How FMF Readers Give Creatively

In the post A Creative Way to Give, I noted how one FMF reader would pay for meals at restaurants for other couples (and do it anonymously). He did it simply to show kindness to someone else. I asked other readers if they did anything like this and I got several responses. Here are some highlights:

Usually when I see a couple of police officers or military personnel I will pay for their meal without letting hem know. I just tell their server to tell them that their meal was paid by someone who appreciates the job they do.

I've thought about doing this a few times, but have never followed through (for one reason or another.) Think I'll give it a try the next chance I get.

Here's another one:

I had a BOGO Free coupon last week at Smoothie King and gave the other smoothie to a nice lady who was heading into Subway. I also buy a double-cheeseburger, apple pie, and a cup of water for the homeless guy that's always around when I go to the McDonald's near my job. Whenever I have a coupon at Kohl's, I pass it along to the person behind me since they are reusable.

That last one is interesting. Theoretically people could "pass back" a coupon all day so everyone could save, right? ;-)

I especially liked this one:

I've covered a few things like drinks and groceries for others that would have to return it since they didn't have quite enough to cover it - one lady was going to have to choose between peanut butter and jelly - that was heartbreaking. I covered her $50 grocery bill completely and wished her the best...I seriously had to keep myself from crying a little when she hugged me...I hope she's doing better now...

Maybe those of us better off should look for people that need help in grocery stores? Then again, I'm sure I'd have a problem if someone "needed help" while buying name brand stuff while I was purchasing the store brand.

Here's another:

I believe that God grants us little gifts. Sometimes they make a little difference and other times it can mean everything to someone. Every now and again I pay for the person behind me in the drive through - because I know how good it made me feel and I hope that even a small gift like buying lunch for a stranger can really make a big difference.

I've had people do this for me on a toll road. It is nice and does put a smile on my face. Maybe next time I head to Chicago (which seems filled with toll roads), I'll give the cashier some gold coins to pay for the next several people.

Here's an interesting way to "give":

Something I like to do is give a tip to the clerk at a fast-food restaurant. They are probably working for minimum wage and hardly ever get a tip, so I like to give an extra dollar or two at the window when I pick up my order or at the counter. I started doing this as I got older because I remember when I sacked groceries when I was 16 and occasionally someone would give me a tip and it would really make my day.

I have started to leave tips for housekeepers at hotels -- something I didn't used to do -- for the same reason.

Here's a creative way to get rid of those gift cards you don't want/need:

When I receive a gift card, I go to that store and give it to the cashier and ask him/her to use it for the next two consumers. It makes me happy, but it makes the person receiving the free item even happier!

And you don't end up carrying around a gift card for three years. ;-)

Surprisingly, we also had a few people saying that giving in this way wasn't "real" giving or that there was something wrong with it. IMO, there's nothing wrong with giving in any way as long as that's what the person who's giving wants to do. It's their money after all, right? And they are being unselfish with it, right? So what's the issue?

Anyway, many others are of the same opinion and offered their thoughts I'd like to share two. Here's the first:

I completely disagree with those saying you should only give to those desperately in need. I've seen this done, and had it done for me and it really brightens that persons day. The person may or may not need it financially, but it is always nice to know that there are caring generous people out there. You can make a difference in the life of an average joe just as much as someone who is homeless. We should be striving to make the world a better place for everyone we meet. I especially like those who are giving to people in the military or some such.

And another:

It's not like this is the kind of cash that makes me give less to charities (helping those in more desperate situations), they obviously still get much more than these tiny amounts. But I feel more of a sense of duty to give to charity (transferring from those that Have to those that desperately need). The 'gifts' on the other hand feel like true giving, another/different good feeling. Sure, you could always say this could have gone to charities instead, but you can say that about most of the spending we all do.

So, do you have any creative ways to give that you'd like to add to these?

Comments

[Derek Clark - Christian Common Cents]

Great article. I enjoyed reading these comments the first time around. It's always nice to brightens someone's day. You never know what they've been through lately.

[J.P.]

Great examples. For those who criticize, keep in mind that those who have received are often taught to give by the example. Buying someone's meal (or otherwise helping) may encourage someone who had never thought of it. I'm stunned that anyone would criticize giving of any type.

We've been able at times to give anonymously (through our church financial office) to people who might not otherwise afford a conference, mission trip, or other event (marriage retreat, for example). We may not know who is receiving that type of gift, but it does help people participate who might not otherwise be able.

We've also secretly bought dinner for others while out, but typically we've done so for people we know.

We've also given coupons to other families. For example, when we have a block of coupons from a mailer, we tear off the one we use but also give a '10% of your total ticket' to the biggest group in the waiting area.

[Mark]

Not to sound completely ungracious, but really why would you buy anything for a cop? I am a completely law abiding citizen, but living in California, I understand that most beat cops make six figure salaries and will get egregious pensions of 90% of their high 3 after 30 years or less. As a taxpayer, I am already paying a bundle for their services (as is the case with firefighters). Of course, some believe that compensation for these professions should be limitless, but salaries/pensions of these professions is liberal states are already way beyond reasonable.

[Leigh Ann]

I don't give money to people panhandling on street corners, but I do stock up on vitamins and will give them a new container of vitamins. I've also bought $5 McDonalds gift cards to pass out the same way.

[Paula1849]

Although my life has totally changes for the better, I was once a very poor single mom escaping a very bad relationship. There were a few times that people gave creatively to me. I can't tell you how wonderful it was. It lifted it me up and helped me to view the world as a better place and see people as good in general. Not only did it life my spirits but it gave me strength to keep on going. The best was when an anonymous person left a "Christmas box" on my doorstep. In it were a few small presents for my daughter and the makings of a nice Christmas dinner for the two of us, better than I could afford at the time.

So no matter how small, you never know how your kindness will impact other. The world is such a negative place sometimes I feel these small acts kind of balance that out. Oh and know that I totally play forward as many acts of kindness that I can.

Mark, as a fellow Californian I agree that this should be something that we need to address with our politicians as well as a few other items. However, I like to personally say thank you to people who might have to put their life on the line for mine.

[CC]

Mark, you beat me to it about buying meals for cops. I couldn't have said it better. I would love to retire at 50 with 90% of my salary plus health benefits too. And that's if their honest and don't claim disability. Have you seen this interesting story of a cop who competes in iron man competitions but is out on disability: http://www.jsonline.com/watchdog/noquarter/96770434.html

Great stories of giving though! I remember when I worked in food service. Tips really meant a lot to me since most people didn't do it.

[Crystal@BFS]

I loved that last post and the little review. I started a Kindness Challenge at my new blog at crystalclearthoughts.com - the challenge is to commit one random act of kindness a week. That's it. I'm posting updates every Friday. I think that people in general would be better off if they knew how good it felt to be selfless regularly.