Good Samaritans

Good Samaritans (Full Version)

All Forums >> [Casual Banter] >> Off the Grid

Message

TNstepsout -> Good Samaritans (11/9/2008 1:33:51 PM)
We get a lot of rants and a lot of arguments on these boards so I thought it would be nice to start a thread to mention those random, anonymous gestures from Good Samaritans you've encountered and to say thanks. Maybe you've been one, maybe you'd like to thank one? I'll start. About a month ago my son lost his wallet when he was leaving work. He didn't realize it was missing until the next day and assumed that any wallet lost on a downtown street was gone for good. He didn't have any money in it, but of course it meant replacing his drivers license and canceling his debit card. The worst part however, was the loss of the wallet itself. It was a hand made, limited edition created by an artist who sells his products for quite a bit. He got it at a good price as a favor from a friend, but to replace it would cost him about $400. He was really disappointed about losing the wallet but what could he do? It was gone. Well about a week after the incident, once his debit card was canceled and his license was replaced, he visited his grandparent's home for a brief visit. While he was there my mother told him a package had arrived for him. He couldn't imagine what it was as he wasn't expecting anything and we hadn't lived there for over a year. He opened the small, unmarked box to find his wallet nestled inside. Everything was in tact, nothing was missing, even the single dollar bill inside. There was no returned address and no note of any kind so my son's thanks have to be as anonymous as well. Thank you, Good Samaritan.

TNstepsout -> RE: Good Samaritans (11/9/2008 7:36:23 PM)
None? Nothing? C'mon people Thanksgiving is coming up. You know, time to be thankful and all that stuff. No one else has any inspiring stories of people doing nice things just because?

TermsConditions -> RE: Good Samaritans (11/9/2008 7:46:06 PM)
1) I cannot stand idly by and see a lady asking for assistance, TNstepsout. 2) A couple of years ago in December, Mrs. Terms and I traded a vehicle on a purchase of a new vehicle. A couple of days later on Christmas mornning we can't find our new, expensive digital cameral. I went to a gas station (only place open on Christmas) and purchase film for our old camera.We have no idea what happened to our new camera. That afternoon the phone rings and someone has purchased our old vehicle at auction, found our new camera, and found us to arrange return of the camera. Very nice folks. Peace on Earth, etc. TnC

rexrgisformidoni -> RE: Good Samaritans (11/9/2008 7:55:07 PM)
I've done this several times for people. Someone left a canon eos on a park bench and it had a business card in it. Mailed it there with a note, and it found the owner. Stopped a k id from running off with an old mans wallet at the mall. I'm glad your son got his back, some people are still good.

DiurnalVampire -> RE: Good Samaritans (11/9/2008 8:00:28 PM)
I sent a package overseas to a unit stationed in Iraq, anonymously (so I hope none of them are reading this here) of different items that we were discontinuing at our store. Mostly, it was candies and such, a few magazines we werent carrying anymore. And of course, with each little individual pack there was a hand written note that we had done at the local elementary and pre school thanking the soldiers for their work. I have built homes for habitat for humanity for years. A few friends of mine and I always leave a "housewarming" basket in a finished home for their starter kits. Basic kitchen utensils, coffee filters, that sort of stuff. Msot recently, one i had mentoned on here before. I was walking back from getting coffee at the gas station by my store, and some guy pulled a knife on an old lady in order to try and steal her money. I didnt take well to it, and had him disarmed and pinned by the time the cops got there. The woman never did learn my name, but she did buy me new coffee because mine spilled in the fight. She told me I was an angel sent by God to protect her. I can live with that. DV

sub4hire -> RE: Good Samaritans (11/9/2008 8:54:59 PM)
We donate to charity more heavily on the holidays. Though we do year round as well. Work with the kids at the YWCA. Always try to help out those in need. Though I don't consider that being a good Samaritan. To me..that is more like when I watched out over the lady at the grocery store a few week's back. Some dude was standing over her as she was searching her purse for something...he saw everything she had in her purse. Oblivious he was watching more intently than she was even looking. So, I stayed and made sure she didn't get mugged..got into her car and pulled away without anyone following her.

celticlord2112 -> RE: Good Samaritans (11/9/2008 9:01:23 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: TNstepsout None? Nothing? C'mon people Thanksgiving is coming up. You know, time to be thankful and all that stuff. No one else has any inspiring stories of people doing nice things just because? It's a small thing, but at the time was huge to me. Shortly after starting a nighttime security job when I was in college (and, being in college, rather broke), I had just picked up my paycheck after getting off work around midnight. My car decided that was the perfect time to run out of gas--although it did have the courtesy to sputter to a halt at a gas station. I had a paycheck, but no cash. The night clerk at the gas station bought me $5 of gas for nothing more than a "thank you." I am not always as generous towards others as I should be, but now and again, I remember that night clerk, and attempt to do something randomly kind for someone else.

