There are many ways we can help those in need
More often than we want, we see people around us and around the world in need of support, in need of a helping hand. At times, we may be one of those people who need that support or helping hand. We should never deny the encouragement others may need, because we may never know when it will be our turn. Have you ever been in that situation when you say, “Let me know if you need anything!” Yes, we do say it and mean it at the time, but are we ready to lend a hand with “anything” this person may need? Let’s stop and think — are we being genuine with our words? Do we really mean what we say and do? There is a saying I believe is very true, “What comes around, goes around” or better yet as the golden rule says, “Do onto others, as you would like them to do onto you.”
With all these natural disasters happening around the United States and around the world, racial, political and immigration issues, we can only hope that real and true values will surface out of good people, and we will show who we really are as human beings. We are good, kindhearted, sincere, honest and loyal. I hear on the news friends helping friends, neighbors helping neighbors, strangers helping strangers ... this makes me realize this is what it’s all about. The kindness of others, of good people does give others strength, the strength to survive, to rebuild, to continue with life. Their belongings may have been demolished, their future may be at risk, but their will to live and existence continues in search of new horizons. This may be due to the help and intervention of those people who gave this unconditional support, whom without even thinking of their own turmoil, managed to provide the care and attention these people needed.
There are different ways we may offer support and help to those in need, and it does not always need to be monetary. Think outside the box, if the person or family has children, you may be able to help with babysitting while they go job searching, house hunting, grocery shopping, or simply to give the person or family a break. In the meantime, take the children to the park for a fun activity that is not going to cost anything, rather some of your donated time. Another way to support others would be by doing housework. A person or family may need help or support in cleaning either inside or outside the house while they are taking care of their endeavors. One of my favorites would be doing things such as creating thoughtful gifts for people who may be coming out of surgery or recovering from an accident, such as drawings, poems, planting flowers, gardens, putting together care packages. These small and thoughtful things can be huge and incredibly appreciated by others in need of affection or attention at one time or another. Another way to offer support may simply be to stay in touch with those who need encouragement. It is important to stay connected via text, email, or a phone call letting them know you support them and care for them. Send them a joke, an anecdote of your day, keep them entertained, make them laugh. Sometimes just a simple hello makes someone’s day brighter. The biggest gift of all will be yourself, your time, and your unconditional love to another human being in times of need and/or despair.
Magnolia Alonzo is the adult education program coordinator for the Somerton School District 11. She can be reached at malonzo@ssd11.org.