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YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!  I CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Like most everyone, I want to save the universe, bring world peace, feed all of the starving children, yadda, yadda, yadda.  I learned long ago, mostly from the starfish story (you know, “you can’t save all of them, but you can make a difference to that one”), that if I try to at least help some people, I can bring some joy, and possibly relief, to their lives.  And, who knows, maybe they will pay it forward?  
I was taught early on in my life that I should donate, give toys away, feed the homeless, and whenever I can, try to look past my own nose and help others in whatever way I can.  Every Christmas, my grandmother, “Momer,” would take me to find a Toys for Tots box and drop off new toys for children.  This transitioned into taking a card from the local Angel Trees and sending off shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child.  I look throughout the year for good deals on toys and items to use for these purposes, which allows me to do more than if I were to wait until the last minute.  Giving to these organizations requires such small actions from me, but can make a huge difference in someone else’s life.  Isn’t that what it is all about?

As I grew older, it occurred to me that people are hungry, poor and underprivileged year round—not just at the holidays.  What a concept!  Sometimes people are just not quite making it, even though they are not homeless or starving per se.  So, in thinking about this more, I have put together a list of things I have done to try to help others that go beyond the typical holiday traditions.  I’d really like your feedback and ideas, too.  There’s so much we can do, but just don’t think of because of being busy, forgetting or whatever reason.  Without further ado, here is a list of “good deeds” that anyone can do at any time:

• In my car, I carry around “goody bags” containing snack foods, water, socks, hand wipes, tissues and other items to give out to homeless people I encounter. (Warning:  some homeless people only want cash, as my goody bags have been turned down a couple of times due to “nowhere to carry the bag.”  It’s food, you eat it.)

• The typical pay it forward at a drive-thru: pay for the person behind you just because.  You don’t know their circumstances; it’s up to God to choose that person.

• Pay for families, couples, the elderly, etc. at restaurants.  One time in particular sticks out in my memory:  I was really annoyed with these two women with three loud children.  They weren’t necessarily misbehaving, but they weren’t using their inside voices either.  I was trying to enjoy a quiet “me-time” lunch, and they were getting under my skin.  Then it occurred to me, they were there to enjoy their time together over a good meal, and they really were not hurting anything.  So, to teach myself a lesson and maybe make their day, I paid for their meals.  I didn’t tell them, I just simply asked my server for their bill, paid it and then left.  It wasn’t for any kind of recognition from them, it just was to encourage myself to be more tolerant and hopefully give them an unexpected treat.

• Of course, give some change to street performers (dancers, musicians and whatever talented people you come across). The San Francisco branch guy will forever hold a place in my heart.  

• Attend community fundraising events and donate more than what they are charging

• Think about what type of ratings and feedback you give a salesperson or employee when you receive those surveys in the mail, email or on the phone. Many people’s bonuses and commissions are based on what is known as “Customer Satisfaction Index,” which results from these surveys.  Anything less than a perfect score is bad.

• Tip well. If a server does an excellent job or appears down on their luck, give them a big tip!  Also, remember that 10% is not usually an acceptable amount anymore, try not to do anything less than 15%.  Shoot for 20%+!

• Buy a toy or treat for a kid at the store.

• Suspended Coffee is an awesome idea!  Check them out on Facebook!
  

• Drop a few coins on the ground in a parking lot. OK, so it won’t make a huge difference financially to someone, but don’t you always feel excited and happy when you find change?  I know I do!

• Pay for someone’s groceries in line, or at least give them the money (usually change) that they are struggling to find in their purse.

• Volunteer—there are so many organizations out there that need extra help and you have the opportunity to make a very impactful difference on someone’s life. Check out your local branches for Make A Wish, Big Brother Big Sister, American Red Cross, food banks, churches, etc.  Find a place that supports what you believe in and get started making a difference!

• When you have the chance to put in a good word for someone at work, do it! That little extra nudge could potentially result in a raise or bonus, or even better, keeping their job!

• Call the local school’s guidance counselor and find out if they know of a family with food needs, then go grocery shopping for them! You will most likely need to deliver this to the school directly, as the family’s name is usually kept confidential.

• If you know someone who could use a little extra help, but do not want to embarrass them or give your identity away, place some cash somewhere you know only they will find it. Not too much money that they feel guilty, but enough to help.

These are just some ideas.  It is good deeds like these that help the world go round!  What do you think?  What have you done or had done for you?  I’d love to hear your ideas!