While looking after ourselves is greatly important during the COVID pandemic, it only takes a small gesture to show others that we’re here for them.
Life throws all sorts of hurdles at all of us, and some people are dealt worse cards than others. When it comes down to it, though, no matter what kinds of lifestyles we lead, there’s not much that sets us humans apart.
In Thomasville, Georgia, a police officer showed us just how easy it is to look out for a stranger in need.
Officer Bryan Willians, of The Thomasville Police Department, carried out an act of kindness that was shared to the department’s Facebook page in December last year.
The post features Officer Williams crouching down beside a homeless man, who was showing a new tent, still in its packaging, to the camera.
It transpires that Officer Williams had bought the citizen the tent with his own money.
According to the TPD, feeling concerned about the man after the local area had experienced a number of cold, rainy winter days, Officer Williams bought the tent to help the man stay warm and sheltered.
On the Facebook post’s caption, a TPD representative wrote:
“Every one of us has the potential to do something meaningful for someone else. It doesn’t have to be expensive, it doesn’t have to be extravagant. A gift, an act of service, a kind word. It just comes from the heart.”
The goal of this post was to bring attention to Officer Williams’ actions – not because he wanted praise, but because the police department was keen to inspire others to follow in his footsteps.
It’s easy to help another person in need, whether by offering a kind word of support or a physical gift.
The department wrote:
“The citizen gave us permission to post this photo to inspire others to think, ‘what can I do?’ The desire to serve is at the heart of policing.”
The post has gone on to receive hundreds of likes, shares and comments.
Officer Williams has certainly succeeded in encouraging others to carry out their own acts of kindness – but what if you need a bit more inspiration?
There are so many direct and indirect ways you can choose to help another person. Even something as small as holding a door open for somebody, calling on a friend to check they’re okay, bringing dinner to an elderly neighbor, or letting a car in on the highway can improve someone’s day.
If it’s safe to do so in your area, you could also consider volunteering your time to a cause.
Whether working at a local food bank, litter picking in your town’s parks, or offering assistance at animal shelters or retirement homes, community service is another great way to improve the lives of others.
Officer Williams’ act of kindness is a great example of how we can strive to be more giving and grateful people this year.
You can check out the Thomasville Police Department’s Facebook post here.
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