My Give Joy Story

In December 2021, something unexpected happened that sparked a new tradition in my family, one that centers on generosity and gratitude. A few months before I joined Many Hands, I received an early payment for some voiceover work. Remembering the Give Joy catalog I had received at the Many Hands Business Breakfast, I talked it over with my wife, Jessica, and we decided to use the catalog to donate the money.

Pictured Above: Image for the Give A Cow option in the Give Joy Gift Catlog 

We split the money equally among Jessica, our kids, Ian and Ari, and myself so that each of us could choose how to give. Watching my kids go through the catalog was a beautiful moment. They each went through it multiple times, excitedly selecting items, only to realize their first round of picks far exceeded what they had to spend. But rather than being frustrated, they carefully considered and discussed each choice. Their generosity and thoughtfulness were inspiring. Interestingly, Ian was very adamant about helping a bride pay for her wedding, while Ari (always the animal lover) felt that providing a goat to a family was definitely a priority.

Pictured Above: Image for the Support a Bride-To-Be option in the Give Joy Gift Catlog 

Pictured Below: Image for the Give A Goat option in the Give Joy Gift Catlog 

What started as a spontaneous gesture that year has become a cherished giving tradition in our house. Most years, we aren’t able to give as much as we did that first December, but we always look forward to sitting down with the catalog as a family. It’s a time to reflect on how we’ve been blessed, to talk about the importance of giving, and to think about how God calls us to help others.

Pictured Above: Image of the Support A Marriage option in the Give Joy Gift catalog

If you’ve never gone through the Many Hands’ Give Joy catalog, I encourage you to explore it. It might just inspire the same sense of purpose and connection in your family as it has in ours.

About Many Hands:

Many Hands is an Iowa-based nonprofit creating local and global life-transformation by strengthening families.  Established in 2008, the organization focuses on six key areas for transformation, including education, agronomy, leadership development, safe homes, medical assistance, and economic development. Each year, the organization reaches at least 25,000 people through their Haitian operations, IMPACT trips, and four Many Hands Thrift Markets located in the great Des Moines, IA area. 

Many Hands is called to transform together, to be love in action, in a broken world.