365 Days of Compassion

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365 DAYS of

COMPASSION

BROUGHT TO YOU BY:



365 days to do just a little good in the world.



Compassion. No good act is too small. Last year, the country faced crisis in every direction. Financial turmoil, political strife, and natural disasters had shaken us to our core. We found ourselves wanting to create change, but not entirely sure how. How could we as an ad agency make a difference? Sure, selling products and services keeps the economy churning, but we needed something with a little more heart. Something more personal. More human. And who better to teach us about humanity than Martin Luther King, Jr.? Moved by his notion that, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” we decided that compassion would permeate everything we did for 365 days. And thus, the challenge was born. Our commitment was simple: each day we would take a little extra step to help someone out. Whether we bought someone coffee, donated to charity, or warned someone of the impending dog-doo on the sidewalk, we hoped our acts would brighten, possibly even change, the course of someone’s day. We’re dreamers, but we’re also realists. And we know that best intentions don’t always result in action. So, we decided to let the readers of the San Jose Mercury News hold us accountable by running a full-page ad on MLK day, inviting them to follow our progress on Twitter. Throughout this process we all grew a little. We think twice before being thoughtless. We step up when someone needs a leg up. Because we know that everyone plays a role in increasing the good in the world.





A tragedy can happen anywhere

Haiti is desperate but the people aren’t broken. I spread the word to donate and help relief efforts.

DAY

001


In San Francisco, people are no strangers to the devastation that an earthquake can do. I helped Haiti like others helped us back in ’89. Contributed through UNICEF.

DAY

002


Told my girlfriend

that instead of eating out at a nice dinner for my birthday, let’s get pizza and make a donation to Haitian relief.

DAY

003


Bought an extra slice of pizza on my way home last night and

gave it to a girl in need who was begging in the rain.

DAY

004


Walked home in the rain, so others could stay dry under the awnings.

DAY

005


A woman was using a shoe as a pillow. Her feet were bare, so I bought her some socks, pillow, and a blanket.

DAY

006


Returned the favor

by buying a friend a tank of gas after he volunteered to drive to Tahoe and back.

DAY

007


Cleared out my closet and donated a bunch of stuff to Goodwill.

DAY

008


Goodwill More closet room for you, a new treasure for someone else. The used. The forgotten. The stashed away. At Goodwill, one person’s clutter is another’s new beginning. In a given year, Goodwill will keep over five million pounds out of the landfill, by recycling donations. One bag of stuff can improve many lives. Put together a bag of donations and visit goodwill.org to find a donation center near you.


GAVE MY BROTHER A BAG OF

CLOTHES & MONEY FOR GROCERIES.

DAY

009


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on’t wait for people to b iendly, show them how. wait for people to be frien DON’T WAIT how them how. don’t wa eople to be friendly, sho hem how. don’t wait for p le to be friendly, show th ow. don’t wait 0 1 1 for people for people to be friendly, show them how. -Unknown Author I smiled at a stranger.

DAY


be don’t ndly, ait for ow peohem e to

Gave a woman a ride home after she missed her bus. There’s only one afternoon bus in West Marin.

DAY

012


LENT A STRANGER 50 CENTS, A CO-WORKER TWO DOLLARS

&

DELIVERED DRINKS TO PEOPLE ON THE 3RD OFFICE FLOOR BECAUSE THEY SEEMED PARCHED.

DAY

013


Cleaned up my girlfriend’s kitchen. Her act was making breakfast that made the mess in the first place.

DAY

014


Baked some delicious cupcakes over the weekend to share with the office. DAY

015

Paid the $3 bridge toll for all the passengers in my car pool. DAY

017

Gave a homeless person who sits outside of my house, leftover chicken dinner. DAY

019


Ensured the safe return of a stuffed tiger to the arms of a little girl who had left it behind as she walked off the plane. DAY

016

Helped out a friend who just had surgery. DAY

018

Walked a lost dog home in the middle of the night, after finding him on the street. DAY

020


S E NT A L ET T ER OF E NCOURA GE ME NT T O A F RI END IN TA NZ ANIA WHO JUST STARTE D TE ACHING FOR THE P EA C E C O R PS.

DAY

021


Helped a friend who can’t walk come over to watch the season premiere of Lost.

Both of our brains hurt now.

DAY

022


Donated my CA tax refund to the California Breast Cancer Research Program in memory of my sister-in-law.

DAY

023


Breast Cancer Research Program If you have nipples you’re at risk. 1 in 5 otherwise healthy women, and even some men, will contract breast cancer. This disease has an unlimited reach, while research is limited to donations. Research done could lead to finding better means of prevention, treatment, and hopefully a cure. Donations are needed to turn research into a solution, please give at cbcrp.org.


Made dinner for my sick girlfriend, who couldn’t say much more than, “I don’t feel good.”

DAY

024


Instead of a Valentine’s gift, made donations to Haiti in my loved one’s name.

DAY

025


BEFRIENDED a friend of a friend

WHO JUST MOVED HERE.

DAY

026


Life is too short to have bad blood. I reconnected with a friend who I had a falling out with.

DAY

027 017


Called my grandmother who I haven’t talked to in months; almost forgot what a wonderful woman she is.

DAY

028


Visited with my 89-year-old grandma and helped a friend mentally prepare (and carb load) for her first half marathon.

DAY

029


Sent a 2nd check to Red Cross for Haiti Earthquake Relief. We can’t forget these people as time passes, their suffering doesn’t.

DAY

030


Red Cross Saving someone’s life comes with free juice and a cookie. Relief is needed in case of an emergency—time, money, and blood can be used to save someone’s life. If a crisis strikes there’s no time to wait for people to make a donation.

Please help by going to redcross.org to find out where you can donate and how you can help.


Cleaned out my closet, donating three bags of clothing and purses to a less fortunate family friend.

DAY

031


kindness is the language which the deaf can hear he blind can see. kindne KINDNESS s the language in which deaf can hear and the b can see. kindness is the l guage in which the deaf hear and the blind can s 032 is the language in which the deaf can hear and the blind can see. -Mark Twain Sent a card to my grandpa.

