“The best index to a person’s character is how he treats people who can’t do him any good – and how he treats people who can’t fight back.” – Abigail Van Buren, “Dear Abby” American advice columnist in 1956
Every day, business owners and teams spend their time achieving company goals and doing their best to earn a profit. As a Capitalistic country, the ability to make money with minimal government interference is one of the many things Americans love about our country.
Companies make all kinds of choices about what to do with their profits. Sometimes they reinvest it in new ventures or add more staff, and even let it sit as an emergency fund for unforeseen challenges. And then there are other companies who use their profits to make a difference within the communities they serve.
Stan’s Fit for Your Feet and the Weyco Shoe Corp/Bogs Division are examples of companies who chose to be altruistic rather than using their profits for their company’s gain. This month, on National Random Acts of Kindness Day, both companies came together to coordinate a surprise donation of new socks and boots to the Repairers of the Breach homeless shelter in Milwaukee, WI. They know Winter is especially hard for the homeless because constant snowfalls can be hazardous to their health if their shoes aren’t keeping their feet warm and dry as they walk through the snow day after day.
After the pleasant surprise of receiving the donation, several shelter recipients came outside to help unload the truck as Stan’s staff set up a sitting area to measure each person’s feet in order to provide the best fitting boots for one. Megan Sajdak, one of Stan’s staff, really enjoyed meeting everyone and hearing their stories as she fitted them for new boots.
Stan’s Fit for Your Feet didn’t stop with that act of kindness. They designated the entire month of February as “Share a Pair” month, offering a $10 gift card to anyone who stopped by one of their three locations and dropped off a pair of new or gently used shoes or new socks. Those donations will also be given to homeless organizations within their community. So far, they’ve collected more than 275,000 donations from Greater Milwaukee residents which has made a huge difference in the life of so many homeless people around the area. To watch the news footage from Fox News about this story, click here.
If you work at a business that makes a regular profit each year, consider taking part of that profit to help the homeless around you. Everyone has a point and time in their life where they need help…giving back in some way to your community in exchange for the help you previously received is a wonderful way to pay it forward.
We, at Sheltering Grace, welcome donations for the homeless mothers and babies we serve. Please contact us at 678-337-7858 to learn how you can help. Each mother and baby will be truly grateful for your kindness.
Sheltering Grace Ministry, Ltd. is a 501(c)3 Ltd. non-profit ministry. We resolve the initial crisis of homelessness by providing mothers with a safe place to live during pregnancy. We also equip them with the tools they need to improve decision-making, enhance employment options, and increase family income to act responsibly as the head of their household. All of our services develop their self-reliance to progress to permanent independent living. Please join us in renewing and rebuilding the lives of these brave women – #Be1of5000.
