The Right Thing. - Page 2

**Iowanian** · 12-07-2005, 10:18 AM

Its occured to me, that often this time of year, we, as individuals and families are wrapped up in things like football games, playoff hopes, hanging plastic on our windows, Christmas shopping and any plethora of Things in our daily grind. Most of them, are of little significance in the big picture.

I'm not exactly sure why I'm compelled to make this post, but I am.

This winter, as the temperature drops below zero outside my home, and as I celebrate a win over the hated Donkeys, some dose of reality is sinking in that needs to be said.

This Christmas season, there are alot of things we can do, as individuals just because they are "the right thing" to do.

This year I encourage those of you who can to find someone they can help. There are alot of kids without proper coats, shoes and clothes in poor condition. I wish I could direct you to specific places, but can't right now. If you have the time, the finances and the same kick in the craw that I do, please contact your local school, or a charity program, or a food bank, and see what you can do to help get a kid in a proper pair of shoes, a warm enough coat, and maybe some toys for Christmas.
I know that many churches, school nurses/administrators, as well as local govt programs will be able to give lists "boy, age 12, size 9 shoe, likes football" type lists.

For those without the financial availability to help someone in that capacity....there are Still alot of things you can do. Scoop the snow off the walk for that old widow across the street, take the son of a deployed, wounded or KIA soldier to the Y to play some ball...do something.

Another option, I'm going to quote from the Michael Yon website, because I think its very true, and something you, and your children can do for less than $.50. Write a letter, have your kid draw a picture...whatever. I know, that during the holidays, many of our deployed men and women are having a tough time.

"More than 150,000 troops are at war in Iraq, Afghanistan and stationed other places by land and sea. It's time to remember them, and at least send a letter. Care packages are great, but simple letters can be powerful. The Department of Defense has sorted through endless websites and charities, and does an excellent job organizing links to sites that allow people to help the troops. With a single click, people can donate books to troops, or computers, or frequent flier miles, or they can help wounded veterans or grieving families, or Iraqi children. There are so many options. http://www.americasupportsyou.mil/ "

As an individual, we can all make someone's holiday brighter with very little effort. As a Group of Chief fans, think of the combined good we can do, but each doing one small gesture, that is "the right thing".

**ChiTown** · 12-07-2005, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iowanian

I'm not really sure what "hit me"...but it did.

You've got a child now. It changes everything, especially how you feel about the Holiday's.

chiefs4me · 12-07-2005, 12:17 PM

Well after I picked myself off of the floor after reading your post......all I can say is......

Every mall in the world has an angle tree this time of year, just pluck an angel off of the tree and buy whats on the list.....dear abby has an address in her column daily to send cards or whatever you want to our boys and girls overseas...call any school you want and they have a list of needy kids you can adopt for the holiday....if you want to help older people, call a nursing home and they will give you a person that has no family that you could buy for.....they are always needing items....

Merry Christmas to eveyone and god bless you all

teedubya · 12-07-2005, 12:26 PM

Good show, mr Iowanian... great idea, it truly is the Right thing to do, to help others.

This year, on Black Friday, we took 7 bags of warm clothes to the Salvation Army... we intend to do this each year, as sort of a counter balance to the most materialistic day of the year, and do a bit of giving.

My 4 year old really got enjoyment from giving some of his stuff... you can see where it might have an effect on him later in life.

Most importantly, this Christmas season... love yourself. Because you can't love anyone else, until you learn to love yourself. Sappy, but true. And by giving, and helping you learn to love a little bit more.

chiefs4me · 12-07-2005, 12:28 PM

Ali do you still want those CR bags.......I have been collecting for you for over a year now.....

**Dartgod** · 12-07-2005, 12:32 PM

Good post, Iowanian.

My wife and I try to help all we can every year. The company I work for sponsors children's "Operation Santa Claus" type thing. We always pick two children even though she doesn't work here. Her company also sponsors a needy family at Christmas, furnishing clothes, toys and other needed items for someone who can't help themselves.

If you will, allow me to plug a very worthwhile event:

If anyone is interested, there is a dart tournament at Premier Bowling Center in Raytown, the 12th Annual Woody Dart Tournament, benefitting Toys For Tots. A donation of a toy gets you a set of the old wooden darts that you can use throughout the day. There are blind draw, doubles and singles dart tournaments going all day long as well as a charity auction in the evening. It's a great time and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys playing darts. Entry to each tournament is an additional fee. Cash will be paid back to the top finishers in each event.

More details can be found at www.ramdarts.org

journeyscarab · 12-07-2005, 12:40 PM

Inspiring posts. Thanks for sharing and encouraging us.

bogie · 12-07-2005, 01:10 PM

I don't have time for this, I'm trying to get a shed built!

just kidding. great thread Iowanian. If we all do a little, it will make a big difference.