DAY


Got caught up with my Uncle Garry. Stay strong Uncle. DAY

033 Bought a round of cheeseburgers for some folks who seemed a little down on their luck. DAY

035

Gave a Jackson for bus fare to my Berkeley vet street buddy Mark Anthony to get his part-time job and get paid in San Leandro. DAY

037


Gave an older homeless woman my leftovers and all the change I had in my bag. It was her 70th birthday. DAY

034

Finished co-signing on my parent’s home loan. DAY

036

Held back my rage after nearly slamming into a car that cut me off. Deep breaths and a smile do feel better than yelling and screaming. DAY

038


++++++++ ++++++++ +++++++++

Signed for a neighbor’s package even though I was eating dinner —ended up being medication he urgently needed—

I’m glad I got up.

++++++++ ++++++++ +++++++++ ++++++++ +++++++++ DAY

039


CLEARED MY FRIENDS’ PLATES AT LUNCH AND DINNER. Sometimes it’s the little things.

DAY

040


A friend was feeling especially lonely yesterday, so I surprised her with flowers this afternoon.

DAY

04 1


Helped a friend move a bed (on foot) to save some money.

s. Three blocks uphill and up three flights of stair

DAY

042


Signed up to get beat at basketball by kids half my size.

DAY

043


Rock SF Letting kids prove that they aren’t as rough as their environment. Children living in San Francisco’s Visitacion Valley (often in dangerous public housing complexes) are testing below the national average. Through after school programs, outdoor activities, and educational assistance, you can give kids a chance to have a better tomorrow. Volunteering or making a donation can do some significant good for a child 6-17. See what you can do by going to rocksf.org.


Donated my design skills to help my dad create a respectful headstone for my recently deceased grandmother.

DAY

044


BOUGHT A HOMELESS MAN

COFFEE AND A

SANDWICH DAY

045


Volunteered a night of my friends’ choice

to watch their kids, so they can have a date night without paying a babysitter.

DAY

046


GAVE A FRIEND, WITH A SEVERE PHYSICAL DISABILITY, A HAND WITH A FEW THINGS THEN JUST KICKED IT WITH HIM.

DAY

047


Dug out the recyclables that made their way into our kitchen trash. Compassion for the planet is compassion for everyone.

DAY

048


Walking in the rain, I saw a woman wearing a garbage bag asking for change. I gave her my umbrella.

DAY

049


Helped a friend out

with her class assignment by letting her dress me

in drag.

DAY

050


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Donated to Chilean earthquake victims using Google Checkout. (It’s so easy and every bit counts.)

DAY

052


Convenient Charity Google Checkout Help out when you check out. Amazon and Google now offer checkout charities. Simply add a dollar or two to your total and help someone who has nothing.

Just take a look the next time you are buying something to see if a charitable donation is offered.


Saved a seat for a friend at a pretty packed show. DAY

053

Moved furniture into a friend’s new apartment. DAY

055

Gave some new neighbors a hand moving into their apartment. The elevator was out of service. DAY

057


Helped my sister’s friend send two iPads to Singapore for an anniversary gift. DAY

054

Bought a hot dog for an obviously hungry street person by Union Square. DAY

056

Fed my roommate last night. DAY

058


Bought fresh bagels

for the company for their most important meal. A small act, putting a smile on a face is so rewarding.

DAY

059


TOOK MY PARENTS WINE TASTING IN SAN FRANCISCO LAST WEEKEND. Had a blast, nice to return the favor after all that they have done.

DAY

060


woke up at

4:15

to drive my cousin to the

AIRPORT DAY

061


Gave a Valentine’s card to a friend who’s in a long-distance relationship, because she deserves all the love for her patience.

DAY

062


Lent a friend my sweet microwave for her new apartment.

DAY

063


s

DAY

064


Donated to two guys doing the 545 AIDS LifeCycle from SF to LA. You can too.

DAY

065


AIDS LifeCycle Two wheels, one goal. A life-changing ride (not a race) spending seven days on a bicycle from San Francisco to Los Angeles raising funds and awareness for HIV and AIDS services. Over $13 million was raised last year to support foundations in both LA and San Francisco who work tirelessly to treat and prevent HIV and AIDS. Riders, roadies, volunteers, donators, and moral support are needed. Find out more at aidslifecycle.org.


Ran outside to help a painter recover some tape he had lost when he failed to successfully juggle an armful of stuff.

DAY

DAY

048 066


multiple pairs of shoes to Goodwill. Went through my closet and donated clothes and multiple pairs o shoes to Goodwill. Went through my closet and donated clothes and multiple pairs of shoes to Goodwill. Went through my closet and donated clothes and multiple pairs of shoes to Goodwill. Went through my closet and donated clothes and multipl pairs of shoes to Goodwill. Went through my closet and donated clothes and multiple pairs of shoes to Goodwill. Went through my closet and donated clothes and multiple pairs of shoes to Goodwill. Wen through my closet and donated clothes and multipl pairs of shoes to Goodwill. Went through my closet and donated clothes and multiple pairs of shoes 067 to Goodwill. Went through my closet and donated DAY


Brought the Divine Ms. Stephanie dinner and made it for her while she packed for her week in San Diego.

DAY

068


Made a $50 sponsorship towards my little brother’s high school baseball team.

DAY

069


Listened to a stranger rant about Muni. Sometimes people just need to vent. DAY

070

Just grimaced and smiled when a woman stepped on my foot, twice. DAY

072

Cooked some hoisin pork and baby bok choy for my disabled roommate last night. DAY

074


Gave my roommate some dating advice, helping him woo a girl on a dating site. DAY

071

My aunt lives too far away to visit a friend in rehab. I visited the friend and called my aunt, letting her know how things are going. DAY

073

Gave an ad student some advice on planning and refining their personal brand. DAY

075


Bought coffee for a nice homeless person who always sits peacefully in front of Starbucks and never asks for money.

DAY

076


Channeled my inner Italian

for dinner and made special homemade pasta sauce for a friend.

DAY

077


Having read Born to Run I donated to Norawas de Raramuri, to benefit the amazing ultra-running tribe.

DAY

078


Norawas de Raramuri. The only thing that can outlast these runners is their history. Preserve a secretive and peaceful way of life that has created the most remarkable runners in the world. Known as the Tarahumara or Raramuri (meaning light-footed ones) they run for hundreds of miles through the valleys in Mexico, for the sheer love of putting one foot in front of the other.

Learn more about the races they do and those involved at norawas.org.

DAY

079


Volunteered to help the opening of the exhibition of “The Visionary Art of Morris Graves.”

