TOTALLY GEEKED!

ed11563 · Guru

What have you DONE???

Dona Worry Be Happy · Vette's SS!!

I brought someone food on a whim.
Turned out they hadn't eaten for over a day.

TrudyML · Guru

Eh, I see two homeless guys on the bus. Very nice, not drunks. They seem to look out for me. Whenever I see them sitting outside Dunkin Donuts I give them each $5 for a coffee or whatever.

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

I didn't clobber those who needed it. It was a real sacrifice for me. wink

Seriously I have done things to help others. Given food, clothes, and time.

I don't keep running tabs.

ed11563 · Guru

When my grandfather was going into a nursing home, one of his daughters took ALL OF HIS MONEY out of state so the nursing home wouldn't get it.

(they did get the lifetime annuity he bought when he was in his 50's.)

That left him completely penniless.

When I drove to Ohio to see him, he was distraught that he didn't have a dime to buy a newspaper or make a phone call.

I had my emergency fund, a $50 bill, in my wallet.

He cried when I gave it to him.

He'd always been a proud, self-sufficient person, working to make a living, and he'd put away approximately (in today's money) $100,000 for retirement, in addition to the annuity, which was enough for him to live on before he needed the care of the nursing home.

Apparently, once the daughter who took his money was told about this by her sisters, she stated sending him a little pocket money. Hardly made a dent in his stolen savings though.

-- Edited by ed11563 on Thursday 18th of June 2015 02:09:18 PM

Tinydancer · Guru

I had a co-worker who was crying about how she had no money for Christmas. Nothing to give her little son because she had just started working after being out of work for almost a year. I anonymously put an envelope in her work mailbox with $100 with only the words Merry Christmas. The next day she asked around but never knew who gave it. Two days later she came in with a brand new tattoo and told me it cost $85. I can't hear a sob story now without thinking of her and what a jerk she turned out to be. I try not to let it stop me from being generous.

Ohfour · Hooker

Tinydancer wrote:
I had a co-worker who was crying about how she had no money for Christmas. Nothing to give her little son because she had just started working after being out of work for almost a year. I anonymously put an envelope in her work mailbox with $100 with only the words Merry Christmas. The next day she asked around but never knew who gave it. Two days later she came in with a brand new tattoo and told me it cost $85. I can't hear a sob story now without thinking of her and what a jerk she turned out to be. I try not to let it stop me from being generous.

Yeah, I feel you TD.

About 3 years ago, I walked into the cubicle of a girl I worked with and she was quietly crying. I pulled her into my office and asked her what was wrong (this was Dec 23rd). She had 3 kids, 9-15 and didn't have enough money for ANY Christmas presents she said. I went to the bank and gave her $250. She seemed very thankful.

Not long after that, during Christmas break, she posted a picture of her new tattoo. I was furious. G's still mad about it...

flan327 · Itty bitty's Grammy

Ohfour wrote:
Tinydancer wrote:
I had a co-worker who was crying about how she had no money for Christmas. Nothing to give her little son because she had just started working after being out of work for almost a year. I anonymously put an envelope in her work mailbox with $100 with only the words Merry Christmas. The next day she asked around but never knew who gave it. Two days later she came in with a brand new tattoo and told me it cost $85. I can't hear a sob story now without thinking of her and what a jerk she turned out to be. I try not to let it stop me from being generous.
Yeah, I feel you TD.
About 3 years ago, I walked into the cubicle of a girl I worked with and she was quietly crying. I pulled her into my office and asked her what was wrong (this was Dec 23rd). She had 3 kids, 9-15 and didn't have enough money for ANY Christmas presents she said. I went to the bank and gave her $250. She seemed very thankful.
Not long after that, during Christmas break, she posted a picture of her new tattoo. I was furious. G's still mad about it...

If I cry, will you give ME money for a tattoo???

evileye

flan

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

I gave a Co worker Christmas for her daughter.

Her daughter is about the same age as mine, I had known her for a while. So I just went and bought things she had said she asked Santa for. It wasn't much. A Barbie, some clothes for Barbie. An out fit for her, a couple other things and stocking stuffers.

I gave them to her mom after our Christmas party. Her mom had not asked, had not really said anything about not having enough. But I knew how hard that year had been for her. I knew she was struggling.

It was nice to help.

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

I had an angel this past Christmas. Still can't shake the warms it gave me.

