Giving Goggles is a site dedicated to creating a nationwide movement and shift in the way we think, treat others and make a difference in the lives of others with small actions that add up to big change.
We challenge you to put on your giving goggles and begin looking at the people around you differently. Ask yourself “How Can I Make a Difference With a Small Action?” It could be as simple as smiling, or telling the cashier at the grocery store “Thank you for making this a nice place to shop!”, it could be offering to help someone struggling with carrying too many groceries, offering to grab that empty shopping cart in the parking lot and taking it inside for someone (Ok — yes I’m a mom and spend way too much time at the store!) but I think you understand what I’m getting at.
We can give in so many ways!! Whether it is a gesture or words, our time, sharing our resources, or financial giving. And yes — I know you have heard this all before — but here is the twist — here is where I want your thinking to shift — do these things without any expectation of something in return, without an ulterior motive or hidden agenda. Put on your Giving Goggles and just aim to be a better person and make a difference in someone’s life each day. SMALL actions add up to a BIG difference. Just imagine if even half our our country operated with this mindset on a daily basis what it would be like! AMAZING!
Giving Goggles was inspired by a fundraiser that I’m putting together for an unbelievable 15 year old girl that is a 2 time cancer survivor that was paralyzed last year. She is an amazing inspiration of hope, courage and strength and she desperately wants to walk again but the financial burden of her medical care has left her family unable to pay for the therapy she needs or to provide a home that is suitable for her wheelchair. Savanah Hinson was the daughter of a contractor that was working at my house. After visiting with him a bit and hearing about his daughter’s situation, I was overwhelmed and felt compelled to do something to help this wonderful family.
After thinking about the situation, I just thought — who wouldn’t give up a high priced coffee this week, skip a lunch through the drive thru, or skip going to the movies and take that and help with a situation like Savanah’s. There are so many big charities out there that we give to, but where does that money really go? Wouldn’t it be nice to have a place to take causes like Savanah’s that don’t have a non-profit set up and give a small amount that you know is going to be 100% applied to the person and their situation?
Enter — Giving Goggles — I decided to create the Giving Goggles site to bring together the amazing givers in our country and create a place for creative giving ideas and a place to where we can come together for causes like this.
While Savanah’s particular situation is a financial need, I don’t want the GG to only be about giving with financial resources. I want to hear the amazing and creative ways that you are making a difference with words, gestures, time, and resources. Maybe there is even someone that just needs to have support and know there is a group out their cheering them on — Giving Goggles members can send encouraging emails and tweets to situations like that too. I’m sure there are loads of other ideas that will evolve as we “Get This Party” started here!
I’m looking forward to sharing more about the first cause that we are going to be supporting in Helping Savanah Walk Again! We are pulling things together now and are so excited to see the small actions make a big difference in her life and others.