First, we should ask them how we can help. It’s so easy to tell people what we think without asking them initially. When asked for money, I would tell them that I would….and if that was all they wanted, at this time I would not be able to help with that, but I would be happy to….. It’s a choice we have to make. Whether we want to or are willing to take a risk, it’s always a choice. Connecting to people, no matter what the circumstances, involves taking a risk. Connecting to people, with the intention of helping, makes you feel better about yourself and it’s about improving the life of another person.
Here are some things I have done:
- bought a breakfast, lunch, or dinner, or coffee,
- helped with a resume and set up interview,
- Found interview clothes or Appropriate clothing,
- provided transportation to job interviews and/or medical,
- passed out blankets to homeless people who won’t or are unable to go to a shelter,
- paid for a motel room for one night or more for a family,
- Provided groceries for a family and connected them with a resource,
- bought diapers or formula for a mother
- found people from an organization or a surau/mosque who would help a mother paint, fix things around her that she cannot, give her a break from children or eldercare, do a chore,
- Educated myself, became a volunteer,
- donated to organizations that I have identified with, or donate something you or your family doesn’t use,
- just listen.
There are a number of things that we can do. We just have to be creative. Giving someone a smile goes a long way. And yes, there have been times I gave money. Hope this helps. – mk
