$10 and 3 hugs

Last week I attended my 2 times a year advisory board meeting for Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC). I sit on an advisory team for the web development courses that they teach.

The meeting was at their Midtown Harrisburg campus. It’s not in a really bad neighborhood but not great either. As I was getting into my car, I saw a man and a woman talking. They were in their early 30’s, I guess. I made eye contact with the man and he started to come over. I knew he wasn’t going to ask for directions. He asked me for $3.50 for bus fare. I gave him a $10. He hugged me several times in appreciation.

I look for these opportunities to give. I actually keep money in my wallet and car so I can be ready for these opportunities. I could have gotten into my car quickly when he started to approach, but I didn’t. I could have told him I didn’t have any money, but I didn’t. I could have thought, “he’s just going to buy drugs with the money,” but I didn’t. The $10 was no big deal to me, but to him it meant the world.

I always feel good when I can help someone, even if it’s only in a small way.