DAY

080

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perspective. willingness ake another perspective COMPASSION willingness to take anoth perspective. willingness ake another perspective willingness to take anoth perspective.081 willingness can just be a willingness to take another perspective. Yesterday, in a heated argument, I did so. It changed everything. -EC1 Employee I listened.

DAY


Gave a slice of pizza to the local homeless guy when he came around to pick up our cans.

DAY

082


After my friends’ plans fell through,

I let them stay at my house for the weekend.

DAY

083


Helped my elderly neighbor clean up her yard.

DAY

084


Walked my elderly neighbor to the grocery store, helped her shop and carried the groceries home for her.

DAY

085


Joined the Smile-of-the-Month Club to provide corrective surgeries for cleft lips & palates for children globally.

DAY

086


SmileTrain Smiles are contagious. Approximately 1 in 700 children will be born with a cleft this year. If they’re born in a developing country, chances are they will go untreated, facing a life with difficulty eating, talking, and often fitting in with normal society, even getting an education. For just $250 you can give a child a new chance at life. Please donate by going to smiletrain.org.


Called my old roommate during my lunch break. We hadn’t talked in over two years.

DAY

087


Taking care of a friend’s cat, while she’s out of town.

Meow.

DAY

088


Let a friend stay with me as he looked for a new apartment. DAY

089

Helped my bro set up house after his big move to start grad school. DAY

091

Despite being last minute, I dog-sat my favorite pup for the weekend. DAY

093


Shipped my dad his favorite, cherries and homemade cherry teacakes, for his birthday. DAY

090

Took my parents to several of the best restaurants in the city. DAY

092

Rented a car to help a friend go furniture shopping all over the East Bay. DAY

094


Gave a friend a computer after his died, so he can search for a job on Craigslist.

DAY

095


After showing up at my apartment with a hole in his lip, I spent the night with my friend in the ER as he got patched up from being jumped at a bar.

DAY

096


Called a friend in Poland to express condolences over the tragic plane crash.

DAY

097


hold it longer and sque them tight. hold it longe and squeeze them tight GIVE A HUG, hold it longer and sque them tight. hold it longe and squeeze them tight hold it longer and sque them tight.098 hold it longe only this time hold it longer and squeeze them tight. -EC1 Employee Hugged a friend.

DAY


Gave a $25 micro-loan using Kiva to a budding pharmacist in Sierra Leone.

DAY

099


Kiva Teach someone how to sell fish. Give someone the finances they need to start providing for themselves. You choose an entrepreneur in an emerging country based on their personal story, and donate to help them start their own business. After their business is up and running they will pay back your investment, letting you help more and more people. Start investing in people now, at kiva.org.


DAY

100


SAW A WOMAN

UNKNOWINGLY WALKING TOWARDS A PILE OF DOG-DOO AND RAN UP TO STOP HER. She was happy her day didn’t get worse.

DAY

101


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Talked a friend through some personal and ----------------------------------------------------------------professional problems. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------DAY --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------102 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Four hours of clothing shopping with my lady. Her act was buying me a pair of Star Wars Adidas.

DAY

103


GAVE $22 to an “undercover millionaire,� who said he would reward me with a check that would change my life. I said pay it forward.

DAY

104


On my daily dog walk, a parking valet always has biscuits for my pup. Today, I left him an anonymous tip.

DAY

105


Served breakfast to those in need at the Glide Church. Amazing to see the power of a full belly (and a hair net).

DAY

106


Glide Church Help not helpless. Glide works to break the cycles of poverty through the creation of an all-inclusive, just, and loving community that welcomes everyone including prostitutes, addicts, and people who are HIV/AIDS positive. No one is turned away.

Donations of time, money, and supplies can be made by going to glide.org to learn more.


Wrote and produced radio spots for Glide Church, pro bono. DAY

107

Visited a terminally ill elderly neighbor. DAY

109

Called an old friend out of the blue. We hadn’t spoken for fifteen years but the Happy Holidays wish was appreciated. DAY

111


Guided a tourist through the process of using the new Clipper system. Hope he enjoys San Francisco. DAY

108 Spent my commute on BART talking with a guy who had scary fangs tattooed on his face. He was a little off, but friendly. DAY

110

Gave my parents a break and cooked two meals for my family over the holidays. DAY

112


DONATED

TO PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES WHILE CHECKING OUT AT THE GROCERY STORE. Helping others can’t get any easier.

DAY

113


Filled in for my disabled friend’s attendant. We ordered a giant pizza and watched cheesy movies all night.

DAY

114


can never you can neve ndness too soon. you ca er you can never do a ki YOU CAN s too soon. you can neve can never do a kindnes soon. you can never you er do a kindness too soo can never 1you 1 5 can neve never do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late. -Ralph Waldo Emerson Cared for a sick friend.

DAY


er do an inder ss u can on. er do

Bought a homeless man some socks, shoes, and a Clif Bar. The gash on his foot demanded help.

DAY

116


SUFFERING FROM EXTREME ROAD RAGE

I have made a pact with myself to only honk at one driver per week.

DAY

117


SOLD MY WARRIORS TICKETS TO A RANDOM PERSON ON CRAIGSLIST. THEY OVERPAID SO I GAVE THEM THEIR MONEY BACK.

DAY

118


Donated $10 to International Medical Corps which will deliver complete health services to a mother and her baby.

DAY

119


International Medical Corps Doing more than just patching wounds, teaching others how to heal. This organization trains local populations to diagnose and treat 75%-80% of all illness and injuries they are presented with, while those at highest risk are given emergency medical assistance. Because emerging countries need permanent doctors, not just temporary relief.

Find out how to donate at imcworldwide.org.


Today I returned a late library book,

paid the fine, and threw in a couple more bucks as a donation.

DAY

120


My son and I

bought bagels for his school’s teachers this morning. Not a full-on buffet, just a small way to say ‘thank you.’

DAY

121


Sorry, friend. For your own good I prevented you from biking home while intoxicated.

DAY

122


Put my plans on hold

to have a long conversation with a friend who isn’t doing so well.

DAY

123


PUT A BLOG TOGETHER so my girlfriend’s friends and family could leave her messages while she’s in South America.

{SHE LOVED IT.

DAY

124


My hair wasn’t long enough to donate, but I buzzed my head anyways, supporting my girlfriend who is battling lung cancer.

