The Dallas nonprofit Love in Motion was created with one simple goal: to make others feel appreciated. Studies show that humans excel and tend to become more engaged when they are recognized for their work, and when educators and first responders are doing their best work, it can only impact our community in a positive way.
Pollo Corral built on this idea when he founded Love In Motion in 2012. The volunteer-led nonprofit is dedicated to providing tangible, recurring appreciation to teachers, police, and firefighters in the Dallas community.
Since its inception, the organization's impact has been felt by some of Dallas' most dedicated. More than 22,500 "live LOVE Appreciation" gifts — which include handwritten thank-you notes, snacks, drinks, and scratch-off lottery tickets — have been distributed across town as part of the 3,100 volunteer hours that the group has already logged.
"Whether it is by providing warm breakfast or by providing tokens of appreciation, it makes a difference," says Joli Angel Robinson, a manager at the Dallas Police Department. "Knowing that we are appreciated inspires a 'better together' mentality which overflows to our daily work."
Projects now reach over 1,000 educators and hundreds of first responders every month.
"As a principal, it means a lot to me to know that there are organizations like [Love in Motion] in the community who care about our profession and for what we do for our students," says Yazmine Cruz, principal of Kiest Elementary School. "It is recognition like this that truly makes a difference in our school and the community we serve."
Located in Deep Ellum at 2546 Elm St., Love in Motion hosts "live LOVE Appreciation" projects on the fourth Saturday of each month from 10 am-noon. Anyone can volunteer by coming out to prepare and package appreciation gifts, and as a bonus you'll also get to hang out with the group's mascot, Lola the llama (Lola loves selfies).
Other ways to be a part of this important work include donating items for the gift packages, such as $1 scratch-off tickets, snacks, or even instant coffee packs. Because Love in Motion is 100 percent donation sustained, you can also choose to set up an ongoing gift of at least $20 per month (all of which is tax deductible) at its website www.loveinmotion.info.
Love In Motion's mascot is Lola the llama.
