Have you heard of Pay it Forward Day? It's little known, but big on good will, and this international day is your chance to make someone feel good. The idea is that you do something nice for someone and they pass the kindness on to someone else and the chain of generosity continues, creating a ripple effect of good will.
In 2012, people from 52 countries participated. One internationally coordinated event was Sharing the Book, a "flash mob" style happening. At a designated time, countless people passed on a book that meant something to them for no other reason than to inspire someone else. For this year's international Pay it Forward Day (PIFD), they're aiming to inspire more than 5 million acts of kindness around the world.
This year, PIFD will be celebrated on Thursday, April 25.
Some ideas are to give the cashier a dollar toward the coffee purchase of the person behind you in line, put a quarter in a parking meter before the driver can or let someone in front of you in the checkout. You can buy an inexpensive bouquet of cut flowers, like friendly daisies, and pass them out to random people throughout the day; tape a lottery ticket to an ATM machine, or take a box of doughnut holes to your library.
Of course, you should also pass on a PIFD card explaining the act that encourages the recipient to continue the "chain." You get the idea. Have fun with it.
You can find ideas, school kits and downloadable cards at www.payitforwardday.com. If your business or organization is planning to participate, I'd love to hear from you.
In the mood for a good book? Who isn't? The Friends of the Ringtown Area Library are holding the annual used book sale at the Schuylkill Mall from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. today. Choose from hundreds of books, DVDs, audio books, board games and puzzles, magazines, and more.
Stonehedge Gardens, a free, nonprofit public garden, is looking for help with its wish list. The people there are in need of used or new lawn mowers, weed whackers, rototillers, volunteers experienced with electrical wiring and building repair, used or new window fans or air conditioners, paint and stain supplies, and volunteers with a passion for gardening. If interested, call Tracy at 449-4568.
Care Net of Schuylkill County invites you to join them for their Great Turnaround 5K Walk/Run on Saturday, April 27. Held at the Bartram Trail, the event will include prizes, a scavenger hunt, medals and refreshments. An entry fee applies and registration is due by Thursday by calling 624-7244.
Save the date for Dine Out on Tuesday, April 23, to benefit Schuylkill Wellness Services. Vito's Coal Fire Pizza, Roman Delight, the Brick House Grill, Francesco's Ristorante, Greystone Restaurant, and the Oak Hill Inn will donate 20 percent of food receipts for the annual Fine Dining for a Cause event. Reservations are suggested.
For information about volunteer opportunities, call Community Volunteers in Action at 628-1426, e-mail jjohnston@co,.schuylkill.pa.us or go to www.schuylkill.us/cvia. Check us out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Community-Volunteers-in-Action.
Ombudsman
Times: Flexible, once per month.
Responsibility: Visit a specific facility once per month to meet with new residents, give them packets of information and listen to concerns residents may have. Making new friends is a bonus.
Skills: Minimum age 18. Friendly, wanting to help seniors. Training is required.
Location: Pottsville, Hometown, Tower City, Pine Grove, and Mahanoy City facilities.
Contact: Eileen, Midpenn Legal Services, 628-3931, extension 3304.
