In these cold and dreary days it is so refreshing to see a rainbow which brightens your mood as well as your day. Jolly Holly is just that, a lovely, cheerful, beautiful rainbow which shines brightest against the darkest of skies. Based right here in my beloved West Country I knew that I simply had to talk to her, so here are a few questions I had for her. Her PO Box, Amazon wishlist and Tik Tok handle can be found at the bottom of this article.
1. What is a box of joy and how do people get their hands on one ?
A box of joy is a box full of goodies aimed to help someone who is really struggling with their mental health. Full of things like sweet treats, hot chocolate, bath items, sleep aid, self help books and gifts with positive affirmations. I make them randomly and post to my tiktok and simply ask all who wish to enter to comment the chosen word, which is normally something like family, kindness, joy, etc. After one week I pick a person at random and send them their box completely free of charge.
2. When did you start making up the boxes and why ?
I believe I started around a year ago. I’ve wanted to make them for years. Suffering with many mental illness myself I wanted to try to make a tiny difference. I make them simply to make a struggling stranger smile. I know that it won’t take any of their struggles away but even if it just lifts their spirits for a moment then that make me so happy.
3. Can people donate towards a box? If so how ?
I have had so many donations through an Amazon wishlist and I also have a po box which some kind people have sent bits here and there which really help.
4. How can people support boxes of joy ?
The best support is the people who help, the people who send donations and the people who help me by answering people’s questions in the comments.
5. What does 2022 have in store of you and your boxes of joy ?
I hope that 2022 means that many more people can receive one, I will keep doing this as long as I can because it means so much to me to help others. I aim to donate a box every week if I’m feeling well enough.
6. What are the biggest obstacles you face doing the boxes of joy and how do you overcome them ?
My biggest obstacle is that people always ask for me to start selling them, unfortunately that’s something I will never be able to do, having so many issues myself, I would find keeping up with orders incredibly difficult and I don’t like dealing with other people’s money and I feel turning it into a business would take the fun away, also as not everyone could possible afford one so they will always be free. I also struggle a tiny amount with some of the comments. My rules are to comment using one word, I say one word because many people write very guilt tripping comments to try and influence me, and I’m a very emotional person who is easily influenced so I feel it’s unfair on others who play by the rules. That being said, so many amazing followers ask people not to do this when I’m absent which really helps. I’ve only had a handful of hate comments, but they are mostly just people calling me ugly or saying I do this to get free things for myself which hurts a little but it’s ok.
7. What do you enjoy most when making up a box ?
I enjoy every single part! Sometimes I make themes, like colours, Christmas, flowers, etc. So I love hand picking each item, I also love my hand-made help sheets. Each box contains a jolly help sheet with a small activity to help the individual feel grounded, safe and write down things they are grateful for. And I also add a list of helpful numbers to offer in times of crisis. But I must say my ultimate favourite thing is my profile photo sticker on top, as my 10 year old sister drew it for me and I love adding something that means so much to me as I love my little sister so much
And there you have it, I have been one of Jolly Holly’s followers on Tik Tok for a couple of months now and she never fails to bring a smile to my face with her content. She is so selfless and kind and I can not wait to see what this year has in store for Jolly Holly.
Here is where you can find her wishlist :
https://linktr.ee/Jollyhollysworld
PO box 5487
Radstock
BA3 9DF