Poverty and homelessness are issues that are very near and dear to me. In a country with such amazing wealth and opportunity, it breaks my heart to see the level of poverty and homelessness we have here. Whenever I drive to the city, I notice the homeless pushing shopping carts up and down the street. I also notice the reaction of other people to them. Most tend to rush by like they’re invisible and I wonder if they even notice them as they go on with their busy lives.
We have had record breaking heat here in Vermont the past few weeks. It’s not at all normal for us to break 90F during the summer. I can recall many summers where we didn’t hit 90 at all and this year we have done it over and over again. Because we don’t have a lot of super hot weather, many people aren’t used to the heat and being outside with the sun beating down on you all day can be an awful experience.
Our local homeless mission has a thrift store attached to it where they sell donated items to raise money for the mission and the room and board of the homeless people who stay there. I decided to pay forward some of the kindness I’ve received in my life by sharing some ice cold beverages with some of the workers at the mission to let them know that someone was thinking of them.
The mission thrift store is right next to our Walmart so that was the natural choice for me to stop at for beverages. I wanted a bottle that was big enough to last a while and not loaded with sugar because I wasn’t sure what kind of health issues the people there would have. I also wanted a variety of flavors because I didn’t know who would like what. I wanted something a little bit more special than plain water. I decided to go with the Clear American sparkling beverages from Walmart. They’re a good size, low in sugar and are affordable at only .69 each. They do contain aspartame which isn’t my favorite ingredient but it is safer for some than sugar. I hope they’ll consider using stevia in their beverages in the future.
We loaded up a tub with ice and beverages and drove it to our homeless mission in the city. I got the kids in on the project too. It’s never hurts to let them understand how lucky they are to have what they have and to see the challenges other people have to deal with. Everyone enjoyed the ice cold Clear American drinks and I’m glad this was something I could do to pay it forward.
Connect with Clear American on Facebook and Twitter today.
Check out my This Moment for the whole process. How can you pay it forward today? Think about it!
Disclosure: This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias #CBias which is a vendor for Cott Beverages Inc., the manufacturer of Clear American ® brand beverages. All opinions are mine and mine alone.
About Ellen Christian
Thanks, Ellen, for caring enough to do something like this! It's rarely this hot where I live, too, but we are being roasted in this heat wave.
Hugz,
Carla
I think every individual and corportation should have a cause…someone to help, sponsor, and support with both time and money!
Hi, I've visiting from Social Fabric. What a fantastic show of spirit you have; I hope everyone who sees this is inspired to do something wonderful for their fellow man (or animal). I know I am!
That's awesome Ellen! You should be proud! Homelessness is an issue everywhere unfortunately these days! What a great way to pay it forward! I bet you and your kids made LOTS of people who other wise don't have a reason, smile today!
God bless you for your kindness Ellen and good luck with the "hot" weather. Our weather in S FL is like that almost all year but we are used to it. Can't wait to see the results in your daughter's room!!
What a great way to "pay it forward", Ellen! I love your enthusiasm and compassion. Our heat index has been 110 and higher over several days this past week and no let-up in site. This is a great idea for right here in our area.
That was so kind of you, Ellen! What a nice idea!
What a great project Ellen!
You are being very kind, Ellen and I know they appreciate it! City missions are wonderful places too…I hate seeing homeless people!
Thanks for sharing! What a great way to make someone's day, especially during this hot weather.
Have you seen the Clear American Naturals line? They are made with stevia!
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Clear-American-Strawberry-Watermelon-Sparkling-Water-8ct/16778151
That is wonderful! What a great and thoughtful idea during a heatwave. Poverty is an issue close to my heart also so thank you for sharing.
What a great idea Ellen! This is a great thing to teach our kids as well as other adults!
This is such a great post. There are so many homeless people that live in my area. It is really sad. You have to drive past the homeless shelter to get to our city. It makes me really sad to see the young children sitting underneath the bridge.
Thanks for this post!
-Jennifer's Deals
What a great and thoughtful idea! I'm sure they really appreciated it.
What a great way to pay it forward! I volunteer at food banks and shelters a few times a month and hope this post motivates more people to pay it forward.
great job! That's so awesome!
Wonderful post, Ellen! I regularly think about donating to the shelters but seldom think short-term like needing water on hot days. What a lovely idea you had!
Mailena beat me to the punch in letting you know that the Naturals line is made with Stevia!
My store doesn't have the Naturals line but I really hope they carry it soon. I love drinks that use Stevia!
This is a wonderfully kind act for you to preform. I wish their were more people like you. Years ago when I was a young teen my mother and I lived on the streets, in cars and sleep in tents. It is a very difficult life filled with sadness, hunger and shame.
Great idea to share with some of the workers – I bet on these hot days they REALLY appreciated that!
I was JUST in VT last week in Maidstone State Park and it got up to 95 on Friday!!! by the time we drove down to CT it was 105.
Awesome project!!