Ten Minutes Can Affect A Child Forever
Posted: Friday, March 05, 2010
by Susan Thom
I have put off cleaning out my youngest son's closet for about ten years. I wasn't well for a good part of that time, and going through years of clothes and toys just wasn't high up on my list. I was having a guest, and needed that room, so, I began the ascent into plastic and cloth, and after days, I was done with what had overwhelmed me until this time.
Okay, now what? I went to a few churches, but unfortunately, in this day and age, the doors were locked during the day, and I couldn't get in. I went about my errands, and I passed a cute little house next to the post office, that had plastic toys in the yard. Hmmm. I pulled over to the curb and went and knocked on the door. The grandmother appeared, with a beautiful 3 year old girl.
I told her why I had stopped there, and I was wondering if the little girl would like to look at the toys and see if there were any she'd like. (she liked them all) I was telling the grandmother that now I just had to donate the 3 bags of clothes, and she told me the gas station down the street had a small bin. I left them, spent more time trying to stuff the bags into a slot that wasn't quite made for that load, but I managed.
I felt good about that because everything was either new, or almost new, and my son never liked wearing coats. His friends all wore sweatshirts, and so did he. A coat always hung in the closet though, on the off chance. So, within a half an hour, I had made a little girl very happy, and many would be receiving clothes and coats they needed. Her name is Annie, by the way.
When I come across some dolls and toys from my daughter, I'll know where to go. And I will go. Such simple things can cause a string of happiness and good will. I'll never know who will be wearing my son's coat from jcpenney that he never wore, but I'll know someone will be, and it will be someone who needs it. it didn't cost me anything in gas, I already had to go to the post office.
It just took the initiative, and the idea, to try and make whatever small difference I could. We all can do the same. I've thrown out clothes and toys when I just didn't want to be bothered finding them a home, when my kids were growing up. Now that I know where the bin is, that won't happen anymore. I still have a couple more closets to clean out and I'm sure I'll come across a lot more clothes, and maybe some more toys for Annie. It's all about sharing, and caring.
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Top-level comments on this article: (7 total)I hope you didn't throw away some of your son's sentimental belongings. good article SusanPlease log in to respond to this comment.hi david,actually, i saved the favorite toy of each child, and anything i thought to be of sentimental value to them.i'd like to uncover some dolls or barbies, to bring to annie.hopefully, i will,my best,suePlease log in to respond to this comment.
I think that when we are giving it is when we feel our best. Good article. Thanks for sharing Sue.Please log in to respond to this comment.hi linda,i agree.most things we can do for others just take time, no big burden of finance. i think the burden is whether or not we'll take the time,my best regards,suePlease log in to respond to this comment.
Oh, Sue. What a wonderful story! You are so right. "Paying it forward" like you did will indeed bless you in ways you cannot imagine. And, people down the line will benefit from your act of kindness and sacrifice, (you could have been selfish and hung on to everything but didn't).Thank you not only for a heartwarming article but also for taking a chunk of evil out of our world.Please log in to respond to this comment.hi ken,it felt so good to see that little girl's eyes light up, and it felt good for me to be able to provide that to her.and you are right, i was on a seesaw as to whether or not to just throw them out, but they were in perfect condition, and God led me to do the right thing.i hope all is well with you.i appreciate you reading and commenting,my best to you,suePlease log in to respond to this comment.
I like the fact you didn't do what was easy, and toss the stuff out when you couldn't find a bin, you actually searched for someone who could use it. There are so many ways we can each make a difference, and what may seem like a small thing to us, can be huge to someone else. I'm sure Annie is enjoying her new toys! Have a great day Susan.Please log in to respond to this comment.hi brianna,i wished you lived next door! :)i was guided to annie's house, and i guess i just followed the direction.her smile told me i was at the right house.thanks for reading and commenting,my best,suePlease log in to respond to this comment.
Hi Sue.Where I live, it is easy to find people who need what you have to give. I'm fortunate that way.I'm sure that your thoughtfulness has made all the difference to many people. And not just with your recent clothing and toy donations.Great article!Hugs,DiannePlease log in to respond to this comment.
Hi Sue!I am with you on these acts of kindness. I am grateful however, that our church is open almost everyday and there are so many children on our street. I even think they rule our little dead end street.Love, hugs and blessings,MichellePlease log in to respond to this comment.hi michelle,i hope all is well.i could have brought those toys to the church, but for "some" reason, i landed at that little girl's house.i'm thinking of bringing some dolls of my daughter's over to her one day.thanks for reading and commenting,my best,suePlease log in to respond to this comment.
You are sooooo kind. When i have clothes i won't wear anymore i will also send them to someone who need.Please log in to respond to this comment.aileenhan,thank you for reading and responding.it is appreciated.i am so glad you will send your clothes to someone in need.there wasn't a thing wrong with them, they just didn't fit anymore. now maybe someone will find something they like.my best regards,suePlease log in to respond to this comment.
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