Make Someone’s Day
I’m a firm believer in putting out as much good karma as possible, and that includes making someone’s day in nice and unexpected ways. I truly enjoy giving more than I like to receive, because of how good it makes me feel inside. So, today, after I tell you a story that recently happened, I hope you’ll go out today and make someone’s day, too! 
The other day I was out running errands and stopped to put gas in my car. As I was waiting at the gas pump and getting price gouged with every gallon pouring into my tank (Oy! 
), I caught sight of an older man rummaging through the trash cans situated between the gas pumps. He didn’t look homeless, but he didn’t look like he had a whole lot, either. He was pulling out all the aluminum and plastic items that were recyclable, that other people had thrown away at some point, and dropping them into his own large garbage bag. He was clearly going to take these items down to the recycle center for money.
As he shuffled over to my side of the gas station, our gazes met and I gave him a smile. He nodded and gave me a small smile in return, then went about his business in yet another trash can, picking out all the recyclable aluminum and plastic he could find.
Now, I have to say that on a daily basis I see people sitting on the side of the road or standing in strategic places like stoplights or grocery stores, and holding a sign proclaiming that they are homeless and are in desperate need of money and will accept anything you have to offer. I’ve also had people come up to me directly at gas stations or fast food places begging for money. 
Do I believe that those people have fallen on hard times? Yes, I do. But I hate every one of those bold and in-your-face approaches, and let me tell you why. 
In the past, I’ve given many proclaimed homeless people cash because I honestly feel that I’m very fortunate to have money myself. I am not rich by any means (If I wanted to be rich, I wouldn’t have become a writer, LOL! 
), but I know that I can go without a week of Starbucks in order to help someone less fortunate. However, after being burned several times after handing over MY hard earned money, 
I’ve learned to be far more cautious and selective in who I give cash to.
How have I been burned? Well, there were several times that women have come up to me at gas stations begging for money to put gas in their car, then after watching them conning other people out of cash they get into a car with another person who is driving, and off they go – without purchasing any gas at all. 
So, I figure I just helped someone with their drug habit. I’ve also been approached at fast food joints for money so the person can buy something to eat. After giving out cash many times, only to have the person walk away without getting something to eat, I now have a different tactic that has saved me a ton of money. Now, when I’m at a fast food joint and someone who claims to be homeless asks me for money for something to eat, I offer to buy them whatever they would like off of the menu. Every single time that I’ve done this, the person has refused, wanting only the MONEY, which tells me their “homeless” ploy is nothing more than a con. I’m more than willing to feed any homeless person – I’ll buy them a meal or groceries at the store. But I am so done handing out cash, only to have the person put it in their pocket and walk away, or move on to another victim. Also, about a year ago I was watching one of those Prime Time shows at night and they were doing a segment on those “homeless” people standing on street corners with their signs asking for money, and after investigating them they discovered that these people, on the average, were taking in over $60K a year in hand-outs – TAX FREE. 
And they weren’t even homeless!!!! They were just lazy and didn’t want to work a day job! :evil:
So, that was really the clincher for me on the whole “helping the homeless” thing. As I said, I’ve learned to be cautious and very selective in who I give my money to. And most of the time when I do give someone who looks like they need money some cash, they aren’t expecting it AT ALL. And that’s where a lot of the “feeling good” feeling comes in for me. Doing something nice and unexpected for someone can make me feel fantastic for an entire day. 
So, back to the older man rummaging through the trash cans. As I continued to watch him, I knew that he was doing whatever he could to make extra money. Probably for food. Possibly to pay his rent or buy his medication because he has crappy health insurance. He probably needed a dozen things, and to him, whatever those tin cans and bottles could give him in terms of money was most likely a small fortune to him. And even though our gazes met and he had the perfect opportunity to ask me for money, he never did.
And that’s when I knew I was going to make his day and put some good karma out into the universe. After finishing pumping my gas, I pulled out a twenty dollar bill from my wallet and approached the man. He glanced up at me, and again I smiled and reached out to give him the cash and said, “this is for you”. I could tell he was stunned and surprised, and he didn’t ask why I was giving him the money. He just took it (because he obviously needed it), said “thank you,” and the look in his eyes was filled with the kind of sincere gratitude that told me how much that money meant to him. I told him to have a good day, then left the gas station, but that feeling of doing something good and unexpected for someone stayed with me for the rest of the day. 
