Thanksgiving Reflections

 As I drive through New Kensignton, PA at 12:30 AM to drop off clothes at the salvation army I am reminded of why paying it forward means so much to me. New Kensignton used to be a beautiful city outside of Pittsburgh up until the last 20 years. Crime, violence, drugs, and poverty have struck the town. What upsets me even more is that when I try to do a Google search for images on the town only nice pictures of its past or the rare nice houses in the town appear. How Ironic? As my friend Brian told me last night "This town is for people fleeing the city trying to start clean again." All the businesses are closed, have for lease or sale signs on them, and many homes are run-down. The town has no homeless shelter and it really inspired me to think about my plans upon graduation. I reflect on Matthew's gospel 19:16-30 . I realize my passion is to help others, give back to the community, and specifically serve the poor. It's our duty to help them not just our governments. However, I know there is hope. In Erie, Pa numerous organizations are starting a movement of education. "Rules of the middle class." I reflect on a time spent at Grace church conversing with Miriam Crossman of Serve Erie. She tells me: "These seminars help those less fortunate understand some of the etiquette of the middle class and strategies to land professional careers. " God Bless all those people taking time to help those in need in the world. This thanksgiving I am thankful for so much: my family, shelter, food, clothing, friends, and especially those paying it forward in random acts of kindness.

Love and God Bless

Random Acts of Kindness Team

Helping a Couple in Need

Hey Guys,

My name is... well I can't tell you. But I can tell you about one of our acts of kindness that really touched me and made me feel great about this organization.

There is a couple that attends Behrend and they were struggling financially. Both of their loans had not gone through for this year and it was hard for them to make ends meet. Random Acts of Kindness received a request about this couple from a concerned friend. So myself and the other members of RAK took it from there. We went shopping and purchased some basic necessities and food items for the couple. When we delivered the food to their house, they were so happy and thankful for the random act of kindness. These are the things that RAK does to help people in our community.

"We can do no great things, only small things with great love." We encourage everyone to help someone else and try to make a difference. Every good deed counts, no matter how small. 

We are.. a campus community. 

We are.. investing in your happiness. 

We are.. Random Acts of Kindness,

And WE ARE HERE FOR YOU.

The Fellowship of the Poptart

Hi Readers,

The fall 2012 semester at Penn State Behrend is finally underway! You are reading the second message from Random Acts of Kindness, a student philanthropic group on campus focusing on improving the lives of Behrend's finest. Perhaps you found our blog by searching Reality Check's website, or maybe you have been personally impacted by RAK through one of our campus betterment projects. Maybe...you had a Poptart.

Last Monday morning during the first day of classes, on-campus freshman awoke to a little breakfast boost--a small care package including Poptarts and encouragement. Our goal? To make you smile. To give you hope. To spread the message that Random Acts of Kindness is here for you. Even though the Fellowship of the Poptart influenced hundreds of freshman that day, we also work on smaller scales. If you know someone who needs a boost, call on us. We are here to help you and the people you care about. All you have to do is request our assistance via our webpage.

Why do we do it? We believe that nobody in the Behrend community should feel alone or neglected. We want to bring comfort to people who are in need and provide support when times are tough. We want to make someone's day brighter, even if the gift is small. We want to inspire people to appreciate the little things, and spread the love.

There are a lot of new projects brewing from Random Acts of Kindess so stay tuned! Until then: speak gently, laugh heartily, and make time to make a difference. Because what you do MATTERS.  

We are.. a campus community.

We are.. investing in your happiness.

We are.. Random Acts of Kindness,

And WE ARE HERE FOR YOU.

The Scoop

Hey everyone,

This is the first post for Random Acts of Kindness :). If I had to guess I bet some of you are still unsure of what we're really about. There's a deeper meaning to this whole idea. Here's a fictional story to demonstrate:

You've been at school for about 3 weeks. It's your sophomore year, so you’re starting to get this college thing figured out. One of your best friends at school, Ben, had not been himself lately. You talk to him and find out his Dad just lost his job. Ben's parents are divorced and his Dad can barely support himself financially. Ben puts in close to 20 hours a week at the on campus dining hall; Dobbins. Ben has been on a level one meal plan since freshman year and he's struggling to make ends meet. He never even gets to go out on the weekend!

Ben's your bro and you really want to help him out. Only thing is, you don't know how. You do not really have the time,effort, energy, or financial resources to help. You tell Ben you'll keep him in your thoughts and prayers, but deep down inside you want to go a step further....                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

This is where Random Acts of Kindness comes in:  You're walking out of Bruno's (On-Campus Dining) one day and you see an advertisement for this organization called "Random Acts of Kindness. " You notice something about helping friends in need. For some reason, you decide to check out their website and fill out a request form....that weekend Ben returns to his room to find a basket filled with all sorts of wonderful grub. Ben feels as if a weight has been lifted off his chest and is grateful that someone out there cares. There's a shoulder for him to lean on. .....                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

These are the principles Random Acts of Kindness was founded on. Hopefully Ben see's our letter inside the basket, is inspired, and refers one of his friends, colleagues, etc. By taking 5 minutes of your time to recommend an individual, group, or community in need, you can make a huge difference.  In addition, we are open to different ways to serve. Is there someone you would just like to say thank you to? Is there a service project you need help organizing? Is there any way we can give back because.... WE'RE HERE FOR YOU!  

"Look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others."