Today: From pennies to turkeys.
[tweetmeme source=”elizabethev” only_single=false] When I was younger (like, 6-12 months younger), I had a habit of giving change and small bills to people who asked for it, as I walked or drove by. For the most part, these were people I saw every day, on my way to and from meetings and appointments.
Not that long ago, I watched someone– an older man I’d see by the bank most mornings– ask a man dressed in a suit and BC hat if he could spare some change for food. I already had my hand in my pocket, fishing for change. My fellow Eagle (or maybe he just bought the hat at Marshalls? Surely this was not a man educated by Jesuits) did not reach into his pocket. “What don’t you get a job,” he sneered and hurried by.
Is it possible for your heart, jaw and stomach to all drop at once? I wanted to say something, but nothing came out. I still regret that. I gave the older man what was in my pocket, smiled and continued to the bank. “God bless you,” he called after me. I am pretty sure that was his reply to the a-hole in the Eagles hat, too. I know. I shouldn’t say a-hole.
Here’s the thing. Or… Here are the things. I don’t know what he did with the money. I don’t know what anyone that I’ve given change or a few bucks to does with the money. I hope they buy food, but who knows? At the time, that really didn’t matter. Did I have spare change? Yes. Was the amount insignificant enough that I wouldn’t need it that day or the next? Yes. Was the amount significant to be helpful? I don’t really know, but if I had to guess, probably not.
I’ve talked to Nick and my parents about this and everyone seems to agree; that is to say, they disagree with me. There are better ways to help than doling out dimes and nickles, ways that don’t involve risks to personal safety or potentially contributing to other people’s problems. It was my dad who suggested giving the money to the institutions doing incredible work in our city to care for the hungry, homeless, those battling addiction, or needing health care. Thank goodness I am surrounded by geniuses. I am taking applications for life coaches, by the way. Yes, I think I need more than one.
Anyway. I started keeping a can in my car.
Any time anyone has asked me for change lately, I’ve politely refused and then added what change I did have to the can. As of this morning, I had enough to buy a turkey for a local family through The Greater Boston Food Bank’s Turkey Drive. It sort of gives new meaning to spare change for food, wouldn’t you say?
Also On Tap for Today:
- Resting up for tomorrow’s 14 mile run
- On Mercy: I love Sister Karol Jackowski’s posts for Whole Living
- I think I need to drag the winter coats out of storage
Is there such thing as spare change? How do you spend yours?
Comments (9)
marisa
October 22, 2010 at 5:25 pm
When I lived in Boston there was this guy who used to sit outside of the 7-11 and ask for change. I got into the habit of purchasing him a sandwich or a cup of coffee when I was in the store – particularly during the winter. Thankfully, he seemed to appreciate it. I would have been rather upset if he reacted negatively. I think that the turkey is wonderful!!!! I now purchase a case of cat food and dog food for the local SPCA at Christmas time!
Stephanie
October 22, 2010 at 10:05 pm
I like your idea! That way you know exactly where your money’s going, and that it will be used to feed the hungry.
Terry Elisabeth @ Québécoise et bilingue
October 23, 2010 at 9:18 am
That’s a great idea !
Once I had splurged on a 5$ coffee and I was very happy about it. There was this man asking for change and I suddenly felt guilty and grateful that I had 5$ for a coffee. So I gave him 5$ and he was so happy that he hugged me (he had just taken a shower, it was very apparent). I don’t care what they do with it.
BUT every year I give money to some charities so my money is not “wasted”.
I choose charities that mean something to me. This year it will be organizations that take care of kids.
Lizzy
October 23, 2010 at 11:03 am
Sounds like great advice- and I think thats smart… Keep the money and give it to the companies who do great work for the homeless so you know exactly where the money is going! Great meeting you the other night : )
Emily
October 23, 2010 at 11:43 am
That’s an excellent idea!! I feel awful averting my eyes and not giving some change to those in need but it’s impossible to know where your money goes. In the past, I’ve given folks my leftovers from a restaurant, offered to buy them a sandwich, etc (I usually do this with my husband for safety purposes). It’s been so interesting to experience both grateful and rude reactions. A man once cried when I bought him chili at Wendy’s; others have scoffed at my offers… I guess they weren’t that hungry afterall…
lindsay je
October 23, 2010 at 12:34 pm
what a great way to re-route your change giving!
Lauren
October 24, 2010 at 11:52 am
This is an awesome idea!! I often feel uncomfortable giving out spare change too. I waffle back and forth between not wanting to give it out because I don’t want to perpetuate any problems and then just not caring. But I think what you did is great! It’s cool that all those little bits of insignificant change added up to do something really great for a family in need.
Today: What a ham. «
October 25, 2010 at 10:04 am
[…] tweetmeme_alias = 'http://wp.me/pySBS-FT'; tweetmeme_source = '”elizabethev”'; From turkeys to hams (and if you scroll down, a video of a mini pig courtesy of Nick)… For those of you […]
Keiko
October 26, 2010 at 5:41 pm
What a great idea about saving up the change and contributing it to GBFB. And the Turkey Drive is a really great idea – I’ll definitely have to share it with my friends up here 🙂 Happy ICLW!
~Keiko, Hannah Wept, Sarah Laughed (ICLW #142)