Doing something nice for someone isn’t all about money. It’s just about being kind and courteous and selfless - - to someone you don’t even know. It’s about letting someone in a car merge in front of you during rush hour traffic, instead of cutting them off in your rush to get home. It’s about complimenting someone on something they least expect. It’s about letting someone in the grocery store with only 5 items go ahead of you in the check-out line and your full basket of food. It’s about leaving a really nice tip for a waitress who looks like she could use the extra cash. It’s about opening the door for a handicapped person, or helping someone who looks lost and needs directions instead of just walking past them.
So, you get the point. Go out today, spread some kindness and good karma, and do something nice to make someone’s day. 
You’ll be glad you did! And if you have your own “good karma” story, please share it with us.
Janelle I think we need more people like you in the world, seriously.
I believe in the karma effect too. I saw the movie “Pay It Forward” years ago and it really resonated with me. Doing something nice yet simple and unexpected can be such an amazing feeling. Paying for someone else’s toll, a cup of coffee, even buying a little card to brighten their day - I love doing stuff like that and sometimes it manages to happen when a person really needed that little “pick-me-up” the most. A few minutes and a small amount of money is all it took. In return, I get so much more back.
Thank you Janelle, for reminding me of this - have a fabulous day!
Comment by Stacy ~ — June 14, 2007 @ 6:21 am
Amen!! To all of it! I absolutely believe what you put out there is what you’re going to get back - both good and bad - and we’ve tried to teach that to our kids, as well.
I was in a conference for my oldest when he was in high school. After going through all the reasons I was there
one of the teachers said, “He makes my day, every day. He is the only student that acknowledges me when he leaves class and every day he tells me to have a nice day” The other teachers all spoke up and agreed. I can’t tell you how proud I was of him, despite my being at school for academic reasons. Who cares, I’m raising a good kid!! 
Hubby also does the same as you when it comes to food, etc. It’s not uncommon for people to walk into his business asking for money - they need food, gas, a new tire, etc. If they want food, he tells them to meet him at the restaurant down the road. If its gas, he meets them at the gas station and fills up their car. About 50% of the time they take him up on it and he knows they truly needed it.
But a simple wave, letting someone out into traffic, all that is just as important and if everyone believed like you do - wow! - what a wonderful world we’d have. Like Nickelback’s song, “If Everyone Cared.” Thanks for such a wonderful topic today and thank you for the nice things you do!
Comment by Jodie — June 14, 2007 @ 7:52 am
What a wonderful blog! Thanks for reminding me (isn’t it awful that I need to be reminded?) that we are here for each other. I know I’m nice, polite, courteous, but when you go the extra mile - take the time… you get so much in return.
Comment by Barbara-Jo — June 14, 2007 @ 8:29 am
Stacy, I saw Pay It Forward and loved it…until the end. I thought it was totally unnecessary and a cheap emotional ploy by the writers. Totally sucked. Won’t watch the movie again. But the sentiment is worthy.
Last night, I took my daughter and her friend to dinner at Sweet Tomatoes (salad bar/buffet place.) There was a young girl making balloon animals for tips and I planned to give her $2, one for each balloon. As we were chatting, I learned the girl was still in high school (she looked like a college freshman, but was only a high school sophomore) who’d moved here from New York because her father’s job transferred and she really missed home. She was great with the girls, talking about books she loved to read and making them the dragons they requested in two colors, no less. After a while I slipped the $2 back in my purse and pulled out a $5, which is all I had (I’m notorious for not carrying around a lot of cash.) I gave her that instead. I figured, hey, why not? She’s a young girl making a living, but also spreading fun and joy to little kids. After I tipped her, I learned that she lived over an hour away and commuted to different restaurants to her job. Now I was glad I’d tipped her more than I’d planned because gas prices had to be taking a huge chunk out of her earnings.
Anyway, it wasn’t a big thing, but it was the last of my cash…I left the $2, plus $2 more in change, for the poor bus person who had to clear those girl’s mess!
