December 14, 2009
Random Acts of Kindness, Week 1
It’s time! Time to share the lovely things that you’ve been doing this month to help others. Each December we run a few Random Acts of Kindness blog contests, to encourage you to keep your eyes open for ways that you can help others. I know that many of you are aware of this all year long (just because you’re nice like that.) For others, this is always a good reminder that it doesn’t have to cost a lot of extra time or money to help make someone’s day, and to be an encouragement to them. On Friday’s blog, I gave you links to the contest from last year, in case you wanted to read some of the comments for ideas.
What am I doing? This year, our church has been talking about encouraging people to give more, spend less, worship more, and love all. I like that idea. How do you give more, but spend less? Give your time. Give things that you no longer use. Give encouragement and support. Have you knit some of your gifts this year? Then you’ve given time to each of the people who will be getting those gifts. I’ve made several gifts this year, and hope to do that each year. I’m also going to go through the overabundance of scarves that College Girl and I have knit up, and we’ll be washing those up and taking them to a local homeless shelter. While we’re at it, we’ll go through our winter coat closet and see what else we can add to the pile. While I love cold weather, I don’t like to BE cold. I like to be all bundled up. There are plenty of people in all of our communities who don’t have the luxury of being bundled up, so hopefully a few warm items will help.
What random acts have you done to spread holiday cheer and encouragement? Leave it in the comments and we’ll do a random drawing for prizes that we’ll announce next week. (Do you do these things for the publicity and the drawings? No, of course not. But your comments help to give ideas to others, and the drawings make it a little more fun.)
We’ll do a second Random Acts contest next Monday, and the last contest the Monday after that, so keep looking for ways to commit some acts be a blessing to others. Speaking of contests – have you joined our Facebook and Twitter pages? I put up one of our 24 Hour Quick Contests this morning, so it runs through tomorrow morning. Pop over and enter. The prize is a Loopy Ewe Gift Certificate!
Sheri justaddinginafewre-stocksandupdateslatertoday.
NotafullblownSneakUp.However…moreontheway…











Jocelyn said,
December 14, 2009 @ 12:16 pm
I always love this contest — it makes me really pay attention to those little opportunities to do better that I might miss in the busy-ness of the season. This past Saturday we took our younger daughter to her very first dance competition, and I couldn’t help but notice that there was one mom who was just stuck behind the raffle table all day long. So as soon as my daughter’s dances were done, I headed over and offered to take over so she could get a break (and see more of her daughter’s dancing!). I think it helped, and I also hope that it made her day just a little bit easier.
Nancy said,
December 14, 2009 @ 12:17 pm
Made a special visit to my bachelor son in Milwaukee on Saturday. Brought him some mini meatloaves that he can bake up, some freshly bakes cookies, and took him out to lunch. It was great visiting with him. Probably did me more good than the things I did for him.
Ellen said,
December 14, 2009 @ 12:22 pm
I am knitting this year (more frantically as the days go by!) a pair of red wool socks for my stepdaughter, a Red Socks fan, for Christmas! My husband is a Yankees fan so it is really an act of kindness for her but not necessarily for him! And I’ve made a pot of chicken soup for my elderly neighbor that I will take over this afternoon – people who live alone don’t always fuss over cooking for themselves. Thanks for inspiring so many people.
Lynne E. said,
December 14, 2009 @ 12:25 pm
Is there any way to participate in the Quick Contests without joining Twitter or Facebook? As much as I would love to have a chance at a TLE gift certificate, I don’t have time to maintain additional social networking accounts.
Tammy said,
December 14, 2009 @ 12:33 pm
My hubs and I both got surprise bonuses at work last Friday. We’ve been blessed that the downturn in the economy has not really affected us, so we went shopping for donations to a local nursing home with the extra money.
Also, on Thanksgiving morning, we started what we hope will be an annual tradition randomly selected a Waffle House to go to for breakfast, and we left the waitress a $100 bill as a tip. We just thought that anyone working on Thanksgiving morning really needed to be working, and we were grateful for the opportunity to bless someone else.
Joni said,
December 14, 2009 @ 12:38 pm
Last week when I went shopping, I noticed that the Salvation Army Bell Ringer at our local store had forgotten his gloves (and it was unusually cold for Texas), so I threw an inexpensive pair in my basket and gave them to him along with my kettle donation as I left the store. Got the biggest thank you and it made my day
Erynn said,
December 14, 2009 @ 12:39 pm
Mine is kind insignificant, but I gave almost half of my hours at one of my jobs to my co-worker so she could have more and her shifts didn’t overlap the shifts at her other job.
Carol in Zion IL said,
December 14, 2009 @ 12:39 pm
This is a wonderful way to change the world–one person at a time! This week while grocercy shopping, I purchased a “meal for the hungry”, which is my grocery stores’s way of supporting the homeless shelters. It’s not much, but it felt really good to do it. Also, earlier in the week I reevalulated the household budget and doubled my contribution to Catholic Charities $100–that felt good too (although I might not get to buy quite as much yarn… but I know you’ll understand.) Thanks!
ikkinlala said,
December 14, 2009 @ 12:44 pm
My seasonal employer (the job just ended) sells food, and I spent most of Saturday working for free to help package up their extras for local food banks. It was a fun day, everyone was in a good mood, and it’s nice to know that the food banks will have something healthy and tasty to distribute over the holidays.
Ardosa said,
December 14, 2009 @ 12:46 pm
it might be small, but on black friday i was in a long line and struck up a conversation with the woman behind me. She had gotten something for one of her kids but forgot to get a particular stuffed animal for her youngest. I promptly turned to my 11y old who was with me and told her to take a look and see if she could find it. This way she wouldn’t be bored in line and did something nice for someone.
She sighed but went and when she got back and the woman was so thrilled she smiled and said it felt good to do something that to her was trivial but meant alot to someone else
Carol in CO said,
December 14, 2009 @ 12:48 pm
I donated 2 handknit hats, 2 scarves, 2 pair of mittens and a neck gaitor to a gal who was taking collections for local homeless kids last week. That felt so good that I went home, dug into my stash and knit up another hat and scarf set to go to the local safehouse. I haven’t quite caught up with all of the handknit gifts I want to make for my family members this year, but know they will be willing to wait a few extra days if they understand the gifts for the others. It feels SO good to help others be a little warmer this winter. Thank you for encouraging all of us to do these things. It warms our hearts and their bodies, and helps with our stashes! = win! win! win!
Robin said,
December 14, 2009 @ 12:48 pm
I bought Christmas gifts for a little girl off of the angel tree here at work. I probably spent too much, but it’s hard paring down when I’m in the art supply section:) I also put together a gift for the local animal shelter, just a few things they could probably use gifted in a bucket that I’m sure will come in handy.
Phyllis said,
December 14, 2009 @ 12:49 pm
I knit two hats and a scarf for the “inn from the Cold” an organization that provides a warm, safe place for individuals and families to spend the night.
KarenV said,
December 14, 2009 @ 12:50 pm
I gave my old Christmas tree to my niece, and know she is a single mother and strapped for money, told her I would take her out and get what she needs/wants to put it up – garland, lights, etc.
Lilie said,
December 14, 2009 @ 12:50 pm
I sent a fellow knitter some handmade stitch markers and a necklace for her daughter. I just finished a pair of fingerless mitts for the mail lady!
Kathy said,
December 14, 2009 @ 12:54 pm
when buying cat food on saturday, i spotted an elderly couple making their way around the store w/a list in hand. They had a cat bed, carrier, litter box, etc in their cart. I said oh wow, some cat is lucky. they said they were just about to bring home a new cat, adopted in that very store from a rescue group, they had recently lost their own elderly cat and were getting a new friend. I found the store manager, told him what I wanted to do, and so when the couple got to the cash register they were told all their supplies for their new cat had been paid for by one of Santa’s elves. Perhaps this was not so random, one of my own cats Max had crossed the rainbow bridge just a day earlier, and perhaps his paw was nudging me to reach out.
Micki said,
December 14, 2009 @ 12:57 pm
Today I’m making a very elaborate Pumpkin Cake for my Co-Workers and Friends at the Omaha Public Library branch where I work. We’ve had a very hard year with budget cuts and some of us almost lost our jobs. We are so thankful for a wonderfully supportive community! THANK YOU OMAHA!
Windy Brown said,
December 14, 2009 @ 12:59 pm
For the month of December, I give up my daily lattes. Then I donate that money to the Salvation army.
Joanne said,
December 14, 2009 @ 12:59 pm
I saw a teenaged girl stuck in the snow and ice on my way home from work, so I pulled over, got out, and pushed her car until she could get going! It’s sad to say, but many people just went around her and kept on driving.
just lori said,
December 14, 2009 @ 1:00 pm
Random-ish and well-timed, I guess. I caught my son as he was finishing a game of Curious George sorting things, and the end of the game was the donations truck coming. I asked my four year old son if he wanted to give some of his toys to children who didn’t have any, and he said yes. So we went through his stuffed animals, and he picked out the ones he didn’t want. Over half of them have been picked up by American Veterans of Vietnam, and many of those animals still had tags on.
We’ll keep doing this on a random basis, I think.
I also did lot of smiling at strangers this weekend, especially the stressed-looking ones. I hope it helped brighten their day. Either that, or I gave them something else to think about instead of their stress. Like, “why is that crazy lady smiling at me?”
Amy said,
December 14, 2009 @ 1:03 pm
My RAK is small to be sure. I knitted an ornament for my tree… decided at the last minute take it off my tree to give it to my grandma when I was going to visit her.
I love the bell ringer comment from Joni. Great idea! A true RAK.
I am going to be looking for opportunities to do something for a stranger for next monday.
Stephanie said,
December 14, 2009 @ 1:06 pm
Even though I’ve been frantically trying to finish several knitting projects, I managed to squeeze in a hat for the latest charity knitting project at our LYS….does this count???
