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Tuesday, December 20, 2011
A Little Holiday Cheer
Check out this article. Have you ever know someone who did something similar? How could you make somebody's life a little better as this year closes.
112 comments:
MeMaN
said...
I do not know someone that did something similar. My parents have never done his and my grandparents never have done this before. Someone life could be better by getting them a gift that is something that they might like and will make their day. I think that this is nice because everyone deserves a gift during the holiday, no one should have no gifts. No matter whom they are.
I do not know someone that did something similar. My parents have never done his and my grandparents never have done this before. Someone life could be better by getting them a gift that is something that they might like and will make their day. I think that this is nice because everyone deserves a gift during the holiday, no one should have no gifts. No matter whom they are.
@ MeMaN I agree with you, I never have met anyone that has done this. I also agree that everyone should receive a gift during the holidays, no matter who they are or what they have done.. This is one of the things Christmas is a bought.
I don't know anyone that is so kind, but if i did they probably would have a big heart. I think that because someone that only thinks about themselves would probably not do such a blessing. I think that the only way to make someones holiday better is to just make them happy. "The smallest gift is often the most appreciative."
I never done this whom anyone else i know. I think this is a great thing because homless peaple have no good family because if they did they wouldnt live on the streets and they dont have enough money to buy someone a gift expecally not them selfs. This is why this is a good thing
I agree with MeMaN because like in my comment I said I have never seen anyone do this even in my own family and I also agree to that who ever donates $70-100 has a really big heart.
I have never done this or seen anyone do this but these people are probably the top competitors for Santa's nicest person of the year. These people are really nice because they are helping others pay of there debt in an economy that is crumbling and every cent matters.To me one of the forms of nice is when you help others in tight situations, which is exactly what these people are doing.
I also agree with MeMaN because we both have also never seen or known anyone to this like me. Also I agree that these people have a big heart because to me people who do charity work or help out are very nice which means to me that you have big heart. So to me these people are very nice from there generosity.
I have never met someone so kind, but I applaud anybody who has ever doe something like that. I believe the gift of giving is the most precious gift of them all and I think anybody who gives that gift has a heart of gold. I think we all need inspiration to do something kind for others, and I think this little article might be my inspiration for the new year. In conclusion, I don't really know anybody who does such ind things, but during the new year I'd love to start.
I have never met anyone that has done that nice.The Holiday is not about receiving its about giving.I have met nice people in my life but not that nice.This person must of thought that Holiday is for spreading cheer and not keeping all to your self.When I read this article I wanted to cry.For this person was so generous.
@AVgleek17, I agree with you all the way. I love the sentence you wrote:"I think we all need inspiration to do something kind for others, and I think this little article might be my inspiration for the new year." That was amazing I thoughtyou were roght on target with this.
@ AVgleek17 I aree with you. we do all need insperation to kind things for other . If we do kind things for others, than they might do something kind for you in return. People should do nice things from the generosity, not from you whating something in return. This is why you are correct and everyone else that did this.
I feel that my mom is like this. She always donates a lot of time, energy, and expensive presents for people in need. For example she always helps out with the giving tree. She adopts many families and buys them all of the gifts they want plus more! She also donates a whole day of her non-stop time to organize and give out the gifts. She also helps out in school, was president of the PTO, helps out around Monroe, and was on the committee to find the superintendent. I feel that this is similar because she is always trying to help the needy and do as much as she can around holiday time!!!!
I agree with MeMaN that everyone deserves a gift. He said, "Everyone deserves a gift no matter who they are." This is true because the less fortunate people in the world do not have enough money to buy presents even though they me be very hard working and kind people. Even if you are mean and nasty your gift should be the gift of kindness. Therefor everyone deserves a gift even if it is kindness or just regular toys. Everyone should feel happy and loved around the holiday time because it is a time for cheer!
I know only one person who does something like this. My mom's friend donated quilts during winter one year. She made quilts by herself instead of buying them. Later, she sent them to a placee. Then that place gave the quilts to homeless people. I could make someone's life better by donating money for poor people who can't buy a present during Christmas. This would make there lives better because it would give them a little joy.
@Kayleigh, I agree with you. I have met very nice people throughout my life, but definitely not as nice as the people in this article. When you said, "Holiday is not about receiving its about giving", I feel the same way and think all of us can do our share to help the less fortunate out. Therefore, I think you have the same feelings about the holidays and how helping is a great present to give.
I think just by looking at the title of the article, i think it is way stupid because it is "secret" santas giving out layaway balances. I think this because I don't even understand what it is talking about! So why would I want to read it?
There are many similar events relating to this, especially around the holidays, where someone pays off another person's debt. Something similar to the secret Santa in K-mart wasn't necessarily a debt but it was when people donate to the families in Monroe. They have a tree in the library with pieces of paper hanging from the trees like ornaments and on those cards say what people need less fortunate than us. My family usually donates to them. This is like the secret Santa in the article because people are both donating to good causes and people who need help.
I think that that this is a great thing for people to do for others. This holiday season. There are so many people out there that cant afford to buy gifts.Its so kind to help and give a few dollors to help them have a happy holiday. Like kmart some people are pay for gifts who cant affoed them. This is a great way to share the gift of giving.
I think that that this is a great thing for people to do for others. This holiday season. There are so many people out there that cant afford to buy gifts.Its so kind to help and give a few dollors to help them have a happy holiday. Like kmart some people are pay for gifts who cant affoed them. This is a great way to share the gift of giving.
I agree with Unknown when he/she says, "I could make someone's life better by donating money for poor people who can't buy a present during Christmas." I agree with this because giving to people that cannot afford it especially during the holiday is definitely doing something nice. I think this because Christmas is about giving rather than receiving and to give to people who truly need i,t is better than doing nothing at all.
Kayleigh said... "The holiday is about giving." i agree with her because, by giving something to someone else it makes you feel better than receiving. You are making others feel wanted and special. That is what the holiday is all about.
I don't know anyone like this but I would like to meet these kind of people and be more like them. I can help out this year by donating my gifts to those in need because others could use them. Many people are low on money and can't afford to buy their kids Christmas gifts. According to current reports that 20% of children in the U.S. are in poverty. These kids' parents can't afford to buy them gifts and could use mine. Therefore, since many children may not get gifts for Christmas I could help out and be more altruistic by donating mine.
I think i could make someone's christmas better by donating to a can drive or giving something to the bridgeport rescue mission. I know that this would help because people who are poor need thing like socks shoes winter coats. stuff that we take for granted. i know that people need these things because our anouncements(http://www.facebook.com/pages/Monroe-STEM-Academy/144602055593040) say that they do every morning. this proves that people need socks because they told the monroe schools that the people that the serve need socks.
@Kayleigh I agree with you because you and I both think that the holiday is about giving and not receiving. I think this because this gives other people happiness and joy. Many people are poor and can't afford a present during the holidays. So they could get some joy if people gave them gifts during this time of year. So I agree with you because we both believe that Christmas time is about giving and spreading joy to others.
I don't know anyone like this. I could make someone's life a little better as this year closes because it easy to give. The people at Kmart payed off people's balances that were about $70-$100. I can give food to a food pantry for Christmas. This is one easy thing to do, and anyone can do this. Therefore, I can do this because giving is an easy thing to do.
I don't know anyone like this. I could make someone's life a little better as this year closes because it easy to give. The people at Kmart payed off people's balances that were about $70-$100. I can give food to a food pantry for Christmas. This is one easy thing to do, and anyone can do this. Therefore, I can do this because giving is an easy thing to do.
@G-MAN I agree with you that you can donate your gifts to the needy because they are the ones who need it more. You said that most people are low on money and they are the ones who need the stuff that some other people are getting. Therefore, I agree with you because the needy are in more need than others.
No, I have never "seen" someone do something like this to this extreme, but I do know that my mom donates to a couple charities, espescially during the holidays. I usually think that since it technically is "the season of giving", it sort of gives people a good chance to help other people out. I believe that the best way to make somebody's life a little better is to show kindest to them and maybe give them a gift, whether home-made or bought. I just think that it shows to them that you care, which could really make somebody feel that much better!
