Update: Whitney continued her 100 days campaign in the spring of 2021 and plans to do the same in 2022. Last November she worked with her local elementary school to write letters to veterans and lead a toy and clothing drive for children this past holiday season.

"There's no stopping," added Whitney. "Giving is foundational to my life, and it's the foundation of my agency."

Whitney Mork was 19 years old when a random act of kindness changed her life forever. Her father had recently passed away leaving her family in a precarious financial state. She had left the University of Alabama and just started work as a server at a local Birmingham restaurant. She needed to earn money so she could return to school and finish her last three semesters.

That's when Whitney's story took an almost unbelievable turn.

"One night a family came in and I was waiting on their table and they started asking me questions about my situation," said Whitney. "At the end of dinner, they handed me a sizeable check. It was enough money to help me graduate. Instead of paying it back, they asked that I pay it forward."

 
State Farm Agent 
Whitney Mork

Whitney took that generous expression of charity to heart. Now a State Farm agent in Irondale, Ala., she honors that gift with gratitude and responsibility and strives to live every day paying it forward.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, she decided to embark on a "100 Days of Kindness" campaign. She and her agency team provided meals for first responders and gift cards for nurses, handed out masks and hand sanitizers, went grocery shopping for customers, and helped spruce up the downtown Birmingham area.

"In all of this uncertainty, I want to be the change I want to see in the world and bring a little bit of hope to people," Whitney said. "Kindness is a chain reaction and it leads to others paying it forward."

"Whitney provided lunch for our department one day and it makes a huge impact just to know people are supporting us during these challenging times," said Chief Chris Mullins of the Mountain Brook Fire Department in Birmingham. "For Whitney to think about us in that way was really touching."

News of her story has spread and people are inspired.

"Numerous State Farm agents across the country have called me, wanting to start their own 100 Days of Kindness campaigns," remarked Whitney. "My advice to them is that something as simple as buying someone a cup of coffee can be impactful."

Whitney plans to start her next 100 days campaign in the spring. It's something she plans to continue for years to come.

Located in New Jersey, the no-kill rescue is home to pit-bulls in need of loving homes.

Aladdin’s owner and Lilo’s Promise Community Outreach Coordinator, Michele Schaffer-Stevens says the soft items are a source of comfort for dogs in need.

“Having something like a homemade blanket makes a world of difference verses a concrete floor,” said Stevens. “It’s a touch of home for a dog who is waiting for its forever home.”

Aladdin knows what that’s like. In 2013, weighing just 18 pounds and missing teeth…he came into Michele’s life.

“He’d been treated so poorly by a human being. A pit-bull of his size should be about 48 pounds,” Stevens explained. “I took him in and cared for him. Today, Aladdin is a healthy, happy therapy dog who works in schools, with disaster victims, and hospice patients.”

The six-year-old pit-bull is also an ambassador for dog safety programs – and has worked with State Farm to promote responsible pet ownership.

“These are amazing, resilient animals,” said Stevens. “We love to pay it forward in the community, and working with State Farm amplifies our ability to create good in this world.”

The fleece blankets made for dogs in need are part of the State Farm Neighborhood of Good®. The initiative, focused on the power of volunteering, encourages people to donate their time and talent to make a difference in their local communities.

To promote animal welfare, special volunteer events took place across the country. People were encouraged to visit a local State Farm Neighborhood of Good tent to make a fleece blanket for a rescue dog.

In New York City, the creative opportunity caught the attention of many passing by.

“It felt so good to be part of this effort,” said Kionna McClary. “It doesn’t matter who you are, you are creating a positive impact. Just five minutes can make a difference for an animal in need.”

McClary worked at the tent in New York City – assisting people as they created the soft blankets.

“This was a great learning opportunity for children and adults alike, said McClary. “Many asked how they can continue to stay involved. That’s when I told them about the Neighborhood of Good website.”

The website, www.NeighborhoodofGood.com® connects people to local causes in their community. By typing in their zip code and selecting their interest from a drop down menu, visitors can find a volunteer opportunity close to home.

“There’s something out there for everyone,” said McClary. “Whether that’s pets or music or the environment – it’s about discovering your passion and giving back.”

Interests on the Neighborhood of Good website include, (but aren’t limited to) education, arts and culture, technology, disaster and community services, animals and family services. For people with multiple interests - there’s an “All” category too.

“Many remarked how good it felt to volunteer,” said McClary. “Knowing they were making an impact for an animal in need was the highlight of their day. I’m excited to for more people to visit Neighborhood of Good to continue turning the power of caring into the act of doing.”

And for the dogs at Lilo’s Promise – Stevens says, the gift of a soft blanket, as they wait to find a loving home…is priceless.

“We are truly grateful for the kindness of volunteers. We couldn’t do it without them. A little love, goes a long way.”

• To view dogs available for adoption at Lilo’s Promise, visit: www.lilospromise.com
• To find volunteer opportunities in your neighborhood visit: www.NeighborhoodofGood.com

For a full list of what could be dangerous for your pet to consume, visit the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).