Random Acts of Kindness author Becca Anderson has written two new blog posts! One on the basics of re-gifting and one on the importance of donating.
Now that you and your family have celebrated, eaten to your heart’s content, and opened presents, ask if everyone likes your gifts and if they will use them. If there is something that doesn’t fit or isn’t useful, donate it. I remember when people were shocked that FLOTUS Nancy Reagan re-gifted but I think was just ahead of the curve! If your heart and wallet have different ideas about making monetary donations, it is time to summon your inner re-gifter. An unwanted gift could be a welcome donation to a charitable organization. For help selecting a charitable organization, visit the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance at give.org. You can also contact the government office responsible for registering charities in your state. A little research upfront will make sure your donation is put to good use. If the process of selecting a charity seems daunting, remember that you benefit from giving as well. Involving your children in the selection of a charity teaches valuable lessons. You have the opportunity to make a difference. Some charitable gifts are tax-deductible if made to a qualified organization. But be sure your organization meets IRS guidelines, as there may be different tax breaks when you donate certain assets to charity.
The Holidays can be a difficult time for many people who don’t have family nearby, a home to sleep in, of food to eat. A great way to be a good in the world is to volunteer a few hours of your time to work in a soup kitchen and help serve those who are in need of a hot meal. You can also use this time to get your family involved and impart good moral values on your children. For many years running, I have volunteered at Glide Memorial Church in downtown San Francisco and enjoyed each and every minute of it. I bet your community has a place like Glide that can be your happy place. Make other people happy and feel your own special joy. If you find yourself in the San Francisco Bay Area around Thanksgiving or Christmas, check out glide.org/serveameal, then come on down and we’ll have fun together serving up some love. The Volunteer Resource Program at Glide works with about 10,000 volunteers each year, totally 65,000 hours of service. The Glide Meals Program is a transformative experience. This program requires 85 volunteers each day to fill the breakfast, prep, lunch and dinner shifts, all 365 days a year. With your help they can serve up to 2,400 meals per day to the Glide community. Volunteers assist with everything from serving food, to bussing tables, to handing out silverware and condiments. Be prepared to roll up your sleeves, and make some beautiful connections!
Random Acts of Kindness
365 Days of Good Deeds, Inspired Ideas and Acts of Goodness
The change you want to see in the world. This good-humored guide to being the change you want to see in the world is filled with suggestions for making a real difference, in ways both large and small. From improving someone’s life with just one penny to ensuring all children are well fed, the day-by-day positive proposals of Random Acts of Kindness combine inspiration with action. Despite the hurly-burly of our busy lives, we can all make a beneficial impact on the environment, throughout out local community, and within our own hearts. This book of inspired ideas and good deeds conveys how “the power of one”―that is, you―can make a better world, starting today!