Believe Project: $100 to help buy food for PADS shelter

Today's recipient of a $100 bill through the Believe Project is John Spoden of Prospect Heights. Here is an excerpt of her story:

"If I am fortunate to be awarded the $100, I would add $100 of my own money and buy $5 McDonald gift cards. I would have several local churches distribute the cards to Public Action to Deliver Shelter attendees.

"In our area, seven churches each provide shelter to the homeless one night a week during the winter months. They average from 30 to 40 homeless each night.

"The past four years, I have been extremely fortunate to have awarded a total of $400. After adding my $400 and contributions from relatives and friends, I was able to purchase more than $1,500 worth of McDonald's gift cards.

I am trying again this year because the homeless can still use the help. The churches have told me how much the gift cards are appreciated, especially in the cold weather."

• The Believe Project is awarding at least $100 daily in January to people with good ideas for how to use the money to do a good deed for someone else.