Everyday Giver - Story Corner

Students from Moore, Scanlan and Cathedral high schools gather with Sue Baer, Port Authority of NY/NJ's Deputy Director of Aviation and a central figure in the book, Reclaiming the Sky, at the conclusion of the "pilot" phase of the program.

Welcome to our Story Corner - we invite participants in the "Everyday Giver" program to share their thoughts and impressions as they progress through the program.

All you need to do is enter your name and your school, answer the question below - then hit submit. (You may use your first name and last name initial if you'd like.)

Special thanks to our four leadership schools (click to filter stories by school):

Share a story about someone you know who gives large or small each day
- And affects the lives of others in a big way.

"Everyday Giver" Stories:

Entry Num:

Name:

mbt fuaba

School:

http://www.cozymbtshoes.com/mbt-sandals-mbt-mens-fuaba-c-25_26.html

Year in School:

sssewsdas@gmail.com

Comments:

Story, i enjoyed sharing this.

Entry Num:

Name:

cheap mbt

School:

http://www.cozymbtshoes.com/

Year in School:

sssewsdas@gmail.com

Comments:

Thanks very good for report, I follow your blog

Entry Num:

Name:

Danica P

School:

NotreDameAcademy

Year in School:

Sophmore

Comments:

An everyday giver I know is my father. He puts his whole family before himself, making sure his family is happy and gets what it needs. He is always willing to lend a hand to others and is always willing to help out in his work at the nursing home. He works as an orderly and loves his job. He is always one to cheer up the patients and his co-workers. The money he earns goes straight to his family and to his church. The money given to him from his mother’s will went straight to his brothers and sisters who he felt needed it more, and it helped them with their needs and education. No matter what hard times he goes through, my father always manages to keep strong and have a smile on his face.

Entry Num:

Name:

Ava D

School:

NotreDameAcademy

Year in School:

Sophmore

Comments:

My friend lost her mom a few years ago, yet she never shut herself out from the world and those around her who loved her. Each day she would come to practice and help teach everyone. She didn’t sit in a corner and grieve like everyone thought she would do. By coming to practice, she gave her time and became selfless. She never wanted anyone to grieve for her. Her way of grieving was reaching out to those around her. My friend taught me to be strong and that life keeps living.

Entry Num:

Name:

Kate C

School:

NotreDameAcademy

Year in School:

Sophmore

Comments:

My mom is an everyday giver for her work as a Girl Scout leader, president of the Parent Guild, member of the Lynn Robin Steinman Foundation and member of the Board at the Staten Island Children’s Museum. As a Girl Scout troop leader, my mom teaches young girls the importance of community service and inner strength. She helps the girls grow as individuals. As a member of the Lynn Robin Steinman Foundation she helps beautify Staten Island. As a board member of the Staten Island Children’s Foundation she helps decide on safe, fun and educational exhibits for children. On the Parents’ Guild, she helps better the school. She recently brought in music lessons and chess classes for the younger children. Despite all her hard work, my mom expects nothing in return beside the satisfaction of what she has accomplished.

Entry Num:

Name:

Ashley B

School:

NotreDameAcademy

Year in School:

Sophmore

Comments:

There is a girl in my school who had cancer back in the first grade. My mother actually cooked for her and her family when she was sick so I was able to visit her often. She was very strong throughout her recovery and survived. After regaining her strength, she lived and still lives every day to serve others. For instance, she does much community work such as going to nursing homes to visit the elderly. Especially during Pennies for Patients, a time when we donate money for cancer research, she gives in much of the money. In addition, she visits other people with cancer to help them through their troubles.

Entry Num:

Name:

Ashley R

School:

NotreDameAcademy

Year in School:

Sophmore

Comments:

Ashley R

I consider my mom to be my everyday giver. Every day she gives up her time to take care of my family. Even when she has something she must do for herself she has always put the needs of my sister and me before her own. She has even gone the lengths of not pursuing all her goals even though she wanted to. She has always put our family before everything she wanted. She has been a selfless person throughout.

Entry Num:

Name:

BIanca R

School:

NotreDameAcademy

Year in School:

Sophmore

Comments:

Bianca R

I believe that my mom fits the description of an everyday giver. She has devoted her life to caring for her three children every single day. Also, she is in the process of beginning an Italian Cultural Foundation that will offer classes to enrich the community. My mother gives each day without asking and touches the lives of both the people within her family and others who she has encountered throughout her life. I hope to one day be as selfless and devoted to the community as my mother.

