Paying It Forward

[Morgan]

I have looked through the threads, searching for a place to put something, which happened to socialjustice_fsu and myself this evening. I am a big believer in what goes around comes around....and feel that paying it forward is the only way to be. I know I can feel sorry for myself and wonder why all the negative shit happens in my life or give back and see what happens, it feels good to see someone smile, to see someone get something they need and to see a light in someone's eyes....

We met a young girl working in a restaurant, making $4 dollars an hour, raising 3 young boys alone, dead beat dad, and just barely surviving...the system sucks, corporate America sucks, keep them down, don't let them rise up....what is wrong, how can we be so f.....ing selfish. America home of the free, land of the brave......more like home of the greed, land of indentured. How can we expect these young people to overcome obstacles, they live in projects, they work at dead end jobs, they are not given the opportunity to raise above, so when we see an opportunity to help someone...we need to embrace it. Step outside of our comfort zone, find out what is going on, don't assume, ask questions, you may be surprised. People don't always want a hand out, maybe they just need a hand up......

After much discussion, SJ and I realized that the old and worn out laptop we were going to dispose of, which still had much use, could help her and her kids, get out of the situation she is in. Her desire to attend classes, the need to find a better job, a way of getting her out of the projects and into HUD housing, a small gesture, but a tool to afford her an opportunity out. So please remember it only takes a little to create something big....hopefully she will pass it on, and they will pass it on, etc, etc.....

[girl_dee]

Hi there, great thread...

We actually had a Pay It Forward thread on one of the other sites and it was a good one, so thank you!

I am making blankets and getting other items for the woman's shelter here in town. Also going to start donating to the Food Bank. It's a transition house for women who want a new start in life. They need EVERYthing.

I was given help when I needed it in my life so it's the least I can do in my own corner of the world.

[1QuirkyKiwi]

I do a lot of altruistic sewing and hand embroidery making blankets, soft toys and other items for the local Special Care Baby Unit, as well as donating these things to other charity raffles.

I donate my unwanted things to charity shops or homeless shelters….donate some of my free time to volunteering with disabled adults. I do sponsored swims and treks every couple of years for charity.

I’m another one who was helped by the kindness of others when I needed it most.

[Soft*Silver]

I am a firm believer in paying it forward.

this week i have an interview with a dog and cat rescue in my town, that needs helpers in their retail store. Since I cant foster now, I needed to find a way to help out for all the blessings I have been given for the care of my animals while I have been dirt poor. I know without the love and support of strangers and friends, I wouldnt have been able to keep my critters while I was dealing with all these health issues. When i was able, I fostered but now I cant because of my shoulder surgery. I need to just take care of my own right now, but I can help them by working in their store!

[ScandalAndy]

For the holidays I organized a group of people and we went caroling at a nursing home in downtown Philadelphia. The patients were mostly unable to leave their beds, and some of them asked to have their wheelchairs pushed into the hall so they could be closer to us.

I did a lot of traveling for New Year's, and as we were walking down the stairs to the tarmac to take a tiny plane, i noticed a lady struggling with her bag. I asked if she wanted a hand, and she gladly let me carry it down for her. When we got to the bottom she said "You know, when I was your age, I used to do that for people all the time". I said "Well thank you for allowing me to have my turn!"

[GPS]

We do alot of giving here in this small town, i had 9 boxes of toys, i gave to many families at christmas time, along with 19 bags of clothes. i find alot of stuff in storage units that i bid on. its the way i pay it forward..

[Sachita]

I honestly believe that each and every day you should wake up and make a conscious choice to be in service to humanity in some way. It can be as simple as a gesture or as huge as a financial donation.

Every week I buy bread and other food items from the Dollar Store and drop off at a food bank. Every single week without fail and have for a long time. I struggle with the whole food safety issue lately and decided I need to grow more but some places wont take fresh produce. I need to rethink this program.

I have my own server and build searchable blogs for people who like to start or try their hand at business or offer free healing services.

I donate food often to SPCA and or Humane Society.

I pay a girl to work for me but make it a conscious effort to sit down, talk and help her with things she needs to stay in college and inspire her to stay strong on a tough world.

I cook for my granddaughters mother/family shopping to provide safe meals, save her time and money. Her happiness is important to me at any expense. I have very little time but I make the time.

I work with families through social networking and individuality to help them cook, grow, buy, preserve healthy organic food for their family on a budget. When I help one it has a domino effect. I saw one of the ladies I work with start posting about food safety on her wall and very passionate about it. It made the hard work worth it.

I foster, adopt, so whatever I can for animals. This never stops. I can'r afford to board dogs free for military but I do offer a discount and evaluate each situation to determine who needs the help the most. So if I have 4 full pay boarders I can afford to take a dog at a very low discount because a mother of 2 had to leave her husband and until she gets on her feet. If I could afford to do it for free I would but I just can't.

I believe that blessings come to you because of the service you give. When I hear people say they don't have time or money but then I see them spending countless hours on facebook (or here) and they have plenty of money to buy 5.00 Starbucks, etc. I am sadden. I operate two businesses, a farm, all my animals, my family and that includes some child care. You make the time for things that are important. Doing your part IS important and if you engaged in a process of doing "something" every day you'll see the positive effects it has on your life. It just feels good and try to avoid the self righteous trap. Do and practice humility.

I'd like to see some ideas on how YOU can do this no matter your challenges.

If your disable how about going to the shelter pages to see which dogs are available and go onto craigslist and see who is looking for dogs and start matching them up.

If you have a car offer someone who doesnt a ride. When you go tot he store or run an errand ask them if they'd like to go or offer to pick something up for them.

Organize your friends and neighbors to give you their old blankets and pillows then take them to the animal shelters. See if they will add 5 bucks and take some big bags for food.

Do you like kids? Can you offer child care to a single mother who needs mommy time? Or offer to help her one or two days a week with housework or laundry?

any other ideas?