As Ron and I have worked on what we refer to as “our $10/20 project”, we are consistently impressed with the fact that small donations of money and/or time can and do make a difference in the life of an individual. And, as many of you know, we are working on obtaining non-profit status.

Many people have become involved in the spirit of $10/20 within the spheres of their own individual lives. From friends, family members and complete strangers, from all over the country, we have received donations of at least $10. We have received checks in the mail and donations through pay-pal. Sometimes these donations are $10. Sometimes they are $200. Your generous donations have bought life-saving medication (which range from $4-$12), meals for hungry people, helped pay utility bills, bought gloves, and met numerous individual needs. The donations have met immediate needs. And because of your generosity, we’ve been able to meet immediate needs, well…immediately.

People have donated their time and talent to their communities and often to complete strangers. A woman in Florida took coffee on a Saturday morning into a waiting room full of family members as their loved one received needed cancer treatment. An eight-year old boy in Nebraska donated a coat to a complete stranger. His entire family shipped us a box of coats for Ron’s trunk inventory. A lady in California found a great coat deal online and sent us twelve brand new, heavy coats. A young man in Las Vegas went and served at a homeless shelter. Another young couple in Florida organized and collected holiday cards from people they work with, and sent over 300 cards to St. Jude’s Ranch. These are but a few of the many stories we have heard. All are a result of our $10/20 project. For Ron and I, each time we hear where or how someone has contributed, it is a gift to us.

As Ron volunteered at the Nathaniel Hill Emergency Shelter in Little Rock, he was impressed with the spirit of the guests. They organized themselves and began giving back to the shelter. They cleaned, swept, and raked leaves. They helped other guests. As they cleaned and gave their temporary shelter order, they created a temporary home. On the street, Ron has encountered individuals who have turned down a coat or pair of gloves because they have what they need. Several times individuals have referred him to other people in need. Because of their referrals, a pregnant woman has now been seen by a doctor, and many people have received coats, gloves, blankets or food. Everyone has something to give. It might be $10. It might be 20 minutes. It might be a word. Whatever “it” is, the impact is positive and immediate.

We have struggled to encapsulate a slogan or a tag-line that identifies the mission of $10/20. The heart of our $10/20 project is that each individual has the capacity to give something to another individual. And that “something”, although not wrapped in lovely paper and with a beautiful bow, is always wrapped with love. And that “something” becomes a gift. Humble or grandiose, a gift always impacts an individual life. That is the heart of our $10/20 project. Look around your world today and give away $10 or 20 minutes. You’ll receive more than you ever will give.