The concept is simple, just like this site.
Driving my usual route home, looking at the first signs of fall when I noticed a makeshift shelter tucked away, almost out of site. I wondered if someone was living there. It was possible since cold autumn winds hadn’t crept in yet.
A week or so later, my suspicions were confirmed when I saw a man shaking out his sleeping bag, preparing to put it away for the day.
How did he get there? Did he have family? What will he do when it gets cold? Broken trees were still strewn about, waiting for removal after the August Derecho that hit the area and Covid is running rampant so I’m sure resources are even further limited for him.
I wanted to do something nice for him. It’s selfish, without a doubt. When you do good for others, you get the return of feeling good. It makes the heart smile. I didn’t have a lot of spare cash an Christmas was on the horizon but now more than ever is the time to help. I hatched a plan. Every time I went to the store, I stopped by the travel products aisle of the store. I grabbed a couple of things here and there, like deodorant and a travel toothbrush kit. In the grocery aisle I grabbed snack crackers, jerky and canned tuna salad kits. I found an inexpensive set of gloves and hat. Emergency blankets are tiny as is a pack of hot-hands. When the bag was almost full, I topped it off with some fresh fruit. I drove by each day looking for him, too shy to just walk up. I notice a patrol cop in his car nearby so I told him what I’d done and asked him to please give it to the guy. He smiled and obliged. I watched from afar while he gave the give to the stranger.
I didn’t give him my name and didn’t ask for thanks. In fact, I told nobody. It is my sincere belief that good deeds should be done without being asked and no thanks should be expected. Stay humble and kind. Keep your heart open to pour love on those who don’t know they are loved.
Moving forward, for 2021 Here’s the plan:
Each month, starting in January, buy one inexpensive item to donate to someone in need. It doesn’t have to be expensive. By the time Christmas rolls around you will have a bag loaded with helpful items to donate to a homeless person.
I start with Christmas clearance sales.
Suggested items:
- Deodorant
- Toothbrush/toothpaste
- Dry Shampoo
- Cleansing wipes
- Hand sanitizer
- Moisturizer
- Knitted gloves/scarf/hat
- Water bottle
- Hot hands
- Cookies
- Chips
- Snack Crackers
- Jerky
- Fruits/veggies/nuts (last on the list since they don’t have a long shelf life)
I’m sure there’s more to add but this is enough to fill a bag and then some and you won’t even notice the cost.
Too shy to hand a bag of goodies to a stranger? Hand it off to a local cop and tell them what it’s for.
That’s it. Anonymous. No thanks needed. No kudos needed. The gift you get will be found in the lightness in your heart. Missed January? No problem. Start today. A person who has nothing or very little will be gratful for even the smallest gift and even more gratful knowing someone sees them and loves them. We all have had hard times in our lives. If you’re living well enough to read this, grab a bag and start filling it up. It’s too easy not to.
I love you. Remember, what you put out to the world you will receive back 10 fold. Joy to you!