Stories Matching 'Giving Money' Tag (151)Environment Research New Ideas Public Transportation Children Inspiration Teachers Seniors OnThe Road Grocery Store Money Workplace Animals At Home Anonymous Friendship Kindness Kindness of Strangers Courage Small Acts of Kindness Health and Wellness Generosity Sharing Family Respect Neighbors Reconciliation Smile Cards Advice Good Samaritan Giving Money Giving Ability School Church Youth Collective Arts Creative Kindness Random Act of Kindness Homeless Travel/Vacation College/University Holidays Internet Birthday Sharing Food Emergency/Disaster Community Relationships Paying-It-Forward Coffee Shop/Restaurants $100 Kindness Idea Smile Decks Thank You Serendipity Living on the Street--posted by strider, on Jan 16, 2007
comments (10) | email this | print | permalink Good Deed on a Bad Day--posted by kimmysue_1, on Jan 23, 2007
I was having a rough morning and had to go in to work, it was one of those days where everything seems to go wrong. I was waiting in a long line up for my coffee and I wondered how many other people were having rough mornings like mine. I decided to try and do something nice to help change my mood so I paid for the order for the car behind me. It was the best $5 I have ever spent. I have no idea how the people behind me reacted but it made me feel great. I hope I was able to put a smile on someone else's face because this simple act sure did put a smile on mine. I finished my day by dropping off two bags full of toys and clothes at the womens shelter in my area. My day went from bad to great. Thank you for your website and all its great tips!! comments (13) | email this | print | permalink Grandma's Ice-Cream--posted by Patricia, on Jan 28, 2007
My mother and grandmother were incredibly generous, giving, and loving people. I think that love and giving go hand in hand. comments (1) | email this | print | permalink Because I Had It--posted by Sylvia, on Feb 10, 2007 Louise M. Davies was the principal donor for the building of the very beautiful symphony hall in San Francisco. It’s named for her. A newspaper story, just after the building was inaugurated, quoted her response to an interviewer’s question: ‘Why did you give this gift of six million dollars?’ She was said to have replied, ‘Because I had it.’ Her answer was wonderful. It was so uncomplicated. It was stating the obvious. And although she could have offered an opinion (‘San Francisco needs a symphony hall with modern acoustics’) or a personal reflection (‘I’ve always loved music. It’s important to me’), ... comments (12) | email this | print | permalink An Experiment in Teaching Children Philanthropy--posted by Author Unknown, on Jan 30, 2007
comments (13) | email this | print | permalink People on the Corner--posted by Faye, on Feb 24, 2007 Many years ago my observant 7 year old was in our car on her way to school. This particular day we drove by many displaced/homeless people who were asking for help. She asked why the same people were asking for help everyday and why no one was helping. I really did not have an uncomplicated answer to this question. So I decided to ask her how she thought she could help. This beautiful little girl had so many ideas flowing out of her I couldn't keep up. There were a few good ideas flying past me just as the time ... comments (9) | email this | print | permalink Five Dollar Bus Fare--posted by Aiya, on Mar 1, 2007
A bunch of us carpooled in a van to go to the holiday prayer at the convention center and the celebrations afterwards. After visiting for hours, we were on our way home late that evening. (We live about an hour away from where we were going.) Before we dropped off someone, we noticed he didn't have enough money for the bus. He only needed 50 cents, so he kindly asked if anyone could spare some change. While everyone looked in their wallets, I remembered I had 5 dollars in my purse I was saving for coffee. I wanted to help, so I gave him all 5 dollars. And it made me happier than coffee does. :) comments (5) | email this | print | permalink Pancakes & Praise--posted by carol, on Mar 13, 2007
Late Saturday morning, the local IHOP restaurant was a zoo. Our middle-aged waiter stood out in a sea of young co-workers. He made a passing comment that he had been at it for five hours already - and so I observed him for the rest of the meal. He was a veritable Whirling Dervish, a blur of motion, carrying heavy, hot platters, stacks and stacks of plates, remembering my request for this or that. As we were leaving, I went up to him and said, "You know what? I think you should have a nice day" and slipped him a tip that exceeded the cost of our meal. When he unfolded the denomination to see what it was, he smiled and said, "This will help!" Hats off to all of the minimum-wage wait-staff out there -- hard, hard work for little money - I admire your work ethic!
