7 Ways to Brighten Someone's Day

Image source: deviantart

Today's post was inspired by this week's quote "The smallest deed is better than the greatest intention" and the concept of *Random Acts of Kindness. Being kind to one another is so important that they even set aside a week in February specifically for engaging in random acts of kindness, which is commendable. While this puts kindness in the spotlight, it is something we should practice every day.

It is said that charity begins at home, and charity, in this instance, means showing love and kindness. Here are a few budget-friendly ways to show charity to your friends and family.

1. Call or e-mail a friend. It's always nice to answer the phone or check your inbox and reconnect with a friend, perhaps someone with whom you have lost touch lately.
   
   
2. Treat a friend to lunch. We will often treat people for birthdays, anniversaries, or other special occasions, but why wait? Surprises are the best special occasions.
   
   
3. Send a card. With today's technology it's easy to overlook the simple things.  Send a fun card to someone to let them you you're thinking of them. It is a small act that can have big benefits. Choose a happy, uplifting card and write a short note. This is sure to bring a smile to the recipient's face.
   
   
4. Make a gift basket. Small, thoughtful gifts don't have to break your budget. You can find small baskets, candles and holders, soaps, silk flowers, ribbon and other small items for a few dollars.  For a work-at-home friend a gift for the home office can fill the bill. Put together some small note pads, pens, and paper clips in an inexpensive desk caddy. Hint: Visit the dollar stores, but keep it tasteful, not tacky, and customize it for the individual's personality.
   
   
5. A gift from the heart. Nothing says love like a homemade gift, especially if you bake or garden. So, instead of shopping, use your talents instead. Bake muffins or cookies, make a soup mix with dried beans and seasonings, or harvest a basket of fresh tomatoes or squash from your garden. This is a chance to let your inner light shine.
   
   
6. Make a charitable donation. Choose a charity close to their heart (or yours) and make a small donation in their name, or in honor or memory of someone in their family.
   
   
7. Brighten a stranger's day. It is easy to do things for our friends, but not always so easy when it comes to strangers. How to approach them, what is appropriate and how will a random kindness be received? Here are some thoughts. Smile at someone first, pay them a compliment, buy a coffee or share a cab and pay the fare or pay their bus fare.
   
   Don't do something just to get something in return...you will see the rewards in your own life.

Please share your ideas or experiences in the comment section.

*The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation is an internationally recognized non-profit organization founded upon the powerful belief in kindness and dedicated to providing resources and tools that encourage acts of kindness.

Music for a Friend

The Chad Morris Band

Last Friday night we attended a benefit concert and silent auction. Several local bands joined together to help a friend in need, and local artists and businesses donated items to be sold at the silent auction. In addition there were baked goods, and tea (courtesy of Chad's Chai and Tea Company) available for sale. It was an evening of music and fellowship of the community.

When people talk about how bad the world is today it makes me sad.  True, bad things do happen.  They always have and will continue to.  That doesn't make the world bad, or the human race on the whole bad.  What it does do is prove how much good there is in the world and in man kind.

  

In times of trouble, sickness, natural disaster and tragedy, people come together to help one another.  We saw this first hand Friday night, and we see it time and again - the inherent goodness in people.  There will always be dark nights and troubled times, but the sun always rises, and so do we.

The evening included performances by The Chad Morris Band, Suitcase and Michael Kuehn.

Intermission

Not exactly quality photographs from the back of the room with my phone.

Going Green?

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

Tomorrow is St. Patrick's Day, or St. Paddy's Day as many call it.  It is a day of celebration, drinking, feasting, and coloring things green...water, beer, etc.  Digging into the archives, here is a post I wrote last year to take a deeper look at St. Patrick's Day, who St. Patrick was, and why we celebrate his life.  

While it will be a day filled with festivities and celebration among those of Irish descent, and those who just like any excuse to party, for Japan it is a different story.  In the wake of the massive earthquake and ensuing tsunami, many have lost loved ones, are homeless, cold, hungry and scared. 