Great blog, Janelle!
Comment by Julie Leto — June 14, 2007 @ 8:40 am
I too have been burned before by people asking for money and not needing it for what they say. I started keeping granola bars and bottled water in my cars to give out when people ask for money for food. I also will pay for the next person in the drive-thru at Starbucks at least once a month. A cup of coffee isn’t much, but I figure it might make that person’s day a little bit better.
Comment by Liza — June 14, 2007 @ 8:52 am
Great Blog Janelle
I have to admit I have given people standing with those cardboard signs knowning they probably make more money than I do especially after reading what you saw on that Prime Time show or supporting their habit.
When we were in Boston a couple of months ago there was a guy sitting on the ground with a carbord sign that said HELP ME GET DRUNK I couldn’t believe my eyes and said to my husband well atleast he is being honest about it and hubby spied his ldonation cup and said there was some money in it. I didn’t give.
Jodie I have heard the same things from my sons’s Teachers and I sit there and say to myself r u talking baout my son LOL, but it is good to hear that he is being respective in school.
I agree about Nickelback’s song “If Everyone Cared”.
Thank you PLOTMONKEYS
Have a nice day everyone
Comment by Cherylann — June 14, 2007 @ 9:18 am
Now this isn’t about how I made someone’s day, but how someone made mine. I guess it was in April on a week night. A Tuesday I think. My daughter was working, so I took my son out to dinner - at Outback Steakhouse. Not the most expensive place, but not the most economical either. It’s where he wanted to go, so we went. Just my son and me having decent conversation and laughing at things that didn’t include discussion of upcoming video games for once.
We ordered dinner (he’s 13 and wanted STEAK). The waitress had been very good and I had planned to tip her well. When I asked for the check, she said… “Your dinner has been taken care of. Have a wonderful evening.”
Needless to say, I was floored! I looked around and didn’t have a clue who would pick up our dinner. I asked her if she was sure???? “Yes. Enjoy!” She said. I still couldn’t quite believe it, so I asked again. “Are you sure?? Why?” She just shrugged and said “Have a nice evening.”
I’m not indigent, I could, and intended to pay for dinner. When I mentioned it to a friend, she thought that maybe someone was just impressed that a mom and her son were actually having a conversation and spending time together.
However, it was very nice of whoever made that lovely gesture for us!
So, here in cyberspace is a “BIG THANK YOU” to whomever did that for us. 
I plan to “pay it forward” soon.
Comment by Lynn Matherly — June 14, 2007 @ 9:19 am
Once a month, I try to do something nice for my sons’ teachers/para-pros/therapists. They do a lot for each of them (even my typical guys). I always try to include a nice note of something specific that they have done for them. Teachers do a lot outside of the school day that they don’t get credit for. I am convinced that because of their support and kindness is the reason that they are so successful!
Comment by katie — June 14, 2007 @ 9:43 am
Janelle–Great Blog. I, also got very tired of those people that take advantage. I will buy food or gas if I can but I rarely give out cash.
That was a kind and wonderful thing you did for that man–he is obviously of a generation that had PRIDE. I do those things when I can. A couple of years ago when my husband was very ill and off work for six months on an IV at home and I had two little ones and going to school we had an opportunity to bless someone. A lady came by offering to sell her bracelt for some money to pick up some food for her kids. Since it was Thanksgiving time and I had no money–I went in the house and got the turkey out and bags of groceries and followed her on her bike home and delivered them to those kids. They were so grateful. We had somewhere to go for the holiday–they might not have so I figure they got way more use out of that turkey than we did.
Also, I have been known to pay for the person behind me in drive thru on the occassion that I could and felt the pull to do so.
Once, my dad called me what translates to a “bad person” and it is the only time since teenage days that I totally went off because I was so angry. I figure I might be alot of things but I am a very caring kind person–if nothing else.
If my kids happen to see me give soemone food or something, I explain to them why. I hope they will learn by example.
Wow! Didn’t mean to be so long-winded. Have a great day!
Comment by Debbie — June 14, 2007 @ 9:46 am
Of course I’d expect nothing less than AWESOME things from our Plotmonkeys! I also knew that we have some of the kindess and most caring posters on the internet! I think all your stories are great and just reading about everyone’s kindness is making MY day!
