My favorite thing about the Smile Project Road Trip was the people we met along the way. Every day I am reminded of the kindness they showed us. Recently, one of my new friends from Bakersfield, California connected me with Tonia R. Griffin, the CEO and Founder of the Khambrel Foundation in La Marque, Texas.
I am super excited to share her amazing work with you today. Without further ado, allow me to introduce Tonia.
Liz: Let’s start in traditional Smile Project fashion. Give me a “Happiness is.”
Tonia: Happiness is helping others, serving others.
Liz: What is your project?
Tonia: Laundered with Kindness Day is held annually the 2nd Saturday in September to help ease others burdens by providing wash, dry, fold, load/unload laundry, dry cleaning and donate laundry products. We target laundromats, dry cleaners and homeless facilities with the support of cleaning companies, businesses, volunteers and in-kind donations helping more families and making a larger impact. Our goal is a National Laundered With Kindness Day to be held globally.
Liz: What is your organization?
Tonia: Khambrel Foundation provides educational curriculum, reading & financial literacy programs, hands on educational & entrepreneurial workshops with small group activities designed to build on life’s dreams. We partner with Day Cares, Libraries, Community Organizations, Schools and Business Professionals to develop co-operative resources and take a collective action. We support single-parent families in need with basic-essentials including donations of gift cards, food, clothes and household products. We impact the social well-being of others by encouraging individuals to promote kind acts every day to make a positive change that touches lives globally.
Liz: What is the driving force behind what you do?
Tonia: A native of Galveston County, Texas, I was taught at an early age how to work with anyone who needed assistance whether in life, school, church, organizations or communities. I developed a strong desire to give, to serve others, to help build organizations, ministries and plant churches. Serving under leadership began with my relationship with God. Since the death of my mother, the vision is being fulfilled and to ensure that the legacy continues the Foundation was named “Khambrel” after my namesake and granddaughter.
Liz: What does service mean to you?
Tonia: Khambrel Foundation was founded, September 2015 to improve the social well-being of individuals, groups, neighborhoods, and organizations. We identify priorities, generate solutions, establish community partnerships, develop co-operative resources and take a collective action.
Liz: How can people get involved?
The following causes help us serve our communities in different areas, ensuring we reach people from all walks of life. People can also volunteer with us via Volunteer Match. There are also sponsorship opportunities available. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
Liz: Anything else you'd like to add?
Tonia: The Mainland Kindness Rocks Project begins February 9-15, 2019 to celebrate National Kindness Week. Our KINDNESS ROCKS PROJECT includes painting rocks, dropping rocks and creating a rock garden filled with inspirational messages. We can image what kind words would do to our families, neighbors and visitors in our Community. We've partnered with libraries, parks, organizations, businesses and hospitals turning Texas City, La Marque and Galveston cities KIND, one rock at a time, leaving no rock uninspiring.
Liz: What’s your favorite quote?
Tonia: It is my sincere desire to serve others, promote change, and make a dramatic difference in this lifetime.
Liz: Do you have a favorite piece of advice?
Tonia: What the world needs now is love! It covers the multitude.