The Year of Giving Blog

I was told about this Blog by some friends who went to NYC on a mission trip. It's inspiring and thoughtful, definitely worth reading a few entries. And as a bonus, I think you might discover some interesting people/ideas/thoughts to incorperate into your characters or writing.

http://yearofgiving.org/

About Year of Giving Author...

The Year of Giving started officially on Tuesday, December 15, 2009 at 3:30 pm.  The concept is simple.  I will give $10 to a different person every day for a year.  I will write about the people who I intersect with as well as the truly altruistic experience that I am sure to have!

I recently lost my job at a nonprofit organization due to the economic climate so taking on this endeavor may not seem fiscally prudent.  However, I think it is exactly these times that we must focus on helping others. 

I started the Year of Giving on December 15th in memory of my mother who lost her long battle with heart disease on this day in 2006.  She was a true altruist.  She always thought of others before herself. 

My goal is not to change the lives of those with whom I come in contact.  Let’s face it, $10 dollars is not going to change someone’s life in and of itself.  I do believe, however, that the act of giving will hopefully inspire others to pursue the ideals that the French philosopher Auguste Comte envisioned when he coined the term “altruism.”  Whether that comes in the form of someone who reads this blog and wants to embark on their own Year of Giving or someone who uses the $10 to help someone else out, the specific results are less important than the overall good that we can achieve together.

Thanks for taking time to visit the site.  I hope that you find yourself inspired today to do something special for someone.  You would be surprised at how even something as simple as a smile or a thank you can make the difference in someone’s day.  And remember, “happiness [is] only real when shared.”