In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Daisie Foundation pivoted from its traditional Holiday Magic Event in schools to a “Random Acts of Kindness – Sprinkles of Joy Initiative,”surprising thousands of women and children in eight communities most impacted by the pandemic. And for the first time, the foundation was thrilled to surprise more than 300 first responders who serve tirelessly.

Since the foundation began, the Daisie Foundation has provided gifts to 5400 students and 500 teachers in Chicago pre-K through 8th grade schools at holiday celebrations, gift-giving events, and this year, through random acts of kindness.

In keeping with its commitment to making a difference in communities that lack critical resources, the Daisie Foundationand its partners – the Banana Republic and the Gap Foundation – donated 5000 pieces of new apparel, surprising women in two Chicago shelters. Children, first responders and community members received gloves, hats, scarves, food products, toys, and gift cards to local retail outlets. One thousand meal certificates were gifted to students at three Chicago elementary schools and a women’s shelter. Chick-fil-a and Lou Malnati’s surprised the staff at a women’s shelter and first responders with catered meals.

McDonalds surprised 300 customers and residents in three of Houston’scommunities disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, with meal certificates, while the foundation team and local volunteers passed out gift cards in neighborhoods—leaving sprinkles of joy.