I've Discovered A Great Way To "Pat It Forward"

@pyewacket (43903)
United States
September 2, 2009 11:21pm CST
When I think about things in general, I often realized how blessed I am in life. Yes, I have my financial struggles like a lot of people do, but at least I have a roof over my head, have adequate funds, even though via food stamps to get enough food. In the past, some people have done me wonderful acts of generosity out of the blue...like the time my SSI benefits were completely cut off. A fellow mylotter helped me out and with no expectations for me to pay him back. Then there was my Christmas miracle tree where a band of MyLotters, sensing my depression that for the first time in my life ever, banded together to raise money and sent me a real live, beautiful Christmas tree two years ago. In small ways, I've done my own pay it forwards without strings attached...sometimes it would be my "time" involved, like helping a friend of mine down the block who is a bit computer illiterate and have "taught" her some aspects of the computer world. Other times it was sending a copy of a book to someone...I had two copies of it, and saw no need to keep it so sent it to a fellow MyLotter who asked for it. Now I have found another way to continue to pay it forward...and via the "Wish Upon A Hero" website. You read some people's "wishes" and they can be truly heart-breaking...many people were recently laid off from work, or recently had major surgery and bills are staggering..there are mothers who are desperately asking for a little extra money to buy food for their babies, or need clothes for them and they just can't make ends meet. The premise of the website is to join the site...you can post your own "wish" and hope that out there somewhere is a "hero" who might be able to help in some small way. Recently, I came across a fellow cat lover who is also on SSI benefits like I am, and she needed money to buy cat litter..the amount she was asking wasn't staggering and wasn't going to make or break me, and I sent her the money, via PayPal...we now email each other on a regular basis--I'm also sending her coupons for cat food that might help her. Then I came across another woman who had lost her job, but thankfully found a new one and is to start work soon, but since she hadn't gotten a paycheck in awhile, needed clothing to look "suitable". I noticed among her request, she needed shoes and size 6M---bingo. Last year, I had bought on sale on their website a pair of Easy Spirit sandals. When I got them, they just didn't fit quite right and out of laziness just didn't send them back for an exchange or refund (might not have been able to since they were on sale). So here I had a perfectly great looking pair of shoes still in the box, and never worn...I'm sending them to her tomorrow. Do you have gently worn clothing of any kind that maybe someone else could use? Maybe you have books you no longer want and just plain don't want to trash..then maybe you too could be a "hero"---it's a great feeling when one can do a pay it forward this way. Yes, I know, one could donate items to a GoodWill, Salvation Army, Thrift Shop, etc...but this way, via Wish Upon A Hero, one can do things on a one to one level. Here's the website address http://www.wishuponahero.com/ (NOT a referral link but to the Wish Upon A Hero website)
10 people like this
20 responses
@blackbriar (9075)
• United States
3 Sep 09
I soooooooo LOVE that website, Pye. I'm so glad you sent me that email with the link in it. I, too, am now a member but haven't yet decided just which wish I want to post. I have several in mind but can't decide since I need, not want, them all to happen if that's at all possible. lol I just took 2 huge garbage bags of clothes to the Salvation Army last week and they so appreciated it being they were short of the sizes I had given them. I'm very active on the local freecycle network as well. Amazing what people throw away that someone else could really use. Anyways, I'm glad you were able to help out a few people on the wishuponahero site. I went through a few pages but can't help anyone...yet. I know I'll find someone I can help on there like I am in the freecycle network. I'm also one who tends to stop when I see someone with car trouble on the side of the road but will never do it at night, specially on a dark lesser-used road.
2 people like this
• Regina, Saskatchewan
3 Sep 09
I took six bags a few months ago to the Sally Ann after I'd put on a bit of weight and nothing fit anymore. Funny thing was, a few weeks ago, I was there again getting some books, and of course checking out the clothes, and I kept thinking, "I KNOW this piece", and had to laugh when I realized I was looking at my own donated clothes! LOL
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
3 Sep 09
Heehee---hey guess what I just now found you over there---just sent a message to you over there. I was wondering if one can post a thing of what one CAN offer to someone--you know a listing of what one has to give away??
1 person likes this
• United States
3 Sep 09
LOLOLOL Sparks, your just too funny for you own good. Pye..I was wondering why I just got an email from wishuponahero. LOL I haven't checked it yet so now I know what it's about. Odd, I tried looking you up over there when I first joined but couldn't find ya.
