There is an ad on Air America about "don't almost help"

[frogcycle]

having to do with volunteerism. Makes the point that good intentions don't help; "almost" working at a soup kitchen is the same as not working at a soup kitchen.

I have driven past the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Vets in Wheaton, Il. many times, and have "almost" stopped to see what I might be able to do to help out. I was pleased to see it when it appeared a while back, even called my wife to tell her - I felt it was a very good thing that a relatively affluent town like Wheaton had evidently welcomed, or at least tolerated, such a place right there in the heart of town, a couple of blocks from the fancy new commuter rail station. One time i was picking up takeout pizza at the Gino's right behind it, and thought about just telling them to send a couple of pizzas over. I've thought that maybe I might even hire some guys to help me with yard work or something, give them a little pocket money. I've "almost" done that many times. And I think about it every time I hear that ad.

I learned today in reading the tributes to our good friend Monkeyman that he was instrumental in establishing that shelter. Now I know that had I done more than think about it, not only would I have done some slight bit of good, I just might have crossed paths with Dale Peters, and it is just remotely possible that we might have learned who each other were.

Tomorrow I vist the shelter.

[icymist]

1. Doing good for others is a personal choice.

It don't matter who you done the 'good' for. Often times, who've you have helped won't be obivious... just be happy and glad in the knowledge that you have helped those needing help. Next time, actually stop at that soup kitchen. You might just be surprised.

[frogcycle]

3. Oh, I know

I do help out various places and always get more out of it than I give. But learning that I was THAT CLOSE to crossing paths with my online friend Monkeyman and now he's gone...

life is too short

we only get one shot at it

how can we tolerate one more minute of the evil that is going on, the drivel they use to distract us, the daily grind as the world goes to hell in a handbasket?

Monkeyman left this world not knowing how this story comes out. I fear that I may too. I want to KNOW that bushco gets destroyed, that the United States Constitution gets restored, that the USA is once again respected and admired in the world...

Failing that, I guess it would be good to know I helped one starfish.

[AuntPatsy]

2. I loved your post, it is never too late, really inspirational.

[DarkTirade]

4. From what little experience I have

homeless people love free pizza almost as much as college kids. :) (I worked at a pizza place for two and a half years.)
And they're both usually willing to eat it when it's cold... go figure.

[SeattleGirl]

5. There is also a TV commercial by the same group that I've seen.

It's well done.

[frogcycle]

6. blatant self-kick