Good Deeds: Done Any Lately?

[randooch]

As I was picking up trash along the banks of the beautiful Umpqua River today, the idea for this thread presented itself. I'm a firm believer in putting positive energy and actions into the world around us. The most gratifying ones, I have found, go completely unnoticed.

This isn't a place to brag, therefore, but rather an opportunity to share your efforts, be they modest or colossal, with the hope of inspiring others a little, or at least to generate some thought in that direction.

How about you, done any good deeds lately? If so, why?

 

[LoveMyHats2]

Very nice topic for a thread. Thank you. I tend to do some smaller scale things all the time, at some of the grocery stores taking a string of carts in so they do not have to come out to get them.

I also try to donate food to the Humane Society here as the economy being as bad as it is, had given a increase in animals being taken into the Humane Society shelters. They all really can use some extra dog or cat food, or money.

On a larger scale, I have housed and been totally responsible for a compound that houses 35 unwanted children in Belize. I have kept the entire management of the place going without any outside sources or organizations as it keeps it simple and less of a problem to get things done.

I do see people along the roads locally that do pick up trash. It makes me feel good to know people are giving their personal time regardless of how hard times have hit so many.

 

[LoveMyHats2]

There has to be others here that can look at posting what they do...good deeds, as I am sure with all that has happened in the USA lately with fires, floods and hurricanes that individuals have reached out to render aid to others!

 

[rue]

A very odd thing happened to me one time....

I was in the grocery store and a woman walked up to me and handed me 10 dollars and said she was paying it forward and insisted I take it. I thought it was odd, because I don't think I looked like I needed the money, but said thank you and checked out. As I was walking through the parking lot I noticed a woman with three children getting out of an old beat up van and I could tell that they didn't have very much money, so when she was out of site I took the 10 dollars and stuck it into the cracked window of her van.

 

[HeyMoe]

I am Director of the Montagnard Health Care Project. We work with the US Montagnard population (tribal people from Vietnam whom were our allies in the vietnam war - they have suffered a genocide due to their efforts). The health project as well as the Save The Montagnard People project is all volunteer - we do not get paid at all, and for folks like me who live in VT and travel to North Carolina to help, we end up spending money to help these folks.

This past summer I was able to get a few moments with the commander of the Special Forces Regiment, General Reeder, and did a presentation that explained the efforts and the needs for healthcare screenings for these amazing folks. Other brefings and area studies continued and, as it turned out I was able to coordinate it so that we ended up with a ton of volunteers from the Special Forces Regiment who gave up a Saturday to come and help these folks. I am including a link so that readers can see a video from the local news. In my typical fashion, I do not like recognition for helping these folks - I view it as giving back to some amazing people that kept some dear friends alive- one of whom is in the attached video (George Clark)

The health care project is owned by Save The Montagnard People (STMP) and I was appointed director by them (as well as being inducted into the Special Forces Association - a huge honor for me) so we have the president of STMP do all the talking to the press. I just avoid the camera at all cost!



Anyway, I share this not as a "I did this" but as a "Hey....anyone interested in helping?"

Check out the efforts on this news page: http://www.digtriad.com/news/local/...Share-Bond-Health-Screenings-With-Montagnards

Check out Save The Montagnard People here: www.montagnards.org

And the health care project here: www.MHCAP.org

 

[Tomasso]

How about you, done any good deeds lately? If so, why?

I do good deeds every chance I get, though it's not anything altruistic but rather something selfish; it makes me feel good.

 

[LoveMyHats2]

I am Director of the Montagnard Health Care Project. We work with the US Montagnard population (tribal people from Vietnam whom were our allies in the vietnam war - they have suffered a genocide due to their efforts). The health project as well as the Save The Montagnard People project is all volunteer - we do not get paid at all, and for folks like me who live in VT and travel to North Carolina to help, we end up spending money to help these folks.

This past summer I was able to get a few moments with the commander of the Special Forces Regiment, General Reeder, and did a presentation that explained the efforts and the needs for healthcare screenings for these amazing folks. Other brefings and area studies continued and, as it turned out I was able to coordinate it so that we ended up with a ton of volunteers from the Special Forces Regiment who gave up a Saturday to come and help these folks. I am including a link so that readers can see a video from the local news. In my typical fashion, I do not like recognition for helping these folks - I view it as giving back to some amazing people that kept some dear friends alive- one of whom is in the attached video (George Clark)

The health care project is owned by Save The Montagnard People (STMP) and I was appointed director by them (as well as being inducted into the Special Forces Association - a huge honor for me) so we have the president of STMP do all the talking to the press. I just avoid the camera at all cost!



Anyway, I share this not as a "I did this" but as a "Hey....anyone interested in helping?"

