With Christmas just days away, this is a good time to reflect on its true meaning and to practice random acts of kindness. How can you do this?
- Go through your pantry and find some canned or other non-perishable items to donate. While it might seem that you already do this, this time give items that aren’t gross. Give green beans, corn, stuffing mix, chili beans, mac & cheese, rice, asparagus, and pasta rather than canned artichokes, sardines, and the jars of baby corn on the cob and pigs feet. Bring the items to our local food pantry.
- See the car behind you in line at McDonald’s? Looks a little beat up? Pay for their meal, too.
- See the service people working at the fast food restaurants, in retail, at the gas station? Give them a tip every now and then. You’ll probably not miss your dollar, but it could turn a bad day into something good for them. I work a lot at Bridgestone Arena raising money for Girl Scouts and let me tell you it’s shocking who does NOT tip…
- Visit Modest Needs.org and see how your $5, $10, $20 or more donation can directly help someone in need. If you worry your money won’t make a difference, this organization tells you exactly who you’re helping.
- Hand write a letter or card to someone who wouldn’t expect it… your Mom? Dad? Grandparents? Someone in a nursing home, a widow, a single woman or man who might be lonely. No one takes the time to write letters anymore and getting mail from someone who cares could mean everything to them.
- Look someone in the eye and sincerely ask, “How are you?” Then listen to them… genuinely care about what they say.
- Get a handful of nickels, dimes and quarters and drop them somewhere where you know kids play or hang out.
What are you ideas for performing random acts of kindness, LaVergne?
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