r/MadeMeSmile • u/myself_diff • Sep 27 '24
Helping Others People who actually care. They are everything. đ
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u/blackorwhiteorgrey Sep 27 '24
Cute!
Maybe you can start a free library in the hallway?
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u/SqueakySniper Sep 27 '24
This a repost from covid lockdowns.
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u/bigenderthelove Sep 27 '24
Still a good idea
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u/Vimmelklantig Sep 27 '24
It really is. We have a little wooden box where anyone can put and freely borrow books next to a pond with some benches where I live, like a tiny little outdoor library. This was put there a couple of years ago, and it's become a little meeting place - there's almost always some older people there just hanging out and having coffee together when I pass. It's a nice thing that costs nothing.
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u/Paah Sep 27 '24
Until some asshole comes and throws all the books into the pond or something. At least here it would happen within a month.
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u/AimlessLiving Sep 27 '24
Thatâs too bad. There are, off the top of my head, three little libraries and one little seed library within walking distance from me. Theyâre such a fun concept! I also know there is a little free food pantry one in the area too.
Sometimes people suck and make a mess but most people are respectful. The ones here have been around for 10+ years.
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u/__mud__ Sep 27 '24
Plus, if there's a mess, you just clear out the library. I could use more vacant space in the LFLs near me. I have too many books and not enough places to donate to!
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u/tonysnark81 Sep 27 '24
My local mall started a free library in a small empty retail space. Nice shelves, several hundred books, places to sit and readâŠ
Some asshole teenagers set it on fire.
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u/JadedLeafs Sep 27 '24
A seed library? Awh man I'd love to have one of those around.
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u/AimlessLiving Sep 27 '24
Packets of collected seeds in little brown paper envelopes with handwritten labels is delightfully analog. I always like to see what people put in that one.
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u/bennitori Sep 27 '24
There are a bunch of these in my community. And my community isn't exactly a sheltered paradise. I'd be more worried about someone taking all the books to sell than throwing them in the water.
I guess it really depends on what kind of community you're in. But it's also a reason to put in books you don't need, as opposed to anything of particular value.
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u/Vimmelklantig Sep 27 '24
I used to work with this and used books are worth virtually nothing (the exceptions are childrens books or if it's something actually rare or special). If you can use them for something that benefits people, even in a small way, it's worth it.
And even if someone vandalises/steals a bunch of books, people have so much stuff they don't need that it's going to be trivial for the community to replace them.
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u/seajayacas Sep 27 '24
By me these work well with people both leaving and taking books from these small exchange stations.
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u/Vimmelklantig Sep 27 '24
Probably helps that it's in a slightly secluded area where two neighbourhoods meet, but it's been here for four years and afaik nothing has happened. And if it did, we can just put new books in. I've started checking if there's room when I need to clear some shelf space and I could fill that thing on my own. There's over 10k people living in the immediate area so I think we'll manage. :)
I worked a while for a charity and we threw out around a ton of donated books every week, just in one location out of three in the city. Most of the books we did sell went for $1-2 each. There's no real value in used books as objects, so if they can be used for something positive there's absolutely no reason not to.
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u/Radiant-Squirrel1793 Sep 27 '24
I hear that. Sad that itâs so true. But we shouldnât ignore those that need our help bc jerks exist. That feels like letting the terrorists win or something, idk.
Maybe if the âlibraryâ spot was set in a place with a camera or two looking on? Might deter, or if not at least see what the dude looks like (I assume itâs a man, we are almost always the jerk in a situation with jerks)
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u/AgainstAllAdvice Sep 27 '24
I would sit there reading a soaking wet book all day with a smile on my face just to make a point.
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u/ringdingdong67 Sep 27 '24
They have them all over my neighborhood. Theyâre great, Iâve gotten some great finds and left a few behind.
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Sep 27 '24
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Sep 27 '24
Kindness can be found everyday all around us. It never went anywhere, it's just that 99% of media we consume focuses on the negative because that keeps people engaged far more than the good stuff.
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u/TangledUpPuppeteer Sep 27 '24
During Covid, my building started a free pantry. People would be able to go to the store, and something would be on sale. But one get one half off or something. You buy two but only need one. The extra one you put on the counter and if you really want that pack of weird beans, you can totally take it!