Lauren J said,
December 14, 2009 @ 1:09 pm
I volunteered to work the late shift last week so a co-worker could attend her daughter’s basketball game.
I also work at a college and we’ve all pitched in as a staff to fill big bowls of candycanes for students to grad in between classes as finals start.
elise said,
December 14, 2009 @ 1:12 pm
I made a pair of fingerless gloves for a friend after remembering that she had admired them. I also helped a friend take her cat to the vet. Not very random acts, but I’m sure I’ll find some for the coming weeks.
Melanie said,
December 14, 2009 @ 1:15 pm
An online friend of mine and her family have been going through some hard times. She lost her job, and they had to move in with her parents, and now her husband lost his job last week. They were already not able to afford much for Christmas, but with the loss of his job…. I sent several of the books from the kids wishlist on Amazon to them for Christmas as a surprise.
Channon said,
December 14, 2009 @ 1:19 pm
I was just a “donor”, but a friend and her mom hosted a presents for pets open house over the weekend, with the proceeds going to a local animal shelter. I know there are people in need in our community, but animal shelters are overflowing too…
Suellen said,
December 14, 2009 @ 1:21 pm
I was standing in line for my daughter’s choral concert yesterday (long line) and the woman behind me didn’t realize we had to buy tickets. She had a party of 3, and I had two extra tickets b/c my mom and sister didn’t come b/c of the weather. I gave her mine, and then the woman behind her gave her another. So our tickets didn’t go to waste and she got her tickets.
Felt good!
KatherineR said,
December 14, 2009 @ 1:30 pm
Knit a cowl as a spontaneous gift for a friend who has been meeting me for coffee and cheer for the past two years. She was so surprised!
Alicia said,
December 14, 2009 @ 1:32 pm
This weekend, I bought tickets to a Christmas concert for friends who are out of work.
Gina said,
December 14, 2009 @ 1:35 pm
We “adopted” a family at work. The mom has a terminal illness. They asked for very little. I have the pleasure of purchasing some things for the 13 y/o daughter. I wish them well. I lost my mom years ago at this time of the year to cancer. I usually try to find ways to give that center around that. Makes me feel good.
Alex said,
December 14, 2009 @ 1:37 pm
A woman stood in the drinks aisle at a local Mega-mart on Saturday unable to choose portables for her holiday party. I stopped and helped her decide based on the number of attendees and their preferences.
Under the spend less/give more category, I knit 7 pairs of socks and one sweater for holiday gifts this year. My dad should get the prize though. He made a calendar out of old family photos going back 6 generations and gave a copy to every member of our extended family at a recent family gathering.
Margaret said,
December 14, 2009 @ 1:42 pm
That reminds me, Toys for Tots. Thanks for the reminder. I like buying toys, but I’ve got no kids to buy them for, and all the relatives are teenagers and adults now.
I also need to get it in gear about the local food bank donation. We have a ton of homeless in LV.
Eunice said,
December 14, 2009 @ 1:46 pm
I send anonymous gift cards to several young families at church that are going through hard times. Sometimes I do one from a strictly women’s store so the Mom can’t spend it all on her kids. Fun watching them try to figure out where it came from.
Jean E. said,
December 14, 2009 @ 1:58 pm
I am making scarves for the OFA’s Red Scarf Project. You still have time to knit one, too! There is a group on ravelry or visit Now Norma Knits (blog) for more info.
Stacey said,
December 14, 2009 @ 2:00 pm
This week, I saved a dog that was hanging out at a local restaurant for about two weeks (you can see her darling self on my blog). While calling around to see if she had been reported missing, one of the local no-kill shelters mentioned needs they had. I gathered a bunch of old blankets to donate and chopped up some old sweater to make new ones. I included some quick to make homemade doggie biscuits and took them down.
Lynne T. in Culver City, CA said,
December 14, 2009 @ 2:04 pm
I knit socks constantly and for those special socks that don’t go to friends for gifts, I always have a gift bag going that is designated for Women in a Battered Womens Shelter. I also collect the Travel size bottles of Shampoo,Conditioner Body Wash and Lortion that go to the same Shelter.. For those dear women, a Nice warm shower with fragrant soap and a Nice Warm hand knit pair of Socks has to help them feel a bit better. Hooefully it gives them something to smile for, for a moment !!
This is an ongoing project .
Nancy W said,
December 14, 2009 @ 2:12 pm
Over the weekend, I along with my sister-in-law, nephew, and husband went to my mother-in-law’s and decorated her home for the holidays. We have done this for the last couple of years as she lives alone and is unable to put up lights and a tree by herself.
Susan said,
December 14, 2009 @ 2:12 pm
I’ve always wanted to do this year’s RAOK, but this is the first year I’ve been able to do so. I am inviting all the people I know that are not able to join their friends and families to my place for Christmas dinner. I work in EMS and many of my co-workers are twenty somethings in need of a ‘family’ for the day.
Seanna Lea said,
December 14, 2009 @ 2:14 pm
One of my single guy friends has just bought a condo, but because he’s always had roommates he doesn’t have a lot of kitchen stuff. I’ve been giving him things like cutting boards, colanders and other kitchen stuff that I’ve bought and either never or only rarely used. It’s been good for both of us!
Catraggedy said,
December 14, 2009 @ 2:14 pm
I am knitting all my gifts this year. Matching hats for sis and niece. Mittens for my nephew. Socks for my mom, dad, cousin, and aunt. A shawl for my other sister… And I still have my son to knit for!
Instead of getting gifts this year, we (my son and I) have asked that people donate a pet item. We plan to take all the things we collect to our local shelter after Christmas so the doggies and kitties can have some Christmas love too.
Tami Thurston said,
December 14, 2009 @ 2:14 pm
My RAK came a few weeks ago. There is a new construction project next to me. I’ve been watching the same 3 guys show up for work every day at 7 and work till you can’t see them anymore it’s so dark. They are doing all the heavy work, shoveling, building retaining walls, ect… Well, we have been having nasty weather & still they show up. A few weeks ago they were working in that fine cold drizzle that just goes through you. On my way out, DD & I brought them some hot chocolate in toss away cups. To watch their faces light up getting something warm was all the thanks I needed.
Laura said,
December 14, 2009 @ 2:15 pm
On Saturday, an acquaintance/friend of mine came up to me at a baby shower I was hosting, and complimented the (knitted) baby gift I had given. Her compliment turned into a request to teach her to knit. This is particularly poignant because her mom–my pastor and friend–died Dec 16 two years ago, and she was a prolific knitter. So, yesterday, we sat down after church and by the end of it, she could make knit stitches pretty well. We had fun going through her mom’s needles, and just taking time, calmly remembering the gifts of time and love that she had given us.
I also put a knitted hat on our charity gift tree…and while it was more random and will help someone this winter, it was sitting and teaching my friend that was my gift to her–and to myself.
Beth said,
December 14, 2009 @ 2:16 pm
Knitting a couple of chemo caps for a friend I just found out has breast cancer with some very special yarn; purchasing meals for Harvesters at the grocery store; saving all our change to dump in the Salvation Army bucket; knitting gifts for co-travelers from my summer mission trip.
Hope you and your family have a wonderful, blessed Christmas!!
Diane said,
December 14, 2009 @ 2:22 pm
I knit a Noro scarf and also a London Beanie type cap for a young man who does ministry work full time. He gave up a high paying job to do this and he has always been so kind to do for others and pray for others as well – wanted to give him something nice for all the good work he does without ever asking for anything in return.
Lynn said,
December 14, 2009 @ 2:25 pm
I participated with my team at work to adopt a family from a local homeless coalition. We made sure they all had something they need and something fun to make their holiday a little brighter.
Katie said,
December 14, 2009 @ 2:37 pm
While not fully MY RAK, I wanted to share what my boys did this past week. They are 6 and 7. This is our first winter not living in San Diego, so my children didn’t fully understand just how necessary coats can be until just recently. Last week, it snowed here, for the first time in seven years. My boys came home from school that day, very sad by the thought that some kids didn’t have coats to keep them warm, so they spent the whole evening going through boxes (we’re still not fully unpacked from the move) bags of our old clothes, our closets, etc., searching for coats to donate to the “Coats for Kids” program that their school was putting on. They left each member of the family one warm coat, but the rest went to school with them to donate.
It warmed my heart to see my boys show such compassion.
Laura said,
December 14, 2009 @ 2:39 pm
I made a batch of Christmas cookies this weekend for work … but I gave a separate box of them to someone I work who I know is having a rather tough year and doesn’t have time to bake any for her daughters at home.
Joannah said,
December 14, 2009 @ 2:39 pm
I haven’t been out and about much this past week, mostly thanks to the weather. My RAK was to put out an extra bird feeder. It’s cold enough that I’m sure the birds that stay for the winter can use the extra energy.
Kathryn Sigman said,
December 14, 2009 @ 2:43 pm
SOme of my students and I are knitting hats for the homeless. I also finished a chemo hat for aunt who starts her chemotherapy this week.
Jeanne said,
December 14, 2009 @ 2:43 pm
I don’t really feel like I’m doing anything much… but I have been working with my 10 & 12 yo children to try to be more generous. This fall they both got new bikes because they had outgrown the old bikes. They had multiple choices of what to do with the old ones, because they were not going to stay in the garage… they could sell them, they could donate them to their own school’s yard sales or they could donate them to a different school in the area that cleans and repairs them and delivers them as gifts to families that can’t afford new bikes. I was pleased that they made the choice that doesn’t benefit them at all – they gave them to the school that fixes them and gives them away. We’ve also been going through our surplus clothes looking for wearables for the shelters and local thrift stores – washing and folding to give away is a chore that shows that you care about others – even when you’re cleaning out the closets.
Jan said,
December 14, 2009 @ 2:44 pm
Friday I let another train rider know he was leaving his container behind. Today I stayed awake to listen to my seatmate, who really wanted to talk. I’m also volunteering to help with the office party.
