3 posts tagged “good deeds”

I read this lovely story last week and it really inspired me to do something similar. It's about a family that gives a glass jar (think pickle sized) filled with money (mostly coins, some bills) accumulated over a year to someone they think might be in need.

I thought, Why can't I do that?

So I gathered up some baby food jars and am going to work to fill them with my change this year. I haven't decided if I will give them away as they are filled or if I'll wait till next Christmas to be a Santa of sorts.

From this week's newsletter by Cheryl Richardson:

It's that time of year when many of us get into the spirit of giving -- gifts, donations, our time, our love, or our kindness to others.  It's a time when we tend to be more conscious of spreading good cheer and this week I have a way for you to do just that.

I received an email from a brave community member who was honest enough to admit that she had been alone for Thanksgiving and would be alone for
Christmas.  She asked if I might be willing to send her a holiday card in the hopes of feeling more connected to others.  I was touched by her request and quickly assured her that a card was in the mail.  Then I got to thinking...

What would happen if I asked everyone in this community to send her a card as a symbolic gesture of our common bond?  Rather than receive one greeting from me, I smiled at the thought of her getting lots of cards at a time when she feels so alone.  So, I wrote and asked for permission to share her address with you.

If you'd like to feel the joy of connection that comes from caring about another human being, please consider sending a card to Debra.  Whether you write a little note, include a favorite quote, or simply sign your name,let's show her that she's not alone.  Here's her address:

Debra Stevens
1202 E. Almeria Rd.
Phoenix, AZ  85006-2242

And, as you consider this idea, you might think about the people in your life -- someone who may not have the courage to reach out -- and send him or her a message of hope, too.  As our weekly quote says:  "Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love."  I love that idea...

Happy Holidays to you and yours, and to all who need a reminder that we are never alone.

Three years ago, I set out to have 80 people send my mom a card for her 80th birthday. 110 cards later, I can tell you she was thrilled that people who didn't even know her would take the time to send her a card. I know it meant a lot to her, so how about everyone send a card to this nice lady too?

The New Orleans Public Library is asking for any and all hardcover and paperback books for people of all ages in an effort to restock the shelves after Katrina. The staff will assess which titles will be designated for its collections. The rest will be distributed to destitute families or sold for library fundraising. Please send your books to:

Rica A. Trigs, Public Relations
New Orleans Public Library
219 Loyola Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70112

If you tell the post office that they are for the library in New Orleans, they will give you the library rate which is slightly less than the book rate.