This time of year breaks my heart for all of those that are out on the streets, either by chose or not...I see alot of homeless drug addicts and recovering drug addicts and my heart goes out to them...there is this one gal that I had been keeping my eye out for, and carried a coat and gloves in my car to give to her next time I saw her. I finally ran into her, I swear the temp was like 30 degrees....I pulled off the side of road and got out and gave her the coat and gloves and told her this is to keep you warm in the cold weather..She thanked me, smiled and walked away with the coat and gloves on.. 2 days later I saw her walking..no coat or gloves to be seen on her...I know she was freezing..
I was going to stop and ask her where they were, but didn't want to embarrass her...but I have in the back of my mind.." I wonder if she traded for drugs or booze".. The though makes me sad..that she would trade what was given to her to stay warm, for drugs..
I have been carrying around some blankets to give out, but then I wonder "should I" just so they can trade for a fix....I feel selfish but yet heart broken.
So what I am wondering...should I just take them to the homeless shelter and let them give them out that way it won't affect me as it did with the coat and gloves?
I felt if I gave them out myself, that the person would relize that people actually do care on a one to one basis instead of just out of a bag from the shelter..
Any of you have some good thoughts to share on how to help the homeless....
We all may not be rich, but at least we have a roof over our heads and warm clothes...something they don't...
I heard on the news that this one guy said he got a blanket from a shelter, but then someone stole it from him well he was sleeping........that was really sad...
hey krazy - you aren't so crazy. as a matter of fact this is one of the most beautiful, heart-warming, messages i think i've ever read on the internet. what a beautiful spirit you are.
the first thing that popped in my mind was i bet the coat and gloves were stolen from her - or - she is dealing with some mental illness and forgot where she left them. i do some volunteer work through my church with homeless shelters. i know they would be more than grateful to accept your donation(s) or check with the churches in your community. they are always looking for people who want to adopt a family at this time of the year.
God bless you - if i read nothing else tonight, i just want you to know that you have made me grateful with your generosity and huge heart.
love ~
sammy
the first thing that popped in my mind was i bet the coat and gloves were stolen from her - or - she is dealing with some mental illness and forgot where she left them. i do some volunteer work through my church with homeless shelters. i know they would be more than grateful to accept your donation(s) or check with the churches in your community. they are always looking for people who want to adopt a family at this time of the year.
God bless you - if i read nothing else tonight, i just want you to know that you have made me grateful with your generosity and huge heart.
love ~
sammy
That is very kind of you, Krazi. You are a compassionate person.
Many people debate what is the right way to help the homeless, and people assume most homeless people are addicts or alcoholics.
I think in the situation with the girl on the highway you did the right thing. Perhaps she'd not want to go to a shelter or a give away, and your coat was the only way she could have gotten one.
Plus anything could have happened to her. The coat could have been stolen from her. She may be truly mentally ill, and for whatever reason unloaded the coat. I truly doubt she traded them for drugs. Anyone who had drugs, and needed a coat would have found another way to get one. You don't give up your dope for anything. That's my thoughts anyway.
Going to the shelter with your blankets would be the best bet that people in need get them. Maybe if you feel a need to connect you can sign up to help out with meals or any kind of help they need at that shelter.
Twice a week I have to go to therapy, and the place is in a part of the city where male prositution is rampant. It breaks my heart to see these young kids out there. I give them smokes, and if I have it some small change or maybe two dollars or so. I know they aren't going to spend it on food, but I always think maybe if that two dollars goes towards other money they have they'll be able to stop and not get in a car with yet another stranger.
Pretty much yeah I would go to the shelter. Hopefully the girl will get help or at least be able to go to a warm shelter.
Your kindness means alot. Human kindness can change someone's life. You are very sweet.
Many people debate what is the right way to help the homeless, and people assume most homeless people are addicts or alcoholics.
