Mid-year inspiration

It's been awhile, but don't worry. We've been up to some good these past several months, including several repeated projects (trash collection, recycling, lending hands to friends, relatives and perfect strangers). But I confess I haven't made the daily effort I made last year. Sometimes I realize it's been days since I've done anything notable, but then Dad points out "charity includes the things you do for your own family."

Today I came upon this inspirational collection of stories about a variety of people and organizations who have acted charitably on a number of levels. Slate also has some ideas for how to lend a helping hand. I hope these collections inspires you, too.

What have you done for your community lately? Please share your stories here and inspire us all.

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Neighbor Kid CHOOSES to Pick Up Trash!

Photo by Maurice Lewton

Today I was driving home from the hardware store when I spotted a neighborhood teen on the other side of a county water district fence. At his feet, was one very large plastic bag he was stuffing with trash. On the sidewalk were two more bags, already filled.

I stopped to find out what he'd done to earn the "honor" of cleaning up the trash so many seem to feel OK sending over the fence. As I pulled up, his mom crossed the street to talk to me. It seems the boy, a freshman at a local high school, chose the project as his own!

"I've been trying to get my kids involved in community service, but there aren't a lot of opportunities for them. Then he asked if he could clean up this area," she said.

Her daughter, like my youngest, loves animals, but our local shelter does not allow volunteers younger than 12, so her keen daughter, mine and other young potential volunteers aren't welcome. Both of my daughters, unusually knowledgeable about California mission history for their ages, signed up to serve as docents with La Purisima Mission in Lompoc, but we were just told volunteer docents must be 9 or older. The 7 year old would not be allowed to tag along, either. Since we travel in a pack, that means another volunteer effort shot down.

(sigh)

I was super glad to see someone else taking neighborhood cleanup seriously, though. Thanks, Neighborhood Teen, for making a difference!


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Year-end Wrap Up - What I Learned

The project:
Perform one charitable deed each and every day in 2009.

Time:
Sometimes moments, sometimes hours or even days completing numerous deeds over the course of the year.

Why bother?
We live in a rough and tumble world where it seems people are becoming increasingly alienated from each other. Times have certainly changed from those in which tribal members depended upon each other, neighbors counted on each other in times of need, watched after each other, or at least knew each other on sight. Thanks to technology and a shift in cultural values, it seems we have too many "more important things" to do than to take the time to play active roles in building healthy communities. In most cases, there are two incomes to maintain in addition to the household and, for many, children. There are vehicles to maintain, the Internet to surf, cable shows with which we just MUST keep pace.

Or so it seems.

In fact, if we want to live in healthier, happier communities, we need to turn off the TV and the Internet now and again, to walk our neighborhoods, to step back from the self-imposed social obligations and take a breath, to do with a little less so we can afford this time together. In doing so, we can all see what needs to be done to make our communities safer, healthier places.

As 2008 came to a close, I wondered what difference a family might make if it performed just one thing every single day to help build community, to help neighbors, family, friends and strangers. They didn't have to be big things; little gestures were welcome as well as grander projects. Would it make a difference at all? (These were my original thoughts.) I opted to blog about our family's experiences throughout the year in hopes of inspiring others to contribute to their communities, and to keep us on track.

Worth it?
Making the effort and sharing our actions through this blog were worth the time and energy, though I confess it was a sort of depressing project in the end. We started out with plenty of energy and performed some larger projects early in the year, but it didn't take long to see these efforts were less than a drop in the bucket. Trash picked up today didn't help an area become less trashy; there would be trash there again on our next visit. If anything, I learned my deeds alone, however small or grand, don't make enough of a difference. I need help. We all need each other's help to make this world a safer, healthier, happier place.

The world has bigger problems than trash in the streets; problems homemade blankets and door opening can't even begin to resolve. There are bloody wars going on all over the world. Gang violence breeds a different sort of terrorism right here in our own country. People are starving while others grow fat, many on foods advertised as healthy but, in fact, deathly by design. Too many drink their bathwater, or no water at all, while others flush it down the drain in the name of attractive decor. Pop stars and politicians demonstrate a declining moral code, though I suspect this can be blamed on a media glut as much as a shift in basic character.

