Kindness

Posted on October 1, 2018

Winston Churchill

Winston Churchill once said “We make a living by what we get. We make a life but what we give.” At the heart of giving is kindness, and it is the kindness of thousands of friends, families and businesses that allows us to “make a life” for those we serve.

Winston Churchill once said “We make a living by what we get. We make a life but what we give.” At the heart of giving is kindness, and it is the kindness of thousands of friends, families and businesses that allows us to “make a life” for those we serve.

Kindness is a behavioral response of compassion and deeds that are selfless. In today’s world of insults, threats and uncivility, kindness is the antidote. Research has linked generosity and compassion to improved emotions, better health and a longer life span. This holds true for both monetary gifts and volunteering time regardless of age.

In fact, Christine Carter, author of “Raising Happiness: In pursuit of Joyful Kids and Happier Parents” reports that people 55 and older had an amazing 44% lower likelihood of dying early if they volunteer for two or more organizations even when controlling for physical health, exercise, smoking, and many other variables.

Kindness is teachable and it can be easily activated when we see someone suffering or in need of care. Kindness is contagious and those who observe kindness not only report improved moods, they are also often willing to join in the behavior. Kindness often leads to a feeling of interconnectedness with others and bolsters the feeling of unity and belonging. Interestingly, kindness can also reduce the effects of stress, depression, anxiety and blood pressure.

This year alone, the Furniture Bank will be the beneficiary of over 10,000 acts of kindness from more than 7,000 furniture donors, 2,500 volunteers, and 1,000 financial donors. We believe we are making a difference not just by providing furniture to those in need, but also by providing an avenue where our community can enhance its feeling of unity and our donors can improve their own well-being through giving.

As we look toward this year’s end and the advent of a new year, let’s make kindness contagious and help improve the civility in our respective neighborhoods.

Please join us by giving funds, donating furniturevolunteering, and spreading the word about the Furniture Bank and our community’s need for more acts of kindness.