Pay It Foward
Celebrating 40+ Years in Business
Legacy In Everyone
At QPS, being an ESOP means more than shared financial success. It means shared responsibility to make a positive impact. Each year, we honor the legacy of our founders—Scott A. Mayer, Mark Immekus, and Dan McNulty—by empowering every co-owner with $50 to “Pay It Forward.”
This program reflects our ownership culture in action. As co-owners, we each have the opportunity to give with humility, act with purpose, and extend our impact beyond the workplace. The goal is to create a ripple effect of kindness, where one act inspires another and strengthens the communities we serve.
Here is a sampling of stories about how this money was used to make a difference.
For my 2026 Pay It Forward, I once again purchased much needed items for Milwaukee’s Street Angels. They have a convenient Amazon wish list containing their most needed items to help unhoused people in the Milwaukee area. This year I combined my QPS $50 with my own funds and helped purchase small flashlights w/ batteries and simple blue jeans for homeless folks. https://streetangelsmke.org/
Think about being homeless and sleeping in a park, the woods, etc. with no light after dark. Pretty darn scary. Can a small flashlight really do that much? Maybe! A tiny bit of comfort and security overnight. Street Angels are true boots on the ground volunteers who actively go out to help those who have no home to go to. I’ve watched their organization grow over the years and feel it’s such a noble cause. Any little help I can send their way, I’m happy to do so…
-Dave Elliot
I chose to donate my $50 to the Milwaukee Diaper Mission, specifically for their brand new “Flow Forward” initiative. This program is the first of its kind in Milwaukee and provides period kits to those in need. They currently donate over 300,000 products a year and the need is greater than what they can offer right now.
As a woman, I can’t image not having access to the sanitary products needed each month, especially for those newer moms who might have to choose between clothing their baby with diapers or having sanitary products for themselves. For those experiencing homelessness, this is an extra burden to have clean, safe, hygienic supplies.
Periods are an added cost specifically for women each month and a topic that society in general overlooks because it makes them uncomfortable to discuss.
The Flow Forward program aims to de-stigmatize the topic of menstruation and gives support to those who need it in the community. While the Milwaukee Diaper Mission has been offering these supplies quietly for years, they hope by officially naming the program, it will draw the attention of more people who are able to help! The MDM is truly helping provide families with much needed supplies and I am very thankful to QPS for helping us help others.
-Anne Jabusch
This year, I have donated to the MS Society as part of their Walk MS event that I will be participating in on May 3rd. I am walking in support of my sister-in-law, and nearly 1 million others in the US who live with MS. Each donation to the MS Society goes towards cutting-edge research and providing services and resources to those impacted by MS. $100 equips an MS support group with a month’s worth of supplies to help facilitate impactful meetings
In addition to the $50 that QPS has provided to us for “Pay It Forward,” I will be matching the first $10 of all donations made on my fundraising page, so if you are still looking for a way to use your Pay It Forward dollars or want to support a great cause, donate away! https://events.nationalmssociety.org/participant/775292
-Nick Nook
Felt good to “Pay It Forward” and visit some former coworkers! With the funds we got, I headed to the Salvation Army bins and got a few pounds of clothes for cents on the dollar! They all went to the Community Closet at a local school dedicated to specialized education.
-Glorie Oconnell
A little over a week ago, a tornado devastated part of the Ringle, WI community, impacting people I know personally. Around 75 individuals lost their homes, and the loss has been deeply felt. In a small effort to support them, I put together two raffle baskets to donate to upcoming benefit events. I have also donated household items of my own and purchased additional supplies to help. I’m grateful to QPS Employment for offering this amazing Pay It Forward program, which made it possible to contribute in this way. My hope is that this $50 contribution can grow into something more meaningful – helping raise a few hundred dollars to assist families as they begin to rebuild and find their footing again.
-Crystal Pettis
On the evening of April 18th, I was on the way home from the Wisconsin Dells and got to the Plover area and saw smoke. As I was driving, Jason pulled up the pulse point app (this is an app that shows any emergency calls). The address that came up was one we knew. We got off the highway at the next exit. Here it was my niece’s house, everyone is ok.
We got as close as we could since the road was blocked off. Jason had his drone in the car and got it up and got some pictures – we had pictures taken within 25 minutes of the call being placed. It was a no-brainer where to donate my $50 this year. The fire started in the garage; they lost both vehicles. It spread into the kitchen and the sunroom. Smoke was in the full house.
-Nikki Fields
Last night, an Associate Employee stopped by my office to ask about the pay period because he uses Cash App and wanted to know if he would receive his paycheck early on Monday. I explained that our payroll department completes payroll on Wednesday afternoons, and depending on the bank, employees may receive their pay Wednesday evening or Thursday.
During our conversation, he shared that he had recently been robbed at gunpoint and that everything was taken from him, including his bike. He also explained that he would not be able to cash the check he received from us because his ID was stolen as well.
He further shared that he had to check out of his hotel that morning because, without his bike, he was unable to do DoorDash to earn enough money to cover his stay. As a result, he had to place his personal belongings in storage until he gets paid on Thursday and can afford another hotel room.
After hearing about his situation, I reached out to my manager to see what support we could provide. I had already decided that I wanted to pay it forward. My manager informed me that we could provide him with a couple of QPS shirts and a $50 gift card.