Entry Num:

Name:

Angela S

School:

NotreDameAcademy

Year in School:

Sophmore

Comments:

How does one define an “everyday giver?” Is it someone who donates money to charity or someone who gives up all their free time volunteering? In my life my grandmother is an everyday giver. No, she didn’t travel to Louisiana to build homes or deliver food in Africa, but she still makes a difference in the lives of people. It doesn’t matter how big or small a problem may be or how directly it involves her, my grandmother always worries about others. Various acts of kindness range from visiting a sick aunt who lives hours away, volunteering in her church, or simply bringing the family together, my grandmother is the one to rely on. Although she has had to worry about her health throughout the years, being diagnosed with breast cancer, high blood pressure or having a kidney removed, my grandmother is always more concerned about whether I have to walk home from school in the cold weather. I hope that people will not look just to celebrities as models, but to their family members and friends. All people have to do is look around for inspiration and inside for motivation.

Entry Num:

Name:

Danielle B

School:

NotreDameAcademy

Year in School:

Sophmore

Comments:

My mom is someone I believe is an everyday giver. Every day no matter what I need she is available to help. She is motivated by her wonderful personality and disposition. If I need a ride to go somewhere like a friends’ house, a track practice, or even to school when the weather’s bad she is there for me. My mom encourages me to be just like her, respectful, personable, and active in the community. She motivates me to do my best because when she was younger she didn’t have the same encouragement. When she volunteers her time she fulfills me with the driving force to do the same thing. I can honestly admit that without her example I wouldn’t be coaching a young girls’ basketball team in my old school or being a summer camp counselor at my old parish pre-school. My mom passes down her “do-good” attitude to me and I hope to pass it onto others around me as well.

Entry Num:

Name:

Claire D

School:

NotreDameAcademy

Year in School:

Sophmore

Comments:

One may think that an everyday giver is not an easy find, or would be someone who is special, or esteemed like the next Gandhi. I believe this is not so, for I have found “everyday givers” in everyday life. My father, for example, works tirelessly to support our family. Throughout this economic crisis working on Wall Street has been a tremendous challenge, yet he continues to persevere, working harder, but not receiving the same monetary compensation as in the past. I admire him because he remains optimistic, persisting through the hardships. My mother is an embodiment of an everyday giver also. She drives and picks up my sister and me almost anywhere and everywhere we need to go, willingly and on time. She is concerned about our whereabouts and we can count on her. She also takes the time to make my sister and me breakfast and lunch and dinner for the whole family. She cleans the house without complaint and I marvel at her humility. Every day since I was born my parents have nurtured me. Everyday giving is the true expression of love.

Entry Num:

Name:

Emily B

School:

NotreDameAcademy

Year in School:

Sophmore

Comments:

An everyday giver in my life is my grandmother, Maureen McCarthy. She looks out for the well being of others before she considers herself. For example, when my grandfather was in the hospital she put her entire life on hold to be there with him and help him get better. She cancelled all vacations and parties, and spent every day in the hospital. She always performs random acts of kindness to my family and me. She will call to see how we are doing and what is going on in our lives. At parties and social gatherings, my grandmother will go out of her way to talk to someone who doesn’t seem to fit in, and integrates them into the conversation to make sure they have a good time.

Entry Num:

Name:

Shannon B

School:

NotreDameAcademy

Year in School:

Sophmore

Comments:

An Everyday Giver in my community is Mr. John Gillen. He is the youth minister in my parish, which is St. Clare. He gives back to everyone in all ways possible. Just this past Thanksgiving I went to Manhattan to bring food to the homeless shelters and this trip was organized by Mr. Gillen. He runs this activity every Thanksgiving for the past ten years or more. Mr. Gillen also organizes visits to nursing homes so the elderly people can have some fun and enjoy some company. He also organizes having pizza after Mass to get people to become more involved in the church and to welcome people into the Church.

Entry Num:

Name:

Victoria C

School:

NotreDameAcademy

Year in School:

Sophmore

Comments:

My parents are always giving to others and never ask for anything in return. My dad never gives up a chance to help a friend. Whenever someone calls, he immediately stops whatever he is doing to help. No matter how busy he is, he finds a way to give. My mom always gives selflessly. She gives up things that could benefit her and gives to others she thinks needs it more. It teaches my sister and me to branch out to friends and help others in need.

