Pay it Forward

As a part time job I waitress a few nights a week. On Good Friday a gentleman came into the restaurant by himself, he was probably in his late 20's early 30's, clean cut, quiet, and very polite. He sat at a table by himself next to a young family. The young family had a son who was probably 7 years old and they also had a 3 month old daughter. When the single man was done eating I gave him his bill and he stood up and pulled me aside and said he wanted to pay the bill for the family sitting next to him. I asked if he knew them and he said, "No, I am just paying it forward". After he left I told the family what he had done and they were shocked and amazed. The rest of their meal they kept talking about what a nice thing to do that was. When they were done eating they came to me and said they wanted to pay for the meal of the couple sitting next to them, and they said that every once in a while when they go out to dinner they are going to buy some unsuspecting persons meal. After they left I was cleaning up the tables and both the single man and the family left me VERY nice tips. So I decided that I am going to use that money to pay it forward to someone else. Everyone in the restaurant, employees and patrons, were talking about what had just occured and all were amazed and motivated to do the same thing. One simple gesture by an assumming stranger prompted a restaurant full of people to go out and do something kind for a complete stranger.

When you give to United Way you are in a sense paying it forward। The money you donate to us, no matter how big or small, is in turn given to local agencies. Those agencies then use the money to help people in need in our community, either through special programs, food, shelter, clothing, or healthcare. A small gesture can make a big difference in someone else's life.

Calling all volunteers!

Just a quick note for our very first Blog...

We're looking for volunteers of all ages to help area nonprofits with various projects. Check out our website at www.StartHereStayNear.com to get started on your path of good deeds. You can also go to www.1-800-volunteer.com to sign up to be a community volunteer.

Stay tuned, we'll be posting again soon!