Have you heard the story of Reed Sandridge, who, after getting laid off from his job, embarked on a Year of Giving? He goes out in search of perfect strangers, hands them $10 and asks for their personal story–which he posts on his blog.
I used to write a blog called “Character Sketches,” but this gives the phrase new meaning.
About 30% of the recipients of the $10 used it for food or beverages — like a latte. But the next most common use for the cash was to give it away to someone in need.
And if you read a story that moves you — someone who you might hire, someone whom you could introduce to a contact — Mr. Sandridge has a page for followup, where readers can lend a hand.
Says his brother, Ryan, to the Washington Post:
“He forces attention to people who are usually ignored… I hope others maybe slow their life down just a little bit and see that there’s more than just the daily grind. I don’t know if that’s part of his message or not — but that’s one of the things I take out of it. Look around, pay more attention, be more giving.”
The Year of Giving has gotten some local coverage in the Washington area, but from what I can tell, Reed Sandridge isn’t in it for the press: It seems like he’s just doing this on his own, to be altruistic. I love this story.