It was that lack of character, I believe, which helped me become disenchanted with several programs as I came into contact with too many recipients who lack the character to understand these programs were put into place to help those truly in need, not to make life easier for slackers. Something is wrong when people too lazy to look for a job choose instead to pick up donations of free food from pantries or meal programs intended for those IN NEED. Something is wrong when toys intended for children with little or nothing are picked up by children who are happy to tell you about the new flat-screen TV their parents just installed, or the gifts awaiting them under the tree.

It was also disappointing to learn that I couldn't even make a change close to home. I'm not sure there were any fewer litterbugs in my neighborhood after we started picking up trash. There still seemed to be as much trash as ever as incredibly inconsiderate people opted to toss their trash out car windows or into the gutters as they walked or rode their bikes rather than to continue carrying it to a trash can. Taking the trash cans in (or out) for neighbors, picking up their newspapers when they were out of town, didn't spark more neighborly assistance.

It would be easy to give up, like too many others, withdraw into our little home and say, so be it, let someone else lend a hand, I'm too busy. It would be so easy to allow those freeloaders to put a damper on a donor's spirits, to take the wind out of the sails of a volunteer. But what purpose would that serve? Still there would be people in need of our help, whether or not we ever see them.

If anything, I learned we all need to do more - MUCH more. If everyone would pick up after themselves, if everyone would lend a hand to a neighbor or a stranger, if everyone would turn off the media and start thinking for themselves, maybe then we could turn the tide. If we spent more money on protecting humanity than we do competing with each other regardless of the cost if we spent more time enjoying each other than fighting with each other, if we'd take the time to listen to each other and hear the needs, maybe then we could be the ones to make the difference. Until then, some of us will continue to lend a hand, rise to the occasion and try to make a difference one charitable deed at a time.

What will YOU do to make a difference?

Photos courtesy Teseum, Franco Folini, Thomas Hawk and Haldun Kececegil under Creative Commons license.Share this post with:

Trash Pickup - Marshall Gold Discovery State Park

The project:
Pick up trash during a visit to Marshall Gold Discover State Park, the site of the gold discovery that led to the 1849 Gold Rush.

Time:
Minutes

Why bother?
There were quite a few people here for the special holiday happenings. Even if California State Parks was operating at full power, which it isn't, it would have been tough for employees to keep up.

Worth it?
Sure. It's a simple way to help.

Photo courtesy Scott E. under Creative Commons license.

Trash Pickup - American River Parkway

The project:
Pick up trash during a walk in the American River Parkway, Greater Sacramento, California.

Time:
A few minutes here and there as we hiked for a few hours.

Why bother?
The trash was there, and so were we.

Worth it?
This 23-mile park preserve along the American River in the Sacramento area is a great natural resource. If city planners did NOTHING else right, THIS was a great move. There are more than 100 miles of hiking and biking trails, and loads of natural area to explore. It's a resource well worth keeping free of trash.

Neighborhood Trash

The project:
Once again, picking up trash in the neighborhood.

Time:
20 minutes

Why bother?
No matter how much we pick up, there always seems to be more, even in our relatively neat neighborhood. I carried a bag with me, took a walk for some exercise, and helped clean up the neighborhood.

As noted in a previous post about cleaning up trash, a study has shown that trashed areas gather not only more trash, but also more graffitti and other vandalism. I like to think I'm helping our neighborhood keep on the bright side by picking up after others.

Worth it?
I suppose - but it's wearing thin. Am I the only one in the neighborhood who gives a hoot? (Does it matter if I am?)

Feeling Uninspired - and busy - and overwhelmed

Dear Readers: I'm sorry to have fallen behind in my online reporting of my attempts at being charitable in everyday living. While I've been keeping old-fashioned, pen-and-pad notes, I haven't carved out time to blog on this site for several days because I've been inundated here with other distractions, chiefly wrapping up work on Best Family Adventures: Santa Barbara County which is due out in a matter of months. So, allow me to catch up:
As I look back at the deeds done this year, I feel underwhelmed. Some took more time than others. Most were simple daily projects. And even though some of the larger projects were done with the best intentions, there were recipients of these services who actually complained.