Virginia said,
December 14, 2009 @ 2:49 pm
In the knitting vein, I’m taking two hats and a scarf to the local soup kitchen where I work so they can be given away to someone who needs a little extra help staying warm this winter. Brrr!!! it’s been cold for weeks in Colorado, and I’ve enjoyed my own hat, so giving away a few may help someone a great deal, I think.
Thanks for holding this contest every year, Sheri. It brings the idea to the forefront of our minds and helps keep us be aware as opportunities present themselves!
Bertha said,
December 14, 2009 @ 2:51 pm
A friend was twittering looking for sock knitting books and mentioned that she couldn’t find one that she wanted at her local library. I had a copy of the book she was looking for and not being much of a sock knitter, sent it off to her for nothing.
TMTTYRR said,
December 14, 2009 @ 2:55 pm
Yay!!!
When I walk my dog, I go past the homes of a few of my mother’s friends. Most of them, like my mother, are elderly and not as stable on their feet as they once were. When the weather is bad (rainy, cold, slippery), I will walk their newspapers up to the door in the mornings and make sure they’re inside the screen so that they don’t have to go out in the yuck. If I’m walking in the evenings and I see their garbage cans still at the street, I’ll take them back into the yard. And for some of them, Salty Dog gets in the act and insists that we go up and ring the doorbell to say hello and have a little visit (which we do if it’s not too early in the morning or late in the evening).
Melissa said,
December 14, 2009 @ 3:01 pm
I picked a list from our Angel Tree, and am taking things by our animal shelter as well.
Celestine said,
December 14, 2009 @ 3:04 pm
This time of the year has mixed blessings for me. I am cleaning out my mothers home since she passed away. Mom had a lovely home and lovely clothes and furnishings. I am taking the time to launder items, wash glass ware and donating them to charity. Also, I have stopped my Christmas gift knitting to knit items for the military personnel overseas. So far I am knitting scarves, helmet liners and gators. the patterns are free and from what I understand it is cold in Afghanistan.
Lastly, I have crochet several afghans to donate to local agencies for use in homeless shelters and families in need.
Tanya said,
December 14, 2009 @ 3:07 pm
My random act is actually to nominate my friend Judith to win this contest! She is the charity coordinator for our guild, and works countless hours each year to help us create for others. This past year she has knit MANY preemie caps and has coordinated with the local shelter http://www.southoaklandshelter.org to make up kits for us to create hats for children. She contacts designers to donate cute patterns, gathers donated supplies and packages up cute kits so that we all feel like we’re getting a gift of yarn to knit up. Once the knitters have their way with the kits Judith creates, she collects the finished objects, washes them, tags them and donates them to the shelter. Rarely do I see Judith knitting something for herself, most of the time she’s doing for someone else. Please consider my entry an entry on her behalf–she’s the greatest, and helps us feel pretty great too when she encourages us to do for others!
Bad Mommy said,
December 14, 2009 @ 3:15 pm
During the year, I’ll see a pattern or yarn that I want to try out but the finished product may not be anything I can use or gift to anyone I know (there’s a limit to how many scarves/socks/hats/mittens my immediate famly needs or wants). I could and have donated to The Red Scarf Project, Afghans for Afghans and all kinds of other great organizations but his year it felt important to me to be paying more attention to what’s happening in my own community. I work in downtown SF and it’s kind of like we have “our own” street people – folks we see all year round on their own specific turf. There are two in particular that I worry about – they don’t seem particularly healthy and it’s been COLD here in the last few weeks. I tossed a pair of mittens and a pair of gloves in my bag and kept my eyes open for these two people and last week gave them some wooly warmth.
Kim B. said,
December 14, 2009 @ 3:16 pm
I made triple chocolate fudge last night to surprise my neighbor. He had some last year at my house and loved it. His wife doesn’t make it for him. I called and asked if it was OK and she said sure. She isn’t telling him so I can suprise him tonight. Both are retirees and I think the stirring that is needed is just too tough for her hands/arms.
Karen said,
December 14, 2009 @ 3:17 pm
All year I save my change and in December take it to buy toys for tots. It’s a fun tradition.
My team at work got together and bought coats for a Head Start class. Also my
whole center is having a contest to collect bears for a program with the local police.
Topaz said,
December 14, 2009 @ 3:24 pm
Bagged up and getting ready to donate 3 bags full of winter clothes.
One touching thing I saw at work this week was a homeless man who donated his extra coat to someone who needed it.
Ruth Martin said,
December 14, 2009 @ 3:32 pm
It’s a little thing but maybe it’s a big thing, as they say – found someone’s car keys left on a counter in the grocery store this morning and turned them in to an employee who made an announcement on the pa system. I could just imagine that feeling of panic when reaching into a pocket or purse and not finding your keys where you expected them to be…hopefully keys and owner were reunited quickly!
Suzie said,
December 14, 2009 @ 3:32 pm
A friend of mine and I joined our local knit shop and knitted hats, scarves and mittens for kids and adults for some Iraqi refugees in our area. They were brought to the United States to protect them, and they don’t know what our winters are like. I am behind on my Christmas knitting now, but it felt good to do for others that I don’t know.
BFF Liz said,
December 14, 2009 @ 3:37 pm
I think it was enough that no one was injured by my hand in my 12:00 meeting. It was not pretty, Sheri. Not pretty at all.
Kathy said,
December 14, 2009 @ 3:37 pm
After reading your blog today I thought that what I plan to do for my family might be okay. I have not been home to St. Louis for the holidays for two years so I felt like I wanted to bring some gifts, but knowing my family a bought gift would be accepted but not really appreciated, so I am making things this year. Some scarves, lace and otherwise, some felted oven mitts, and even some fetching using the pattern mentioned in your blog a couple of times. I guess those are my Acts of Kindness though not random.
Kim A. said,
December 14, 2009 @ 3:37 pm
I was picking up takeout at a local restaurant last week, and saw a man who looked homeless sitting on a bench outside. I heard some staff inside say he had come in and asked for food, and it sounded like they hadn’t decided if they were going to give him any, so I offered to pay for a meal for him.
Jennifer said,
December 14, 2009 @ 3:38 pm
A friend of my moms , who is a single mother, is the hardest working person I know. On top of owning alpacas and seling their fleece, she also worked full time at the local hospital. She was laid off a few months ago and has not been able to find a job. My mom gave me a bunch of her alpcas fleece for my birthday a few months ago, and I am taking that and spinning it up, and making knit toys for her babies. It’s not much, but I think she will really ike it.
Heather said,
December 14, 2009 @ 3:40 pm
This is a small act of kindness-When I was out shopping at a local store a woman and her mother were looking for something to buy for a friend. They didn’t know if what they were looking for was on sale so I went up to the front of the store and got a flyer for them to check and see if it was on sale. Sure enough it was and they were so happy that I had given them the flyer so that they could bring it up to the cashier and show her that it was on sale. They saved some money!
LaLa said,
December 14, 2009 @ 3:40 pm
I knit for the red scarf project. It’s nice to take time out of the business of the season to think of others.
penny said,
December 14, 2009 @ 3:41 pm
Three things I can’t quite separate because they are intertwined: I’m working to spend any extra $ I can by local* & friendly shops instead of the chains (if it doesn’t go to donation boxes first). Making a point no matter how stretched and cranky I feel to smile and be kind to store clerks and bus drivers… Filling a box full of yarn goodness for a good friend who is a new knitter and looking forward to her excitement when she receives it (I have to mail it first).
* local includes internet.
Issy said,
December 14, 2009 @ 3:46 pm
My husband and I decided to make monthly donations to the ASPCA. We signed up to start at Christmas.
Elizabeth said,
December 14, 2009 @ 3:49 pm
I am in the process of going through my yarn stash and weeding out any skein that is not designated for any specific project. It won’t all be done by Christmas but I hope to send at least a box a month to The Purl Foundation in NYC. I found their name in your blog-the woman I emailed said they would be thrilled to receive any little bit. I have way too much-most are complete skeins including MANY Rowan skeins. It will feel good to organize my stash but even better to know it will help others stay warm during cold winter months
Barbara-Kay said,
December 14, 2009 @ 3:50 pm
There is an elderly lady who sits behind me in church. She is (wistfully) a former knitter who finds it too difficult to knit at this age. Last week I gave her my Feather and Fan Scarf,
http://www.ravelry.com/projects/meezermeowmy/feather-and-fan-scarf
because I knew she would love it.
She tapped me on the shoulder Sunday to say how much she has enjoyed it this cold week. What a smile!
Genny said,
December 14, 2009 @ 3:54 pm
I stayed behind after the staff Christmas party on Friday to help the event team clean up. It only took 15 minutes to sort everything out, but you could tell from the smiles that it made a difference!
Sheri, I’ve been looking forward to these RAK posts all year. Thank you for doing them again.
Barbara in NH said,
December 14, 2009 @ 3:54 pm
So many people on Ravelry have been so kind to me in one way or another. I was able to return the favor. I gave one friend 30 yards of Wollmeise to fnish a project and traded with another friend a color that I only have one of but she wanted it more. And when I was at the grocery store this morning, the lady in front of me didn’t have enough money for her purchase so I covered what was left. It made me feel so good!
Bridget said,
December 14, 2009 @ 3:55 pm
I am knitting my brother in law and mother in law socks this year for Christmas. And for my two sweet daughters I have knitted hats, and a few other mommy made gifts just for them:)
Kelli said,
December 14, 2009 @ 4:08 pm
I like to hold doors open for people. It’s such a small courtesy that so few of us do.
Tracey Carsto said,
December 14, 2009 @ 4:15 pm
My SIL has someone in her Mom’s group who is on hard times, so I slipped her a Christmas card with some $$$ in it at a gathering at my SIL’s house. I put in the card that I hoped it helped and Merry Christmas. She has been asking and asking my SIL who had done it but my SIL won’t tell her.
