Spreading Joy Makes Big Things Out of Small Efforts

Marie Wikle likes using simple means to focus on others.

“I’ve always been a lover of giving note cards,” she says. 

One day, a friend thanked Wikle for always “spreading joy” with her cards.

“When [the friend] said the words ‘spreading joy’ together, my mind started racing. I first thought of a non-profit that would help make dreams come true for ‘everyday’ people,” Wikle said.

She worked on ideas for a while and in 2008 the Spreading Joy Corporation was born. 

A 501(3)(c) non-profit organization, Spreading Joy is “dedicated to reminding others that they can make a difference by doing what they can, where they are, with what they have, regardless of what or how much that is. Thus, enriching our communities by encouraging individuals to focus on others every day.”

Spreading Joy is made up of about 10 volunteers. All funds (minus PayPal fees) go directly back in to supporting others. Wikle, who is also an “unpaid employee,” makes donations from her own money to cover administrative costs like business cards, stamps and other overhead items. 

The organization’s mission is basic: each day try to learn of others who need help and support them. Wikle says ways can be small, even something just to make someone smile. Sometimes she leaves chocolate goodies on co-workers’ desks or hands them out to strangers she passes.

“Most days, I’m doing the little things that make life big for other people.”

However, Spreading Joy efforts do help on large scales, too. Previous projects include providing toys to needy children, helping people with food, electricity and medical costs, and providing school supplies to 800 children.  They have also helped a family get a refrigerator after being without one for months, and provided two years of paid rent for an individual in need. 

“What we’ve done is awesome, it truly is, but I struggle with the fact that I cannot do more,” Wikle states.

 The organization is currently working on their Back-to-School 2010 Project.

We know that back to school should be exciting for children, but we understand that many are actually dreading it as they know it will be a struggle because they do not have the items needed for school.  We’d love to give a book bag filled with 16 different school supplies to 1000 children.

They are seeking funding and donations to support the project.

Wikle says it really is all about small things each day.

“Many people feel that if they can’t give ‘big’ that they can’t make a huge impact, and that is simply not true.  We want to remind people that ‘There’s NO joy like spreading joy’ and emphasize that each gift, regardless of its size or type makes a huge difference.  You never know which gift will make a life changing impact.” 

HOW CAN YOU HELP SPREAD JOY?

Visit the Spreading Joy website to make monetary donations through PayPal.

Spreading Joy needs donations of journals, pens, thank you/thinking of you cards, packaging supplies, stamps, $10 gift cards (national chains), and other items.

CONTACT SPREADING JOY

Mailing Address: PO Box 1771 Denver NC 28037

Website: Spreading Joy Corporation

Twitter: spreadingJOY

Also, check out Spreading Joy’s YouTube Channel for videos on their efforts.

Volunteering, charity work

Tags: charity, volunteering

Category: GiveBackIn