KINDNESS COUNTS

Giving back makes your heart whole Farah Jadran

By now, you have heard “it’s better to give than receive,” but have you really thought about it? When you’re willing to share or give to others, the feeling you receive is always exponentially better than getting a material item in your hands.

“Things” don’t necessarily last forever, but your knowledge, wisdom, love and genuine character are always with you. As we celebrate philanthropy this month, I reflect on all the incredible efforts in our community. Countless people are doing for others in Central New York and beyond.

In the more than 12 years I have worked as a journalist and lived in Syracuse, I have met so many people leading missions to help others and provide services. I have also had the great honor of serving on nonprofit boards and volunteering at events. Outside of officially working with an organization, there are literally hundreds of ways to energize your philanthropic spirit every day.

As a reporter, part of my job is to deliver information to the community I serve. Along the way, as you can imagine, I’ve met so many people leading long-running nonprofits but also people just starting on a mission. I want to share with you two examples of how kindness and philanthropy multiply through In My Father’s Kitchen and The Kia Foundation Inc. - both based in Syracuse.

In My Father’s Kitchen, led by co-founder John Tumino, offers street outreach to our homeless neighbors. One of the most thoughtful things I have learned from John and people who are no longer homeless thanks to IMFK is this - truly seeing people and making them feel valued - means more than you may ever truly know. Smiling at someone or waving could change their outlook on any given day and even change their long-term outlook.

The Kia Foundation Inc. helps low-income pet owners better care for their beloved animal companions. Whether it’s through the pet food pantry or at their new storefront on James Street, Sam Washington and Kate Berry want people to know if they love their pet, there are resources available to get them supplies and care. For some of our neighbors, me included, pets are like family. I came across this quote by Barbara De Angelis recently and I think it is quite fitting, “Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference. They bless the one who receives them, and they bless you, the giver.” Why not be a giver in life? The gifts are special and everlasting. Kindness can change someone’s heart. It can help others realize there is a world around them and more to life than possessions and petty arguments. Kindness can be the message you wear and walk with because you choose to live life with genuine gratitude for each day you are given. Tomorrow is not promised. Why not spend today being kind and being positive? SWM

Farah Jadran is the anchor of CBS5 This Morning and CBS5 News at Noon for CNYCentral in Syracuse. Farah also served as editor of SWM for more than four years after she helped launch it in January 2011. If you or someone you know is spreading kindness in our community -- tweet at her -- @FarahJadran using #BeKindSyracuse.

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