Bonney said,
December 14, 2009 @ 4:30 pm
This year I made a bunch of neck warmers and gave them to the people I deal with all year but don’t usually do anything for at Christmas like the postmaster and the two lovely ladies at my local library. I have others to bestow!!
southparknitter said,
December 14, 2009 @ 4:35 pm
I’m knitting sweaters for homeless or needy children.
Denise said,
December 14, 2009 @ 4:42 pm
I work for a healthcare system and each year our department has done something for a family in the community. Due to divorce or death, there were several families in our own company that weren’t going to have a very Merry Christmas. Our department “adopted” 2 of these families and each of us split up to buy things for the family. Not only is my family getting shoes, jeans and toys – but warm hats and mittens, too!
kati said,
December 14, 2009 @ 4:48 pm
This week I made a donation to the food bank through our grocery store and donated some new toys to the local toy fund. I hope it gives a child some joy on Christmas day.
Doris said,
December 14, 2009 @ 4:54 pm
Every couple of months i purchase an extra bag of dog food & cat food to take to our local animal shelter. This year I’ve taken all of my left over sock yarn & made socks for the childrens hospital. And I’ve been teaching my elderly neighbor how to knit socks from the toe up using the magic loop method.
Paulette said,
December 14, 2009 @ 5:23 pm
I can never pass up a Salvation Army bell ringer without putting something in the bucket–and I always thank them for taking time to ring the bell. It always seems to put a smile on their face, especially when it’s particularly cold and snowy out.
It sure is inspiring to read all the wonderful ways people care about other people. Very touching. It really makes you want to do more to reach out to others. Thanks for this great reminder, Sheri!
Heather said,
December 14, 2009 @ 5:35 pm
I decided to become the coordinator of the Secret Santa exchange at work, since no one was “feeling it” and it wouldn’t have been done at all. I even invited the guys, who traditionally aren’t allowed to participate. They were so happy to be invited! It made me happy.
Karla said,
December 14, 2009 @ 5:47 pm
I took my three year old to the store with me to pick out toys for the donation box at her school. While I do this every year, I think she understands this year what she helped to do. When we checked out, I had the toys put in a separate bag so my daughter would understand that those were “hers” for school. She was very happy to take those toys to school this morning and put them in the donation bin.
Doris said,
December 14, 2009 @ 5:55 pm
I agreed to participate in a cookie exchange. It doesn’t sound like an act of kindness, but I don’t usually bake Christmas cookies because I bake our family” special Christmas bread (and ship it to my husband’s family) now that my MIL is no longer with us. A woman I know from Boy Scouts (my husband is Scoutmaster) asked me to participate and said she wasn’t sure she’d have the courage to invite her cooking class if I didn’t come. She is new to Baltimore and has not been able to meet very many people, so I said yes and spent my Saturday evening baking lots of Crandoodles. That’s where the act of kindness came back to me. I made Snickerdoodles and my husband had the suggestion of adding Craisins (dried cranberries) to the dough. My family now has a new favorite cookie recipe! My husband’s act of kindness for her was to offer to make eggs benedict (he makes the absolute best) for her brunch/exchange. Her party was quite a hit!
Elisabeth Waingrow said,
December 14, 2009 @ 5:57 pm
For the third year in a row, I have sold knitted scarves, hats, socks and children’s items at a school fair and donated the proceeds to charity. Recipients have been Doctors Without Borders, Partners in Health, Heifer International, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Fund, Habitat for Humanity and more. It is a way of doing what I love, knitting, to benefit others.
Wasie said,
December 14, 2009 @ 5:58 pm
I held a canned food drive at work with my college students. I gave them some “extra credit” points (college students love that) and we donated all of the food collected to a local food bank.
Lael said,
December 14, 2009 @ 6:04 pm
I found a set of keys on the sidewalk outside of the school – no one was in the vicinity that appeared to have lost them, but I noticed that there was a Post Office box key on the ring, so I took them down to our Post Office. The Post Mistress seemed to know exactly who they belonged to, so I am assuming they were reunited with their rightful owner!
Heather said,
December 14, 2009 @ 6:05 pm
Heh…I’m an idjit. I posted mine last week in the wrong blog post.
So, copied & pasted…
The other day, a young teenage boy came knocking at my door, and asked if I had any garbage he could take out for a dollar. For once, I actually didn’t, because I’d made my own sons take the garbage out earlier that day, so I apologized to the kid & said no. After I’d closed the door, though, I thought about it…we were in the middle of a major winter storm, and it’s a long bloody way to the dumpsters round here! Plus, good on him for being willing to work for his money. So, I fished up my very last dollar (seriously, we are SO BROKE right now!!), and poked my head out the door & called him back. I told him I still didn’t have any work for him, but I wanted him to have my last dollar anyway, because kids like that are rare (especially around here!). I’d have given him more if I’d had any more to give.
That kid really impressed me…
Vicki Moss said,
December 14, 2009 @ 6:16 pm
I enjoyed paying for the beverage and snack of the person behind me in line – I simply slipped the cashier an extra five, said “Use this to pay for his snack, and slip the rest in the tip jar, pls.”
Two smiles, what a great score ;–)
Kristina said,
December 14, 2009 @ 6:24 pm
I sent maternity clothes that I am not using to a neighbor of my parents as they are expecting their first child and they are both teachers so don’t really have the money to go out and get a whole new wardrobe for 6 months.
Shelley said,
December 14, 2009 @ 6:30 pm
Don’t know if this will count or not…every year, including this year, I knit items such as socks, hats, mittens, scarves, and sometimes kids sweaters, to put on my church’s mitten tree. These items get distributed to children/families who are less fortunate.
Also, there is a turkey drive headed up by a local woman and this year my mom and I donated a turkey. The turkeys are given to local food banks to give to families who might not otherwise be able to get a turkey to have for supper at Christmas. Each year they have a goal, and the surplus (after they reached the goal) was given to soup kitchens to use to make turkey soups, dinners, sandwiches, etc. for those people who will be visiting the soup kitchens around Christmas (and after).
Deborah VonBrutt said,
December 14, 2009 @ 6:40 pm
I work graveyards with a women who walks to work everyday and here in Colorado that is a very cold walk. I knit her a hat, scarf and mittens in colors to match her coat. I surprised her with them Friday nite and she has been wearing them since. The scarf she wears at work to keep breezes off her neck. It is always so nice to do something that is so unexpected and so appreciated.
Connie Benotti said,
December 14, 2009 @ 6:42 pm
I really believe that true acts of charity are best left anonomous(sp) and I do try to do that. but just this once I will share this and hopefully someone else will read it and act in kind. Last week I met someone of the internet who really touched my heart. Her family is struggling with very serious health issues that will be life long and the astronomical financial burdon that goes with it. I knew this person desparately desired a skein of Bugga (the all elusive Bugga) I knew the feeling well because for a very long time it eluded me too. I had a couple of skeins (one so-so and the other gorgeous Reakirt. Not wanting to offend or diminish ones pride, I asked if I might send the children something small to brighten their day. When I received the address I did indeed send something to the children and was planning on sending the so so skein of bugga but a little voice in the back of my head or my heart said send the one that is so special to you and I did. Reakirt and childrens things went off in the mail and I do hope for however short a time they will have a break from their hardship. We are all Gods children (brothers and sisters) I only wish we could continue these acts of kindness throughout the year and not just at Christmas. I think this will be my New Years resolution Try to help others where I see the need. No one can do it all, but if everyone does just a little it will make a huge difference.
One other thing, I almost forgot to mention. This year I’m not sending Christmas Cards. I am taking the money that it would cost to buy cards and mail them and donate it to the VFW for packages for the soldiers fighting in Iraq and Afganistan, May god keep them safe and bring them home soon.
MaryEllen said,
December 14, 2009 @ 6:46 pm
In last week’s snow storm my husband and I noticed a girl in our apartment complex who was trying to move her car after the plows blocked her in. She was trying to dig out with only her hands, poor thing. We always keep collapsible shovels in our trunk, and since we had already shoveled out our spots I suggested we help her out. It only took 15 or 20 minutes more of shoveling and a good push from behind to help her get her car moving, and she was so thankful. Hopefully she’ll pass it on next time she sees someone stuck…
Conchita Newman said,
December 14, 2009 @ 6:48 pm
I try to do this all year, but I’ll be honest and say the holiday season brings it out in me more. I just try to do little things that help people or brighten their day. I let people in while driving (a big thing here in Los Angeles where no one gives anyone the right of way!). I was walking into a store the other day and saw a woman trying to pull into a parking spot, but it was blocked by a cart. Instead of walking by because it was pouring rain, I walked over and moved the cart. I tell people I don’t know that they look beautiful today!
These all seem insignificant compared to the other grand gestures people make, but sometimes the little things can make a big difference, too!
Joanna said,
December 14, 2009 @ 6:50 pm
After an experience I had last Christmas, I decided my random acts of kindness would be a lot less random and a lot more deliberate. I volunteer a lot at my son’s elementary school. Not long after Christmas break last year, I was talking with an adorable first grader at recess. I asked her what Santa brought her for Christmas and she joyfully explained that our school nurse “brought Christmas to her apartment.”
I was floored. I had no idea that this kind, sweet woman who’s married with her own family and takes such great care of our school’s children, literally gave the magic of Christmas to families who otherwise would have had nothing for their children. Not only did our nurse supply wrapped presents “from Santa,” but also Christmas trees and decorations too. I later came to learn that she did it for at least 5 families in our school!
I spoke privately to her about it and asked her how we could help. She confided that there were many families in our school who regularly go without, not just at Christmas, but at Thanksgiving and on the kids’ birthdays too. I decided then and there that she needn’t be the only person looking out for our school’s families throughout the year. It’s too easy to take a good life for granted. When you’re blessed to be among the haves, it’s an even greater blessing to be able to share with the have nots.
Shannon said,
December 14, 2009 @ 7:21 pm
At the start of each school year I buy assorted blank note cards and stationary. Throughout the year I send cards randomly to my students with words of encouragement and support. The kids really get a kick out of them, and it let’s them know that their hard work does not go unnoticed.