TrudyML · Guru

Tinydancer wrote:
I had a co-worker who was crying about how she had no money for Christmas. Nothing to give her little son because she had just started working after being out of work for almost a year. I anonymously put an envelope in her work mailbox with $100 with only the words Merry Christmas. The next day she asked around but never knew who gave it. Two days later she came in with a brand new tattoo and told me it cost $85. I can't hear a sob story now without thinking of her and what a jerk she turned out to be. I try not to let it stop me from being generous.

OMG! Wow.

ed11563 · Guru

I don't think my grandfather spent it on a tattoo.

And it's too late to ask. cry

Good point though, if I'm ever thinking about giving money to someone who's crying and seems desperate, first I will ask what s/he would do with some extra cash.

Southern_Belle · Nothing's Impossible

I've slipped people money, bought things they need, done favors. I've left little cheer gifts on coworkers lockers when someone is down. I've donated my PDO hours to people in need. My favorite thing is to do it anonymously.

flan327 · Itty bitty's Grammy

Southern_Belle wrote:
I've slipped people money, bought things they need, done favors. I've left little cheer gifts on coworkers lockers when someone is down. I've donated my PDO hours to people in need. My favorite thing is to do it anonymously.

You're a good egg.

flan

Southern_Belle · Nothing's Impossible

A few months ago a church member put on our FB page how she bought someone food who was in need. The way she worded the post was just pure bragging. Kind of like she was superior over this person. Not one person responded.

Southern_Belle · Nothing's Impossible

I really want a new tattoo. Sniff.

flan327 · Itty bitty's Grammy

Southern_Belle wrote:
I really want a new tattoo. Sniff.

I want one MORE THAN YOU!

flan

Mellow Momma · Sniff...sniff, sniff. Yay! A Bum!

Ohfour wrote:
Tinydancer wrote:
I had a co-worker who was crying about how she had no money for Christmas. Nothing to give her little son because she had just started working after being out of work for almost a year. I anonymously put an envelope in her work mailbox with $100 with only the words Merry Christmas. The next day she asked around but never knew who gave it. Two days later she came in with a brand new tattoo and told me it cost $85. I can't hear a sob story now without thinking of her and what a jerk she turned out to be. I try not to let it stop me from being generous.
Yeah, I feel you TD.
About 3 years ago, I walked into the cubicle of a girl I worked with and she was quietly crying. I pulled her into my office and asked her what was wrong (this was Dec 23rd). She had 3 kids, 9-15 and didn't have enough money for ANY Christmas presents she said. I went to the bank and gave her $250. She seemed very thankful.
Not long after that, during Christmas break, she posted a picture of her new tattoo. I was furious. G's still mad about it...

Lesson learned -- never give cash. Give gift cards or actual presents.

Last week I noticed a homeless man sitting outside one of my convenience store calls. After I completed the call inside, I bought a sandwich, a protein bar, a cheese stick, beef jerky, a candy bar, a bottle of water and a small milk for him. I just walied up to him and handed it to him and kept walking to my car. He didn't seem to be verbal (a LOT of deaf people live in MN) but he ran up to my car and thanked me. He put his hands together like he was going to pray, then pointed to the sky and then pointed to me. It made my day to help him.

Southern_Belle · Nothing's Impossible

Mellow Momma wrote:
Ohfour wrote:
Tinydancer wrote:
I had a co-worker who was crying about how she had no money for Christmas. Nothing to give her little son because she had just started working after being out of work for almost a year. I anonymously put an envelope in her work mailbox with $100 with only the words Merry Christmas. The next day she asked around but never knew who gave it. Two days later she came in with a brand new tattoo and told me it cost $85. I can't hear a sob story now without thinking of her and what a jerk she turned out to be. I try not to let it stop me from being generous.
Yeah, I feel you TD.
About 3 years ago, I walked into the cubicle of a girl I worked with and she was quietly crying. I pulled her into my office and asked her what was wrong (this was Dec 23rd). She had 3 kids, 9-15 and didn't have enough money for ANY Christmas presents she said. I went to the bank and gave her $250. She seemed very thankful.
Not long after that, during Christmas break, she posted a picture of her new tattoo. I was furious. G's still mad about it...
Lesson learned -- never give cash. Give gift cards or actual presents.
Last week I noticed a homeless man sitting outside one of my convenience store calls. After I completed the call inside, I bought a sandwich, a protein bar, a cheese stick, beef jerky, a candy bar, a bottle of water and a small milk for him. I just walied up to him and handed it to him and kept walking to my car. He didn't seem to be verbal (a LOT of deaf people live in MN) but he ran up to my car and thanked me. He put his hands together like he was going to pray, then pointed to the sky and then pointed to me. It made my day to help him.

