What small acts of kindness can do for the homeless

Re: “What to do when the beggar has a baby,” July 2 Chuck Plunkett column.

I found myself in agreement with almost everything Chuck Plunkett wrote regarding what to do when confronted with homeless families.

It is tragic that in America we have people with children who must beg on our streets. In addition to carrying the blessing bags Plunkett referred to, why not carry a supply of clean blankets, coats and gloves in the trunk of the car? You can get these from Goodwill or ARC or buy them on sale from big discount stores. Carry a case of bottled water, too. Go the extra yard and carry bags of dog treats because there are plenty of people in need who couldn’t bear to part with their pets.

Acting like homeless people are invisible is not only degrading to them, it’s unkind and inhumane of you. Small acts of generosity go a long way to making people feel like, “Yes, I am still part of something beyond this corner and this cardboard sign.” Many of us are just one paycheck away from being in their shoes. How we treat our poor is the true measure of any decent society. In this day and age it behooves us all to be the best citizens we can be.

Jennifer Gordon, Denver