Marla said,
December 14, 2009 @ 7:27 pm
My neighbor, a breast cancer survivor, donates her time continually to this effort in so many ways. For her efforts, I’m knitting her a shawl that goes from light pink to darker pink as a thank you and Atta Girl.
turtle said,
December 14, 2009 @ 7:33 pm
My neighbor became a widow last december just before xmas. In the summer we go together to the farmers market, otherwise i always bake an extra loaf of bread when baking to bring her, or supply veggies from our garden to her as well. When shopping if i see someone just finishing loading their groceries i will take their cart from them, saving them (hopefully they were planning to corall it) a trip away from their car. i just turned in a few preemie hats today as wel! I try to do a good deed every day, even if it is simply saying hello to someone who looks lonely or down on their luck.
Dawn said,
December 14, 2009 @ 7:34 pm
There is a teacher wishlist at my daughter’s school so I donated an educational game to her classroom. When I was out and saw some inexpensive card games, I picked those up and donated those to the school as well.
I volunteered to take the 4am shift for an implementation on New Year’s Day at work so my boss didn’t have to come in until later in the day. His wife is going through a serious illness so I think they should be able to ring in the new year together.
Joanna in CA said,
December 14, 2009 @ 7:36 pm
My RAK is collecting children’s books from the local library stores and “gifting” them throughout the year to some women who work with my DH. They are both single mom’s and have a hard time getting the extras for their children. This has been so easy and so good for all of us as reading is a great joy.
Christina said,
December 14, 2009 @ 7:41 pm
A 12 yo boy in my son’s class was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor. My son and his classmates decided to make candy cane reindeer ornaments to sell as a fundraiser at their holiday program. They raised $700 for the family. I spontaneously offered to ask a few people at work if they would buy a $1 ornament. I sent out a brief email to the department faculty and asked my college students if they would be interested in purchasing an ornament. I thought I might raise an extra $50 or so. To my surprise I raised $600 in one week. Honestly all those that donated were the ones that did 600 RAK and should be praised. Look at the trickle effect with one RAK it caused 600!!!!! Think about if everyone did 1 RAK and it impacted people 600 times over. Now that’s motivation.
The boy is doing well but he and his family will need all the prayers that can be sent their way.
Debbie said,
December 14, 2009 @ 7:50 pm
A friend of mine who lives overseas has been going through a difficult time whille his partner has been away on a lengthy business trip. I have been getting up an hour early each day for the past week to call him. it seems to have cheered him up.
Kat Jorgensen said,
December 14, 2009 @ 7:58 pm
There was a 30 year old undergoing radiation when I was going through the final sessions. She was so scared and depressed. I tried to share my experiences and give her hugs and words of encouragment. I don’t know if I helped her, but I like to think that I did. I say prayers for her well-being every night.
And I handed out gifts to all of the people who worked in radiation oncology and made the process better from the warm smile of the secretary to the techs who played my favorite music to the dr who treated me and his nurse.
These are the true heroes who do random acts of kindness every single day.
Suzanne said,
December 14, 2009 @ 8:04 pm
My office adopts a VNA family every year and get them gifts. We get a list of what they want and I help the receptionist make the tags and then they get posted for staff to pick what they want to purchase. I dropped off my package today. I was a lot of fun to shop for an 11 year old again. My mother and I plan to go through some of the scarves we have both knit that are just waiting to be gifted and we are going to donate them to a local charity. We should get to it this weekend so they can be dropped off next Monday or Tuesday.
Chrissy said,
December 14, 2009 @ 8:05 pm
I have a friend who’s husband is unemployed. Although we don’t exchange gifts with each other, I made up a gift box of all the health and beauty products she would need for the next several months so she could save their money for more important things.
Shirley said,
December 14, 2009 @ 8:13 pm
Our church usually collects mittens, hats and scarves to give to another church in the inner city, but this year I pushed us to go further. We got the names of 42 residents of an inner city nursing home, each one with a very brief wish list. Their “wishes” were for simple things like Diet Coke or Sudoku puzzles on up to flannel shirts or a jogging suit. We put the 42 names on a Christmas tree and within 2 hours all but 9 had been taken. Within a week every name was gone. The gifts will be distributed at a Christmas party at the nursing home just before Christmas.
Mindy said,
December 14, 2009 @ 8:16 pm
Our Life Group at church has adopted a family for Christmas this year and my husband and I are buying gifts for these kids instead of buying gifts for each other.
Something from this Sunday’s sermon really stuck with me. “The smallest acts of obedience are far greater than the grandest of intentions.”
Fern Braverman said,
December 14, 2009 @ 8:19 pm
My knitting group and the community knitted over 200 hats to go to the Cleveland School kids that live in shelters.
Debbie said,
December 14, 2009 @ 8:45 pm
I have been able to help a new person to our town find local shops etc when I found them wandering around looking lost. I have also been able to donate to worthwhile charities on behalf of my family instead of Christmas gifts as we feel we have more than enough already. That also saved on what I normally spend for Christmas which was a win, win situation.
janine said,
December 14, 2009 @ 9:01 pm
Today, I picked out my gift to Heifer International (www.heifer.org) – a sheep for some lucky family. I dare anyone to go to their website, read about their charitable purpose and not help out a needy family – you can donate money for trees, honeybees and even money for a water buffalo. This is the best kind of gift because the family gets something they can use to make their lives better and they in turn help someone else.
Kathleen said,
December 14, 2009 @ 9:04 pm
I knitted some scarfs and shawls for a local church that helps the homeless .
Alison said,
December 14, 2009 @ 9:15 pm
I went into work just for an hour Sunday night to cover for someone who wanted to go to a Christmas party.
Patti said,
December 14, 2009 @ 9:15 pm
Bought toys for a toy drive in another county.
Hariamrit said,
December 14, 2009 @ 9:17 pm
I knit all my gifts this year. Mostly from my stash. I though about each person and what they would like instead of making what I like to knit. It has been a wonderful experience.
If I don’t get back to knitting someone is going to get their Girasole with the needles attached.
Robin said,
December 14, 2009 @ 9:25 pm
I am not sure if the neighbor noticed or not but I shoveled his walk and driveway when it snowed.
Angela said,
December 14, 2009 @ 9:52 pm
I cleaned out my closet this past weekend after my husband took my winter sweaters down from the top shelf of my closet and everything became extremely cluttered. Out went 3 huge bags of pants, tops, sweaters, shoes, jackets, and even some knit socks, scarves and hats. We always call a local pastor of one of the small churches in our community when we do this, and he comes by, picks it up and distributes it to member of his church who are in need. He always tells me “bless you”, but I always say, “No, bless you” in return.
Judy Laquidara said,
December 14, 2009 @ 10:05 pm
The lady who answers the phone at my husband’s job is always so nice. I was in the office last month and we were talking about the H1N1 vaccination. She told me that she had gotten it because her husband has leukemia and she didn’t want to risk getting the flu and giving it to him. Today I took her a small quilt I had made. I’m thinking she’s busy making sure everyone else in her family has a good Christmas and I hope I made her day a little brighter.
Jasmine said,
December 14, 2009 @ 10:16 pm
sorry for the second post — Patti pointed out that I put this in the wrong place.
I am a bit behind in my blog reading but one of my knitter friends told me that I had to come here and share my story of a Random Act of Kindness — I didn’t even know about the contest. I was riding the metro downtown to the hockey arena on Friday night to catch the game. I just made the train, so ended up sitting in the middle as opposed to the front car (which is usually much less crowded). At the next stop someone got on and started talking to me (an unusual thing on the DC metro as there is an unwritten rule of no talking to strangers especially if you aren’t seated next to them and it isn’t a late train after a night out — this was still commuter time) which made everyone a bit more friendly. We talked about hockey, course. Soon the car began to fill up with commuters and hockey fans, both. Then we heard a cowbell (thanks SNL) and a older bearded “gentleman” came down the aisle in a wheel chair. He had a box for pan handling and a sign that said “vet”. I don’t know if he was actually homeless, but his circumstances as could be read from his appearance weren’t great. But he wasn’t asking for money he was just chatting about hockey as well, he was heading down to the arena — just inside the glass doors they have a huge TV where they broadcast the internal (not TV feeds) of the game and he watches most games there — he mentioned he would go in if he could get a ticket. Well, I happened to have an extra and after he chatted with riders for a while, I asked if he really wanted one and gave him my extra. He commented that this was better then any amount of money I could have given him. He continued to work his way down the aisle and chat and then came back and said “Ma’am this ticket says $50, that is too much” but I insisted that I wouldn’t be using it and that he should take it. He thanked me profusely, complimented anyone around me who may have been associated with me and went on his way to the hockey game (which the Caps won).
Kathy Davis said,
December 14, 2009 @ 10:22 pm
I picked an ornament from our wall at work at St.Louis Children’s Hospital to shop for toys for a child. I bought a MetroLink Pass with my work discount for someone I know who can’t afford a car and walks or bikes to work at Whole Foods all the way from the West End in the coldest winter weather! I encouraged our daughter to give us as a Christmas gift, an adoption of an injured sea turtle at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island. Our turtle’s name is Corretta Rose.
Lisa said,
December 14, 2009 @ 10:36 pm
Tonight on my way home, I had to stop and pick up kitten food for the little stray I’m taking care of. I noticed an older man at the bus stop without a hat, scarf or gloves, and it’s bitterly cold here tonight. I ran into Old Navy, and picked up all three items, then back out to the bus stop and gave them to him. He cried–so did I.
Susan said,
December 14, 2009 @ 10:47 pm
I was inspired by Anne Hansen of Knitspot to knit two scarves for the Red Scarf Project. It felt really good to be giving my expertise and using some of my stash to help someone I don’t even know.
Jody said,
December 14, 2009 @ 10:58 pm
I clear the snow off the car next to me while I’m warming mine up and defrosting everything. I like to think that the person trudging out to their spot to clean off their car is pleasantly surprised to find that it’s been done already.
