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Being good is a desire of most persons.  Many seek  to achieve these goals through many ways.  Even those that consider themselves bad have ideas of what being good is like.  Some aspiring to be good consider themselves a failure if they do not measure up to their self imposed expectations.  They however are cognizant of what society feels a good person should be like, think like, and act like.  Being good will be explored in different ways.

When does a person have to prove himself?

It is the desire of such a person to show his community, region, and/or nation that he has attributes that qualify him for being special.  This is when he comes face to face with the underprivileged.  Such person does not stand idly by, but acts on his belief that everyone deserves to live a respectful and hopeful life.  When the time is right, he is willing to volunteer at soup kitchens, help out with at the food bank, and give donations to charities.  These decisions are determined by his desire to make a contribution to the less fortunate among us.

Where does a person wish to be?

Such a person wishes to be where the action is.  It makes no sense to be where people are living comfortable lives   and are not in need.  Such a person should seek out such places like churches, synagogues and civic organizations that cater for the poor.  It may not even be away from home, but service in a person’s home itself.  There, such an an individual can be an inspiration to his family.  He endeavors to make his wife and family happy and comfortable because he loves them.  They love him in return.  Their feelings are mutually shared.  His love reaches into all corners of their lives and they celebrate special moments of their lives at baptisms, birthdays, and anniversaries.

Why does he have to do these things?

It is only his desire to help his fellow man.  Since he considers himself fortunate, he is willing to share.  He wants others to partake in the bounty that he has amassed.  These may be what he considers blessings from above.  His joys of being happy are like jewels.  He enjoys life and will do anything for others so that they can see how infectious his goodness is.  He wants his good fortune to be understood by as many people as possible.

What causes such moments?

It will be like an epiphany, a grand awakening of sorts.  A person may be going along doing the things the way that he often does when an aha moment happens.  He may decide to change course because of something new that he has learned.  Regardless of the reason, the result becomes a revelation that makes him happy.  His impression may be anything that touches him on a physical, psychological, and/or spiritual level.

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Such impact will cause this person live his life to the fullest.

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Being good eventually calls into question the caliber of a person’s life.  Such a life will be well lived.  For most it will be creative and challenging.  For others, it may result in a person developing after having experience on a daily basis.

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You don’t have to be a super hero to be one in a million today to someone.  It can be as simple as a holiday gesture.  By looking through your canned goods, you may find some good items to donate to a less fortunate family this year.  If you like to do thread crafts, why not make a hat or scarf for someone at a local homeless shelter.  Or go to a nursing home to lead a session of Christmas carols.

After the holiday season, just keep up the good work.  The idea is not so much to stand out, but to be outstanding at whatever you do.  I will never forget when I was part of an adult all volunteer community band in the South.  Each year, we would break up into small three to ten person groups.  We would go to play and sing holiday tunes wherever the Salvation Army bell ringers were in town.  They would quadruple their intake when we accompanied them. 

It is not how much you spend monetarily, but how much of yourself you give.  We even played at a Lions’ Club dinner for blind folks.  We all had a blast.  They were dancing and singing with us.  So this holiday season, be one in a million to someone.  And don’t forget to smile.  After all, the is the best use of your teeth when you are not eating.

This story is sad beyond belief. 

Mark Mullen had been a PE Instructor in the British army,however he left the army(exact reason not known) And it has been reported that he found it hard to adjust to life back in civvy street. 

Mark married Helen in the summer,Helen was said to have severe learning difficulties,she also had a 12 year old daughter who the Uk social services took into care as it was considered that Helen could not care for her daughter properly.

Mark and Helen were found dead last week,it is thought that they committed suicide,though that has not been confirmed..

Mark and Helen fell on hard times,Mark could not claim an army pension as he had not served long enough in the army,so it seems that they were trying to live on 57.50 a week(though the Uk benefits department have said the couple were getting all the relevant benefits they were entitled to…)

The couple had no fridge or freezer they could not afford to heat their whole house,so it is thought they were living in just  one room as that was the only way they could keep their home and themselves warm..

