Wednesday, September 9, 2009

AN OUTSTRECHED HAND








Doing a good deed can really help someone who needs it whether it is just an act of kindness, a monetary handout or a friend to turn to in need. I have always known that when you do something nice for someone it makes you feel good also. As most of you know I have been volunteering since I retired 3 1/2 years ago but this week-end event just made my heart soar.
Our little group decided a few weeks ago to have a school supply drive. Four of us worked really hard passing out change jars in the local businesses, calling friends, family and neighbors for donations. We contacted one of the local schools who really needed help. They are in one of the poorest districts in our area with one of the lowest income per family around. The principal supplied us with a list needed for each grade and off we went.
On Saturday we collected the cans, stacked up the donations and counted out all those pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters and ended up with over $400.00. Pretty good for so little time and not many volunteers.
Sunday two of us split the money and hit the stores looking for the cheapest prices we could find.
Now anyone that knows me at all finds this very strange because I hate to shop. I avoid stores like I avoid being in a car. If there is an alternative I take it but this was different. It was for the kids. It put a smile on my face just thinking about those kids. Plus it wasn't my money I was spending.
Because it was only two days before school started most of the stores were all sold out so it took many many stores to spend all our money. Thanks Kim for being so patient in driving me around all Sunday morning. But finally every penny was spent. I had to con a few managers to overlook the 3 limit allowance, "after all I could be spending a few hundred in your store."
Three carloads were delivered to the school on Labor Day morning and it was truely a labor of love. If only more people would extend a hand just think how many smiles there would be on so many faces. Coming up winter clothes drive, food drive. Who knows maybe a few more will put out a helping hand. They don't know what they are missing.