Kelly said,
December 14, 2009 @ 11:13 pm
Donated a toy for tots at my sons daycare.
Debi said,
December 14, 2009 @ 11:37 pm
this year for our holiday party, we had everyone bring a toy for Toys for Tots. We got alot of toys and this will hopefully help some children this holiday season.
Josiane said,
December 15, 2009 @ 12:01 am
I’ve contributed to letting my brother and sister-in-law enjoy a much needed weekend alone by filling in for the time slot during which my parents weren’t available to babysit the kids. The timing wasn’t great as I was not feeling well this past weekend, but my gentleman friend came along and helped me make this possible. It was a nice opportunity to spend time with my favorite kids in the world, so it was totally a win-win for everyone involved!
valerie said,
December 15, 2009 @ 2:55 am
this is not really random per se, but here’s mine this week:
my boss is tired of organizing our work holiday party. we are an overnight shift and are often forgotten by the “carpetwalkers.” a co-worker and i have taken upon ourselves to organize the event and it will be tomorrow (tuesday night). we’ve set up a secret santa and a potluck sign-up. it’s really amazing how it just takes a little initiative and everyone seems to hop right on board.
Dana said,
December 15, 2009 @ 3:16 am
This week I’m taking my best friend to the dentist so she doesn’t have to drive herself to/from her root canal. She’s scared to go alone and I don’t want her to- so I volunteered to take her since I knew she’d never ask me to because she wouldn’t want to impose or make me rearrange my schedule. It’s such a small thing to do for someone who brings so much happiness to my life.
Christina said,
December 15, 2009 @ 3:34 am
We have an elderly aunt in the early stages of Alzheimers disease. She wanted new carpet, but we knew she would not remember or follow through, so we got an estimate, then took her away during installation. It was a really long day but we tag-teamed visiting with auntie, clearing the rooms for the workmen, and then putting the apt. back together again. Worried that something might be out of place and upset her, we left a note, explaining what we had done and wishing her a Merry Christmas. All of us worried about the reaction but hoped for the best.
Auntie got home, read the note and was overjoyed. We were so relieved. Next day, she read the note, and it was all new to her. We will have to get her to move on soon, but for a little while, every day is Christmas.
Kristin said,
December 15, 2009 @ 6:01 am
I am so very blessed at my age to have my all four of my grandparents living yet (no small feat at almost 40 years old). I routinely give my grandfather a shot every two weeks, and then wash my Nana’s hair for her. This weekend I brought them supper while working on-call for the whole weekend (no small feat either). I know this act is random, but they have given me so much over the years, that I feel blessed in helping them.
nancy said,
December 15, 2009 @ 8:09 am
I have continued to randomly pay for coffee or whatever for the car behind me in the local coffee shop line. One time, the gal in the window laughed and said, we love it when you do this. The last time, it lasted for 6 cars! Made my whole day, and it cost $1.19. N
Christine said,
December 15, 2009 @ 9:08 am
I was at a my mother’s wedding reception. My daughter and I were on the way out the door of the hotel/restaurant to get something from the car and there was an elderly couple struggling to get out the door with their luggage and things. We immediately offered to carry their luggage to their car (with our dresses on and no coat..big deal…it was so cold out!) and they were so thankful. It wouldn’t have occured to me to do otherwise.
The ghastly thing was, right at the door, there were two young men watching as they struggled!!! SHEESSHHHH…what happened in their upbringing!!???
Linda Shields said,
December 15, 2009 @ 9:15 am
I always have a pair of “plain ribbed” socks going in the small knitting bag I carry with me at all times. (size: about medium – but they have amazing “stretchability”) Last week I was about to finish a pair when someone at the coffee shop I was sitting at, admired the socks. Seeing me knitting reminded her of her grandmother who was also a knitter. The lady left the coffee shop and I finished my coffee and the socks. I left the socks with the owner of the coffee shop (a friend of mine) and asked that he give the socks to that lady (she’s also a “regular”) next time she comes in. Hope she enjoys the surprise. (I’ve lived all over the world – and have given away dozens of pairs of socks to airline personnel, cashiers, garage attendents, mechanics, security guards, shopkeepers – I love knitting them – my form of therapy, people are often reminded of people near and dear to them who “used to knit”, and some needy feet have been hugged by warm and lovely yarn . . . . What more could a person ask for?)
Kristie Hammond said,
December 15, 2009 @ 9:59 am
My university age daughter met a French Canadian guy at the climbing gym. He is living out of his car until he finds employment. This week he flies back home to be with family for Christmas and needed a place to leave his car and kayak. We told him he could park the car at our house and we put his kayak in the garage for safe keeping until he returns.
Latrilla said,
December 15, 2009 @ 10:02 am
I just opened this blog this morning to come across this contest. Yesterday I gave a lady $1 just because. I told her it was for her. She looked puzzled and said, ‘this is for me?” I told her yes and left. I believe we should do this regardless of the holidays. We should strive to do this EVERY DAY! As we do this, it makes the world better one person at a time.
Nina said,
December 15, 2009 @ 10:54 am
Yesterday I volunteered to help do toy sorting for our Salvation Army toy drive. It was really interesting to see what everyone put into all the gender specific piles. Honestly all the science and sports stuff was on the boys side and all the beads, crafts, dolls were on the girls side. I kept mixing it up a bit. We wonder why girls aren’t as prevalent in math and science fields. And who says a 10-12 year old girl wouldn’t like a soccer ball? :p Anyway at a week overdue of pregnancy I was sort of hoping all the bending and running around would help induce my labor. it didn’t but this is the second volunteering event my baby has done in utero!
allison said,
December 15, 2009 @ 11:06 am
My mom has been unemployed for about a year now so I took her resume and revamped it to make it easier to read and more clear for when she applies for jobs.
I did knit a few gifts this year but I don’t really count it as RAK because I’ve never really thought of it that way. I knit a shawl and sock monkey for my sister and some mini-mitten ornaments: a set of 6 for my boyfriend’s family and a few singles to adorn gift tags.
I plan on donating one of my older laptops to a charity or organization that needs it, but I need to do the research on how to go about doing that.
Grace said,
December 15, 2009 @ 11:14 am
last night I finished a simple prayer shawl for Hope Lodge, and this morning I paid for an elderly customer’s breakfast at the Spa where I eat, I hope to do that every day from now until Kings Day in January.
Liz G. said,
December 15, 2009 @ 11:50 am
A friend of a friend is going through some rough times and my friend is going to visit her this Christmas. I sent along a Restaurant.com Gift Certificate so she could take her out to somewhere a little nicer for a girls’ night out away from the kids.
Joan said,
December 15, 2009 @ 12:06 pm
I made a batch of creamy caramels on Saturday and bagged some up to take to the women at the senior women’s residence. I also made some Chai Concentrate to take to a friend who has lost six people this past month to death.
Lani said,
December 15, 2009 @ 12:07 pm
I was in the checkout line at Joannes when I heard the clerk ask the person in front of me if she had a coupon. She didn’t and I did. I offered her my coupon and it saved $10 off her purchase. It brought a smile to all of us.
Kathryn in Minnesota said,
December 15, 2009 @ 12:28 pm
I bought coffee and breakfast for a stranger at my favorite local independent coffee house. He was from out of town, and didn’t know that he couldn’t use credit cards there. He almost refused my offer — it was curious to see someone so shocked by such a simply thing. (Maybe he was from way out of town?) I was happy both to do something for him and for my local coffee house — I didn’t want them losing his business to a chain! (Okay, I guess I did this also for me, since I want them to be doing business in my hometown for many more years to come.) Happy Holidays!
Elise said,
December 15, 2009 @ 2:02 pm
We recently moved and as we unpacked we donated around 25 boxes of clothes, toys and kitchen/houseware stuff to several local charitable organizations.
Karen said,
December 15, 2009 @ 3:21 pm
I love reading these comments so much – they just warm my heart.
One of the ladies where I work has a daughter who was selling Girl Scout cookies and when I ordered they gave me the option of buying cookies that’d be sent to deployed military personnel. I thought this was a wonderful idea and promptly ordered twice as much so half could be sent off to the troops.
Jamie H said,
December 15, 2009 @ 3:35 pm
Our local library puts up a tree each year for people to hang donations of hats and gloves on for those in need. The tree looks so wonderful and it helps keep everyone warm in the winter. This was the first year I heard about this, but it will not be the last time I help decorate the tree!
Virginia said,
December 15, 2009 @ 4:47 pm
I gave a 20% coupon to the guy behind me in line at Bed Bath Beyond – AFTER he tailgated my car for two miles and hit me in the ankles with his cart! He must have been having a bad day, so I hope the coupon helped.
RedfordPhyl said,
December 15, 2009 @ 5:12 pm
Took some of my home baked Baklava to the gals who work for my dentist. They even managed to save a piece for the boss.
Patty L. said,
December 15, 2009 @ 7:06 pm
I had a wonderful time at my daughters school helping the children make crafts for Christmas gifts
Eleanor said,
December 15, 2009 @ 7:15 pm
I flew home to the US from Switzerland last week, and the gentleman I was sitting next to was coming to the US for the first time to visit his sister who was getting married. He was from Bosnia and Herzegovina, and his English consisted of “thank you”. I’m not sure this is an RAK as much as being a decent human being, but I spent several hours of the flight helping him fill out the customs paperwork and using pictures and hand gestures to explain the drink and lunch options. When we arrived at Dulles, I made sure he got through customs (they can be so incredibly mean to non-Americans, I really don’t understand), helped him collect his luggage and recheck it, and find the gate for his next flight. The trip, and this experience in particular, made me realize how lucky I am, and how incredibly brave this man was to pick up and travel for three months to a country where he knows none of the language, and certainly very few Americans speak Bosnian.
sue said,
December 15, 2009 @ 7:40 pm
I have a very dear friend who is still struggling through the grief at the loss of her beloved dog a few months ago. She is an avid knitter and hasn’t even really felt like knitting, so I am sending off a skein of Wollmeise to her (Kurbis–she likes those autumnal colors) to help cheer her up and maybe re-energive her knitting mojo.
