Random Acts of Kindness
On what would have been Marissa’s 26th birthday, her Aunt Jodi asked friends to do random acts of kindness in Marissa’s name. We grabbed on to the idea, posted it on social media, and before we knew it, there were random acts taking place literally around the world. This sparked the idea of the Random Act Wooden Nickel. For 2020, we have added Random Act Business Cards. We are sending out, giving out, and passing these out along with random acts of kindness. We are tracking their origin, where they go to, and the random acts that are done. Through this, we hope to spread a few blessings, and raise awareness for TEAM Marissa, and the special community it serves! If you have received one, would you please take a moment and let us know what the random act was that brought it to you, and then, pass it along and bless someone else?
Left: Random Act Wooden Nickel. /// Above: Random Act Business Card.
Read about the Random Acts being done in honor of Marissa:
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acts with no TOKENS
Marissa loved to serve. Here is a small sampling of the projects she participated in.
Sheltering Wings - serving orphans in Burkina Faso Africa
Drilling Water Wells in Central America and Africa - www.water.cc
TOKEN 1001 — 1st Random Act
Random Act Received: Lakeshore Gift Card
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Comment: Thank you for sharing the TEAM Marissa Random Act of Kindness with us. We have passed on our nickel to a teacher so she can continue to pay it forward.
TOKEN 1001 — 2nd Random Act
Random Act Received: Gift Card
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Comment: I was given a gift card. It was a rough day and I was able to treat myself to a little something that I wouldn’t normally do. I have passed it on to a student studying to be a teacher.
TOKEN 1001 — 3rd Random Act
Random Act Received: Starbucks Gift Card
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Comment: I knew Marissa when she taught at my mom’s school. She always had a smile on her face and a way to make people laugh. This is an amazing project to honor her memory.
TOKEN 1013 — 1st Random Act
Location Token Received: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Random Act Received: 101 birthday card. for WWII veteran.
Comment: I was asking through FB for 101 birthday letters for my father who is now 101 yrs old. We have received over 2000 cards, from everystate in the US and as far away as the Netherland, Afghanistan, Iraq and Bristish Columbia. Thank you for sending my father a BD card.
TOKEN 1016 — 1st Random Act
Random Act Received: Breakfast at Bill Millers
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Comment: I posted this on my FB page - and wanted to tell you that this is a great idea and I'm so glad to be part of Marissa's memory of her birthday. And will be paying it forward, too. I have a birthday coming up next week on the 14th and will be turning 50. I will always remember you all. "Random Act of Kindness......this morning while driving thru the Bill Millers at 281 and Cesar Chavez for a TACO, I told my mom (because I talk with her every day on my way to work and on my way home) - I told my mom I was going to make a lady's day behind me in the drive thru by buying her breakfast. As I roll up to the cashier, the young girl goes over my order and I ask her to add the lady's order behind me. The young girl puts her hand on her heart and says to me with this amazing smile.....the lady in front of you just bought your breakfast. I said OMG that's just too funny and way to random. My mom is still on the phone with me .....and we both just thought that was so cool. The mystery lady in the beautiful Jaguar in front of me gave me a wonderful gift of kindness and a token (see picture). Thank you!! I can't wait to share my story with teamMarissa! and I hope the lady behind me - has a happy day, too. Lets not forget the cashier at Bill Millers - today is her birthday and she was so blown away with all the kind things happening - it made her birthday extra special for her, too. I really love doing "Random Acts of Kindness" and making random people's day. I hope some day they will consider "paying it forward" to some other random person. It makes the world a better place. Have a blessed day my family and friends."
TOKEN 1016 — 2nd Random Act
Location Token Received: San Antonio, Texas
Random Act Received: Paid for lunch for me and my girls
Comment: Thanks so much! A wonderful surprise! I'm excited to pay it forward.
