Today I am putting the spotlight on an amazing woman…Diane from My Joyful Heart!
I had the pleasure of meeting Diane this week at a serving project we did with our High School students. We spent an evening in Diane’s My Joyful Heart warehouse helping her organize donated Christmas toys that will be delivered to Chicago children in need before Christmas.
Diane’s story starts like this…
“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.
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!”
Click here to read the full story. You have to read the full story, it’s amazing!
I often hear people say they want to help and do more but that they don’t know where to start. I hope you find encouragement in Diane’s story and help us get the world out about My Joyful Heart.
Want to help? You can do several things!
Pleeeeease, pretty please with sugar on top click here and ‘like’ the My Joyful Heart Facebook page. You’re awesome, thanks so much for helping!!!!
Want to help more?
YOU ROCK!
You can make a monetary donation here .
You could also contact My Joyful Heart and give the gift of time by helping in their warehouse. They need help throughout the entire year not just Christmas time.
One person can make a difference! Look at this transformation with Kenneth….
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.”
Thank you Diane for your outpouring of love, leadership, inspiration and dedication!
Do you know someone who is taking charge and making a difference? Doesn’t matter if it’s big or little? Please reply or send me a private Facebook message. I would love to share their story. Let’s inspire one another and take charge!
Jill Shea is a home business owner, coach and trainer. Her story from college drop out to million dollar business has inspired thousands all over the world. She has over 20 years of business experience, 9 of those in the corporate world, 11 as a work-at-home mom and recently added work in children’s ministry. She specializes in helping others develop the full power of their potential in all areas of life without sacrificing family, time and health.