**Iowanian** · 12-07-2005, 04:05 PM

Maybe my goodwill project for the Christmas season will be to encourage my neighbor to get his proper building permit, by turning him in...

Coal in your stalking.

Precisely my point...If we all throw 1 bale of hay on this wagon, it'll fill up quickly without overworking any one of us.

bogie · 12-07-2005, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iowanian

Maybe my goodwill project for the Christmas season will be to encourage my neighbor to get his proper building permit, by turning him in...

Coal in your stalking.

Precisely my point...If we all throw 1 bale of hay on this wagon, it'll fill up quickly without overworking any one of us.

My wife and I are involved in several real goodwill projects. My BS goodwill project is pulling permits for my building so my neighbor will have a happy holiday.

FloridaChief · 12-07-2005, 05:21 PM

I'm waaaay ahead of you, Iowa-dude...

DTLB58 · 12-07-2005, 05:31 PM

Great post

I was talking at work a couple of days ago of something my wife likes to do during the holiday season. Every once in a while on her way to work she will stop and get a breakfast sandwhich and coffee at a fast food place. When she pulls up to pay she ask how much is the person's order in the car behind me? And then she pays for their order and tells the person working the window to tell them Merry Christmas and breakfast is on me

One of the girls I work with said, but why would you do that? I said you don't get it do you? it's about GIVING!

Hoover · 12-07-2005, 06:12 PM

Nice job Iowanian, or whoever you are.

My wife and I have decied to sponsor a child in Africa through World Vision. Its only 35 bucks a month.

Thanks for the great thread.

kcfanXIII · 12-07-2005, 06:24 PM

i'm a bartender in a resturaunt, and don't make a lot. i have to work hard to earn enough extra money to do things like this. that having been said, i have no problem picking up a couple extra shifts to do it. for the past three years, i have begged my family to not exchange gifts, but instead, spoil my nephew, and adopt a family. i have everything i need, and although i appriciate the thought, and money spent on gifts bought for me, i would rather see a family from new orleans, have smile on their face. my family refuses the idea, and instead, i'm stuck worried if i'm spending enough, on them. so i am doing my part, i'm donating to the bell ringers at walmart. actually, the guy that got me started on this plays a sax, anyone heard him? he's in the kc area i saw him at the blue springs walmart. christmas carols have never sounded so sweet. i stopped to help someone who got stuck in the snow, and got stuck myself. instead of being upset, i laughed, put it in 4 low, and drove out of the ditch. thank god i don't drive a trans am, like the guy i helped. anyways, happy holidays, go chiefs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

**Bob Dole** · 12-07-2005, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DTLB58

Great post

I was talking at work a couple of days ago of something my wife likes to do during the holiday season. Every once in a while on her way to work she will stop and get a breakfast sandwhich and coffee at a fast food place. When she pulls up to pay she ask how much is the person's order in the car behind me? And then she pays for their order and tells the person working the window to tell them Merry Christmas and breakfast is on me

One of the girls I work with said, but why would you do that? I said you don't get it do you? it's about GIVING!

That's very cool. While people going through the drive-thru probably aren't the most needy, it sends the right message.

Bob Dole pledges that on every drive-thru trip between now and 12/25, he will buy the meal of the person(s) next in line and deliver the message, "Merry Christmas--pass it on!"

4th and Long · 12-07-2005, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iowanian

For those without the financial availability to help someone in that capacity....there are Still alot of things you can do. Scoop the snow off the walk for that old widow across the street

I've been doing that for 24 years now. The woman who lived across the street from me has a degenerative spine condition that has been slowly fusing her spine together. She could barely, and I mean BARELY walk. She would fall all the time. Sometimes she would lay on the floor all night until one of us neighbors went to check on her. Thank God we did that every day.

I always shoveled her walk when it snowed and I always mowed her grass for her. When her adult children came to pay her a visit, they never lifted a finger to help her. Here I would be, hanging precariously from a ladder, cleaning out the poor woman's gutters and they would just look at me like I was insane and drive off.

I moved away from there after 24 years in Sept of 2004. To this day, I still drop by and see if she needs me to do anything for her. We always have the same conversation and goes a little something like this.

"Joyce, do you need me to clean out your gutters, pick up around the yard or anything else for that matter?"

"No, no, no! You do enough for me and you never let me pay you!"

"Honey, that's what neighbors are for. I don't mind. If I did, I would have never asked you about doing any of this all those years ago."

"No, no, no. I'm fine. I'm sure after you've worked all day you have better things to do that look after this old woman. I'm fine."

"Sweety, I can see leaves and twigs hanging from your gutter. I'm going to use your ladder and clean them out real quick and then I promise I'll get out of you hair."

"You let me pay you this time!"

