Week 9: Beat the Heat

Most of us have noticed the weather has become more Like what we expect in the summer. And that brings a lot of opportunities to do something special to make this world a better place.

I like to purchase a big box of fruity popsicles to hand out to my mail carrier, the guys who perform the  lawn care in my homeowner community, and maybe neighbors and their kids who stroll by. Given with a thanks for someone's service, or as a conversation starter, it's an inexpensive way to acknowledge a fellow human being.

This is also a good time to purchase fans for organizations to give to those without air conditioning, but I have an even better suggestion if you are able. Unite with other friends to purchase several air conditioners to donate. You can ask for extra discounts (as some friends and I did) for buying 3 or more and then let the agency, for which they are purchased, pick them up from the store. That way, the store knows they were actually being donated.

This a good time, too, to donate to your electrical company, your church discretionary fund, or organizations to help those who cannot afford increased costs to keep cool. You could even purchase passes for the community swimming pool to give to those who can''t afford them.

If your neighbors are going on vacation, you might offer to water their plants or the lawn in their absence. If they are away and didn't ask, you might just do that for them anyway.

There are many other things you can do as well. For example, donate cooling neck scarves which actually do work. Or, keep a bottle of cold tea or lemonade in your vehicle and give them to people who look like they might need something refreshing (i.e. at bus stops, walking to work, etc.).

The more you do to show caring and concern for your fellow man, the better you make our world.

Now, just a few of the promised entries from my journal this week: Bought an extra scented, hand sanitizer to give to a neighbor. Sent an unexpected thank you note to a fellow author who gave unused, extra book displays to our writers' club president to give to anyone who wanted them. Sent a card to a church friend who was unexpectedly hospitalized.