I agree with your comment on Kayleigh's post because you stated that the holiday is about giving. You said that, " I think this because this gives other people happiness and joy." You also said that, "Many people are poor and can't afford a present during the holidays. So they could get some joy if people gave them gifts during this time of year." Therefore, since I also said that during this time year is the best for making someone feel good and spread joy, I agree with your post.
I do know someone one who did something like this, and actually it was this year! Father Skip from my church went to Bridgeport and gave out warm winter jackets for the people that couldn’t afford them. This is like what the others did at Kmart because they were trying to give during the holiday season, and so was Father Skip. Christmas is about giving, isn’t it?
@Kayleigh I completely agree with you. Some people think Christmas is about getting all the new gadgets that you want, but really it’s about giving to people that need it most. This is important to me because people need to realize what other people do for their community, then they might get their act together, help the community, and really get in the holiday spirit.
My parents have done similar actions to the "Secret Santas". For example, one of my Mommykin's friends had been sick for a very long time and had to undergo a procedure, but failed to have enough insurance to pay for it. Both my parents knew how much the procedure meant to her, so they decided to fill an envelope with money and drop it off at her house. Thanks to my wonderful mother and father, the procedure was successful! My parents and the "Secret Santas" are similar because they are doing good deeds without asking for anything in return. If everyone acted like these role models, the holidays, let alone everyday life, would have a little more cheer.
@abc123comewithme I agree with you because if we both donated clothes to the Bridgeport Rescue Mission, it would make their holidays brighter. Although clothes have a big impact on making someones life easier, Christmas is not all about material. Because of former experiences, I know that the majority of the people at the BRM like to have company. This is how we could really make an impact on their lives to make them happier. We would be donating stories, and laughs, and smiles which compared to materials are priceless.
I do know someone who did this, and it was me. Last year, my mom wanted to get my dad a really good gift, but she thought it was too expensive. I paid some of it so he could be happy. Therefore, since I helped pay for my mom's gift to my dad, I did something similar to the "secret Santas" an Kmart.
@ Peter P I agree with you that anyone could make someone's Christmas better. Like you said, anyone could donate food to the Monroe Food Pantry. People could also donate coats to the poor, money to the needy, and so on. Therefore, since anyone can donate something, we can all make someone's Christmas present.
I do no someone who has done something like this; my grandma. Each year before school starts she goes out and buys school supply's for at least 3 different grades. She donates these to those who can't afford supplies. Also each year before Christmas she goes out and buys an abundant of gifts for the homeless shelter. This season is defiantly about giving to those who need it the most!
@Emma I agree with you because it a great gesture to give extra dollars for those who need them for presents and warm winter clothing. Also for those you buy presents for others then for themselves is what the holidays are about! Therefore those "Secret Santa's" who helped the community and others too deserve a thank-you.
I do not some one who hs done something like this, not personally, I heard of other compines buying toys and clothes for children and faimlies who can not afford them. Some companies even buy new houses for homeless people. I could make some one's life a little better, by buying some one less fortunet a present, and some clothes and jackets to less fortunet people and children, because giving is the greatest gift of all, and that is the true meaning of chrismas.
@Lauren I agree with you that the season is about giving to those in need, instead of getting. Giving is the greatest gift of all, the feeling of making someone life have a some joy, the feeling of having done a good deed. The greatest gift is truly giving, and that really is the true meaning of Chrismas.
One way to make someone's life better this year is to start the layaway craze all over the country because those who aren't wealthy enough to buy as much as they want for the holidays will get some of that ability back. This is because instead of using your holiday money for something in layaway, you now have all that money that you didn't spend to get more of whatever you need for your family. This wonderful idea only exists in five states, and if we did it all over the country everyone would have more money to spend this holiday season. Therefore, we could make someone's holiday better by spreading paying layaway debts all over the country.
@ Magicman523 I agree that the smallest gifts are often the most appreciable because the best gifts are from the heart. I know this because getting something storebought that any kid would get doesn't say anything about how much the giver cares about you. However, getting something homemade or little that you really wanted says that they took the time and effort to think and get/make what you really wanted. It may not be the biggest gift, but it shows that they really wanted to make you smile, and that's what's important. This is why the best gifts are from the heart.
I think that people can help other people have a better end of the year by volunteering at charities. There are so many people out there who don't have homes and can't afford food. By volunteering, you could really make their lives more bearable. I know that even at the Monroe Food Pantry, they're grateful for every little thing. That is why I think that by volunteering at charities, you could really help people and make a difference in someone's life.
@MeMan I agree with you that everyone should have a gift during the holidays. I think that something as simple as opening a present can really warm someone's heart. People really need this during the holiday season and like you said, no one should have no gifts. Not having a gift can really be a sad reminder of your financial situation or some other possibly bad thing. That is why I agree with you that no one should be without a gift during the holidays.
Yes, there are some people that i know of that do the same thing as these people did. My mom for one thing does this by donating things and if we every pass the people that stand near the doors of stores dreesed up in santa, we would donate some money. My family in total donate clothes to eachother. We do this especially to my aunt and uncle who have 2 children that are very young so, if any clothes are too small we give it to a smaller person in our family. Therefore, I do know someone that does the same thing thing as those people did.
@ MeMaN I do not agree with you on how you said that you did not know anyone that did the same thing as those people did. I disagree with this becasue I do know some one that does this. Have you ever donated cloths to anyone ( Family or friends) ? Have you ever donated some money to the people that stand out the doors of store dressed up in Santa suits? That is why I disagree with you saying how you did not know anyone.
I know many people that are like "Secret Santa", but my grandparents are my role models in this doing. This is because they don't just do this in the Holiday season, but all year-round. They support the Bridgeport Rescue Mission and they donate stuff for the less fortunate. I think having a heart for others is such a great thing and everyone should do what these "Secret Santas" do! That is who I know who is like a "Secret Santa"!
@ abc123comewithme..... I agree with you because doing stuff for others is always a great thing and Christmas time is the season of giving. I also think that you should do that because it will put a smile on someones face and when I see someone smiling, it makes me smile and feel good and it good be for something as simple as that. That is why I agree with you.
I personally have never heard of someone doing such a nice thing for others, for no reason. I'm sure there are many people that do this type of action, on an every day basis, or that have done pleasant deeds for others, and they just don't get as much recognishon. Perhaps thats why all of these "Secret Santas'" are doing it; to become famous, or to be known as a hero. While these citizens help pay off K-Mart layaways, perchance I could try doing something like that but on a more mangeable scale. I could help out at the Monroe Food Pantry, or maybe collect bottles, and cans around the town, and cash them in for some money, and give the money to some type of charity. Actions such as this could help people, they're also jobs that people the same age as me could do.
@ bieberlover10 I agree with the fact of everyone trying to do what these "Secret Santas" do. But don't you think for some people its maybe not so easy to just throw 100$ and more out for someone elses celebration? Although not everyone can become these secret Santas, perhaps everyone can do something else thats quite selfless, that helps others out. Perhaps something like, helping out at soup kitchens, or maybe volunteering somewhere, could be considered becoming a Secret Santa. After all there are many people that cannot afford to pay for other people's holiday shopping in this world.
@AVgleek17 I agree with you thatthese "Secret Santas" are extremely kind because they are helping out strangers. In the article it talks about how these people pay off the layaway accounts of families who can't afford to pay for the Christmas gifts they are trying to buy for their kids. This is shown when in the article it says, "One such transaction bought a customer "a significant ammount of toys."' Another reason these people have hearts of gold is because they donate anonymously which shows they aren't doing this for recognition they are just helping out others such as, "...one woman "who didn't want to be identified, and said shw just wanted to do something good."' Therefore since these people are donating their money to help out those less fortunate during this holiday season and don't seek recognition they are extremely kind and have hearts made of gold.
@ G-MAN i agree with your 2nd comment saying that you agree with AVgleek17 because i too believe that these people are very kind and generous to help out complete strangers.i agree with this because I know that if i got a lot of money the first thing i would do with it is save it for my self or spend it not donate it to a random person. this proves my point because if i wouldn't do it (and 100 more people wouldn't do it) but these people did, that is very kind.
I do not know anyone who has done something like this. I could make someone's rest of the year better by buying a present for someone in the secret santa tree in stores.
