One Random Act of Kindness Inspires Help for 25 Families

A few weeks ago Joelynn Murray crossed the parking lot from her job at Rite Aid in Seaside on her dinner break to go to eat at McDonald’s. On her way she was stopped by a man who asked her for a dollar. She didn’t have a dollar, she only had her debit card on her and asked what did he need, what could she do for him?  He replied, “I am hungry.” Murray brought him into McDonald’s and bought him a meal and a gift certificate for another meal. When she got back to work she shared what had happened with her co-workers and they voiced their concerns over the hungry and homeless in the county.

One co-worker, Tracy Johnston Hepler, remembered that blankets were on sale on a stand near the Pharmacy section and suggested that each of the workers buy one blanket to be donated for the homeless. Another co-worker agreed and then customers who were overhearing the conversation asked if they could join in. When other co-workers heard about what was happening they started suggesting other items that homeless people might appreciate. “It just grew out of that,” says Hepler who is now gathering donations for twenty-five gift baskets to be given to homeless families.

Hepler and Murray hastily started posting on Facebook, asking for donations from their family and friends. In deciding on twenty-five gift baskets, Hepler says they are trying to be realistic with how much time is involved and how many people they could expect to reach that could respond quick enough. Hepler called Helping Hands in Seaside to see if they could make the contribution to them to disperse and ask about how many people were homeless in the area. Helping Hands said that it serves approximately 70 people that are completely homeless at this time, with many more now in temporary housing.

Hepler and Murray quickly decided that the population they wanted to focus on was families that were homeless and got a rough outline of what these families’ basic needs were. They are now asking for donations of: Travel size toiletries (like the ones given out by motels), small hand sanitizers, band aids, warm coats, new socks, warm gloves, warm hats, women’s hygiene products, coloring books, reading books, small portable toys, travel size baby wipes. All sizes of coats, gloves and socks are welcome. Hepler hopes to start earlier next year so that more gift baskets can be made for more families.  All of the donations will be given out through either Helping Hands or the Catholic Church, which also does gift baskets for the homeless. Blankets are not needed for the gift baskets as the crew and customers of Rite Aid took care of that item.

“It is just amazing to me what one act of random kindness inspires everyone to do,” exclaimed Hepler. “In such a short amount of time this grew from feeding one man to reaching out to help twenty-five families, and possibly even more. It is what this time of year is about. Helping each other.”

Donations can be made in the Pharmacy department at the Seaside Rite Aid. If you cannot make it to the Seaside Rite Aid, Hepler and Murray said they will arrange to have the donation picked up. Please call or to make arrangements. Donations are wanted by Friday, December 20^th so that the gift baskets can be made up and ready for delivery on the following Monday. Anything in excess of the twenty-five baskets will still be given out to the homeless. All donated items will be given out.