That was very nice of you!

Mellow Momma · Sniff...sniff, sniff. Yay! A Bum!

Thanks. And honestly I think I felt just as good as he did. It made my day to make someone that happy.

Lexxy · My dog name is Sasha, too!

I also learned not to give money unless I don't care if they are going to spend it on what they want. My coworker & I were at a strip mall on our lunch hour & some woman walked up the car & asked for money because her car was out of gas. We both knew she was scamming us but we both gave her $5 each. There is a liquor store in that mall. But we figured if she was so desperate what the hell it's only $5.

I have given food to a young boy who was probably a run away hanging out at a convenience store. I did not give him a smoke when he tried to bum one.

I bought McD's for a pan handler who it later turned out lived in a nicer house than I do. He panhandled for a living. That one pissed me off. I guess more than it should because it's been 20+ years & I still remember.

Lexxy · My dog name is Sasha, too!

Why is there a large deaf population in MN?

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

Telling isn't it? A thread to talk about helping others and you end up with stories of people taking advantage.

Mellow Momma · Sniff...sniff, sniff. Yay! A Bum!

Lexxy wrote:
Why is there a large deaf population in MN?

Honestly, I have no idea. We have a state school for the deaf and a lot of people come here from around the country to go to high school there. There are a lot of resources for deaf people here and I think people come here to utilize those resources. All the high schools here offer ASL as a foreign language.

NAOW · Vette's SS

TrudyML wrote:
Tinydancer wrote:
I had a co-worker who was crying about how she had no money for Christmas. Nothing to give her little son because she had just started working after being out of work for almost a year. I anonymously put an envelope in her work mailbox with $100 with only the words Merry Christmas. The next day she asked around but never knew who gave it. Two days later she came in with a brand new tattoo and told me it cost $85. I can't hear a sob story now without thinking of her and what a jerk she turned out to be. I try not to let it stop me from being generous.
OMG! Wow.

No joke. That poor little boy. It was nice of you TD, some people are just jerks.

Mellow Momma · Sniff...sniff, sniff. Yay! A Bum!

Lexxy wrote:
I also learned not to give money unless I don't care if they are going to spend it on what they want. My coworker & I were at a strip mall on our lunch hour & some woman walked up the car & asked for money because her car was out of gas. We both knew she was scamming us but we both gave her $5 each. There is a liquor store in that mall. But we figured if she was so desperate what the hell it's only $5.

I have given food to a young boy who was probably a run away hanging out at a convenience store. I did not give him a smoke when he tried to bum one.

I bought McD's for a pan handler who it later turned out lived in a nicer house than I do. He panhandled for a living. That one pissed me off. I guess more than it should because it's been 20+ years & I still remember.

Whenever I see people holding the signs that say "will work for food" or "need money for gas" I always check out their shoes and/or their car. Most have on expensive new high tops and have cars nicer than mine. I pass them by. I only buy food for people, I never give money.

When I worked at the Gap, we would take the Angels from the giving tree and buy the kids clothes. I can't tell you how many people would turn right around and return the items to us for gift cards or for merch for themselves. We quit doing it because we got so disgusted. We also had people bring used coats from the Coats for Kids program and try and return them. Sorry, that coat is 5 years old and is stained, we don't return those. I finally gave up personally when the kids on the Angel tree were asking for nicer presents than my kids were getting. I am not buying a new bike, a game system (not the games, the whole system), ipod, a television, etc. I am not buying that for a "needy" family. A truly needy child typically asks for a blanket or socks or a doll or a truck. Not an iPod.

Ohfour · Hooker

We "adopt" a family every year. One year, it was a single mother (dad was in jail) with 2 kids, 5 & 8. She was working her ass off just to pay bills. She really was trying.

She asked us to please come over Christmas afternoon, to see what she had gotten the kids. The 5 year old had a doll and a doll umbrella stroller, the 8 year old had a train set. That was all the toys.