These little deeds, do they matter? I believe Mr. Seeger is correct, but it still takes a LOT of people doing little things to make a real difference. On my block, nothing has changed. While we bring in papers and trash cans for neighbors when they're away, ours sit out on the curb and driveway awaiting our return.

Mr. B once told me I'm too tit-for-tat. Maybe he's right. I know my expectations of people are too high, but it's hard to let go of that. Having no expectations is practically impossible, and having low expectations is just plain depressing. Still, why, if I do a favor for anyone else, should I expect anything in return? I guess I figure a simple "thank you" or a smile is a common courtesy when you've opened the door for someone, or offered a hand. I figure being neighborly is a simple gesture toward the common good in today's compact neighborhoods.
We do have some bigger projects lined up for the next few weeks, but as the holidays come upon us, and I feel more overwhelmed than ever at the obligations of adult life, I'll back off again to select simple, quick deeds over big projects.
Today's project:
Respond to players' requests for photos shot at this weekend's games. This is the last week I'll be taking photos of the team. The season is almost complete and I'd like to just sit back and watch a couple of games before it's over.

Time:
About an hour.

Why bother?
I thought it would be fun to take pictures during the girls' youth soccer games, and I thought others would enjoy some photos, too. It's a skill I can share, and in this digital age, it's easier than ever to do so.

Worth it?
For the most part, I'd say this project was worth it. Most of the families requested photos, and responded warmly to the gesture. Some parents gushed with compliments, and the coach was very happy with his year-end photo album provided by the team.

But it doesn't take much to burst my balloon. Two families actually complained about the project. One because the mother said I didn't take enough photos of her daughter. (Hint: I take action photos. If your daughter doesn't go after the ball, I'm unlikely to capture action shots of her.) The other because taking photos was "just too much work." ("Why don't you just get him a gift card?")

My mistake in this project is that I didn't ask the parents first if they'd be interested. If I do this again, which I probably will, I'll ask the parents, and avoid shots of any kids whose parents react less than enthusiastically.

Recycle for the Future - The Future is Now

"Waste Stream" courtesy UrbanWoodsWalker under Creative Commons License.

The project:
Deliver our collection of recyclables to the buy-back center.

Time:
20 minutes (new center - longer wait - I think I'll carry on with the old center)

Why bother?
In 1987, California adopted the California Beverage Container Recycling and Litter Reduction Act (AB 2020), also known as the Bottle Bill. The idea - to get Californians to recycle, to stop trashing the parks and roadsides by giving them financial incentive to recycle their soda cans and bottles, among other recyclable materials. Maybe I have a special affinity for it because I remember one of my moms pushing for this, though it seemed like it was LONG before 1987. Or maybe it's just because it makes more sense to me to smash up used pop containers and turn them into something else we can use rather than continuing to mine for brand new, fresh materials.

Worth it?
Yep. It take a little time and it's not much, but it adds up. Our trash will be turned into something new, the money goes in the girls' college savings, our garage recycling pile is cleaned out.

Soccer Setup & Tear Down (and trash, too)

The project:
Help set up and tear down the nets for youth soccer, and pick up trash after the games.

Time:
30 minutes total

Why bother?
Our girls are playing soccer this year. Whichever teams arrive first and play last have to set up and tear down the goals. Today, one girl was at a crack of foggy morning game, the other at the end of sunny afternoon. Sure, there are OTHER parents who could've done this, but why should we leave it to them?

We couldn't figure out WHICH of the six fields our girls were playing on, so we just started setting up goals. Turns out we set up two of the fields our girls would NOT be using. GOOD THING other parents came! It would've taken the two of us a LONG time to get all that stuff in place. (And, man, are those goals heavy!)

