Published: May 29, 2009 08:37 am      

Paying it Forward

London teen founds charity to practice ‘random acts of kindness’

Click here to see the May 30, 2009 Neighbors section in its entirety


By Erica Bowlin for The Times-Tribune

Madison McCowan, 17, of London, had a desire to help others from the time she was a little girl. She began with small gestures — leaving coupons at local grocery stores for others to use or creating gift baskets for families in need. Madison loved helping people, and she saw opportunities all around.

“I remember one lady in the grocery store, I was about seven at the time,” said Madison. “My mother and I noticed she didn’t quite have enough for her groceries, so I made my mom give her the money we had left over from our purchase.”

As Madison grew up, she learned the joy of giving and helping others by watching her mother and father.

“I saw that they always helped people, and I knew it was the right thing to do” she said.

What really surprised Madison was the more she helped people, the better it felt.

“You really get a rush when you see the gratitude in someone’s face, and whether it’s a smile or just a nod, it gives you the best feeling ever. The biggest reward is always the feeling you get. It’s like sometimes a smile is all it takes to make someone’s day,” said Madison.

Madison loved helping others in small ways, but knew that in order to touch a larger group of people, she’d have to have help. She wanted to become part of a larger organization which could serve her community.

She enlisted the help of her mother, Angela, owner of Benqueil’s Jewlery in London. Angela had always enjoyed volunteering and was happy to support her daughter’s dream of making a difference.

“She has always had a gift for helping people, and it makes me so proud as a mother,” Angela said.

In January 2009, Madison got the opportunity she had wished for. She became president and founder of the Pay it Forward Foundation-London Chapter.

Pay it Forward is a not-for-profit organization that encourages people to practice “random acts of kindness” in hopes that each time a person helps another, he will be inspired to help someone else.

Madison encourages all young people to get involved with volunteering.

“I think kids are intimidated about volunteering because they think it will be difficult or take a lot of time. But really all you have to do is open a door for someone, or offer to carry groceries for someone who’s having a hard time,” Madison said.

In February, Madison led the local chapter of Pay it Forward in collecting more than 150 teddy bears for the children at Shriner’s Hospital in Lexington.

Donations are currently being taken for victims of the recent floods in Easter Kentucky. Personal care and household items are needed. Supplies can be dropped off at Benquiel’s Jewelry in London.

Monetary donations are accepted as well. Pay it Forward provides receipts in order to ensure donors that all funds are used appropriately.

“It is important to us that people know their money is really going exactly where it is supposed to go,” said Susan Weaver, director of public relations for the group.

According to Susan, Pay it Forward plans to continue its work of making a difference in the community.

There will be a Father’s Day banquet at the Older Persons’ Activity Center in London.

“We’ll have a day of appreciation for fathers, and we’ll have gifts for each dad along with food,” said Susan.

There are some upcoming summer events planned as well.

“This July, we’ll have a Back to School Bash, where there will be fun and food for kids, along with school supplies,” said Susan.

Some events require registration. For more information, contact Susan at www.info@payitforwardky.com or call 606-878-9521.