glass+&+pie.jpgHere are two stories about "giving" that we're collecting from readers and publishing this week. To find out more or submit your own >> click here.

From Randi:

Hi Maxwell -

I'm a single Mom with 5 children - in 2 bodies (one is gifted, the other has Autism and Down syndrome - so it often feels like 5!). Although we have never been wealthy, both of my children have always known how rich it makes you feel to give. One example: every fall when they get a new backpack for school, their old ones become "Homeless Bags". We fill them with warm socks, gloves, a scarf or hat, the toiletry samples we save from hotels or stores, a coupon book for fast food, stamps, envelopes, pencil, etc. It is always a delight to see what they choose to add over the years...

Our "Homeless Bags" now include gently used purses, gym bags, suitcases, etc etc. filled with a great selection of things. We keep them in the trunk of our car. When we see someone on the roadside asking for help, we circle the block & choose a bag that we think "fits" & give them that instead of money. My oldest is now 22 - and called just after moving to her first apartment to share the thrill of giving to a shoeless vet in LA.

in/en JOY!

Randi, Seattle

randi@artatTheRanch.com

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From Yvette:

Dear AT,

My husband and I had a baby last October and I didn't have a job to go back to after maternity leave.
We have been on one waiters salary for over a year and barely make rent each month, but I still feel the need to help the poor at church and on the street each week.

Although, we may be struggling, there are less fortunate people out there without a roof over their head and warm clothes.

Since we count each dollar on a weekly basis towards our bills, this extra money I give could put us in a pinch but I always seem to end up finding money randomly in weird places around the house. Giving is the biggest reward!!

Yvette

(Painting by Sebastian Stoskopff via Ancient Industries)