Feelin' Charitable
Welcome to
Since I forgot to explain the rules, here they are:
Post your RAK for Monday, 12/15, on your blog. Then, link back to the host (that's me), grab the snazzy button (or one of your choice), and link up to Mr. Linky (if you haven't already) so others can read your post. Remember to visit fellow Fun Monday participants.
The Assignment for this week was:
1) Your job this week is to go out and perform a random act of kindness. Now, before you freak out, please read on. This is actually really easy!! This act may be for someone you know or for a perfect stranger. It can be big or small, it'll all up to you. Obviously, it should be something within your means. For instance, don't go out and buy your next door neighbor a car and then complain to me that you can't make your mortgage payment, ok?
For examples, please refer back to my other post here.
Your choices were to:
2) Blog about what you did and why. How did it impact the person(s) you did it for? And better yet, how did it impact you!? How did you feel after you did it? Would you do it again?
Or
3) If you've had a random act of kindness bestowed upon you (recently), we'd love to hear about it. How did it impact you? How did it make you feel?
Since Thanksgiving, it's been on my heart to give to others. In particular to others in my community. So, I've been on the lookout.
As I said before, people are not used to kindness.
There's a little girl in BG's class (my daughter) whose mom is a single mom. In the past few weeks, when it's been below freezing, the little girl is often under dressed or wearing two light jackets, no gloves, no hat. Finally, after two week of seeing this, I decided that her mom wasn't merely in "winter denial," which I've been guilty of doing. So, I took BG's jacket from last year, which was basically brand new, her snow boots from last year and I supplemented them with a new pair of gloves and hat.
I had finally compiled everything on Friday and was ready to take it in. But it just so happens that was the Friday that BG had her flu shot so Hubby took her to school. By the time I picked her up, the little girl had been picked up early and the office administrator who is always there had left early. That weekend, it was the coldest it's been this winter. I felt bad that I hadn't gotten that jacket to her yet. On Monday morning, I took BG in early and I went to speak with the office administrator. I took in my bag and I told her it was for that little girl. She shared with me that the mom was "very sensitive" when it came "charity" and that she didn't think she'd accept the clothes. But that she would do her best.
When I picked up BG that afternoon she told me she had managed to get the mom to concede allowing "the school" to use the jacket and gloves during recess. She had told her a parent had donated an extra set of clothes so it was no big deal.
It's been a week since this occurred. It's been cold here but so far I've not seen the coat. The little girl is still under dressed and they still go out to recess when it's windy.
I consider how often my kids get sick, despite how well I dress them, how well they sleep, eat, and use soap. My concern for that little girl increases with each passing day. I feel like my hands are tied... I've never seen the mom, but I feel that if I took her aside and asked her to flat out accept the clothes, I would potentially make things worse. It makes me crazy but I feel like I can't do more. It's illegal for them to give me her address, so I can't mail her a gift certificate to a local store. And I don't trust them to do it anonymously. I feel so helpless in this situation!
This was the project that I undertook for Fun Monday. if you have any ideas about what more I should do, please share them.
In addition, I've been putting money in the Salvation Army cans every chance I get. My church is collecting food for families in the area. So, when I got shopping, I buy a few extra items for that.
Even though it doesn't feel like I'm doing much, I am much more in tune with ways that I can help others. I pay more attention when I'm driving on a cold or rainy day for anyone who might need a ride. I actually got really offended once when I saw a woman walking out in a cold, icy rain. I pulled over and offered her a ride. I noticed she was an older woman. She very tersely told me "no thank you, I'm ok" and kept walking. I sat there dumbfounded for a second, incredulous. I remember when I was in high school and had to walk to school both ways, barefoot, in the snow (haa haa), I always wished someone would pull over and pick me up.
It's sad how distrustful we've become. That she was willing to risk a fall over accepting a ride from a baby-seat totting mom. But, how could she know I was for real?!
That's my Random Acts of Kindness experience. I can't wait to read about yours.
If you don't have a blog, you can still play. Just comment about your RAK in the comments. Put your name on Mr. Linky and your comment name so we can go read what you wrote.
I will delete your link if you do not have a relevant post.
If you're interested in hosting Fun Monday on 12/22, please say so in the comments or e-mail me!
I'll leave you with one of my favorite female singers... Holly Cole singing "I Can See Clearly Now"
Thanks for participating and Happy Holidays!
We live paycheck to paycheck so I don't always have money to donate, but what I like to do is give my kid's old coats that they grow out of to the church for children who can't afford them. They always still look brand new and then I know they are getting to a child who can use them.
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Well, all you can do is give. You can't make someone accept. I'm glad you did your bit to help the girl.
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We had the same case at my son's school when he was little. The worst thing was it was a quite rich family, but for some reason they didn't like the little girl. Finally the school interfered because too many parents had complained. Child protection was sent over and really in time ! the little girl had to live in an unused stable ! But of course the mother showed a wonderful little girl room. Fortunately neighbors told the truth. See you can't take all the misery of the world on your shoulders, it makes you sick. Helping a bit is already a lot !
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That is a wonderful gesture, its unfortunate that some people let pride get in the way of what is best for them and their family. We can only pray that God will watch over them, and guide this family to seek help.
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Those are all so wonderful!
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First thank you for hosting and such a cleaver topic also. As for your problem you may first try and think how this woman can help you - It is easier to accept help if help is given.
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Thank you for hosting, and for a wonderful topic. Hopefully the Mom will be able to accept help at some point.
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Your kindness to that little girl is wonderful. It's too bad her mom cannot take it. Our pride can be a difficult thing sometimes. I hope that little girl and all the other families you are helping out have a good holiday this year.
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Thankfully in these days teachers and other school administrators are a lot more sensitive to these areas of need and how to handle them. As a child I was a recipient of the kinds of help you're trying to provide and believe me often turned down things because of what my classmates would say. Would rather have been cold. You can't force people to accept help, just offer it and trust that it will get to someone who needs it.
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Great topic...thanks so much for hosting this week.
I love your RAK, that was so thoughtful of you. Unfortunately I think you have done all you can. Hopefully the mom will allow her daughter's needs to override her pride. I love how you are teaching charity to your children...great job!!
Quick question, where is the list of participants so I can go visiting??
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Hello there! I was way too late to sign up, but I did play along after the fact, if you'd like to visit. Lovely topic and sorry I didn't get my act together in time!
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That mom needs to figure out a few things. Providing for her child is her number one job - and if accepting charity is required, she needs to do it. Unfortunately, there is no way to force people to see that.
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I felt quite sad that the school were not able to persuade this mother to accept help. However back in the 70's when I was a single parent and had very little money. I was always delighted to be offered hand-me down clothes it meant the little money I did have could be spread a little further. You did your best.
Please will you let me know who is hosting next week. Thanks.
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Yes, we do live in a very distrustful society. It's an unfortunate truth.
I love your RAK's. Especially for the single mother. They all hold a very special area in my heart.
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Gosh, I don't have any advice about the coat situation, but I love your experiences. You are trying. That's what counts.
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given how crazy my life is at the moment, I cannot believe I am saying this - but if you still need a host for Fun Monday, December 22, I will do it.
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