Lisha and Tom Watling of the Cayman Islands are among the millions of people who lost their jobs because of COVID-19.
Their tourism business, Cayman Kayaks, unfortunately had to shut down in the wake of the novel coronavirus pandemic. But despite having to live off their savings, they saw their misfortune as an opportunity to help others in need!
Having already worked with Cayman’s Acts of Random Kindness, the couple decided to dedicate their free time to taking care of their community.
They’ve now spent months delivering frequent meals to nearly 200 people in the East End. Then they moved to distributing clothing donations through an initiative they call BLESSED.
It began with a request for a baby stroller. Lisha met an expecting mom who didn’t have everything she needed for her little one. Moved by her story, Lisha put out a call for donations on a local Facebook group – and the response was incredible!
“It was overwhelming. I put out one message. I had 54 independent, private messages back,” Lisha explained. “The messages have just kept coming through and I thought, ‘OK, how do I say no?'”
The Watlings have since received so many donations from their neighbors that they’re storing everything in a warehouse!
They now have shoes, clothes, and other necessities organized and ready to go for whoever needs them. Lisha even creates personalized bags to make each recipient feel special!
What’s more, she and Tom personally deliver every donation. So far, they’ve given away over 250 bags to families in need, but they say they’re the ones who are blessed!
“The past six months have been the greatest blessing for us,” Lisha said. “When you bless others, you are also abundantly blessed. So for the people that are donating, they’re being blessed as well.”
What an amazing way for this couple to turn their hard time into a blessing for their community! Thank you, Lisha and Tom, for selflessly looking past your own struggles to make a difference for others.
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