DAY

125


Secretly sent kind vibes to people on the bus. DAY

126

Swept up broken glass on the street near my apartment. DAY

128

Emptied the dishwasher and the overloaded kitchen sink at the office. DAY

130


On my way home, a homeless woman asked me for a dollar for dinner; I gave her the sandwich I just bought instead. DAY

127

Shared a beer and a hug with a friend whose grandfather just passed away. DAY

129

Gave up my seat on the bus for an older woman. Less an act of compassion, more an act of common courtesy. DAY

131


Got some lunch for a friend whose lower back is hurting.

DAY

132


Had a high-school friend crash on my couch and then showed her around town.

DAY

133


Joined Doctors Without Borders monthly fund support for immediate response to emergencies.

DAY

134


Doctors Without Borders Care for people, whatever side of the line they’re on. Operating independently of any political, military, or religious agendas, Doctors Without Borders provides care based on who needs it most. Their neutrality is key as it allows them to operate in war-torn countries on both sides of the conflict. They are only able to stay neutral by receiving private donations, rather than government assistance. Help them stay focused on aiding people, not politics, by donating to doctorswithoutborders.org.


RECONNECTED WITH A COUSIN

who was once a much bigger part of my life, making plans to get together and have a proper catch-up.

DAY

135

+++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++


+++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++

STARTED THE DAY WITH A SMILE,

making it a point to say “good morning” to anyone I made eye contact with.

DAY

136


Gave the agency kitchen a thorough cleaning. Our dishes are no longer collecting spores, molds and fungi.

DAY

137


Gave the casino $90 back from the $500 I took from them.

DAY

138


DAY

139


DID MY BEST IMPRESSION OF THE DONUT FAIRY AT WORK Co-workers were in need of some sugar.

DAY

140


The HandsOn Network connected me and other volunteers with a local organization in need. No commitment, just fun.

DAY

141


HandsOn Network More than just good intentions, actual tangible results. Working nationwide, thousands of volunteers get together to provide communities with what they need. Getting dirty and working with your hands can be much more gratifying than just writing a check. Playgrounds, gardens, and wheelchair ramps all have been created by people like you.

Find out about volunteering for a community project in your area by going to handsonnetwork.org.


Called my Grandma to wish her a very happy birthday.

Born in 1923, she’s seen some damn cool stuff.

DAY

142


Bought a plane ticket

to visit my mom in the hospital for a week. It was just what I needed to do.

DAY

143


Invited an old friend from out of town to spend the weekend in San Francisco with me. Enjoyed catching up. DAY

144

Picked up my husband’s prescription at the pharmacy. DAY

146

My sister’s friend tragically killed himself last weekend. Wanting to help, but not knowing what to say, I mostly listened. DAY

148


Compassion can mean supporting what you believe in. I sent my congressman letters about net-neutrality legislation. DAY

145

Helped clean up a little boy who got sick in my daughter’s 2nd grade class; poor kid was a trooper. DAY

147

Gave a friend who has always wanted to see San Francisco a personal tour. Full disclosure, I enjoyed it too. DAY

149


Giving friends rides like I’m a limo driver; except with a MINI. Sadly no MINI bar.

DAY

150


Gave directions to tourists, helping them find their way around San Francisco.

DAY

151


Bought chocolate, carrot, and cheese cake for drunk homies at 2am.

DAY

152


PLANNED

A DINNER IN SAN FRANCISCO

In honor of my cousin’s graduation from grad school.

DAY

153


Bought

a Mother’s Day present that helps all moms. Donated at helpamotherout.org to give diapers to low-income families.

DAY

154


Help a Mother Out Poop happens. In San Francisco, diapers are not covered under social-safety programs, leaving many mothers without a way to clean and comfort their upset baby. It’s surprising, but true. One diaper can improve two lives.

Donations of diapers can be made in person, online, or you can just support the program by going to helpamotherout.org.


Carried an older woman’s walker in and out of an elevator.

DAY

155


, compassion and forgiv s the important thing. lo mpassion and forgivenes ALL MAJOR important thing. love, co sion and forgiveness the ant thing. love, compass forgiveness the importa g. love, compassion and 156 religious traditions carry basically the same message, that is love, compassion and forgiveness...the important thing is they should be part of our daily lives. -Dalai Lama

Smiled and waved at a car cutting me off.

DAY


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Took the opportunity to help some ad --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------students get started on an agency project. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Their enthusiasm made me happy. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------DAY --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1 5 7 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


DROPPED OFF A BAG OF GROCERIES, TO A HOUSEBOUND WOMAN IN NEED. IT’S EASY TO FORGET THAT THIS NEED EXISTS.

DAY

158


Lent a friend a few bucks for her cash-only lunch choice.

DAY

159


DAY

160


Used a bit of my time and a connection to help out BRUTE LABS.

DAY

002 1 61


Brutelabs.org Design a new solution. The project works to find creative solutions to the world’s problems. Fresh ideas and award-winning design have been used to find homeless people shelters, provide water to African villages, and clean up the neighborhoods we live in.

Help find more measurable solutions by going to brutelabs.org.


Small tremble in SF this morning, reminded me not to forget Haiti. Donation made.

DAY

162


Brought along a trash bag and cleaned up a portion of Sausalito on my morning dog walk. Got a few ‘thanks’ and a few funny looks.

DAY

163


Spent some time figuring out something on my own, so my boss could enjoy her vacation distraction-free. DAY

164

Cleaned a friend’s dishes so she didn’t have to. DAY

166

A woman in front of me forgot her wallet, so I bought her breakfast. DAY

168


Gave a woman on BART a dollar who missed out on the homeless shelter and needed a room for the night. DAY

165

Shared a crumpet with a co-worker in need of some breakfast. DAY

167

A good friend was just dumped. Last night I listened, tonight we go to the bar. DAY

169


Stopped to help the postwoman pick up a stack of letters she had dropped.

DAY

170


Took care of all the packing so my overworked husband doesn’t have to worry about the details of our vacation.

DAY

171


Arrived two hours early to a movie to secure some space in line for twenty of my closest friends.

DAY

172


Helped my housemates

move all weekend. Enjoying my new apartment, sad that we now live apart.

DAY

173


Retooled some marketing efforts for the SF Food Bank done by another ad agency.

