Giving Away $10 to Gain Much More

One man in Washington, D.C. is giving away $10 a day, every day, to a different stranger. And he is writing a blog about the experience, profiling each recipient of his gift for each day. The site is called Year of Giving, and it is an inspirational, dare I say heart-warming, chronicle of one man's journey of generosity. What is really impressive, is that he began this project right after he was laid off from his job--a time when $10 a day could come in really handy.

So, why is he doing this? He writes:

I started the Year of Giving on December 15th in memory of my mother who lost her long battle with heart disease on this day in 2006. She was a true altruist. She always thought of others before herself.

My goal is not to change the lives of those with whom I come in contact. Let’s face it, $10 dollars is not going to change someone’s life in and of itself. I do believe, however, that the act of giving will hopefully inspire others to pursue the ideals that the French philosopher Auguste Comte envisioned when he coined the term “altruism.” Whether that comes in the form of someone who reads this blog and wants to embark on their own Year of Giving or someone who uses the $10 to help someone else out, the specific results are less important than the overall good that we can achieve together.

It's fascinating to read the stories of those to whom he chooses to give the $10. He asks each individual how he or she plans to spend the money, and more often than not they plan to save it, treat someone else or give it away.

How does he decide who gets $10? He lets his gut guide him. Some are waitresses, some are clerks at hardware stores, some are bank tellers. Each person shares a little bit of themselves with this generous blogger, and he tells the story of their exchange for all the world to read. It's a moving chronicle of kind gestures and chance meetings.

He even interviews some of the recipients on video. Like this hilarious, engaging woman who gave her $10 away to someone else right on the spot, which is captured in this short clip:

How great is she?! And this blogger may have never had the chance to get to meet this amazing woman had he not started this project. How can you not be all smiles after watching that piece?

I love the Year of Giving project. What a fantastic idea. And his execution is even better. Check out the blog for more stories and videos of his experiment in daily giving. You won't be sorry you did.

Not all of us has $10 to give away, but what can you give a stranger each day that would put a smile on their face?

Comments

[lo ali]

i put a request for help from modest needs last year, i sent all my personal information. i never heard back from modest needs. but i am constantly being asked to help other people. i lost everything but to them that doesn't matter. i dont have money.

[brittney]

lo, I am sorry to hear that. I am going to send your email address to a Client Advocacy Specialist who will be in touch.

[John Smith]

your site ask for bank acct. info to insure that the person actually have icome which i understand;however, i do have a small acct.,but my finances are handled through a payee organization. how can i or what can i do to complete the application as that my bank doesnt show my rent cost and other expenses? I was left with and high electric bill by my ex in 04 and face being homeless from my sec8 if i don't have electric.my help is no longer helping w/this.

[brittney]

First of all, John, I am very sorry to hear of your situation. My advice to you is to give us a call so that we can put you in touch with your Client Advocacy Specialist who can assist you with your question.

The number is (212) 463-7042.