As we all know, the current recession isn’t fun for anyone. Friends and neighbors have lost their jobs, and are worried about how to provide for their families. Some are no longer able to afford their expensive mortgages and are being forced to foreclose on their homes. Businesses large and small are shutting down, and for many of us, even a night out at the movies seems like an unaffordable luxury.
We won’t deny that times are tough—but at the same time, our current economic hardships are helping people to become more compassionate to those around them than ever before. Here are five inspiring stories that have come out of the recession.
Laid-off employees join forces to volunteer in their community
After Portland, Oregon man Seth Reams lost his job in December, he spent all his time searching want ads and sending out resumes with no luck. But rather than getting down about his situation, he decided to start doing something useful with all his extra time until he could find a new job. He and his girlfriend, Michelle King, decided to create a blog, We’ve Got Time to Help, which would compile community volunteer opportunities for everyone who had a few extra hours to pitch in.
Since launching the Web site in January, Reams’ group has grown to more than 100 volunteers, including fellow laid-off employees, retirees, and stay-at-home moms, who have together tackled more than sixty local volunteer projects for Portland residents in need. Even though Reams is still looking for work, his new project has taught him that, “There are so many people out there who are willing to help, willing to step out of their lives and their homes to help their neighbors, their community and their city,” he told Seattle’s KOMO News. “I think that’s probably the most positive lesson that I’ve learned.”
More people are giving to food banks than ever before
This year, more people than ever are seeking help to feed their families from area food banks—but those who are able to provide support are opening their wallets and pantry doors at a higher rate than ever before. According to USA Today, national food bank network Feeding America has seen an increase of 20 percent in food donations, and 46 percent in cash donations in the last year.
