Brooklyn Knedlik

I love holidays! For me that usually means spending time with my family, eating a huge meal and lots of dessert. On Thanksgiving morning when I was eight years old my father took me into the city of Chicago to spend the day a little differently. We volunteered feeding a Thanksgiving feast to people without families, homes, meals and the basic necessities I took for granted every day. I spent that day not only passing out food but I was able to connect with each person. I told jokes and stories that day and listened to them talk about their lives and was able to make them smile and forget about all of their troubles even if for only a few hours. They were people just like me but they needed help and they needed a good day. My heart grew 3 sizes that Thanksgiving.  It wasn't just a good day for them, it was a good day for me. Volunteering my time made me feel good, made me feel grateful and gave me a feeling of purpose. I was a DAYMAKER! That day was just a few hours of my time but I couldn't help but want to continue to help others feel special, normal, happy, valued, and cared for. I began to look for every volunteer opportunity I could find in my area. I donated books, food, clothing, and time. I fed starving families and children. I distributed shoes, school supplies, babies and children's necessities. I also made a consious effort to try to positively impact everyone I came in contact with. I started telling people the things I would think in my head but never say outloud. "You have great hair", "You are so talented", "Did you make that?, It's Awesome" I felt like I had stumbled upon a secret.  We all know it is aweome to be on the receiving end of help, encouragement, and compliments but did other people know how good it felt to be the giver? I challenge everyone to be a DAYMAKER and enjoy the ripple of happiness that will surround you and those around you.

I wrote the children's book Operation Daymaker to introduce positivity, compassion and giving at a young age to other kids. In a world full of bullies, bad news and bad days we can be the super heros in the lives of those around us, we can be the daymakers!

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