Rebecca said,
December 15, 2009 @ 7:49 pm
My husband and I bought our neighbor an international calling card so he could call his brother. The brother lived next door but after nearly six months without work, returned to Mexico in November. They are/we both amazing neighbors and we wanted to make sure they can stay in touch. It was just a little gesture to show that we appreciate them and hope their family stays in contact as much as possible.
Deb said,
December 15, 2009 @ 7:54 pm
One lesson to me is a woman who took precious oil and her hair to wipe the feet of Jesus. This is what it means to mean to RAK. I am severely handicapped and one of things I have always wanted to do is to serve people at local shelters at Thanksgiving and Christmas. I will probably never be able to serve them so my husband sets aside money from his wages in my name because he knows I would rather serve, but in my name he sends a check, a little larger each year to feed them a very good meal. I know I do not deserve this random act of kindness, but it is my husband and if I should win, then I will make him a scarf, mittens and socks. He will wear only the socks I hand knit. He thinks that is better than anything he pays for the homeless to eat. I have been given a very special gift and I cherish him everyday. I remember this week he has gone to work everyday in sub zero weather. I am the receiver of his RAK.
Laura said,
December 15, 2009 @ 7:58 pm
A member of our bookgroup has been struggling with a chronic illness. Another member has learned to knit gloves and I recently learned to do socks on two circular needles. We both contacted her this week and told her we’d love like to learn how to make these for others and asked her if she’d be our first test case. Kathy will knit her some gloves and I will do some socks. We’ll bring yarn out to her home after the holidays so she can pick out some colors and we can take some measurements.
GinkgoKnits said,
December 16, 2009 @ 5:11 am
My RAK involved carrying a very heavy bag of library books — my shoulder is still aching!
Julie said,
December 16, 2009 @ 7:40 am
Our office adopts a family at Christmas that are less fortunature. This year I made each of them a scarf and purchased extra toys for the kids.
Karen said,
December 16, 2009 @ 7:42 am
I volunteer my time every week with New York Cares recording books for the blind and dyslexic and twice per month knitting for the homeless – with both activities, I can’t imagine not doing them, they’ve become part of who I am today
Natalie said,
December 16, 2009 @ 8:18 am
I’ve knit gifts for each of my daughter’s teachers.
In the more random category, every time I drive in this exciting winter weather I’m on the lookout for someone to let in – in parking lots, stuck on a side street, etc. People can get pretty mercenary when the bad weather is making them late and I’m making an effort to counter that.
Suzanne said,
December 16, 2009 @ 9:44 am
I’m a teacher and have been tutoring a small group of girls who aren’t my students. They can’t afford a paid tutor, but they really need help. And this is SO not about money — but instead about opportunity and comradeship and encouragement. I feel as if I am the one who is on the receiving end.
Sue Apple said,
December 16, 2009 @ 11:26 am
Last night while Christmas shopping I observed two oldr men trying to find several titles of DVDs. They were having a tough time and there were no clerks around to help. So I asked them what they were looking for and we searched the DVDs and found the ones we were looking for. It only took a few minutes away from my own shopping and they were grateful for the help.
Amy D said,
December 16, 2009 @ 11:50 am
I volunteered to help out at a holiday craft afternoon at a local school. The kids are so ready for vacation!
Melodie said,
December 16, 2009 @ 12:18 pm
I’m knitting several gifts this year and I sent out some surprise gifts to some online friends.
kathleen said,
December 16, 2009 @ 12:21 pm
Last Saturday was our annual trip into NYC. We do enjoy putting money in homeless folks cups. Sometimes they just seem amazed that money is being put in.
Alice said,
December 16, 2009 @ 12:28 pm
It is always amazed to read other peoples RAK’s. So many wonderful things being done!
Our church was supporting a Christmas Gift drive for our local mental health agency. We purchased 2 gifts(1 for a girl and 1 for a boy). Also there are several families in our church that are going through some really tough times. We have been blessed in so many ways and felt that we could do Christmas giving for another child in one of those families.
I have found myself saying “Merry Christmas” more often to total strangers. Opening up doors for those with their hands full of Christmas bags or boxes.
Also helping out a dear friend who got some very sad news a couple of days ago.
I know I could do more and seeing everyones RAK’s is good motivation to do better.
Larissa said,
December 16, 2009 @ 12:33 pm
It doesn’t really seem like much, but two people were running late for step class, so I set up their board and risers. They were so happy when they got there and saw their spots all ready to go! I never ‘fessed up, just smiled…
Maria said,
December 16, 2009 @ 1:57 pm
I’ve been working in a shelter for people with mental health problems for the last few months. It’s made me see even more how our society protects our most vulnerable the least. I try to keep people like this in mind in my daily life all the time, and do feel my work is an act of kindness–at least I try to make it that way by treating people with respect, giving them quality services, and advocating for them. Yes, I get paid, but very little (less than before I left work to go back to grad school in social work over 10 years ago!)
A coworker and I bought some new decorations for the facility and brought some in. It’s a pretty dismal looking place despite our efforts in the best of times. With limited funds–even more this year than most–we wanted it to look nice. Some of the clients got involved in decorating and others commented on how much they liked it. It was really nice. I have also donated a whole bunch of stuff to the agency to make it look more homey and welcoming.
I also have given a larger than usual contribution to the local food drive, by quite a bit. We don’t have a lot, but we have food and don’t have to worry about our next meal. For so many , especially now, that’s not the case, and the food bank, like other charities, has been hit hard by the recession.
It’s not much, but I do try. I appreciate this contest as it makes me think of other ways I can be a kinder, better person.
Maria said,
December 16, 2009 @ 2:03 pm
I almost forgot–for the last couple of months I’ve been trying to be on a yarn diet. I’ve kind of failed, but the idea was to take the money I’d usually spend on yarn and donate it here: http://www.fistulafoundation.org/
These womens’ lives can be devastated by something that is unknown in the west, but can be so easily fixed with just a little bit of help.
I’m making the donation at the end of the year, and throwing in the money for the times I’ve “slipped” as well.
Dr. Jackie said,
December 16, 2009 @ 4:57 pm
The orchestra I play in offers an annual “Holiday Pops” concert. Every year it’s just a blast (remind me next year to tell you about it). We invited the Marines to sponsor a Toys for Tots collection at the concert, and got a great many donations. I used the opportunity to bring in all those toys that my kids got when they were little, but never seemed to be interested in. I know there are kids out there who will welcome them.
ElizabethR said,
December 16, 2009 @ 5:21 pm
I work as a case manager helping seniors. Today one of my clients ran out of medicine and didn’t have enough money to buy it. I went to the drugstore, bought the medicine myself and brought it over to her. This contest is great! Makes me remember that I can make a difference.
Annette said,
December 16, 2009 @ 7:23 pm
Yesterday I met a friend who had been diagnosed two years ago with breast cancer for coffee and knitting. She had gone through chemo and a lumpectomy and has been cancer-free for almost two years. After we met, she was going in for a biopsy because they saw something on her last mamogram. She was very nervous and worried. I found out she was going by herself, so I offered to go with her so she would have someone there for moral support. It wasn’t how I planned to spend my afternoon, but I can’t think of anything that could have been more important. I feel just as good about it as I hope it made her feel.
Mary said,
December 17, 2009 @ 12:48 am
I babysat my nieces so my SIL could get some Christmas crafting done.
Kt said,
December 17, 2009 @ 4:34 am
Moral was a little low in the office last week, so this week I baked ginger biscuits, there may well be rocky road tomorrow too.
cls said,
December 17, 2009 @ 10:05 am
I put up Christmas lights outside (-5 out) for my beloved elderly neighbor.
Paula said,
December 17, 2009 @ 12:02 pm
I’ve been doing more charity knitting this year. I’ve knit 4 pairs of Socks for Soldiers and 2 beanies and I’m knitting Neck Gaiters for a local homeless facility. I assume these would be RAKs because I don’t know any of the recipients.
Jenny T said,
December 17, 2009 @ 11:46 pm
Gave away all my synthetic yarn to the art teacher at my daughter’s school so the kids could make hats for charity. They actually can’t use wool and prefer acrylic for washability and allergy reasons, and it also cleared my stash for new additions.
liz said,
December 18, 2009 @ 8:50 am
It’s not random, but I last year I starting teaching adult classes in English to underprivileged adults. My class is the first one the new students take in conversation and It’s an amazing experience to watch these lovely women go from barely speaking any English at all to being able to really converse. My students from last year come up to me to tell me about how they are doing and ask for tips on pronunciation and their current homework. It’s one of the most rewarding things I have done in my life.
Sheri at The Loopy Ewe » Stay Out of the Boxes said,
December 18, 2009 @ 9:46 am
[...] absolutely love reading your Random Acts of Kindness comments. I keep jotting down things that spark my imagination, and am continually bowled over by the [...]
Nancy N said,
December 18, 2009 @ 10:14 am
Sometimes a random act of kindness is NOT doing something. Although I am expecting house guests tomorrow and have a long list of things to do, I decided to let my husband sleep in on the first day of his vacation instead of making him get up early to help me. I know he will plenty at his own pace.
Helene said,
December 18, 2009 @ 10:45 am
I’m taking a friend to the airport tomorrow so she doesn’t have to take a taxi cab. She is going to visit her daughter for Christmas in England and I’d rather have her spend her money on her daughter than a taxi.
Brianna said,
December 18, 2009 @ 10:50 am
I’m 1/2 done with my RAKs for this week. I donated some handknit scarves and hats to the office raffle for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Also, my DH and I are going to shop for the local food pantry this weekend, for their annual food (and paper goods) drive. Everyone’s RAKs are so inspiring!
Ruth said,
December 18, 2009 @ 1:08 pm
I knitted two scarfs for the Red Scarf Project and mailed them off.