TOKEN 1042 — 1st Random Act
Location Token Received: Brunswick, Maine
Random Act Received: Target gift card
Comment: Such a special way to remember a loved one. I am a special education teacher and was so surprised by the generosity and kindness. This is such a wonderful idea and I can not wait to pass it on. Thank you so much.
TOKEN 1044 — 1st Random Act
Location Token Received: Brunswick, Maine
Random Act Received: Target gift card
TOKEN 1049 — 1st Random Act
Location Token Received: Brunswick, Maine
Random Act Received: A woman dropped off the wooden tokens and target gift cards to every special educator at my school last week.
Comment: I’ll probably never get to meet her, but deeply appreciated the gesture. My team and I had a very rough week with one of students who was going in and out of crisis. I’ll say thank you to her by passing on acts of kindness. What a beautiful way to honor someone’s memory.
TOKEN 1050 — 1st Random Act
Location Token Received: Nashville, TN
Random Act Received: A stranger heard me lament that I packed my tablet charging cable. He gave me one! Thank you! And I plan on passing it on!
Comment: Very good plan! Marissa sounds like someone I wish I had known!
TOKEN 1063 — 1st Random Act
Location Token Received: Katy, Texas
Random Act Received: Joann's Gift Card
Comment: A big thank you to my unknown giver pf a Random Act of kindness. You made my day!
TOKEN 1064— 1st Random Act
Location Token Received: Katy, Texas
Random Act Received: $15 Petco Gift Card
Comment: This is so unexpected and so well received. Thank you so much for the gift and I will try to do the same by passing it on.
TOKEN 1086 — 1st Random Act
Location Token Received: Ft. Worth, TX
Random Act Received: $10 Bath and Body Works eGift card
TOKEN 1130 — 1st Random Act
Location Token Received: Findlay, Ohio
Random Act Received: Gift cards to Dominoes Pizza
Comment: We were shocked to receive this gift that someone would take the time to bless us this way. We plan to share the pizza with our entire family while we’re all together Easter weekend. I’ll be praying about how to pass on this blessing!
TOKEN 1131 — 1st Random Act
Location Token Received: Findlay, Ohio
Random Act Received: Care items for middle school students
Comment: What a wonderful surprise to receive a random act of kindness. We are very appreciative for the generosity of the giver :)
TOKEN 1174 — 1st Random Act
Location Token Received: San Antonio, TX
Random Act Received: Breakfast Taco
Comment: Miss our Sweet Marissa! Her infectious smile lives in my heart!
TOKEN 1179 — 1st Random Act
Location Token Received: San Antonio, Texas
Random Act Received: Taco
TOKEN 1201 — 1st Random Act
Location Token Received: Findlay, Ohio
Random Act Received: Very nice and fashionable clothes were donated from this individual to help a young girl who has low self-esteem issues, hoping to help her know she is loved! This girl often talks about suicide.
Comment: Thanks and God Bless you all for encouraging others even in our own sorrow.
TOKEN 1219 — 1st Random Act
Location Token Received: San Antonio, TX
Random Act Received: I was given a delicious tea from Starbucks to sweeten my work day
Comment: Sharon and Bruce Utley brought this random act of kindness to me. I will definitely continue to pass it on!
TOKEN 1219 — 2nd Random Act
Location Token Received: San Antonio, TX
Random Act Received: Coffee was bought for me
Comment: Great idea!
TOKEN 1227 — 1st Random Act
Location Token Received: Schertz, TX
Random Act Received: Raising Cane's gift card
TOKEN 1268 — 1st Random Act
Location Token Received: Columbus, Ohio
Random Act Received: An ear to listen
TOKEN 1283 — 1st Random Act
Location Token Received: San Antonio, Texas
Random Act Received: In line at Bill Millers and the nice lady in front of me paid it Forward and made my day by a mile.... 1st time that has happened to me......
TOKEN 1300 — 1st Random Act
Location Token Received: San Antonio, TX
Random Act Received: 2 free cookies!
