A Win-Win.
It’s common in every city to pull up to a stoplight and see someone standing there with a sign, asking for help. When you stop and think about it any of us could end up in that scenario more easily and quickly than we’d like to admit. When this happens, do you ask yourself … How can I help? Or do you hope the light turns green soon?
This situation often makes us feel uncomfortable and we may pretend to be on the phone, changing with the radio station, or suddenly looking very closely in the mirror for something imaginary stuck in your eye — anything to avoid eye contact and that awkward moment of having to shake my head “no” with a regretful half-smile? It can also be a moment of conflict — guilt over feeling apathetic or reluctance to just give money because a person appears to need it.
Company Nurse decided to make it very easy for its employees to help the less fortunate by providing each person on staff with a “Blessing Bag.” Employees will keep the bag in their car to give to a person less fortunate, instead of money. No stress; only good will.
Employees at Company Nurse packed over 100 gallon zip lock bags last week. Each is brimming with healthy snacks, personal care and first aid items along with a warm hat, socks, a bottle of water and much more. The last component of each Blessing Bag is a personal note of support along with a list of shelters and food pantries in the Phoenix-area they can go to.
Packing and giving out Blessing Bags is not a new idea. It has been around for years and many people and entire churches are making them. It is easy, personal and compassionate. A win–win for you and for the recipient!
Here is the challenge for us all. Practice compassion and mercy for those less fortunate; not only at the holidays, but every day. Let’s begin now!
How wonderful Paul! Happ New Year!
Many of our employees have had chances to hand out their Blessing Bags to those in need; and the stories are now coming in on how this small gesture made a difference. Here is one story: "There is a homeless man whom I see frequently in Apache Junction. He is relatively young (late 30’s) and obviously a Veteran. He sleeps in the desert in the summer and in doorways when it’s cold. He get's harassed by the police whenever they see him and I have seen the police stop him just for walking down the street. I was watching for him and I found him sitting on a sidewalk outside a grocery store. I stopped and called him over and he came up to my car. I said “I have something I’d like to give you.” When he saw what was in the bag his face lit up. He couldn’t stop thanking me and he kept turning the bag around to see what was in it. He was so delighted and it was very heartwarming to see how much he appreciated those small gifts."
Awesome
This is awesome! I love this.
http://youtu.be/BxMt5sMb2Og