Afterward, there was a bit of trash around, so I picked up all that I could find and delivered it to the bins. One less thing for the janitor to do - and gripe about - in the morning.

Worth it?
Yes.

Pick up Trash - again - and Recycle

The project:
Pick up trash in the gutter; deliver a load of recyclable glass, plastic and aluminum to the recycling center; deliver a coat, books, toys and other kid clothes to the shelter thrift store.

Time:
30 minutes all together

Why bother?
The trash was in the gutter right by the van when I parked. It's not that tough to pick it up. I recycle because it's good for our children, and their children, and their grandchildren. I delivered goods to the shelter store because we're finished with them and I don't see just trashing good stuff someone else can use.

Worth it?
YES!

Trash at Soccer

The project:
Pick up a trashed cup on the way to soccer and place it in the garbage bin nearby.

Time:
Moments - by Mr. B

Why bother?
It really isn't so difficult, and it helps the place look nicer.

Worth it?
Yes.

Trash, Sir, at Big Sur

The project:
Pick up trash around camp and on the trail during a midweek getaway to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.

Time:
Moments here and there.

Why bother?
It seems there's nowhere on this Earth where trash isn't being left behind, blown into nooks and crannies or tossed out in the open. It's easy enough to pick it up. We tend to leave our campsite better than we found it. We do the same for trails.

Worth it?
Yes.

Photo courtesy BurningMax under Creative Commons License.

Pick up Trash - again

The project:
Pick up trash on the school grounds where our kids play soccer.

Time:
Negligible.

Why bother?
See any of the previous notes about trash and recycling for more detail, but basically...because it looks terrible and it's easy to fix.

Worth it?
Yes.

Carry Out Backpackers' Trash

The project:
Carry out a rusty, worn out BBQ grill left behind in the wilderness.

Time:
2 hours, but we were going that way anyhow.

Why bother?
Trash sucks...no matter where folks leave it. Sometimes back country travelers will stash supplies like a grill or perhaps a fire sheltering tool, but this was trash left out in the elements, covered in pine needles and grown over with plants. It was rusty, and basically falling apart.

Worth it?
Yes - plus, we made use of it as a cooking tool for our last night in camp before folding, twisting and otherwise tweaking it small enough to fit a pack.

What Comes Around Goes Around

The project:
A circle of deeds that began with a pile of wood diverted from the dump to appreciative ranchers, and ended with a pile of horse manure in my front yard and a clean trailer returned.

Time:
Just over an hour to complete the cycle (plus 20 minutes drive time).

Why bother?
Throughout the weekend and early portion of this week I watched as a "neighbor" down the street filled a trailer with an amazing array of wood as he renovated his backyard, tore down and built a new fence and who knows what other home improvement projects. These weren't rotted scraps, but the remaining 4- to 6-foot segments of 2x4s, some 4x4s, six or eight SHEETS of press board and ply wood from projects new and not so very old, I'd guess.

Yesterday evening I stopped by and asked this stranger if the trailer was dump bound. Sure enough! It seemed like such a waste to me! The girls and I have been riding horses on a ranch where there's always something that needs to be built or repaired. These dump-bound scraps would do the trick.

I explained the situation and asked if I could tow the trailer out to share the goods. After overcoming his astonishment, he was more than happy to turn over the trailer and its contents to me for the morning.

This morning, while throwing and stacking the wood alongside the tack shed, it occurred to me the trailer would be perfect for hauling manure back home. (It's tough to do that in a minivan, and our sandy garden was in desperate need of fertilization - there's plenty of that with so many horses on hand there.) I pulled the trailer alongside our own Bandini mountain and within minutes was ready to head for home where I spread the goodies throughout the garden, then swept out the trailer before returning it, empty and clean, to the grateful wood donor.

No dump fee for him.
Free wood for the ranch.
Free manure for me.
Less material tossed in our landfill.

Worth it?
Are you kidding me! It was worth it just to get the wood for someone else, and to keep the usable stuff out of the landfill! It doesn't make sense to continue buying NEW wood at THESE prices when these NEW bits will do the trick and then some. Saved friends and a neighbor some cash, saved some space in the landfill for REAL trash.

