"The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention." - Oscar Wilde
I felt compelled to write this post. As you go through life and deal with the numerous problems that come your way, we often forget how good we have it compared to other people. We get so lost in our own difficulties, that we forget the horrible things going on around us. Everyday we encounter people who need our help.
Here are my top 5 favorite ways to help others:
1. Blessing Bags → This is an idea that I found on Pinterest a couple years ago. I immediately knew it was something I had to do. How many times do we pass by homeless people? Sure, we don't know their story but regardless, they have fallen on hard times and a little help would go a long way. The idea is to provide them with some basic necessities to make life more comfortable. You will need gallon sized ziplock bags and some items to fill them. I filled mine with a toothbrush, toothpaste, tylenol, snacks, hand sanitizer, wipes, deodorant, socks, bottled water, and chapstick. You can even throw in a note of encouragement if you'd like. Keep a few in your car. That way if you see someone living on the street, you can pass one along. I think I spent a whopping $30 to make 5 bags. Dollar Tree is your friend here lol
Here are the packages I made..
2. Suitcases for Foster Kids → This one is new to me. I had no idea this was an issue and I'm ashamed to say that I had never really even thought about it. At my last job, I worked with a woman who was a foster parent. She explained the frustration of foster kids not having proper suitcases to store their belongings in. These kids are often shuffled from house to house with their belongings thrown in a garbage bag. How terribly sad is that? I knew at that point I needed to take action. I made a post on Facebook and I couldn't believe the response. With the help of some of my wonderful friends (and mother), we were able to donate 30 suitcases/containers for Thomasville's area foster kids. So go find a foster parent and donate that suitcase you never use!
3. Battered Women Shelters → This one is special to me as well. I have never been in a physically abusive relationship, but I can only imagine the fear that comes with trying to leave. Look up local women's shelters in your area. Donate donate donate. They need clothes, kids toys, kids clothes, household items, etc. Most of these women are only able to leave with what's on their backs. They will need these items for a new start. Before I moved to California, I donated 2 large boxes of stuff to Halcyon Home and they were so appreciative! Halcyon home donates items to victims, but they also have a store that people can shop at to raise money for the victims. I'm sure other shelters have similar programs.
4. Pay for the person behind you → This one is a classic, but definitely one of my favorites. This happened to me once. I was having a particularly bad day, then the person ahead of me in the drive thru paid for my meal. It changed my entire day! This is a small, yet touching gesture.
5. Redirect Gifts → This one I have not done yet (as I don't get that many gifts these days lol), but in the future I would love to do this with my child. Instead of your child getting hundreds of dollars in gifts they don't really need (let's be honest here lol), encourage them to get passionate for a cause and direct all of their party guests to donate to that cause. Examples could be bringing dog food & supplies for your local animal shelter or canned goods for the local food bank. Not only is this a good learning experience for your child, but all the other children in attendance as well. Everyone wins and everyone still gets cake!
Obviously there are so many more good deeds you can do. We don't have to always make things about ourselves, but lets be honest, we feel good when we help others! What are some of your favorite acts of kindness??
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