The Gift of Human Kindness

 

Despite the enormity of Tuesday’s election bearing down on us, I’ve seen some lovely things unfold on social media in the last twenty four hours. Not political, but examples of genuine human kindness. They aren’t my stories to tell but I would if I had permission. We’ll see if I can swing that.

In the meantime, perhaps that’s a reminder that there’s never a bad time for acts of kindness, no matter how small. 

That brings me to this announcement from the Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services:

Project Holiday needs your help! #HoCoAging's 50+ centers are accepting new, unwrapped items now through December 6 to add to gift bags for local older adults. For a list of suggested items or to make a monetary donation, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/projectholiday.

“…who would not otherwise receive a gift.”

Oof. That struck me. I’ve had some rough times in my life, especially during the holidays, but I’ve always been connected in some way with people who invited me to share a meal or remembered me with a gift of some kind. The need for this initiative speaks not only to poverty amongst older residents but also profound human disconnection. 

What does it mean when you have no one?

Holiday gifts cannot magically cure that but they can be a light in the darkness, as it were.

Check the bottom of this flier for gift suggestions. 

I’ve enthusiastically participated in toy drives for kids over the years and I have to admit I haven’t really noticed initiatives like this one in the past. It’s fun to buy toys, to remember your own childhood excitement. Imagining kids with toys gives us that unmistakable dopamine rush of unadulterated delight. Shopping for older people who may have no one reminds reminds us that aging comes to us all and that this could someday be us. 

This reminds me a bit of my musings that small children with special needs are often deemed adorable when the same people, grown, are considered undesirable and inconvenient.

I have found that my readers are a well informed and compassionate bunch. You may already know all this. For some reason it’s really hitting me hard this morning. 

*****

Today’s local HoCo shopping recommendation is Feet First, located in the Wilde Lake Village Center. You, or someone you know, has been spending long hours walking in the community and/or standing at the polls. A pair of truly comfortable new shoes might be a godsend. I’ve written about Feet First in the past. They’ve been in business since 1979 and are good neighbors in the community. Despite which you may think, they are not only a store for runners. 

If you haven’t been there, check them out. Maybe you will find yourself walking around the Wilde Lake Village Center afterwards with a new spring in your step.