When You’re the One in Need: A Personal Reflection Maybe you’re the one who needs help this season. I know how that feels. When I was 14, the Cedar Fire destroyed my family home. My aunt passed away a few days later. My family spent months wading through an ocean of shock and grief. Everyone in our lives knew that we had suffered devastating loss and many offered to help in any way that they could. At first, my parents were hesitant to accept assistance. Nobody wants to burden others.
Ways to Serve Others as a Family Anne Malinoski
It’s the season of giving—the perfect time to show kids the importance of giving back. Here’s how to include the whole family in your efforts to support the community.
Food Drive According to the San Diego Hunger Coalition, 1 in 8 adults and 1 in 5 children experience food insecurity countywide. Your family can make a difference by hosting a drive for the local food bank. Give friends and family one week’s notice, then walk door-to-door with the kids to collect non-perishable items. Make an even bigger impact by hosting a virtual drive. Thanks to bulk buying power, the food bank can feed five people with every $1 donation. To host a food drive through the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank, register online at www.sandiegofoodbank.org.
Care Packages for Homeless Enlist the kids’ help to create and distribute care packages for our homeless neighbors. Items might include socks, granola, water, applesauce, tuna, or nut butter with crackers. Keep the packs in the car and share them when you see someone who needs help. As always, use caution and good judgment when interacting with strangers.
Practice Random Acts of Kindness Work together to brainstorm different ways your family can show kindness to others. Think about small things that make a big impact, like playing with someone new, writing an encouraging note or helping a neighbor with a chore. Once you have a long list, post it on the fridge and challenge each family member to complete one act of kindness every day for a month. Talk about what you did at dinnertime. Need help starting your list? Find 41 random acts of kindness in our article “Make the World a Better Place”: www.sandiegofamily.com/donations-volunteers-wanted-and-localfundraisers/random-acts-of-kindness. cont.on p.20
18 • SanDiegofamily.com • November 2018
But here’s what we learned very quickly: Our friends and family were suffering, too. Observing our struggle made them feel helpless. Acting on their concerns helped ease the pain they felt along with us. When you accept help, it is a gift to those who love you. If you believe, like I do, that your purpose in life is to serve others, then you must also realize that graciously accepting help gives others an opportunity to fulfill their purpose. Moreover, asking for help demonstrates that you trust your loved ones—and that is an enormous gift. Imagine how it would feel if a beloved friend turned to you in an especially vulnerable moment? It would feel wonderful to be of service. Don’t hesitate to give others that opportunity.
Not sure what kind of help to ask for? Here are a few ideas: • Rides to school, errands, etc. • Childcare, eldercare or pet care • Quality time together • Necessities such as diapers or non-perishable foods • Home or yard care • If lots of friends offer to make dinner, visit www.mealtrain .com to easily create a schedule and provide dietary information.