What would happen in the world if everyone pledged to help just one person outside of their family or circle of friends?

I don't mean a life long commitment like Leah Ann Touhy, who took in a homeless teen, in the movie the Blind Side. That requires some serious resources.

But as someone whose job was a social worker; I can't help but wonder; do you know how many people are in need of daily services that they no longer get from a social worker?

Most people won't even succumb to putting a buck or two in a cup of someone asking on the side of the road on their way to their $5 Starbucks.  "They'll only spend it on drugs or alcohol", they say.  Oh you know that  for sure, do you? Maybe your Starbucks coffee is in addiction, but I'm pretty sure it won't kill you if you miss one.  You could actually be saving an alcoholic from DT's or a druggie from detoxing too quickly.

Our system isn't saving or even helping these people anymore with not enough programs or beds. What if you actually were to talk to the person to see what they might need? Maybe you could stir them towards a job that you know of. They're not all bums, you know.  I know it's easier to see someone as a bum, who is it irredeemable. But guess what? No one is redeemable.

A simple act of taking a neighbor to the store who doesn't have a car when you have so much; is a start at helping the world become a better place. I bet most people don't even know if they have a neighbor who has no way to get to the store. Or there might be someone in your neighborhood who has no one who ever comes to visit them. Even an hour visit a week to someone who has no one would be so precious.

Or how about paying forward all your good fortune and blessings by donating just one hour a week to a soup kitchen or a homeless shelter? I know people are busy today and it's necessary for both parents to work; but would one hour of Charity a week deplete your family resources?

Actually you would probably end up being surprised at the good feelings you get from it. You might find that is worth more than many hours of your pay. You might even feel lifted enough to do something fun for yourself or your family that you wouldn't ordinarily do otherwise.

Just something to think about. Imagine if everyone exercised a commitment of just one hour a week or one person to help,  how the world would change?

Peggy Porter Quinlan

Warwick