I do not know anyone who has done anything similar to this. My parents have given clothes and toys during the holiday season, but never something as big as this. As the year closes, people can donate small amounts of money to help pay of things like the layaway even if it just smaller amounts like $50-$70. This is because even something as small as this can make a huge difference to a family that can't pay off any of their layaway. So, you can then see that even a small donation can make a world of difference during the holiday season.
@DR. Bubblesquash, I have to disagree with you because a present is just an object. Giving money would better assist families as seen in the article. The families did not want presents for themselves, they need money to pay for the presents for their own children. Also, when giving a random gift to a random stranger, you don't have that sentimental value of a gift that would be from their loved ones. So, you can then see that it is better to give some portion of money to families than to give a present when you know nothing about the family.
@Imagine11 I agree with you because even though a lot of people "say" that they donate, but you did not see them even though you feel that they did. Sometimes people become sad when they hear about the homeless or food-less and end up giving. But if you ask them why, they say it is because it is the spirit of giving. Which is why i say this.
I do not know of anyone like this. I could improve other people's lives by not fighting with my family, doing charity work, or visits people in the hospital during the holidays.
@LittleMonster1028 Wow, what a great thing that your parents did! It is certainly something inspirational! Generosity is a great thing, but you can be generous in other way than giving money, you can give time to a cause you support r just verbal generosity to a person who needs it.
Yes, I do know someone who did something similar. Every year this person donates money to their work's toy drive. This would be similar to Kmart's secret Santas because all of these people donate money to people they don't even know without personal benefit. I could make somebody's life a little better as this year closes by remembering to keep the spirit of Christmas with me throughout the whole year.Remembering to be the best person I can be will not only help my life, but other's. Therefore, I can make more than just the needy people's lives better and for more than just the short few days before the New Year.
I have not met anyone do something this great but I can make someone’s life better as the year closes because I can volunteer at a rescue mission. I usually go to the rescue mission which is a soup kitchen to serve food to the homeless every Sunday. However sometimes I have conflicts and can’t make it that often. Before the year ends I can be sure to go more often. This makes many peoples’ lives better including mine because people that are less fortunate get served wonderful meals that they can’t regularly afford. This also makes my life better because I know that I’m donating my time to feed less fortunate people. This is how I can make many lives better as the year closes.
I agree with you @MeMaN because I also think that all people deserve a gift during the holiday. I agree with you because no matter whom they are and what they’ve done that year, we are all people and we all deserve a gift during this holiday season. No one is perfect and we all make mistakes but this doesn’t make us bad people and that we shouldn’t get a gift. Also, as I said in my comment before, there are less fortunate people out there that may not be able to afford gifts. However, they deserve one. Therefore, I agree with you and think that everyone deserves a gift no matter who they are.
I have never known anyone who has payed someone else's layaway accounts, or mane I do, but the person want to keep it quiet. Nevertheless, it is a great idea. As the year closes a way to make someones life better, it to help them have enough food for their families. This will help them have peace of mind that their loved ones will not go starving. You could donate gift baskets or turkeys at a food shelter or church that would send them to people in need. Therefore, donating food to people in need will help them and it is a nice thing to do.
@Emma I agree with you that it is nice to buy people gifts to make their holidays better. However, you do not always have to buy people things that make their day. You could help people out by giving them a kind word of assurance or helping them by taking care of their kids for sometime. Gifts do not always have to be bought. Therefore, you do not always have to buy something for someone to make them feel better.
This holiday, I can make someone's holiday better by donating money to an orphanage to make little kids happier. This will make an orphan happier because their foster guardian will have more money to get the orphan more supplies, clothes, food and toys. According to www.2givenow.org, "Orphans often need basic survival provisions, medication, food, clothing, blankets, housing and protection from dangers and abuse." Alot of the requirements listed above can be recieved with money like blankets and medication. givenow.org also says that, "You can give money, materials from your business or collections, or items that you purchase." So money is one of the more important things orphans need. Therefore, since money can help an oprhan and make their life better, I can make an orphans life better this holiday by sending them money.
@ Kibble, I agree with you that doing some volunteer work is a good way to give some holiday cheer. Helping others makes others jobs easier, even quicker, and makes others happier. As a Boy Scout, I volunteer at many places, usually helping older people and at pantries and food drives. We volunteer in front of stores and ask shoppers if they will make a donation, then we take all the proceeds down to the local church food pantry or the Monroe food pantry. This helps by giving others who are less fortunate food, and saves them money that they need for other important items. Also, we volunteer to help elder citizens so that they can rest and enjoy their old age. We do yard work, shop, etc. This help the elderly so they don't need to worry about getting stressed over things to do. Therefore, since volunteer work helps by making peoples' lives happier and easier, I agree with you that volunteer work is a great thing to do for others on the holidays.
I think that my family might have done it once but only to another family member. But other than right there, i havent seen anyone do that. I could probably donate all of my money to a charity to make someone else happy. Or i could buy someone who i already know something that they mabye didnt get for christmas that they really wanted.
I agree. This is because donating to the soup kitchen is a good way to make someones life better. Also going more towards the end of the year would be a good thing to do. IN fact I might try it! I would then too be changing someones life while changing my own.
@The original fake I disagree with you on one of your statements. This is becuase you responded that you could avoid fighting with your family,you could do charity work, and/or visiting people in hospitals on the holidays only in these last few days before New Year's. Therefore, because you choose to be the best person you can be for a few short days in the year, I will have to disagree with you.
I do not know anyone who does this. Most people wouldn't want to risk it in an economic crisis like this, so most people wouldn't do this. These people are either genuinely nice or are the 1% that have money to spare. This is why I haven't seen many people like this.
@Ryan T. I can relate that my family has done this kind of thing to family members or close friends. They do this because they are familiar with each other and usually they will return the favor. I don't think my family has done this to strangers because they don't know each other.
I have never done this particular good deed, but I have participated in helping others out at Christmas. My church has two events that help people in need. The first is a mitten tree, which is a tree that members of the church can buy mittens, hats, and scarves and put them on the tree. The items are donated to people who cannot afford warm, winter items. The other event involves people selecting a foster child and buying gifts for them. Since I participated in both of these events this year and past years, I have done generous acts this holiday season, just not one like in the article.
I know my parents do something SIMILAR to this because sometime when I go to stores, I see them do so. What they do is when extra change is handed to them, they put it inside the tip jar. So instead of workers helping customers, my parents, the customers, help the workers. Therefore, my parents are generous to people that help them with their orders.
@Ryan35 I agree with you that most people wouldn't do this because money isn't enough right now. There are many people without homes, many people unable to pay their bills, and many people in debt. Therefore, most people would not help others pay because it would be too expensive for even them.
@ MeMaN I agree with you, I do not know anyone who has done something like this and I believe that everyone should get a present for Christmas/Hannukah(if they have been good of course! ;) )
The generous people of Monroe are an example this. They adopt the less fortunate people in their community and buy gifts that they request. Some even volunteer their time to organize the presents or set up the trees with the tags on them in the schools. These people are similar because they are trying to help the people in need.
@MeMaN I disagree with you. I know many people that did something similar. The generous people of Monroe may not literally do this, but they have the giving tree. They give up their time and donate presents to the needy people of Monroe. They help the needy just like in the article.
@Candy S. (@Emma) I agree with you that gifts do not always have to be bought. When most people think of Christmas, they think of physical gifts. However, sometimes the best gifts aren't physically given. For example, the best gift a soldier could receive is coming home to his/her family. Such a gift cannot be wrapped and put under a Christmas tree. Therefore since many gifts that are remembered and treasured come from the heart not the store, then physical, bought presents are most times forgotten when compared to the gifts without a price tag.
I think this is a great thing to do during the holidays because it brings joy to people who really need it. Also this is good because giving toys to families with children is helpful and it tells people that you are kind.
I rethought this question and I decided that I did know people like this. To me I have never heard of someone who did the exact same thing as these people, but I have heard of people who go out of their way to make donations to people in need. My Mom is very generous and every Christmas season she organizes people to gibe presents to people who don't have enough money to buy them on their own.
Yes, I have known someone who did something nice like this. By doing this, you could make someone's life a little better as the year closes. This article shows that a lot of people are being nice around Christmas. People are paying other peoples' layaway off. In the article it says,"Anonymous donors are paying off the layaway accounts of others, buying the Christmas gifts some families cannot afford in these hardscrabble times, especially when it comes to toys and children’s clothing." This shows that many people are being generous around the time of Christmas.