Entry Num:

Name:

Kara G

School:

NotreDameAcademy

Year in School:

Sophmore

Comments:

My mom is an everyday giver. Even from when she was young, she knew she wanted to make a difference in people’s lives. She decided to go into nursing, enabling her to dedicate her life to helping others and caring for the sick. One day she was notified that there was a fire in a school bus outside her office. Without thinking twice about the danger she ran right out to help the bus driver and fire fighters to make sure all the children were safe. Every day when she goes to school she makes sure children feel well and does it with a smile. My mom is an every day giver to us too. She puts the needs and wants of her family before her own. My mom is also an everyday giver in the community. One day on our way to school we saw a teenage boy running to beat the bus to the bus stop. The bus was right behind us. My mom purposely drove slowly to let the boy beat the bus. If she didn’t the boy would not have made the bus and would have been late for school. She does many acts of kindness that make a big difference in the world.

Entry Num:

Name:

Erin G

School:

NotreDameAcademy

Year in School:

Sophmore

Comments:

An everyday giver in my life is my mother. She never fails to help me out when I need her. My mother also does all the house cleaning, laundry, and other things because they need to be done and never asks for any help. She’s always there for me and my family.

Entry Num:

Name:

Nicole N

School:

NotreDameAcademy

Year in School:

Sophmore

Comments:

My great aunt is an everyday giver because after my grandmother, her sister-in-law, died, she spent her time helping others. She decided not to be mournful but instead to help my family by continuing to bake and cook dinner like my grandmother used to do. When my great aunt comes to visit us from West Virginia, she always helps my mom with the house work. This affects my family’s life because it makes things easier on my mom. My aunt’s actions also affect my life because by baking cookies like my grandma used to do she helps me feel a sense of comfort and love.

Entry Num:

Name:

Jamie N

School:

NotreDameAcademy

Year in School:

Sophmore

Comments:

An everyday giver in my life is my aunt. Although she gives small things everyday, she impacts everyone’s life. She doesn’t have children, but she acts almost like a second mom to me and my sister. She’s always making sure we have what we need and we know she will always be there for us. She works with the disabled and those with special needs. It’s a job that takes a lot of time, care and patience, but she loves what she does and she makes all the people she works with feel like family and like they can do anything other people can do.

Entry Num:

Name:

Olivia D

School:

NotreDameAcademy

Year in School:

Sophmore

Comments:

An Everyday Giver I know is my mom. She is always there for my brother and me and she would go to the ends of the earth to make sure that we are both OK. My mom has gone through great lengths to promote inclusion in public schools across Staten Island. She still continues to work with disabled people promoting inclusion for everyone.

Entry Num:

Name:

Vanessa G

School:

NotreDameAcademy

Year in School:

Sophmore

Comments:

I believe my grandparents are everyday givers. They’ve lived in the Phillippines for a long time. A few years ago, they opened a soup kitchen there. It is open six days a week, in which time they give food to poor families and the needy. They do this simply because they want to help those in need. Both of them are delighted to see the happy and grateful faces of those they help.

Entry Num:

Name:

Dominique A

School:

NotreDameAcademy

Year in School:

Sophmore

Comments:

Entry Num:

Name:

Emile C

School:

NotreDameAcademy

Year in School:

Notre Same Academy

Comments:

In my life, I believe my mother is my everyday giver. She works very hard every day at work and still always finds time for her family. Even though she has a busy job, she still always makes time to help her family with anything they might need. My mom is always there for me to help me with whatever I might need. I know I can always count on her. My mom’s actions brighten the lives of her family because they know they always have someone there for them.

Entry Num:

Name:

Kerri M

School:

MooreCatholic

Comments:

When I think of an everyday giver, I think of my best friend, Jill. She is 22 years old. When her grandmother was hospitalized, she moved out of her house and moved in with her grandma so she could take care of her. She put her college career on hold to do this. She eats every meal with her grandma and spends so much of her time with her. I look up to Jill for having such devotion and love.

Entry Num:

Name:

Victoria O

School:

MooreCatholic

Comments:

I know many everyday givers, but the one who stands out most is my friend, Avery. She is always volunteering at hospitals, helping out on walks and charities. She is very dependable and is always there when you need her. She makes the sick feel good and gives them hope. She gives the poor hope and always gives with her heart to friends and family.

Entry Num:

Name:

Frank M

School:

MooreCatholic

Comments:

I know someone who is an everyday giver. He works at Clay Pit Park as a volunteer. He cleans the park so that wildlife can continue to live on. This is not the only thing he does for the community. He is also a Boy Scout on his way to Eagle Scout. He will help you with anything, like fishing, working on cars, and also helping his family out. He has helped me and he is an everyday giver.

