The Year of Giving

Many have been following Reed Sandridge on his adventure referred to as the Year of Giving. For almost 365 days bloggers have written about it, newspapers have carried some details, and many belonging to the online community applaud Reed for what he has done.

Not familiar with Reed Sandridge and his Year of Giving? A link to his blog is included with this article. However, here are some things readers should know for now-

Reed began his effort to give $10.00 away to a stranger every day for 365 days while unemployed. This is due to something his mother taught him which will be interesting for everyone to read on Reed's blog.

Each day Reed found a stranger he would attempt to give $10 while asking the stranger to tell him what they would do with the money offered. Some had to contact Reed at a later date by email, as they were not certain what they would do with this new found wealth. Okay-for some $10 may not have seemed like much. But there were people sleeping on park benches, those living in the tent city, and some struggling with their daily life while living in a shelter who may have felt $10 was a very big deal. Reed has faithfully logged any details on his blog.

The amount of money was not the important issue here. From what this writer noticed, it was the contact with humans who otherwise may never have spoken to Reed. These people often opened up enough to teach the readers of Reed's blog worthwhile life advice that was interesting to listen to. Others seemed lost in the world that may have abandoned them.

Reed was able to involve readers by letting them know the needs of the people he gave money to. Some were looking for family members, others for work, and some for a warm jacket or a pair of work shoes. Readers were often able to send items to Reed who then gave the items to the person in need.

Soon 365 days will add up to end Year of Giving. Or will it? A celebration is planned by Reed Sandridge on December 14th at Tabaq in Washington DC. This is located at 1336 U Street in Northwest DC. Here blog followers, some recipients and others will enjoy the final day of the Year of Giving together. Any recipients of $10 from Reed will be there as Reed's guest. This writer can't make it, but if you go, please let us hear details from you.

Reed is considered a Kindness Investor. Reed is offering the opportunity to others seriously interested to become a Kindness Investor for a few days, and step into Reed's shoes.

In order to be part of the adventure Reed Sandridge is experiencing and become a Kindness Investor, the person must be unemployed and looking for work. Some more details will be worked out later. For now, give this some thought. Enjoy Reed's blog. The people he met will probably always be a part of Reed's life in some way. Maybe they can be a part of yours as well.

Year of Giving