Maia, I agree with you. I agree with you because you said you think it is a great thing to do during the holiday. I also think that too. It is a great thing to do during the holiday.
I agree with Maia because she said that it brings joy to people in hard situations and that is what they are doing. But, showing how kind you are doesn't mean paying for others toys. They might not even know you but they still do it anyway. It's not for the stardom, it's for the joy of seeing others be happy.
I have never heard of someone doing something this generous before. This is something that most people should do, because it is not only spreading joy, it is also teaching themselves how important it is to do these good things. It is quite easy to spread the joy and to make other people's holidays happy. Giving them a simple little present with lots of care and thought in it will mean the world to them. No matter who the person is, they should receive these little things to make their day ten times better.
@Maia I agree with you. These families might not be able to go out and afford nice gifts for their children and such. It would be really kind to give away your old toys as presents to these kinds of families. This spreads major joy to these desperate families and it does show many people how kind you can be. This spreads the kindness through other people. This makes needy families feel really good to know that there are people out there that care about them. It makes them feel much better as the holidays go along.
@MeMaN I agree with you. I think that no matter who the person is, they should be able to get a gift so they can have lots of holiday cheer just like the rest of us. It's just more fair that way.
@hi I agree with you. I think that doing this will make lots of people really happy. Also these are very generous people and it could always spread from person to person.This could really help the families out there that can't afford to spend lots of money on their children and family.
I have never seen someone that has layaway before. I have never heard of it either. I think that this is very kind because they are spending their own money for other people that may have little money or no money at all. If i were to see other people spending money on other people with no money then I would be amazed. In the article it said that in Kmart people were buying toys and clothing for total strangers. That is just plain out nice and non greedy. They were probably doing this because they feel good about themselves when they give to people in need.
I do no someone who has done this and it is a very nice because everyone does deserve a present even if it is a small thing you should still be great full for what you got/have.
I agree with you whencupcakesattack because if more people or all people started to layaway then everybody will be happy around the holidays. They are not only making other people happy but they are also making themselves happy by doing good and unexpected deeds for others. I know that presents will cheer anyone up no matter what occasion.
In sixth grade, our teacher Mrs. Benedict, had a coat drive during the winter for all the homeless people who were freezing and couldn't afford coats. We all donated warm winter coats that we didn't use anymore and spread holiday cheer for the less fortunate. This year, I could make somebodies life a little better by simply smiling more and being nice to everyone. This may no seem like doing anything so grand as spending hundreds of dollars but, I think even something small like that can really have an effect on people. My friend told me a story once that a homeless man made ind of a bet with him self to see if there was hope left in the world. He said that if one person, just one single person, smiled at him that day he would believe in society again. If no one did smile, he would throw himself off the Brooklyn Bridge. No one smiled.
i don't know anybody that did someting like this. i think that this is a very nice thing for people to do. i do not know how i could ever do something like this.
I don't know any one who has done any thing like this because this is a very unique act of kindness. I have seen and participated in things like food kitchens, volunteers at homeless shelters, and Donations to the food pantry but i have never seen any one paying off complete strangers balances. This act should bring joy to a lot of people in away nothing else can.
I agree with Anonymous because i also think that smiling and being kind can make people happier. Although one smile might not seam big your smile could make someone else smile and their smile will make he or she more happy and this happiness will spread t even more people. Also being mean to someone will make that person sad and then that person might be mean to other so instead of happiness spreading it anger or sadness. If people spread happiness instead of anger or sadness there would be a lot more joy all around.
I don't know anybody who does this but if I the chance I would. The person who did this knew that this season is about giving not reciving. Doing this really helps people out. This is because many people can't afford to buy things for their families and paying of peoples layaway gives them a chance to buy something they need.
@Emma I agree with you that it's kind to donate money to make someone's holiday better. Its not only making their holiday better but it's also making you holiday better because doing something nice for others makes you feel good. When people don't have to worry about how they are going to get food on the table life is easier, and thats what the kmart man did.
I don't know anyone who does this "layaway" thing. But I think if I met someone who does, they would be very nice and caring. Donating around the holidays can make you feel good and make another persons holiday a lot better.
I have not heard of people paying off other peoples layaway before but I think that it is a great idea. This will help out many people that struggle to buy for others around the holiday time. It's like an early Christmas present. I also think that the people who are giving the money should get a shout out because of there kindness. Overall I think this is a great idea and should be carried on.
I certainly do not know anyone who has done this, let alone about the idea itself. I think that this was a very unique and clever thing to come up with, and also very generous. If I knew about this, I would've done this. I could make somebody's life better this year by purchasing some nice, warm clothes for a family that's been having a few rainy days, or even a rainy year. Overall, I think that this Kmart layaway idea was a very generous thing.
I personally do not know anybody who is this kind. I think this is more then generous for somebody to do. As StephanieZ said, I would try to help if I had known about it. It would really mean a lot to somebody. I hope they continue this in future years because it really is generous.
One of the things that you could do to make someones life better at the end of this year is participate in a secret santa. This would be nice for someone because people your age know what you would like. They would also get an extra present for Christmas. People are delighted when they open their locker and see a gift with their name on it.
@Anonymous, I agree with you that the strangers who payed off they layaway at K-mart were very generous people. I think this because they paid up to 75 dollars for people they did not know, so that they could have a good christmas. This wouldmake people happy because the burden of paying for gifts will be lifted offtheir backs.
My family has actually done this before. My family frequently takes a ferry to a small island called Shelter Island. The ferry tickets are actually quite expensive if you are not a resident, which my family is. So as a RAK(random act of kindness) my family gives the ticket collector money and tells him to pick a random car and give them a free ferry ride. In my eyes this is a very good thing because it inspires other people to pass the kindness on. This has a domino effect and eventually the world is filled with happy people:)
I have never done anything like this.I don't know anyone who does this my mom doesn't do this and neither does my dad. I don't know anyone that would do this, just to be nice to someone and make there holiday dreams come true.
@Stephanie Z I agree with you. K-mart layaway santa is a very nice idea. It just a little savings and you could make someones Christmas. For example if you always get your ten friends twenty dollar gifts every year, you could just get them ten dollar gifts. This way you could afford to make a family really happy and warm this year. If it is just for the price of gifting a couple smaller gifts it is really worth it to make a families Christmas this year.
@Isabelle Gallant I see no reason why you and your family did this. So what if you feel good that you did a "Random Act Of Kindness" do you really think that just doing RAK's is going to change the world well it's not no matter how much you want it to
I feel like my grandmother is very similar to this because she always tries to help out as mucha s she can, no matter what. My grandmother has trouble walking and lifting things, but whenever she knows someone else will benefit from it she helps as much as possible. Whenever she hears that there is a bake sale for the hungry she bakes pies, cookies, brownies, cakes, and everything else she can. Or if they are sending blankets to the soldiers, she sits and knits a few or buys some to send. She spends her time and money helping the people less fortunate than her.
@Anonymous, I agree with you that the people at k-mart who are doing this are very nice. Most people don't even want to spend money on their friends and family during the hoidays, let alone complete and utter strangers. It's a very generous thing to do, especially because money isn't something most people just throw around, it's hard to earn and getting harder.
You said, "My grandmother has trouble walking and lifting things, but whenever she knows someone else will benefit from it, she helps as much as possible." I think that your grandma is a very kind person. We should definitely have more people like her. As a matter of fact, she is a good example of someone who is willing to put someone else's needs ahead of their own. That is why i think that you grandma is a very kind person.
Although I don't, I wish I did know somebody who did something similar because what this person did was extremely generous and everyone should learn from this example. People seem to have forgotten that the holidays are about giving and helping people and only focus on themselves. To make someone's life a little better as the year comes to a close you could donate presents to a charity or food to the food pantry! By giving someone a gift or a meal you are making a difference in somebody else's life! (This is actually a re-post because the first one did not show up although I had it in google docs.)
I do not know anyone who has done anything similar to this. If i could make somebody's life better this year I would. A way I could do this is by getting them something they really want. Even if I needed to borrow money, or work together with other people to go it. I would just want to help them in any way I can.
