There are solutions being proposed, but one of the simplest ways to help is to share what you already have.
We're all learning that acts of kindness can help in this economy.A woman with a vacant house allows someone who is homeless to stay there. A person who isn't using a piece of furniture puts it on Craigslist for free and gives it to someone who needs it. School districts work with homeless families to keep children in school.
The stories go on and on. And the really good news is that all of us can be a part of the solution. Sometimes all it takes is to go out into your garage or look around to see what you have that's unused to find an opportunity to be kind to someone else. Many of us in the disability community have exchanged equipment for years. If the item is in working order and safe, it's worth something to someone who doesn't have one at all or has a broken one.
There are many ways to pass things on that don't cost you money. Craigslist, free listings in local papers for items under fifty dollars, bulletin boards, message boards online and church and civic organizations come to mind. Word of mouth also works.
And if you need some money for the item but can pass it along at a low price, that's okay too. Put it on ebay. Have a garage sale.
Clothing is another item that can easily be washed and passed along. There are places that pick up clothing left in bags on your front porch. Here's a list of resources. Women's shelters also can use clothing. And groups of moms have been getting together for clothing exchanges for their babies and children, who rapidly outgrow lightly worn clothes. (There are even upscale clothing exchanges going on with how to's on how to use one to update your wardrobe, just in case you're worried about not being trendy.)
If you'd rather do it through an organization, head on over to a place like volunteermatch where you help with clothing exchanges for foster kids and parents.
And yes volunteering is another way to share what you have - time and energy. Give people rides. Help an unemployed neighbor by taking their kids to the movies or to the park. Sit with them and listen over a cup of coffee.
And the good news is that acts of kindness give us a perspective about our own situation. It reminds us to have gratitude for what we do have and, on those days when we may lament that we don't have something we want, that there are so many others out there who don't have what they need.
Related: Do 1 Thing for homeless teens on Valentine's Day
More suggestions on how to celebrate Valentine's Day by helping others
1 comment:
Hey sis, this a beautiful post that is so appropriate for this Valentine's Day. We must all love our neighbors, by any means possible.
We just went through our closets and did yet another big donation to the Veterans Association. It always reminds me of how much we have, and how fortunate we are to have the support of our family and friends. We certainly wouldn't be where we are without all of them!
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