Elkhart Is Paying It Forward


to share your story or a story that you know of.

Your stories:

  • "The story at Fabric Services is similar to other companies across Elkhart County: Sales are down, orders are slowing and production lines are sometimes shut down. However, the supplier to the recreational vehicle, heavy truck and auto industries has found a silver lining. During the idle times, employees are given the opportunity to get out of the plant and spend a few hours or a day helping local organizations and charities. In return, the employees are paid for their volunteer work by Fabric Services Giving back is part of the culture at Fabric Services, Wuori said, but in the past that has meant writing a check. Now that the company is providing physical labor, it intends to continue, even when the economy turns around. "We see it as part of our obligation," Wuori said." - - Elkhart Truth

  • "On June 1st a group of roughly 10 children between 1 year and 7 years will be planting a vegetable garden. The vegetables will then be given to the food pantry." - - Debbie

  • "This past weekend I stoped at Hucks gas station for gasoline. While I was there I found that Calvery Assembly church was having a promotion. They had purchased some gas beforehand from the gas station so the gas station could then offer it to people for 20 cents off per gallon. Money has been really tight for our family so this was a very nice surprise. I thought it was a wonderful thing they did to help people out" - -Anonymous


  • "While visiting the zoo, we saw a young parent get on the train with their children. They didn't realize the ride was not free. Once realizing it, they got off the train since they did not have money for it. The child was very upset and crying. We witnessed a total stranger getting up and paying for their ride. It was so wonderful to see someone reach out like that to another!" - - Anonymous


  • "A few years ago I witnessed a bad car accident. A young girl had went off the road and into a ditch. No emergency personel had arrived yet. Having training as a EMT, I stopped to offer help. I found the girl had a severe head injury. I carried her up the bank and administered first aid until the ambulance arrived. The ambulance staff told me that my actions probably saved her life. I don't look at myself as any kind of a hero. I just did what I would hope someone would do for me and I was very glad that she would be alright." - - Norm


  • "Every Christmas we go to Goodwill and buy all the stuffed animals that are in good shape and give them to a dentist office that works with low income families to give to the children." - - Dave


  • "I work with alot of low income families. Every Christmas I pick one family and buy groceries and gifts for them." - - Jill


  • "I collect toilet paper rolls for a local church. They fill them with candy and send to children over seas for Christmas." - - Jackie


  • "In 1991 my daughter(7 yrs at the time) and I had a car accident, rolling our car off a bridge and into the water. I made it out of the car but could not get the car door open under water to get to my daughter. It had been caved in during impact. Two young men jumped in the water and were able to pull my daughter out to safety. If it had not been for them, I probably would of lost my daughter that day. Words can not describe my appreciation and I told myself then that I will always help others whenever I can in return." - - Debbie


  • "Last year I saw a homeless gentleman sitting by a tree at a school. I went to the gas station and bought him a salad, chips and a water and took it back to him." - - Christen


  • "My grandfather is elderly and lives alone. I go to his house and help with yard work and anything else he needs." - - Josh


  • "When my chickens go on laying sprees, I give the extra eggs to my neighbors and friends." - - Anonymous


  • "During the ice storm a few years back, my friend had alot of damage. I grabbed my chain saw and went and helped him clean up the mess." - - Ben


  • "We heard of a family with several children that were really struggling one Christmas. We bought groceries and toys and late one night we snuck over to their house and left everything at their door." - - Simon


  • "One year for Christmas I gave my good old toys to kids that didn't have any." - - Dylan


  • "Everytime I go to McDonalds I ask my parents or grandparents for change to put in the fund for the Ronald McDonald house." - - Mariah


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    "Paying It Forward"