"My fee hasn't changed and you and I both know you can't run me down and stuff money in my pocket. (said with a grin)"

"You know, I've told you this a (and yes she uses this word) umptyjillion times, but one day, God will reward you for this. I can't believe you do these things for me."

"I'm not here to impress God. If God is impressed, that's fine, but it's not why I do it. I'm here to look after you and make sure you're OK. Now, you go back in the house and I'll check on you when I'm finished."

"Well .... OK ... but I still wish you'd let me pay you."

Her and that pay me thing just cracks me up.

Anyway, the point is this. Try and do things like this all the time. Sure, the holiday season reminds us to be a little nicer to one another, a bit more kind and to get in that spirit of giving. However, we really don't need an excuse like the Holiday season to be good to one another. It's something we should practice often, year round. I'm not suggesting you make it a daily habit but I do encourage you to make a concerted effort to do something nice for at least one person, once a week.

It doesn't have to be much. It doesn't have to cost you an arm and a leg. It doesn't have to involve back breaking labor. Just do the little things if need be. Last week, some guy I didn't know from Adam didn't have change for the pop machine at work so he and his wife could enjoy a soda. I just reached into my pocket, produced a handful of change and said, "Help yourself." The guy had a priceless look on his face, like he'd just been asked the hardest question in the world and had no answer. It may have also been the fact that a white guy like me was offering up money to a black guy he'd never met. Either way, the look I got was gold and along with a, "Thank You." he tossed in a, "God Bless You, My Brother." as well.

So come on boys and girls. Let's all pitch in and help out our fellow man. What goes around, comes around.

12-07-2005, 10:18 AM
Iowanian Supporter Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Utopia Casino cash: $1658454	The Right Thing. Its occured to me, that often this time of year, we, as individuals and families are wrapped up in things like football games, playoff hopes, hanging plastic on our windows, Christmas shopping and any plethora of Things in our daily grind. Most of them, are of little significance in the big picture. I'm not exactly sure why I'm compelled to make this post, but I am. This winter, as the temperature drops below zero outside my home, and as I celebrate a win over the hated Donkeys, some dose of reality is sinking in that needs to be said. This Christmas season, there are alot of things we can do, as individuals just because they are "the right thing" to do. This year I encourage those of you who can to find someone they can help. There are alot of kids without proper coats, shoes and clothes in poor condition. I wish I could direct you to specific places, but can't right now. If you have the time, the finances and the same kick in the craw that I do, please contact your local school, or a charity program, or a food bank, and see what you can do to help get a kid in a proper pair of shoes, a warm enough coat, and maybe some toys for Christmas. I know that many churches, school nurses/administrators, as well as local govt programs will be able to give lists "boy, age 12, size 9 shoe, likes football" type lists. For those without the financial availability to help someone in that capacity....there are Still alot of things you can do. Scoop the snow off the walk for that old widow across the street, take the son of a deployed, wounded or KIA soldier to the Y to play some ball...do something. Another option, I'm going to quote from the Michael Yon website, because I think its very true, and something you, and your children can do for less than $.50. Write a letter, have your kid draw a picture...whatever. I know, that during the holidays, many of our deployed men and women are having a tough time. "More than 150,000 troops are at war in Iraq, Afghanistan and stationed other places by land and sea. It's time to remember them, and at least send a letter. Care packages are great, but simple letters can be powerful. The Department of Defense has sorted through endless websites and charities, and does an excellent job organizing links to sites that allow people to help the troops. With a single click, people can donate books to troops, or computers, or frequent flier miles, or they can help wounded veterans or grieving families, or Iraqi children. There are so many options. http://www.americasupportsyou.mil/ " As an individual, we can all make someone's holiday brighter with very little effort. As a Group of Chief fans, think of the combined good we can do, but each doing one small gesture, that is "the right thing".
Posts: 62,945

12-07-2005, 12:17 PM	#17
chiefs4me Whatever.. Join Date: Sep 2004 Casino cash: $10004900	Well after I picked myself off of the floor after reading your post......all I can say is...... Every mall in the world has an angle tree this time of year, just pluck an angel off of the tree and buy whats on the list.....dear abby has an address in her column daily to send cards or whatever you want to our boys and girls overseas...call any school you want and they have a list of needy kids you can adopt for the holiday....if you want to help older people, call a nursing home and they will give you a person that has no family that you could buy for.....they are always needing items.... Merry Christmas to eveyone and god bless you all
Posts: 9,512

12-07-2005, 12:26 PM	#18
teedubya Most Valuable Poster Join Date: Oct 2003 Casino cash: $8993042	Good show, mr Iowanian... great idea, it truly is the Right thing to do, to help others. This year, on Black Friday, we took 7 bags of warm clothes to the Salvation Army... we intend to do this each year, as sort of a counter balance to the most materialistic day of the year, and do a bit of giving. My 4 year old really got enjoyment from giving some of his stuff... you can see where it might have an effect on him later in life. Most importantly, this Christmas season... love yourself. Because you can't love anyone else, until you learn to love yourself. Sappy, but true. And by giving, and helping you learn to love a little bit more.
Posts: 36,832

