I try not to complain about how cold it gets here in Chicago. Although this journey has inherently caused me to be an overall more positive person, the reason I don't complain has nothing to do with eliminating a negative attitude. No, the reason I don't complain is because if I do, I give my wife ammunition for her argument to move back to California. There hasn't been a 72 hour span since her first Chicago Winter in 2007 that she hasn't mentioned how nice the weather is in California and how great it would be if we moved back. I am sure, at some point, we will again live in California, but I am doing my best to postpone that for as long as possible.
Even though I try not to complain about the cold, I understand how frigid it gets here. There have been a few days in the past week that were downright miserable. I get pretty bundled up with a hat, gloves and a scarf when I go out, but when the Chicago wind hits you in the face, it is hard to not feel a chill. There are too many times when I am walking around the city that I see homeless people, in the dead of winter, with nothing more than a windbreaker (or sometimes no jacket at all). Today, for my random act of kindness, I am going to try to do my small part to change that. I have a few coats and warm vests that have been sitting in my closet for a few years now. I should have definitely donated them in the past, but hadn't for some insane reason. I am going to keep a few coats with me in the car today to give to people I see who are without a warm coat. If at the end of the day, I still have remaining coats, I will deliver them to a local physical therapy clinic, AthletiCo, who are collecting coats for One Warm Coat. You never know, maybe soon I will end up donating all my coats because I won't need them anymore since it is always nice in California.....nahhhhhhhh.
Also, thank you everyone so much for spreading the word about Saprinu/Shining Star Academy. Please continue to spread the word to everyone you know, and if you haven't already, and have the means, please donate $1.
Your Blog, It has just inspired me to do something for others,I have always thought that life has been rough for me, yet i realize doing small things for others can make things better for us. Thank you.
ReplyDeletevery natural real nice i love the way you express !
ReplyDeleteI once gave my old army surplus parka to a man who picked me up hitchhiking in Iowa coming from California, with no warm clothes. Probably stupid since I had a high fever with a heavy duty flu, but he was so kind and talked such words of wisdom that I thought that he needed it more than I. I'm not sure I would do the same today. was a young college student with little money than so I understood what it was to do without.
ReplyDeleteKind regards,
Mike
that's really good. Its like charity maybe you could get a tax exemption for this
ReplyDeleteCalifornia may slide into the sea so dont go back there :)
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful gesture and can be taken up by anybody anywhere ...
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the idea across.
Warmest regards,
Ruby
As Jacob Holt says: "Everybody loves to be loved"
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like ..nice
ReplyDeleteWonderful, Thanks for spreading the love around!
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What a great blog! I've just started one with a similar theme, and I will definitely visit here often for inspiration when I'm not sure what my next gift will be. :o)
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful day!
http://101gifts.blogspot.com/
What a wonderful thing to do. I thought about doing something similar with an old comforter I didn't want anymore, but unfortunately I never did. I wish I had now. What you're doing here is making all of us who read you better people. And don't leave Chicago for California! Chicago is the greatest city in the country. I was born near there and would love to move back someday, cold and all.
ReplyDeleteI know those coat-less people were loving you! We all have coats in our closets. Maybe you'll cause a few more coats to go where they are needed.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great thing to do! There are always people who need to keep warm in the winter. Here on the east coast of Canada it is still quite "cool" , but always a need for warmth!!! Kudos to you.
ReplyDeleteLove your blog site, drop by sometime to visit!
Have you thought about adding Adsense Ads to your blog account? You could use the proceeds to further the donations you have already committed yourself to make! With the amount of new followers in just the past few weeks, I'm sure you will make a significant amount from the ads--some pay over $1 per click!
ReplyDeleteSimply enjoy your whole process. Keep it up!
ReplyDeleteSuggest America
Extreme cold is unfamiliar to me as I have lived all my life in Las Vegas, but I applaud your efforts to make the world a better place.
ReplyDeleteSometimes I wonder how you have the ability to do all these things everyday when I only find myself doing kind things such as this every month. Then I realize I could if I put more effort into it. Thanks for your biggest act of all, letting everyone know how easy it can be to be kind.
ReplyDeleteI've bought coats at garage sales in the summer, then give them away in winter. Mainly kids coats. Sometimes its easier to help people than we think...we just need to think. :)
ReplyDeleteYou are really awesome you know. I admire what you're doing and I'm inspired now. Your blog is a joy to read! Keep it up. :D
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You really inspire me to do random acts of kindness, even if it's just a hug. I find it a challenge, and a fun journey. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on making Blog of Note!
ReplyDeleteLove the blog one of your newest followers now!! Very inspiring.
ReplyDeleteCheck out what Those Four Words we are talking about this week if you please, PLEASE!!