Entry Num:

Name:

Michael C

School:

MooreCatholic

Comments:

My friend's mom, Cathy, is a widow. She has three children, one is disabled. She is an everyday giver for charity. She organized a cheerleading team and gives time to the group three times a week, for no pay. She does it to help the kids, even when she has three kids of her own. She participates in charity fundraising efforts, such as Light the Night walks and other events to raise money. Otherwise the girls would not be able to have their cheerleaders group. Cathy does it for them. This keeps them in shape and out of trouble.

Entry Num:

Name:

Amy D

School:

MooreCatholic

Comments:

An example of an everyday giver is my friend A J. He recently enlisted in the army. He left for boot camp last summer. No one is forced to enter the military, it's all volunteer, which makes AJ an every day giver. Every day he puts his life on the line to make sure we can sleep safely at night. Anyone who enlists in the army, navy, marines, or any branch of the military is a hero to me because they are constant givers, givers who give every day for us.

Entry Num:

Name:

Cheryl M

School:

MooreCatholic

Comments:

My father is an everyday giver in my eyes. He is an amazing person who does all he can for others. Whenever someone needs a favor in a hard time they know they can call on him. Many times he helps people fix their houses because he is a handyman.

Entry Num:

Name:

Joe P

School:

MooreCatholic

Comments:

My father to is my everyday giver. He resemble as person with a large heart and is willing to give to others. He is the most important person in my life and I love him for that.

Entry Num:

Name:

Kristen D

School:

MooreCatholic

Comments:

There are many people in this world who devote their lives to helping others. They follow the Lord. There is someone who stands out in my life for living this way. She's been through hell and back. Have you ever heard of bad things happening to good people? My neighbor has always been a kind person. She is a religion teacher. She is about eighty years old and had been married to the same man since she was 29. Her husband died a couple of weeks ago. The poor woman had to spend Valentine's Day alone for the first time in 51 years. My sister and I decided to leave her a chocolate Valentines Day rose. The next time I saw her she thanked me with tears in her eyes. We all expected her to become bitter, but she became the opposite. She has done all kinds of things for charity. She's done walks and given food and clothes to the poor. She is also always helping at Church. If money needs to be raised, she helps out. The thing she has taught me is that being bitter helps no one. When we help others we feel better about ourselves. We must find a way to move on by giving others joy.

Entry Num:

Name:

Danielle G

School:

MooreCatholic

Comments:

An every day giver in my eyes is someone who gives without being paid and does it because they enjoy it. An everyday giver I know is my Aunt Chrissy. She is a certified home health aid, which is someone who goes to visit people who are sick or on their death bed and takes care of them. Yes, she gets paid for this, but she exceeds the standards. She will clean and cook for the people, she will go shopping for them, buy them things, call them on her days off to say hello and see how they are feeling. In her spare time when she isn't raising her 8 year old son, she is volunteering at various nursing homes. There she performs various tasks - whether it's bringing the food to the patients, taking them for walks, brushing their hair, or dressing them up, she makes the time to get there at least once a week. You may think that because she's not getting paid, or because she is tired from work she is cranky, but she's not. She says these are the most enjoyable hours in her week. She has inspired me to become a nurse, she has taught me that doing something so little for someone can mean the world to them.

Entry Num:

Name:

Andrew M.

School:

MooreCatholic

Comments:

A person who is an everyday giver is my mother. Every morning she gets up at five o'clock, when she has to be at work by 7:40. Everyday she helps me and my sister, and my big sister when she went to Moore, get ready for school. She cooks us breakfast every morning, gives us lunch money, and offers to pick me and my sister up from school, though she works all the way down in Great Kills. One day she decided the house needed to be helped a little. She painted the walls, painted the chairs, and put decorations on the wall. My downstairs bathroom was redone too, and she attempted (though not very successfully) to sand and stain our livingroom floor. Never once did she tell us we must help her, but I did. That is a good example of how she lives to my family. Not to mention she is very faithful, gives her hour every week to God at Mass, and prays everyday too. I would say she touched the lives of others because she helped me and my family, and other people she's encountered throughout her lifetime.

Entry Num:

Name:

kathy m

School:

MooreCatholic

Year in School:

Comments:

I am an everyday giver

Entry Num:

Name:

Jasmine Perez

School:

MooreCatholic

Year in School:

junior

Comments:

My next door neighbor, Nici, is an everyday giver. She would literally give a person in need the clothes off of her back! She will take a child who has turned to the streets into her home and not only feed them but listen to what they have to say, most importantly she would love and nurture them! Being that she has a big family she cooks large quantities of food daily. No matter what she gives my mother and I a plate of food almost everyday. I think the definition of an everyday giver is someone so generous as Nici. I thank God for her!!