It started with one wishlist.
It grew into Bag of Joy.
I started Bag of Joy in fifth grade by adopting holiday wishlists for kids in foster care. What began as a small way to give back has grown into a way for kind people to give in a simple, transparent, and meaningful way.
Maahi Beyond the Bag
I’m a junior in high school who loves to dance, bake, cook, craft, and travel. I’ve choreographed for my school dance team, and I enjoy finding creative ways to bring ideas to life.
Living in a multi-generational home and spending time with my young nephew has taught me how to connect with people of all ages and appreciate small, meaningful moments.
Through Bag of Joy, I help create moments that matter for kids—through holiday gifts, education, and hot meals. Along the way, I’ve noticed that while children receive support, the people who give often experience something meaningful too. I’m still learning how to describe that feeling, but it continues to inspire the work behind Bag of Joy.
Giving Back Locally (2019–2025)
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
Year 7
2025
In 2025, Bag of Joy is growing — selling African crafts to support students in Ghana, hosting Cookies for a Cause for FoFK, and using new tech to make giving easier. We’re also sharing The Student Guide to Making a Difference Without Starting a Nonprofit to help others give back.
Giving Back Globally (2024–2025)
What began with wishlists close to home has now grown into supporting students across the world in Ghana through Project Okurase.
2024
2025
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!