David, thank you for this reminder! The problems of this world seem all encompassing and that little can be done...but when you break things down, the small good that we do has meaningful impact.
You’re doing a lot of “big” good and I’m grateful!
What I love about how you give, David, is that it's so conscious and deliberate, that it's not just a writing of a check. You let your giving change you. As you give help where it's financially needed, you put yourself into that giving. I love how you let your empathy work hand-in-hand with your intellect, how you show up in deed and presence, a beautiful synergy of heart and mind and commitment. Thank you for giving this morning a touch of wonder ❤️
David I love that you do this on this platform, using your writing to do good while educating others on the impact of giving in a kind and concrete way. Besides being so generous - and inviting us to be as well - you are also giving us insight into the kind of person you are, which helps us know you better as a writer; we get to go beyond the words.
You’ve inspired so many thoughts with this post. First, what a mitzvah in helping that mother and son. We have a similar organization here where Jeffrey and I have volunteered and donated. Mary’s Place takes in homeless and abused women and their kids. When I took a psychology class a few years ago at a local community college we had an assignment that was eye opening. Find a shelter for a woman and her four kids. Guess what? There was nothing— except Mary’s Place. All the other shelters only allowed either one person or it was for veterans only, or drug attics only, etc. There was nothing for a family. Sadly, there is always a waiting list for Mary’s Place. The other thing I discovered is that food is everywhere. Between food stamps and food banks those who are struggling financially can always find food. Not so with other items such as expensive diapers and baby formula. (I was very happy to see that Robin Hood offers other life necessities.)
While it's true that food is everywhere, there are a lot of subtle barriers that cause many people in NYC to be food insecure. First, there's the expense of time to get to a food bak or pantry and wait on line. That time equals money plus the cost of transportation. Then there's the stigma. So many people do not want to be seen using a food pantry. They feel shame. Finally, for the undocumented, some food pantries collect basic information. There's fear even if the intent is harmless.
Yeah. So true. Does Robin Hood do meal delivery? I remember volunteering around 1989, 1990 for a food delivery service to homebound AIDS patients and the elderly. This was in LA so we never had to put up with snow storms.
One of the things I find you seem to do right, is avoiding the delegating, the paying to let others do things for some anonymous people. It is crucial to know what your contribution does, how it is applied. Stood in line for the foodbank myself and it is staggering how degrading it feels. It seems to make poverty structural. So important to stick with the personal, the specific.
Thirty years ago a boss (one of the few, I've been self employed most of my life) called me an opportunist. He meant it in a negative sense. Reading you, opportunity gets a whole new ring to it. Being a Robin Hood every chance I get.....
David, you’re a good שנאָרער—or is that used car salesman?
To those who read me on notes: this man is recommending an amazing and effective charity.
David, thank you for this reminder! The problems of this world seem all encompassing and that little can be done...but when you break things down, the small good that we do has meaningful impact.
You’re doing a lot of “big” good and I’m grateful!
What I love about how you give, David, is that it's so conscious and deliberate, that it's not just a writing of a check. You let your giving change you. As you give help where it's financially needed, you put yourself into that giving. I love how you let your empathy work hand-in-hand with your intellect, how you show up in deed and presence, a beautiful synergy of heart and mind and commitment. Thank you for giving this morning a touch of wonder ❤️
Thanks so much Demian!
You are a good man, David. Reading about your giving has a significant effect on me and has made me think about how I can do more here in the UK.
David I love that you do this on this platform, using your writing to do good while educating others on the impact of giving in a kind and concrete way. Besides being so generous - and inviting us to be as well - you are also giving us insight into the kind of person you are, which helps us know you better as a writer; we get to go beyond the words.
Heartfelt and moving: the work of a good soul.
You’ve inspired so many thoughts with this post. First, what a mitzvah in helping that mother and son. We have a similar organization here where Jeffrey and I have volunteered and donated. Mary’s Place takes in homeless and abused women and their kids. When I took a psychology class a few years ago at a local community college we had an assignment that was eye opening. Find a shelter for a woman and her four kids. Guess what? There was nothing— except Mary’s Place. All the other shelters only allowed either one person or it was for veterans only, or drug attics only, etc. There was nothing for a family. Sadly, there is always a waiting list for Mary’s Place. The other thing I discovered is that food is everywhere. Between food stamps and food banks those who are struggling financially can always find food. Not so with other items such as expensive diapers and baby formula. (I was very happy to see that Robin Hood offers other life necessities.)
Thanks for the comment and for your good work.
While it's true that food is everywhere, there are a lot of subtle barriers that cause many people in NYC to be food insecure. First, there's the expense of time to get to a food bak or pantry and wait on line. That time equals money plus the cost of transportation. Then there's the stigma. So many people do not want to be seen using a food pantry. They feel shame. Finally, for the undocumented, some food pantries collect basic information. There's fear even if the intent is harmless.
Yeah. So true. Does Robin Hood do meal delivery? I remember volunteering around 1989, 1990 for a food delivery service to homebound AIDS patients and the elderly. This was in LA so we never had to put up with snow storms.
A great model for your newsletter, David. Well done!
Appreciate your work. Your willingness to learn and to give is admirable.
You are doing beautiful and important work.
Thank you so much.
I love how you leapt at that opportunity.
This is so lovely. It warmed my heart
Thanks Noha!
One of the things I find you seem to do right, is avoiding the delegating, the paying to let others do things for some anonymous people. It is crucial to know what your contribution does, how it is applied. Stood in line for the foodbank myself and it is staggering how degrading it feels. It seems to make poverty structural. So important to stick with the personal, the specific.
Thirty years ago a boss (one of the few, I've been self employed most of my life) called me an opportunist. He meant it in a negative sense. Reading you, opportunity gets a whole new ring to it. Being a Robin Hood every chance I get.....
Thank you so much for the generous comment. And taking the "opportunity" to encourage me to do more!