Comment: This was such a kind thoughtful gesture that brightened my day. As a mom suffering postpartum depression a cookie here and there makes my day. Thank you! I will pay it forward!
TOKEN 1304 — 1st Random Act
Location Token Received: San Antonio, TX
Random Act Received: $10 gift card
Comment: I was walking into Joanne Fabrics and was approached by a woman who handed me an envelope. I said thank you and put the envelope in my purse thinking it was a religious note of some sort. When I was waiting in line to pay the cashier, I opened the envelope; it was a ten dollar gift card for Joanne’s! I, then, thought it was a store promotion. When I got home, I followed through with visiting this website. So-o-o, here I am!
TOKEN 1310 — 1st Random Act
Location Token Received: San Antonio, TX
Random Act Received: Starbucks gift card
Comment: :)
TOKEN 1311 — 1st Random Act
Location Token Received: San Antonio, TX
Random Act Received: Word of affirmation and gift
TOKEN 1351 — 1st Random Act
Location Token Received: San Antonio, TX
Random Act Received: Grammy (Brenda Slatton) babysat my baby-girl Parker so I could get some work done! :D
Comment: <3 You are so missed Marissa! I wish we could've gotten to know each other!
TOKEN 1432 — 1st Random Act
Location Token Received: Findlay, Ohio
Random Act Received: Paid my parking ticket
Comment: This token brought me great tears of joy and I can't wait to pass it along! Thank you for your kindness!
TOKEN 1439 — 1st Random Act
Location Token Received: San Antonio, TX
Random Act Received: Free Starbucks Coffee
Comment: I found this with a Starbucks for me! I can't wait to bless someone else's day by participating in this wonderful act of kindness!
TOKEN 1442 — 1st Random Act
Location Token Received: San Antonio, TX
Random Act Received: Dinner bill paid
Comment: I just want to thank the family that was in line in front of me for paying for my meal. Didn’t know how to thank them as We were in a drive thru. So I offered to pay for the person behind me, figured I’d pass the kindness around!
TOKEN 1443 — 1st Random Act
Location Token Received: San Antonio, TX
Random Act Received: HEB gift card
Comment: While shopping with a 6 year old and 6 week old we were given a giftcard to help pay for our grocceries! Our first pay it forward!
TOKEN 1448 — 1st Random Act
Location Token Received: San Antonio, TX
Random Act Received: Paid for my coffee
TOKEN 1449 — 1st Random Act
Location Token Received: San Antonio, TX
Random Act Received: Lunch
Comment: It was so awesome!!! Brought me to tears
TOKEN 1460 — 1st Random Act
Location Token Received: San Antonio, TX
Random Act Received: A clean room
Comment: We had a family meeting tonight and talked about Marissa and all the things she did to serve others... teaching kids with special needs, serving the hungry, traveling to 3rd world countries to hold babies and drill water wells. After we talked about what it means to perform a random act of kindness, I gave Evan, Jack and Rich each their tokens. We shared a few ideas about what we could do to spread kindness. We scheduled a follow up meeting for next Friday night; we will discuss what we act of kindness we performed, why we chose that act and how we think it made the other person feel. After we finished our meeting, I sent Jack upstairs to brush his teeth and get ready for bed. He was up there for forever and kept yelling, “Don’t come up yet, I’m not ready!” After about 10 minutes, I started to get worried... usually, if there is that much silence, there is a sharpie and a porous surface involved. He assured me it was ok. Finally, he told us we could come up. He had cleaned his entire room, including making both top and bottom bunk beds, emptying the trash and taking the dirty clothes hamper downstairs. After I tucked him in on the top bed, he said there was something on the bottom bunk for me. It was one of Marissa’s coins. While I’m still trying to figure out how Jack cleaning his own room is a random act of kindness for me, I know his heart was in the best possible place. The effort he put forth was to bless me, not himself. The best part though, as I was walking out of his room, he asked if he could have his token back so he could use it again to spread kindness to another person. I can’t wait to see what he comes up with next. Thank you for letting us be a part of sharing Marissa’s love and kindness.