Once I returned, I called him into my office and presented him with the QPS shirts, the $50 gift card, and an additional $50 through the Pay It Forward initiative. His first response was a big hug and to say that I had done more than enough because he did not have any money to buy food. That moment truly touched me and brought tears to my eyes. He said “Anitra, I’m a man, I don’t cry… I need to stop by the restroom.”
-Anitra Scott
We “paid it forward” this Saturday in Colorado. Annette Montoya has been a teaching assistant at Lincoln Elementary school in Denver for 20 years. She loves each and every child like they are her own. Every family that she touches is truly blessed to have her in their child’s lives. Liz McReynolds and I were so delighted to steal a moment at the annual fundraiser to celebrate her service to the children in our community.
-Laura Brunner
As I am sure you all have heard by now, Wisconsin has been going through it in the weather department lately — flooding and hail storms and tornados, oh my! And while my neighborhood of Riverwest had been mostly spared thanks to our elevation, we do have a notoriously flood-prone corner just a few blocks down in neighboring Harambee. Which may not sound like the biggest deal, but we’re talkin’ heavy-traffic, four-way stop and the main route to the highway, so when this thing turns into a mini man-made lake — people are affected.
I stopped by Kuumba, the coffee shop that sits on this corner, one morning and while I was chatting with the owner, asked how they were doing with all the weather lately. He said they were lucky and stayed pretty dry this time around, so I told him how great that was to hear since this corner can get so gnarly.
“I know, a lot of that is from all the trash and litter and leaves that pile up in the drains and block it. But you know that guy who was just in here?” (There was indeed a man ahead of me in line who had just left the café after also catching up with Alex, the owner, on the latest storm.) “His name’s Marvin, he lives around here too, and he’ll come down and clean up the gutters before it rains so it doesn’t get too bad.” For some reason, this really hit me and I thought it was one of the sweetest things I had ever heard. Just an older gentleman coming out in his free time and helping a whole community — not for praise, not for recognition, but just because.
I immediately walked home, grabbed my Pay It Forward cash and went to work writing a thank you note to Marvin. When I walked back to Kuumba to deliver my little package, Alex was so touched on his behalf and really impressed by our company’s program. He too tries to “pay it forward” in the community with Kuumba, making it a gathering space for underserved and marginalized groups.
And just because I feel like this fits so well with the message of our Pay It Forward campaign, I will leave you with a quote from Alex when speaking with WUWM Milwaukee’s NPR about what Kuumba stands for:
“Kuumba means creativity. Creativity that an individual possesses that they can use to make their community better than they inherited it. It’s the sixth principle of Kwanzaa. Here in America, we talk about liberty, independence and freedom. African village values, such as the framework that Kwanzaa was built on, speak more to community efforts, not just an individual effort. It realizes that the individual is really supported by a community and does great things because of, and hopefully for, their community.
That’s the guiding principle that we wanted to speak into this space. Especially as we’re sitting here in Harambee, which is a predominantly Puerto Rican and Black neighborhood. Harambee itself is a Swahili term meaning ‘all pull together.’”
-Katie Belanger
My Pay-It-Forward story involves a candidate I am currently working with who recently lost his fiancée to colon cancer last November. He needed time away from work to find peace and settle her affairs, and during our conversations he shared his experience and the emotional toll it has taken on him.
His story deeply resonated with me because my own mother has recently battled lung cancer twice, going through chemotherapy, radiation, and even having part of her lung removed. She now lives with ongoing breathing issues and must be very careful to avoid exposure to illness. Because of this, I was able to genuinely understand and relate to what he is going through on a personal level.
Cancer is devastating at any age, but it is especially heartbreaking to hear about someone so young losing their life. Through our conversations, we ended up connecting and sharing our experiences, which created a meaningful bond.
This experience reminded me how fortunate I am to still have my mother in my life for more time, and it made me feel grateful and grounded in a very personal way.
-Teresa Considine
Pay It Forward – sounds like an easy task, just give it to someone who is in need, right? Everyone is in need these days so this decision felt a little heavy to begin with. So I sat with the decision for quite a while. There are so many good options—so many people in need—and truly, you can’t go wrong. But I wanted it to be something special. Something that could potentially grow even bigger with time.
Every day, I look out the window beside my home desk and see the garden space I’ve been tinkering with for the past four years. Each year I add something new, and this year, I finally knew what that “something” would be. I decided to use the $50 to buy more plants than I normally would—to grow more food to give away during the summer months. I’ll reach out to churches, local organizations, or even social media to see if families need fresh vegetables or something to help put dinner on the table that week.
I’m calling this section of my garden Grammy’s Gifting Garden.
I’m blessed to live on the same property my grandmother once owned and gardened herself. Gardening brings me joy I never knew I needed. Each season, I learn something new—about the soil, the plants, and myself. Some years the crops may not produce much, but I’ll keep tending that space, year after year, hoping for the same result every time: helping to feed those around me—just like my Grammy did. QPS is about legacy, and in this small but meaningful way, it’s helping me continue hers—feeding one soul at a time.
-Jennifer Glover
As I was looking for the right person or opportunity to pay it forward, a random conversation about my favorite sport of baseball led to my ultimate decision. The day before opening day, one of the Brewers players (Jacob Mizorowski) was interviewed about his journey to the majors and the fact that his dad had been diagnosed with Parkinsons disease for about the past decade. His dad was an electrician and could no longer physically work but if there was any bright spot, it allowed him to spend more time with his son to watch him on his journey to the majors.