Check out the efforts on this news page: http://www.digtriad.com/news/local/...Share-Bond-Health-Screenings-With-Montagnards

Check out Save The Montagnard People here: www.montagnards.org

And the health care project here: www.MHCAP.org

Many people reading this may not know of the personal sacrifice that was made by the Montagnard's that helped give US Forces aid and put their life on the line during a time period in the history of the Vietnam war. There had been many times that their help was critical on mission operations, that without it, hundreds if not thousands of US Forces may have not made it. I am sure they do deserve as much help as we could give them. Aside from any "hands on" help, can we be directed as to where a donation of funding may be made? Operations such as this has to be in some need of funds.

 

[LoveMyHats2]

A very odd thing happened to me one time....

I was in the grocery store and a woman walked up to me and handed me 10 dollars and said she was paying it forward and insisted I take it. I thought it was odd, because I don't think I looked like I needed the money, but said thank you and checked out. As I was walking through the parking lot I noticed a woman with three children getting out of an old beat up van and I could tell that they didn't have very much money, so when she was out of site I took the 10 dollars and stuck it into the cracked window of her van.

I want to tell you that you've probably been blessed already a time or two for what you did.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

Why..?
Because there are people in need. Those who seem to find no way out...and seem often stuck somewhat hopelessly in dire 'circumstances'.
I once belonged to an organization that advertised 'Give Your Fair Share'...and then passed out buttons stating 'I gave my fair share'. Many 'gave' simply to walk around wearing the button.
For me good deeds are more personal...perhaps more personally selfish,tho..in a sense...after realizing the immediate payback of the heart. Often anonymously. Done easily..without campaigning..debating..or wearing it on your sleave. I think that rue's example found that place of instant reward..gradification. A warm feeling in the heart that lives there and blesses over and over again that you did 'right' with honest compassion and little or no expectation of any reward. Good on you,rue.
HD

 

[rue]

Thank you both, but I just did what I thought was right I couldn't have kept that money and I know that woman needed it. I can only hope it helped.

 

[AtomicEraTom]

One night it was real cold out and saw a kid walking up the road, about my age. I stopped and asked if I could help him and he said he was from Stevens Point (UW is there, quite a drive from Portage) and his truck had run out of oil. He was walking to the nearest gas station, which was about a mile away. I gave him a ride there and back, made sure he got the truck running. He tried to give me 20 bucks, but I declined. I told him someday it may be me on the side of the road.

 

[Gregg Axley]

I became involved over a year ago, with an organization that provides boxes of food (vegetables, meat, rice, etc) locally to families for a cost. I've gone to the organization each month and given x amount to support x amount of families. I don't ask for a reciept or thanks, I just believe it's the right thing to do. I've also been known to ask for the bill for military personnel I see in a restaurant, and add it to my bill before leaving. If I wanted them to know who I am I'd introduce myself, but I don't...It's nothing more than being raised right by my grandparents....

 

[rue]

One night it was real cold out and saw a kid walking up the road, about my age. I stopped and asked if I could help him and he said he was from Stevens Point (UW is there, quite a drive from Portage) and his truck had run out of oil. He was walking to the nearest gas station, which was about a mile away. I gave him a ride there and back, made sure he got the truck running. He tried to give me 20 bucks, but I declined. I told him someday it may be me on the side of the road.

You're a good boy Tommy, but I already knew that

If I wanted them to know who I am I'd introduce myself, but I don't...It's nothing more than being raised right by my grandparents....

That's the way it should be

 

[LoveMyHats2]

How true. The rewards of giving are always what we feel in our own hearts.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

Some only give for show..starring look at me...again. What they feel in their hearts has less to do with the needy...but more with themselves.

 

[HeyMoe]

Many people reading this may not know of the personal sacrifice that was made by the Montagnard's that helped give US Forces aid and put their life on the line during a time period in the history of the Vietnam war. There had been many times that their help was critical on mission operations, that without it, hundreds if not thousands of US Forces may have not made it. I am sure they do deserve as much help as we could give them. Aside from any "hands on" help, can we be directed as to where a donation of funding may be made? Operations such as this has to be in some need of funds.

Donations can be sent to:

Molcy Solberg
Phone: (336) 685-0722
StmpSalesInfo1@aol.com

Molcy handles all of the donations for STMP which is a 501 C (3) and she can provide a certificate for tax purposes. We do have "Operation Save Christmas" coming up in December. This is a party for the Montagnards where the children receive gifts. each year there are more and more to buy for - but because most Montagnard families live at or below the poverty level, the gifts received at the Operation Save Christmas may be the only ones they get.

Here is a news release from last year:

ASHEBORO, N.C. (WGHP) - Santa Claus will make an early stop to the Central Highlands of North Carolina, near Asheboro Saturday, December 11. The event "Operation Save Christmas" gives gifts to more than 1,000 Montagnard children.

The Montagnards are the newest and smallest entire culture to move from their native homeland in Southeast Asia in order to become American citizens. They are typically the first hired due to their strong work ethic and they are the first to be laid off when times get hard and money gets tight because they are immigrants with a language barrier.