TOKEN 1462 — 1st Random Act
Location Token Received: San Antonio, Texas
Random Act Received: $15 Gift Card to Starbucks
Comment: I received this on my desk at work and have no idea who left it or why?!? :) It is very mysterious and touching; even more humbling to read about the origin of this token and why it was created. Can't wait to pass it on to someone else. Thank you for blessing others through Marissa and for spreading kindness and love.
TOKEN 1464 — 1st Random Act
Location Token Received: San Antonio, Texas
Random Act Received: Favorite holiday treats and Netflix gift card left on my porch.
TOKEN 1480 — 1st Random Act
Location Token Received: Parker, Colorado
Random Act Received: A gift card to Starbucks.
Comment: What a wonderful way to remember Marissa's memory. I will be sure to pass it along.
TOKEN 1481 — 1st Random Act
Location Token Received: Parker, Colorado
Random Act Received: Starbucks gift card
Comment: A random act of kindness is something that impacts you no matter how the day is going. Thanks for the reminder that things don't go unnoticed and to not take for granted the impact we have.
TOKEN 1483 — 1st Random Act
Location Token Received: Gold Rush Elementary Parker, CO
Random Act Received: Starbucks Gift Card
Comment: Thank you! Today is a day that I really needed to be recognized. It is only Thursday and already I am done. This random act and learning about Marissa put things into perspective and gave me the motivation I needed to embrace my day today. Thank you to whomever was thinking of me. I will pass this on!
TOKEN 1531 — 1st Random Act
Location Token Received: Columbus, Ohio
Random Act Received: Amazon giftcard to use for my inner city third graders at Avondale Elementary Scool
Comment: My cousin, Jody, sent me this random act of kindness! She grew up with Marissa's mom, and I actually babysat her mom long, long ago! My students will be thrilled to get books and I will be sure to explain to them about this random act of kindness project!
TOKEN 1531 — 2nd Random Act
Location Token Received: Indian River, Michigan
Random Act Received: My friend, Lori Swope saw my post on FB about special needs for our kids at Inland Lakes schools. She sent some items that were on the wishlist for the food pantry and clothing closet.
Comment: Thank you for this wonderful gift of giving to others. We’ll keep it going!
TOKEN 1531 — 3rd Random Act
Location Token Received: Indian River, Michigan
Random Act Received: Clothing donations for Kim’s Kloset, a school resource for children and families in need.
Comment: What a precious way to honor Marissa.
TOKEN 1532 — 1st Random Act
Location Token Received: Findlay, Ohio
Random Act Received: Paid for My supper in Burger King Drive thru.
Comment: I think this is a wonderful thing. I have never had this happen to me before. Thanks for sharing Marrisa's story that is amazing. I will Pass this on in the future.
TOKEN 1536 — 1st Random Act
Location Token Received: Findlay, Ohio
Random Act Received: Because I was busy today my daughter helped me getting my Fall decorations setup and surprised me.
TOKEN 1538 — 1st Random Act
Location Token Received: Catawba, Ohio
Random Act Received: Lunch Bill for my Sister her husband (working on the island) and I and our 3 kids paid for.
Comment: This is a fabulous way to remember and honor such a beautiful soul. We sadly lost our 21 year old cousin in 2017 and are always looking for ways to honor her. We host an annual #DoGoodDay on (near) the anniversary of her accident 3/31. We look forward to sharing this act of kindness!
TOKEN 1540 — 1st Random Act
Location Token Received: School
Random Act Received: My teacher gave us a free day.
Comment: My friend and I are working on a project to give girls an easier access to their necessary sanitary needs and another one of my friends and I cleaned up the park. I passed it on with another one of my friends.