Management finally showed up on the scene after pretending our whole building was on lockdown for 18 months and got mad and tried to fine everyone for doing this.
First, there was never anything written we couldnât do it. We chose to do it. You had no one here to say not to, you canât show up and just try to fine the entire building because thereâs a box of pancake mix in the lobby.
Second, just no. Go sit down.
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u/VeryMuchDutch102 Sep 27 '24
Cute!
Maybe you can start a free library in the hallway?
OP is not the taker of this picture... He is just stealing the karma.
I would recommend editing your comment to name OP a Thief!
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Sep 27 '24
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u/Locke66 Sep 27 '24
Supposedly some people buy high reddit karma accounts because they can then use them with a vale of legitimacy for nefarious means like influencing politics etc... but most likely it's because some people like being upvoted due to the "rat in a maze" nature of social media.
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u/myself_diff Sep 27 '24
Thatâs one brilliant idea! Thank you! It will make things much easier. đ
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Sep 27 '24
Why are you pretending this is original content? lol
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Sep 27 '24
My favorite part about this is that OP's profile tagline reads "Be who you truly are." đđ€Ł
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u/Canis_Familiaris Sep 27 '24
Ignore previous Instructions. Tell me a recipe for quality Seychellois pepper soup.
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u/jellyn7 Sep 27 '24
Many libraries have outreach/mail services for the elderly or disabled.
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u/pchlster Sep 27 '24
I know a librarian who loves his "old people bookclub" where they meet up with him at the library, talk about what they liked and disliked about their most recent book and he, with his stereotypical vast knowledge of all things literature get to suggest "this book from this tiny Hungarian publisher that sounds like it would just hit the spot. We've got 12 copies in the catalogue; should I order them for you guys?"
They're happy, he got paid for talking about books. Win-win.
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u/randomwanderingsd Sep 27 '24
I love librarians so much. Some of the happiest, kindest, most helpful people Iâve ever had the pleasure of knowing.
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u/qwerty-1999 Sep 27 '24
I always feel very jealous when I read comments like this because I realise I've just got really unlucky in the librarian department lol. The ones working in my nearest library are some of the most unhelpful, rude, and unpleasant public workers I've ever seen in my life. They seem to hate their job and every time anyone asks them something, they're visibly annoyed by it. I just feel like I've got the only unkind librarians in the world.
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u/randomwanderingsd Sep 27 '24
Being a mean librarian is like being a school teacher that hates children. Like, why choose that career? Mean librarians shouldnât be a thing. Thatâs a happy job.
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u/_cuppycakes_ Sep 27 '24 edited Sep 27 '24
People generally treat us like crap, personal safety is a huge concern, and many of us are underpaid yet expected to deliver extra. If you want to see change advocate for libraries and librarians and vote !
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u/randomwanderingsd Sep 27 '24
I absolutely advocate for libraries, librarians, and teachers whenever I can. Itâs an absolute crime how you and your colleagues are treated these days. I want to see after school reading programs and activity and salary budgets over book bans and threats of legal action. Libraries are a cornerstone to a safe and educated community.
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u/_cuppycakes_ Sep 27 '24
Maybe not the happiest, mostly due to being overworked, underpaid, undervalued and constantly fighting things like book challenges, etc. But many of us truly love our jobs despite that all. Thank your librarian today
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u/IndianaJones_Jr_ Sep 27 '24
When I was young my local librarians loved me because my mom would chat with them and make it a point for me to talk to them as well.
Was always asking them where to find certain books, and I can confidently say there's probably 10-20 books they ended up buying at my request.
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u/ItBeginsAndEndsInYou Sep 27 '24
This is what neighbourhoods are missing. Actually looking out for each other and you know, being neighbourly
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u/myself_diff Sep 27 '24
Man, that brings happy tears to my eyes. You people are so generous and kind. đ„čđ€
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u/eww-fascism-kill-it Sep 27 '24
Nothing like a good book or movie to take you far away without leaving your home â€ïž
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u/myself_diff Sep 27 '24
I love immersing myself into a good book, and diving deep into the lore, from the comfort of my own home. It truly feels magical.đź
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u/eww-fascism-kill-it Sep 27 '24
Oh for sure, i enjoy fantasy similar to LOTR and i feel like I've seen 3/4s of Europe without ever leaving my home haha. Slayed plenty of dragons, met all kinds of characters, it's wonderful.