comments (12) | email this | print | permalink Ten Dollar Gas For My Cab--posted by beachlove, on Mar 21, 2007
comments (15) | email this | print | permalink The Crumpled Dollar--posted by Babygirl, on Apr 8, 2007
When I was working as a waitress at a small resturant by the highway, an older gentlemen came in to purchase a cup of coffee. I recognized him because he was the gentleman who lived under the bridge that was just down the street. When he came in, he placed a crumpled dollar on the counter and asked if that was enough. I told him it was plenty, went to get his coffee and handed him a menu at the same time. He looked at me confused and I told him to order what he wanted. After his meal and a to-go bag with a fresh cup of coffee, he smiled and left. But as I was cleaning up his place, I noticed the crumpled dollar on the counter. I stood there and cried because I knew this was probably all he had. I placed the crumpled one in my apron and pulled out a ten; I asked a friend to catch up with him and give him something from me. I never saw him again but his smile stays with me even today. comments (27) | email this | print | permalink Seeing A Handful Of Pennies--posted by Jeniffer, on May 2, 2007 While getting a couple of things at a local gas station, I noticed a girl walk in and pay for her gas. She caught my attention with her very very green hair. I remembered 10 years ago when I dyed my hair purple ... and loved it!! She apologized for the cashier having to count her change as she put down a handful of pennies and a couple of nickels. She said "Believe it or not, this is suppost to get me home" At that time I was getting my change back from my purchase ($2.00) and not having anything else ... comments (20) | email this | print | permalink In Debt To Strangers--posted by singlestep, on Mar 9, 2008
comments (18) | email this | print | permalink Listening to God's Voice--posted by rrkh7, on Jun 17, 2007
comments (21) | email this | print | permalink A Forgotten Young Man--posted by manzi, on Jun 21, 2007 Some years back when I was growing up, we had a young couple who were our neighbours. They had five children and were a fairly established couple, with a car and other amenities. Since we were neighbours, their children were like my brothers and sisters. I must say they lived a good life; their parents took them to better schools than us. In 1988, though, their father passed away. Two years later, their mother died too. All of a sudden, the children became orphans. Some greedy relatives husttled the car and other valuables and the children became destitutes. They moved out ... comments (22) | email this | print | permalink A Blazer, Red Scarf, and Fifty Bucks--posted by FP, on Jun 30, 2007
comments (52) | email this | print | permalink Ice Cream Versus The Beggar--posted by zidlore, on Jul 11, 2007
I started walking from school to our house when I was in 4th grade. By that time, my allowance was just 10 pesos (about 2 dimes) -- just enough for a tricycle fare (which is 5 pesos). comments (13) | email this | print | permalink Few Bills Under A Paper Napkin--posted by Shephali, on Dec 27, 2007 He almost didn't see the old lady, stranded on the side of the road, but even in the dim light of day, he could see she needed help. So he pulled up in front of her Mercedes and got out. His Pontiac was still sputtering when he approached her. Even with the smile on his face, she was worried. No one had stopped to help for the last hour or so. Was he going to hurt her? He didn't look safe; he looked poor and hungry. He could see that she was frightened, standing out there in the cold. He knew how ... comments (42) | email this | print | permalink Two Dollars That Changed My Life--posted by Daphne, on Jul 15, 2007
comments (19) | email this | print | permalink Swift Reaction At a Circus--posted by afriendlysmile, on Jul 25, 2007 Once when I was a teenager, my father and I were standing in line to buy tickets for the circus. Finally, there was only one family between us and the ticket counter. This family made a big impression on me. There were eight children, all probably under the age of 12. You could tell they didn't have a lot of money. Their clothes were not expensive, but they were clean. The children were well-behaved, all of them standing in line, two-by-two behind their parents, holding hands. They were excitedly jabbering about the clowns, elephants and other acts they would see ... comments (22) | email this | print | permalink An Old Habit and Ten Bucks--posted by lovebug, on Aug 3, 2007
comments (15) | email this | print | permalink A Twenty In His Hands--posted by elaine, on Aug 13, 2007
This past weekend my daughter and I were at a grocery store shopping for some goodies in preparation for visiting my mom and grandmother. As we were standing at rack trying to decide what to get, I looked up an saw an elderly gentleman pick up a tomato and weigh it. He then began counting coins in his hand to see if he had enough. My daughter and I both looked at each other. We understood and smiled. She said, "How much?" I said, "Um, about 20?" She agreed, so I pulled out a $20 bill, walked over put in the gentleman's hand and closed his fingers. He looked at me astonished and speechless, as his eyes began to water. I looked him and gently said, "Enjoy. And have a pie on us." We picked up our shopping goodies, left the store with big smiles, and felt blessed to have run into that old man. comments (34) | email this | print | permalink Lo(o)se Change--posted by guin, on Aug 14, 2007
comments (26) | email this | print | permalink Pizza Hut Smiles--posted by Aurelia, on Sep 5, 2007
comments (36) | email this | print | permalink Double Double Kindness--posted by Shannanigans, on Sep 10, 2007
I was in the drive-thru at Tim Hortons by my house and had just ordered a coffee and croissant. I waited to get to the window and they handed me my order and said it had been paid for already. I curiously asked, "Who paid for it?" And the girl said, "The woman ahead of you. She does it all the time for people. And all she asks me to tell you is 'pay it forward.'" This made my entire day, and I made sure to tell everyone at work about it! The next time I was in the same drive through, I paid for the person behind me. The best part about the whole thing was that I could spend the rest of the day imagining how that person felt. I know how good it made me feel, and it stuck with me. You never know how someones day is going, and a small act like paying for a persons coffee can turn their entire day around. comments (52) | email this | print | permalink A Smile For Ice Cream--posted by HapBee, on Oct 9, 2007
I received my Smile cards and was looking for a chance to use them. I was in the Albuquerque airport on my way back to Colorado and decided to get some ice cream. comments (12) | email this | print | permalink A Jar Full of Change and a Trip to Home Depot--posted by hobo, on Oct 10, 2007
comments (30) | email this | print | permalink A Dime for a Folder--posted by mikee, on Oct 16, 2007
I have recently thought about an incredible act of compassion extended to me many years ago. comments (48) | email this | print | permalink Pass The Buck!--posted by earthling, on Oct 21, 2007
comments (24) | email this | print | permalink An Antique Coke Bottle--posted by Cyrano, on Oct 30, 2007
comments (24) | email this | print | permalink Late Night Dinner With Scott, Maia and the Host--posted by hurricane, on Oct 31, 2007
comments (10) | email this | print | permalink
|
Find Stories More Stories LOADING
Meredith's Letter From the Post Office (May 18, 2013)One Candle at a Time (May 14, 2013) Found on the NYC Subway (May 11, 2013) My Smile Deck Week (May 11, 2013) Girl Gets Up At 5AM To Decorate Her Entire Street (May 9, 2013) Idea of the Week Corporate Compassion.Read more in our weekly newsletter. Need help with ideas? Ask our kindness experts! |
I was headed to the UMW womens basketball game yesterday, and I saw an older man, maybe 65, sitting next to a stop sign on William Street at the intersection of Route One and William Street. He was sitting down wearing tattered clothes, and an oversized jacket. A homeless man holding a sign that said:
"Hold care in your hearts
Thanks very much
And God Bless!"