So, while we celebrate with our friends and families, let's stop for a moment and consider the suffering of our fellow humans. 

On a lighter note, anyone having or going to a party?

If you wish to help, there are a number of ways to donate such as through the Red Cross, and Second Harvest Japan, a food bank.  However, if you choose to donate, please select your charitable organization carefully.  Tragedy not only brings out those willing to help, but the unscrupulous as well.

Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive

This is a reminder that Saturday, May 8, is Stamp Out Hunger day, the nation's largest one-day food drive.  Just leave a bag of non-perishable food items next to your mailbox.  Your letter carrier will pick these up and deliver them to area food banks or pantries.

It doesn't get any easier.  You don't even have to go anywhere.  So let's round up our extra cans of soup or boxes of cereal, pasta or peanut butter and help make a difference.

Food Bank in Need

Let's please remember those folks less fortunate than ourselves.  There are more and more people depending on charitable organizations such as Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina.

There are many area drop-off sites including these new Goodwill locations:

3921 Battleground Ave., Greensboro
1421-C E. Cone Blvd., Greensboro
1235 S. Eugene St., Greensboro
3739-A High Point Road, Greensboro
1145 E. Lexington Ave. (College Village), High Point
5301 Samet Drive (Wendover Shopping Center), High Point
303 E. Arbor Lane, Eden
610 Rockingham Square, Madison
1551 Freeway Drive, Reidsville
2635 Lewisville-Clemmons Road, Clemmons
815 North Main St. (Kerners Village), Kernersville
2760 Peters Creek Parkway, Winston-Salem
3510 Polo Road, Winston-Salem
2701 University Parkway, Winston-Salem
2129 N. Church St., Burlington
2320 Maple Ave., Burlington
598 Deerfield Trace, Mebane
10102-G S. Main St., Archdale
1064 E. Dixie Drive (Highway 64), Asheboro
101 Pointe South Drive, Randleman
251 Lowes Blvd., Lexington
2246 N.C. Hwy 86 N., Yanceyville
960 Blowing Rock Blvd. NE, Lenoir
Mocksville (opens 2010)

Anything you can give will make a difference in someone's life.  Here is a link to their list of needs.

Charitable Donations Needs for the Winston-Salem Area

This is the time of year when the needs of others should stand out in stark relief against the backdrop of the sparkling Holiday Season.  Too much time, energy and money are poured into "keeping up Joneses" so to speak.  Every Christmas there are ads all over TV for individual "gift ideas" that just one alone, would deplete the holiday gift-giving budget for many.  We are made to feel cheap if we don't give to everyone, right down to the mailman and the trash collector.  Next thing you know we'll be sending gifts to the tax collector for sending out our tax bills.  I guess that is an exaggeration, but not by much.

Now you may say that it is better give than receive, and I agree wholeheartedly.  That brings me to the point of this post.  I have compiled the following list of organizations that need our help.  The need is there 365 days a year, but during the Holidays it is much more evident when there are families who have to choose between having heat, food and medications, and are unable to buy even the smallest gifts for their children.

I don't want to sound preachy or self-righteous. I'm not rich or perfect, and I am certainly not pointing fingers, nor am I trying guilt you into digger deeper than you can afford. Only you know what you can do. I just want to bring to the forefront some of the ways in which we can help make Christmas a little brighter for some.  See the end of post for ways to stretch your donation dollar.

This information was gathered from the Seasons Greetings NC website, and this a partial list of organizations and their needs' lists.  For more details and contact information, please visit the website.

Bethesda Center for the Homeless 930 N. Patterson Ave., Winston-Salem, NC 27101, 722-9951.  http://www.bethesdacenter.org

Needed: Cash donations to help pay for winter utilities, such items as socks, ear muffs, first-aid supplies, handkerchiefs, winter wear (hats, gloves, scarves for men and women); toiletries, new or used blankets, bath towels, soap and shampoo. 

