Saving the World, One Sandwich At a Time

Everyday I drive by this person and just wonder what his story is, why he is there. He isn't the typical "homeless person." He just holds up his sign. People stop and give him money, but it just breaks my heart, knowing it's so cold. Where does he go? So this morning while I was making my daughter's lunch, I made him a turkey sandwich with some coffeecake. I drove to the same off-ramp. I called him over and told him I had brought him some food and handed him the bag. He was so grateful. I know some people say things like "Oh! Those guys make $50,000 a year standing out there!" But these people don't want to be there. And I'm just not going to think that way.

A fellow mom shared this story with me recently, with tears in her eyes, obviously feeling first-hand the pain and hardship that this person must be enduring. And it's an important reminder that this is the time to remember what being human is all about. By holding out your hand and entering someone else's world – even if it's only for the few seconds it takes to give them a dollar – we gain a deeper understanding of one another and rub just a small bit of polish on a dim corner of our world.

Her meaningful little vignette reminded me that the next few weeks (and beyond) should be about more than just making sure Amazon gets my order right. Her story reminded me that we can all make a big difference with any sized contribution. Even if it's just a turkey sandwich.

Every year, L.A. Parent publishes a "Get In on the Giving" story in our December issue. This year, we spotlighted firefighters, but that's just one of a million ways to make a difference. Pick your cause. Hold the hand of someone who needs it. Rescue a dog or cat. Sing holiday songs at a retirement home. Teach your children about hunger and how they can help (besides clearing their own plates). Bring a gift to a sick child – and hug the mother who is caring for her. Plant a tree. Find a family in need and collect gifts for beneath their tree.

The mom who shared this story also says (pretty regularly), "When people don't know what to do, they do nothing." So check out Volunteer Match for some good ideas on where to start.

Or deliver a sandwich to someone you see, everyday, at the same place and time. Trust me, everyone will feel good about that.