Acts Of Kindness

December 20, 2012 06:33AM

This is a spin-off from another thread...

I hope everyone can take the time to become involved in the #26 Acts of Kindness movement started by Ann Curry to honor the victims of the recent tragedy.

I was incredibly moved to read about the things people have been doing in tribute, both small and large. It restored my faith in the goodness of others, and reminded me of the power that each and every one of us has to create change.

It was my hope that we may all be inspired to do something tangible and positive and worthwhile to make our own little corners of the world a bit better. It could be awesome if we could really get this off the ground in our mystery shopping community, and to share our stories with one another.

Please check it out...
[usnews.nbcnews.com]

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"Between stimulus and response, there is a space.
In that space is our power to choose our response.
In our response lies our growth and our freedom."
~Viktor Frankl

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/20/2012 04:15PM by shopgal.

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December 20, 2012 06:37AM

Cynb is our first contributor. She is so right - everything counts! Thanks, gal. Here is what she had to share....

"I am So IN.
Here is what I did yesterday and today: Yesterday as I was unlocking my apartment door I saw that I had a new neighbor, unlocking his door I said "Hi, did you just move in?" And he said, yes 2 weeks ago. I said I am Cindy, he said I am Hasid. I responded please knock on my door if you need anything and he responded, please do the same.
Today I was at the bus stop and a younger guy with a bike startied talking nonstop and was obviously distressed and mentally challenged. I listened mostly and reminded him when the bus was coming and to get his bike on the rack. A s I listened and nodded, he became increasingly calmer.
As I was walking downtown, many strangers said hello and a lot wished me merry christmas or happy holidays.
EVERY THING COUNTS."

December 20, 2012 04:51PM

#1 Random Act of Kindness...

Called the local shelter this morning to find out what can be done to help homeless people living on the streets with their dogs. Have made arrangments to drop off food and treats and toys for the volunteer veterinarian to hand out during the shelter's weekly clinic day.

December 20, 2012 04:58PM

shopgal, thanks for sharing this. I did not see it before your post today. I am in!

December 20, 2012 06:19PM

Yay! The more that are in, the better!

I have had such a fulfilling time this morning putting together a big badass bag of loot to take to the shelter for the street dogs. I'm looking forward to delivering it later. I even klepped a few things meant for my own pack of beasties on Christmas morning and added them to the rest of the stuff. I figured they could get in on things, too, and help their momma out with this. LOL!

It's the first time I have felt like celebrating the season to the fullest.

December 20, 2012 06:39PM

Since dogs have a much more generous nature than humans, I'm sure they are happy to help

Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It's not pie.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.

December 20, 2012 06:49PM

shopgal Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> #1 Random Act of Kindness...
>
> Called the local shelter this morning to find out
> what can be done to help homeless people living on
> the streets with their dogs. Have made arrangments
> to drop off food and treats and toys for the
> volunteer veterinarian to hand out during the
> shelter's weekly clinic day.

Glad you posted this. I've got an all-but-full bag of dry food that my dogs decided to stop liking last month. I had half a mind to toss it this past week, but if it looks like it's still good, I'll take it to the shelter down the street from my house.

December 20, 2012 06:55PM

That would be great, David! I am sure that it will be very appreciated.

December 20, 2012 08:58PM

Shopgal, thank you for this post. I know that it seems even more difficult to help if you're far away.

In regard to Newtown, I wanted to point out that a P.O. Box has been set up for condolences, should anyone care to express their support in that manner. The address is:

Messages of Condolence for Newtown
PO Box 3700
Newtown, CT 06470

Re: the hurricane, there are a lot of ways to help. Specifically in regard to animals, here are some places to check out. There are a lot of lost and found animals, as well as sick ones. I've been just amazed by the efforts of these two groups, and the kind vets who have donated their time and caring.

[www.facebook.com]

[www.facebook.com]

December 20, 2012 10:54PM

Thank you so much for sharing that information, Nicely.

I know that others are also sending messages of support and appreciation to the teams of first responders. I had the contact info handy earlier, but it seems to have gotten lost. But I'm sure the address provided by you could be used if the sender put :"Attn: First Responders" on the envelope.

I also agree with you that anyone willing to help out those that cannot speak for themselves, the animals - both domestic and wild - is pretty awesome. There truly are some loving and giving people out there.

December 20, 2012 11:00PM

#2 Random Act of Kindness...

Left a dollar bill and a note on the copier glass at the UPS store today. The note said, "Have some copies on me. This is #2 of 26 Random Acts Of Kindness. Please pass on the love."

December 20, 2012 11:21PM

Spaztck got inspired and got rolling. I hope everyone realizes that just because something seems easy, it still matters a whole helluva lot. You know why? Someone is actually DOING something. Way to go! Here is what Spaz had to share...

"I got my #1. It was a little unexpected/different. I volunteer for a local non-profit (I do their bookkeeping). They usually have a free meal for Christmas (open to anyone) and a party Fundraiser for New Year's Eve. So, I called, thinking maybe I could make something for one of their functions. What they actually needed was someone to pick up the stuff from the grocery store. So, I got the list from her and I am going tomorrow. They had a problem, because no one could pay up front and wait to be reimbursed - which I can do. So all I have to do is pick up some groceries. I felt so good, because it sounded like I had solved one of the problems they were trying to figure out. There is not ONE paid person there. They are all unpaid volunteers, with normal jobs, so no one that could pay for it, had to time to go get the groceries. I kind of feel like am cheating. This will be way too easy. I think I will still make something."