112 comments:
I do not know someone that did something similar. My parents have never done his and my grandparents never have done this before. Someone life could be better by getting them a gift that is something that they might like and will make their day. I think that this is nice because everyone deserves a gift during the holiday, no one should have no gifts. No matter whom they are.
I do not know someone that did something similar. My parents have never done his and my grandparents never have done this before. Someone life could be better by getting them a gift that is something that they might like and will make their day. I think that this is nice because everyone deserves a gift during the holiday, no one should have no gifts. No matter whom they are.
@ MeMaN
I agree with you, I never have met anyone that has done this. I also agree that everyone should receive a gift during the holidays, no matter who they are or what they have done.. This is one of the things Christmas is a bought.
I don't know anyone that is so kind, but if i did they probably would have a big heart. I think that because someone that only thinks about themselves would probably not do such a blessing. I think that the only way to make someones holiday better is to just make them happy. "The smallest gift is often the most appreciative."
I never done this whom anyone else i know. I think this is a great thing because homless peaple have no good family because if they did they wouldnt live on the streets and they dont have enough money to buy someone a gift expecally not them selfs. This is why this is a good thing
I agree with MeMaN because like in my comment I said I have never seen anyone do this even in my own family and I also agree to that who ever donates $70-100 has a really big heart.
I have never done this or seen anyone do this but these people are probably the top competitors for Santa's nicest person of the year. These people are really nice because they are helping others pay of there debt in an economy that is crumbling and every cent matters.To me one of the forms of nice is when you help others in tight situations, which is exactly what these people are doing.
I also agree with MeMaN because we both have also never seen or known anyone to this like me. Also I agree that these people have a big heart because to me people who do charity work or help out are very nice which means to me that you have big heart. So to me these people are very nice from there generosity.
I have never met someone so kind, but I applaud anybody who has ever doe something like that. I believe the gift of giving is the most precious gift of them all and I think anybody who gives that gift has a heart of gold. I think we all need inspiration to do something kind for others, and I think this little article might be my inspiration for the new year. In conclusion, I don't really know anybody who does such ind things, but during the new year I'd love to start.
I have never met anyone that has done that nice.The Holiday is not about receiving its about giving.I have met nice people in my life but not that nice.This person must of thought that Holiday is for spreading cheer and not keeping all to your self.When I read this article I wanted to cry.For this person was so generous.
@AVgleek17, I agree with you all the way. I love the sentence you wrote:"I think we all need inspiration to do something kind for others, and I think this little article might be my inspiration for the new year." That was amazing I thoughtyou were roght on target with this.
@ AVgleek17
I aree with you. we do all need insperation to kind things for other . If we do kind things for others, than they might do something kind for you in return. People should do nice things from the generosity, not from you whating something in return. This is why you are correct and everyone else that did this.
I feel that my mom is like this. She always donates a lot of time, energy, and expensive presents for people in need. For example she always helps out with the giving tree. She adopts many families and buys them all of the gifts they want plus more! She also donates a whole day of her non-stop time to organize and give out the gifts. She also helps out in school, was president of the PTO, helps out around Monroe, and was on the committee to find the superintendent. I feel that this is similar because she is always trying to help the needy and do as much as she can around holiday time!!!!
I agree with MeMaN that everyone deserves a gift. He said, "Everyone deserves a gift no matter who they are." This is true because the less fortunate people in the world do not have enough money to buy presents even though they me be very hard working and kind people. Even if you are mean and nasty your gift should be the gift of kindness. Therefor everyone deserves a gift even if it is kindness or just regular toys. Everyone should feel happy and loved around the holiday time because it is a time for cheer!
I know only one person who does something like this. My mom's friend donated quilts during winter one year. She made quilts by herself instead of buying them. Later, she sent them to a placee. Then that place gave the quilts to homeless people. I could make someone's life better by donating money for poor people who can't buy a present during Christmas. This would make there lives better because it would give them a little joy.
@Kayleigh,
I agree with you. I have met very nice people throughout my life, but definitely not as nice as the people in this article. When you said, "Holiday is not about receiving its about giving", I feel the same way and think all of us can do our share to help the less fortunate out. Therefore, I think you have the same feelings about the holidays and how helping is a great present to give.
I think just by looking at the title of the article, i think it is way stupid because it is "secret" santas giving out layaway balances. I think this because I don't even understand what it is talking about! So why would I want to read it?
There are many similar events relating to this, especially around the holidays, where someone pays off another person's debt. Something similar to the secret Santa in K-mart wasn't necessarily a debt but it was when people donate to the families in Monroe. They have a tree in the library with pieces of paper hanging from the trees like ornaments and on those cards say what people need less fortunate than us. My family usually donates to them. This is like the secret Santa in the article because people are both donating to good causes and people who need help.
I think that that this is a great thing for people to do for others. This holiday season. There are so many people out there that cant afford to buy gifts.Its so kind to help and give a few dollors to help them have a happy holiday. Like kmart some people are pay for gifts who cant affoed them. This is a great way to share the gift of giving.
I think that that this is a great thing for people to do for others. This holiday season. There are so many people out there that cant afford to buy gifts.Its so kind to help and give a few dollors to help them have a happy holiday. Like kmart some people are pay for gifts who cant affoed them. This is a great way to share the gift of giving.
I agree with Unknown when he/she says, "I could make someone's life better by donating money for poor people who can't buy a present during Christmas." I agree with this because giving to people that cannot afford it especially during the holiday is definitely doing something nice. I think this because Christmas is about giving rather than receiving and to give to people who truly need i,t is better than doing nothing at all.
Kayleigh said...
"The holiday is about giving." i agree with her because, by giving something to someone else it makes you feel better than receiving. You are making others feel wanted and special. That is what the holiday is all about.
I don't know anyone like this but I would like to meet these kind of people and be more like them. I can help out this year by donating my gifts to those in need because others could use them. Many people are low on money and can't afford to buy their kids Christmas gifts. According to current reports that 20% of children in the U.S. are in poverty. These kids' parents can't afford to buy them gifts and could use mine. Therefore, since many children may not get gifts for Christmas I could help out and be more altruistic by donating mine.
I think i could make someone's christmas better by donating to a can drive or giving something to the bridgeport rescue mission. I know that this would help because people who are poor need thing like socks shoes winter coats. stuff that we take for granted. i know that people need these things because our anouncements(http://www.facebook.com/pages/Monroe-STEM-Academy/144602055593040) say that they do every morning. this proves that people need socks because they told the monroe schools that the people that the serve need socks.
@Kayleigh
I agree with you because you and I both think that the holiday is about giving and not receiving. I think this because this gives other people happiness and joy. Many people are poor and can't afford a present during the holidays. So they could get some joy if people gave them gifts during this time of year. So I agree with you because we both believe that Christmas time is about giving and spreading joy to others.
I don't know anyone like this. I could make someone's life a little better as this year closes because it easy to give. The people at Kmart payed off people's balances that were about $70-$100. I can give food to a food pantry for Christmas. This is one easy thing to do, and anyone can do this. Therefore, I can do this because giving is an easy thing to do.
I don't know anyone like this. I could make someone's life a little better as this year closes because it easy to give. The people at Kmart payed off people's balances that were about $70-$100. I can give food to a food pantry for Christmas. This is one easy thing to do, and anyone can do this. Therefore, I can do this because giving is an easy thing to do.
@G-MAN
I agree with you that you can donate your gifts to the needy because they are the ones who need it more. You said that most people are low on money and they are the ones who need the stuff that some other people are getting. Therefore, I agree with you because the needy are in more need than others.
No, I have never "seen" someone do something like this to this extreme, but I do know that my mom donates to a couple charities, espescially during the holidays. I usually think that since it technically is "the season of giving", it sort of gives people a good chance to help other people out. I believe that the best way to make somebody's life a little better is to show kindest to them and maybe give them a gift, whether home-made or bought. I just think that it shows to them that you care, which could really make somebody feel that much better!
@Unknown
I agree with your comment on Kayleigh's post because you stated that the holiday is about giving. You said that, " I think this because this gives other people happiness and joy." You also said that, "Many people are poor and can't afford a present during the holidays. So they could get some joy if people gave them gifts during this time of year." Therefore, since I also said that during this time year is the best for making someone feel good and spread joy, I agree with your post.