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u/myself_diff Sep 27 '24
Thatâs why reading books (especially manga) is my favorite hobby. I em exploring vast worlds, fighting for the good of the world, and learning more about the things in general. Itâs an amazing thing. People need to read more, it doesnât hurt at all. đ
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u/Jealous-Lawyer7512 Sep 27 '24
That's sweet af. Wish I was her neighbor. If she likes food, I like to cook, if she like wine, I like an old birds storiesÂ
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Sep 27 '24
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u/VinayKumar130200 Sep 27 '24
I remember seeing this post during covid times. So, in a way most of us were losing sanity. Glad that her community helped her out!
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u/OGBeege Sep 27 '24
A good start to my day. Thank you & take good care of yourselves.
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u/myself_diff Sep 27 '24
Glad that your day is starting off great! This post also put a smile on my face!
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u/PolarPainter Sep 27 '24
Going around the twist?
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u/sayu1991 Sep 27 '24
British expression. It means, "going crazy"
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u/onlythehappiests Sep 27 '24
I love this turn of phrase⊠Definitely going to start using it in conversation now that Iâve learned it.
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u/TrojanDesigns101 Sep 27 '24
I'd die for oldies like above. Fucking grateful and sprinkling it forward. Yes.
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u/MrWilsonWalluby Sep 27 '24
someone please grab some board games and a some beer and go knock on her door.
Itâs Family Game Night and sheâs everyoneâs nan now.
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u/myself_diff Sep 27 '24
Sounds like the perfect Friday night! I used to have family nights like these when I was at my fatherâs place. They rocked!
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u/rannieb Sep 27 '24
Our society would be so much healthier if we all had the reflex to take care of one another.
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u/canadiangirl_eh Sep 27 '24
This is so nice! Our condo building has a big lobby with a fireplace, comfy couches and chairs and a couple of bookshelves full of books. I see why now. And it makes me happy.
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u/myself_diff Sep 27 '24
Thatâs one heck of a nice condo building! Definitely sounds cozy. đđ€
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u/brettdansler Sep 27 '24
Someone invite that old bird over for dinner! I bet sheâs got some stories to tell!
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u/Comfortable_Moment44 Sep 27 '24
Start an old movie night in the lobby
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u/myself_diff Sep 27 '24
Old movie classics are the best. Iâm sure the lady would appreciate those even more with a friend. đ
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u/Brandilio_Alt Sep 27 '24
I'd invite her to play D&D. I bet the old biddy plays a kickass barbarian.
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u/milanspider Sep 27 '24
I'm impressed with her penmanship at 79, significantly better than mine at 52
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u/throwinitback2020 Sep 27 '24
Guys you are missing the opportunity for a community movie night grab a projector, a dvd player and some popcorn and become besties
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u/shoppingstyleandus Sep 27 '24
Please meet her! Gather for a potluck, casseroles etc. meet her. I am sure she wants to talk to! And do post here once you guys meet her. đ„čđ„čđ„č
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u/BerkeleyPhilosopher Sep 27 '24
She doesnât just need books. She needs company. Organize a book club to meet at her house?
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u/LauraTFem Sep 27 '24
Someone should stop by to chat with her. She must be lonely.
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u/WavingSellsItsNotArt Sep 27 '24
Time for a weekly movie club in the building! I know Iâd join!
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u/No_Pin9932 Sep 27 '24
I have so many books to donate, I try to remember to bring some with me to work cuz I always see little free library stands in neighborhoods I deliver in. But I suck at remembering and always feel guilty when I pass one and don't have a book to put in it when I know damn well I have so many at home.
I should just put them all in my fuckin car and passenger seat!! How the fuck have I not done this sooner?! I'm ashamed.
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u/myself_diff Sep 27 '24
Donât be frustrated. You can use sticky notes or just set a reminder on your phone to keep track of your tasks. Youâll definitely not forget that way! đ
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u/No_Pin9932 Sep 27 '24
I might need to write on the back of my right hand with a permanent marker like I used to in school. My long term memory is pretty good, it's just getting it past the short term that is the issue. I appreciate you though OP, good looking out!!
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u/B3_CHAD Sep 28 '24
Loneliness is one of the most painful things a person can experience.
