Round 2 of my kindness project went great! During our last trip, people were not too receptive of us as we tried to give out our envelopes containing the 2 smile cards, dollar and note. Because of that, little Rachel and I anonymously left them for people to find on chairs and tables of a local mall. We had a lot of fun doing that.
For round 2, we wanted to try again to make it a little more interactive. Rachel and I talked about ideas (she's a very smart little 4 1/2 year old!) and decided we would compromise. Instead of just leaving them on an empty table, we decided to walk through the eating area of another mall and set them on the tables where people were sitting. That way people would get them but not feel uncomfortable if we tried to hand it to them directly and we could see who received them. As we made our way through the area my little princess and I would take turns setting them on people's tables. This went great! They would smile at us, a few thanked Rachel and we kept walking the entire time. We gave out nearly 50 of them in 10 minutes. We smiled and laughed as we left. We still had about a dozen or so left, even after we had mailed a few to some people we knew would pay it forward!
For the last batch, I decided to give them out at the hospital on Monday. I knew I would be there anyway and I figured that people visiting there could surely use a smile. I found 2 waiting rooms that were perfect to give out the last for my project. I set each envelope and told each group "I hope this makes you smile" and walk off.
I would like to thank the helpothers team for allowing me the chance to make my project a reality. My daughter and I had a great time doing this and we know whether we hear from them or not that it will have touched a few hearts out there. More importantly to me, I had a chance to provide some "on the job training" for a future helpothers member, my daughter Rachel. She wants to do it again and we most certainly will do something. Thanks to all of you for your support and for allowing me to share this with you. Everything matters, no matter how small the act. I was able to witness that firsthand with this project and it has truly changed me!
On Aug 5, 2008, wayfarer says:
Geoff, I think you are fantastic. There are just so many wonderful aspects to what you did I don't know where to begin. You are a Kindness Hero!
On Aug 5, 2008, Starbrite says:
This is just the best ever!!! I love how easily your daughter understood what you were doing. Just beautiful! I love the hospital idea. We all know how welcome a smile at the hospital can be. God bless. ~Starbrite
On Aug 5, 2008, Caratyzna says:
Kids always seem so much more receptive to these things, but grow out of it if it isn't encouraged. Good for you for making sure she knows how great it is. =)
On Aug 5, 2008, JuneBug says:
I am at a loss to words...Just awesome, MSS!!! God bless you AND little Rachel!! I really love the hospital idea the best!!!! :)
On Aug 5, 2008, Grammagussie says:
Oh wow..I bet both you and your daughter were walking in the clouds after this experiment. I'm so glad it was such a success, and think of the lasting memories.
On Aug 5, 2008, Modestobob says:
Geoff that is a great project for you and Rachel and really has so many applications for us all. Thank you for the details of your project. I'm confident that many of those 100 will pay it forward. You may have created a "tidal wave of good will and happiness" that we will all benefit from in the future! You're awesome Geoff! ~ModestoBob
On Aug 5, 2008, vsoul says:
Superb !! Just an idea, when rachel becomes a member of helpothers her ID could be "makesomeonelaugh" or "makesomeonehappy". She is a blessing. Love to both of you.
On Aug 5, 2008, maer says:
Way to go! Thanks so much for your ideas.
On Aug 5, 2008, Anju73 says:
Your daughter resembels so much with my daughter. Daughters are angles. Love - Anju
On Aug 6, 2008, Tigerlily says:
You put the "awwww" in awesome!
On Aug 6, 2008, lmil1954 says:
I totally agree with Tigerlily! Im so glad to read this post! You're the best, no wonder you have the best daughter!
Love, Linda:)
On Aug 6, 2008, AURELIA says:
Great .... Bravo!!!! So glad that you had Rachel as a partner ... the two of you SHINE together :) ~Aurelia
On Aug 6, 2008, Nandi says:
GREAT Job, MSS & Rachel! I was not aware of your kindness project, good u let us know.
I'm very happy about the hospital thing, I too visit hospitals to reach out to people and know the pain they go through!!
You are planning to do it again and may I suggest that u go to the homeless, orphanages or old people's homes...do if u feel like. That would be an even more satisfying and wonderful experience for u guys and the recipients as well!!
Thanks a lot on the behalf of all those people u reached out to and couldn't thank u...and of course, from me too A BIG 'THANK U' for being so kind and also for teaching Rachel to be so!
Nandi
On Aug 6, 2008, Nandi says:
Just read June's post and got to know that u guys set out on this kindness project even when u were going thro' hard time since ur dad was in the hospital!
BRAVO MSS & Rachel! Keep up the good work, u guys are diamonds!!
Please convey my very best wishes to ur dad for the speedy recovery from whatever he's going thro'! I'll pray for him!!
A BIG HUG to u & Rachel! :)
Nandi
On Aug 7, 2008, onefish2fish says:
WOW a HUGE thumbs up!! I have yet to do it but i really am planning to once i have a little extra money. what a wonderful way to spread the smiles! BRAVO! ~Stacey
On Aug 7, 2008, lovebug says:
You already know I have a big question mark above me head. I always did wonder how your got your big heart. Now I know. You have a 4 1/2 year old daughter and you have not had the time to tell her to grow up. Thank God we all keep you busy.
On Aug 5, 2008, 
