giving back to the community

[siliconbauhaus]

I was very fortunate that when I was about at my wits end, a certain gentleman from MI helped me out.

His stipulation for the help ( for lack of a better word) was to pass it on to someone else. I'm not quite out of the woods ye,t but my Wife and I feel the need to repay the generosity that this individual bestowed upon us (or rather me).

So I'm offering a "grant" for a lack of better terms to a deserving cause ('s) to the total value of $300. If it weren't for the generosity of this individual I'd probably still be in California.

This is on a first come first served basis and all applicants will be entertained. My decision however will be FINAL so no sore losers OK.

[Uncle Cracker]

There's no question that a grant is generous, so good luck with finding someone deserving. But, more than that, passing on what you have learned from that advice and that experience is worth ten times over its weight in gold... We on this Earth are all here to help each other.

[TB Roye]

Glad to see you are recovering from your poblem of a month or so ago. I think is great that you are trying to help some one else after some one helped you. Hope you were able to keep some of you woodworking equipment. Good luck on your search I am sure there are some deserving individual out there that would appriciate the help. Keep us posted but no names please.

Tom

[cabinetman]

Are you looking for an individual, or a cause? You might think about your "grant" being a "donation" that might in part help many, like Habitat For Humanity. Or a fund involved with rebuilding New Orleans, or other devastated areas.
.

[DonHo]

I'd suggest you look into giving the "grant" to the Salvation Army, or one of your local food pantrys to help out people who are having a hard time feeding their families in the hard times we are going thru right now. I know for me personally, I have a hard time giving to individuals (that I don't know) because I'm not really sure what they will do with the money. I know some would use the money to by drugs or booze but I can assure you the Salvation Army and most food banks will put the money to work where it will do the most good.

God Bless and good luck,
DonHo

[OpaDC]

Another thought. Have you considered finding a local school that has a woodworking shop and class? I'm sure they could always use something and it would help perpetuate the craft/hobby/lifetime pleasure.

[pelligrini]

His stipulation for the help ( for lack of a better word) was to pass it on to someone else.

I really like that premise, passing on a favor. The first time I was taught that was with my car in high school. A kind man really helped me out when I lost a wheel off my GTO. He said "When you see someone in need, just pass on the favor." I took that to heart, and have certainly been doing it ever since.

[siliconbauhaus]

Thanks for all the suggestions so far.

The reason I was looking to pass it on to the woodworking community was the fact that it was the same community that helped me out. We donate quite a bit to the Sally Army already so I'll probably skip them.

I might go check with the local Tech School to see if they have a wood shop.

[Mrs. Wallnut]

That is a great thing to do. I work at a 7-11 and I have a friend that works delivering newspapers. We went to school together so I have known her for a long time just lost touch after graduation. Well she is divorced and raising a teenage girl and a little 5 year old girl. She stops in every night to get something to drink and a "inexpensive" hot dog and to visit for a few. Well last week we were talking and she made a comment about her ex not giving her any support money for the oldest daughter and that she couldn't even get her some shorts for summer.

There was another man in the store I had seen him a couple of times for his coffee and water in the morning. He was in line before her and when I had finished the transaction with him he turned and laid a twenty on the counter, looked at her and told her to go and buy her daughter some shorts and left. My friend was in such shock that she couldn't really say anything and I could see the tears. And I have not seen him since. I don't know if he is just working part of our road construction and was just passing through. But it things like that, that make me believe that things will be okay.

The tech school idea is a good one.

[shup]

Maybe you could check with a local retirement center around your area and see about taking a group out to a salon or barber for a look good day. Maybe a lunch at a all you can eat place. A group tour to some place of interest. There are a lot of retired people that can't get out and something like this would make a big difference in their life.

Another would be to see if you have a group that delivers food to the elderly to their homes.

Another would be to check with some doctors in your area and see if they know someone in need of help with their medicine. I know I took in some hand outs my doctor gave me to try and I didn't like it so I took them in and asked if he knew someone who could use the. He was happy to do it as he has people that can't afford it. As long as it is sealed he had no problem with it.

shup

[pelligrini]

Our dart team does an annual tournament in memorial of a passed member. Our second one went to Habitat for Humanity and they were fairly appreciative. This last one went to Meals on Wheels, and I really think it was a better place for the money to go. I can't remember how many meals our $2900 provided, but I am sure it helped a whole lot more people than a similar donation to Habitat. I like them both, but we'll probably be benefitting Meals again.

[Uncle Cracker]

I have always found that the ministers in the churches in less affluent areas are very helpful in knowing just who can best benefit when I have something to contribute. Many times, people have difficulty asking for help, due to pride. I can understand that, but ministers always make it their business to know who is in need within their flock. Perhaps this might be a suggestion you (and others) could use.

[crokett]

I'd second donating to your local foodbank. 300 bucks will buy a lot of food for people who really need it. Call and ask what they need.

[dbhost]

I know this sounds a little self serving here, so please forgive me on this... But it would seem that you want to give back to the woodworking community, which effectively congregates on bt3central.com. I can tell you myself as one who has run websites, on dedicated servers, that this is a time, and cost consuming venture. I have not donated yet (on my to do list in about 3 pay periods). It would seem right and proper to give that back to the community by helping fund the forum where we meet, and share ideas and support each other.

From what I can tell, the operator of this site isn't using it as a money generator, but rather as a labor of love. And this particular forum is far and away more civilized than any of the others I have seen on line.