Florida Today Change someone’s day or life by reaching out

by Britt Kennerly, October 29, 2014

One woman introduced me to her tiny dog, Jojo, who kissed me on the nose.

My husband fixed the blinds on the back of a door at one house in Cocoa, while at another home, a bubbly lady gave me a fresh serving of her sweet potato pie.

It was Make a Difference Day. I hope that in some small way we did, as Doug and I joined other FLORIDA TODAY employees and families in support of Meals on Wheels. Employees had overwhelmingly voted to deliver meals to homebound seniors in conjunction with United Way and Aging Matters of Brevard.

It was a first-time volunteer experience for many, especially children. Eye-opening for adults, those who seldom see homes of those outside their worlds or how some seniors struggle to maintain their independence.

Best, 275 people who don’t normally get meals on a Saturday — and might not have a visitor besides their Meals on Wheels delivery person during the week — got not only food, but affirmation that they matter.

“Based on my experience, and the feedback I’ve received from our staff, seeing firsthand the appreciation from the seniors receiving the meals made the day extremely rewarding,” said Jeff Kiel, FLORIDA TODAY publisher.

It served as a reminder that you can make a difference every day. Thousands of Brevard residents do just that in every aspect of life — at schools. Hospitals. Community centers, libraries and so many other places.

If you’re up for a worthwhile challenge:

• Volunteer. 2-1-1 Brevard can help you match your skills to an opportunity. Or contact United Way for opportunities to pitch in.

• Donate to one of United Way’s partner agencies, whose services range from advocacy for children to housing for the homeless.

• Speak up. Let elected officials know if you’re unhappy with the direction they take.

Last year, federal budget cuts sliced $122,000 from the Aging Matters budget. The agency had to shutter two Seniors at Lunch sites, part of the program that feeds locals older than 60. And for a brief time, no new clients could sign up for Meals on Wheels, through which volunteers deliver between 700 and 800 meals five days a week. What kind of message does that send about priorities? The wrong one.

• Reach out if you’re in need yourself: Friends and relatives can learn from your example.

For example, getting a hot lunch through Meals on Wheels, or at one of Brevard’s 11 Seniors at Lunch sites, is not a handout. Too often, seniors won’t ask for help, especially those who are fiercely independent and view any assistance as welfare.

• Reach out through social media and spread the word about how we live here on the Space Coast. If you haven’t started using Facebook or Twitter and can do it, consider it. Share messages about what’s important to you. Be persistent.

Most importantly? If you want to reach out, reach within first.

Take a good look at where you are in life. Make a few phone calls. Discover how your skills and passions can change someone else’s life: They can.

You’ll find any day is the right day to start.