Ok I'm going to start with I'm an idiot and didn't think about blogging when this happened, so no photos. Then again I didn't do it for the blogging aspect and really only am sharing because I hope it inspires some of you to do more to help others. 

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### Mom of 3, Maria
I shared the story about [what happen at Walgreens](https://steemit.com/payitforward/@thedarkhorse/real-life-pay-it-forward) a couple days ago. The part I left out was that I gave my phone number to Maria. At that time I actually still didn't know her name as she was kind of overwhelmed by the whole thing and was a little distrusting of my intentions. While she loved what I was doing for her, she admitted she thought maybe I was looking for something in return. Who knows why, but each person has their own life experiences that makes you judge situations, comments, and actions differently.

Back to the story. I had given her my phone number as she had 2 girls (and a boy) who weren't properly dressed for the cold and we had a ton of girl clothes that my Wife had saved just in case someone needed them. With amazing Grandparents who love to spoil the girls we always had an abundance of clothes for them and some even with tags still on them. 

So when Maria called me and said she would take me up on the offer, but wanted to meet back at Walgreens parking lot I was very excited to be able to help her. Got the sizes of the girls clothes and shoes, plus asked about her son's sizes even though I directly couldn't help on that. 

We had no issue outfitting the kids with winter clothes, boots, hats, and gloves along with plenty of clothes in the next size up for spring time. Also managed to find clothes for the boy without even leaving our block as a couple neighbors gladly pitched in. 

### Toys for Tots...not this year
Each year as someone that runs a toy business I give a bunch of toys to the Toys for Tots toy drive. It's a great program putting toys in the hands of those in need. But this year I won't be doing this. 

Instead I put together an entire Xmas worth of gifts from Santa and from Mom to make sure the kids had an amazing Xmas. Not talking about a couple presents per kid, no this year the kids will be spoiled. Disney movies for the stockings, Build a Bear, Barbie, Hot Wheels, Marvel figures, Disney figures, LeapPad, and so much more. 

I made sure that Maria found someone to watch the kids so she could come and see everything without spoiling the surprise for the kids and it was a good thing. There was so much stuff it didn't all fit in the trunk of her car...lol.

### Maria's background
Now that Maria saw that the intentions of what I was doing had no extra expectations she was much more open with me. Her and Daddy had moved up from Texas this past spring for work and they really didn't know anyone around here or have any proper Winter clothing. Her baby daddy (never married) had left for a different job out of state 4 months ago and after a couple months stopped sending money back, then a few weeks later sent a text saying he wasn't coming home as he found a new girlfriend. She is trying to figure out how to get child support out of him, but that takes a lawyer and she doesn't even know where he is. She had a job before he left as they took turns who was home with the kids, but when he left she had to stop working which was fine at first as the money being sent home was more then they both were earning combined before. But once he stopped sending money home things got hard fast. 

She is back working now for a week and her first paycheck will be on the 21st or maybe on the 14th for 1 days work. Either way she is behind on all her bills and was not going to be able to provide a real Xmas for the kids. Now she will be able to and not worry about spending a penny on anything related to that. Also grabbed a gift card for $250 to Walmart so she can buy groceries or whatever else she needs around the house. That was money I had planned to use to purchase some Steem and Power Up, but to me this was much more important. Will find a way to power up more later. 

### Pay It Forward
Maria said she would pay me back once she had a few paychecks and caught up. I told her not to even think about that, but rather when she was had the opportunity I wanted her to Pay It Forward to someone else. That it wasn't about the dollar amount that I gave her, but rather to just look for an opportunity to do something to help someone else just because it's the right thing to do. She promised she would and I believe her. 

So I challenge you to go out and be part of the solution. The media and governments of the world seem hell bent on trying to create racial, religious, and economic divide between their people. But don't fall for their bullshit, people are just people and their skin color, religious beliefs, or financial status don't mean anything. We are all on this earth for a short time so why not spend that time loving life instead of focusing on hate.