They walked six miles to get free vegetables from a charity soup kitchen, Mark would boil all the vegetables and make it into a broth,divide it into bags and store it in their shed  so that they had food to eat for the week.

In December 2010 the couple were featured in an anesis video Mr Mullins says’My Helen is learning disabled,but it took her a very long time to get any kind of benefits or social security.  The jobcentre decided that she couldn’t sign on because she wasn’t capable ,she had no brain function(?)no numeracy,no literacy skills.But the incapacity people wouldn’t recognise her until she had been fully diagnosed,which meant month after month of specialists,so basically we were caught in a catch-22 situation.  We were living on very little,hand to mouth. I think the system is very unkind. We have lost count of how many appeals we have had.We have had to fight tooth and nail every step of the way to get benefits.’(mark Mullens in documentary December 2010)

Charity worker Kervin Julien met the couple when they came to eat at a soup kitchen that he ran in the city centre.he said they were ‘A Wonderful Couple’  He also said that he had seen Mark a few weeks ago and that Mark had been really upset, Mark told him that he and Helen had been staying with friends and relatives to try and avoid the authorities as they both believed the authorities wanted to section  Helen..Mr. Julien also said that Mark was devoted to Helen…

Now of course no one knows for sure if Mark and Helen were only getting 57.50 a week to live on (the benefits agency said they were getting everything they were entitled to though they didn’t say if 57.50 was what the couple were entitled to) …

But what is known is that in the year 2011 this couple who obviously needed help,did not get the appropriate help for their needs.They were living in one room to keep warm,they were surviving on broth which was stored in bags in a shed and which they made last for a week.. and whatever other foods they got from charity,they were walking miles to get this charity food…It is thought they could have been dead for a week or more before being found…They loved each other..

Maybe if the authorities had tried to help the couple with the obvious practical help they needed with things suchas help with taking care of their home,advise about organisations that could have helped them with things suchas  a fridge,heating for their home,a home carer to help Helen with things she may have had diffulties with,instead of making them hide for fear that all the authorities wanted to do, was section Helen,may be just maybe, this sad situation could have been avoided…Shame shame shame..

It is said Mencap have called for an inquiry into the couples death…

You can see the video of Mark Mullen talking in the documentary by typing in words below

Black triangle November 9th 2011 ”Army Veteran and his wife in tragic ’suicide pact’ after becoming to poor to live through winter

Most people consider the holidays to be a special time for giving and spreading good cheer. For many of us, that means spending some festive time with family, shopping for those perfect holiday gifts and participating in a variety of holiday activities. But there are other ways to spread holiday cheer that may actually be closer to the true meaning of this season.

    Not everyone is able to celebrate the holiday with their family, and there are those who are elderly, homeless, on restricted incomes or struggling with unemployment. Friend, these people could use a boost, especially at this time of year. If you are able to spread some holiday kindness by volunteering in this way, you could touch the hearts of others and be rewarded tenfold.

    I want to share some options for holiday volunteering, Friend. One way is to participate in a holiday charity event. For example, you could buy a gift for a toy drive, choose a list of presents to buy for a child from a local “angel tree,” or get involved in a fundraising walk run event as a participant or volunteer.

    Another way is to volunteer at a local soup kitchen. You can check with a local church or shelter to see about volunteering opportunities. Sharing food with the homeless helps them and at the same time helps us put our own issues into perspective. We realize how great it is to have a roof over our heads and food in our pantries, regardless of other problems we may be experiencing.

    Friend, if the soup kitchen option is not available, you can still help feed a person or an entire family a healthy holiday meal by purchasing and donating the fixings or by donating the money for a meal for a family in your local community. Another way to help is to agree to deliver meals through charities like Meals on Wheels to those who are elderly or disabled and are homebound. Meal delivery accompanied with your smile and some pleasant conversation can make a shut-in’s holiday a lot brighter even if the time you are able to spend with them is limited.

    Holiday volunteering also is a great way to teach children about the importance of community and sharing with those who have fallen on hard times. Serving bread at a soup kitchen, shopping for toys and gathering canned goods are great ways to introduce children to volunteering. Older children may also benefit by participating with you in delivering meals or gifts to those in need during the holidays.

