Tab for a Cause

This is another free way to support a worthy organization.  It is along the lines of my  Goodsearch, post, but it is called Tab for a Cause

I think a lot about my privilege and know that I am very lucky to be in a financial position where I can do some of these acts of kindness. But I also think that financial situation should not dictate one's ability to be able to contribute to the greater-good, as it were. So this is one of those little things that can be integrated into daily life. I already use tabs when I am on the Internet. So why not have each one contribute something (however small) towards a positive cause?

Bring Extras - Fun For All At The Beach!

While I am not a huge fan of sun, sand, nor water, I still enjoy bringing my kids to our local beach. They make it fun for me!  The first few times we went, I was very ill prepared.  I naively assumed that beach towels, swimsuits and sunblock would be enough.  I neglected to bring any accouterments, even the simple ones like a shovel and a bucket!  We were lucky enough to find kind families who shared with us.  Now when we go, I make sure to pack extras so that we can feel free to share with our fellow beach-goers.  And the good thing about this one is that beyond the initial investment of buckets and shovels (which since the end of the season is coming, could be bought at a steep discount) there is no ongoing cost for this act of kindness.  

Mail a Hug

This is an idea that I got from Pintrest, one of my favorite sites!

Click here for the original site

We decided to mail our hugs to a friend who had just left the hospital, some family who recently visited from out of state, and a family member who is in an assisted living situation.  They were fun  and easy to make and everyone appreciated them.

This may be one that we do fairly frequently, as it is an engaging, affordable craft which helps us connect with  important people in our lives!

Lunch for Love and Acceptance

 There is a little gem of a cafe called Cafe 407.

 It is connected to Ophelia's Place

 The proceeds from the yummy food go to support the programming to help folks recover from eating disorders.

 The cafe is super cute, with inspiring quotes posted around the building

I noticed the top one here that says "random acts of kindness" in the top corner.  I guess that means this is my kind of place!

When I have out of town visitors or local friends who want to get together for a meal, I will frequently suggest meeting here.  The fact that this is not only a quality establishment but provides a wonderful service that can be self-sustaining.  And really, how clever is it to help folk recover from eating disorders using a cafe! 

From one to the next, to the next, to the next....

I came across this link explaining how 55 cars in a row "paid it forward" for the next customer at a drive-thru.  And there is a slideshow videos about the kindness that people are spreading. This makes me happy, and I sincerely hope it spreads even further!

Paying library fines - perspective switch!

I have been an avid patron of the public library for many years (and was thrilled as well as jealous when my sister in law became the director of her local library!  She gets to spend hundreds of dollars a month on books each month!  how FUN!!!).

Anyway, as an avid user, I do occasionally acrue a library fine (typically on some media that I ended up not liking and forgot about, or hoped that I would get into, but ultimately hated.)  I used to get SO annoyed at these fines.  But a former boss gave me a new way of looking at these fines.  I now consider them a donation to the library.  Love it!  But the blog has pushed me to find new and creative ways to give back.  So as I was paying my most recent fine (an act that in the past would make me hang my head in shame, but now I consider my most recent contribution to an instiution that I LOVE)  I asked if they would keep the change and use the money to zero out another patron's account.  They obliged.  I gave them a note to give to the chosen patron. 

I think this is a nerd's variation on paying for the toll/coffee behind you. 

Supporting Veterans Through Strawberry Picking

 It's strawberry season! Not only is it cheaper to go pick your own, it gives this stay-at-home parent a fun outdoor activity to do with my children.  And as if that were not incentive enough, I heard about a local organization called Clear Path for Veterans that has a strawberry patch and the money goes towards supporting the programming they provide. Here is an interesting segment on a great approach to help veterans find meaning, prupose and connection upon their return

Fun in the fields. There were so many strawberries, and we are catching the tail end of the season. The staff and volunteers were very friendly, and they encouraged sampling in the fields (good for my kids, especially the little one, who gave me the challenge of keeping her basket full, she ate them so quickly)

Don't the strawberries look luscious?