Baby, It’s Cold Outside!
By Angela Ditsler
No one needs to be reminded of the freezing temperatures that have been lingering outside for days. And with three inches of fresh snow on the ground, there is no doubt that winter 2010 has officially arrived! With these changes of season, I’ve noticed more stories in the news lately about people in need in our community- children in need of winter coats, and shelters in need of volunteers to feed the larger-than-usual number of homeless people that have been filling the shelters at night. Whether it’s due to the cold temperatures outside or simply the spirit of the New Year, I’ve been thinking lately that I’m probably overdue for performing one of those small acts of kindness that make a big difference.
Thankfully, a note left on our doorstep last weekend while my husband and I were out gave me an idea. A local organization had stopped by looking for donations and left their phone number on the slip of paper asking us to call if we had anything- clothes, toys, or household items- to donate. It gave my husband and me the idea to do some “winter cleaning.” By Sunday night, we had several bags of sweaters and jackets, 4 boxes of pots, pans, and dishes we don’t use, and an old vacuum cleaner ready to be given away. I them emailed a friend and former co-worker this week who works at Kentucky Refugee Ministries to see what items were on their “wish list” this month. I’ve made arrangements to drop off all those items at KRM tomorrow morning. Now, my house is a little cleaner and more organized, and more importantly, I feel good knowing I’m able to contribute some items to someone who needs them more than I do.
What small act of kindness can you do this winter season? Did you get a new winter coat for Christmas this year and can give away your old one to someone else? Can you give an hour to deliver Meals on Wheels during your lunch break one day this month? Can you carry your neighbor’s trash cans in for them from the curb so they don’t have to venture out into the snow? Did you receive an unexpected Christmas bonus at work and are willing to write an extra check this month to a local charity? Every small act of kindness is appreciated by someone, and endless opportunities for doing them are around us every day.
Lovely idea, Angie. Such a simple thing to do, and a great use of time on a snowy day.