Katie said,
December 18, 2009 @ 2:05 pm
We took an armload of cereal to the kids’ Christmas concert at school last night, where they were collecting donations for the food drive.
Christine said,
December 18, 2009 @ 2:23 pm
This is small, but, my neighbors ( I don’t know them, they keep to themselves ) have an outside Christmas display. The angel fell over and her head came off-a headless angel REALLY bothered me! I put it back together.
Marsha said,
December 18, 2009 @ 2:49 pm
My RAK is to support a cat for 1 month while he/she is waiting to be adopted. I already have 2 cats and a dog, so this is a way to help other animals.
We also donated to Toys for Tots, and our local Food Pantry.
Megan said,
December 18, 2009 @ 3:45 pm
So far this week I have donated a few cans to our school’s food drive for the local food closet, tossed newspapers sitting on the sidewalk further up the drive so people don’t have to walk so far in the mornings, and left a few candies for my co-workers to enjoy at the end of a crazy-crazy week.
Jackie said,
December 18, 2009 @ 3:54 pm
Our local yarn shop is collecting hats, gloves and scaves for Family Services. I don’t have time to knit anything else but when going through some of my yarn tubs looking for something I came across 2 knitted scarves, never worn, never gifted. Off they go tonight to the the LYS to put in their box. They put out an E mail they are still in need of more – so I’m going to do more looking through those tubs.
rarabecca said,
December 18, 2009 @ 4:54 pm
One of the managers in my group at work loves all kinds of nuts, and throughout the year in the afternoon he tends to go around to people and beg for a snack. I started to pick on him for being a mooch and he as since stopped. However, just last week I brought in a whole bag (about a pound) of pistachios for him.
I have another one that was done for me. My coworker knows I love cats and so he had a Japanese cat mug and gave it to me this week. It was like our group has a mini secret Santa.
Beth said,
December 18, 2009 @ 4:58 pm
Last week a visitor showed up at our end-of-semester Weaving class, having taken a 2-hour bus ride across the city to meet another student who wasn’t there. We invited her to our Christmas party, and learned she was a refugee from Myanmar, newly arrived in the United States. She had been a backstrap loom weaver in her own country and was eager to weave again, but lacked the finances to pay tuition. Our instructor was able to find scholarship money for most of her tuition, but couldn’t finance the other 25%. When she was out of hearing range, I gave the instructor a check for the balance of her tuition. Another student was kind enough to give her a ride home so she wouldn’t have to repeat that 2-hour bus ride late at night. I was reminded that our community of Yarn Lovers is made up of truly wonderful people!
Sarah said,
December 18, 2009 @ 5:10 pm
I go out early to scrap ice off my vehicle windows each morning at 6:30. I decided to clean the windows of my older neighbor’s car. This went on for a couple days and then one morning she popped her head out the patio window and said “caught you”. Since then we have had lovely short visits and we talk about kntting and quilting. I paid it forward and was rewarded with a new friend.
nancy m said,
December 18, 2009 @ 6:12 pm
I’m a letter Carrier and I live in Colorado. A week ago it was very cold! As I was going down a pretty main street to my route I saw a parked car on the side of the road. Then I noticed a man losing the battle to collect important papers that were flying all around in the wind. After having a good laugh, cause it was funny! I pulled over, ran across the street and helped that poor man collect ALL of his important papers. But I WAS FUNNY!!
I try to help those who can’t get around by themselves everyday. On my route I’ve got a few older folks who can’t get around like they used to. So I make a point to bring their mail to them at their house. i also chat a bit with them and make ask if there is anything they need help with. They usually say no, but I always ask.
I also try to help any animals I can. On those windy days when the wind blows open someones gate and their beloved pet is in the middle of the street, or in the next neighborhood, I load them up in my truck and get them home safely. I can’t count the number of pups I’ve had in my truck! (this also isn’t allowed)
After writing the above, I guess to sum it up, I’m paying it forward. Hoping someday if it is me that can’t get around, or “my baby” (pup) has gotten free, someone will be there to help me.
Jill said,
December 19, 2009 @ 10:36 am
My neighor’s dog of 14 years passed away this week. I waited for her to return from the vet’s office and greeted her with a some flowers, a card and a hug.
danielle said,
December 19, 2009 @ 7:04 pm
Let’s see…I mailed out the check that our dept had collected thru out the year in our Christmas Jar. This year it went to a co-worker who, unfortunately, is in hospice as a pt. Included a synopsis of why they were getting this money. Organized a gift basket to give to our lovely Coffee Cart Man who lost his significant other a couple of months ago – thought he would need some recognition that he is still thought of and that we realize this will be a hard holiday for him. Took a kid’s gift to the Community Pantry for thier Christmas party; took gift cards to the pantry as well as food off their “We Need” list; took 4 tags off the Community GIft Tree and filled their wishes with just a little bit extra.
Mary R said,
December 19, 2009 @ 7:22 pm
My random act of kindness this week actually wasn’t too random as it took a bit of planning. I “adopted” a family of two little girls for Christmas. I went shopping and bought all their Christmas presents. I have wrapped them and will deliver them on Monday. It was so much fun, since my “baby” is 20 now and no longer have any little kids to buy for right now. Playing Santa was so much fun!
Dottie said,
December 20, 2009 @ 8:38 am
This past week, I just participated in Operation BakingGALS (bakinggals.com), which makes up care packages of homemade cookies for overseas soldiers. It adds something to the holiday baking frenzy to know that they are going to enjoy the results. One of the batches this time is Dorie Greenspan’s World Peace Cookies; wouldn’t it be nice if those folks didn’t have to be so far from home during the holidays?
Barb said,
December 20, 2009 @ 10:07 am
I have done a couple of things this week to help out. I made brownies for Temple Friday night because the person who was supposed to make them had a family emergency. I also bought toys for the local toy drive and dropped them off at the fire house.
The last night of the Festival of Lights (Chanukkah) was Friday. I love this time of year it’s so magical no matter what you celebrate.
Stacy and the rugrats said,
December 21, 2009 @ 12:05 pm
We recently found out our neighbor’s cancer had returned and she would be dong some rounds of therapy. I decided to knit her a shawl to take with her to cover her shoulders during her treatments and at home when she is cold. She loves it and says it helps so much. I just hope she gets better.
Sheri at The Loopy Ewe » Random Acts of Kindness Contest, Week 2 said,
December 21, 2009 @ 3:58 pm
[...] you read all of the wonderful things that people are doing while out and about this season? I love how you’re all reaching out and [...]
Vicki Moss said,
December 21, 2009 @ 5:25 pm
Snow. Did I mention snow? Did I say how easy it is to help other people shovel out … and shovel out … and shovel out … especially when it’s a bright, sunny day and everyone is wearing funny hats? I’m gonna keep shoveling, and am grateful that I CAN!!!
Diane in Northern Calif. said,
December 22, 2009 @ 8:26 pm
Acknowledging that it may seem rather silly, but for an entire day I yielded the right-of-way to other cars during my daily driving (I live in one of the larger cities in California). Too often merging on the roadways is an aggressive act, but I elected to let others in with a polite way and smile. It may have taken me a minute or two longer to reach my destination, but I found that my mood was so much better that I think I’ll incorporate this small random act of kindness more often.
Diane
Connie Benotti said,
December 23, 2009 @ 10:20 am
Every year since my children were babies we have made gingerbread boys and girls and decorated them. It has become a family tradition. It has become more and more difficult as my disability worsens. The older grandchildren are ok with my not participating but my youngest, Jake, was sooooo disappointed at the thought of not doing it this year.
I guess my act of kindness is accomodating Jake in doing the Gingerbread boys and girls because it’s clearly very important to him.
Teri said,
December 23, 2009 @ 11:53 am
My first attempt failed! I found a lady (~ 80 years old) outside the shipping place with two big boxes. She refused to let me help carry them in. Told me it keeps her young…
Success followed, however. This week I’ve caught someone at work struggling to get a room set for a meeting and helped, gave away 3 skeins of sock yarn to financially struggling knitters, found a new realease of a co-workers favorite author and secretly santa’d the book, and more little random things (letting someone else go ahead of me in line).
It’s the little random things that make the difference in the world. I’m hoping now to run across something bigger
Jill said,
December 23, 2009 @ 6:52 pm
On the last day of school before break, I saw my neighbor at the school bus stop in the morning with his little boy. It was a cold day and the Dad was not wearing a hat. He smiled and said he did not have a hat but, that he was hoping to get one for Christmas. After the children got on the bus, I went home and knitted him a hat. I brought it back to the bus stop at noon when we went to pick up the kids.
He seemd so thankful.
Karen in Toledo said,
December 27, 2009 @ 1:27 pm
My family and I served meals at a shelter. We went during a time that we knew they would be short on help, and having 6 of us there really helped them out!
Also, on our way out of the store after Christmas shopping we found someone’s debit card in the parking lot. Immediately my 10 year old daughter picked it up and ran it inside to customer service. The person who had lost it was inside looking for it. That person gave my daughter a small monetary reward. On the way out of the store, my darling kid, unprompted, put the cash into the Salvation Army kettle. (I love my kid!!)
Jan Slaughter said,
December 28, 2009 @ 1:31 pm
While most everyone was warm inside Christmas shopping and baking before the holidays, my son and I were volunteers for Wreaths Across America. Our home town had never participated so we coordinated the marking and placing of the wreaths on the veteran’s graves. Then we traveled to Iowa City and placed wreaths in one section of the Oakland Cemetery. My son was chosen as the Johnson Co Youth Ambassador and gave a speech during the ceremony. It was a cold day and we had to kneel down on every grave, dig away the snow, and break the ice off of the graves markers. It was a moving experience and one that left us feeling warm inside.
Sheri at The Loopy Ewe » Random Acts of Kindness Contest, Week 3 said,
December 28, 2009 @ 4:29 pm
[...] you again for sharing all of the wonderful things that you have been doing for others this season. I think I just need to come back and [...]