Paying It forward

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Another doodlekisses member recently shared a link to a paying it forward idea that really touched my heart.  The thought was really designed as a challenge for professional photographers to find a person/family who couldn't afford a quality picture and photograph, print. and frame it for someone who would otherwise not have one.   I teach in a school where the majority of students are from low income families so I usually try to give them useful beanies or gloves for gifts.  I know that many teachers have used pictures for the children to make an ornament or  family gift, but for some reason I never did.  This challenge for professionals made me realize that while my photography skills are far from professional, my students' families might treasure a large framed picture as a memory of their child as an elementary student because they cannot afford to purchase the professional school pictures.  I photographed my students and their siblings in front of a decorated area at our school, printed and framed them to take home next week.  Like I said, I don't have professional skills at all, but I  found it such fun to bring Christmas gear, take lots of pictures, let the students choose their favorites.  We all laughed at the 'bloopers' - closed eyes, blurry movement, shadows etc.  And they were awed by the simple 'fixes' the computer can do - cropping, retouching, adding more color.  Here are two of my students' end result:

Please share here the things you are or might do to pay it forward this holiday season.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Oh, Nancy, their families are going to be so thrilled! Beautiful children, beautiful photos! What a wonderful, thoughtful gift!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Those "giving trees" are a great way to help teach kids about giving, too. I used to take my kids to the mall, let them choose a tag, and then buy a gift for the child. They really got into choosing things they thought the child would like.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

My children and I used to do that also, Karen.  They always chose someone their age and bought something they themselves wanted for the mystery child.  Thanks for bringing back those memories.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

You got  the really fun part Caitlin - delivering. You should be proud of yourselves -students usually don't have much money so sharing that little bit is especially rewarding.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

This was a wonderful idea Nancy and your photos are beautiful! 

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

This is a fantastic idea, and the pictures are beautiful!  You must be a really special teacher....I'm betting all the kids want to be in YOUR class!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Thank you, Jane. I don't know why it took someone else's challenge to make me see that I could do this at my level.  I didn't used to take pictures and loved it when those who did, shared.

[Linda and Murphy]

Great photos, Nancy...and a wonderful idea.

My favorite Christmas ornaments are the ones the preschool and church made with my boys photos on them.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

This is a super idea. My daughter has a degree in Photography and is looking to volunteer somewhere and this just gave us a great idea. Thank you!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

The challenge was posted on doodlekisses with a link.  I just can't remember the person who posted it, Laurie.  Hopefully they will see this and re-post the link and your daughter could check it out in the 'real' form.

[Nina, Phil, Harlow & Lacey]

Nancy what a great thing you are doing for those families.

[Deanna & Desi & Cori]

Nancy - What a terrific, loving teacher you are!  Your children and their families are so fortunate to have you in their lives.