Recently, I went through my apartment in an attempt to purge unnecessary and rarely used items with hopes of getting organized and leading a less cluttered life.
Upon review, I noticed a few left over Christmas gifts….gifts I hadn’t planned for anyone in particular. In recent years, I have begun to buy toys, since I’m childless, and distribute to organizations in need.
Unfortunately, this year I didn’t do that. I bought the gifts, but didn’t take them anywhere. And I’m not sure why….I guess I would attribute it to careless planning, laziness, or just plain ol’ forgetfulness…..
But upon my recent task of organization and summer cleaning, I ran across the messenger bag, jewelry making kid, ping pong game, puzzles, and others gifts I purchased. Initially, I thought to take them to the Coalition on Temporary Shelter (COTS) here in Detroit or the local Salvation Army….when it hit me…..
I could give the gifts to one of my neighbors.
When the thought occurred, I didn’t jump on it….I would like to say that I did, but I didn’t.
I sat, thinking of the negative repercussions…wondering if my neighbors might get too friendly (is there such a thing?) and invade my privacy (right now we wave and converse outside ) or begin to ask me to babysit their children.
I know it’s a little bit much, even absurd, but those were my immediate thoughts, nonetheless.
But as I sat, I thought that giving gifts to my neighbors might be a good idea, actually the best idea.
Sure, COTS or the Salvation Army could have benefited as well, but all too often, I give to others, outside my community and neighborhood. I have a couple of charities that I contribute to yearly, but with the work I do, I know first hand that we need the help right here, at home, in our own backyards.
So before I could change my mind, I had to decide on whose door I’d knock….which took another ten minutes, but I decided on a neighbor with two children, a boy and a girl, elementary school aged and quickly proceeded up their walk-way so as not to give myself a way out.
I wish I could say that I felt ‘good’ after dropping off the toys…I didn’t.
Even though the family was appreciative, it just felt like the correct thing to do, to share, provide an offering, and give back to those around me.
Which is something I should have done long before.
I’m curious, how do you interact with your neighbors? Do you often share with them?
Lisa Says: