April 27^th marks the 7th anniversary of my son 
Branden Braddock’s death.  Each year on this day I ask family and friends to participate in a random act of kindness in his memory.  Branden was a very kind hearted young man and to try and honor his life I find that doing something nice for someone helps keep the day, a day of love instead of sadness.  Examples of random acts of kindness are: paying for the person behind you in a drive thru meal, purchasing a gift card and leaving it with the cashier at any business to pay for someone’s purchase, picking up the check of a mother and son who are having dinner, sending flowers to a special person.  Of course not all acts of kindness have to involve money.  Make sure that you tell the people who you love how important they are to you, help someone load their groceries in their car or leave a note for someone recognizing and appreciating their work, help someone with their work day or chores.  Leave your kindness card to the recipient and hopefully the kindness will continue and the day will be filled of good memories and intentions. These are only examples and if you chose to participate in this beautiful way to honor my sons life and the love we shared then please be creative and share your experiences on Branden’s website, www.branden-braddock.memory-of.com   To learn more about the Random Acts of Kindness, grief or to make a donation please visit www.missfoundation.org

Thank you,

Michele Newton, Branden's Mom

For the past 3 years I have been organizing an event called Santa's Workshop in memory of Branden and the love for all my children.  Santa's Workshop receives donations of new or near new items ( clothing, toys, giftable items of any sort).  I find an empty store location and set it up like a thrift store.  Low income families are then able to shop for immediate family members of all ages.  Immediate family members are children, spouses, brothers, sisters, parents.  They are able to obtain 3 outfits and 3 giftable items per person on there "shopping" list.  Santa's Workshop has helped hundreds of people have a christmas.  I loved christmas with my kids, expecially shopping and picking out their gifts.  That is how Santa's Workshop came to be.  This year 2008 over 700 people of all ages each had 3 outfits and 3 gifts.  What a wonderful gift to be able to receive such wonderful donations to be able to host a wonderful and most needed event in memory and in honor of my children.  I am so proud, humbled and honored that so many people gave so generously.  A special thank you to all who have donated.

Bethany, Breanne and Branden's Mom