My family of 5 was struggling getting by and we needed some simple necessities like milk for our baby, bread, TP, etc. I was totally out of money and we were late on some bills as well. I was feeling pretty down. One night the doorbell rang pretty late and my wife and I looked at each other thinking, Oh great its some sort of bill collector. We were a little scared to go to the door. Anyway, I went to the door and there was no one there except a wal-mart bag with a gift card in it for $100. My wife and I were so thrilled. It was the boost we needed to get over the hump. Thanks random friend. You rock.

I didn’t have a lot of cash on me, but I ate at a fast food place a few months ago and after buying my meal with a $10, the only cash I had on me, I sat down to eat. I soon looked around and saw a woman I thought was homeless sitting a few booths over. She was drinking a coffee and I didn’t see any food. I stayed awhile, eating my meal and reading a magazine.

I saw her refill that coffee a few times while I was there. Shucks, I only had $3 and change on me, but the last time she went to get her coffee re-filled I was ready to leave… and I dropped the $3 by her gloves and hit the exit. I glanced back as I walked by the window to see this sort of confused look on her face as she returned to her booth.

It wasn’t much, but it felt priceless and I hope she was able to get some food.

One of these days when I have some time, I hope to find someone begging for cash and take them to a fast food or sub place and buy them a meal. I bet some of these people, especially a war vet would have some great stories to tell. Besides, after all they gave for me (and the rest of this nation) what’s a few bucks?

Had to get a Random Act in before the end of day 1 2009. Grabbed a $20 gift card and walked around the store until I saw someone that I thought would appreciate it. They seemed very surprised when I asked them if I could give it to them. I hope it made a difference in their day. It sure did mine.

I work with many in our Manila Based Office. These people work for next to nothing, and US employers take advantage of this. It is almost like slaves. I really do not like the way they are treated, but that is another story.

I send MasterCard Gift Cards (Visa is not set up for International Gift Cards) over in our corporate weekly shipment. They are addressed to an individual that I believe is in need. I put them in blank envelops, with just their name on the front, and never put who they are from. I think it is important to give without tax breaks, without recognition, without telling everyone you know about your act of kindness. Giving should be done without anyone knowing. If you tell others, that is your reward.

With the needs both abroad, and in the States, give to others freely, and with an open heart. Even if it is just your smile, you kind words, it is a gift that will shatter hopeless feelings in others.

I also stock pile food for friends/neighbors/family. There is going to come a point where food is more valuable than all of the gold in the world, everyone should be ready with at least a one year supply for yourself and neighbors. Start planning now to help those around you.

A woman whom I met on Facebook has a husband who is at the end stage of liver disease.

I created a Facebook group and invited folks to send cards to him.

I started to send cards to him regularly.

I’m a novice at creatig websites but I created a website for him, hoping a community will gather there for him to “see/meet” as if it’s in his backyard. He cannot walk anymore, hence folks will have to go to him. He doesn’t use the computer either, so real cards would be more meaningful than ecards….although any form of connection would be appreciated.

Here’s the website: http://wwwSendTarkACardToday.com

I hope a lot of strangers will pick him as their random act of kindness for the day.

It is a gift to be touched by strangers especially at the end of life….
It is a very inexpensive gift anyone can give, isn’t it?

Time is a commodity that most of us cannot spare. My typical Saturday consist of driving children from point A to Z and back again. Nothing changed this weekend except as I was passing a friend’s house for the third time that day I decided to stop. We ended up visiting for over 2 hours and when I stood to leave she said thank you so much for coming by. Funny, she felt like what I did was selfless because of my busy schedule. What she did not realize is that the reward was there for me as well. I gave of my time and had a refreshing time with a friend that in that same moment just needed a friend. In short, take the time to share your time and let those people that matter in your life know that you are still thinking about them.Carpe diem!