It’s the time of year when we make resolutions, and this year I’m following a popular resolution trend – to be kinder.
Being kind can be something simple like holding the door for someone, offering to help someone carry groceries, or buying someone a coffee unexpectedly. A warm smile and genuine eye contact can make people feel acknowledged and valued, even if no words are exchanged.
But in times of disaster, being kinder takes on a whole new meaning. As we look to LA, we see such tragedy and heartbreak; but we’re also seeing incredible acts of kindness that show us there is good in mankind.
My favorite story is about how one man posted on social media that he was offering free food near the Rose Bowl, and the people started coming. Soon, more food trucks showed up, and more people came, but some brought food, and then clothes, toiletries, shoes and other items. Now there are pop up donations sites all around the city, with neighbors providing neighbors badly needed items for those who lost everything.
This reminds me of one of my favorite movie lines from the movie “Starman.” Jeff Bridges is an alien observing earthlings and concluded that humans “are at your very best when things are worst.” I have faith we will hear many more stories of kindness from LA. It’s a reminder that we should be at our best when times are at their worst.
Our area has fortunately not seen such mass destruction, but this past fall we had at least three fires that destroyed several homes, and many in our community rallied to help those who lost everything.
Yet every day, a tragedy happens. According to the Red Cross, more than 30 people suffer injuries from home fires every day. They respond to an average of about 65,000 disasters every year. They are one of the most reputable organizations when it comes to helping those in need. (In case you want to help the victims of the LA fires, I highly recommend donating directly to the Red Cross!)
But it shouldn’t take a tragedy for us to be at our best. Every day in our community, people are suffering, and numerous nonprofits are helping those in need, and thousands of Nevadans support those nonprofits.
In doing research for this article, one group of generous people kept popping up: REALTORS®. Maybe it’s because there are so many REALTORS® all around our state. I found that REALTORS® continue to give back in every county in ways that few professional organizations do. From donating time to clean up the community to organizing fundraising events that benefit a variety of nonprofits, Nevada REALTORS® are truly an inspiration.
A few years ago, the REALTORS® started a corn hole tournament with the funds going to area nonprofits. Last year they chose Mom’s on the Run to receive the proceeds from their tournament. Moms on the Run provides support for women fighting breast cancer. They help with everyday living expenses such as mortgages, rent, food, utilities, car expenses, insurance, and more.
The Eddy House has also received support from area REALTORS®. Eddy House is a daytime drop-in center and overnight shelter for homeless, runaway, foster, and other at-risk youth. They create a safe environment for homeless and at-risk youth to develop the life and job skills necessary for sustainable independence.
REALTORS® are active in every county in Nevada, organizing a “Give Back Day”, where REALTORS® take a day to work in the community. One year a group of Dayton agents spent the day repainting the fence at the Dayton Solidarity Garden. REALTORS® also made monetary donations to the Fallon Youth Club and the Boys and Girls Club of Carson City. In years past they have cleaned up a safe house for women who are victims of domestic violence and helped at animal shelters. REALTORS® are an organization to be emulated.
If being kinder and wanting to do more to help those in need is your resolution this year, just look around our community and support a nonprofit that shares your passion. Here is a great website to explore the 100+ organizations in our community. And if you are a realtor, thank you for all you do to make Nevada a better place to live!
Randi Thompson is a political and public relations consultant in Reno.
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