Jodie, I love that your teachers complimented you so much on your son and his uplifting attitude and cheery spirit. And how sweet and polite he is. I love that!
Julie — I’m sure that young girl appreciated your generous tip. She sounds like an incredibly sweet girl — and a hard worker!!!
Cherylann — Unbelievable about the man with the sign asking people to help him get drunk!
More unbelievable is the fact that people gave him MONEY to support his habit! 
Liza — great idea about keeping extra stuff in your car! On that note, I have a girlfriend who always keeps dog food and treats in her car for stray dogs, LOL!
Lynn — I bet not only were you shocked, but that is something that will stay with you forever. How awesome! And yes, the key is to pay it forward someday. I’ve done that in restaurants, too, mainly for people who look as though they don’t have much. And I’m always insistent that the waiter NOT tell the table who paid for their check. That’s not what it’s all about. I wish I had a million dollars, because I do this kind of stuff far more often!
Katie — I think that teachers are the most UNAPPRECIATED workers out there, so I love that you take the time to recognize them and their hard work.
Debbie — You weren’t long winded at all. I truly love reading everyone’s stories. And I think what you did for that woman was a wonderful thing. She was obviously trying to make a living the best she could, and I’m sure your gesture meant so much to her and her family!!!
Comment by Janelle — June 14, 2007 @ 10:08 am
I know I’ve already posted, but I wanted to tell a story about something that was done for me. Hope that’s OK.
When my son was 5 months old I found myself to be a single parent (I was 21!). I made $5.50 an hour, no public assistance and not much help from family, they weren’t in any better position than I was.
Needless to say when Christmas rolled around there weren’t a lot of things under the tree. I didn’t worry about it his first year, he was only 11 months, but his second Christmas it was really bothering me. And I truly know it isn’t about the gifts, but not being able to do for him had me upset.
I had to work Christmas Eve and when I got to the babysitter’s house she had me stay in the foyer and wait. She went back to her bedroom and drug out a huge, black trash bag filled to the top with gifts!! She had been saving the babysitting money I had given her for a while and used it to by gifts for my son. I cry every year on Christmas Eve thinking about what she did.
And thanks to the internet, 18 years later, I’m able to stay in touch with her and still see her when I go to Tucson to visit. I will never, ever forget what she did for us! Thanks for letting me share (like you guys had a choice!) lol
Comment by Jodie — June 14, 2007 @ 10:58 am
Jodie — Today is all about doing and SHARING
What a wonderful thing for your babysitter to do, and I think it’s so great that you still stay in touch with her!
There’s a woman I know that’s having TRIPLETS,
and she and her husband don’t have a whole lot (along with a 2 year old daughter), and everytime I find a sale on infant and baby clothes I buy stuff and put it away. I’ve already collected over two HUGE plastic tubs of new baby clothes, receiving blankets, bibs, etc. Now I’m working on buying her diapers, cuz I know she’ll be going through a ton — and they are so dang expensive!!! Anyway, I find that doing it over the course of 6 months is much easier on my wallet, but in the end it’ll make a huge difference for her. I really do enjoy doing this kind of stuff, when I can.
Comment by Janelle — June 14, 2007 @ 11:06 am
Janelle, When asked for food money, I, too, say, “meet me inside: I’ll pay for your lunch”. Sadly, in most cases, they don’t want to do it, so I know it wasn’t about food, but, in a few cases, people have taken me up on it. When they have, I’ve felt better all day. I think kindness is a trait out-of-style in today’s world, & it’s sad to see. Much earlier, when I was a single, fulltime working mom, I remember many times having $1 to my name on the off-Fri. before I got paid, with 2 kids to support. It’s scary to be poor, & I try never to forget it.
Patricia A.
Comment by Patricia — June 14, 2007 @ 11:09 am
Janelle, you’re sweet! :thumbsup2:
Jodie, what a touching story.
We all need reminders once in awhile!
Comment by Carly — June 14, 2007 @ 11:20 am
OMG - I can’t imagine trying to support more than 1 infant! There was a local family who had sextuplets (is that right for 6?) Because that is such a rare thing they made national news and there were diaper companies, car seat makers, that type of thing that made donations to help them.
