#DoGoodFeelGood

I wanted to share another facet of M.Jonesy that I hold near and dear to my heart.

Almost a decade ago, Bird and I unexpectedly started a non-profit organization. It was one of those moments where you come up with this idea and all of a sudden it takes on a mind of it’s own. We were sitting on the couch, watching TV, and listening to a story about a family who had lost their home in the housing market crash in 2009.

The family reminded me a lot like mine when I was younger. We were having a rough go at it. My parents were working very hard, but it was just difficult for them to get ahead. Our town had a food basket program during the holidays where they provided families going through tough times with some assistance. We were blessed by this program and they delivered a basket to us filled with items for Christmas dinner and then some. It was a gesture that I will never forget, although I very rarely share.

Remembering this act of generosity from the past, I saw an opportunity to give back in the present. The economy was not doing so great, but we were lucky enough to have great jobs and a roof over our head. Bird turned to me and said “We need to figure out how to help these people.” That is how The JM Foundation was born.

When we started this 9 years ago we sent out an email to our closest friends and families for donations. We raised enough cash to assist 5 families in our area. I contacted the local middle school and our police department and they provided me with a handful of names. We hopped in a mini van, headed to Sam’s Club, and just started loading up carts with food. With a few hundred dollars of donations, we were able to purchase bulk groceries and toiletries in hopes to give these families a nice holiday dinner and take some weight off their shoulders. There were 5 of us who sorted through all the items, packed them up, and delivered them to the families.

FAST FORWARD TO 2018

I never could have imagined that 9 years later The JM Foundation would turn into what it is today. This story is obviously skipping a lot of awesome fundraisers we’ve had and partnerships we’ve formed through the years. But this is the Cliff’s Notes.

This year we assisted 12 families. Partnerships with other local non-profits have been formed. JM has a reliable list of generous and caring sponsors. And of course the volunteers. Where do I even start about our awesome volunteers?

With our event, we’ve added jackets, hats, scarves, gloves, and new shoes to our list as well. We purchase all NEW items for our families because I truly believe that there is something empowering about putting on your own brand new shoes. The feeling of knowing that you are the first and only person to walk in those sneakers or zip up that jacket is something that you cannot put a price tag on. For our families we hope that things like this empower them to do great things.

Next year will be year 10 of The JM Foundation and I am overwhelmed with the thought of what other great things we can do together. This would not be possible without our families, friends, and community. I am forever grateful for all your support.

Sending blessings for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. And with that, I leave you with a message from one of our families.

“I will never forget Michelle, Josh, and their foundation. They’ve touched the hearts of me and my children in ways indescribable. They provided essential food and hygiene during a stressful time in my life. I knew this was part of the plan, but it held the best plot twist! Seeing that we were lacking other things, Michelle humbly asked, “if we needed anything else”? The foundation returned and provided yet again! My family will forever be grateful to the JM Foundation! Anyone that goes above and beyond for those in need deserve to be blessed! You will always be in my prayers; that your foundation continues to grow and continually bless others in need!”

To donate, please visit our website at http://www.thejmfoundation.org/how-you-can-help/.

For info on what your donations buy, click here:
http://www.thepixelmason.com/thejmfoundation/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/What-Do-Your-Donations-Buy.pdf
(also provided are winter jackets and apparel)

Photos courtesy of Jacqueline Barkley Photography