A Simple Idea

Posted by Gabe on January 28, 2010 under Kids are Heroes | 5 Comments to Read

I was just told a story by someone close to me who would like to remain anonymous. The identity of the person doesn’t really matter, because the story itself is what is important. We will call our hero Mischa.

The weather has been bitterly cold around these parts the last few weeks. About a week ago, Mischa spied a homeless woman outside, legs exposed, who appeared to be suffering from the cold. Mischa thought, “I wish there was something I could give her!” Not wanting to be faced with that circumstance again, Mischa went off to the thrift store and bought some sleeping bags and blankets to carry around in the car with her, in case she became faced with that same situation in the future.

Today was Mischa’s day to go to the library.  As she was leaving she discovered three homeless people keeping warm inside. She has noticed them in the past as they come in to use the facilities and get out of the cold for a couple of hours. Mischa asked “Does anyone need an extra blanket or a sleeping bag?” All three said yes. So Mischa went out to the car and brought two blankets and a sleeping bag back to these people who were very grateful.

When Mischa relayed the story to me she told me that she didn’t know if it was right to feel this way but she felt really good after having done it. I told her that she had every right to feel good. Why wouldn’t you get a sense of warmth inside if you knew that you had just really helped someone? I’ve always felt that people should revel in that feeling because it will make them want to do it again.

So here is such a simple idea that can have a great impact on someone else’s life.  Mischa pays $2.00 for “gently used” sleeping bags and blankets at the local thrift store. Keep them in your car and you never know when your day will be brightened by helping someone else.

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  • Hanifa K. Cook said,

    If you come to my country, we’ll be glad to take our blankets off because it is always humid and hot. Less is more comfortable in the tropics. We dress conservatively though, so the sun won’t burn our beautiful skin. The materials we use are for easy breathing. So without knowing how it might have felt living in the tropics, you could understand what warmth means. That is growing up and you deserve a great big hug from Annie Cook for your good deed. If you come to my country, I’d buy you lots of ice cream. (Wait, how old are you Mischa?)

  • Gabe said,

    Ahh unlike most of the people I usually talk about Mischa is older. But she still likes ice cream. :)

  • Jenifer said,

    What a great story, Gabe! Thanks for sharing! :)

  • Michelle (What's Cooking) said,

    This reminds me of the story of the boy throwing starfish back into the ocean. When someone comments that there are so many – why bother to throw a few back… The boy says, “it mattered to THAT one.” I keep this motto in my mind every time I arrange a service project for my cooking students. I can’t wait for us to help even one person!

  • Keila said,

    I enjoyed reading this blog post. I love to hear when individuals take the attention off of themselves and direct it to helping others. It really inspired me to take action and to continue helping in my community. Thanks for sharing this!

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