    Friend, I hope very much that your holiday season will be absolutely warm and wonderful and that you will take some time this season to help make someone else’s holiday better, too.

There are people out there who have nothing at all. Yes there are organizations out there that support and give to the less fortunate, but what about the people in our very own communities and cities? What about the children going to school with a sweater and runners in minus 30 weather, or families eating canned foods at holidays because there is nothing else to eat? The soup kitchens are great, but they are closed on Christmas day. They have their huge Christmas meal a week before Christmas and then what? Where do the homeless, less fortunate, lonely men, women, and children go when everyone else is spending it indoors eating too much food, and complaining that they did not get what they wanted?

It pains me to see families out there suffering (and not just at Christmas), and it makes me wonder, what could I be doing differently to help them out? I have a family of my own, so I know how hard times can be. I know when money is tight and when we need to go without our wants for awhile. If I think this of my family, I need to stop and think….what do others want? What do others need?

I am not saying the money people throw into the pots at Christmas time does not go towards a good cause, or the gifts that are thrown into boxes in the mall for the less fortunate children aren’t helpful. I am simply wanting to throw out a challenge to anyone and everyone who read this…Go the extra step this Christmas. Don’t make Christmas about spending the most money on a perfect holiday. Show kindness and love to someone in need. Remember what this holiday is all about…Christ may not have been born on December 25th, but this is the time we celebrate his miraculous birth. He was brought to all of us to save us from our sins. Whether you celebrate this time of year or not, try to remember the less fortunate people out there.

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays to all!

During the holidays there are many people who volunteer at soup kitchens and homeless shelters.  Volunteer spots quickly fill up for these types of organizations, but there are several other worthwhile causes that you can help with.  Almost all of the following organizations need extra helping hands during the holiday season due to the increased generosity of donors.

Clothing donation centers- Organizations that accept new and used clothing, blankets, winter coats, and shoes need people to take donations, write out tax donation receipts, sort through clothing for stains or holes, and sort according to size.  Sometimes the clothing is in good condition but just needs washed or ironed… a job perfect for a volunteer.

Food banks- Schools, churches, businesses, and companies (among others) organize food drives during the holiday season.  Some of the food may be distributed by the people who organized the food drive, and often the food collected gets donated to local food banks.  Food banks need volunteers to sort non-perishable food items and stock their pantries as well as package up food for delivery.  Finally, someone needs to deliver the goods to the recipients.  If you have a large vehicle like an SUV or van, you may consider volunteering yourself (and your ride) for this job.

Hospitals and treatment centers- Unfortunately illness doesn’t pause for holidays.  There are people of all ages and of all walks of life at hospitals, treatment centers, in waiting rooms awaiting news about loved ones, and sitting with their children in the hospital.  Chemo, dialysis, and transfusions go on regardless of the day.  As you can imagine, this would not be the ideal way to spend any day, let alone a holiday.  I can imagine that a children’s ward or a waiting room with children would appreciate and enjoy an impromptu story time or puppet show.  You might gather up crayons, coloring books, books, movies, or even video games and head to the hospital to entertain some kids.  I can guarantee they’ll be glad to break the monotony and you’ll have fun doing it.  Don’t forget the adults, though!  If you’ve ever had to stay even overnight in the hospital you’ll probably remember how nerve-wracking and isolating it can feel.  Think about all the things that someone could have done that you may have appreciated.  Magazines, books, crossword puzzles, or just someone to chat with can make all the difference when you’re laying around in an uncomfortable bed in an open-backed gown.

Animal shelters- Our furry friends sometimes have hard times, too.  Food and money donations are appreciated by shelters, but your time is just as valuable.  Shelters need people to feed and water animals, clean cages, bathe dogs, brush cats, walk animals, and just play with them and make them feel special.  Love animals but have allergies?  The people who work at shelters don’t leave these animals hungry or cold for holidays, they’re dedicated and make sure the animals are taken care of every day; consider giving them a special thank-you for caring for the less fortunate creatures.