I think in the situation with the girl on the highway you did the right thing. Perhaps she'd not want to go to a shelter or a give away, and your coat was the only way she could have gotten one.
Plus anything could have happened to her. The coat could have been stolen from her. She may be truly mentally ill, and for whatever reason unloaded the coat. I truly doubt she traded them for drugs. Anyone who had drugs, and needed a coat would have found another way to get one. You don't give up your dope for anything. That's my thoughts anyway.
Going to the shelter with your blankets would be the best bet that people in need get them. Maybe if you feel a need to connect you can sign up to help out with meals or any kind of help they need at that shelter.
Twice a week I have to go to therapy, and the place is in a part of the city where male prositution is rampant. It breaks my heart to see these young kids out there. I give them smokes, and if I have it some small change or maybe two dollars or so. I know they aren't going to spend it on food, but I always think maybe if that two dollars goes towards other money they have they'll be able to stop and not get in a car with yet another stranger.
Pretty much yeah I would go to the shelter. Hopefully the girl will get help or at least be able to go to a warm shelter.
Your kindness means alot. Human kindness can change someone's life. You are very sweet.
what a great thing you are doing luv..
whether she kept the coat and gloves...you have probably helped change her attitude...she KNOWS people care.
Bless you.
keep doing it...
One kind deed at a time,
passed on,
can make the world a better place.
Hugs,
Ali
whether she kept the coat and gloves...you have probably helped change her attitude...she KNOWS people care.
Bless you.
keep doing it...
One kind deed at a time,
passed on,
can make the world a better place.
Hugs,
Ali
Thanks for the kind words sammy............all I know is that if I were in a situation like that I would hope someone would reach out and help..
Just like this board did with me thru the worst of my withdrawels...
Gotta run before my little old guy thinks I am not coming for dinner...I will be back later..
Krazi Traci
what goes around ..comes around
Just like this board did with me thru the worst of my withdrawels...
Gotta run before my little old guy thinks I am not coming for dinner...I will be back later..
Krazi Traci
what goes around ..comes around
Hope all is well with you. It's a valid question you ask and one that I ponder often about charity. There are many different levels of charity. The nature of charity is much different than the idea of charity. I can go on forever with this so I'll make it as short as possible. In my belief system, giving to those who are less fortunate is not viewed as a generous or magnanimous act but an act of duty and obligation, giving the poor what is due to them, it's not my choice. I know many people that feel good about themselves when giving charity, I opine that one should feel obliged when giving charity. The duty of charity cannot be forsaken even by those who themselves are in need, again, it's an obligation. There are 8 levels of charity and I'll list them from least meritorius to most. For starters, I believe one must give 10% of their earnings to charity.
1. Giving begrudgingly
2. Giving less than you should, but giving it cheerfully.
3. Giving after being asked
4. Giving before being asked
5. Giving when you do not know the recipient's identity, but the recipient knows your identity
6. Giving when you know the recipient's identity, but the recipient doesn't know your identity
7. Giving when neither party knows the other's identity
8. Enabling the recipient to become self-reliant
So to answer your question, the greatest form of charity is when you do not know the identity of the person you're giving to and they do not know where it's coming from. I understand people like to personally give items, but I believe it's as much for their own self worth as it is charity. Don't get me wrong, all charity is wonderful but some are more meritorius than others.
1. Giving begrudgingly
2. Giving less than you should, but giving it cheerfully.
3. Giving after being asked
4. Giving before being asked
5. Giving when you do not know the recipient's identity, but the recipient knows your identity
6. Giving when you know the recipient's identity, but the recipient doesn't know your identity
7. Giving when neither party knows the other's identity
8. Enabling the recipient to become self-reliant
So to answer your question, the greatest form of charity is when you do not know the identity of the person you're giving to and they do not know where it's coming from. I understand people like to personally give items, but I believe it's as much for their own self worth as it is charity. Don't get me wrong, all charity is wonderful but some are more meritorius than others.
