Pay It Forward

Courtesy: wsiltv.com

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents

Thursday, April 24, 2014 is International Pay It Forward Day.  People are encouraged to perform random acts of kindness.  The idea is the person receiving the act will then "pay it forward" and do something nice for someone else.  It works well when random strangers get in on the action.

Cupcakes from Larry's House of Cakes
Courtesy: wsiltv.com

The TV where I work, WSIL, has teamed up with Black Diamond Harley Davidson and other businesses in the community to pay it forward. Cupcakes have been eaten, gas tanks filled, and laundry washed over the last few weeks.  It's been fun watching all this unfold and then hear from other people and businesses seeing examples of generosity spreading.

You can watch the stories we've done by clicking here.  I asked my Facebook friends what was the best thing they'd done or had done for them by a stranger.  Responses varied buying lunch for a veteran to getting help paying for a headstone for a friend.  Others picked up the tab for the car behind them in the drive thru.

Pay it Forward

Some people questioned why weren't helping people in financial need.  I do think those who need help would be ideal to benefit from this, but the point of paying it forward is to inspire others to do the same thing.  If we all take a minute to reach out and brighten someone else's day, the world would be a much better place.  And don't just do it on April 24.  Find time to help others when the time is right.