Schools- If you have a school-aged child, I can bet their teacher would be thrilled if you volunteered to help the class during their holiday parties, dances, or activities.  Many things need to be done in the classroom to prepare for parties, including decorating, assembling treat bags, organizing games, crafts, or activities, and serving refreshments.  And don’t forget clean-up!  Teachers will appreciate your effort and your child will be so happy to have you in the classroom.

Toy drives- Organizations who host toy drives collect hundreds of toys that need sorted according to age and matched up with applicant interests.  Volunteers are also needed to wrap presents and deliver them to their recipients.  Again, if you have a van or SUV it may be helpful for delivery.

Santa, elves, and photographers- When you see Santa Clause and his elves at many public events, they almost always have volunteered their time to be there.  Santa’s helpers are needed for appearances throughout the holiday season.  If you love to be around children, this would be both fun and rewarding!

There are many other worth-while volunteer opportunities, but these are some that are especially in need of manpower during the holidays.  Perhaps through your investigation of volunteer opportunities you’ve thought of an area of need that’s not listed but would be of interest to you and appreciative of your skills and generosity.  Ultimately you may be inspired to create an organization that represents an under-served part of the community with with you feel you can make a difference.  The possibilities are endless!  The important thing is that you thought, you showed compassion and concern, and you acted.

There just haven’t been enough donations lately to suffice the need of the hungry.  While you don’t have to provide an entire food basket gift being able to provide a solitary can of a needed food would help because there are organizations that will try to help with the rest by making food basket gifts from donated items.  If every person donated one can of food there would be plenty of food basket gifts to help a large portion of those that go to bed hungry.

In an attempt to assist the food banks many schools run a food drive in hopes that each student brings at least one can of food.  Once there’s a decent amount all the food will be donated to a food bank and will either be used immediately at a soup kitchen or will be compiled into food basket gifts to be given to families in serious need.  Such food drives really work to assist food banks that have been helping families in need.

Other organizations are also working to create their own food basket gifts.  Many religious organizations will throw a food drive together and help members of their congregation by giving them food basket gifts.  If there are any extras these organizations often donate the remainder to food banks.

Some restaurants are actually willing to donate some of the meals they prepared that are unable to be used later to food banks.  Unfortunately, unless there is someone around to pick them up many of those meals go to waste.  Think of the extravagant meals that those in need could have if we had people willing to pick up spare meals from willing restaurants.  These make great food basket gifts to food banks or a soup kitchen.

When you’re willing to spare a can or two for a food drive you’re going to be helping an entire family.  Many parents will be able to rest better at night knowing they’ll be able to feed their children for at least another week.  If you’ve ever been on the receiving end of any sort of food basket gift or if you’ve ever known anyone that was blessed with such a gift you understand how important it is to help by donating a can or two right now.

For more useful information, please visit our website: THE KNOWLEDGE BASE, and look for the CULTURE & SOCIETY section.

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                                              Handicap Awareness

We have all seen them , the little blue wheel chair emblem. Either posted on a sign or painted on the ground. So why is it so hard not to understand the importance of their posting? Are we so entrapped in our own importance that we can not respect the last few fragile signs of decency? Each day I spot violators of this handicap privilege and personally I want to make that person qualified. The war has caused a toll on our troops and the handicap awareness needs to be refreshed. It is no longer the the few elderly that need the parking, ramps, toilet or store entrance. It is young men and women who still want to get on with their lives!

 There are agencies out there that are watchdogs for the handicap and a little known fact is, they will come to your establishment and upgrade your area to meet the handicap persons needs….FREE! Is that  not great? Yes until we  or should I say , those who are to busy to notice anything but their latest blueberry message, comes along and parks right  in the slot!

 I would like to ask just once  that we don’t mess up what is of good intentions. To many people say no  one cares  but that’s not true. There are folks that care, they care very much. I see them in the soup kitchens. I stand beside them in flag lines , they hand out toys, push wheel chairs . People care. I just don’t have a publishable name for those who don’t but I’m working on it. Peace.