Fast forward to the next day and I am attending opening day with one of my best friends. I shared this story with him as we were driving in and asked if he heard it. He said he didn’t but said it was unreal that I brought it up. He wasn’t quite sure when and how to tell me but shared that he had been going through a few odd health challenges recently and finally received a diagnosis the week prior. He was sadly diagnosed with the onset of Parkinson’s.
Needless to say, I was shocked and saddened. It led me down a path over the past month to research causes and treatments. While not directly related to a specific act of a person, as he and his family comprehend the challenges ahead, it seemed like the best use of my Pay It Forward this year to something related to this cause. One of the best therapies for those with Parkinsons is physical activity so we registered for our local “Moving Day” on May 16th which supports Parkinson’s research. Great strides have been made in treatment and hope this and future contributions can directly impact my good friend.
-Mark Milan
I had decided to donate my $50 “Pay It Forward” to an amazing organization, Special Spaces. This past weekend, I had the privilege of attending the 2026 Special Spaces Dream Big Gala—what an incredible event! It was truly moving to hear stories from the families Special Spaces has supported and to witness the generosity of everyone in attendance.
Special Spaces is a national nonprofit dedicated to creating custom dream bedroom makeovers for children battling cancer. I’ve had the honor of participating in one of these makeovers, and it was a very impactful experience. If you ever have the chance to get involved, I highly encourage you to do so—you won’t regret it. https://specialspaces.org/
-Amanda Einerson
I lost a close family friend a little over a week ago. He had been battling heath issues going on 8 years, started out with diabetes, lost toes from it, and most recently was on dialysis waiting for both a heart and kidney transplant. He got home from work, stepped out of his truck and collapsed, and his 18-year-old daughter did CPR until the ambulance showed up. He was pronounced dead after coding 7 more times in 2 days.
This man was one of the biggest “family man” you could ever meet, and not just for his 2 kids. He would help anyone and everyone no matter what he was going through. He loved big and his family was his pride and joy, and he did everything he could to make the time he left full of memories. He left behind a wife, a daughter who will graduate next month, and a 16-year-old son.
We attended his funeral Thursday, and his daughter performed her senior solo at dance competition Saturday afternoon – knowing her dad never missed a competition and still never will, she did it and placed in the top 10!
Unfortunately, due to getting sick at a young age, he did not have life insurance set up amongst other financial burdens from years of being sick. I just knew that I needed to give my $50 with some of my own money towards his memorial fund helping the family out.
-Kayla Hase
I want to take a moment to share how the $50 I received from QPS has helped make a difference in someone’s life. I used the funds to support a single mother in our church who’s going through an incredibly tough time. She was in a serious car accident that left her with physical tremors, and soon after, her husband left her and their two children. Despite these overwhelming struggles, she still manages to serve others in the church community each week.
With this contribution, I was able to offer her a small amount of relief, and it reminded me how much of a difference even a small act of kindness can make. I’m incredibly grateful to QPS for the opportunity to pass this generosity on. This is a reminder that our work goes beyond the office—it helps us connect with and uplift those in need.
-Kia Lor
Here is my “Pay It Forward” story. A few weeks ago, I took some PTO and traveled to Albania to visit family and celebrate my grandma’s 80th birthday. It was such a special time being surrounded by loved ones and reconnecting with my roots.
In Albania, many families work incredibly hard but still struggle to make ends meet. Wages are low, prices keep rising, and by the end of the month it can be especially difficult. It’s common for families to get groceries from small neighborhood minimarkets—often run by people they know—and have their names written in a notebook with the amount they owe. When payday comes, they pay back what they can. It’s a normal system built on trust and community.
A few years ago, in 2022, when my dad passed away, I learned something about him that deeply moved me. The owner of one of the small minimarkets told me that my dad had quietly paid off the grocery debts of several families—anonymously. He never told anyone. That was just who he was.
From that moment on, I decided I wanted to continue that tradition.
Now, every time I go back to Albania, I stop by and ask if there are families I can help. This year, I was able to pay off the grocery debt for four families. It may seem like a small gesture, but to me, it’s a way of honoring my dad’s memory and carrying forward the quiet kindness he showed others.
-Mandela Mecollari
Sometimes “pay it forward” takes on a much deeper meaning.
In light of a recent Domestic Violence tragedy that has shaken our community, I chose to donate my pay-it-forward funds to Women’s & Children’s Horizons here in Kenosha. The loss of Makayla Plaza has been heartbreaking, and it’s a painful reminder that domestic violence is still very real and happening far too often in our own communities.
Women’s & Children’s Horizons is a local nonprofit that supports survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. They provide 24/7 crisis support, emergency shelter, advocacy through legal and court systems, counseling for both adults and children, transitional housing, and basic necessities for families in crisis. In many cases, they are the very first safe place someone turns to when they make the brave decision to leave an unsafe situation.
This cause is incredibly close to my heart. No one should have to live in fear, and every woman and child deserves safety, dignity, and the chance to rebuild.
-Rhonda Torres
This year I knew exactly who I wanted to give my $50 “Pay It Forward” to. A close family friend is currently battling stage 4 pancreatic and liver cancer. Monteazul is a very good friend of my brothers and was also a groomsman at his wedding. Monteazul started experiencing rapid weight loss and other symptoms which prompted him to go to the doctor. He received the devasting news last year and has been receiving chemotherapy treatments. Monteazul always has a smile on his face and is always willing to lend a helping hand. Monteazul and his wife have little ones at home, so this has been extremely hard on his whole family especially his wife who is now the sole provider for their family.
