Stories of Kindness from Around the World

City bills


--by Teja, posted Dec 8, 2006

Today I went to the city, having a bunch of appointments all over town. In my front coat pocket, I put 20 single dolar bills, a $20, a $10 & a $5, all folded separately and mixed up. Everytime anyone asked me for help, money, a donation to their cause,  I would reach in my pocket and hand them whatever bill I touched first, not even looking myself.

New York is a big, needy city, and by the end of the day as I headed to the train I felt in my pocket that there was only one bill left. I had to look and sure enough, it was the twenty. One block from the station, a woman was standing on a corner asking: "does anyone have anything to eat? Does anyone have any leftover food I could have?" Without hesitation, I gave her the last bill and rushed off to my train, but not before I heard her stunned words "Oh My God! Thank you, thank you, thank you...."

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Readers Comments

earthling wrote: That's a beautiful story..
sonrisa wrote: That's a wonderful idea. I was just talking with a friend the other day how I'd love to make a conscious effort to give everytime the opportunity arises as I go through my day. Some people become cynical about supporting homeless people in the wrong way, but I think there's something about the type of unconditional giving you did that is really pure. Thanks for sharing!
waltzes wrote: Good for you!! I have an aunt in NYC, and when I've visited, I've realized I could easily go broke giving to everyone. It sounds like it worked perfectly for you. Thank you for your kindness that day.
markiejay wrote: Your game, like the smile cards, illustrate the importance of awareness in the equation of kindness. When you have a fistful of gift-bill in your pocket or a smile card in your wallet, you suddenly become of the need around you -- because you are looking for it. These things help us break our of the stupor through which we sometimes walk throught he world. Excellent game, excellent story, excellent lessons!
wonderlink wrote: It's fun to read about her levity.
Akku wrote: You're definitely a rich guy! Rich in heart!
2cents wrote: Tell me about how this experiment made you feel. Did it matter how they were using the money, or was it more important that you had the chance to give?

Interestingly, just yesterday I saw a youtube video entitled: "Homeless Prophet" and thought you might enjoy it: http://youtube.com/watch?v=rB8BdRNVnEI
Heather wrote: that is great!
rocky78 wrote: :) Thank you for sharing your story.
Ginny wrote: That is really nice of you too somthing like that. Its people who random acts of kindess that make my day. But I love it when people to out of the box stuff like that always puts a smile on my face.

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