Seriously, what can one Seven-Year Old Do?

Dr. Wendy Ghiora-Posting #73-November 27, 2010

As he approached his car, Jim spotted something lodged under his windshield wiper. It was a piece of paper but, as he got closer, he noticed a bill was attached to it. When he arrived at his car, it was clear; it was a note, written in a child’s handwriting, with a dollar bill on top of it. The note said, "This is a dollar I earned doing my chores today. I wanted to do something special with it, so I am giving it to you. God Bless You. I am seven years old and my name is Josh."

Jim’s car was parked in front of the Waukesha, Wisconsin YMCA. What was he going to do with that note and bill? He could just slip the dollar into his pocket and toss the note. Many would have done that. But the thought never crossed Jim’s mind. Instead, he was greatly moved by the words scrawled in the seven-year-old child’s handwriting. He must have thought it was some kind of sign or at least a good omen. Whatever the case, he was certain this was not an accident. He knew he had to do something. But what? He figured, if a little kid could make him feel that way with one selfless act, why not add to it?

So, instead of getting into his car, Jim walked the note and the dollar into the YMCA and approached the front desk. He added $10 of his own as a donation. He then suggested to the person in charge, this child’s kind gesture be used as a model for a program they were running called, “Strong Kids Campaign.” This effort enables children who cannot afford to participate in YMCA activities to do so without cost.

Somehow the word got out, and within days, more and more people started contributing to the fund. Good feelings began to spread, turning the child's original endeavor into a snowball effect. Before long, over $3,000 had been raised for the YMCA fund.

What if we, somehow, were able to communicate to children and adults that the charitable act of one person can make a huge difference? In this world where so many people have become cynical, it’s nice to know, sometimes good things, like Acts of Kindness, can be contagious.