Monteazul was extremely grateful for the kind gesture and informed me that this will help with gas for his treatments for the next few weeks. Please click on the link below if you are interested in reading Monteazul’s story or donating to his GoFundMe. Racine and Kenosha QPSers – they are having a pizza night fundraiser for Monteazul in March. Thank you QPS for the opportunity to pay it forward. https://gofund.me/45030b220
-Nicole Santiago
I donated my money to a former colleague and friend who suffered a devastating house fire (with three young children). After living in a hotel for about a month, they are now in a rental as they undertake a long rebuilding process. I donated over a month ago and was hesitant to post about it. I always believed that when you give, you do so in secret, such that “your left hand doesn’t know what your right hand is doing.” But I now recognize that my intention is to inspire others to give, not to seek praise or attention.
-Dan Burnett
I am beyond grateful and deeply honored to be part of such a beautiful and compassionate “Pay It Forward” gesture that QPS offers. Being given the opportunity to pass along my $50 to someone who has endured unimaginable pain and hardship truly reminded me of the power of kindness.
This gentleman was the victim of a violent crime—simply in the wrong place at the wrong time—and his life was forever changed by the serious injuries he sustained. From that day forward, his journey became one of constant pain and quiet suffering. What began as discomfort slowly turned into relentless back pain, burning and tingling sensations, neck pain, foot pain, sciatica, and many other symptoms that only continued to worsen over time.
As the pain intensified, it eventually took away more than just his physical strength—it cost him the job he loved. On February 14, 2020, after years of dedicated service, he lost his position. His employer truly valued him and did everything they could to accommodate his medical restrictions because of how hardworking and dependable he was. Unfortunately, the constant pain and countless medical appointments made it impossible for him to continue working. Even then, they showed compassion by providing him with a heartfelt letter of recommendation, praising his work ethic and expressing their hope that if his health ever improved, he would always be welcome back.
Losing his job pushed him into a very dark and painful chapter of his life. Depression followed—but so did faith. Despite everything, he continued to push forward. Since then, his life has been filled with endless doctor visits and treatments in search of relief: pain management, physical therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic care, neurologists, and even traveling out of town to different hospitals. He has tried everything, yet relief still feels out of reach.
All he wants is to feel better, to work again, and to reclaim some sense of normal life—but right now, his pain still controls so much of his world. Life has been incredibly heavy for him, and that is why I felt in my heart that even a small act of kindness could mean something. Sometimes it’s not about the amount, it’s about letting someone know they are seen, valued, and not forgotten.
When he received the “Pay It Forward” gift, his face lit up with genuine happiness. I explained why QPS chooses to give back to our community, and he was overwhelmed with gratitude, not just for the help, but for the compassion behind it.
This experience was a powerful reminder of a simple truth: “Some people may look normal on the outside, but carry open scars, deep sadness, and silent pain on the inside.”
I truly hope he finds the healing he is searching for, so he can continue his life with strength, peace, health and happiness. I am incredibly proud to be part of a company that believes in lifting others up, even in the smallest ways, because sometimes those small moments of kindness mean everything.
-Fabiola Montenegro
While shopping last night at HomeGoods, I couldn’t help but notice an elderly gentleman by himself taking a seat on some patio furniture to make a phone call. It didn’t take long to hear the worry in his voice, and I quickly realized his vehicle had broken down and he was calling for a tow truck.
In the conversation with the driver, he mentioned he was from Slinger and didn’t know anyone close enough to pick him up. I approached and explained the Pay It Forward and offered to arrange an Uber, instantly noticing the weight of the situation lift. Thank you QPS for empowering me!
-Cheryl Datka
A few months ago, one of my candidates reached out a few times to let me know he couldn’t make it to work. When I asked what was going on, he shared that his son was really sick and almost didn’t make it. Not long after, he called again and told me his son had passed away. And in that same moment, I also had to let him know his assignment had ended. How do you even find the words to share news like that with someone who’s just lost a child? That was honestly one of the hardest conversations I’ve ever had in my recruiting career. Later on, I made a donation to his family to help ease some of the financial burden during such a difficult time.
-Jeniffer Rosario
We have a technician who has been outstanding over the past few months. When she first connected with us, she was going through a tough time but we were able to place her in a full-time role. Her Project Manager said she is “the best contract technician he has ever had on site.” Her performance has also directly led to multiple new job opportunities across several site locations for our team.
At one point, she was struggling with transportation so I sent her $50 to help with gas. Recently, she reached out to thank us and shared that she has since purchased a new vehicle and is now back on her feet.
-Krista Hinnant
A mom came into the Sheboygan office this afternoon, she was struggling with a double stroller and her two babies, she’s not OA with us but she’s clearly aware of our Care Station and came in to get some food items.
I noticed she had some loose diapers in a bag; she smiled and told me she “went shopping” somewhere else for the kids’ diapers before coming to us. I waited for her and helped her out the door and accompanied her to the bus stop in front of the office. She looked confused and told me she picked up the diapers from a center nearby, I told her it’s ok. I pulled the “Pay It Forward” card with the $50 and explained the program and told her I wanted to help her today and someday she can pay it forward as well. Her eyes watered just as the bus was coming, she was so grateful!
With these frigid temps, to see her struggling with that stroller and her babies it was literally a no brainer this was the perfect opportunity to pay it forward. No picture taken or needed here, praying for this mama and her babies! So grateful for QPS Care Stations and the Pay It Forward program.