TOKEN 1566 — 1st Random Act
Location Token Received: San Antonio,Texas
Random Act Received: Tip at a salon
TOKEN 1567 — 1st Random Act
Location Token Received: San Antonio,Texas
Random Act Received: Free dinner
Comment: A wonderful dinner with my mother who loves me with a fierce and unwavering spirit and I to her in return.
TOKEN 1649 — 1st Random Act
Location Token Received: San Antonio,Texas
Random Act Received: My boss Dr George Knight treated me to Starbucks
Comment: This is an amazing opportunity, God bless
TOKEN 1678 — 1st Random Act
Location Token Received: San Antonio,Texas
Random Act Received: Was bought a breakfast taco
Comment: Love that you are doing this! I knew Marissa from working with her at Stone Oak Elementary! She had such a BIG heart! God bless.
TOKEN 1694 — 1st Random Act
Location Token Received: San Antonio,Texas
Random Act Received: Person in front of me paid for my drink
Comment: I think what they are doing here is amazing and Marissas legacy will live on.
TOKEN 1698 — 1st Random Act
Location Token Received: Bowling Green, Ohio
Random Act Received: A beautiful vase of flowers with a note hoping it started my day with a little sunshine; and, it certainly did!
Comment: I'm not sure what I did to deserve this beautiful act of kindness, but I'm very humbled and honored by it! Many thanks to the person who took the time to think of me in such a beautiful way.
TOKEN 1699 — 1st Random Act
Location Token Received: Bowling Green, Ohio
Random Act Received: Small bouquet of flowers
Comment: What a thoughtful and beautiful idea this is, I love it!
TOKEN 1710 — 1st Random Act
Location Token Received: Lubbock, Texas
Random Act Received: I received a card with a quote about strong women.
TOKEN 1712 — 1st Random Act
Location Token Received: Lubbock, Texas
Random Act Received: I received a hand-written card with a quote from Maya Angelou, a pack of sour gummy worms (my favorite), and a Halloween skull (also one of my favorite holidays and timely for the season).
Comment: Truly remarkable that these things come when we need them most.
TOKEN 1720 — 1st Random Act
Location Token Received: Ludington, Michigan
Random Act Received: Generous donation to the SPLKA Capital Campaign Fund
Comment: As the Executive Director of the Sable Points Lighthouse Keepers Association I want to thank you for your very generous donation to the SPLKA Capital Campaign Fund in memory of Marissa Kay Anderson. This was a Random Act of kindness with coin 1720. This will help fund the restoration of the Big Sable tower and provide to SPLKA, a Historic Structures Report for the Big Sable Lighthouse. You will be pleased to know that your gift has been matched by an anonymous donor.
TOKEN 1725 — 1st Random Act
Location Token Received: San Antonio, Texas
Random Act Received: Panera Bread gift card for $15
Comment: I am a teacher and received this wooden token and gift card in my teacher box today! I will definitely pass this on!
TOKEN 1727 — 1st Random Act
Location Token Received: San Antonio, Texas
Random Act Received: Paid for my admission to my son's football game 2 years ago (in 2018) when I didn't have CASH.
Comment: Sorry it took so long to log this. I've been carrying around my token for a long time. This morning at Sprout's grocery store a man forgot his wallet and I paid for his groceries. While he went out to get his wallet I dropped the token in his grocery bag. AMEN!
TOKEN 1730 — 1st Random Act
Location Token Received: Round Rock, Texas
Random Act Received: Mda charity donation
TOKEN 1740 — 1st Random Act
Location Token Received: Simi Valley, California
Random Act Received: $50 Amazon Gift Card
Comment: What a blessing; very exciting to receive this gift! Thank you!
TOKEN 1888 — 1st Random Act
Location Token Received: Paris
Random Act Received: Somebody got my food for me.
Comment: This person in front of me got my food for me and told the waitress to give this to me.