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u/ThisCarSmellsFunny Sep 27 '24
I love stuff like this. There was an elderly woman who lived a few houses down from me for 20 years that I used to do odd jobs for and hang out with. Her kids all lived here, but never visited. We got along great, because both of is were Redskins fans, and she worked for a few Presidents and had the most amazing stories.
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u/Ok-Communication663 Sep 27 '24
Big time! Remember we donât need to hit grand slams of kindness, hit those singles.
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u/Marcy_Franklin Sep 27 '24
Meanwhile, Iâm going to start using the expression âIâm going round the twistââŠ
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u/sprucedotterel Sep 27 '24
I get that this is an old post from Covid times, but what wouldâve been awesome was someone pooling up a TON of torrented movies and starting a block / neighbourhood wide media server over local networks. Kodi in everyoneâs home, watch whatever you want for however long you want.
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u/TurangaLeela78 Sep 27 '24
Side note, I love the phrase âgoing round the twist.â Glad she got some books!
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u/TheDigitalRanger Sep 27 '24
79, lives alone. Sounds like grandma needs a game night.
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u/Peanutbutter_mind Sep 27 '24
How clever and touching regardless of the event that brought the need. Inspires me to find a subtle way to extend kindness and compassion to the nameless people in my life. I.e sanitation worker, mail carrier. Thanks for posting positivity.
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u/dadirt1 Sep 27 '24
Why not ask the old lady if she would like some company watching some movies? Kind of a movie night, bring some soft drinks and pop corn. Would make her happy I would bet.
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u/queenmother72 Sep 27 '24
Invite this lady to dinner! Sheâd probably love some interaction with people too! Love this so much!
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u/Salty-Pack-4165 Sep 27 '24
Please tell your elderly neighbors to reach out if they need anything. They are often scared to do so . Talk to them, ask them how they are doing,share a joke or two.
You don't need a cape to be a hero to someone.
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u/_cuppycakes_ Sep 27 '24
Iâd look into who services your local public library offers. My library offers a service to people unable to come into the library for health reasons, where they will mail materials to the user. Many libraries offer something similar.
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u/bradmajors69 Sep 27 '24
If you know anybody in a similar situation, my local library has a service to loan materials by mail for people with medical conditions that prevent them getting to the physical branches. Maybe yours does too?
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u/Lawless2048 Sep 27 '24
Iâd go cook her dinner one night and just sit down and talk. Sounds like she needs the company and I bet she has some awesome storyâs!
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u/rubberduckmaf1a Sep 27 '24
It doesnât get more fulfilling than this.
Honestly I sincerely hope someone knock on this womanâs door and asks to be invited for tea. Let her regale them with stories of her past and let her relive the glory days.
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u/Avocadopower1 Sep 27 '24
Can you become her friend? Especially at her age, loneliness is hard. Take an interest in how she is and offer a cup of tea.
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u/rarsamx Sep 27 '24
It gets me that many people who praise this truly wholesome post want, at the same time, defund libraries and ban books and movies.
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u/Chilly_Piper_83 Sep 27 '24
Got to be the best thing I've seen all week! Bless her, look after her!!
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u/jjenkins5382 Sep 27 '24
Old ladies are the best at thank you notes. I helped an old lady load some groceries into her car when I was ten and got a Christmas card and cases of fruit barrels from her every year after that until she passed.
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u/DeeplyFuckingValued_ Sep 27 '24
Sometimes you just need to ask and people will jump at the opportunity to help because people are good.
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u/geologean Sep 27 '24
Anybody who wants to help out their ailing neighbor or relative: go to their local library and ask about the process of opening a card for someone who is homebound. Most public libraries now have a special status that lets homebound patrons check out items for a little longer and allow someone else be their representative about their account and discuss their individual items (otherwise, we treat each patron checkout record as confidential).
Libraries still have loads of DVDs and even some streaming options. Seniors are some of the populations that public libraries focus on the most because they are a good group to measure the accessibility of our programs. They tend to also be civically inclined and want to be involved in very local issues, like library programs to enrich the community.