-Maria Rivera
I used the Pay It Forward to support my daughter, to help her and the kids she works with. She’s a Registered Behavioral Technician (RBT) who works with children with autism and other behavioral needs. During snack time, some students don’t have anything to bring, and the school doesn’t always provide snacks. So she and the other staff members make sure every child has something. I used my Pay It Forward for her to help cover those costs and support what they’re doing for the kids.
-Todd Sowul
This weekend I attended an Oscars charity event put on by Blood Cancer United in Madison and thought it was a great use for our QPS Pay It Forward money. Both my husband and brother-in-law have been involved in organizing a handful of these events in the Madison area and it has been a fun way to help give back. This one even had a very special guest attend – Bucky (I waited until after we got a pic to tell him I’m a Marquette alum).
As a global leader in the fight against blood cancer, Blood Cancer United:
- Funds cutting-edge research leading to breakthroughs in immunotherapy, genomics, and personalized medicine that are improving and saving the lives of patients.
- Provides free education and support for blood cancer patients and families, including personalized, one-on-one support, assistance with identifying and enrolling in clinical trials, and more.
- Mobilizes thousands of advocates to drive policy changes that accelerate the development of new cancer treatments and break down barriers to care.
-Jessica Calliari
I am a MAJOR advocate for families with disability’s / unique gifts. I have always had a soft spot when working with children with disabilities, specifically, Autism.
This year was a very special year for me and my family. I come from a family who loves restoring old cars. My grandmother decided to enter her 1965 Fastback Mustang in for the World of Wheels; this car was started by my grandfather, who is not here with us anymore, but here in spirit. Shortly after my grandfather passed away, his best friend took the Mustang and tried to finish it for him; Sadly, his blessed soul passed away as well, leaving my mother and father learning from the ground-up how to finish restoring this Mustang.
Needless to say, she entered the car in the show and won 1st place! My grandmother is now teamed up with Illinois’ very first Women’s Car Club. They have decided to run a fundraiser for Children with Autism on September 20th, 2026. All funds raised during this event are going towards the Bridge Together for Autism Foundation. This foundation funds summer programs/activities for these special kiddos.
-Tyler Korn
A few weeks ago, there were 3 children removed from their parent’s care/home in our community due to living conditions. A boy who is 14 with Autism and is a flight risk, a 6-year-old girl, and an 18-month-old boy. The parents were arrested and the children were placed with their grandma (Melanie), one of our AEs, who was not prepared.
Melanie called to let us know that she would not be at work; she explained that she is now caring for the three kids, she was having difficulties finding coverage for the times she had to work, she was frantic because she did not have most of the essentials, she was worried about losing her job, and didn’t know where to start. April connected her with the HR team at Grande Cheese and they are going to work with her as long as she communicates through the process.
This call led to April and I deciding to put our money together from the Pay It Forward program to get Melanie the essentials she needed for the kids. We started reaching out to people we knew that might have some of the resources needed (mostly clothing/shoes) and came up with a list of items we were going to buy for the family.
Tammy Malachowski learned that this is what Monroe was doing and generously added her Pay It Forward money as well. We went to Wal-Mart with some of the Pay It Forward money and bought diapers, wipes and some clothes for the littlest guy. We also gathered items for personal hygiene off our care station and some basics for food. After we gathered everything, we agreed to chip in some of our own money so that we could give her $100 in cash so that she could pick some things out for the oldest. We aren’t familiar enough with him to know if there are any texture sensitives or strong preferences and we wanted to provide the opportunity for the young girl to pick out her own brand new shoes (because that is a big deal at 6).
-Amanda Schwartz
One of my dad’s employees of over 20 years suffered a devastating stroke that left him paralyzed on the left side of his body. While the doctors are hopeful he may regain mobility, it will take time, patience and a long road of recovery. He was the sole provider for his family, and in an instant their world was turned upside down. As we all know, life doesn’t pause for hardship—bills, groceries, and daily needs continue even when you can’t.
I shared this with the girls because this one truly hit home. This gentleman isn’t just an employee—he has been loyal, hardworking, and has become part of our family. When I asked if anyone wanted to contribute their $50, Alejandra, Alex, Ashley, Felisa, Jazmin, and Rocio didn’t hesitate. Some even added their 40-for-40 without a second thought. Their generosity was immediate and heartfelt.
I wasn’t able to get a picture because my mom was already on her way to pick him up for a doctor’s appointment—his wife is unable to drive right now—so I handed the money to my mom and asked her to deliver it to the family. Not long after, his wife called me in tears. She could barely get the words out, but her gratitude was overwhelming. She thanked our team from the bottom of her heart and sent blessings our way.
The quote in this photo says, “Sometimes you can’t pay it back, so you just have to pay it forward.” That’s exactly what this moment was—a reminder that kindness doesn’t always come full circle, but it always moves forward. And I’m proud that our team chose to be that forward motion for a family who needed it most.
-Marisol Acosta
The blizzard of the century hit northern Wisconsin this past weekend and with the 3 feet of snow we got dumped with, our neighborhood quickly turned into one big snow drift. I had come down with the flu over the weekend and the daunting task of clearing the driveway was looming… when I looked out my window and saw two teenagers shoveling my driveway unprompted. I knew right away, this random act of kindness deserved the QPS Pay It Forward. There are still good people out there folks!
