When my job has extra samples or close-date product, I try to take them to a food pantry so that they aren't just wasted. (This was after I had to throw away an entire fridge full of product that had sat in boxes, unopened and untouched, and gone out of date. It seemed so wasteful...)
Today I made a trip to the food pantry.
There are two local food pantries that I've taken product to. One is 2 minutes from the office and when I take things to them, it always seems the donation is an imposition, like I am interrupting their day by bringing the food donation by. The other one is about 10 minutes away and every time I have taken product to them, they are gracious and thankful. Guess which one I go to when I have an option.
Now, don't get me wrong, I don't take them product for the thanks. It isn't really mine that I'm giving. My point is about being a cheerful receiver and how this whole semi-unemployed state I've found myself in has made me learn to be a cheerful receiver.
Generally, it's easy to be a cheerful giver. Giving stuff or giving of yourself feels good. Most people like that feeling, but having to admit you need help and then accepting that help is hard. It hurts to admit you need help, but it is necessary sometimes.
I guess I am finally growing up. Darn. How did that happen?
7 comments:
Hey, I agree. They don't need to go overboard saying thank-you, but if one makes you feel like you are bothering them, that's a problem. I would also go out of my way to go to the grateful company. After all, you are going out of YOUR way to help them - the least they can do is make you feel appreciated.
Donna, isn't that just too typical--that the option you prefer isn't the better option in every way? In fact, it's the worst option in one way.
As for giving, I had my first shoulder surgery in March, and learned that neither of the two people who I counted on most to help me afterwards was going to help me at all. Yet, a couple who I hardly knew helped me everyday--until I no longer needed them, and they stopped coming around at all, ever. I had heard of "fair weather friends," but they were my first "foul weather friends."
I know exactly what you mean. It really is bad when you take a donation to someone and they treat like that. It just shows that the people working there are not really dedicated to their cause.
i think you finally grow up when you've learned to appreciate everything around your life, and helping each other is certainly a big part!
Donna,
Fantastic blog! Very heartfelt and personal…
I’m anthropologist currently doing a little study on the blogging culture, and your blog has a special interest for me. If you don’t mind dropping by my site and maybe participating in the study by answering 5 questions I’d be more that grateful.
http://conflictions5.blogspot.com
If for nothing else, drop by the blog just to take a look...
Cheers~
m-
I totally agree. I think its just plain rude to not say thankyou! I mean manners cost nothing. xx
I'm so happy that I found this post. I recently founded a student food pantry at my university, and I think this is something that I never took into consideration before.
Thank you!
Post a Comment