The pile o' poop for my own garden was just a bonus.

Photo courtesy Joi under Creative Commons License.

Donate to Local Thrift Store or Shelter

The project:
Donate some of our belongings to the local thrift store that benefits various shelters in the area.

Time:
90 minutes including going through belongings with our children (THAT will slow anyone down), sorting clothes, and delivery

Why bother?
While the media continues to holler about the tough times the world is experiencing, we do, indeed, continue to live in a age of plenty, in a society of too much, and, in most cases, homes too too small to continue collecting stuff, whether useful or not. Go ahead - argue the point. But look around you first. Are you online? Are you sitting at your OWN computer? In your OWN home? Did you eat well tonight? Perhaps far too well? Do your closets contain more than a week's worth of clothes? How about your children's collections of books and toys, not to mention your own collection. Honestly, unless we're living on the streets out of a shopping carts, or in shelters, or in a home housing several families, we're still living in plenty despite economic struggles relative to our recent pasts.

Our kids recently received some clothes from friends. Before going through the new things, the kids and I went through their closets and drawers, pulling out stained, torn and incredibly worn things, clothes they'd grown out of or which, for whatever reason, they didn't like anymore. They received new things one-for-one. While I did not receive new items, my collection of clothing, however simple, has grown. It seemed only fair (and logical) that I should go through my things as well. I went through my clothes, but also my bookshelves and kitchen, plus the garage.

One of the girls saw a shirt I handed off.

"Mom! I thought you liked that shirt with the flowers on it!"

"I do. But I don't have room for everything I like. I don't have room for everything I want. So, I have to make choices, just like you're making choices. I chose to keep the things I like even better. Someone else will like this shirt, too."

Is it wasteful to give up things that are not yet worn to the nubbins? Perhaps, if you're throwing them away. I don't think so, however, when we donate them to someone else who may be able to use them. (Ratty clothes, worn clothes, stained clothes, however, find their way to the recycling and trash bins.)

Worth it?
Yes - I feel a bit more relieved now that our clothes can more easily be put away, and the house feels slightly less cluttered. I'm fairly certain we could do a better job in the future.

Clean Up Camp

The project:
Clean up after the campers who came before us.

Time:
A few minutes here and there over the course of two nights' stay.

Why bother?

The campers before us were pigs. Really. They were the prime example of why public access becomes limited. Trash in the fire ring, trash spread around the site, trash bag semi-buried.

Seriously, People!

If you're going to &*$# in the woods, bury it properly. No plastic bag!

Worth it?

Absolutely - but a shame we had to do it.

Putting out the fire: Even ashes need to be cooled - completely soaked - DEAD OUT!

Store Help

The project:
Pick up parking lot trash, help clean freezer, restock shelves, take out trash at family member's store.

Time:
Hmmm...an hour total perhaps

Why bother?
In order:
Trash in the lot never looks good, yet people figure SOMEONE will pick it up. Today, that someone was me.

Freezer cases need maintenance. It's not too tough to lend a hand.

Stocking shelves, alphabetizing anything really, is right up my alley.

Taking trash out has arisen as a major theme of this blog; clearly a great need in our society.

Worth it?
Yes, on all fronts, because any effort is much appreciated by this recipient.

Photo courtesy Jacob Christensen under Creative Commons license.

New Ideas welcome

I'm picking up trash daily, at this point. Recycling is an everyday thing, too, with plastic bags multiplying in spite of our efforts not to use them. Turns out we use recyclable plastic for a LOT of things besides grocery bags. (We are lots better at taking our reusable bags to the grocery store now.)

We'll soon be heading north for a little vacation, but could use some refreshing ideas. Please post here. :)

Trash in Paradise

The project:
Pick up trash at Alameda Park - Kid's World.

Time:
Minutes

Why bother?
Trash cans everywhere, but still the trash is stashed in corners and tossed throughout the structure. Very sad.

Worth it?
I suppose. Someone had to pick it up. I was there and it really wasn't a big deal.