During hard times, small gestures make a big difference
KINGWOOD — With the doom and gloom of the pandemic, acts of kindness and compassion can make a difference in someone’s life.
“I was waiting in line with my grandson at the Department of Motor Vehicles last Friday when an elderly lady with a cane got in line,” Alix Evans said.
She said 20 to 25 people were in line.
“There was a young soldier at the front of the line. He saw the lady and went back and led her up to his place in line. Then he took her place at the back of the line,” she said. “I was impressed. This young kid representing our military gave up his spot in line for someone else.”
Evans said when the gentleman at the very front of the line saw what the young soldier did, he told the lady she could take his place, too. This put her as first to be waited on.
“We (Evans and her grandson) were about eighth in line and we had to wait almost three hours before we could go in and be waited on,” she said. “You stand outside with no restroom or anything. That’s what makes what that soldier did even more impressive. He had a very long wait.”
Another good deed took place at Arthurdale Heritage Inc. (AHI) recently.
AmeriCorps worker Claire Tryon’s first day on the job at AHI was Jan. 13.
AmeriCorps personnel live in one of the AHI houses while working for the nonprofit organization.
Although fully furnished, Tryon found there were no dishes in the cupboard.
But before she could buy a set, something unexpected happened.
“The first day I moved in, two local people bought a set of dishes and gave them to me,” Tryon said.
Not all acts of kindness are directed toward humans.
Samantha Cramer, secretary at the Preston County Animal Shelter, said kindness gifts are received at the shelter in the form of pet food, treats, collars and other needed pet supplies.
She said many of the packages come anonymously.
“We get packages with no notes or names in them,” Cramer said.
She said people sometimes leave unexpected donations to the shelter in their wills.
A bit of goodwill on the part of the Preston County Deputy Sheriff’s Association, Hovatter’s Zoo and the people who donated time and money for the Shop with a Deputy Program last year resulted in a huge act of kindness for 40 children.
The children were given Christmas gifts, hot chocolate and a ride through the zoo’s Wild Lights display.
Being kind even has its own website: www.randomactsofkindness.org/
It has downloadable random acts of kindness calendars and posters, coloring pages, tips on how to get inspired and even information for educators.
Whether you want to start a kindness jar, a blessing bag or just write a note to someone who has changed your life, this website will teach you how to go about it.
To donate to the Preston County Animal Shelter, call 304-329-3461; Email: prestoncountyanimals@yahoo.com; or go to www.petfinder.org/shelters/WV70.html
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