Give without expecting anything in return

Hi neighbour! When Maviswent to collect the sewing machine which Mrs Barneshad promised her, she was awestruck at this neighbour's kindness. Along with the sewing machine, she received a "nice bundle of clothing".

She was overcome with emotion and even "got in Spirit" when Mrs Barnes offered to drop her home with the luggage. She had never before witnessed or experienced such an act of kindness! For a long time she had wanted to acquire a sewing machine to help generate income but had no purchasing power.

Having heard about our neighbourly activities, she turned to this column for a path to her dream. Yes, a caring neighbour read her case and helped to change her fortune.

Words were insufficient to express Mavis' gratitude. Two days later, she was at Mrs Barnes' home washing, cleaning, ironing to her heart's contentment. Mrs Barnes, whose motive for helping was not for a returned favour, nonetheless, allowed Mavis the pleasure of expressing her gratitude in that manner. Wasn't that kind of her? Truth is, it is virtually impossible to give with the correct motive and not be positively rewarded one way or another.

As a show of gratitude, Kim, who received a bed from us last year, unexpectedly turned up with an ackee plant and three grapefruits, from the country, for me one day. The gesture was well appreciated. She was not trying to compensate us for the bed but was just responding to the inner prompt to show gratitude.

I make the point that the preferred motive for giving is to give without expecting anything in return. Those who give with an ulterior motive can be very demanding - something must be given in return.

Movitation

Fortunately, most of those givers shy away from this column. In the same breath, we are very thankful for those rightly motivated neighbours who are not only attracted to this column but find giving to be very heart-warming.

I hope that a friend of mine who says that he doesn't read or listen to the news anymore (in order to ease his stress) is reading this column today.

One of the best ways to manage stress is to help others. Last week, I mentioned a Mrs Marshall who got a new lease on life through giving. For several weeks she was very dispirited for no known reason. She was prompted to start sharing her possessions with the hungry and naked, some of whom could not send their children to school. These were persons who could not repay her. The experience transformed her life dramatically. She became one of the world's happiest persons because she became one of the most generous givers.

There are lots of opportunities for generosity around us. Make a difference today.

Real name withheld for privacy.

Silton Townsend, author of 'Hello Mi Neighbour', is better known for his portrayal of the character 'Maas Gussie' in the once-aired local sitcom 'Lime Tree Lane'.

Thanks to these neighbours

1. Grace, St Andrew, for giving a twin bed and bed base to Claudia and family.

2. Althea, St Catherine, for offering a second-hand refrigerator to Jean from Kingston.

3. Opal, St Catherine, for her kind donation of a bed to a needy neighbour.

4. Antoinette, St Andrew, for offering casual clothing to boys.

5. Ms Robinson, St Andrew, for offering two double beds, in good condition, to Henrietta, St Andrew.

6. Jasmine, St Catherine, for donating a second-hand wheelchair, clothing, adult diapers, bed, to a neighbour in crisis.

7. Courtney, St Thomas, for offering a bed to Ms Francis, who needed one for her small family.

8. Mr Finlayson, St Andrew, for offering a living room suite to Janet, Clarendon.

9. Marsha, St Andrew, for connecting with Nicola, Clarendon, to offer her a two-burner stove.

10. Ms Hamilton, St Andrew, for financial assistance.

11. Ms Mills, St Andrew, for offering a bed to Rosemarie, a single mother of three.

12. Charmaine, St Andrew, for her financial contribution.

13. Cyber Dyne Graphic Design Studio, for contribution to Hello Mi Neighbour.

Opportunities to help neighbours

1. Marie, St Catherine, has one leg and needs a dry-cell battery for her motorised wheelchair. She is unable to afford one at this time.

2. Neighbour, St Catherine, asking for a used television to help with stimulation of her 17-year-old son who is retarded.

3. Mellisa, St Ann, who is pursing nursing studies, is asking neighbours for the book: Mosby Nursing Book, 7th Edition.

4. Anmarie, Clarendon, a single mother of three, is finding it very difficult coping financially. She's pleading for help her start a chicken-rearing business to help her son who has special needs.

5. Neighbour, St Andrew, elderly and in need of adult diapers; confined to bed.

6. Olive, St Catherine, asking for clothing for 10- and 12-year-old daughters.

7. Ms Taylor, Portland, single mother of seven children - father died; asking a neighbour to assist family with food and schooling.

8. Natasha, St James, a mother of two, trying to support her family financially; asking for a sewing machine to help realise her desire.

9. Ms Stephenson is badly in need of financial assistance to remove a tumour; has been able to find $200,000 so far. The total cost is $1.68 million.

10. Paulette, St Catherine, who cares for nine grandchildren, asking for food and clothing for girls - ages five and six years old - boys 10 and under.

To help, call 906-3167, 884-3866 or 373-7745, or email neighbourtoo@yahoo.com and we will facilitate the link. Those who desire to make financial donations to this project may make deposits to account 351 044 276 at the National Commercial Bank. Bank routing password: JNCBJMKX.