With the rest of the money, she had purchased winter coats, socks, underwear, decent (but inexpensive) shoes, a couple of inexpensive outfits for each kid. They had toiletries (toothbrushes, toothpaste, brush/combs) in their stockings...and I think maybe a candy bar. She STRETCHED the money we gave her and the kids didn't wind up with a bunch of crap. They really appreciated what they received...

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

There was a girl in our girl scout troop that was dirt poor. The last year I did girl scouts I bought Christmas presents for her whole family and had a friend deliver them so they wouldn't know they were from me. It really blessed all of us b/c my friend said it was wonderful to deliver it all and see the joy on the family's faces.

karl271 · Guru

I am sure I have done things over the years but I have not made an effort to remember them. Just go ahead and do it and then forget it. I do not agree with pulling out "the good things I have done" and patting myself on the back for them or reveling in the good I have done.

That said, I am not in any way detracting from any comments on this thread. Everyone has a different opinion on everything.

Mellow Momma · Sniff...sniff, sniff. Yay! A Bum!

Ohfour wrote:
We "adopt" a family every year. One year, it was a single mother (dad was in jail) with 2 kids, 5 & 8. She was working her ass off just to pay bills. She really was trying.

She asked us to please come over Christmas afternoon, to see what she had gotten the kids. The 5 year old had a doll and a doll umbrella stroller, the 8 year old had a train set. That was all the toys.

With the rest of the money, she had purchased winter coats, socks, underwear, decent (but inexpensive) shoes, a couple of inexpensive outfits for each kid. They had toiletries (toothbrushes, toothpaste, brush/combs) in their stockings...and I think maybe a candy bar. She STRETCHED the money we gave her and the kids didn't wind up with a bunch of crap. They really appreciated what they received...

I would gladly give to that type of family. Gladly.

Ohfour · Hooker

We are still in touch with her. She is remarried and they are expecting a child. Interestingly enough, a couple of years later, we offered to help her out again. She declined graciously, letting us know that she was in a much better place...but that she knew someone that would appreciate our help. She COULD have taken advantage, but she didn't. I told her that when she could, to pay it forward....

Ohfour · Hooker

karl271 wrote:
I am sure I have done things over the years but I have not made an effort to remember them. Just go ahead and do it and then forget it. I do not agree with pulling out "the good things I have done" and patting myself on the back for them or reveling in the good I have done.

That said, I am not in any way detracting from any comments on this thread. Everyone has a different opinion on everything.

Totally understand. I don't keep score, but we are still in touch with.people we have given a (small) hand to. We get Christmas cards and Facebook updates. We really have a vested interest in people we have tried to bless. And if most of them needed a boost, we would do what we could.

I don't want to pat myself on the back, but hope to share my experiences with others so maybe they would reflect and help a family...kwim????

karl271 · Guru

Yes, I do. And that is a very good reason to share.

Divine Geek · Guru

My church runs the coffee shop in town. The people who work are volunteers. One guy that works there is disabled (but not approved for disability yet), he's a nice guy and works hard for the church. When I'm in, I slip a $20 bill in the tip jar when he's not looking. I've offered to buy him lunch or gas when he's mentioned needing it. He's always declined, so this is how I've found to help.

One of my co workers has a basket she keeps dove chocolates in. She was traveling last week and having a rough week. I knew her basket was empty, so I got a bag of chocolates and filled her basket. I denied it, but she knew it was me, no one else has a key to break into her office.

Nobody Just Nobody · Rib-it! Rrrib-it!

We give to Toys for Tots every year. I guess that's not as glamorous as what some of ya'll do but it's what we do. We let each of our kids pick out three toys. One for a boy, one for a girl, and one board game. Then we go when the Marines are out and the kids get to meet them. They always like meeting the Marines. Last year the Corvette Club came out to help with Toys for Tots. There was probably two dozen Corvettes there. The kids really enjoyed seeing that.

We did help my friend who stayed with us. We lent her $1200 to pay off all her tickets that had turned into warrants. She screwed us over and we have never seen a penny of it back. But I found out later that this is her MO. Give a sob story, get money, and move on. I wasn't the first victim and I won't be the last.

Renegade Time Lord · Am I A Good Man?

I voted "Yes, but I'll never tell".

I am not a bragger. Yes, I have done many things to help others, even to my own detriment (I can be very generous and kind-hearted), but for me to "shamelessly brag" about it does not leave a good taste in my mouth. My feeling is that good deeds or kindnesses are done with the spirit of helping and giving, not the spirit of being recognized for doing something nice or kind for others. I don't need to let people know what I did in order for me to feel good. I am too humble for that. I don't need people patting me on the back and acknowledging a contribution. I help others because that is just the way I am.