DAY

174


SF Food Bank Your neighbor might be starving. The SF Food Bank strives to feed people with clean, tasty, healthy food. The city of San Francisco has a staggering hunger problem. Over 200 thousand people are struggling to feed themselves. An empty stomach can be just as bad as filling it with junk.

Every $1 donated distributes $6 worth of food. Go to sffoodbank.org and give now.


SHARED SOME OF MOMMA’S BEST COOKIES AROUND THE OFFICE. Home cooking is good, home baking is better.

DAY

175


Bought a co-worker a cup of coffee. Not important, unless you don’t have one.

DAY

176


Drove an acquaintance into work this morning ,

because she was having back problems.

DAY

177


Helped some tourists feel a little more local.

DAY

178


Cooked a couple of meals for a friend who just had a baby.

DAY

179


Smiled at five strangers today. Three smiled back. One was kind of creepy.

DAY

180


Taught my roommate how to make my uncle’s famous homemade pasta sauce. Compassion lives in the stomach as much as the heart. DAY

181

Bought lunch for three of my co-workers, just because. (Put us all in a good mood for a tough day.) DAY

183

Took care of a friend’s dog for a week while he’s on vacation. DAY

185


Drove my friend to the airport at 5:00am. DAY

182

Made some comfort food for a friend who needed some comforting. DAY

184

Was an ally for my cousin when he came out to the rest of our conservative family. DAY

186


Donated a large quantity of clothing to the Raphael House.

DAY

187


Raphael House Finding a home is almost impossible when you have nowhere to sleep at night. Raphael House provides a safe haven for families, giving them the environment and services they need to find a home for themselves. This includes: financial education, childcare, and a place to stay. Raphael House works to put an end to homelessness. Money is needed to keep a roof over the heads of people going through a difficult time. Please go to raphaelhouse.org to donate today.


hope. it is compassion. it excellence. hope. it is co passion. it is excellence. AMERICA IS t is compassion. it is exc ence. hope. it is compas t is excellence. hope. it i compassion. it is excelle hope. it is compassion. it 188 hope. It is compassion. It is excellence. It is valor. -Paul Tsongas Talked with a stranger at my bus stop.

DAY


t is om. hope. celssion. is ence. t is

Gave a friend a bite of my favorite burger.

Introduced her to the wonder that is wasabi-raspberry aioli.

DAY

189


Took a friend’s cat to the vet to see about doing something for the poor kitty’s eye infection.

DAY

190


FIXED AN OLD FRIEND’S

COMPUTER

DAY

191


Offered my seat on the streetcar to a woman and her young boy.

DAY

192


Went to a garden premiere that a friend had landscaped.

DAY

193


DAY

194


Took my mother out for Father’s Day, she still mourns the loss of my dad.

It’s still hard after five years, particularly on holidays.

DAY

195


Donated time stacking shelves at the local St. Vincent de Paul Society food bank in Marin.

DAY

196


St. Vincent de Paul Society Embracing the world through charity. Through providing the largest homeless shelter in Northern California, the organization has been crucial in helping impoverished men and women in our society. By providing hope and service to people individually, those in need have a better chance at breaking their cycle of dependence.

See what you can do to help by going to svdp-sf.org.


eople first, with histories and hearts. people first, ith histories and hearts. SOMETIMES eople first, with histories and hearts. people first, ith histories and hearts. eople first, with histories and hearts.1 9people first, 7 I need to remember that homeless people are people without homes, but people first, with histories and hearts, not just needs. -EC1 Employee Gave a homeless man a dollar.

DAY


s , . s , . s ,

DAY

198


SET MY MOM UP WITH GMAIL.

Hotmail is not something anyone should have to live with.

DAY

199

+++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++


+++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++

PROOFREAD MY SISTER’S RÉSUMÉ

for her first real job, hoping she gets it.

DAY

200


Made some soup for a good friend whose newborn is seriously ill. DAY

201

Bought a homeless woman breakfast. DAY

203

Bought a plane ticket for a friend so she can afford to go on a trip our group of friends is taking. DAY

205


Gave some money to the musicians who entertain us daily at the BART station on my way home. DAY

202

Took photos for my boyfriend’s family. DAY

204

Chatted with my 86-year-old grandmother this Christmas. She’s an incredible woman. DAY

206


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207


I donated

While commuting on BART to the Oakland Dynamites football team so that they could afford to travel to finals this year.

DAY DAY

208


Donated to Child’s Play.

DAY

209


Child’s Play Charity Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A, Start, Help Sadly there aren’t any cheat codes in life, but a good video game can bring a smile to any kid’s face. Children around the nation are stuck in the hospital with nothing to do. Donating video games, toys, books, and cash can lift a child’s spirits, making them, and you, feel better.

Even if you’ve never played a Nintendo, see what you can do by going to childsplaycharity.org.


never look down on anyody. never look down on ybody. never look down NEVER on anybody. never ybody. never look down on anybody. never look down on anybody. never look down2on 1 0 anybody. look down on anybody unless you are helping them. -Jesse Jackson

Helped an old woman onto the bus.

DAY


n n r n k r .

Instead of getting angry I joked around with a cashier as I waited (for a considerable time) to return some clothes.

DAY

211


Helped a good friend pack up her apartment to move across the country. Held back my sadness too.

DAY

212


Ran and got some dinner for a co-worker who had to stay late.

DAY

213


CALLED A FRIEND OUT

when he was planning on driving home drunk.

DAY

214

+++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++


+++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++

BOUGHT A CO-WORKER LUNCH

at our favorite Greek joint.

DAY

215


Gave a homeless man some apples on my way home from work.

DAY

216


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Fortunate enough to be going into my final semester. I donated some money to roomtoread.org, hopefully giving someone else a chance at an education.

DAY

218


Room to Read “We are too poor to afford an education. But without an education we will always be poor.� -Nepalese Headmaster Room to Read was created to focus on raising literacy rates and gender-equal education in developing countries. Through the creation of schools and libraries, and by maximizing investment and creating sustainable, scalable, and measurable results, almost a million children have benefited from the program. Give someone a chance to better their tomorrow by visiting roomtoread.org today.


