During a time of worldwide darkness as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have lasting impacts on our lives, I found light through this group of kind-hearted, amazing souls.

Here are 7 things being in this group has reminded or taught me:

1. When you're feeling down giving back to someone else can cheer you up.

In the group, I've helped others get items they actually really needed or brightened their day when they were going through a rough time. During a time when so many are struggling it's amazing to see so many people giving back.

2. Receiving a little present in the mail can brighten anyone's day.

I love receiving "happy mail." It makes me smile and feel less depressed to know somebody cared enough to send me something.

3. Amazon has some amazing items and deals.

Browsing each other's wishlists is always inspiring. I cannot tell you how many cool things I've found from this group. I already had several lists filled with cool finds from amazon and now I have even more.

4. Strangers are simply friends we have yet to meet.

I have made so many friends from this group. Beyond games and gifting, when someone has something hard or bad going on we're there to support them and when someone has something exciting happening we celebrate with them. These groups are the embodiment of this quote.

5. For every bad apple there are 10 times as many good ones

As you might wonder, yes sometimes people cancel or don't gift back. But for every bad apple amongst us, I have seen 10-20 good ones. Possibly even more. When the amazing admin teams notice this they remove them and often times others step up to fill the hole.

6. We're here to give. It's not about receiving.

The majority of us are here because we love giving to others. We've come together and helped other members get items like butt cream, formulas, clothes, and more. Items they really needed. I've been blessed with gifts to help me with my depression, anxiety, and sleep issues. And let me tell you that gifting has been a life-changer.

7. There is still good in this world.

"Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light." — Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

With all the negativity in the world right now these amazing groups of caring souls have reminded me that there is still good out there. This group has turned on the light for me in a time when I thought it was impossible.

Never forget there are amazing people out there. You could be that light switch for someone else. Together we can overcome and I thank the amazing members of this group who have reminded me of that.