I do know someone one who did something like this, and actually it was this year! Father Skip from my church went to Bridgeport and gave out warm winter jackets for the people that couldn’t afford them. This is like what the others did at Kmart because they were trying to give during the holiday season, and so was Father Skip. Christmas is about giving, isn’t it?
@Kayleigh I completely agree with you. Some people think Christmas is about getting all the new gadgets that you want, but really it’s about giving to people that need it most. This is important to me because people need to realize what other people do for their community, then they might get their act together, help the community, and really get in the holiday spirit.
My parents have done similar actions to the "Secret Santas". For example, one of my Mommykin's friends had been sick for a very long time and had to undergo a procedure, but failed to have enough insurance to pay for it. Both my parents knew how much the procedure meant to her, so they decided to fill an envelope with money and drop it off at her house. Thanks to my wonderful mother and father, the procedure was successful! My parents and the "Secret Santas" are similar because they are doing good deeds without asking for anything in return. If everyone acted like these role models, the holidays, let alone everyday life, would have a little more cheer.
@abc123comewithme
I agree with you because if we both donated clothes to the Bridgeport Rescue Mission, it would make their holidays brighter. Although clothes have a big impact on making someones life easier, Christmas is not all about material. Because of former experiences, I know that the majority of the people at the BRM like to have company. This is how we could really make an impact on their lives to make them happier. We would be donating stories, and laughs, and smiles which compared to materials are priceless.
I do know someone who did this, and it was me. Last year, my mom wanted to get my dad a really good gift, but she thought it was too expensive. I paid some of it so he could be happy. Therefore, since I helped pay for my mom's gift to my dad, I did something similar to the "secret Santas" an Kmart.
@ Peter P I agree with you that anyone could make someone's Christmas better. Like you said, anyone could donate food to the Monroe Food Pantry. People could also donate coats to the poor, money to the needy, and so on. Therefore, since anyone can donate something, we can all make someone's Christmas present.
I do no someone who has done something like this; my grandma. Each year before school starts she goes out and buys school supply's for at least 3 different grades. She donates these to those who can't afford supplies. Also each year before Christmas she goes out and buys an abundant of gifts for the homeless shelter. This season is defiantly about giving to those who need it the most!
@Emma I agree with you because it a great gesture to give extra dollars for those who need them for presents and warm winter clothing. Also for those you buy presents for others then for themselves is what the holidays are about! Therefore those "Secret Santa's" who helped the community and others too deserve a thank-you.
I do not some one who hs done something like this, not personally, I heard of other compines buying toys and clothes for children and faimlies who can not afford them. Some companies even buy new houses for homeless people. I could make some one's life a little better, by buying some one less fortunet a present, and some clothes and jackets to less fortunet people and children, because giving is the greatest gift of all, and that is the true meaning of chrismas.
@Lauren I agree with you that the season is about giving to those in need, instead of getting. Giving is the greatest gift of all, the feeling of making someone life have a some joy, the feeling of having done a good deed. The greatest gift is truly giving, and that really is the true meaning of Chrismas.
One way to make someone's life better this year is to start the layaway craze all over the country because those who aren't wealthy enough to buy as much as they want for the holidays will get some of that ability back. This is because instead of using your holiday money for something in layaway, you now have all that money that you didn't spend to get more of whatever you need for your family. This wonderful idea only exists in five states, and if we did it all over the country everyone would have more money to spend this holiday season. Therefore, we could make someone's holiday better by spreading paying layaway debts all over the country.
@ Magicman523
I agree that the smallest gifts are often the most appreciable because the best gifts are from the heart. I know this because getting something storebought that any kid would get doesn't say anything about how much the giver cares about you. However, getting something homemade or little that you really wanted says that they took the time and effort to think and get/make what you really wanted. It may not be the biggest gift, but it shows that they really wanted to make you smile, and that's what's important. This is why the best gifts are from the heart.
I think that people can help other people have a better end of the year by volunteering at charities. There are so many people out there who don't have homes and can't afford food. By volunteering, you could really make their lives more bearable. I know that even at the Monroe Food Pantry, they're grateful for every little thing. That is why I think that by volunteering at charities, you could really help people and make a difference in someone's life.
@MeMan
I agree with you that everyone should have a gift during the holidays. I think that something as simple as opening a present can really warm someone's heart. People really need this during the holiday season and like you said, no one should have no gifts. Not having a gift can really be a sad reminder of your financial situation or some other possibly bad thing. That is why I agree with you that no one should be without a gift during the holidays.
Yes, there are some people that i know of that do the same thing as these people did. My mom for one thing does this by donating things and if we every pass the people that stand near the doors of stores dreesed up in santa, we would donate some money. My family in total donate clothes to eachother. We do this especially to my aunt and uncle who have 2 children that are very young so, if any clothes are too small we give it to a smaller person in our family. Therefore, I do know someone that does the same thing thing as those people did.
@ MeMaN
I do not agree with you on how you said that you did not know anyone that did the same thing as those people did. I disagree with this becasue I do know some one that does this. Have you ever donated cloths to anyone ( Family or friends) ? Have you ever donated some money to the people that stand out the doors of store dressed up in Santa suits? That is why I disagree with you saying how you did not know anyone.
I know many people that are like "Secret Santa", but my grandparents are my role models in this doing. This is because they don't just do this in the Holiday season, but all year-round. They support the Bridgeport Rescue Mission and they donate stuff for the less fortunate. I think having a heart for others is such a great thing and everyone should do what these "Secret Santas" do! That is who I know who is like a "Secret Santa"!
@ abc123comewithme.....
I agree with you because doing stuff for others is always a great thing and Christmas time is the season of giving. I also think that you should do that because it will put a smile on someones face and when I see someone smiling, it makes me smile and feel good and it good be for something as simple as that. That is why I agree with you.
I personally have never heard of someone doing such a nice thing for others, for no reason. I'm sure there are many people that do this type of action, on an every day basis, or that have done pleasant deeds for others, and they just don't get as much recognishon. Perhaps thats why all of these "Secret Santas'" are doing it; to become famous, or to be known as a hero. While these citizens help pay off K-Mart layaways, perchance I could try doing something like that but on a more mangeable scale. I could help out at the Monroe Food Pantry, or maybe collect bottles, and cans around the town, and cash them in for some money, and give the money to some type of charity. Actions such as this could help people, they're also jobs that people the same age as me could do.
@ bieberlover10
I agree with the fact of everyone trying to do what these "Secret Santas" do. But don't you think for some people its maybe not so easy to just throw 100$ and more out for someone elses celebration? Although not everyone can become these secret Santas, perhaps everyone can do something else thats quite selfless, that helps others out. Perhaps something like, helping out at soup kitchens, or maybe volunteering somewhere, could be considered becoming a Secret Santa. After all there are many people that cannot afford to pay for other people's holiday shopping in this world.
@AVgleek17
I agree with you thatthese "Secret Santas" are extremely kind because they are helping out strangers. In the article it talks about how these people pay off the layaway accounts of families who can't afford to pay for the Christmas gifts they are trying to buy for their kids. This is shown when in the article it says, "One such transaction bought a customer "a significant ammount of toys."' Another reason these people have hearts of gold is because they donate anonymously which shows they aren't doing this for recognition they are just helping out others such as, "...one woman "who didn't want to be identified, and said shw just wanted to do something good."'
Therefore since these people are donating their money to help out those less fortunate during this holiday season and don't seek recognition they are extremely kind and have hearts made of gold.
@ G-MAN
i agree with your 2nd comment saying that you agree with AVgleek17 because i too believe that these people are very kind and generous to help out complete strangers.i agree with this because I know that if i got a lot of money the first thing i would do with it is save it for my self or spend it not donate it to a random person. this proves my point because if i wouldn't do it (and 100 more people wouldn't do it) but these people did, that is very kind.
I do not know anyone who has done something like this. I could make someone's rest of the year better by buying a present for someone in the secret santa tree in stores.
I do not know anyone who has done anything similar to this. My parents have given clothes and toys during the holiday season, but never something as big as this. As the year closes, people can donate small amounts of money to help pay of things like the layaway even if it just smaller amounts like $50-$70. This is because even something as small as this can make a huge difference to a family that can't pay off any of their layaway. So, you can then see that even a small donation can make a world of difference during the holiday season.
