Cedar Rapid's Realtor Chooses to Give, Share, and Care!

Ever since I was a little punkin' head.  No, I take that back, I was never little.  Ever since I was a young lad, my parents instilled in me that we are among the richest people in the world.  We have a home, we have clothing, we have food, we have transportation, education, and everything to succeed.

Since my family was blessed with this abundance of riches, I (as well as my brothers and sisters) were taught to give back to the community, share with others who are less fortunate, and care about problems that plague our city, state, country, and world.

Mentoring students has always been one of my strengths as a person.  God gave me the ability to reach children who could not be reached by other outreaches.  I always said when I was teaching elementary school, that if I could just work with one child at a time, the impact of that learning would be great and far reaching.

I've compiled a list of things we can do as leaders in our community to show we care.

1. Adopt a homeless person - I'm not saying to bring this person home and set up quarters for him or her.  I have chosen one person in town who is homeless.  I deliver money, clothes and food to this person every week.  He knows me by my first name and he says, "God bless you."  It warms my heart!
2. Sign up as an organ/tissue donor - There are lots of websites that will administer this life saving gift when you die.  You can also designate this on your driver's license in most states.  What a gift to give when you are no longer able to use what has been given so graciously to you!
3. Volunteer a lot or a little - This can be as simple as bagging your own groceries to help out in the store.  People look at me funny like, "There's people that get paid to do what you are doing."  I don't care, it's just my way of helping out.  Or, you can volunteer your time at Red Cross, Salvation Army, or other activity centers that cater to those who are less fortunate as you are.  Notice I didn't say anything about money.  The concept of tithing is not exclusive to the almighty dollar.
4. Practice random acts of kindness.  I visit businesses and drop off a dozen or two donuts a couple of gallons of juice (of course I have my business cards and/or magnet calendars handy)  I always get a kick out of the people's faces when I do this.  Something totally unexpected carries an emormous imprint in those lives that you just "touched."
5. Give money - For those of us who are more successful and have the available funds, money can go a long way in helping those less fortunate than we are.  Pick a local charity if you want your funds to stay in town.  Adopt a child in a third world country through the many outreach programs available.  After you set up this donation and start it, make sure to not tell anyone about it.  Don't brag about the fact that you just sent over XXX amount of dollars to help someone out.  Then, wait!   Wait and be patient because whatever you have done to your brother, it shall come back to you tenfold! 

Here is hoping that you have made the decision to give of yourself, share your time and money, and care for those who don't have, and you will be blessed, because you are among the richest people in this world!