Just remember that the last time i posted a question about doing kind acts and did it hurt more than help them etc...someone told me that doing nice things is good but stop talking about it!!!!!!!! Now i would NEVER say that to someone...lolo
Its a great thing what you do honey and I for one will go to bed happier in the knowledge that theres people like you out there!!!!!!!!!!
Hugs,
Ali
Its a great thing what you do honey and I for one will go to bed happier in the knowledge that theres people like you out there!!!!!!!!!!
Hugs,
Ali
Krazy, You are truely a kind spirit. The world needs more like you. I agree with Bryn, a person who had drugs probably would not part with them for a coat. You did the right thing. I think less fortunate people appreciate the direct contact, and that it sometimes brightens their day. They always seem so grateful when I give.
I don't give to those for a pat on my back. I read in " Don't sweat the small stuff, and its all small stuff" where it says to give without expecting in return, and not to mention when you do a kind deed...
I am not asking for a pat on my back from anyone for giving.......I give becuz I care and WANT to and since I have more then I need. ( SHHH don't tell my hun I said that..cuz he always tells me to clean out all the clothes that I have not worn in a while..he actually makes me get rid of 2 pairs of shoes when I come home with a new pair) I feel for those that have nothing, or very little..I don't care why they are out there, either due to drugs, no job or family...everyone as I have found out from this board has a story behind them...and all it takes is a little caring and attention to help maybe one person get thru the day, and feel good about themselves knowing that someone does really care for them..
For some reason it is always around the holidays and winter time that it really hits me...I know a gal that has a job, really sweet lady, but she chooses to live under a bridge ( I so want to ask her why, but don't want to offend her) don't get me wrong, my heart goes out to all during the summer also, that is when I drop off at goodwill or salvation army........I just know from doing senior in home care, that so many go without any contact from people...and to see a smile come across their face when they are given something that they need....makes me feel I am doing what god wants me to do, and that one day I pray if I ever get in a situation that someone will do for me......( not to sound selfish..but it seems we all need a little help once in awhile, wether it be food, clothes, money, gas or just a smile to let them know people care and am thinking of them.
I am hoping I am instilling in my kids how to treat people, being nice and caring.....listening.....and just to give a smile to all.
As a saying goes...........Keep a smile on your face for someone who needs it!!
Sorry for blabbing on, its just how I feel...
and yes I am bored cuz my hun is gone and just want to talk to someone..
I am not asking for a pat on my back from anyone for giving.......I give becuz I care and WANT to and since I have more then I need. ( SHHH don't tell my hun I said that..cuz he always tells me to clean out all the clothes that I have not worn in a while..he actually makes me get rid of 2 pairs of shoes when I come home with a new pair) I feel for those that have nothing, or very little..I don't care why they are out there, either due to drugs, no job or family...everyone as I have found out from this board has a story behind them...and all it takes is a little caring and attention to help maybe one person get thru the day, and feel good about themselves knowing that someone does really care for them..
For some reason it is always around the holidays and winter time that it really hits me...I know a gal that has a job, really sweet lady, but she chooses to live under a bridge ( I so want to ask her why, but don't want to offend her) don't get me wrong, my heart goes out to all during the summer also, that is when I drop off at goodwill or salvation army........I just know from doing senior in home care, that so many go without any contact from people...and to see a smile come across their face when they are given something that they need....makes me feel I am doing what god wants me to do, and that one day I pray if I ever get in a situation that someone will do for me......( not to sound selfish..but it seems we all need a little help once in awhile, wether it be food, clothes, money, gas or just a smile to let them know people care and am thinking of them.
I am hoping I am instilling in my kids how to treat people, being nice and caring.....listening.....and just to give a smile to all.
As a saying goes...........Keep a smile on your face for someone who needs it!!
Sorry for blabbing on, its just how I feel...
and yes I am bored cuz my hun is gone and just want to talk to someone..