Threw a home run ball back over the fence so the game could continue. DAY

219

Cat-sat for a friend’s giant tabby. DAY

221

Cooked Mexican food for my French boyfriend and his family. They love enchiladas. DAY

223


Threw my friend a Lady Gaga-themed going away party. DAY

220

Picked up a toy for a kid whose arms were too full of fun. The dragon swordsman action figure is bound to hit the ground again. DAY

222 Took a friend out for some drinks who is leaving for the Peace Corps in a few weeks. DAY

224


HAD A CONVERSATION

with a homeless person about our shared appreciation for soccer.

DAY

225

+++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++


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LEFT $50 AT THE FOOT

of a sleeping homeless man.

DAY

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n compassion lies the w rue strength. in compas ies the world’s true stren IN SEPARATENESS n compassion lies the w rue strength. in compas ies the world’s true stren n compassion lies the w rue strength. 227 in compas lies the world’s greatest misery, in compassion lies the world’s true strength. -Buddha Gave my girlfriend some flowers.

DAY


Mentored my Mom

in her decision to accept a new job, so happy to help her out after the 25 years that she’s been helping me.

DAY

228


Made cupcakes for my soccer team. We’ve been having a rough season, frosting helped.

DAY

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Had a long overdue chat with a friend.

DAY

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Repaid my girlfriend’s parents for all the delicious meals I’ve eaten at their house, by cooking them dinner.

DAY

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Gave my seat up to a woman standing on the bus.

DAY

232


In memory of the dog I lost this year, I donated a couple bucks to the ASPCA to help our furry companions.

DAY

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ASPCA Give them a reason to bark and meow. Our four-legged friends need someone to speak for them, to protect them from abuse and keep them out of harm’s way. This is the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and they’ve been speaking up for our furry, shaggy, and whiskered companions for over a hundred years.

Get involved. Go to ASPCA.org today to see what you can do.


+++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++

DROPPED ALL PLANS ON A FRIDAY NIGHT to make dinner and pick up a movie to help a friend out.

DAY

234


+++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++

LENT A FRIEND SOME MONEY

for a plane ticket to go see his mother on her birthday.

DAY

235


Sent my friend’s portfolio to one of Engine Company 1’s creative directors. DAY

236

Called my grandparents and a long-lost friend. I think I brightened their day. DAY

238

Sat down to write an honest-to-goodness pen and paper thank you note, rather than send an email. DAY

240


My friend’s son was diagnosed with a very serious disease. I joined the effort by pouring all my love and prayers for strength and healing, into a meal for them. I’m going to do it again and again until their fight is over. DAY

237

I managed to hook a friend in need of work with a freelance gig in Portland. Timing is everything. DAY

239

Currently reading a book to better understand my best friend’s mental disorder. DAY

241


Spent some time contacting as many people I know to help a friend find a job. He got a serious interview.

DAY

242


Helping a friend who just moved to the area look for a job.

DAY

243


LIFE IS TOO SHORT.

Helped two of my good friends reconcile their bad feelings towards each other.

DAY

244


Lent a sympathetic ear to a friend having relationship troubles.

DAY

245


Put together a 250-piece IKEA furniture kit for a friend who was too burnt out from moving.

DAY

246


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Called my nephew in New Jersey ----------------------------------------------------------------to say that I missed him. The best part was when --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------he said he missed me too. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------DAY --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------247 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Cut off 11 inches of hair and donated it.

DAY

248


Locks of Love With one snip you can give a child their confidence back. Ten inches of hair is all it takes to create a wig for a youngster dealing with an illness. Share your style and self esteem, with someone who could use it.

Please go to locksoflove.org to find out how to turn your ponytail into a kid’s new hairdo.


Got involved with a mini “get out the vote� with some friends to meet the registration deadline.

DAY

249


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DAY

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ittle, nameless, unremem bered acts of kindness a ove. little, nameless, unTHE BEST remembered acts of kind ness and love. little, nam ess, unremembered acts of kindness and love. litt 251 nameless, unremembere portion of a good man’s life-his little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and love. -William Wordsworth

Left candy for my co-workers.

DAY


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Switched seats on an airplane so that a couple could sit together.

DAY

252


A homeless man outside the grocery store asked for a beer so he got one. DAY

253

Decided to spare the air and walk rather than drive a few miles to grab lunch with a friend. DAY

255

Picked up my girlfriend from the airport and brought her some sushi. DAY

257


Gave a young lady some change for her meter, and refused to accept her bills in return. DAY

254

I gave up the second half of my slice of pizza to a young man who asked nicely for it. DAY

256

Helped a friend pack and move into his new place. DAY

258


DONATED SEVERAL BAGS OF CLOTHES TO GOODWILL. My old Hawaiian shirt will look great on somebody.

DAY

259


Donated a pair of unused track shoes to a Bay Area low-income high school program.

DAY

260


Helped pry open the doors of a BART car that had closed on an older woman. They will crush you. Thankfully, she was okay.

DAY

261


The last conversation I had with a friend, I listened more than I spoke.

DAY

262


Out of compassion for the struggle of humankind for justice with dignity, I joined the ACLU with a donation and promise of support.

DAY

263 017


ACLU No matter who you are, you are innocent until proven guilty. Everyone should be guaranteed basic civil liberties. Rights protected under the first amendment, equal protection under the law, due process, and privacy. Steeped in controversy, the ACLU does what other people don’t want to do: defend anyone who is having these rights infringed upon.

The only way to continue protecting our rights is through support; become a member or donate by going to ACLU.org.


DROVE MY NIECE TO WORK

so that she didn’t have to take the train.

DAY

264

+++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++


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HELPED MY 90-YEAR-OLD GRANDMA

try on some new clothes.

DAY

265


Bought my broke friend a beer... he needed it.

DAY

266


Gave my husband the only umbrella

DAY

267

and went without one.


Adopted a puppy last weekend, giving it the best new home ever.

DAY

268


Drove three colleagues to and from Monterey for meetings.

DAY

269


Helped a 77-year-old friend with lung cancer live out her bucket list. DAY

270

Worked on a logo design for a friend lacking art skills. DAY

272

Left a concert early to console a friend who had found that their grandfather had endured a stroke. DAY

274


Volunteered to watch my cousin’s two small children for a weekend while they went to a wedding. DAY

271

Brought dinner for some friends who just had a baby. DAY

273

Bought a ticket for a man rushing for the train who found he didn’t have enough. DAY

275


READ STORIES

and put my little cousin to bed so her mom could have a night off.