December 21, 2012 12:42AM

I think the lesson to be learned is in our friend's second to last sentence., "This will be way too easy." To some it was an insurmountable problem, but not to spaz

December 21, 2012 12:47AM

Absolutely, Lisa! That "can do" attitude makes all the difference in the world - literally. Thanks again, Spaz!

December 21, 2012 03:57AM

Just tonight: Went to my neighborhood convenience store. I have been going there for years. I was aware that they were Arabic, but finally asked"what is your country of origin?" Syria! So we talked about the intense problems there and if the UN and/or US/Europe should get involved and they both said, I do not know, please just stop the killing. They both speak perfect English and I am embarassed that most of us do not speak another language. They both have family there and need to get them out.
Just do whatever you can in your daily life and put yourself out a little bit more and I believe that will make a difference. None of this has cost me a penny but hopefulley millions in understanding and good will.

December 21, 2012 04:24AM

Sometimes all it takes is a sympathetic and interested listener to reach out in a caring way to someone else on a meaningful level. It sounds like you have that knack, Cyn.

So many of us get caught up in the "I'm so busy and can't stop to be a decent human being for a freaking second" that we only half listen to others while at the same time we are planning the next activity on our checklist and running off to another activity.

And I admit that I have been guilty of that myself on more than a few occasions. Thanks for reminding me to be fully in the moment with the next person I interact with, Cyn. Like you said, it doesn't cost a penny - only a few sincere moments of my time.

December 21, 2012 05:45PM

When jobs involve a heap of travel time, I figure in my car running costs and my driving time. They often think they are being generous offering mileage but they don't allow for your time driving, especially when you actually have no other reason to go there. I always ask the schedular, how much is YOUR time worth? Would you do the job for this amount?

Loving a current job offer - purchase a piece of jewellery over $400 and then return it, all for $40 - no thanks.

December 22, 2012 04:21AM

Cyn, I wanted you to know that I maintained a constant awareness today about how I interacted with people. I relaxed and listened. And you know what? I had some really warm and friendly and fun times. So thank you for inspiring me to chill out, settle down, and get real - even if only for a few minutes at a time.

I think this counts as your #3, gal!

December 22, 2012 04:24AM

Post above just needs to be on another thread. I see that there are a ton of new PO shops all over the country. How about we share the addresses of our local food banks, since we cannot send them to our own zip. I know that our foodbank is very low. I realize that it will only be a drop in the ocean, but something. Bag of rice, beans, cans of soup, mac and cheese boxes. We get paid for it! I think it has to be somewhat in your own area of the country. Let me know what you think and let's get started. I have 3 in the first wk of January. Let me know.

December 22, 2012 04:36AM

Cyn, this is such a clever idea. I wish I could help out, but I have yet to see a PO shop in my area. That's such a bummer, because this really is so creative. What a way to combine mystery shopping with an act of kindness! Hopefully others would be willing to partner up with you on this.

December 22, 2012 04:44AM

Ever since I saw the movie some years ago, "Pay It Forward," with Kevin Spacey, Helen Hunt, Haley Joel Osment and Bon Jovi, I have been doing, "random Acts of Kindness." I smile at everyone I pass by. I say, "Have a Blessed Day," as a parting in banks, stores, etc. You just never know how that might change a person's day. I also volunteer 3 to 4 days at a local "Treatment Center," helping women recover from alcohol and drugs. In addition to doing all my shops. Hmmm...I just love retirement.

December 22, 2012 04:50AM

The second part of your name says it all - volunteers really are angels here on earth. The gift of time is far more valuable than anything money can by. Thanks so much for sharing yourself with others, especially women who are fighting their way back to sobriety.

It's good to have you drop by and contribute to this thread.

By the way, I have not seen this movie! Can you believe it? I will have to check it out one of these days.

December 22, 2012 04:53AM

I took a few minutes googling and found this locator of the food banks:

[feedingamerica.org]

Cut and paste then choose a state for the addresses and contact information of food banks in the state.

________________________________________
Two wrongs don't make a right, but three lefts do.

December 22, 2012 04:54AM

Shopgal, You said you live in So. Indiana. I live in Louisville, Ky. We're almost neighbors. I also lived in Kokomo for a couple of years.

December 22, 2012 05:01AM

Thanks for sharing that info, Katty. Anybody that is interested in partnering up with others to use their PO shops in this extraordinarily creative and giving way, sound off here on this thread. I still can't get over what a genius idea this is! Thanks again, Cyn!

December 22, 2012 05:03AM

If I see any PO shops in my neck of the woods up here in the Pacifc NW, I'll be sure to jump in on this, too!

December 22, 2012 05:43AM

Ok I am in OH. Please let me know if anyone is into this and I will post my foodbank address. AS I said I have 3 PO shps first week in Jan and I will send pkgs to your foodbanks in the Midwest. i.e. Mi IN Ill etc.

December 22, 2012 09:39PM

#3 Random Act of Kindness...

Left gift certificates from for free tans with a note on the table after eating at a restaurant today. The note said, "Happy Holidays! This is for some extra holiday glow for my favorite XXX Diner gals. This is #3 of 26 Random Acts Of Kindness. Please pass on the love."

December 23, 2012 03:42AM

Toledo Seagate Foodbank, 526 High st 43609. I will show you mine if you show me yours. Toledo OH

December 23, 2012 06:17AM

traditionally Cynb you say that and then wait for the other to expose....LOL

________________________________________
Two wrongs don't make a right, but three lefts do.

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