PanthersMom -> RE: Good Samaritans (11/10/2008 4:46:24 AM)
my parents lived by the pay it forward principle long before it was a cute concept from a movie. i was raised that way and i am trying to raise my children with the same values. we need to remember that no matter how bad something seems, someone out there has it worse and we should try to help them as others have helped us. one of the big deals in my life was when the oldest had surgery on both legs and we needed a wheelchair for him, the local salvation army donated one free of charge for as long as we needed it without even so much as asking for any ID or a deposit or anything. when we returned the chair we donated one that we'd purchased that we'd happend to run across at a garage sale along with it. next time they had someone with a need, there were two chairs they could loan out. even if it doesn't cost you anything but time, it's worth it. when i see folks on freecycle and craigslist here locally who've suddenly had to take custody of an ailing relative or have a child with special needs and they need help with equipment i share the resources i've found for help with equipment and services. i have made some contacts in the community that help with these things both for children and adults, so if i can help make the search easier for someone else, i'm happy to do so. PM

MmeGigs -> RE: Good Samaritans (11/10/2008 4:46:51 AM)
This wasn't anonymous, but it was random. 4 departments where I work had a contest through the month of October to see which could raise the most money for the local food shelf. We do this every year in March, but this one just sprung up out of nowhere. We raised $7,500. There is a big anonymous wonderfulness I'd almost forgotten. A few years back my daughter was very, very sick. She was hospitalized, and had no insurance. When she was better and out of the hospital, they started calling her to collect what she owed. I told her to be honest with them about her circumstances rather than avoid the call. She did that. They never called back. She stopped getting bills. She called them to see what was up and found that some anonymous person had paid her bill. It was nearly $100,000. We have no idea who this person was, and they will never know how much they mean to us. I'm getting choked up just thinking about it. What an amazing thing to do.

SavageFaerie -> RE: Good Samaritans (11/10/2008 5:04:55 AM)
I love this topic. Paying it forward is part of my life. being in a grocery line where someone is short and trying to figure up what to give up. I just had the cashier the needed amount. I take care to watch out for the elderly making sure they get a deserved seat. I will lmake short loans without the expectation of ever getting it back When my son was here he noticed a man who dropped his paycheck and before I knew what he was doing he was chasing this man down to return it to him. The relief on the mans face made it worth it. This is Nyc and anyone else that found that check would have kept it as he had signed his name on the back. There are tons more but thats what comes to mind in the wee morning and not quite awake.

BossyShoeBitch -> RE: Good Samaritans (11/10/2008 5:15:51 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: SavageFaerie I love this topic. Paying it forward is part of my life. ... There are tons more but thats what comes to mind in the wee morning and not quite awake. I completely agree. No need to make a list because quite frankly, I don't keep count, but I try and watch out for, and assist my fellow man as much as I possibly can. It makes me happy.

sirsholly -> RE: Good Samaritans (11/10/2008 5:18:44 AM)
i took my two yr old to the Pgh Airport to pick up a family member. I was late and confused so i stopped to ask a security guard where to find the gate. The LoudOne will generally never leave my side but we were right next to the moving sidewalk and it was too much of a draw for the little dude. The sidewalk was 1/4 mile long and emptied out at automatic doors leading directly out to a very busy parking lot. The results could have been awful if he went out the door. I was running as fast as i could and the security guard was right behind me, screaming for someone to stop the LoudOne. A well dressed businessman was on the sidewalk, well behind my son. He dropped his bags and took off, running full speed and grabbed the LO just as he ran off the sidewalk. I honestly did try to thank him, but couldn't talk. He just smiled, picked up his belongings and quietly left.

TNstepsout -> RE: Good Samaritans (11/10/2008 5:27:27 AM)
Now that's better! Great stories everyone. I can recall other times that people did little things that really changed my day. One time I had become very ill and was in a great deal of pain. It had lingered for weeks. I'd been in and out of ER and to the doctor but couldn't seem to get anyone to get serious about figuring out what was wrong. I was physically and emotionally wrung out and scared. One day I had to go to the grocery store for an item we were out of at home. I made my way to the checkout line with my single item and when I got there, there was one person being checked out and two others in front of me with carts. The person in front of me looked at the single item I had and told me to go ahead of him. I thanked him gratefully and stepped in front, and then the other person did the same thing. It was a small gesture, but one that meant a great deal to me. It was a lot more than getting out of the store quicker, it gave me hope in the truly dismal situation I was in that someone out there cared.

cjan -> RE: Good Samaritans (11/10/2008 6:19:08 AM)
Great topic,thanks TN. Actually, these kinds of experiences have happened to me throughout my life and I cherish them. Most recently ( just the other day) I got a flat tire. My car is an older VW Jetta and comes with one of those toy jacks that aren't much good for anything other than scraping knuckles. As I was struggling to use the jack without losing a hand, I saw a man approaching me. It was kinda late, 7p.m. or so. The man was in work clothes. From his gait and the condition of his clothes, I could see that he had had a long day at work. Obviously, the usual for him. He had a real jack in his hand, and offered his help. We changed the tire safely. Of course, I thanked him for his help and kindness. He simply nodded and went on his way, as if to say, what else should we expect of one another ? I was very moved by this small act of kindness which this man obviously considered unworthy of special notice. As I've said, I've experienced many such spontaneous acts of kindness and try to be aware of opportunities to "pass it on" myself. Somehow, they feed my spirit like nothing else seems to.

pahunkboy -> RE: Good Samaritans (11/10/2008 6:27:29 AM)
for the 3rd time this year- a person was pulled from a burning car. Thats impressive. I gave away a car on freecylce. a clunker but they put it together and got use out of it. my 1st computer was giving to me- by someone on the internet. this after i was kicked out of more then 1 library. lol.

