Cathy O’Grady is a Good Samaritan, but she didn’t think anyone would notice, and the reason she set on her mission of goodness will inspire you.   

 

 Blankets and gift cards line a bench, waiting to keep the homeless warm.

 

 

Cathy reached out to care for others to honor the memory of a dear friend.  She did her random acts of kindness in secret, but it was only a matter of time before someone caught on.

 

 

During the winter’s coldest months, Cathy purchased a huge number of blankets, and left them out for the homeless.  With each, she included a $5 gift card.

 

 

“It was me,” she admitted. “Somebody squealed on me. I’m not bummed, but I didn’t put it out there for me to be found. But I’m not bummed about it. If I can motivate other people to help out, that’s the purpose of all this.”

 

 

These kind acts were inspired by her friend Chad who fought a 318-day battle with cancer. Cathy did one act of kindness for each day he survived after his diagnosis. Chad’s wife Colleen soon joined her.

 

 

Together, Cathy, Colleen, and a few friends set on a mission to bless their city on a cold Saturday in February.  Cathy outlined her mission and vision, "During the day, we will share Chad’s story and encourage others to reach out and spread a little joy, especially through their sorrows. Although Chad’s time here has come to an end, on his behalf, we will personally reach out to 318 people who might need a positive moment or a helping hand."

 

Gift bags to show appreciation were left anonymously.

 

 

They planned and prepared weeks in advance. In one day this is what they did:  

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    • . They put together 250 care bags for nurses to show appreciation and lift spirits. In the bags they included a few fun treats and an original poem.
    • . While inside the hospitals, they planted 100 lottery tickets in the waiting rooms, and they handed out delicious cookies.
    • . They scattered 50 cards for free subway rides at a nearby subway station.
    • . They treated five strangers to coffee.
    • . The group left behind sixty quarters in grocery stores on gumball machines for children to enjoy.
    • . They bought three strangers a meal.
    • . They took 150 care packages to Thornton-Naumes House, the Hope Lodge, and the Beacon House. These are all lodging facilities for adults with cancer.

 

These amazing acts are shining examples of how we can spread the love of Jesus to anyone and everyone around us. You may not be able to reach 318 people just yet, but you surely can touch one.

 

You’ll never know whose life you can change. So let’s spread God’s love and the message of salvation – after all, when Jesus died for us He did the most amazing act of kindness ever known to man!


 
1 Corinthians 13:4 Love is patient, love is kind
Matthew 6:3-4  But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing so that your giving will be in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.


 
credit: Good News Network