The Inspirational Story of “KYSSMAS Kid” John Maki
One of the most amazing things about the annual 'KYSSMAS for Kids" fundraiser are the lives that are changed, and how those feelings of caring and acceptance have resonated over the past 3 decades.
All the time we hear the stories of adults, and many business owners and parents, who check in with a donation, telling us how they'll never forget their KYSSMAS.
One of the most dramatic stories is that of John Maki, who has assembled an army of friends over the past few years, sending the total raised to unheard-of levels.
Abandoned at daycare, John learned to care
"Growing up in Missoula, I was dropped off at daycare, around about seven months old, and never picked up. So at about seven months, I entered into the state foster care system," John told us Thursday on Daybreak with Dennis. "Now I was very blessed in the world of foster kids because the lady who owned the daycare, who became my mom, took me and my sister home that day and she never let us go. So we were very fortunate."
Although John says they never wanted anything after that, it was financially tough for the family, as he had probably 30 or 40 foster brothers and sisters over time. And he'll never forget the one year he was given a gift card, as we do with KYSSMAS, and had the chance to shop.
"And I remember running around, you start out at the beginning of the store and you're like, ' I could buy anything I want'," John recalls. To be able to go out and buy gifts for my sister, my mom, my grandpa, my teachers. I was always that person that was like 'I gotta get them something,' right? I finally have a little. I gotta buy that gift."
RELATED: 2024 KYSSMAS for Kids: What You Need to Know
Changing lives
John went on to raise his own family and meet dozens of people as manager at Direct Source in Missoula. But he never forgot that seminal moment in his young life.
Five years ago, he made his first $250 donation for KYSSMAS for Kids.
"I enjoyed the cause," John says. "And then the second year it is like, I think I'm gonna call 5 friends. And I remember all five of those friends saying 'Yes, we'd love to donate. Can you pick up a check?'
And then it hit him
"I remember getting done with KYSSMAS for Kids and I got in my car and right here came the emotions, the feelings. I start crying, you know, I was like, 'holy smokes'. That was a big deal for me."
He shocked us
In 2022, John came back with $10,000 dollars in donations, absolutely flooring everyone. Then, last year as his "friends list" grew, it was $30,000.
John posted he was getting started on Tuesday and within "45 seconds" people were already responding. I pressed him for progress and he just smiled.
And what he said rang true.
It's not about the numbers. It's about changing kids' lives and showing the community cares.
Let's get busy!
KYSSMAS for Kids opens for donations and your bids on amazing auction items from 6 am until 7 pm Friday at our online website.
If you'd like to be one of John's friends and help out, you can reach out to him on Facebook or call him directly tab 406-370-7004. It's pretty easy.
"I don't know any strangers," John said with a smile.