Sam's Devotions

Results: Our Selfless Ones are the staff for Sam’s Devotions; we couldn’t do it without them. We currently have 12 Selfless Ones that span 8 states! They do not take a paycheck, work because they want to, not have to… and are rewarded with an enormous sense of personal fulfillment. At the heart of Sam’s Devotions, we celebrate Shared Acts of Kindness. These are spontaneous gestures of goodwill towards men, women, children and animals. We share these acts on-line to generate as many smiles as possible and hopefully spread our mantra, “In a world where you can be anything… be kind.” In our first 3 months we have documented and shared over 70 Acts of Kindness. We have some favorites that we do every chance we get. We have given away countless “Comfort Bags” - distributed to Police and EMS to have on-hand to give to children in traumatic situations (bags contain a stuffed animal, coloring book, markers and tissues). We’ve delivered edible treats such pizzas, cookies and donuts to numerous EMS, Police and Fire Stations. We have handed out bags stuffed with food and personal hygiene products to homeless people. We’ve surprised diners at Sam’s favorite restaurants with gift cards to cover their meal, we’ve given movie-goers tickets and delivered flowers to hard-working staff in every field. We have supported local animal shelters by donating food, treats and toys. We’ve also provided assistance every chance we get, donating relief packages to the recent flood victims in Louisiana and West Virginia. When supplies were low, we re-stocked the family pantry at the Oncology floor at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. Sam was very kind and generous, never wanting so much as a “Thank you”. In keeping with her spirit, Sam’s Devotions will never ask for anything in return for the acts of kindness we perform. We have been blessed with recipients that send us photos of the smile Sam’s Devotions has brought to them; that is the greatest showing of gratitude. We received so much positive feedback that we devoted a special section just to showcase these Shared Smiles. We believe this hits at the very core of our foundation, we want to share these smiles with the world. Sam’s Devotions has witnessed numerous signs from Sam; we know she is with us in spirit. We are doing all we can to keep her memory alive here on earth. She would be proud to know that because of her, we are also keeping the memories alive of her new friends- our Heavenly Helpers. These are individuals who have passed, whose loved ones come to us looking for a small way to pay tribute to them. We personalize a leaflet with their photo and include their birth and angel dates. We perform acts of kindness tailored in a way the departed soul would most appreciate. We distribute the leaflet to the recipients and share it on-line. We have no doubt they are all smiling up in Heaven!

Target demographics: Everyday people who have fallen upon rough times or just deserve a smile

Direct beneficiaries per year: This is our first year, but we have already done over 100 acts of kindness and will be sending out 200 memory blankets this holiday season!

Geographic areas served: Many states across the USA and even countries abroad

Programs: Heaven Sent - Photo Memory Blankets for children who have lost loved ones to an Addiction. Heavenly Helpers - We do deliberate acts of kindness to honor the memory of our helpers' loved ones - or even in memory of loved ones at the request of those who donate to us. Ryan's Path - Provides memorial garden stones to those in need. Sam's Kids - Once a month, on the 23rd, (the day of Sam’s passing), we pick a very special child who is battling a life-threatening disease and try to give them a day to just be a kid! We reach out to their parents and learn about the child, and hopefully find some activities they have been wanting to do, but just haven’t had the time or resources to follow through. We make it happen! Backpacks for homeless - Many of our members carry backpacks of necessities in their cars in case they see someone in need.