Kindness of Strangers

Perhaps Blanch DuBois said it best in A Streetcar Named Desire when she said: "I have always depended on the kindness of strangers."

Recently I have been touched by how giving people can be. Even in the face of hard economic times people still open their hearts and their wallets to help others. Others that they don't know, have never met and will (most likely) never meet. Be it the recent earth quake in Haiti or fundraising for the shelters upcoming pet walk, donations are made large and small.


It is the small ones that most touch my heart. The ones that might have meant a night out for the family, or even groceries for the week, but was donated to help those in even more desperate situations.
Where would we be without these every day, run of the mill heroes? People who ask nothing in return for their help. No t-shirt or key chain to prove to their peers how charitable they are. No recognition with award or ceremony. I myself would prefer it if more charities spent more donated money on the actual cause and less on the trinkets and prizes. Our reward should be simply that we helped. That some where, some one benefited from our gift.



So whether you donate to help build a barn for bully's (Bad Rap), help earth quake victims or support your local shelter; thank you. I don't have any fancy gifts or certificates of appreciation, but I don't think you want that. I think a simple thanks is all that should ever be needed or given.


So the charity can keep their picture of the child I helped feed and instead use that money to feed her sister as well.


With all of the global crisis we hear about daily it is important to remember those that are needy in our own community. The local homeless or animal shelter for example can always use volunteers. Volunteering is a great way to make a donation of time, if money is scarce.



So keep up the good and selfless work, and remember, the best thank you you can receive is knowing in your heart that you did the right thing.



(Just a side note to those of you that have donated so generously to Paws in the Park...and you know who you are....Thanks.)



Diane
The Dog Diva

Lucy is a sweet 8 year old female terrier mix who is currently awaiting her forever home at the SPCA of Central Florida. Go to Orlandopets.org for more information or to donate or volunteer!