Nov. 19 - Helping Hand

Day 322 of a year of kindness

Kindness ambassador #37, Vicky Bowles heard about folks in Southwest Florida who needed help and extended a hand.

I was inspired this week by the kindness of two friends who generously spread the word about people in need.One friend, Suzanne Willis, shared about a single mother in Cape Coral who lost everything in a house fire.This hard-working mom has three daughters, one of whom has cerebral palsy and was critically burned in the fire. Co-workers and friends are donating clothes and needed goods, and a fundraiser will be held this weekend in Cape Coral. 

I dropped off two bags of clothing, and at the last minute I added some festive earrings that I thought might help cheer up the teenagers who have lost all their possessions.

The other friend, Patricia Borns, shared that a nonprofit in Fort Myers (St Martin de Porres Outreach Mission) has bare shelves in its food pantry and needs nonperishables like cereal and canned milk, so I took them a bag of Publix BOGOS.I feel so grateful in this Thanksgiving season that our home is safe and warm, and we have more than enough food.

If you want to help the family who suffered a house fire make checks payable to: Calusa Sportsman Foundation Inc., 16831 Link Ct, Fort Myers, FL 33912. Drop all donations and checks at Five County Insurance, 14120 Metropolis Avenue, Fort Myers, FL 33912.If you want to help St Martin de Porres Outreach Mission, the address is 4711 Palm Beach Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33905 or call 239-218-4345.

Science of Kindness: Research reveals that acts of generosity often inspire “pay it forward” behavior. Studies on altruism show that when someone receives help, they are more likely to help others, creating a chain of kindness that strengthens communities. Also research shows that food and financial support reduce immediate suffering. Research in psychology and public health shows that when people’s basic needs are met, stress levels drop, and health outcomes improve.#BeKind #KindnessCounts #KindnessCounts2025 #kindnessmatters #gratitude