Sister, Can You Spare a Hug?

Three days after 9/11, I ventured out into public and went to the grocery store for some normalcy. In the pasta aisle, from behind me, I heard a voice, “Sister. Sister. Sister.”  Now, I am commonly addressed as Mom, Wife, Julia, Jules, Julieeee, Hey You and Pirate (that’s another blog) – but never “Sister.” I paid no attention. But it continued, so I turned around. There before me was a waif of a woman asking, “Sister, can you spare a hug?” So I did. In return, I received a warm, sincere hug – and a restored faith in humankind, in all of its glorious imperfection.

I’ve told this story to a few people who find it odd that I would hug a complete stranger – especially in the middle of a grocery store - especially in the middle of a major city.  But I could identify with what she was feeling, and it didn’t take much to give something so small yet so meaningful. 

Deep inside I have a secret dream to grow up and be a real giver – a 21st century philanthropist. That little dream, though, seems highly unobtainable without a mondo bank account, early retirement plan with some serious free time, or the clout to conjure up a few dozen rocks stars for an amped up fundraiser.

In some ways, though, I’ve been living out my dream through my children. Unlike other crazy moms who prod their kids to be a pro athlete or beauty pageant princess, I’m the one hoping in some way – big or small – they’ll do their part to make the world a better place. 

I am not the kind of mother who simply reminds her kids to share their candy and toys. I’m the kind of mom who is prodding her children to be more proactive and go find something to share – now! You can imagine my overwhelming joy when the schoolteacher of my 7-year-old son told me he had initiated a pop-tab drive for the Ronald McDonald House without me knowing. I nearly burst into tears. 

Over lunch with a dear friend – who happens to work for a nonprofit – I mentioned my son’s initiative and how incredibly proud I am of him. And then, out loud, I wondered when his twin sister would find a way to give. My friend quickly reminded me that my daughter has found a way to give – she attended a fundraiser earlier in the year for my friend’s nonprofit, helping me buy raffle tickets and bid on items. And this makes her, and I quote, “a different kind of philanthropist.” 

Wow, my friend is right. Both my children are philanthropists, and darned good ones, too. Even better, I realized I am one as well – even without the large bank account, early retirement plan and the slew of celebrity friends. I am a different kind of philanthropist – giving in small ways that can, I hope, have a big impact.

Blue Star over the last 12 years has donated design work to several nonprofits. We’ve created small events like the “Drive Thru” that benefits our local Ronald McDonald House – and the event has spread to other Ronald McDonald Houses across the country. We’ve attended fundraising events for causes we believe in, like the wonderful events at the Art Therapy Studio. Instead of signing up for committees and rallying friends to donate money, we’ve elected to do things that fit our schedule and pocketbook.

This year we’ve extended our philanthropic reach – by donating webfliers created in our   Flier Styler™ app to Cleveland nonprofits for their fundraising events. (By the way, if you know a nonprofit we can help, here are the details: http://bluestar.ennounce.info/960.)

It’s one small way we can give, and our nonprofit friends have told us it’s helped them tremendously to market their events via web, email and social media. And by giving, we’re benefiting, too! Our donations allow us to meet new people, understand their causes and share ideas to make their causes, and our tool, better as we go along.

That’s the great thing about giving. When done right – it brings people together for celebration and sharing – like a much-needed hug.