Written by Brandon Miller
There are a lot of wonderful things going on in Northwest Indiana every day, but few people know about them. Random acts of kindness are amazing, but sometimes it is the not so random acts that astound me. There are groups of people giving of their time, their resources, and their talents, to help make life a little better for someone else. Last weekend, Rebuilding Together Portage performed miracles on several homes and organizations throughout the city. Can you reroof an entire house in one day by yourself? Can you build a playground alone? Can you repair a vehicle without help? And the kicker…can you fund it all? The answer is “probably not.” I cannot do all of these things either, but I wish I could.
What can you do? What can be done? There are many organizations that work together for the common good. One network I am a part of is “Project Northwest Indiana”. We realize that there are innumerable needs, and that there are almost as many people willing to help in some way, but not all those wanting to help can tackle the entire need alone. I can’t…but we can. By each of us doing what we are able, a large group of people can make miracles happen.
Today alone, several caring souls descended on a home in Valparaiso to help an elderly woman and her mentally challenged son improve their living conditions. Plans are being made to help relocate some of their pets to new homes, repair the damage done to their house, arrange medical care and advocacy for these individuals, fresh linens were provided and other hygiene items were given as well as used to make life a little better. I could not do all of these things, but I could do a little. With the help of many wonderful people, we are making a difference.
Also today, an 80-something year old woman is driving home for the first time in a year. Her vehicle had a breakdown a year ago, and she did not have the resources to repair it. A few individuals gave the money to buy the parts; two brothers towed her car from her home to the house of a mechanic. The mechanic and his son repaired the car and cleaned it up for her. Another two individuals took the car for the emissions test and renewed her plates for her. I could not do all of these things, but I did play a small role in this intricate network of people wanting to help. Independence was restored to one because many cared.
What can you do? What talents do you have? What extra resources do you have at your disposal to help others? Do you have a few hours a week you could volunteer somewhere? Do you have a few dollars that can be set aside to help someone? Do you have information and networking skills that can come in handy to someone else? Do you have time to listen? Do you have time to care? Facebook is full of many organizations and networks that can use your resources for good. I choose to be a part of “Friends of the Portage Resale Shop” and “Project Northwest Indiana” Maybe you can find a place to make a difference.