Helping

Several years ago I received money for my Birthday and used it to help others around the US and the World on Kiva. Every time, like today, my balance reaches the minimum amount I reloan it out. All of this started from my Mom. She taught me from an early age to think about and help others.

- When I was in Elementary School I bought, packed and shipped care packages to US Soldiers fighting in Desert Shield/Storm using my Allowance.

- When I was a Cub Scout and a Boy Scout we did different charitable things like collecting and distributing food to the Hungry and clothes and supplies to the Homeless.

- When I was in Middle School in Germany I collected food and clothes to give to the refugees from the Wars in Bosnia, Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, Macedonia and Serbia. I also worked Summer Hire and donated my earnings to help them instead of flying to the States for vacation.

- When I was in High School I regularly went with my Girlfriend and her Family to a Soup Kitchen and helped.

- Also during High School I bought, packed and shipped care packages to US Soldiers Overseas as well as sending Cards to Veterans and Disabled Soldiers around the US.

- For 4 Summers during College I worked at an overnight Summer Camp for the Mentally and Physically Disabled in New York.

- During College in I worked at the local Suicide Prevention Hotline.

- Also during College I bought, packed and shipped care packages to US Soldiers overseas.

- The 2nd time I studied in Russia I volunteered at an Institution for Disabled Children.

- For 8 years I was the Full-Time Caregiver to my Disabled and Ill Family Member.

- During that same time I also bought, packaged and sent care packages to US Soldiers overseas as well as cards to Veterans and Disabled Soldiers across the country.

Today I don't do much physically anymore. So far this year (as of February 1, 2022) I have: donated non-perishable food to Food Banks for People; donated supplies and food to Animal Food Banks; have written numerous Birthday/Get Well/Just Because Cards to Soldiers, Veterans, the Disabled and the Sick; started writing Chanukah and Christmas Cards that will be sent to Soldiers (including those in warzones) and  Veterans (my goal for 2022 is 2,022 cards) as well as donating money to different charities that help: Soldiers, Military Families, the Hungry, the Sick, the Homeless, the Disabled and Animals.

I really do miss physically going out and helping people though, but have found other ways to continue to follow my Mom’s example.

This goes to show you that you also help others while in-person or online.