@DR. Bubblesquash, I have to disagree with you because a present is just an object. Giving money would better assist families as seen in the article. The families did not want presents for themselves, they need money to pay for the presents for their own children. Also, when giving a random gift to a random stranger, you don't have that sentimental value of a gift that would be from their loved ones. So, you can then see that it is better to give some portion of money to families than to give a present when you know nothing about the family.
@Imagine11
I agree with you because even though a lot of people "say" that they donate, but you did not see them even though you feel that they did. Sometimes people become sad when they hear about the homeless or food-less and end up giving. But if you ask them why, they say it is because it is the spirit of giving. Which is why i say this.
I do not know of anyone like this. I could improve other people's lives by not fighting with my family, doing charity work, or visits people in the hospital during the holidays.
@LittleMonster1028 Wow, what a great thing that your parents did! It is certainly something inspirational! Generosity is a great thing, but you can be generous in other way than giving money, you can give time to a cause you support r just verbal generosity to a person who needs it.
Yes, I do know someone who did something similar. Every year this person donates money to their work's toy drive. This would be similar to Kmart's secret Santas because all of these people donate money to people they don't even know without personal benefit.
I could make somebody's life a little better as this year closes by remembering to keep the spirit of Christmas with me throughout the whole year.Remembering to be the best person I can be will not only help my life, but other's. Therefore, I can make more than just the needy people's lives better and for more than just the short few days before the New Year.
I have not met anyone do something this great but I can make someone’s life better as the year closes because I can volunteer at a rescue mission. I usually go to the rescue mission which is a soup kitchen to serve food to the homeless every Sunday. However sometimes I have conflicts and can’t make it that often. Before the year ends I can be sure to go more often. This makes many peoples’ lives better including mine because people that are less fortunate get served wonderful meals that they can’t regularly afford. This also makes my life better because I know that I’m donating my time to feed less fortunate people. This is how I can make many lives better as the year closes.
I agree with you @MeMaN because I also think that all people deserve a gift during the holiday. I agree with you because no matter whom they are and what they’ve done that year, we are all people and we all deserve a gift during this holiday season. No one is perfect and we all make mistakes but this doesn’t make us bad people and that we shouldn’t get a gift. Also, as I said in my comment before, there are less fortunate people out there that may not be able to afford gifts. However, they deserve one. Therefore, I agree with you and think that everyone deserves a gift no matter who they are.
I have never known anyone who has payed someone else's layaway accounts, or mane I do, but the person want to keep it quiet. Nevertheless, it is a great idea. As the year closes a way to make someones life better, it to help them have enough food for their families. This will help them have peace of mind that their loved ones will not go starving. You could donate gift baskets or turkeys at a food shelter or church that would send them to people in need. Therefore, donating food to people in need will help them and it is a nice thing to do.
@Emma
I agree with you that it is nice to buy people gifts to make their holidays better. However, you do not always have to buy people things that make their day. You could help people out by giving them a kind word of assurance or helping them by taking care of their kids for sometime. Gifts do not always have to be bought. Therefore, you do not always have to buy something for someone to make them feel better.
This holiday, I can make someone's holiday better by donating money to an orphanage to make little kids happier. This will make an orphan happier because their foster guardian will have more money to get the orphan more supplies, clothes, food and toys. According to www.2givenow.org, "Orphans often need basic survival provisions, medication, food, clothing, blankets, housing and protection from dangers and abuse." Alot of the requirements listed above can be recieved with money like blankets and medication. givenow.org also says that, "You can give money, materials from your business or collections, or items that you purchase." So money is one of the more important things orphans need. Therefore, since money can help an oprhan and make their life better, I can make an orphans life better this holiday by sending them money.
@ Kibble,
I agree with you that doing some volunteer work is a good way to give some holiday cheer. Helping others makes others jobs easier, even quicker, and makes others happier. As a Boy Scout, I volunteer at many places, usually helping older people and at pantries and food drives. We volunteer in front of stores and ask shoppers if they will make a donation, then we take all the proceeds down to the local church food pantry or the Monroe food pantry. This helps by giving others who are less fortunate food, and saves them money that they need for other important items. Also, we volunteer to help elder citizens so that they can rest and enjoy their old age. We do yard work, shop, etc. This help the elderly so they don't need to worry about getting stressed over things to do. Therefore, since volunteer work helps by making peoples' lives happier and easier, I agree with you that volunteer work is a great thing to do for others on the holidays.
I think that my family might have done it once but only to another family member. But other than right there, i havent seen anyone do that. I could probably donate all of my money to a charity to make someone else happy. Or i could buy someone who i already know something that they mabye didnt get for christmas that they really wanted.
@Anonymous
I agree. This is because donating to the soup kitchen is a good way to make someones life better. Also going more towards the end of the year would be a good thing to do. IN fact I might try it! I would then too be changing someones life while changing my own.
@The original fake
I disagree with you on one of your statements. This is becuase you responded that you could avoid fighting with your family,you could do charity work, and/or visiting people in hospitals on the holidays only in these last few days before New Year's. Therefore, because you choose to be the best person you can be for a few short days in the year, I will have to disagree with you.
I do not know anyone who does this. Most people wouldn't want to risk it in an economic crisis like this, so most people wouldn't do this. These people are either genuinely nice or are the 1% that have money to spare. This is why I haven't seen many people like this.
@Ryan T.
I can relate that my family has done this kind of thing to family members or close friends. They do this because they are familiar with each other and usually they will return the favor. I don't think my family has done this to strangers because they don't know each other.
I have never done this particular good deed, but I have participated in helping others out at Christmas. My church has two events that help people in need. The first is a mitten tree, which is a tree that members of the church can buy mittens, hats, and scarves and put them on the tree. The items are donated to people who cannot afford warm, winter items. The other event involves people selecting a foster child and buying gifts for them. Since I participated in both of these events this year and past years, I have done generous acts this holiday season, just not one like in the article.
I know my parents do something SIMILAR to this because sometime when I go to stores, I see them do so. What they do is when extra change is handed to them, they put it inside the tip jar. So instead of workers helping customers, my parents, the customers, help the workers. Therefore, my parents are generous to people that help them with their orders.
@Ryan35
I agree with you that most people wouldn't do this because money isn't enough right now. There are many people without homes, many people unable to pay their bills, and many people in debt. Therefore, most people would not help others pay because it would be too expensive for even them.
@ MeMaN I agree with you, I do not know anyone who has done something like this and I believe that everyone should get a present for Christmas/Hannukah(if they have been good of course! ;) )
The generous people of Monroe are an example this. They adopt the less fortunate people in their community and buy gifts that they request. Some even volunteer their time to organize the presents or set up the trees with the tags on them in the schools. These people are similar because they are trying to help the people in need.
@MeMaN I disagree with you. I know many people that did something similar. The generous people of Monroe may not literally do this, but they have the giving tree. They give up their time and donate presents to the needy people of Monroe. They help the needy just like in the article.
@Candy S. (@Emma)
I agree with you that gifts do not always have to be bought. When most people think of Christmas, they think of physical gifts. However, sometimes the best gifts aren't physically given. For example, the best gift a soldier could receive is coming home to his/her family. Such a gift cannot be wrapped and put under a Christmas tree. Therefore since many gifts that are remembered and treasured come from the heart not the store, then physical, bought presents are most times forgotten when compared to the gifts without a price tag.
I think this is a great thing to do during the holidays because it brings joy to people who really need it. Also this is good because giving toys to families with children is helpful and it tells people that you are kind.
I rethought this question and I decided that I did know people like this. To me I have never heard of someone who did the exact same thing as these people, but I have heard of people who go out of their way to make donations to people in need. My Mom is very generous and every Christmas season she organizes people to gibe presents to people who don't have enough money to buy them on their own.
Yes, I have known someone who did something nice like this. By doing this, you could make someone's life a little better as the year closes. This article shows that a lot of people are being nice around Christmas. People are paying other peoples' layaway off. In the article it says,"Anonymous donors are paying off the layaway accounts of others, buying the Christmas gifts some families cannot afford in these hardscrabble times, especially when it comes to toys and children’s clothing." This shows that many people are being generous around the time of Christmas.
Maia, I agree with you. I agree with you because you said you think it is a great thing to do during the holiday. I also think that too. It is a great thing to do during the holiday.