That's the way I live. Those who have known me in the past on other boards know that I am not boastful or like to brag. Just walking the walk, thanks. smile (Puts flame suit on)

chef · Guru

We help people as we can.

Tinydancer · Guru

NAOW wrote:
TrudyML wrote:
Tinydancer wrote:
I had a co-worker who was crying about how she had no money for Christmas. Nothing to give her little son because she had just started working after being out of work for almost a year. I anonymously put an envelope in her work mailbox with $100 with only the words Merry Christmas. The next day she asked around but never knew who gave it. Two days later she came in with a brand new tattoo and told me it cost $85. I can't hear a sob story now without thinking of her and what a jerk she turned out to be. I try not to let it stop me from being generous.
OMG! Wow.
No joke. That poor little boy. It was nice of you TD, some people are just jerks.

I was very sad for him. Once I got to know her I realized just how selfish she was. I couldn't imagine doing that to my DD so I never thought a mother would do that.

Tinydancer · Guru

Ohfour wrote:
We "adopt" a family every year. One year, it was a single mother (dad was in jail) with 2 kids, 5 & 8. She was working her ass off just to pay bills. She really was trying.

She asked us to please come over Christmas afternoon, to see what she had gotten the kids. The 5 year old had a doll and a doll umbrella stroller, the 8 year old had a train set. That was all the toys.

With the rest of the money, she had purchased winter coats, socks, underwear, decent (but inexpensive) shoes, a couple of inexpensive outfits for each kid. They had toiletries (toothbrushes, toothpaste, brush/combs) in their stockings...and I think maybe a candy bar. She STRETCHED the money we gave her and the kids didn't wind up with a bunch of crap. They really appreciated what they received...

This is a wonderful story showing that being generous really can help others.

Vette · Owl drink to that!

I always keep granola bars and water in my car for homeless people, and sometimes I give them cash too. I realize a lot will spend the money on booze or drugs but they are often mentally ill and if that's how they cope I try not to judge.

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

There is a family that would come in where I worked. The kids went to school with mine, they were about 7 or 8.

The mom had died, left them with a mound of bills. Dad sold their house, bought a camper and worked to pay off what the house didnt. Plus did his best to provide the basics for the kids.

I had access to coupons for free kids meals and other things I could give them.

I gave them to my kids to give out to their classmates. Talked to teachers and gave them some for incentives for the class.

I can't tell you how excited those kids and that dad was when they came in with those things.

They got to eat out and didn't have to feel like they were taking charity.

I would do my best to give them the best discounts too.

I knew how to combine discounts and dad still kept his dignity.

Mellow Momma · Sniff...sniff, sniff. Yay! A Bum!

Tinydancer wrote:
NAOW wrote:
TrudyML wrote:
Tinydancer wrote:
I had a co-worker who was crying about how she had no money for Christmas. Nothing to give her little son because she had just started working after being out of work for almost a year. I anonymously put an envelope in her work mailbox with $100 with only the words Merry Christmas. The next day she asked around but never knew who gave it. Two days later she came in with a brand new tattoo and told me it cost $85. I can't hear a sob story now without thinking of her and what a jerk she turned out to be. I try not to let it stop me from being generous.
OMG! Wow.
No joke. That poor little boy. It was nice of you TD, some people are just jerks.
I was very sad for him. Once I got to know her I realized just how selfish she was. I couldn't imagine doing that to my DD so I never thought a mother would do that.

I wonder if she was making it all up just to get people to feel badly for her, while she had presents for him the whole time. She used the season to con people into getting what she wanted.

Southern_Belle · Nothing's Impossible

I've seen people put their sob stories on message boards. Things like they have no money for school supplies or holidays. Good way for a quick ban.

flan327 · Itty bitty's Grammy

Southern_Belle wrote:
I've seen people put their sob stories on message boards. Things like they have no money for school supplies or holidays. Good way for a quick ban.

Or tattoos? evileye

flan

Southern_Belle · Nothing's Impossible

I worked with a lady who constantly gave her son money because he would tell her the cable or lights would be cut off. Then his wife would show up with a new hair cut or a mani-pedi. They finally got divorced. He couldn't take her constant spending.