So this morning I heard the NPR story by Liane Hansen…it was great! If you missed it, check it out here.
So I was walking around my neighborhood one night looking for someone to give my $10 to. People often ask me how I choose the recipients. There really isn’t any scientific method, but more of an instinctive gut reaction that I have. Something about the person makes them interesting to me. Maybe they are dressed in an interesting way, maybe a pan-handler says something clever, or perhaps it’s just a nice bus driver.
Alex is sitting in a small park on a bench reading a book at about 9:00pm. The dim light from a nearby street lamp is just enough for him to read his book: Negotiating Across Culture by Raymond Cohen.
Alex is dressed in a suit sans tie. He looks comfortable and at ease with me approaching and sitting down next to him. He is reading the textbook for his post-grad coursework at Georgetown. In addition to his schoolwork, Alex also has a part-time job at a DC think tank. As I explain to him my year-long commitment I learn that his birthday is December 15th (the day I started the Year of Giving). Somehow I feel that I was meant to meet Alex.
When Alex isn’t studying, working at the think tank or taking in a night at local art galleries (that’s what he was doing this night) he gives his time. He helps out at shelters and kitchens around DC. He has volunteered several times at Loaves and Fishes, a ministry of St. Stephen and the Incarnation Episcopal Church that has been serving lunch to the hungry and homeless on Saturdays, Sundays and federal holidays since 1968.
Alex hopes to work in international development and policy in Africa. This is no surprise given his vast international experience. For a 24-year-old he has seen a lot of the world. Check out the video where we talk a little about his experiences overseas.
The following is a letter that I received from Alex explaining how he used the $10. Also, take note of the link to the study on kindness at the end…definitely worth a read.
Hey Reed,
I was really unexpected and nice meeting you the other night. I wanted to drop you a note to say that I really think your project is fantastic. I think it’s great that you have embraced the curiosity, generosity, and faith in other people that a lot of us aspire to. I too believe that there’s so many incredible and interesting people we encounter in our daily lives that we seldom take the time to stop and appreciate. I myself wish I did it more.
So, I told you I’d write you to tell you how I’d spend my money. Basically, 10 bucks isn’t going to change what I can afford, or what some deserving NGO in the area could do if I gave the money to them. But, what the gesture of yours can do is change something I do, particularly stopping to appreciate the people we see in our daily lives but maybe don’t stop to acknowledge or appreciate. So, what I decided to do was spend that money on some cookie supplies, bake some cookies and give them to people we don’t too often acknowledge – the guys who hand out the WaPo Express, the people who work at the Metro stations and the cleaning people and receptionist in my building on K Street.
Oh and I also thought you’d be interested in this article I came across on the kindness multiplier. Reminds you that an act of kindness has consequences you don’t see!
Cheers and best of luck,
Alex (109)
Thanks Alex. What a thoughtful and creative use of the $10. I would love to know how the people reacted! If you haven’t already done it yet and can record it, it would be great to post here! It was great to meet you…thanks for making this giving experience so special.
Hey Reed,
I made the cookies and gave them out last Friday so that bridge was crossed. Some people were startled and took them skeptically while others were really appreciative. I’m sure that’s similar to the reactions you’ve had, Reed. However, they all accepted and hopefully they enjoyed them!
I gave each person two cookies with a note saying that they could either eat them both or give one to someone they appreciate. I also gave them this link to this site so maybe one of them will stumble upon this.
Cheers,
Alex
Alex, you are amazing. I absolutely love what you did. I knew we met for a reason. It is this kind of spirit and creative generosity that inspires others. You have such a bright future ahead of you.
This is even better than it sounds because Alex is an excellent chef! I bet those were delicious cookies. You couldn’t have picked a better person for this project–he is a great guy, a good friend, and very compassionate.
I think this is a great project and it must be fun to meet so many different people. Looking forward to reading the rest of your posts!
This is great to know! Yeah, Alex is pretty amazing. Glad to hear he is a good cook too. I just love the idea. Reed
What a bright and interesting young man!
What I love about Alex is that he gave of his TIME, not just his money…the older we get, the more we find that time can be the more precious commodity…great addition!
Alex, this post just brought tears to my eyes…very thoughtful and inspirational. I miss you!
Reed – I couldn’t agree with Alex any more. Thank you for spreading kindness, smiles, and curiosity! I’ve bookmarked your blog and intend to keep up as you rediscover the beauty of humanity.
This was a fantastic idea. It’s been said here before, but we sure are not as kind to our fellow man as we should be. As soon as I read Alex’s story, I knew I had to post my experience.
Last year, we were visiting St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna. Right outside, an American transplant and his girlfriend were giving away cookies. I was fascinated. They said they just wanted to do something nice. This is not something you’d see, even in California. Needless to say they had many takers and everyone who left their little table was smiling. Of course, my bubble was burst when a snide American voice said “Yeah, they’re free but are they any good?” I couldn’t help mumbling “what a brat” and then they took 5 cookies!
We still have a laugh over it, but the best part is that whenever I think of that day, I always break into a smile.
At times it’s embarrassing to be American; but to Reed, Alex, and everyone else you’ve helped, I am excited that you are continuing on with this project. Keep on Giving!!!
[…] on a wooden bench in a small park near the Dupont Metro. This is the very same area where I met Alex on Day 109, John on Day 115 and the forthcoming story of Kathryn on Day 260. Originally from the […]
I love the cookie story! What an amazing example of seeing the ripple effect of your idea, Reed. Right on!
I agree…Alex managed to touch so many lives with my small gift to him. He’s an outstanding young man….and by the way, he also baked cookies and brought them to the Year-End Celebration in December!! -Reed