The Montagnards relocated to the United States to escape genocide in the refugee camps on the Vietnam/Cambodian borders with the help of a group of retired Special Forces (Green Berets) soldiers who worked with them during the Vietnam War. They are considered Americas newest and smallest minority group to move here as a Green Beret rescue attempt to keep their culture alive and become Americans.

"Operation Save Christmas" includes traditional Montagnard food, singing and dancing. Event coordinators say the best part is seeing the children's eyes light up when they meet Santa and experience the gift of giving and the joy of Christmas.

Dinner will be served at noon and Santa will arrive at 1:00 p.m.

Here are some photos from last year.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/everett_true/sets/72157625592364152/

 

[LoveMyHats2]

Donations can be sent to:

Molcy Solberg
Phone: (336) 685-0722
StmpSalesInfo1@aol.com

Molcy handles all of the donations for STMP which is a 501 C (3) and she can provide a certificate for tax purposes. We do have "Operation Save Christmas" coming up in December. This is a party for the Montagnards where the children receive gifts. each year there are more and more to buy for - but because most Montagnard families live at or below the poverty level, the gifts received at the Operation Save Christmas may be the only ones they get.

Here is a news release from last year:

ASHEBORO, N.C. (WGHP) - Santa Claus will make an early stop to the Central Highlands of North Carolina, near Asheboro Saturday, December 11. The event "Operation Save Christmas" gives gifts to more than 1,000 Montagnard children.

The Montagnards are the newest and smallest entire culture to move from their native homeland in Southeast Asia in order to become American citizens. They are typically the first hired due to their strong work ethic and they are the first to be laid off when times get hard and money gets tight because they are immigrants with a language barrier.

The Montagnards relocated to the United States to escape genocide in the refugee camps on the Vietnam/Cambodian borders with the help of a group of retired Special Forces (Green Berets) soldiers who worked with them during the Vietnam War. They are considered Americas newest and smallest minority group to move here as a Green Beret rescue attempt to keep their culture alive and become Americans.

"Operation Save Christmas" includes traditional Montagnard food, singing and dancing. Event coordinators say the best part is seeing the children's eyes light up when they meet Santa and experience the gift of giving and the joy of Christmas.

Dinner will be served at noon and Santa will arrive at 1:00 p.m.

Here are some photos from last year.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/everett_true/sets/72157625592364152/

Thank you so very much for this information.

 

[LoveMyHats2]

Some only give for show..starring look at me...again. What they feel in their hearts has less to do with the needy...but more with themselves.

Humm...so then is it that a person should feel more or less, crummy in their hearts and then help others?

 

[sheeplady]

Recently at a house auction they put a box of stuffed animals in with the box lot I was after. They were really badly worn, like the rest of toys that had come out of the house. A man came up to me and asked me for one of the stuffed animals, offering to pay me for it, as he had bought a box for his daughters with the same kind and they were a set. I gave him the whole box (I was going to take them to charity). He insisted on paying me, but I told him to give them to his girls as a gift. The family was obviously a little worse for wear financially. At the end of the auction, the mother and the girls came to thank me.

The girls were running around the auction hugging and stroking these tattered used stuffed animals, like they were the greatest gift they ever got. It made me a little sad to see how excited they were over toys that most people in the US would throw away given the shape they were in.

It sickens and angers me when I see people put usable things outside on the side of the road in the rain. My neighbors put out really nice furniture, purposefully (I think) in the rain so no one else can have it. We live about a mile from a goodwill type shop, and they own a large enough car to take most of the stuff they put out. In the least, can't they wait for a sunny day? If I put something out by the side of the road that someone might like but I can't take to a charity shop I put it out on a sunny day.

 

[LoveMyHats2]

Recently at a house auction they put a box of stuffed animals in with the box lot I was after. They were really badly worn, like the rest of toys that had come out of the house. A man came up to me and asked me for one of the stuffed animals, offering to pay me for it, as he had bought a box for his daughters with the same kind and they were a set. I gave him the whole box (I was going to take them to charity). He insisted on paying me, but I told him to give them to his girls as a gift. The family was obviously a little worse for wear financially. At the end of the auction, the mother and the girls came to thank me.

The girls were running around the auction hugging and stroking these tattered used stuffed animals, like they were the greatest gift they ever got. It made me a little sad to see how excited they were over toys that most people in the US would throw away given the shape they were in.

It sickens and angers me when I see people put usable things outside on the side of the road in the rain. My neighbors put out really nice furniture, purposefully (I think) in the rain so no one else can have it. We live about a mile from a goodwill type shop, and they own a large enough car to take most of the stuff they put out. In the least, can't they wait for a sunny day? If I put something out by the side of the road that someone might like but I can't take to a charity shop I put it out on a sunny day.

I know what you mean. I do see at times people will put things out in front of their home with a "free" sign on it and then not care if things get wacked out by weather.