Helping our fellow Americans

I was all set to write a post about Star Wars Reads Day, which is on October 5, and that is fun and I encourage you to check it out—but when I read this post by The Blogress today I felt so sick to my stomach. To me, a government shutdown is a bunch of whiny people not being able to compromise like we’re paying them to do, and it pisses me off, but there doesn’t seem to be anything I can do about it.

But this is so much more to so many people. For some families, it could mean starving. I’m not being dramatic here, either. People are losing their WIC programs and Medicaid benefits and even their jobs because of this stupid shutdown—which, by the way, should be illegal. Our government should never be able to abandon our country like this.

I think Americans are intrinsically better than that. I think we can come together and try to help our fellow Americans out during these uncertain times. Even if what we can do is limited, if we all did something I think it would make a huge difference to the individuals and families suffering right now.

Here are some ideas about how to help out, courtesy of The Blogress as well as myself. Please add yours in the comments. Share how you are helping as well as ideas about helping others.

Donate to Feeding America. Did you know a single dollar can pay for 8 meals—both the food as well as its delivery? I’m doing this right now. Please join me if you can. Even a dollar makes a difference for 8 people.

Slip someone you know who is hurting some secret cash. Give it to them in person or sneak it in a purse or under something in their house when you visit. Leave a gift card or grocery card if you are uncomfortable leaving cash. Send one anonymously in the mail if it’s easier.

Give blood. Every time I try I’m denied because of my borderline blood pressure and pulse rate—even when I was a teen; it runs in my family—but I’m going to try again. Will you join me? Did you know that someone needs blood every 2 seconds?

Give to your local food pantry, church or relief organization. Whatever you’ve got, from cash to cans to clothing, is going to help someone. Cash is usually best because these places can buy the food and other items needed most cheaply with their tax exempt status and other discounts but really, whatever you can do is sure to help.

And like Jenny said, be nice to everyone. You never know what someone is going through. If kindness is the only gift you have to give, it’s still going to make a difference.

Photo courtesy of Wood Sprite.