It started with one wishlist.
It grew into Bag of Joy.
Even the smallest choice to care can make a difference.
Meet Maahi
I’m a junior in high school. I love to dance, bake, cook, travel, and make things on my Cricut. I’ve choreographed for my school dance team, and when I’m not doing schoolwork, I’m either in the kitchen baking cookies for friends and family or in the basement working on projects—some just for fun and others to help fundraise.
I live in a multigenerational home with my family, including my one-year-old nephew and my 81-year-old grandmother. I love spending time with both of them, and I’ve noticed that what makes them happiest are the little things—reading with my nephew, playing on the floor, or making a cup of tea for my grandma. Those small moments remind me how much simple actions can matter.
Bag of Joy has made me curious about prosocial behavior—especially what motivates people to give when there’s no recognition. It’s also inspired me to share with my peers how noticing is the first step toward caring and making choices that can bring joy to others.
Giving Back Locally (2019–2026)
It all started close to home, turning small acts of giving into moments of joy for children in foster care.
Year 1
2019
Year 2
Year 3
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Year 6
2024
Worked part-time job at learning center and sold crafts to support Friends of Foster Kids.
Year 7
2025
Big year for Bag of Joy! We used technology to make giving simple and meaningful—accessible from any device, anywhere. Gifts were shipped directly to Friends of Foster Kids, making it easier for givers and volunteers while keeping the joy alive.
Giving Back Globally (2024–2026)
What began with wishlists close to home has now grown into supporting students across the world in Ghana through Project Okurase.
2024
2025
Sold African handicrafts at community events, funding a full year of education and meals for two students in Ghana.
2026
Created totes using my Cricut to support student education at Nkabom Montessori through Project Okurase
The Future of Bag of Joy
Making Giving Easier and Meaningful
Giving Back Locally – Friends of Foster Kids
Volunteering with Friends of Foster Kids has shown me how much care goes into bringing a child’s wishlist to life—from collecting lists to delivering gifts.
Working with Ms. Teresa has helped me understand both the heart behind giving and the effort it takes to make it happen.
Through Bag of Joy, the goal is to use technology to make giving simple and transparent, so volunteers can focus more on impact and less on logistics—and so people can donate easily from anywhere, on any device.
Giving Back Globally – Project Okurase, Ghana
Through Project Okurase, I’ve seen how a small act can make a big difference across the world. Supporting kids in Ghana has made me realize how far kindness can reach — one meal, one book, or one class can change a child’s life.
Working with Dr. Cynthia Swenson, Ph.D., who founded the program, helped me see that giving is about creating chances for others to learn and grow.
My goal is to raise awareness so more students can have access to education, meals, and reliable internet that helps them stay connected.
The Experience of Joy
I’ve learned that giving back is more than an act of kindness — it creates a feeling inside you that makes you want to keep doing it. It’s been my motivation every year since 2019.
Over time, the name Bag of Joy has taken on a deeper meaning, because now I understand that joy comes from giving. Happiness is felt in moments — but joy stays with you, because it comes from connection.
And the more people give — in ways big or small — the more we all feel connected.
That’s the real power behind Bag of Joy.
Research Behind Bag of Joy
Exploring the Connection Between Giving and How It Makes Us Feel
Bag of Joy is connected to a research study that explores the relationship between giving and emotional well-being, especially when the giver does not have direct contact with the person they are helping.
In many cases, giving through Bag of Joy means supporting a child in foster care, where donors do not have contact with the child for privacy and safety reasons. Similarly, when supporting students in Ghana, givers may or may not have the opportunity to meet the students they are helping.
This creates a unique setting to explore how giving feels when there is no direct interaction, recognition, or feedback. The research focuses on how acts of generosity can influence emotions such as joy, fulfillment, empathy, and purpose, even when the impact is not personally seen.
Bag of Joy allows this research to take place through real-life experiences, where giving is intentional and centered on helping others rather than receiving recognition.
Contact Us
We'd love to hear from you! If you have any questions, want to get involved, or need more information about Bag of Joy, please feel free to reach out to us.
Email:
maahi.bagofjoy@gmail.com
Your support and feedback mean the world to us. Together, we can spread joy and make a difference in the lives of children. Thank you for being a part of the Bag of Joy mission!