DAY

276

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PUT TOGETHER A PHOTO BOOK for my husband’s family in memory of their late father.

DAY

277


Photoshopped a friend’s hair,

letting her see how she’d look with a new color. She stayed blond.

DAY

278


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Rescued a crawfish that had wandered too ----------------------------------------------------------------far by throwing it back into the lake. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------DAY --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------279 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Made a small donation to Push America, a fantastic organization that serves people with disabilities.

DAY

280


Push America Better yourself by helping someone else.

Led by the fraternity Pi Kappa Phi, the organization supports construction projects, raises funds, and provides volunteer opportunities, helping people who are severely disabled. Their Journey of Hope (a cross-continental bicycle ride) has raised over $15 million to help people who are handicapped. Go to pushamerica.org to see how you can get involved.


Helped an elderly lady get down a flight of slippery, icy stairs.

DAY

281


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DAY

282


Invited a widowed, elderly neighbor to join our family for Thanksgiving.

DAY

283


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a qu A ay t. B ey ed i r e nt s lov o M d to r ki s et y; he k c i p e t hap m so s so d a n rie he w f my S

DAY

284


Gave a friend a ride to the airport to catch a flight to SoCal. DAY

285

Stopped a girl’s dog from running into the street. She was beside herself with joy. DAY

287

Checked out a place in West Oakland for a friend who’s moving to town. DAY

289


Dog-sitting for a friend while she is out of town. DAY

286

Walked an elderly man to the nearest BART station. DAY

288

Helped a friend revise a cover letter for a job he really wants; also crossing my fingers hoping he gets it. DAY

290


Gave a cup of coffee

to the homeless painter who sleeps outside of the agency.

DAY

291


Offered to watch my friend’s cat while she’s in Israel for the next two weeks. Also stifled my jealousy that she gets to go on a free trip.

DAY

292


Gave to my friend’s “MS Sucks” walk. DAY

293


Multiple Sclerosis Walk Not knowing what the problem can be is just as terrifying as the problem itself. Little is known about Multiple Sclerosis its symptoms, causes, and preventions all remain mysterious. Sometimes it takes years for people to get an accurate diagnosis, which is just as devastating as having the neurologic disorder. The MS Walk has raised awareness and millions of dollars needed to shed more light on this problem. Find a walk near you at nationalmssociety.org.


For not just my health, but in response to: my family, friend’s, and girlfriend’s concern-today will be the day I quit smoking for good.

DAY

294


Got up to get my girlfriend some water,

hoping to ease her cough. Her cold kept her up all night.

DAY

295


It’s not the size of the cake that matters, it’s the thought that counts, and the amount of frosting. I baked cupcakes for a friend’s birthday.

DAY

296


Bought an obscene number of Girl Scout cookies from a friend’s daughter.

DAY

297


BOUGHT A DRINK FOR A FRIEND

who had been having a really rough week. He returned the favor by sharing some laughs.

DAY

298


NOT HAVING BUS FARE IS THE WORST. I paid for a distressed woman who didn’t have enough change.

DAY

299


Made a donation to Playworks, to maximize recess.

DAY

300


Playworks Bringing some structure to the junglegym. Organized play at recess can give kids the exercise they need while also building teamwork and social skills. While recess is a time that most students look forward to, it can also be a time filled with fights, bullying, and injuries. Playing has been shown to improve development by structuring recess.

Go to playworks.org to keep recess productive.


Dropped off all m y moving boxes to

help a friend prep

aring to move.

DAY

301


Helped out a co-worker carrying a desk down

and then back up some stairs.

DAY

302


e dew of compassion is a ar. the dew of compassio ear. the dew of compass The dew a tear. the dew of com ssion is a tear. the dew o mpassion is a tear. the d compassion is a tear. th w of compassion is a tea 303 of compassion is a tear. -Lord Byron

Lent an ear to a grieving friend.

DAY


Helped a girl

carry her possessions who was struggling to move into her new place.

DAY

304


Every morning I walk to my 85-year-old mother’s house, make sure she takes her medicine, and then we have breakfast together. DAY

305 Gave a Giants playoff ticket to my niece who was desperate to go to the game. She was so excited. DAY

307

Took care of a little girl whose mom was unexpectedly delayed in the hospital. DAY

309


Wrote a $20 check to a guy who was in a “stay in school� program (Was it a scam? Likely.) But the world needs less skepticism. DAY

306 Gave a woman the rest of her fare when she got stuck inside the BART station. DAY

308

I bought a two-hour sunset cruise for the family that took care of me while I was in SoCal. DAY

310


When a couple rushed to cut me off at the entrance to Starbucks this morning, I held the door and wished them a Happy New Year.

DAY

311


A friend is returning to Tanzania for her second year in the Peace Corps, so I sent her off with some movies to hopefully keep her from getting too homesick.

DAY

312


Waiting for a table I let a mother and her son sit in a crowded restaurant’s waiting room.

DAY

313


DAY

314


Emptied the dishwasher for my mom.

DAY

315


Covered a friend by throwing in a couple of extra bucks at dinner.

DAY

316


Let the person

in a hurry go ahead of me at lunch.

DAY

317


Compassion for my health, I started running today and plan on continuing tomorrow.

DAY

318


Every Thanksgiving, several hotels cook meals for the SF firefighters who aren’t able to spend the holiday with their family.

I brought some food to a different engine company.

DAY

319


Thanksgiving for Firefighters Firefighters don’t need to get burned in their own kitchen too. While they work non-stop to boldly save people, amenities including food are not provided for them by the city. Donations to firehouses are greatly appreciated. There is an abundance of food donations made around holidays, so consider donating a Thanksgiving turkey in July.


Made my dog’s day by going a few blocks further on our morning walk.

DAY

320


1 Made a calendar for a friend and myself, so that we didn’t have to spend money buying a fancy one.

DAY

321


Brainstormed ideas for a friend’s nonprofit organization. DAY

322

Helped my neighbor out with some jumper cable action. DAY

324

Helped a good friend take a dream trip to San Francisco. DAY

326


Paid the bridge toll for the car behind me. DAY

323

Sent a handwritten note to an old friend in Australia; we haven’t spoken in over 15 years. Hopefully he hasn’t moved. DAY

325 Took our intern out to lunch on her last day. She will be missed. DAY

327


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EMPTIED OUT THE OFFICE DISHWASHER and reloaded it with all the dishes from the nasty, overcrowded sink.