2 people like this
@mentalward (14690)
• United States
3 Sep 09
This is an absolutely wonderful discussion, pye! Thank you for sharing the link and the story! I hope more people can see where they could make a difference and just do it. Sometimes, it doesn't take much at all to pull someone out of despair; sometimes, a smile is all it takes. Other times, like you said, a pair of shoes sitting in the closet will do. With the economy being so bad, I'd been mulling over an idea of getting some kind of "coupon exchange" going around our town. We throw so many coupons away because we don't need or want whatever they're for but I'm sure there's someone, somewhere, who could definitely use them. I just have to figure a way to get it going. I'd gladly donate my time to set it up and act as some kind of organizer. When my husband was unemployed, two myLotters sent me offers of money to help make ends meet. I was so deeply touched by this totally unselfish act that I have made the same offer to someone else in need. I can't do anything right at the moment because we're still struggling here to pay off the debts that accumulated while my husband was unemployed but I should be able to help very soon. I haven't announced it to the general population here, but I finally received my approval letter from Social Security last Monday!!! Yep, I've been approved for SSD!!! Heaven only knows when I'll get any money, but the approval was such a shock after waiting seven long years for it! My husband's eyes are already gleaming and I believe I saw him start to drool because he has a history of "borrowing" money from me but never managing to repay it, although he says he will. I'll help get the bills caught up so he doesn't have to break his back working overtime, but as for the rest, I'm going to tuck some away for another rainy day and see where I can help in other people's lives. I have one long-time friend who always seems to need money whenever I have it. I have decided not to let her know that I've been approved. She always seems to do fine if I don't have money to lend her but is always in a crisis whenever I do. Funny how that works, huh? But, I have made one very good friend here in myLot who desperately needs medical testing for his child but cannot afford it. He has never asked for money and seems to be doing all he can for himself and his family. I fell in love with his child after seeing a photo, so I plan on helping him get the medical treatment his child needs. This is one way I feel I can repay the kindness shown to me when times were desperate here. You are so very correct in that we should "pay it forward", even if it's something as simple and easy as a smile for a stranger, holding a door for an elderly or handicapped person or giving someone a 50 cent coupon. We only have each other, after all.
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
4 Sep 09
I'm in agreement with dumblnddzzy...yahooooo and congrats for finally getting your SSD--I bet you were doing a happy dance...maybe you should frame that letter! I plan to do an inventory of things I can get rid of...have even more shoes just sitting in the closet that I can't wear any longer and another pair I also never wore. You coupon exchange sounds like a great thing!! They have a forum at that Wish Upon A Hero and a section where one can give away coupons...
1 person likes this
@mentalward (14690)
• United States
3 Sep 09
Thank you, Lori! Believe me, I was even more excited than you when I read that letter! I think there is still an imprint of my head where it hit the ceiling right after reading the good news. I've been skeptical about posting a discussion about it. I know that I should let all my friends know but I know there are some vultures out there and they tend to gather wherever they smell money. I've already been warned about them. (No one in particular, just that there are some people who whine and whine about money while doing very little to help themselves. People who need money but don't whine about it and are doing all they can are a different story.) Hubby can whine all he wants but he's not getting a penny he doesn't need. He does work hard but he's terrible with money. It just slips through his fingers. I want to put some away for when he retires because his retirement money, if he gets any, won't be a lot and we all know how little Social Security gives us. I'm still planning on taking out more life insurance on him, too. His cholesterol is 338 and he's still talking about how yummy sausage and bacon are! I'll probably be a widow before he retires. I'd like to be a RICH widow. Thanks again for all the excitement over my finally winning my case! LOL You've got me all fired up again!
2 people like this
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
3 Sep 09
I also believe that good will comes in all shapes and sizes. I watched an episode of Oprah years ago. She was saying how one random act of kindness can really change or touch hundreds of people. Its the same as paying it forward but on a simpler level. I took it an made the thought my own. Even something as simple as saying thank you to the operator when she gives you a number. If you say thank you to her or tell her how she really made things easier for me. It puts her in a good mood. SHe will then be nice to another and so on and so forth. I have been thru hell and I dont have an extra nickle right now. That doesnt mean you cant do anything because you're broke. Saying thank you or telling someone what a good job they did makes a difference. If you're happy, people can feed off your positive vibes.dl
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
4 Sep 09
I love watching Oprah...now that is a woman who knows how to pay it forward and is always giving things away...and my take is, what you give out comes back to you...do something good and positive for someone else, it comes back to you in a positive way as well.
1 person likes this
• Regina, Saskatchewan
3 Sep 09
Well you're my hero now! lol No matter what our circumstances, we can do heroic things every day. It doesn't have to be money given, or goods exchanged, it can be a smile at a stranger that reaches our eyes, a word of encouragement, a soft touch on the shoulder, a simple little gesture that can make someone's day. I belong to this website Pye, but it's been some time since I visited. Thanks for posting this and giving the link so I can get back to it again easily. Hugs my friend and good on you!
