Just Some Ideas

I've come across this website all about ideas for random acts of kindness for others in and around our community.  I've discussed this with others before, but I'm so happy and encouraged to see others are stepping up and helping others on a daily basis.  This website is a way for people to come together and share ways that they have helped someone or been helped by someone.  Some are small (although not to necessarily to the person on the receiving end) and some are more involved, but all worthwhile!

http://www.randomactsofkindness.org/Kindness-Ideas/

Bring Joy to Someone on the Other Side of the World

Have any extra toys school/craft supplies? I know a way to put them to good use!  


Operation Give website: "We are a non-profit, non-partisan, grass-roots effort to coordinate the collection and distribution of toys (and necessities) for the children of Iraq and Afghanistan. When you send a gift, you give more than a package, you give smiles and hope, one gift at a time." 

 This program was started by volunteers helping Paul Holton (or Chief Wiggles) who has and is currently serving in Iraq. He started by sharing small items that he had, a small toy, an extra toothbrush, etc, and saw how grateful and happy the children were to have such a prized possession.  This led him to more giving and getting others involved and now he runs Operation Give.  I encourage you to look into Operation Give and see if you might also be able to help put a smile on the fae of a child in Iraq. 



http://www.operationgive.org/index.php/donate/our-operations/op-joys-with-toys/

A Way To Say "Thanks"

Want to tell our soldiers "Thank You"? I'm sure soldiers would like to be reminded that they are appreciated (who doesn't, right?). 

 Here is a site dedicated to encouraging and saying "thanks" to soldiers. This is a fairly easy and painless way to encourage someone else so please consider sending cards/letters through A Million Thanks.


http://www.amillionthanks.org/send-letter-guidelines-get-started

Please Educate Yourself And Others

Recently I read Half The Sky By Nicholas D. Kristof, Sheryl WuDunn. Wow! It's a difficult topic to read about, but I can't convey how important it is for us to be aware and educated about crimes against women and girls across the world. It breaks my heart and moves me to much prayer on behalf of these women ( and young girls!). Reading this book has led me to do more research on ways to help from here. 

Transitions Global is a program I've found to be impressive in helping girls ages 8-18 recover and build new lives after being victims of sex trafficking/slavery in Cambodia. 
They have a program called Project Every Girl in which you can sponsor one of the girls' living expenses for $25 a month. I encourage you to look into this program if this is a possibility for you. 


 If you're not able to participate in this program, another idea may be to scroll through and read about each of the girl that can be sponsored (there are small paragraphs about them) and pray specifically for each girl.


http://transitionsglobal.org/everygirl/

Also if you're a man and sex trafficking is an uncomfortable subject for you, then I ask you to read this short page about Cambo.  It's a movement related to how men can help by being "real men" and contribute to anti trafficking in their own way.  Please read:


https://transitionsglobal.org/programs/cambo/

No Place Like Home

I live in a small town, so I don't "see" many people who are obviously homeless. However, sometimes I visit places cities where homelessness is very visible. Many people want to help without just giving money, so here are a couple ideas: 


Keep a few restaurant gift cards on hand to share with someone who says they are hungry. It's especially good to have cards for restaurants that are easily found. (ie McDonald's, Subway) 


Another way to help someone holding a homeless sign is to keep a few pre-made homeless care packages in your car. I found this idea here: 


 http://beautyandbedlam.com/homeless-carepackages/ 


 Some of the recommended items are 
-toothpaste/toothbrush 
-water bottle 
-moist wipes 
-protein snacks 
-chapstick 
Etc 

 If we're able to help even one person who really needs it, then it is worthwhile.