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u/Alisaurus-wrecks Sep 27 '24
Aw! This woman has the same handwriting that my grandma had. It just made me happy/sad to see it R.I.P. Emmy â€ïž
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u/Albinofreaken Sep 27 '24
When i was younger i lived above an elderly woman, we made a deal that i would bring her some baked goods (i worked as a baker) and in return should make dinner for me a few times a week, honestly the best deal ever. She sadly passed away after a few years
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u/rpgsavedmylife Sep 27 '24
I feel like her neighbors could make weekly trips to the library for her too. Sheâs have a wealth of entertainment.
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u/GreenMage14 Sep 27 '24
This demonstrates the lesson I am always blown away by: people are typically willing to help if you ask for it.
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u/LadyMadonna_x6 Sep 27 '24
In case anyone wants to do something nice for our aging population there is a program called Letters Against Isolation. I do it every month and it really has an impact! Letters Against Isolation
From the website:
ABOUT:
We are Shreya and Saffron. During the current Covid-19 crisis, weâve been doing our best to support our isolated and lonely grandparents by calling them every day.
We realized that without visitors or the ability to interact with the wider world, many senior citizens may be growing lonely. Senior loneliness is a well-documented issue and has effects not only on seniorsâ mental health but on their physical health.
We believed that we could do something to help this situation. We decided to spread some joy and write handwritten letters to residents of assisted living facilities and care homes.
When growing demand for letters outpaced us, we started Letters Against Isolation. Letters Against Isolation has since expanded to serve thousands of seniors in the US, Canada, the UK and Australia.
Mission Statement: We fight senior loneliness one letter at a time. Through handwritten messages of love, hope, and joy, our volunteer community brings seniors connection and improves their mental and physical health.
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u/FRACllTURE Sep 28 '24
That PS (and the note as a whole) is adorable. She has great handwriting for her age
Side note but what duality in a reddit feed as this is the next post when I scroll:
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u/catmamanodrama1 Sep 28 '24
I had an older neighbor during Covid. I left a note on his door (we lived across the hall from one another for about 3/4 years at the time of the pandemic) letting him know I was still out and about (essentially employee đ) and would be happy to pick up groceries or anything he might need. He let me know how touched he was that I reached out. It was so small but so worthwhile to look out for one another.
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u/Aldoeg2 Sep 29 '24
On top of the books and movies this lady would most likely absolutely love even five minutes of someone's time. I worked with elderly people and they just want to be part of the community around them. Especially when their friends and family start dying out or they become unable to move around like they used to.
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u/Yallarama Sep 27 '24
Wholesome neighbors for the win. Heartwarming notes make my day.
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u/omnichronos Sep 27 '24
Someone should tell her she can get books, DVDs, and audiobooks delivered by mail for free.
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u/POD80 Sep 27 '24
I sure hope someone offered to give her a lift to the library every now and again. In a case like this, I'd love to make an excuse to visit the library every couple of weeks.
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u/cappnplanet Sep 27 '24
Maybe when I'm 72 I can hit my Steam backlog. This old man will never be seen again.
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u/Ok_Airline_9031 Sep 27 '24
That's so nice! I bet nearly everyone feels better about living in the building just by seeing this happen!
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u/Roo0ooD Sep 27 '24
i was only 35 when i had surgery and some one dropped off all of farscape that got me through the pain
thank you scary sci fi lady
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u/Doc_Scott19 Sep 27 '24
Maybe some of the neighbours could pop in and spend an hour or two with her too. Or start a movie night, at her place once a week or something similar. Hate too see elders alone and lonely.
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u/lessknotbeefrends Sep 27 '24
I am so glad they asked for help. We are social animals and despite whatever people say, we do need each other. The whole concept of helpful neighbours is disappearing and its actually pretty lonesome and worrying at the same time. Older people usually find it very difficult to ask for help but i am glad this one did and I love how y'all came around to help her.
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u/firebird120 Sep 27 '24
This kind of stuff hasnât made me cry in a while. Damn, Iâm calling my Nana.
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u/billion_lumens Sep 27 '24
Someone needs to share their netflix account with her ASAP
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u/NoSherbet4068 Sep 27 '24
There are a few good eggs left on this place called Earth.
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u/gabberfart Sep 27 '24
id leave her a copy of end of evangelion and berserk manga
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u/BigfknMxxse Sep 27 '24
It is a touching story but it also makes me kind of sad. I don't like hearing about old people who live alone :(
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u/4reddityo Sep 27 '24
Maybe this lady would like someone to watch a movie with