Getting Involved & Helping Others

Have you ever thought of doing something nice for someone else - whether they are less fortunate or not - but you really just don't know where to begin?

Here are some ways that you can help, both big and small.

• Have you ever seen someone when you are driving in the rain and they have no umbrella and are getting drenched? Well, I have and I have always wanted to just give my umbrella in the car to them, but I never have...next time, I will make a bigger effort to do so, you can do that as well (the same thing goes with gloves, scarves, etc).


• Give someone that you know that has lost a loved one or is going through a hard time and give them a card, bake some cookies, provide some food, maybe get them a book to help them deal with their loss or struggle - anything to let them know that someone cares.


• Running marathons for a favorite charity, is always helpful in raising funds for further research to eradicate certain diseases besides getting you in better shape. To those of you that have run a marathon...and I know many that have...I am in awe of your determination, stamina and desire to go through this.


• Another way to do something nice for others is to recycle - you are doing something nice for more than one person by doing this. Even if you start by recycling one plastic container at a time, this could be better than what you did yesterday and that is still better than doing nothing at all.


• Become involved in a Big Brother/Big Sister programs and mentor a child.


• Join Best Buddies, where you can develop friendships (become a pen pal or an e-Buddy), or donate money to provide employment and leadership opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.


• Habitat for Humanity is a great organization where they seek to "eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the world and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action." If you can't help in the building process, you can certainly help by donating funds to them.


• You can help donate money to Miracle Flights for Kids, which is a nonprofit that flies seriously ill children and their parents to specialists across the country.


• Another great organization for children is the Ronald McDonald House, in operation since 1974. Ronald McDonald Houses are located around the world and help families by providing them with a place to stay when their children are receiving treatment for a serious illness or injury. These homes are close in proximity to the hospital or treatment center and allows the family to be comfortable and cared for during their stay.

Just remember that no matter how big or small your deed is, just knowing that you have gone out of your way to do something nice for another human being is priceless!

Continue your random acts of kindness!

Marlin