Day 3: Donated Eye Glasses

All of my life I have had terrible vision. If I took off my glasses or contacts, I probably couldn't even read the screen I am staring at right now. I have always complained about how much of a hassle and inconvenience it was to have to put in my contacts or wear my glasses. In retrospect, I should have been thankful that I even had access to these things. Around 100 million people world wide are in need of eyeglasses, but do not have access or the means to afford them. In Africa, about three months salary is required to afford eye glasses. Here in the US, about 15% of the population that needs glasses cannot afford them. So today, my random act of kindness is to help a couple of people get access to better sight. Recently my company, ZocDoc, gave us a gift card for a free pair of glasses from a company in New York called Warby Parker. Warby Parker's mission is to give people access to affordable eyeglasses, and for every pair purchased, they will donate a brand new pair of glasses to a third world country. I went to Warby Parker's website and picked out a new pair of glasses. Now, combined with their Buy a Pair, Give a Pair program, two people will be receiving a new pair of glasses. The Lions Club of Chicago collects new and used prescription glasses that they sort and donate to those in need. Also, Pearle Vision has a program where you can take you used and worn glasses for refurbishment. So if you have any old glasses laying around, please donate them because there is someone out there who would love to see the world as you do.

Day 2: Sent a letter to a soldier in Afghanistan

When I first decided to do this, one of my goals was to do something different each day of the 366 days. However, after thinking about it, there are some things that I have planned that would be more impactful if they happened more often. One that I will be sure to repeat multiple times is today's random act of kindness (or RAK for those that prefer brevity). Today I wrote a letter to a soldier that is currently serving in Afghanistan. I wanted to let them know how thankful I am for the life I have due to the sacrifices they and others have made. I wanted to let her/him know that although it may seem lonely overseas, there are people here back home thinking about them everyday. I wanted to let them know that their bravery is unparalleled. I wanted to let them know that I would be extremely proud if my daughter grows up with just a fraction of their will, strength, and heart.

The last thing I wanted to do with 366 Random Acts was to get preachy and tell people to do certain things, but I do have a favor to ask. Regardless of your thoughts on war or political stance, please take a few minutes to show your support for the members of our armed forces. You can send a care package, send a hand written letter, or even send a quick email. There are a number of websites dedicated to helping you do this (www.anysoldier.com, www.letterstosoldiers.org, www.operationshoebox.com, there are many others you can find as well). So, please, if you get a few minutes, jump on one of these sites because it will go a long way with our men and women overseas.

Day 1: Gave A Hard Working StreetWise Vendor Money For Groceries

For the past month, Jewel has been running a promotion where you get game pieces to win prizes for spending certain amounts of money and buying certain products (very similar to the Monopoly game from McDonalds). My wife and I have become somewhat addicted to collecting game pieces, and have shopped almost exclusively at the Jewel on Division and Dearborn. One constant of this specific Jewel location is the presence of StreetWise vendor, Renee. It doesn't matter if it is freezing cold, raining or snowing, Renee is always outside selling StreetWise. So, recently, Lindsey and I have collected the right game pieces to win a $20 grocery gift card. We decided that the best way to spend the gift card would be to give it to Renee so that should could purchase some groceries for herself.