Engineering students in fourth grade are finishing up their presentations with a little of my guidance. Also, we had a large gathering and excellent participation tonight for the Beaverton Together Town Hall on teen substance at which I volunteered to speak.

I saw this post on 1000 Mitzvah’s, which comes from the Portland Rescue Mission. I hope to incorporate this into my giving. Here are the ones that are the most insightful to me.

• Smile and actually say hello. Go out of your way to approach rather than avoid them. Acknowledging the person shows respect. It gives dignity.
• Don’t give money. Ask what their greatest need is.  If money, what will they do with it?  Think creatively about how to help.  In most cases, meeting the actual immediate need for food or clothing is best.
• Offer an alternative.  Keep care packages with you that include socks, toothbrushes and toothpaste, soap, bottled water, healthy food items or gift certificates for food.  Include our meal vouchers (PDF).
• Carry public transportation (www.trimet.org) tickets and encourage them to get to Portland Rescue Mission for food, shelter and other immediate needs (Skidmore Fountain stop).  Let the person know that you support Portland Rescue Mission so that their needs will be met.