But triplets won’t get that type of attention and they will never, ever forget you doing that for them. I can’t even imagine diapers for 3 - buying them or changing them - jeez, it makes my head spin to even consider it!
Comment by Jodie — June 14, 2007 @ 11:27 am
Reading all these stories did remind me of a time about 10 years ago when I was having a very hard time financially. I was lucky enough to be living with a couple of friends who made sure I always had food(even when I couldn’t chip in on groceries). I was working 2 full time jobs and still having problems. I even worked at a restaurant for one of the jobs, but the employees only got discounts not free food. However, one of my mangers figured out I wasn’t eating much and would mess up an order when I worked so I would get a free meal(always one of my favorites too).
Comment by Liza — June 14, 2007 @ 11:29 am
Thanks for the great post, Janelle, and everyone for the terrific stories
I appreciate the reminder of how much of a positive impact we can have on someone’s day…
Comment by Fedora — June 14, 2007 @ 11:35 am
Janelle,
Your kids are learning a valuable lesson from your example. I know that I learned how to be giving from my mother. I’ll never forget one time when I was in high school and we were traveling. Our family was waiting at a military airport for a space available flight and I got to talking with an airman and his young wife. They were down to their last $2.00 and needed some money for food before their flight left back to the US. So I lent them $20 (which was big bucks in those days). My dad told me I had just thrown away my money and I would never hear from them again. A few months later, I got my money back along with a very nice note and the opportunity to tell him that, yes, mother knows best!
I also signed up to be a bone marrow donor for a little girl at my daughter’s elementary school who was fighting leukemia. And although I was not a match for her, I did end up being a match for a father of three boys, and donated bone marrow for him. And though we were not allowed to communicate directly, I did receive a very nice letter from him.
I know I love it when someone sends me flowers or a little note letting me know that I make a difference in their lives. Great blog, Janelle.
ps Thanks for the book and all the goodies in the box as well!
Nina in Ohio
Comment by Nina — June 14, 2007 @ 11:46 am
Janelle, thanks for a wonderful blog. To everyone posting here I love your stories. It restores my faith in humanity. My finances don’t let me do a lot to help anyone with financial problems but I do try to donate to our local food bank when I can & I do try to do small things. One of my favorite things is to hold a door open for a mom with a stroller especially if they also have a second older child. Also holding a door for someone that is handicapped using a walker or a cane is much appreciated. Those are just really small things but the person appreciates it. Another thing is just smiling & saying hello to people you pass on the street. I live in a small town so that is easy & I don’t know these people but it makes everyone’s day more pleasant.
Wonderful reminder to us all that we share this planet with a lot of people.
Comment by Donna M — June 14, 2007 @ 1:54 pm
Lovely topic today, Janelle! I’m also really enjoying these stories. Nice to know so many big hearts hang out here in the jungle!
Comment by Leslie — June 14, 2007 @ 2:49 pm
I am back to say what happened today after I posted.
I had gone to visit my Aunt who lives in elderly housing and there was a bus in fron of the building picking up an edlerly man and I saw this lady running for the bus so I told the bus driver to wait that someone was coming he said ok and she yelled to me THANK YOU.
Donna M that is what I do to try and do the little things like smiling and saying hello walking down the street, holding open doors for someone.
Comment by Cherylann — June 14, 2007 @ 2:56 pm
Janelle,
I loved your story along with all the other’s that have posted.
What a wonderful idea to offer to buy someone’s food instead of giving them money. I had someone come up to me at a little market one night, asking for money to buy him some food. I gave him the money then watched him walk out with a six pack of beer.
In my life, I have always tried to help others for exactly the reasons that you stated. It just makes me feel good inside. It may not even be material things but just listening to them, driving a sick friend to the Dr., ect.
This past year has been a hard one for me emotional and physcially. And I have to say that I don’t know if I could have got through without so many friends being there for me. It didn’t matter if they were there to let me complain, cry on their shoulders or bring a smile to my face.
I have so many people to thank for getting me through these hard times. And I hope that in some way it was because I have helped them or will at least get to return the favor in the future.
