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EDITOR'S NOTE: The Tallahassee Democrat is teaming with Bill Eichhoefer and 93.3-FM radio's Greg Tish Show to feature monthly stories from their Your Neighbors segment that highlights Tallahassee’s unsung heroes. The show airs from 6-9 a.m. weekdays and the Your Neighbors segment is on every Monday at 8 a.m.
The power of love and joy are often underestimated but so needed in these days and times.
Crime, war, pandemics and so much more seem to dominate the news in our country. Lori Swanson of The Joy Squad says, “(we) need to remind people that there are so much goodness and kindness still in this world.”
The mission of the Joy Squad is to uplift each other and our community. They want to choose, give, and inspire joy. The squad was formed during the COVID pandemic. One of the first efforts they made was creating the annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.
Lee Collier, founder of The Joy Squad told me that she initially had encountered some resistance. It was amusing that part of her phone number is actually the code in law enforcement which means you are talking to a crazy person. Eventually they decided to check the squad out and found that they were serious.
Initially the squad meant to just deliver sweets to local law enforcement, but word got out into the community and it finally entailed T-shirts, goody bags and a food truck which provided a hot breakfast.
Bringing joy to someone doesn’t always encompass a large event. It can be something simple like paying a sincere compliment to a stranger, giving a Christmas card to someone who would normally not receive one, baking cookies for one of your neighbors or coworkers and so many other gestures. It doesn’t require that you do something as a large group, just do something nice to bring joy to someone.
Lee told me that “The Joy Squad is 100% volunteer run and has supported local organizations including Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Second Harvest of the Big Bend, the Tallahassee Animal Services Center, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, Boys Town, Hunger Fight, and many more.”
Hundreds of people within our community participate with the Joy Squad. Many focus on individual acts of kindness and not large events. For those who wish to become more involved, there is The Joy Squad Advisory Council which is responsible for the overall planning and direction of events. These people are known as Joy Leaders. They also hold member socials to exchange ideas and tell stories about their activities.
One of Lori’s favorite events held by the Joy Squad is the National Chocolate Day Celebration. It is held every October 28th. They give out chocolate bars all over town. I have already made my reservation for a dark chocolate bar. You can either help give out chocolate or you are welcome to donate chocolate bars.
Being from Chicago, I suggested that they start national Pizza Appreciation Day. I even volunteered to be the first recipient of a pizza. Needless to say, the idea was met with a few joyous smiles and laughter. But I won’t give up for all of the pizza lovers out there.
If you are a bit musically inclined or just love Christmas, every year they rent a bus and go caroling. They visit adult care residences to give the joy through song. If you’re like me, perhaps the others will sing loud enough to cover up your voice. I still expect to have fun at this activity.
Random Act of Kindness Day is held Every February 17th. Joy Squad members perform random acts of Kindness and encourage others to do so. It can be things as simple as letting Someone go ahead in line, writing a note of thanks, donating to a food pantry, giving out gift cards or buying another person’s meal and so much more.
This year the Joy Squad had added a Joy of the Month Challenge. It’s a simple challenge which can be done individually, as a family or with your own group of friends. Each challenge is a simple way to choose, give and inspire Joy. You can find each monthly challenge on their website or their Facebook page.
Remember “A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees.” - Amelia Earhart.
If you are inclined to become a member or just want more information they can be contacted at [email protected] or 850-766-5150.
Bill Eichhoefer is a Public Relations consultant and community activist. He is the host of "Your Neighbors with Bill and Doug" on The Greg Tish Show. Contact him at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Introducing Your Neighbors: Meet local radio show's unsung heroes