TOKEN 1890 — 1st Random Act
Location Token Received: Sandusky, Ohio
Random Act Received: Karen came to my daughter, Maddie Brennan’s 2nd grade class and talked to them about this awesome project. The kids were all very excited! We are passing out token on to our neighbors. We made pumpkin cookies for them and we are very excited to track our token.
Comment: Thank you Karen for taking time out of your day to talk with our kids. They are our future and I love this idea stressing kindness. Thank you so much!
TOKEN 1905 — 1st Random Act
Location Token Received: Buford, Georgia
Random Act Received: Book
Comment: I loved the book!
TOKEN 1908 — 1st Random Act
Location Token Received: Vanlue, Ohio
Random Act Received: A very generous tip for a haircut
Comment: My aunt came to my salon and got her hair trimmed and left me a great tip and gave me the token and told me Marissa’s story. What a great thing to spread kindness in her honor. I will do my act of kindness soon and keep it going
TOKEN 1924 — 1st Random Act
Location Token Received: San Antonio, Texas
Random Act Received: A book for my classroom library
Comment: Thank you! I have already had many students signing up to read this book!
TOKEN 2052 — 1st Random Act
Location Token Received: Findlay, Ohio
Random Act Received: 9/15/2020
Comment: Love Helping Others
TOKEN 2054 — 1st Random Act
Location Token Received: Columbus, Ohio
Random Act Received: Donation to a local animal shelter
Comment: I received this random act of kindness from my cousin, Jody Cook, who has been a friend of Marissa's mom, Karen, since grade school.
TOKEN 2055 — 1st Random Act
Location Token Received: San Antonio, Texas
Random Act Received: Chick-fil-A gift card
Comment: Totally unexpected! Makes me want to pay it forward, for sure!
TOKEN 2056 — 1st Random Act
Location Token Received: San Antonio, TX
Random Act Received: Chick-fil-A gift card
Comment: Such a great idea!!! Thanks
TOKEN 2070 — 1st Random Act
Location Token Received: San Antonio, TX
Random Act Received: Kitchen towel, spatula tool set, and a bowl.
Comment: I just sold my house and moved to a rental and received these items under my desk. It certainly brightened up my day! I will definitely pay it forward!
TOKEN 2271 — 1st Random Act
Location Token Received: San Antonio, TX
Random Act Received: 9/25/2020
Comment: In honor and memory of Marissa, dear friend Kathryn Lewis left a surprise sweet treat on my porch and introduced me to Marissa. I am so thankful for her thoughtfulness and now consider myself one of many to be blessed by Marissa.
TOKEN 2273 — 1st Random Act
Location Token Received: San Antonio, TX
Random Act Received: A present with gifts inside left by my front door.
Comment: There was a present by my front door and when I opened it there were Fall themed gifts inside including a candle, spatula, dish towel and adorable salt and pepper shakers! It was such a wonderful surprise and when I saw the card and read about Marissa I was so touched. I can’t wait to pay it forward and continue to do random acts of kindness in her honor. I will also share this with my children to teach them about her and how random acts of kindness can make a difference in someone’s life!
TOKEN 2348 — 1st Random Act
Location Token Received: San Antonio, TX
Random Act Received: 9/25/2020
Comment: Lunch Delivered! On a day when I needed it most! Can’t wait to spread the kindness!
TOKEN 5011 — 1st Random Act
Location Token Received: Put In Bay, Ohio
Random Act Received: Lottery tickets
Comment: Me and my girlfriend were surprised to receive this and now we will have to figure out how to pay it forward!
NO TOKEN
Comment: I was given a gift card to pass on to an individual/family who could use it. The gift was given to me to pass on by Margaret Cook. The receiving female was a mother who truly needed the gift of food for her family. She shared that she was struggling trying to find some help. I gave her a business card with a couple of phone numbers & addresses she could try. She was very appreciative. I could tell by tears in her eyes. Thank you Margaret for your Random Act of kindness for this lady.