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
3 Sep 09
Heehee--I found you over there...I just posted a wish, but to give things away. Slowly but surely plan to do an "inventory" of all the things I could give away...some items are VHS tapes...anyway, just posted and listed the first two Lord of the Rings movies...ten minutes later I already have someone interested...like Wow!
1 person likes this
• Regina, Saskatchewan
4 Sep 09
Way cool!
2 people like this
@paula27661 (15811)
• Australia
3 Sep 09
This is just what I need Pye! I was feeling a bit sad and the best way to snap out of it sometimes is to help someone. It is such a great website. I’m going to bookmark it and check it out; I’m sure that there is bound to be something I can do for someone. I can feel my black mood lifting already! Thanks for sharing it...
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
4 Sep 09
Glad to share. It's a good feeling when one can help someone else out and yup...can lighten one's mood tremendously :-)
2 people like this
@lynnemg (4529)
• United States
3 Sep 09
That really sounds like a great site. I have had plenty of struggles and people that helped me also. I do try to "Pat-It-Forward" (I LOVE THAT MOVIE) on a personal level in my own community, but I will definately go to that site. It would feel great to help someone that is truly a complete stranger. Thank you for sharing.
@BarBaraPrz (51811)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
3 Sep 09
A major difference between the book and the movie is the casting: in the book the teacher was a black war veteran with half a face, the mother had dark hair (disdained blondes), and the boy was "hispanic-looking".
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
4 Sep 09
It's funny I never saw the movie or read the book, but I've been aware of the pay-it-forward type thing for awhile now
1 person likes this
@Lakota12 (42600)
• United States
3 Sep 09
thanks for this info. I wear my clothes for years some evn with holes in them if I like them that well lol. Dont think any one would want them and kid clothes I pass on to family members that are tickled to get them. But so glad you are a hero to someone!
1 person likes this
@Lakota12 (42600)
• United States
4 Sep 09
lolool yup!
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
4 Sep 09
So you have "holy" clothes too?
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
6 Sep 09
I've never heard of Wish Upon A Hero but am saving your email so can check into it. I've always given to the Goodwill which is always where I purchase most of my cloths :) I think no matter how big or small helping others is the most rewarding experience, much better than receiving but have many times been on that end of it too.
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
7 Sep 09
Would you believe there aren't any Goodwill's or Salvation Army's near me otherwise I would donate my stuff to them...but at least with this website I can help people out in some way
• United States
7 Sep 09
hmm..and hmm.. i will have to check out this site. mom has boxes and boxes of brand new shoes people gave her-that aren't even her size!would solve two problems at once.
1 person likes this
• United States
7 Sep 09
um..i think they're 7's..i'll have to get back to you on that. but she has the problem where she has edema and can't take anything due to this other med,so she's gone up like 2 sizes over the last 2 years or so. i wear a 9 1/2,and she's pretty close to that now! but if they're 7's,you might be able to double sock it.
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
7 Sep 09
Heehee--what size shoes?? I only have one pair that fits me well now...seems my feet must have swelled up so now need a size 6W maybe or 6-1/2M???
1 person likes this
@Loverbear (4918)
• United States
3 Sep 09
I am adding that site to my favorites list. After dealing with my daughter and my friend, it is so nice to be able to do for someone who REALLY needs the help. I was driving home tonight and realized how depressed I really was over the friend that was pushing all the right buttons to get money out of me for "food". I realized that last month I "helped" her out to the tune of $175! I too am on SSI and that kind of money really hurts, plus I had to delay paying some of my bills to help her out...and this month I had to pay penalties on the non payment. You know full well the other story. So, I will keep an eye on the site and help where I can and "WHEN" I can rather than being coerced into helping someone who really needs to get a grip on her finances.
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
4 Sep 09
I have lots of things I could stand to giveaway like some jackets that were given to me but never worn, only problem is, I saw some requests there for jackets/coats but for large sizes...so will keep them aside...ya never know
1 person likes this
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
14 Sep 09
I had no idea this site even existed! Thanks Pye for sharing it with all of us!! This is incredible and awesome! What a way to connect with others in our world who need help!! It goes to show, we're not alone anymore and if we need help, we can reach out in hopes someone would listen. I do love to help others as much as I can and do when I can and this is a wonderful way to do it!!
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
15 Sep 09
It really is a great site...one person there was short on money and needed shoes as she was only just going to start working again after a long unemployment period...since her shoe size was mine I sent her a pair of great shoes that I've never even worn...they just didn't fit right after I got them...so out they went to her.