The Children’s Home Inc. 1001 Reynolda Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27104-3200, 336-721-7600.   http://www.tchome.org.

Needed: Monetary donations, item donations and volunteers throughout the year. Christmas gifts such as toys, games, sports equipment, clothes for ages 0-18.

Crisis Control Ministry Inc. 200 E. 10th St., Winston-Salem, NC 27101, 724-7875.  http://www.crisiscontrolministry.org

Needed: Canned juice, nonperishable food items for the food pantry, and money. Shampoo, toothpaste, razors, baby products, washing detergent, donations.  

Elizabeth and Tab Williams Adult Day Center (formerly the Senior Services Adult Day Care and Alzheimer’s Center), 231 Melrose St., Winston-Salem, NC 27103, 724-2155.

Needed: Such gifts for clients as women’s and men’s handkerchiefs, gloves, scarves, warm hats, toiletries, shaving items, bingo prizes, socks, hand lotion, craft supplies and colorful seasonal paper supplies for meals and snacks such as napkins and paper plates.

Family Services Shelter P.O. Box 604, Winston-Salem, NC 27102, 724-3979.

Needed: Money and such gifts for women and children as dishes, pots and pans, flatware, glasses, irons and ironing boards; kitchen appliances; towel sets, dishcloths, new pillows, sheet sets, blankets and comforters (twin and full); baby items; sanitary napkins and tampons; laundry baskets, alarm clocks, flashlights, batteries, cleaning supplies, hand sanitizers, car emergency/safety kits, hair dryers, hair products, bedroom slippers, socks, flip flops, underwear, umbrellas, phone cards, gift cards, grocery gift cards, reading glasses (+1.75, +2.00, +2.50, +3.00); new smoke alarms, space heaters, fans and family games/playing cards. Monetary gifts are always appreciated. No used clothing accepted.

Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina 3655 Reed St., Winston-Salem, NC 27107, 784-5770.  http://www.hungernwnc.org

Needed: Food and Food Drives: Canned meats, soups, fruits and vegetables; packaged rice and pasta; canned tomato sauce and stews; peanut butter.

Silas Creek Manor 3350 Silas Creek Parkway, Winston-Salem, NC 27103, 765-0550.

Needed: Hats, ball caps, handkerchiefs, costume jewelry, small games, playing cards, lap blankets, soap, hair products, lotion and wrapping paper. Radios and cassette players.

Winston-Salem Rescue Mission 717 Oak St., Winston-Salem, NC 27101, 723-1848.   http://www.wsrescue.org.

Needed: Underwear, handkerchiefs, socks, disposable razors, flannel shirts, especially sizes extra large and 2X, gloves, deodorant, shaving cream, bath soap and plastic soap holders, toothbrushes and plastic holders for toothbrushes, toothpaste, nail clippers, foot powder and staple foods. Money for Christmas gifts and dinner are needed as well as unwrapped Christmas gifts.

Winston-Salem Rehabilitation and Health Care Center  1900 W. First St., Winston-Salem, NC 27104, 724-2821.

Needed: Donations of lotions, jogging suits, Kleenex, socks, clocks, throws, large-print books and word-search puzzles are needed.

As you can see, there is a wide variety of needs to be met.  Topping the list are cash, food, toiletries and personal care items, and winter clothing.
 
For all you "couponers" out there, here is where you can use your money-saving skills to build up donation boxes, bags, baskets, or unload some of your bounty from recent bargain hunting.  If you are new to the whole coupon-clipping, rebate-seeking concept, there are several good sites that have coupon/sale matchups, and they give you the heads up on where to get the best deals.  The more you give, the more you get, and the more you get, the more you can give.  Hip to Save and Southern Savers can get you started in the right direction. 