I agree with Maia because she said that it brings joy to people in hard situations and that is what they are doing. But, showing how kind you are doesn't mean paying for others toys. They might not even know you but they still do it anyway. It's not for the stardom, it's for the joy of seeing others be happy.
I have never heard of someone doing something this generous before. This is something that most people should do, because it is not only spreading joy, it is also teaching themselves how important it is to do these good things. It is quite easy to spread the joy and to make other people's holidays happy. Giving them a simple little present with lots of care and thought in it will mean the world to them. No matter who the person is, they should receive these little things to make their day ten times better.
@Maia
I agree with you. These families might not be able to go out and afford nice gifts for their children and such. It would be really kind to give away your old toys as presents to these kinds of families. This spreads major joy to these desperate families and it does show many people how kind you can be. This spreads the kindness through other people. This makes needy families feel really good to know that there are people out there that care about them. It makes them feel much better as the holidays go along.
@MeMaN
I agree with you. I think that no matter who the person is, they should be able to get a gift so they can have lots of holiday cheer just like the rest of us. It's just more fair that way.
@hi
I agree with you. I think that doing this will make lots of people really happy. Also these are very generous people and it could always spread from person to person.This could really help the families out there that can't afford to spend lots of money on their children and family.
I have never seen someone that has layaway before. I have never heard of it either. I think that this is very kind because they are spending their own money for other people that may have little money or no money at all. If i were to see other people spending money on other people with no money then I would be amazed. In the article it said that in Kmart people were buying toys and clothing for total strangers. That is just plain out nice and non greedy. They were probably doing this because they feel good about themselves when they give to people in need.
I do no someone who has done this and it is a very nice because everyone does deserve a present even if it is a small thing you should still be great full for what you got/have.
I agree with you whencupcakesattack because if more people or all people started to layaway then everybody will be happy around the holidays. They are not only making other people happy but they are also making themselves happy by doing good and unexpected deeds for others. I know that presents will cheer anyone up no matter what occasion.
In sixth grade, our teacher Mrs. Benedict, had a coat drive during the winter for all the homeless people who were freezing and couldn't afford coats. We all donated warm winter coats that we didn't use anymore and spread holiday cheer for the less fortunate. This year, I could make somebodies life a little better by simply smiling more and being nice to everyone. This may no seem like doing anything so grand as spending hundreds of dollars but, I think even something small like that can really have an effect on people. My friend told me a story once that a homeless man made ind of a bet with him self to see if there was hope left in the world. He said that if one person, just one single person, smiled at him that day he would believe in society again. If no one did smile, he would throw himself off the Brooklyn Bridge. No one smiled.
i don't know anybody that did someting like this. i think that this is a very nice thing for people to do. i do not know how i could ever do something like this.
I don't know any one who has done any thing like this because this is a very unique act of kindness. I have seen and participated in things like food kitchens, volunteers at homeless shelters, and Donations to the food pantry but i have never seen any one paying off complete strangers balances. This act should bring joy to a lot of people in away nothing else can.
I agree with Anonymous because i also think that smiling and being kind can make people happier. Although one smile might not seam big your smile could make someone else smile and their smile will make he or she more happy and this happiness will spread t even more people. Also being mean to someone will make that person sad and then that person might be mean to other so instead of happiness spreading it anger or sadness. If people spread happiness instead of anger or sadness there would be a lot more joy all around.
I don't know anybody who does this but if I the chance I would. The person who did this knew that this season is about giving not reciving. Doing this really helps people out. This is because many people can't afford to buy things for their families and paying of peoples layaway gives them a chance to buy something they need.
@Emma I agree with you that it's kind to donate money to make someone's holiday better. Its not only making their holiday better but it's also making you holiday better because doing something nice for others makes you feel good. When people don't have to worry about how they are going to get food on the table life is easier, and thats what the kmart man did.
I don't know anyone who does this "layaway" thing. But I think if I met someone who does, they would be very nice and caring. Donating around the holidays can make you feel good and make another persons holiday a lot better.
I have not heard of people paying off other peoples layaway before but I think that it is a great idea. This will help out many people that struggle to buy for others around the holiday time. It's like an early Christmas present. I also think that the people who are giving the money should get a shout out because of there kindness. Overall I think this is a great idea and should be carried on.
I certainly do not know anyone who has done this, let alone about the idea itself. I think that this was a very unique and clever thing to come up with, and also very generous. If I knew about this, I would've done this. I could make somebody's life better this year by purchasing some nice, warm clothes for a family that's been having a few rainy days, or even a rainy year. Overall, I think that this Kmart layaway idea was a very generous thing.
I personally do not know anybody who is this kind. I think this is more then generous for somebody to do. As StephanieZ said, I would try to help if I had known about it. It would really mean a lot to somebody. I hope they continue this in future years because it really is generous.
Wow that person is so nice to pay stranger. Cause every little bit helps. Because during this time you can take what you can get.
I agree with marrisa S cause if i had the chance to do this. Cause this helps people out if there in a tight spot or got laid off.
One of the things that you could do to make someones life better at the end of this year is participate in a secret santa. This would be nice for someone because people your age know what you would like. They would also get an extra present for Christmas. People are delighted when they open their locker and see a gift with their name on it.
@Anonymous,
I agree with you that the strangers who payed off they layaway at K-mart were very generous people. I think this because they paid up to 75 dollars for people they did not know, so that they could have a good christmas. This wouldmake people happy because the burden of paying for gifts will be lifted offtheir backs.
My family has actually done this before. My family frequently takes a ferry to a small island called Shelter Island. The ferry tickets are actually quite expensive if you are not a resident, which my family is. So as a RAK(random act of kindness) my family gives the ticket collector money and tells him to pick a random car and give them a free ferry ride. In my eyes this is a very good thing because it inspires other people to pass the kindness on. This has a domino effect and eventually the world is filled with happy people:)
I have never done anything like this.I don't know anyone who does this my mom doesn't do this and neither does my dad. I don't know anyone that would do this, just to be nice to someone and make there holiday dreams come true.
@Stephanie Z
I agree with you. K-mart layaway santa is a very nice idea. It just a little savings and you could make someones Christmas. For example if you always get your ten friends twenty dollar gifts every year, you could just get them ten dollar gifts. This way you could afford to make a family really happy and warm this year. If it is just for the price of gifting a couple smaller gifts it is really worth it to make a families Christmas this year.
@Isabelle Gallant I see no reason why you and your family did this. So what if you feel good that you did a "Random Act Of Kindness" do you really think that just doing RAK's is going to change the world well it's not no matter how much you want it to
I feel like my grandmother is very similar to this because she always tries to help out as mucha s she can, no matter what. My grandmother has trouble walking and lifting things, but whenever she knows someone else will benefit from it she helps as much as possible. Whenever she hears that there is a bake sale for the hungry she bakes pies, cookies, brownies, cakes, and everything else she can. Or if they are sending blankets to the soldiers, she sits and knits a few or buys some to send. She spends her time and money helping the people less fortunate than her.
@Anonymous, I agree with you that the people at k-mart who are doing this are very nice. Most people don't even want to spend money on their friends and family during the hoidays, let alone complete and utter strangers. It's a very generous thing to do, especially because money isn't something most people just throw around, it's hard to earn and getting harder.
@Hayley,
You said, "My grandmother has trouble walking and lifting things, but whenever she knows someone else will benefit from it, she helps as much as possible." I think that your grandma is a very kind person. We should definitely have more people like her. As a matter of fact, she is a good example of someone who is willing to put someone else's needs ahead of their own. That is why i think that you grandma is a very kind person.
Although I don't, I wish I did know somebody who did something similar because what this person did was extremely generous and everyone should learn from this example. People seem to have forgotten that the holidays are about giving and helping people and only focus on themselves. To make someone's life a little better as the year comes to a close you could donate presents to a charity or food to the food pantry! By giving someone a gift or a meal you are making a difference in somebody else's life!
(This is actually a re-post because the first one did not show up although I had it in google docs.)
I do not know anyone who has done anything similar to this. If i could make somebody's life better this year I would. A way I could do this is by getting them something they really want. Even if I needed to borrow money, or work together with other people to go it. I would just want to help them in any way I can.
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