A Small Act at the Grocery Store Starts a New Ripple

--by Byrdwoman, posted Sep 5, 2010

There are two men who are almost always outside my grocery store, in various states of dishevelment. One is sometimes (but not always) in a wheelchair. He holds a sign that says he is a vet and "anything will help." The other man is younger, nearly toothless, and if he were not in such a public place, would maybe frighten me a little. I have walked past them countless times, on my way to buy my family's weekly groceries.

I don't usually like to give money to panhandlers. But I see these guys so often, that I decided to make eye contact, say a deliberate "Hi" and smile at them, instead of ducking my head away and ignoring them. In both cases, I got a startled "hello there" back.

Last week, while waiting in the deli area, I noticed the pre-made, plastic-wrapped sub-style sandwiches. I grabbed two of them, two extra apples, and two single-serving juice bottles. On my way out, I walked up to the vet and said, "Are you hungry? I got you a sandwich." He took sandwich, apple, and juice, and said, "God bless you." I said, "You, too!" When I asked the other man, "Are you hungry?" he looked so surprised that I wondered when the last time was that anyone had actually spoken directly to him.

It was so easy to add those few items to my grocery bag and I felt like I had maybe helped just a little. I've decided that I will buy a simple "meal" like that each time I go to the store, for whoever is waiting outside.

5624 Reads

Posted by Byrdwoman
Sep 5, 2010
Comments (22)

Readers Comments

Zevelina wrote: Well done! I allways give food instead of money, it is more humane i think.

tai wrote: If everyone shared a little bit of themselves each day, we would have a much better world, i'm sure those 2 men were shocked when they received your kindness, it is a rarity in our world today unfortunately.

Pam wrote: Such a wonderful gift you gave those two gentlemen.

bharnig wrote: Wonderful idea :)

bookworm58 wrote: I know there are homeless in our area especially around stores and thrift shops. I usually have some snacks with me while i am out and about on errands. But feel good about sharing them too. I dont give people money in fear they will just use it for booze or drugs. But there are a lot of people who appreciate the food i do give them. It is so easy to get a kids meal at almost any fast food place and they do appreciate them so much. I know its not much but to them any act of kindess is very much appreciated. A couple of times i have invited them to go with me to a fast food place and it gives us a chance to talk and treat them as a person instead of a burden in society. They need encouraging words just like we do. It does help lift them up and make them feel worthy which to me they are. Thanks for sharing the stories very much. I will keep doing these acts of kindness whenever i can too. We may not be able to do a lot but each act of kindness can make a ripple in this world.

Sandy

prettypita wrote: That was a wonderful thing you did and what a great idea!

kiiya wrote: That was beasty

moonshadowdebbie wrote: Thank you so much. We dont know their stories but i am sure they are sharing what you have done with many! On their behalf, i thank you! God bless you!

kcsmiles wrote: What a wonerful thing you did! I like the idea of giving food to help, instead of money.

chuxo wrote: Regardless of what brought a man from his high to a low where begging for alms/food is his only source of sustenance, i am persuaded that any act of kindness is just desirable. A lot of times, we a turn between giving and doubting what use the money would be put into. You have done just a great thing of kindness by lending a helping hand when it is most needed. Many of us wold definitely take a cue from you. Cudos!

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