DesFIP -> RE: Good Samaritans (11/10/2008 6:30:00 AM)
cjan, my daughter has a Jetta with the same kind of jack. She blew a tire at midnight in a bad part of Columbus OH and was struggling to change it when an elderly man came by and did it for her. And she wants a real pump jack also. This follows last year of her and a friend changing the friend's tire in the dark without flashlights or flares, not quite off the road. Using their cell phones for light. After hearing that I bought her one of those emergency kits.

servantheart -> RE: Good Samaritans (11/10/2008 6:32:01 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: sirsholly i took my two yr old to the Pgh Airport to pick up a family member. I was late and confused so i stopped to ask a security guard where to find the gate. The LoudOne will generally never leave my side but we were right next to the moving sidewalk and it was too much of a draw for the little dude. The sidewalk was 1/4 mile long and emptied out at automatic doors leading directly out to a very busy parking lot. The results could have been awful if he went out the door. I was running as fast as i could and the security guard was right behind me, screaming for someone to stop the LoudOne. A well dressed businessman was on the sidewalk, well behind my son. He dropped his bags and took off, running full speed and grabbed the LO just as he ran off the sidewalk. I honestly did try to thank him, but couldn't talk. He just smiled, picked up his belongings and quietly left. Parenthood. It's not just a job, it's an adventure [;)] Glad the little one ended up safe and sound [sm=highfive.gif]

cjan -> RE: Good Samaritans (11/10/2008 6:39:38 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: DesFIP cjan, my daughter has a Jetta with the same kind of jack. She blew a tire at midnight in a bad part of Columbus OH and was struggling to change it when an elderly man came by and did it for her. And she wants a real pump jack also. This follows last year of her and a friend changing the friend's tire in the dark without flashlights or flares, not quite off the road. Using their cell phones for light. After hearing that I bought her one of those emergency kits. Yup. I bought a real jack at Wal-Mart for $16. You were wise to get her an emergency kit with flares ( I hope). Changing a tire at night on the side of the interstate can be fatal.

SavageFaerie -> RE: Good Samaritans (11/10/2008 6:47:13 AM)
Just to note: I dont do these things for bragging purposes. I do it beause it brings me a feeling of peace. As usual when I travel from TX to NYC I get stuck in Chicagos union station for up to six hours. I spend it walking around or parking myself at a bar for a couple of cocktails. While walking back into the station after going out for a smoke, there was this young man sitting just inside you could see in his eyes that he was in a pickle. Turns out it was an internet meeting he came from somewhere in MN to Chicago, after 1 day the girl kicked him out without enough money to get a ticket home. Yeah I know he should have thought ahead but I myself have travel on practically nothing. He was short about 25 dollars. I didnt give him money, but I did walk him to the ticket counter and purchased him a non refundable ticket to get him home. Waiting for our various trains we talked till his train was called. He asked for my address so he could reimburse him, I told him no.....help out the next person you see that needs help. I have beem critized for doing little thing with oh they are just gonna get booze or drugs but I mostly help out with the problem at hand, need food will get it and hand it to them. I try not to let it become a financial gain, unless it family or very close friends that need a little boost and will try and help by giving a loan, I never expect it back, but its nice if it happens. Im on the edge of the poverty level with a monthly disability check, I am by no means rich to do things, but I will sacrifice if it helps others in need. Just my nature my Mom is that way as was my grandmother, I seeem to be one of only siblings that got that passed on.

SylvereApLeanan -> RE: Good Samaritans (11/10/2008 6:54:23 AM)
The local hard rock station's morning show does a "Hope for the Holidays" campaign every year around Christmas. People write in or send email about their families or a family they know who is struggling but make just enough so they don't qualify for assistance from typical charities. Frequently, the family has just barely enough to cover rent and utilities, but nothing left over to cover emergency things like car repairs or to buy gifts for their children. The morning host reads a couple of letters and then puts out the call to listeners to donate whatever they can. The people who donate most often are bluecollar folks who don't have much either. I've heard callers donate everything from a $25 gift card from Wal-Mart, to a new set of tires so a single mom can get to work, to $500 to cover a utility bill so it doesn't get turned off. Sometimes, a person from a family that was helped in a previous year will call in and donate something as a thank you. I cry every time I listen to the segment.

Page: [1] 2 next > >>

Collarchat.com © 2025

Terms of Service

0.046875