Despite doom and gloom about our troubled economy, good things are happening in America and in our communities. People young and old are trying to help those who need a hand.

Just this week, several efforts have come to my attention. I’m glad to see folks caring and giving, often to people they don’t even know. I think this says a lot about being our brothers’ keepers. If we can put aside the hating and the blaming, we can find lots of good to go around.

When people are in need, many don’t know where to seek help. Others are too proud to ask. But all of it kind of goes back to the “ask and you shall receive” concept. Some examples follow.

Richmond Community Church hosted a “free sale” to help people in need. Donated items were to be given to anyone, free for the taking. Among other things, items included clothing, shoes, electronics and books. The sale, scheduled at the church’s Glen Allen Campus, 11801 Nuckols Road, is sure to be a blessing. The idea is to help the community during hard economic times, said Rick McDaniel, senior pastor at Richmond Community Church.

Elsewhere, Salem Christian School’s staff and students, and Red Robin Gourmet Burgers Inc., coordinated to sponsor a Backpack Drive for the Homeless at the Short Pump Town Center Red Robin, in Henrico County. The school is in Crozier in Goochland County.

Donations of slightly used backpacks were sought, which will be donated to homeless shelters in the Richmond area. The Backpack Drive for the Homeless is part of Salem Christian School’s involvement in the Red Robin U-ACT Champion Program, a national character-building initiative that educates junior high and middle school students about the value of being kind to others. The local drive is intended to encourage students to help people in need in the Richmond area.

And I have to mention Allan and Silvana Clark, a couple dubbed “Sole Ambassadors” for their role with the Nashville, Tenn.-based Soles4Souls program. The two are traveling across North America in a recreational vehicle during a year-long tour to promote a charity that collects shoes for the needy. They planned a stop in Glen Allen as part of the promotion. Customers who donated used shoes to the Soles4Souls organization would receive $10 off new shoes at the Foot Solutions store, 10270 Staples Mill Road in The Shoppes at Crossridge.

You’ll see the couple at retail footwear drives, races and concerts. They encourage people to donate shoes in good condition. Silvana Clark, a professional speaker and author, is a spokeswoman for Soles4Souls, which was founded by Wayne Elsey in the aftermath of the 2004 tsumani that hit Southeast Asia. For information about the effort, visit http://www.soles4souls.org.

Thanks to all who help make our communities better and stronger through acts of kindness. I believe God is pleased.

 

 

 

 

Posted in • Mary Goodwyn
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