-Joey DeBone
Most of you may not know this, but I work a part-time retail job, and last night I had the opportunity to give my $40 for 40 to my coworker. Her story is truly heartbreaking-she took on this job to secure insurance coverage for her husband, who is currently battling brain cancer. She shared with me that she had been praying for a small miracle, and I was fortunate enough to be that miracle by giving her the $40. In such a difficult time, even a small gesture can go a long way. She was emotional and deeply grateful- not just to me, but to QPS Employment Group for making moments like this possible. I’m truly happy I was able to help her.
-Aurora Mercado
I ended up splitting my $40. The first went to help a candidate who had recently faced homelessness. He expressed it was his first time ever being in a situation like the one he was in. I wanted to help in a way that gave him some freedom in what would help him best. It ended up helping him get gas that secured shelter and a way to his appointment with us! For the remainder of my $40, I hit up the Dollar Store’s $1 aisle and grabbed necessities to donate to my neighborhood pantry.
-Glorie O’Connell
We had been holding onto our $40 for 40 with the goal of paying it forward to someone really in need. Dave, our “go-to” Associate Employee for ASAP orders the last 4 years, called me in tears. He told me his mom had passed away the day before his birthday. On top of that, he’d missed three days of work and didn’t have the money to get a haircut before her funeral. He was obviously carrying a heavy load.
We knew this was exactly what our $40 for 40 was for. We put ours together and added a gift card for him as well. He was so grateful and gave me a big hug. It felt so good to help someone that truly needed the help!
-Hannah Lor & Krystal Hauersperger
Today, one of our Associate Employees bravely reached out in a moment of crisis. She was out of gas, out of diapers, and needed medication for her special needs daughter. She was embarrassed, panicked, and just trying to make it through the week. While we couldn’t give early access to her paycheck, we could show up.
Thanks to the QPS $40 for 40 Pay It Forward initiative, we pooled our funds and were able to give her $120 and a $20 gift card to help her through. No red tape, no judgment — just kindness, compassion, and community in action. We told her: When you’re in a better place, pay it forward. That’s the only ask.
It’s easy to forget how powerful a small gesture can be — but today reminded us. And we’re grateful to work for a company that not only allows this but encourages it.
-Cortni Lawson, Josh Clair, Beth Johns
A candidate called me asking if I could help him out with some of his diabetic medications. Without hesitation, I said yes. He said he needed $60 to cover the cost of the medication. For a second I forgot I had my $40 for 40 in my car/jacket, but I grabbed that for him and got the other $20 he needed. He came in and was so thankful and almost in tears that I was able to help him out. All I asked him was to pay it forward when he got a chance and he said he will.
-Nikki Fields
I’ve been waiting for the right opportunity to use my $40, it’s just been sitting in my jacket pocket. As I got gas for my car, a lady who was crying, clearly distraught was approaching people to ask for help as her car broke down over an hour away from home.
When she approached me, I told her unfortunately I had no cash, not remembering the envelope I had stashed in my pocket. As she started to walk away, my light bulb went on and I blurted out “stop!” I explained the QPS $40 for 40, and that I hoped it would be a small help in what has clearly been a tough day for her. She was overcome with emotion and thanked me and thanked QPS.
-Brandon Basalone
My best friend and I recently went to one of the Mexican restaurants in the area and had an amazing waitress serving us. Neither of us had been to this specific restaurant before so naturally we had some questions about the food and drink menus. She was very patient with us and answered each of our questions and even pointed out a few of her favorite items on the menu. Throughout our entire meal she delivered excellent service and was very attentive. She was extremely grateful to be the recipient of the $40 for 40 pay it forward, especially because it had been a very slow night and she was worried about the lack of tips from that night.
-Sarah Brown
My kiddos school has a sort of “slush fund” called Project Starfish that can cover fees relating to extra-curricular activities for students that are unable to pay those fees independently. I shared our $40 with that fund, hoping to cover the cost of a local kiddo doing something fun and positive at some point!
-Nichole Kosnicki
We put our money together to help feed 20 people! The Inner Beauty Center, aside from street outreach for the homeless, also opens their doors every Tuesday & Thursday to help feed and clothe women in the community. This non-profit relies on donations to serve community needs. IBC sends their love and appreciation to QPS Leadership for this wonderful gift!
-Maria Rivera, Sue Becerra, & Liz Cruz
A couple weeks ago we lost an associate employee in a tragic car accident. Mohamed was new to the United States and working to save enough money to bring his family over. He had a wonderful friendly spirit that will be sorely missed by the whole community. My $40 for 40 went in the collection at his memorial to help his wife, ailing father and small child.
-Laura Brunner
I finally placed my $40 for 40 with Cornerstone of Grace, an organization that helps women (with or without children) get back on their feet after life challenges. I listened to a young woman’s story during a Chamber of Commerce event last month. She’s a single mom of two and suffered from addiction issues. She moved into one of the homes for help and is now 8 months clean and spoke of structure and support through this organization. They were very grateful for this donation as it could bring in some food or toiletries to a resident’s temporary home. Or provide snacks for the volunteers that generously donate their time to this program.
-Dale Sloan
I met this young Associate Employee one day as I was covering the front desk. She shared with me that she relocated from VA after losing her young daughter and was looking to start anew in good ol’ WI but that she needed to start working right away.
She checked in with me two weeks later to let me know she signed a lease with her savings and really needed to work. Talk about pressure! After landing her a few interviews she chose her company and is now happily working. She said, “I feel like you went extra hard for me.” – and although I feel a duty to help everyone, she tugged a bit extra at my heart strings.