1 person likes this
@zed_k4 (17589)
• Singapore
4 Sep 09
This discussion is so inspirational. I've always reminded myself time and again to remember those that are not so fortunate; like not being able to buy clothes, have good and healthy food. I try to remind myself to donate clothes that are not in use, or machines that I'm no longer using because I've new brands and all that; to donate to the different bodies available in my country. The Salvation Army is something that I'm familiar with as well as another orphanage. I thought of calling up the KFC Delivery or sending the kids pizza. At their tender young age, they would appreciate treats like this, rather than just books and money for the body itself. Good website/thoughts there, Pye..
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
4 Sep 09
I have a number of clothes I could donate to people there as well...now just have to find people with my size..LOL....most request kids clothing or large-sized woman's ...My clothes are small or medium though
1 person likes this
@zed_k4 (17589)
• Singapore
5 Sep 09
Ahhh, petite there, aren't we.. I've noticed that too actually; most kids and women whom are on the plus size clothes are much sought after. Anyway, your thoughts on them are cool and I think they really appreciate it even though they can't fit into your clothes..
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (189820)
• Boise, Idaho
4 Sep 09
This is a great idea! Thanks so much for sharing this.
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
4 Sep 09
I think it's a great idea and website too
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (189820)
• Boise, Idaho
4 Sep 09
Sounds like it!
1 person likes this
• United States
3 Sep 09
HELLO Pyewacket !! What a wonderful and caring thing to do, and you know ,we are getting close the Holidays again. I myself had the experience of people helping me when I was in need and there is no better feeling than being able to help someone in return or just because. thank you for posting this discussion and the link. Many Blessings to you and everyone responding to this post.
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
4 Sep 09
I posted a "wish" there but not for me but to giveaway some things...some shoes I've never even worn, (feet must have swelled..LOL so shoes are too small now) VHS tapes and books, within AN HOUR they were snatched up and am mailing them off next week. Now to check other things I can giveaway...LOL
1 person likes this
@Thoroughrob (11742)
• United States
3 Sep 09
That is so nice of you. I have been helping a family here, not with money, but giving them things they need. I do not like handing money to people in general, I will buy something for them and take it to them. I will call a utility company and put a credit on their account, buy them a fuel card that can only be used for fuel. I want my hard earned money to be used for something they need and it is too tempting for them to just waste it.
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
4 Sep 09
That's so great of you that you're helping a family, and yes by giving them things they need in form of credit rather than cash.
@AmbiePam (120637)
• United States
4 Sep 09
Sounds like a great site, Pye. I just gave some clothes to Vietnam Vets this past week. I guess they take the stuff and sell them in a thrift store. I look forward to checking out this site as soon as I hit submit with this response.
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
5 Sep 09
I probably have clothes I could stand to donate....just have to look through my closets one of these days
1 person likes this
@BarBaraPrz (51811)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
3 Sep 09
Interesting typo in your headline... especially as your first example of paying it forward has to do with a cat... cats are (almost) always pattable.
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
4 Sep 09
Yes I had a laughing fit when I realized my typo.. And yes, just like me to help out a person with kitties
1 person likes this
• United States
4 Sep 09
Aww Pye, what a great site! How did you find it? Well, even though I'm out of work and down to bare necessities, I'm sure there is someone who is worse off than me no matter how you look at it. I just need a job and I'll be up and running again, and that's it. I must have items someone can use and I can't wait to take a good look at the site and take my time to check it out. It sounds precious and Thanks for posting it. Sometimes I sit here just plain feeling sorry for myself and saying how unfair all of this is at my age, and then I come here and sure enough, it's an eye opener.
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
4 Sep 09
I came across this site some while back when I was looking for websites to financially help people out with furbabies and with vet bills--started a discussion about it, and the Wish Upon A Hero was listed amongst them--Just today I did a different take...I posted a "wish" giveaway...I listed the first two Lord of The Rings and first two Harry Potter VHS movies...three pairs of shoes I just can't wear anymore and very gently used, and the first three Artemis Fowl books...WITHIN AN HOUR..they were all snatched..so going to mail them off next week. Some of the stories you read of people in need are really gut wrenching...people not being able to pay rent, utilities going to be shut down...yikes then I think to myself, I have no right to b1tch and complain
@hotsummer (13919)
• Philippines
3 Sep 09
your discussion inspires me. i too want to pay it forward and try to help out any one who would needing my help though how small it may be. i got inspired on how you have helped someone. i think that we should all need to that in our lives. i don't have lots of money but when i get some little money that i will not need i will going to use it to help others out.
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
4 Sep 09
I don't have tons of money either, but so often we have things that we never even use save once or twice...and someone else could be in need of them, right? Like clothing, books, etc
@marctiu (829)
• Philippines
4 Sep 09
Well I really love helping. Thanks for the website. I really appreciate it. I would drop by in www.wishuponahero.com more ofter. Thanks once again.
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
4 Sep 09
I make it a point to go to that site everyday to see if I have something I can offer, like clothing