Comment by Tina Byrd — June 14, 2007 @ 3:41 pm
I’m a firm believer that what goes around comes around. I don’t have a lot of money but I have a heart. Anytime I can do something for someone else to make their day it makes my day, too. It’s alot like the movie Pay It Forward. If you see someone doing a good thing it makes you want to do a good thing. It just feels right.
Comment by Carol R — June 14, 2007 @ 4:00 pm
Nina — I bet it was the best feeling ever to hear back from that couple! And to be able to donate your bone marrow and save someone’s life — how awesome! What a beautiful, selfless gift you gave that man — and his children!
Donna — as you said, it’s not always about money. It’s just about being kind to your fellow human being. There are just so many people out there who are always in a rush, or stressed from work and life, and sometimes an act of kindness can really make someone’s day.
Tina — there is nothing more annoying/upsetting/frustrating than to part with your hard earned money believing you’re helping someone out, only to have that person do something as yours did — buy a six pack of beer.
That’s why I always offer to BUY the food, because I wouldn’t pay for the beer! It sounds as though you’re surrounding by good friends and people — all that great karma you’re putting out there has obviously come back to you in wonderful ways this past year!
Carol — So true! If you put crappy, negative stuff/vibes out into the universe, I believe that’s what you’ll get in return and you’ll be a miserable person. Put out positive, uplifting stuff, and you’ll be rewarded in kind!
Comment by Janelle — June 14, 2007 @ 4:40 pm
What a nice way to end a day full of crabby customers!!
Needless to say, I get paid to help customers, but I do like to go above and beyond- like the hour I spent trying to find a book. I could have lied, ordered it and that was that. But damnit, I knew it was there and that they would be leaving with it.
I also firmly believe in karma. I taught my daughter the same way. And it isn’t just little things now and then. I try to do it all the time. Even the smallest thing can make a difference in someone’s life and you may not even know it.
Comment by ev — June 14, 2007 @ 4:56 pm
Tina - one time I was talking to a sales rep - I consider her a friend, even though we didn’t do a lot of socializing outside of work - and I said something like, “I have the best friends in the world.”
Her response was, “You have good friends because you are a good friend.” That was years ago and I have never forgotten that. I try very, very hard to be that good friend who deserves good friends. It sound like must be a good friend too!!
She’s also the one who’s father always said, “Never say anything you wouldn’t want broadcast on the evening news.” I think I learned a lot from her!
Comment by Jodie — June 14, 2007 @ 5:16 pm
Many years ago when my daughter was in pre-school there was a little girl in the class who came to school everyday dressed in dingy, dirty, cloths, her sneakers had wholes in them and as the weather changed I noticed she had no winter jacket. I approached the teacher and asked if I could leave some items with her for the girl because I didn’t want to approach the mother for fear that I would embarass her. At first the teacher was reluctant but with a little coaxing she agreed. That day I went out and shopped till I dropped. It felt so good when I went to school a few days later and saw the little girl in her new cloths, the look of pride in her face was worth it 100 times over!
Comment by Tina Martinesi — June 14, 2007 @ 9:56 pm
Janelle, you obviously like to spread that Karma around. Thank you for the ARC and bag of goodies. They arrived today as I was stressing out about the Relay starting tomorrow. I know it will make me feel better once we actually get there and start walking but leading up to it has been VERY stressful. Thanks again for everything!!! :love2:
Comment by Kelly F. — June 14, 2007 @ 10:31 pm
What a great story, Tina!!!
Kelly — you’re very welcome. Good luck in the relay!!!
Comment by Janelle — June 14, 2007 @ 11:54 pm
Great prizes! Hope I win! Helen
Comment by Helen — June 15, 2007 @ 9:22 am
Great blog Janelle! I wish more people in the world were like you ladies! It sure make life a lot nicer.:-) In the meantime, thanks for the inspiration and I look forward to doing my part.
Comment by carolanne — June 16, 2007 @ 3:38 am
Many Thank
Comment by MeOmee — June 16, 2007 @ 6:20 pm
Karma is always a thing you can enjoy and making someone’s day with almost any kind gesture that comes from the heart.
Comment by Qua — June 20, 2007 @ 5:11 pm