-Elvia Rodriguez
We decided to use our $40 for 40 to pay it forward at a local mom-and-pop breakfast diner in Manitowoc—Broken Plate Catering & Diner. In 2023, they started The Giving Wall, where customers can ‘Take a Ticket or Leave a Ticket.’ Greg Czekala the owner shared that The Giving Wall is frequently used, and many who have needed a meal in tough times later return to pay it forward. We were honored to contribute $80 in pre-paid meals to help those in need.
-Jeni Zettel & Chue Lee
This weekend I chose to pay it forward to a dedicated co-worker at our church who serves as the treasurer. She had been wearing broken eyeglasses while saving up for a new pair, so I gave her my $40 to help with the cost. She was incredibly touched, both by the gesture and by the fact that QPS encourages this kind of generosity. Her reaction was full of gratitude and amazement, and it was a beautiful reminder of how small acts of kindness can truly make a difference.
-Maria DeLaGarza
This morning, an associate employee reached out to me asking if there was any way I or QPS could help him with gas money so he could get to work. I placed him last week but before that he was off for about a month. He has 5 kids ranging from 6 months to 6 years old. He is the family supporter, so I asked him to come in and I chose him for the $40 because he has great communication and he is a hard worker.
-Crystal Pettis
On Valentine’s Day, my family and I were having dinner at a local restaurant, and I saw a former Associate Employee treating his family to dinner. He used to work for QPS a number of years ago but now is building his own business! His business is seasonal so the winter months can get hard, and money can get tight. I decided to pay it forward to him and his family to help pay for their Valentine’s Day dinner. They were all very thankful!
-Heather Wright
I was compelled to give my $40 to Isla. More accurately, I gave the money as part of a donation to the MACC Fund in memory of Isla. “Isla Bear”, as she was nicknamed, passed away at the young age of two due to acute myeloid leukemia, an aggressive form of cancer.
I have followed Isla’s story from afar because I used to work with her dad. And while I never met Isla’s mom, I was in awe of her strength and eloquence this week when I read a post she did on LinkedIn after the Super Bowl. You may have seen the commercial from Pfizer featuring a young boy battling, and implying beating, cancer.
Isla’s mom bravely challenged Pfizer to step up their pediatric cancer drug development. According to Pfizer’s own publicly accessible pipeline, only 3 of 115 drugs in development are tagged as pediatric. I cannot imagine what beautiful little Isla’s parents have gone through over the last few years. I do empathize with their pain and applaud their dedication to childhood cancer research. I am honored to pay it forward in the name of “Isla Bear.”
-Dan Burnett
I’ve decided to donate my $40 for 40 to Grace Hmong Alliance Church in support of their Connection Community program. Led by Mr. Tou Vang and his wife, this program provides food and drinks before church services, creating a welcoming space for fellowship.
Many of the church members are former QPS associates who have worked with us in the past. Mr. Vang has not only built strong connections within the community but has also partnered with Sam’s Club and Costco to secure donations that help support this effort. I believe the church is a great way to give back, and this program positively impacts many families. I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to something that brings people together and strengthens the community.
-Kia Lor
On my way home, I stopped by Save-A-Lot, a store I pass by all the time. Save-A-Lot primarily operates in lower-income areas, often in neighborhoods that are considered “food deserts,” where access to affordable groceries is limited. It has become a vital resource for families seeking budget-friendly food options. Since I live just outside the city, it’s super convenient for me to stop there when I need something at the last minute.
That day, I saw a woman with her kids picking up just enough food to get by for the day. I knew she was the one I wanted to help. I went up to her, explained what I was doing through QPS, and told her about the $40 campaign. She was so thankful and mentioned she actually knew about QPS. It was such a small but meaningful moment that reminded me how even little gestures can really make a difference in someone’s day.
-Joana Robles
While working from home, I heard a loud noise coming from the back of my house. When I looked out the window, it was the waste collector taking my garbage bin out because I had forgotten to put it by the curb. I kept watching as he went down the street and to my surprise, he was doing the same thing for other houses. Watching him do this made my day. It was very cold outside, so I geared up and walked up to him. I handed him $40 and told him that this money found him. I thanked him for what he was doing and reminded him that there is always someone watching our hard work and good deeds, encouraging him to keep up the good work. He couldn’t believe it and kept saying, “Really?” repeatedly, thanking me with a big smile on his face!
-Carolina Lomeli
For my $40 for 40, I decided to pay it forward to our local Humane Society. Recently they became the only shelter in our area and are continuously working hard to take care of all animals they are able to take in! I decided to split up the money into two gift cards, to treat both the workers with some Starbucks for all they do and also get more supplies for the animals. They were both pleasantly surprised and grateful for this gesture from QPS!
-Emily Krukow
This weekend, I used my #40for40 to pay it forward to a brave and caring Walmart associate during my grocery pickup on a brutally cold day. The associate, despite the weather, was kind and considerate, even apologizing for the wait and suggesting I roll up my window to stay warm. When I offered a tip, he initially declined, but I insisted, explaining it was a way to show appreciation for the hard work he does in challenging conditions. His gratitude and plans to use the money to treat his girlfriend and spread kindness warmed my heart. It was a simple gesture, but it felt amazing to make someone smile and inspire them to pay it forward too.
-Cassie Immel
We celebrated my daughter’s 10th birthday last night, and the experience was made even better by two awesome waiters. They were super attentive and friendly, and we ended up chatting with them quite a bit. It was lighthearted and made me realize right then who I wanted to choose for my “Pay It Forward”! It was such a fun experience, and I’m so grateful to work for a company that makes moments like this possible.
