Random Acts of Kindness in Charleston – Put a Smile on Someones Face

“We think too much and feel too little. More than machinery, we need humanity. More than cleverness, we need kindness and gentleness.” – Charlie Chaplin

Maybe it is the time of year or the nature of our warm Charleston culture, but giving back to the community and touching the lives of others is a feeling unlike any other. It brings life to an empty soul and revitalizes our compassion. Random acts of kindness are all around us from holding a door open, to giving spare change. We are all part of a continuous cycle of giving back; and part of the gift we call humanity.

Perhaps some of you are wondering how you can be a part of this wave of goodness. Here are a few ideas that you may want to consider.

• Go to MUSC, Roper St. Francis or any of the other medical facilities in the Lowcountry and ask if there are any patients alone this holiday season that could use company. Sit with them, listen to their stories, hold their hand and remind them that there are people out there that care and none of us should ever be alone.

• Remind your postal officer how important their job is and how much you appreciate them coming to you every day. Leave them a nice thank you card and/or a small box of chocolates/candy to show you gratitude for their incredible dedication. I know we don’t see much “snow” or”sleet”, but they are out there every day for us.

• Visit the tent city with a bag of supplies for our homeless. It doesn’t take a lot of money to bring some much needed supplies or a hot meal. You can even go the extra mile and sit down for a while. Spend a little time and get to know your neighbors. It is going to be almost 80 degrees out. Perfect time to be outside.

• Buy a smoothie or coffee drink for a local police officer. 2015 in Charleston has been nothing short of frightening for so many local residents and our local law enforcement professionals are putting their lives at risk to ensure our safety. We live in a community where our children can play openly and we can feel comfortable saying hello to strangers. These men and women in uniform don’t always get the recognition they deserve. Walk up to a police officer, thank them for their service and offer to buy them a nice cold smoothie or coffee drink.

• Be a Fields to Families Volunteer. Each year volunteers from all over the Lowcountry spend one day a weekend picking local fruits and vegetables from area farms and giving it to families that cannot afford food. Over 80,000 pounds of produce are distributed to local families a year. Adults and children work together in the fields, establishing bonds and doing and incredible gesture for the community; now that is Charleston.

• If you have a genuine love for animals, Pet Helpers is always looking for caring volunteers in a number of areas. From cleaning cages to walking dogs, to adoptions services, Pet Helpers has committed itself to finding loving homes for our four-legged friends. Once you look into the eyes of these beautiful cats and dogs, you may never want to leave.

For of us that give throughout the year, thank you for all you do.