12-07-2005, 12:28 PM	#19
chiefs4me Whatever.. Join Date: Sep 2004 Casino cash: $10004900	Ali do you still want those CR bags.......I have been collecting for you for over a year now.....
Posts: 9,512

12-07-2005, 12:32 PM	#20
Dartgod Wasted away again... Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: in Margaritaville Casino cash: $3550000	Good post, Iowanian. My wife and I try to help all we can every year. The company I work for sponsors children's "Operation Santa Claus" type thing. We always pick two children even though she doesn't work here. Her company also sponsors a needy family at Christmas, furnishing clothes, toys and other needed items for someone who can't help themselves. If you will, allow me to plug a very worthwhile event: If anyone is interested, there is a dart tournament at Premier Bowling Center in Raytown, the 12th Annual Woody Dart Tournament, benefitting Toys For Tots. A donation of a toy gets you a set of the old wooden darts that you can use throughout the day. There are blind draw, doubles and singles dart tournaments going all day long as well as a charity auction in the evening. It's a great time and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys playing darts. Entry to each tournament is an additional fee. Cash will be paid back to the top finishers in each event. More details can be found at www.ramdarts.org __________________ If you shed a tear for me, please make it a tear of joy. -Joe Tracy (Nzoner) . .
Posts: 52,235

12-07-2005, 12:40 PM	#21
journeyscarab SHOCKERS BABY! Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Overland Park, KS Casino cash: $1773555	Inspiring posts. Thanks for sharing and encouraging us.
Posts: 3,414

12-07-2005, 01:10 PM	#22
bogie West Coast Chief Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: california Casino cash: $10004900	I don't have time for this, I'm trying to get a shed built! just kidding. great thread Iowanian. If we all do a little, it will make a big difference.
Posts: 3,562

12-07-2005, 04:05 PM	#23
Iowanian Supporter Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Utopia Casino cash: $1658454	Maybe my goodwill project for the Christmas season will be to encourage my neighbor to get his proper building permit, by turning him in... Coal in your stalking. Precisely my point...If we all throw 1 bale of hay on this wagon, it'll fill up quickly without overworking any one of us.
Posts: 62,945

12-07-2005, 05:21 PM	#25
FloridaChief Banned Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Tampa Casino cash: $10004900	I'm waaaay ahead of you, Iowa-dude...
Posts: 5,271

12-07-2005, 05:31 PM	#26
DTLB58 DT CARD COLLECTOR Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: ManCave Casino cash: $10005837	Great post I was talking at work a couple of days ago of something my wife likes to do during the holiday season. Every once in a while on her way to work she will stop and get a breakfast sandwhich and coffee at a fast food place. When she pulls up to pay she ask how much is the person's order in the car behind me? And then she pays for their order and tells the person working the window to tell them Merry Christmas and breakfast is on me One of the girls I work with said, but why would you do that? I said you don't get it do you? it's about GIVING! __________________ 667 Different DT cards and counting
Posts: 7,574

12-07-2005, 06:12 PM	#27
Hoover Rufus Dawes Jr. Join Date: Aug 2000 Casino cash: $-2191821	Nice job Iowanian, or whoever you are. My wife and I have decied to sponsor a child in Africa through World Vision. Its only 35 bucks a month. Thanks for the great thread.
Posts: 18,023

12-07-2005, 06:24 PM	#28
kcfanXIII Ride on! Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Galaxy far far away Casino cash: $10013172	i'm a bartender in a resturaunt, and don't make a lot. i have to work hard to earn enough extra money to do things like this. that having been said, i have no problem picking up a couple extra shifts to do it. for the past three years, i have begged my family to not exchange gifts, but instead, spoil my nephew, and adopt a family. i have everything i need, and although i appriciate the thought, and money spent on gifts bought for me, i would rather see a family from new orleans, have smile on their face. my family refuses the idea, and instead, i'm stuck worried if i'm spending enough, on them. so i am doing my part, i'm donating to the bell ringers at walmart. actually, the guy that got me started on this plays a sax, anyone heard him? he's in the kc area i saw him at the blue springs walmart. christmas carols have never sounded so sweet. i stopped to help someone who got stuck in the snow, and got stuck myself. instead of being upset, i laughed, put it in 4 low, and drove out of the ditch. thank god i don't drive a trans am, like the guy i helped. anyways, happy holidays, go chiefs!!!!!!!!!!!!!! __________________ Faster, faster, until the thrill of speed, overcomes the fear of death.
Posts: 5,470