I am still pouring through your emails and comments. So many amazing stories of people who have been motivated to start their own giving projects. I have heard from people in Saudi Arabia and Brazil who want to start giving $10 a day in their country. I have received numerous offers to help recipients on the Lend a Hand page. Others have told me how they are helping their churches, local schools, community centers, random strangers, neighbors, etc. Numerous people have offered to help me directly.
I firmly believe that people are inherently good. When we hear about someone else spreading kindness it triggers something that awakens passive thoughts of kindness that we carry inside us.
I continue to answer your emails and comments one by one…please be patient if I have not responded to you yet.
My notebook (Photo: Reed)
Today my story is about Patrick, but before I get to him I want to share something that happened to me today. I keep all my notes in a small black notebook which happened to fall out of my book-bag today as I took some photos in front of a Barns & Noble. I went to dinner with my brother, his wife, and a cousin of mine and then walked home. On the way home I stopped in to see Larry from Day 90 at Starbucks to tell him that so many people have voted for him to go to Clyde’s with me (see this post). It was then I realized that I didn’t have my notebook.
I took a cab back to the restaurant but they didn’t have it. I started to walk home and decided to look around the Barnes & Noble. There is so much foot traffic there though that I was sure it wouldn’t be there. For some reason I decided to go in and ask if someone had turned a notebook in.
Would you believe that two women had turned it in! YES! THANK YOU! They gave it to a Security Guard named George who gave it to Sultan who was working behind the check-out area. I tried to give George $10 but he would not accept my money. I have agreed to try to go back and find him one day and maybe buy him a coffee or something. I did get the name of the company he works for and will write them a letter telling them of his good deed. I will also write a letter to the Barnes & Noble to tell them about both George and Sultan.
Phew….I thought I lost my book. Ok, back to day 97.
On Sunday night I thought I would look around for someone to give my $10 to at the McDonald’s at the Woodley Park Metro station. There was nobody in the fast food restaurant so I walked around to the Connecticut Ave. side and found Patrick kicking a soccer ball on the sidewalk into some plastic crates against the wall of a bank. It was around 11pm so I figured this guy’s gotta have a story to be out here at almost midnight practicing soccer by himself.
Patrick A. (Photo: Reed)
I spent some time just watching him juggle the ball with his feet and knees as well as taking shots on “goal.” Then I chatted with him some.
The 23-year-old DC native says that he comes out there and practices against the wall of the local bank several nights a week. A lot of people know him as “crazy soccer guy.”
Patrick is unique. He has never owned a cell phone and swears that he will never get one. He is writing his own Philosophy book. He enjoys theatre. He designs his own jeans…the list goes on.
Rather than me talk about him…check him out for yourself. He’s a trip…I’m warning you. He uses my $10 for something nobody else has done so far.
Year of Giving 
I can’t begin to tell you how much I enjoyed that post, as well as your other ones. First of all, he was adorable and too funny. Second of all, your posts just bring so much joy to my heart Yes, some of them are sad, but to be offered a way to help like this is just so cool. I have always tried to be charitable and do good deeds, so it’s wonderful to see someone else do it too. A couple months ago I saw this man by the street with a sign begging for money. He or his friend are always out there, even in awful weather, and I always feel bad because I don’t really have the money to give right now. I was thinking about him one day while at home and I thought omg I think he could fit a very warm coat that my son outgrew so fast that he had hardly worn it. One rainy day I put it in the car and drove down there and there he was, so I pulled over and put $5. in the pocket and took the coat over to him. He was so surprised as I told him that I thought it would fit him and I would like him to have it. I went back to my car and as I was buckling my belt, I saw him put it on and it fit him perfectly! I was so happy! He walked over to my car and thanked me with the most beautiful expression on his face. I just had a big smile on mine as I told him that I was just so happy that it fit him! I wave at him everytime that I drive by, and stop when I have a few dollars to share. And that is why I love your stories, because I’ve seen that gratefulness firsthand, and know what a little thoughtfulness can do. 🙂 Lorelei
Oh. My. Goodness. It’s been a while since I laughed so hard. Especially this early in the morning. 🙂 Reed, you’re a master at videography and putting the text inbetween shots ~ it all works so wonderfully! You (and Patrick!) have brightened my day. AGAIN! sj
Brilliant!!
Reed, just found your blog through another wonderful blogger that I visit.
What an great video of Patrick.
So enjoyed it.
You are amazing and I’m so glad to have found your blog.
Margie 🙂
The videos never work for me so sometimes I am left out on what the person uses their money on. Would appreciate it if you let us know even if there’s a video! I love your posts and follow them every day! I live in Rockville, MD and would love to also give $10 and accompany you on a day
Awesome, Patarab (nickname) is a cool guy for the most part. Kind of makes me happy to see he’s still doing Patrick. Great post!
Thanks again Reed for the ten, and the hilarious footage I can show my children in the future. Continue doing what guides you. I will do the same.
~FJ~
haha !!
Too bad it’s too late to vote you take this guy to dinner!
Hope his rocker crush sees the video and likes him.