DAY

328


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BOUGHT A COFFEE

from the independent coffee truck down the street that seems to be struggling.

DAY

329


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Encouraged my sister’s boyfriend to check ----------------------------------------------------------------out a really cool grad program ----------------------------------------------------------------he’s interested in. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------DAY --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------330 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


-

driving directions

Gave an elderly couple to a restaurant, despite getting soaked from the rain as my stomach was grumbling.

DAY

331


ight of love and human compassion enter the so of men. light of love and HAPPINESS human compassion ente he souls of men. light of ove and human compa sion enter the souls of m ight of love332 and human and peace will come to earth only as the light of love and human compassion enter the souls of men. -David O. McKay Bought a friend a drink.

DAY


Baked a cake for my roommate’s birthday.

DAY

333


Surprised

my grandparents by calling them out of the blue. I think it made their day. DAY

334


HELPED A BUDDY WITH HIS JOB,

figuring out how his product might fit in with ad agency needs.

DAY

335


Shipped a pile of used running shoes to Shoe4Africa.org. Presumably, somewhere in Kenya there is a needy kid with size 13 feet. DAY

336


Shoe4Africa Helping someone can start by kicking off your shoes. Fulfill a need by sending your shoes. You can protect the people of Africa from infectious diseases and parasites that their bare feet are at risk of contracting. What started with shoes has expanded to helping to provide: hospitals, schools and education, AIDS awareness, helping with women’s empowerment, peace resolution, and food to the hungry.

Please go to shoe4africa.org to see how you can get involved.


Even though he didn’t ask, I gave a guy with a flat bike tire a bag full of clothes and a few bucks.

DAY

337

+++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++


+++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++

PUT ON A HAPPY FACE

and went grocery shopping with my girlfriend after work, instead of going straight to the couch.

DAY

338


Perked up my bleary-eyed co-workers by making some cappuccinos this morning.

DAY

339


Gave some money to a street musician. Only wish he had a CD to buy.

DAY

340


Escorted a soggy, umbrella-less, and incredibly sweet stranger to her destination. DAY

341

Bought breakfast and a blanket for a Peet’s Coffee acquaintance who was revealed to be homeless. DAY

343

Haven’t needed to take a bag from a grocery store in months since I started carrying reusable bags in my purse. DAY

345


Drove my little brother around for his homecoming dance. DAY

342

Contacted an old roommate from college; we hadn’t spoken in 24 years. DAY

344

Turned over a Certificate of Deposit to a friend (and his family) who has been out of work this last year. DAY

346


Helped teach a four-year-old French girl how to speak English.

DAY

347


Helped out a friend with her psych program by letting her poke around in my head. Hopefully she doesn’t find anything bad in there.

DAY

348


Helped an older woman who was having trouble with the new digital parking meters.

DAY

349


Picked up lunch

for a co-worker who was chained to his desk by work.

Working in a dungeon has its drawbacks.

DAY

350


Working to recruit more Big Brothers and Big Sisters for a school project. There should never be a waiting list for young kids looking for guidance.

DAY

351


Big Brothers Big Sisters Be a hero without wearing a cape. Kids need someone to look up to. For over 100 years, the program has been pairing children in need with mentors. Having a positive example in their life has shown to reduce the likelihood that a child will begin using drugs and alcohol, do better in school, and socialize better with friends and family.

Become a mentor today at Bbbs.org.


Shared a cab with a total stranger to make sure they made it home okay.

DAY

352


Broke down and took care of the abandoned-unclaimed water glass left in the bathroom for weeks. Promptly washed it and my hands.

DAY

353


generosity is doing some hing nice for someone who will never find out. REAL generosity is doing some hing nice for someone who will never find out. generosity is doing some 354 someone hing nice for generosity is doing something nice for someone who will never find out. -Frank A. Clark

Left motivational Post-its for my girlfriend.

DAY


Bought “Ticket to Ride,� an awesome board game, to play with my family. The price was so worth the time I get to spend with them.

DAY

355


Gave advice to some students on the street who were trying to decide where to live in Berkeley.

DAY

356


t n h g ni dow

e mate h t t y room n e Splming me fougfhrtiend. ca er sh boy aft h her wit

DAY

357


Invited a friend over for dinner to talk about the rough day they were having. DAY

358

Let a car in on my commute when everyone else kept passing them by. DAY

360 Got up in the middle of the night to let the dogs out and let the hubby keep sleeping. DAY

362


Drove a friend to their doctor’s appointment and then to the airport. DAY

359

Donated $10 to the SF Food Bank because I heard they were coming up short this holiday season. DAY

361

Distributed jackets and shoes to the homeless people in my neighborhood. DAY

363


Signed up for the Jog for Jill event hosted by The Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation.

DAY

364


The Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation Not all smokers get lung cancer; not all lung cancer patients smoked. The goal is to increase the 15% survival rate associated with lung cancer, which hasn’t changed in decades. Little is done researching cures and treatment because of the stigma that this is a smoker’s disease. Our loved ones shouldn’t have to suffer through this. Please put this belief to rest and donate today by going to lungcancerfoundation.org.



Finished our year of compassion by going to the SF Food Bank, volunteering our time as an agency. Taking a step back from our office lives, we did what we could to help out our fellow San Franciscans. Everyone spent the day sorting boxes and boxes of carrots. And we realized that during our daily lives it’s so easy to obsess over headlines, kerning, and spreadsheets, forgetting how feeding someone who’s hungry is far more important.

DAY

365


So now what? Going into this we had no real expectations for what the outcome would be. Of course we had dreams along the way, that maybe our acts would inspire do-gooders to don a costume and start fighting crime. While this didn’t happen (as far we know), our connection to humanity was strengthened. And that’s why we’d do it again. In truth, this book never really ends (although sparing trees requires that it does). The responsibility of spreading good and positivity in the world rests on all of our shoulders. So we pass the challenge on to you. There are: parking-meters, bellies, hearts and bins to be filled. There are strangers that need to be pleasantly surprised. There are small, medium, and large problems to tackle. Go now. Seriously. Get out there. The world is waiting.




In loving memory of Jill Costello, keeping her message alive to always, “Go Big.�



Started over again.

DAY

001



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