-Amanda Roggentien
My dad is currently in the hospital, I’ve observed how he has had a few caretakers that spend extra time to understand his needs and take the time for personal meaningful conversations. He said he wished he could give them something. On my visit this week, I took (4) Starbucks gift cards for him to hand out. It was a win for me to put a smile on his face, and a win for him to express a small token of appreciation. Thank you QPS for allowing each employee to help make the world a better place, one act of kindness at a time.
-Cheryl Datka
I gave my $40 for 40 to a young lady that goes to my church. She attends faithfully every Sunday with her 5 children. She keeps them quiet and it is amazing to see how they look out for each other, the older one (her son) helps her manage the others. I just told her it was a gift from QPS to use however she wanted/needed to. I also told her that I admired her, and the tears started flowing. I think the words might have meant more that the gift but she was very thankful.
-Joyce Reed
I wanted to express my gratitude to a colleague who has consistently shown dedication, collaboration, and a willingness to help whenever needed. I selected a 2nd Shift Supervisor at Freedom Graphics for this recognition. She consistently goes above and beyond all without being asked. When I informed her that she had been chosen to receive this wonderful gift, she was incredibly appreciative. And when I finally handed it to her and explained the reason behind it, she was overwhelmed with emotion. It was a touching moment, as this was the first time she had ever received such recognition. Thank you, QPS! What a great feeling to make someone feel special!
-Elena Carrier
I was able to pay it forward with the $40 for 40 to an Associate Employee. I was able to meet her at a job fair in Monroe and she made a lasting impression on me. While not having her own car, she was able to make it out to the “remote” area of Monroe. She makes it to work on time each day and recently had a surgery causing her to miss a few days of work. She has made a lasting impression on me and is someone who I feel could really benefit from the $40 and she seems to be a great example of an awesome Associate Employee.
-Tom Seaworth
For my $40 for 40, I chose to pay it forward to one of our Associate Employees. She had to take two weeks off to care for her husband after he underwent serious surgery, with strict recovery restrictions. Understanding how difficult it can be when a loved one is ill and needs support, I decided to order dinner for her and her family. She was incredibly thankful for us thinking of her and her family during this time.
-Ana Serrano
I was honored to contribute the $40 to the Resurrection Food Pantry of Green Bay. The Hunger Task Force affiliated panty has served the Brown County area of over 40 years. In January alone, the pantry served 321 households, which equates to about 900 people. Resurrection Lutheran Church and Ascension Lutheran church in Green Bay teamed up on Sunday for a benefit concert to raise funds for the food pantry. My son, Connor, who is the Director of Music at Ascension, was the featured musician. It was a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon and contribute to this great organization.
-JoAnn Klavekoske
Phoua made a local First Responder’s day by giving Mack, a Security/EMT with Titan Tire, our $40 for 40. Initially confused by the gesture, Mack quickly realized it was a thank-you for his service and invited us to his office to share his story. His office was filled with awards and accolades from over 15 years in the Marines and numerous EMT achievements. The most moving part was his collection of green gaskets from oxygen tanks, each representing a life he saved—44 in total. It was a powerful reminder of his legacy and the impact of a simple act of kindness.
-Travis Hornberg
I decided to donate my $40 plus another $40 of my own to Street Angels MKE. I purchased much needed items for Street Angels on their Amazon list. I’ve followed this organization for years and feel they do such good for Milwaukee’s unhoused population. True boots on the ground work, helping those on the streets. I hope my purchases make a small positive impact for the people Street Angels helps.
-Dave Elliott
This past Saturday I decided to pay it forward to my son’s basketball coach. He’s been the coach for the boys’ basketball team for a few years now and takes time to coach them as well as attend their Saturday morning games. He sometimes has to bring his daughter so I’m sure that’s not how they want to spend their Saturday mornings but they do. He is also one of my son’s favorite teachers. He was pleasantly surprised by the gesture.
-Nicole Santiago
We pooled our $40 for 40 together and chose The Ronald McDonald House as our recipient. The house is a place where families can stay while a sick child receives care at a partner hospital in the area. The average stay for a family is 9.5 nights, but some families have to stay for 60 days or more. The house has families that travel from all 50 states and even 49 countries to have their loved ones cared for in Milwaukee. We wanted to purchase toys for their game room and give the kiddos there some comfort and brighten up their stay.
-Anne Jabusch, Robbie Hoeft, Kabnoog Xiong, & Sara Spitzer
My $40 for 40 pay-it-forward opportunity reminded me of the importance of leading by example. As a single mom, I’ve always tried to support my kids’ dreams, but my son recently showed me the impact of kindness when he befriended a new kid on his basketball team. My son shared his money, supplies, and encouragement to make sure his friend felt included and supported. Inspired by his selflessness, I put together a care package of hygiene products and favorite snacks for his friend and paid for his portion of the team’s pizza party. This experience was a humbling reminder that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference.
-Kayla Hase
The Madison team joined together for $40 for 40 and decided to give ours to our neighbors, the owners of Asian House. A few weeks ago, the building that we share was hit by a city bus. Luckily, both QPS and Asian House were closed at the time.
While our type of business allowed us the flexibility to resume operations the next day and to fully reopen the following week, they were not as fortunate. Most of their kitchen equipment was damaged, so they have yet to reopen their doors. By pooling our $40 together (and then some), we were able to gift $250.
-Kelly Koppen