Paying It Forward

Bringing the Light to Northwest Indiana and Illinois

You can be the light in someone's world by helping too. Even if you don't have funds to donate, your time is valuable! Paying It Forward relies on fellow community members to volunteer to help push our mission forward.

kids running
kid painting heart pink

Paying It Forward’s Mission

We want to be the light on what may be a cloudy day.

Giving back to our community members in need inspires us day in and day out. It drives us to secure as many donations and resources as possible so we can help those who are struggling. Children, low-income families, and victims of domestic violence know that when they come to Paying It Forward, they have someone in their corner. One small act of kindness can have a positive long-term impact on someone and give them the courage to keep going.

person holding change

Paying It Forward’s History

Paying It Forward started as a small, social media-based community help group in July 2013. Seeing a need for energetic, nonprofit work in the IL and NWI area, we formed our organization to provide solutions that give back to locals.

We opened a nonprofit office in June 2021, followed by a community resource center in October 2023. Donations are accepted to help fund our many programs, with 100% of the proceeds going right back to the people. You can learn more about us here.

How to Help

Paying It Forward runs on human kindness. What we lack in money we make up for with heart. Kindness does not have to cost a single cent. While donations are appreciated and vital to us being able to offer our programs to those who are in need, your time is also valuable. Please consider donating or volunteering to help us help others and be a part of making a difference in our local community.

  • Paying It Forward is a 501c3 non-profit organization. To help with the services we provide, click here to donate to the program and service you would like. Or consider purchasing directly from our Amazon Wishlist for our ongoing programs. 100% of profits from sales go toward Paying It Forward's programs for families in need.

  • Want to help out, but don’t have a lot of extra money? We can ALWAYS use your time! Help out in our physical store location, host a toy drive in your community, or help out with one of our upcoming events. Click here to volunteer.

  • Want your logo on our site? We are always looking for sponsorships from companies big and small! You can sponsor a specific event, drive, or just help out in general. We can always find a way to get you involved! Click here to learn more.

What the community is saying:

Paying It Forward Sponsors

  • shewolfeofwallstreet
  • foundations of east chicago
  • albanese
  • walmart
  • legacy foundation

  • italic brands

  • Amanda Wolfe

  • Beca Bagdocimo

  • Essar Bar

  • Barrientez Family

  • Debra Bolanos

  • Goodfellow Club East Chicago

  • Monica Guzman Gonzalez

  • Donna Lucero

  • Richard Novak