MORE STORIES OF GIVING

                                    The Kindness of Strangers

A couple of years ago, I worked the graveyard shift in New York. Around midnight after a particularly exhausting day, I was approaching the J train platform only to hear the dreaded announcement that the doors were closing. It would be another 20 minutes until the next one. I joined a gaggle of other commuters rushing — in vain, we thought — to climb the stairs to get aboard. To our surprise, a homeless man provided deliverance, holding the door open on the last car and ushering us in.

We all made it in, as did the homeless man. Shortly after the train departed, he began making his humble pitch for alms. I shouted to the train occupants — about half of whom only made it because of this man’s good deed — that we all owed him a buck or two. Scores of people started cheering and passing cash through the crowd.

The NYC subway can be a dark place (even though it is extremely safe overall), and alms are not only for people who do good deeds. But that night, this man did a great favor for people who, unlike him, make plenty of money from stable jobs. He deserved every penny, and I’m grateful I had the chance to advocate for him. It's my favorite subway story, most of which are unpleasant. 

+ Jack, New York City

          Meal Train for New Parents

A number of my  friends and I are having babies. We all pitch in to provide a meal for the new parents so at least for the first few weeks new parents don't have to worry about putting together meals.

+ Caroline, Austin, TX