Simple Living

In a recent discussion on another board we were discussing children getting school supplies they need. Some mentioned that their community did help kids get their supplies but that they made hoops for them to jump through.

This has not been my experience not in my old town. Those with more money just secrectly gave so those that needed didn't feel bad because they were in need. People just assumed that this was the way it is.
Example the school provided most of the school supplies. The movie threater had free movie days every Saturday (Spring and Fall) for anyone that showed up. The swimming park gave the library free passes for the kids if they read their books. So every kid in town could go swimming once a week for free. There was always a good supply of mittens and hats at each school so every child could have warm winter wear.
and noone seemed to feel that these things were becuase they were poor, cause it was available to all.

Of course, if you were one who knew the otherside of the giving machine you would see several orgainzations and wealth people in town that did things like buy out the movie threather so Saturdays were free, or provided the schools with an endless supply of mittens. Etc. But you had to look hard to see who or what was taking care of the cost. You know the left hand not know what the right hand was doing.

In my new town there is still giving but it seems like people want you to know who gave. They seem to want the credit.

The other way seems like the kinder gentler way to care. IMHO

So what does you community do to help others to get what they need?

Thanks for sharing that.

I would say we have both types of givers in the community. We have those that won't give unless they're going to receive their name on a brass plaque, and those who send in anonymous checks, or underwrite community events. I would say most people in our community give and help out without any expectation of credit or payback.

As far as receivers, we also have two types...those who show up to take advantage of every opportunity to get something for free, show little or no appreciation, and won't even volunteer their time for others.  There aren't many.  Most people who receive assistance are grateful, unfortunately often too embarrassed to always accept the help others are willing to provide, and they try to do what they can to give back to the community.

     

   

I live in an awesome community where everyone helps each other.  Nobody seems to want credit for it, but the help is there for those who need it.  It actually inspires me to want to volunteer because everyone here is so genuine and thankful.  I help out anyone I can, and I prefer to remain anonymous ALWAYS.  I do it from my heart, never for the recognition.  I don't think it's important where the help comes from, but that it's available.  In the rare instances where I have helped someone 1:1, it makes me feel so great to know how much they appreciated it.  I have been down & out in my life, and nobody gave me a break.  I will give anyone a break, whenever I can.

We had a community fun night last week, we have them often here.  The kids games & jumping houses were free, free pizza, hot dogs, sno-cones, popcorn & pepsi.  Target also had a booth, giving out free soda.  I have never lived in a community where so many events are free!  It's nice to know that EVERYONE can go, not just those that have money to pay for rides & such.

It's very UNcommercialized here.  Our fairs charge .35 for rides!! Unbelievable :)  It's amazing.  And there are ALOT of military folks here and alot of poor people.  It's sad to see how many unfortunate people there are.

Great post!

Sheri Ann