Tis better to give...

This weekend I was reading an article in Sports Illustrated about the power of a good deed. The story was about an NFL lineman who one day invited a group of his closest friends and family out to dinner, and when they all sat down they were surprised to each receive an envelope filled with $55 (the player’s jersey number). Along with the money was instructions for each person to now go off into the world and use this relatively small sum (I say relatively because I know a few of my out of work friends would kill for $55) and make a difference. So off they went, doing various good deeds like filling parking meters, buying food for the needy, etc, etc, and the player thought his project was a huge success. What he didn’t anticipate though, is how the project would grow. Many of his friends included a filled envelope of their own while doing good for others, and quickly the gift of giving, and these $55 envelopes spread like wild fire. Today, years later, he still receives calls and emails from strangers telling them how he’s impacted their lives, and how they plan on continuing the chain. I finished this story with a new found faith in humanity – which is rare for me considering I typically think that the general populous is full people who only care as far as the tips of their noses.

Then I got in the car to return back to State College and turned on the radio to discover that Metallica was being held hostage by the radio station. OK, not literally, but the DJ came up with this fun idea that in order to raise money for leukemia research (a cause that this particular station often supports), he’d refuse to play any Metallica until $100 was donated by the listeners. In almost two hours the stationed managed to raise…wait for it…12 dollars. TWELVE DOLLARS?!? Needless to say, he was rather disgusted by his audience, and kept pointing out that if each listener would only donate $1, they’d reach their goal in no time. Finally somebody called in to donate the balance ($76), but ONLY if he could pick the Metallica songs that would be played when they went back on the air. I understand that a lot of listeners are in their cars, and therefore can’t pledge money online like the DJ was requesting, but the simple fact that out of all of NEPA 100 people couldn’t find it in themselves to make a small donation is a pretty bad omen on the state of the world right now.

So here’s my proposition to you….all 6 of you that read this….go out and do something this week that makes a difference in somebody’s life. No idea how to do that? Well then, I’m glad I’m here to help! (In order from little things to big things)

1. Common courtesies – people underestimate how far a smile, or a compliment, or a thank you can go. I’m sure you’ve been somewhere with your hands full and the jackass in front of you didn’t care to hold the door open for you. Or YOU held the door open and said jackass didn’t say thank you. Do the little things – they go a long way. Example: http://pennstate.craigslist.org/rnr/1274935381.html

2. Monetary Donations – In the immortal words of Supertramp, Give a little bit! I’m not talking about making donations around tax time so you can make a write off. You’re doing that for YOU. Instead, give a little bit of money where you know it will do some good. Drop that change in the Salvation Army jug, or send some money to a cause that means something to you. If you’ve lost a loved one too soon, or an organization has made a huge impact in your life, it should be easy to pick a cause. Just remember that every dollar helps.

3. Giving “stuff” – You can’t help everyone. I know. But sometimes a situation will arise when you think you could legitimately make a difference in this person’s life. Once I met a kid living on the street who couldn’t have been any older than me, so I bought him lunch and a new winter cap. Did it better that kid’s life? Probably not, but I know I lifted him up a bit. Remember that socks and sandwiches for the homeless, or toys to children can go a long way. Going to the Salv to donate those designer clothes you haven’t worn in years (as opposed to going to get clothes for a theme party) fits in this category too.

4. Time – To me this is the most important, because it’s the hardest. Donate some time. Again, there are a million causes, and a million resources where you can donate your time. Volunteer at a hospital, work with sick / underprivileged kids (like Big Brothers Big Sisters) or deliver Meals on Wheels to the elderly. There are people that really need personal help every single day, and even though we might be busy, that time spent in front of the TV or at the computer after work could always be put to better use.

Now, I don’t expect everyone who reads this to go out and immediately turn into a saint, giving of all their free time. But just remember, goodness spreads. Do your part.

Now get back to work, crazy.