I parked my car in the Goolrick Gymnasium parking lot and walked up to the old man and asked "How are you doing?" He looked at me suprised, like I was going to injure him, kind of caught up in words he just said ... 
Once a year, I give my two children money. The only hitch is, they have to give it away. I give them each $100. They know it is a lot of money, so they are careful how they use it. It is their job to find out who in our community is doing things that they feel good about, and then decide who will get the money, and why.
Giving away money, even if it is only ten or twenty dollars, is a tremendous way to learn about the positive work people are doing right in your own neighborhood. It makes ... 
I was just starting my duty for the evening shift of driving a cab. As I pulled into a service station to get gas, I waved at the people, a local musical duet, who were pulling off.
When I got ready to gas up, the pump would not work. I went into the store to figure out why and they said that the person ahead of me drove off without paying. "Oh no, I know them, they would not knowingly do that.". The clerk told me that she would reset the pump for me but asked me if I would just ... 
V.P. Menon was a significant political figure in India during its struggles for independence from Britain.
Eldest son of twelve children, he quit school at thirteen and worked as a laborer, coal miner, factory hand, merchant, and schoolteacher. He talked his way into a job as a clerk in the Indian administration, and his rise was meteoric-- largely because of his integrity and brilliant skills in working with both Indian and British officials in a productive way. (...)
Two characteristics stood out as particularly memorable -- a kind of aloof, impersonal efficiency, and a reputation for personal charity. His daughter ... 
Several years ago, while on the job, I heard one of my co-workers saying that even after we would get our paycheck on that Friday, she would not have enough money left to buy groceries for her two boys and herself. (Like me, she was a single mom at the time.)
When we got our paychecks that Friday, I counted up all my bills and had $30 left for my two children and myself, to last till the next week's paycheck. God told me to give her $20 of my $30, but a part of me worried, "What will I do ... 
I have this college friend, Eric. One thing used and still does always intrigue me about him is how he deals with the poor.
We have a lot of poor homeless people that come walking around our neighborhood day in and day out, either collecting stuff from our trash to recycle or physically coming to the door to ask for anything. Walking to and from class you pass by at least 4-5 of them daily. Most of the time, the constant rush against time makes me pass by them without noticing, but Eric would always take the second (even if ... 
Everyday I walk down the mall to get a cup of cappuccino, and every day I get hit up for spare change. Every day. The panhandlers all have these wonderful stories but you never know what to believe. After a while it gets to be an irritation, and then I find myself getting upset that I'm so irritated over what is really just spare change.
One day this person came up to me and said, "I just ran out of gas. My car is about six blocks away from here, I have two kids in the car and I'm just trying ... 
Few months ago, a friend of mine handed me an envelope. Intrigued, I opened it and found a dollar bill.. A dollar? For what?
My friend launched into an animated articulation of how he received a gift of $20 and he decided to split it up and give a dollar to 20 of his friends to do random acts of kindness. Multiply all the goodness that comes with an offering twenty-fold!
Last week I was walking in a nearby downtown to keep a baby entertained while the rest of the family watched a movie. The downtown is really small so we ended ... 
Some 20 years ago, I went to a huge antique show at the local fairgrounds. After perhaps an hour of shopping, I found a nice collectible Coke bottle and since it bore no price tag, I asked the older gentleman behind the table
how much he wanted for it. He told me it was $5.00, and since that was a good price, I bought it, and put it in my bag with my other purchases.
This antique show was the largest in the state, boasting thousands of dealers, and 7.2 miles of tables.
Perhaps 45 minutes later, I had shopped most of my ... | Home | About Us | Our Friends | Get Involved | Contact us |  |  |  |