't know. But we will pay it forward. Thanks again!
Dr. Cohen's Class
CO-2: I have received kindness from COs. It was the second year she punched holes in the corner of index cards (100s of them) for a Word Ring program I have in my kindergarten class. I will be following your project on your blog! Barb Ozminkowski, Commerce, MI. (Guest Elementary)
CO-14 gave me a lovely surprise when I returned from break. I had a new name plate on my door. I know who I am now and where I belong here at Loon Lake.
CO-16: Took Judi and Jack out for a wonderful breakfast and visit! Waterford, MI.
