PROGRAMS & SERVICES

Can you remember a birthday as a child when you didn't have a cake, a party wasn't possible and a gift well you get the idea. I personally had alot of birthdays pass by like that. SoI started our Birthday Box Program so no child will have to wake up on their birthday feeling forgotten. Each month parents who can not afford to give their child a birthday reach out to Paying It Forward and thru our donors and sponsors we give them a box filled with cake mix, frosting, candles,a birthday banner, a package of ballloons a birthday card and a small gift. So while they are sleeping mom or dad can set up a little birthday surprise ..

We've all had that month when bills were to high, a car needed repair or some other crisis causes us to run low on funds. When our members in IL or NWI run into situations like this they reach out and through our network of volunteers we do everything within our power to provide them with  diapers.wipes basic necessities to last for a couple of weeks  until they can get help from a local pantry.  

In years past we have  hosted Easter Dinners for those having no where to go or can not afford a dinner and provided egg hunt and baskets for children who otherwise would go without. 

This year due to Covid we are going to be putting together 100  Easter Hunt boxes to bring some fun  to children. Egg Hunt boxes will be filled with plastic filled Easter Eggs, one golden egg and prize basket for whoever finds it and candy treat baskets for the other children in the family. 

As well as this we will also be providing Easter Baskets to 100 children  to children whose families can not afford them. The goal is to be able to give Easter to 250 children. 

Every year we set up a free prom boutique for girls who can not afford a dress  to shop for dresses and shoes for their graduation and prom

Every summer we have a big block party for all the children in our local  communities  where we provide entertainment, food, games and backpacks filled with school supplies and uniforms for families in need 

Paying It Forward Store will be opening soon  to provide vouchers to families in need to shop our  second hand clothing, shoes and  baby items for families in need. 

Our store will be opening in June, 2021 and we need your donations, volunteers to help make it happen. 

Providing both new and second baby clothing and other supplies to new moms, single and teen mothers in our local communities through member to member donations and kindness. 

Providing  blankets, coats and warm meals to the homeless and less fortunate in the IL and NWI area. 

Providing Christmas Gifts to local low income families who otherwise would not have had a Christmas 

Connecting members with one another to come together and collect clothing and other items needed in the case of a fire, accident, natural disaster. Wish granting for individuals in life altering and end of life circumstances 

Ashley House is a safe haven provided by Paying It Forward where women can come together to encourage empower and support one another when dealing with emotional crisis domestic violence situations.  Offering womens support group meetings, empowerment events and crisis assistance