You may want to bookmark this post to refer to as you make your shopping list, and as always, please feel free to share your ideas and experiences.

Pinocchio's and Toys for Tots

There is a lovely little Italian restaurant in Spencer, NC called Pinocchio's.  The atmosphere is warm and friendly and the food is delicious.  Giuseppe, the chef, is a creative force in the kitchen, and Tracy keeps everything else running smoothly.  This year they will be joining Toys for Tots as a donation point.  Here is what Tracy said in her weekly e-mail. 

"It's going to be a particularly rough year for young families to afford Christmas shopping, so Pinocchio's is a donation point for Toys for Tots.  Just write a check made payable to Toys for Tots and bring it in when you come to dinner; I will take it, match it 50 cents on the dollar through my book company, and get a whole bunch of Fun Kid Kits to our local kids.  Your cancelled check is 100% tax deductible".

I hope you can join them for dinner sometime soon.  You'll leave with a happy tummy and a warm fuzzy feeling, and no I don't mean from the wine either. So drop off a check, and help make Christmas for the children.

The Maze Within the Maize

Yesterday, I got a call from our good friends, you know the folks from the Rose Garden posts earlier, asking if we'd like to go a corn maze with them and the kids. Of course! It was a beautiful day after the rain moved out - it poured this morning.

We followed the directions on the website (this actually took us the long way around but it was short notice and I didn't have time to check the directions against the mapping software) Anyway, we got there and they were already there, and had been swinging on the swings.

In addition, there were sandboxes, pole ball games, bean bag toss, water balloon for sling-shotting (probably not a word) and a corn cannon for the kids. There was also a cow train, mostly for kids too, but I did see some very large "kids" on it. We all went on a hayride around the farm, several small lakes and some muddy hills. This was a farm wagon loaded with hay bales pulled by a tractor. It was a $1 extra per person for the ride, but the scenery was gorgeous. I wondered several times if the tractor was going to make it up the muddy hills, and the back end nearly dragged the ground in places. We were seated near the back, so the ride was a little tilted at times.

The feature activity was, of course, the corn maze. They said it was 7 acres, and the maze was in the shape of the United States. The paths were wide and maneuvering was not difficult. We were given ariel view maps (see the link below for picture), and there were strategically placed "you are here" signs throughout. The pictures were taken when the corn was green, and now it is quite dried and brown. Nevertheless, it was fun. We joked about trying it in the dark with flashlights. The places closes at dark, though, which is probably good.

There are food and beverages available for purchase. The fun all takes place at the 2009 Alpha Acres Corn Maze, in connection with the Winston-Salem Rescue Misson. I believe this was a fund-raising event.

Christmas in October?

What's this, Christmas in October?  It's not even Halloween and already stores are getting their Christmas stuff in.  Early marketing can make us tire of the holiday season before it even arrives.

In this case, however, I'm talking about people in need.  Our senior population, who have given so much throughout their lives to their families and their communities.  This is one small way in which we can give back.

Senior Services of Winston-Salem has a Senior Stocking campaign where they collect items for seniors for Christmas.  This is a worthy program, and we, especially couponers, can make a difference in the lives of these people.  If we just go through our coupons and match up to several items on their holiday wish list, or look through our stockpiles, we could make a valuable and much-needed contribution this holiday season.


Gifts may be delivered to:  2895 Shorefair Drive, Winston-Salem, NC  27105

Let's Feed America!

It was another successful day at the grocery store Friday. Harris Teeter has a triple coupon promotion going on this week. I scored several freebies and some more really good deals, most of which are going to the Food Bank. They are in extreme need of donations, both food and financial. September is Hunger Action Month, and there are donations boxes all around town, including my YMCA.

Their most-needed shopping list includes: lean protein, whole grain and pasta products, and canned meats, vegetables and fruits. My collection includes cereals, pasta, rice, peanuts, peanut butter, jelly, canned beans & fruit.

Here is a link to the full list.