Well, not too long ago (3 weeks), I got back from Cuba.
I took 2 suitcases with me. 1 filled with clothing, the other filled with necessities, presents and other goods for Cubans.
From pencils, pens,colored markers, notebooks for school, calculators, a few toys, nutella spread, gummi bears and other candy, even playing cards, and canadian soveniers, even teddy bears and beach footballs (all in all worth more then $150).
Anyways, to give those gifts to people that really need them, (paper products, school supplies are very limited and rare to find there), was awesome.
To see them smile and being happy, was priceless (nevermind how gratefully they thanked me, which was rather embarressing, I don't liked to get thanked for something I already planned doing).
And just for little things, that no one in the `western world`would really even care about that much (we are just too spoiled).
When, I gave those beach footballs away, I went to the pool searching for a Cuban family. If they answered with Mexico, Argentina or even Canada.. I moved on....
Finally found a cuban family, actually 2 that went together on vacation. Thier kids were soo happy, when I threw them the balls.
Their parents made those poor kids come out of the pool and made them say Thank-you to me.
Anyways, I ended up sitting with that family for hrs afterwards... more hand language then anything else.... but it was nice to get to know them.
And, I gave them some school supplies, later too. They told me they couldn`t even buy that in Havanna ! (where they were from).
Anyways, all my other gifts went to bar staff, the maid service, waiters/waitresses, even the lifeguard got something (I always asked if they had Bambinos).
Like I said, the reaction of thier smiles and happiness was priceless.
And it felt soo great to help these people out , by basically giving them just some few basic items that we all take for granted.
MInd you, I did get some benefits out of it. I never had to wait in line for a drink, got a second afternoon room service, to stock up my minifridge, with whatever I needed, be it beer or bottled water or soda.
And, I got this lovely hand written note from the lady that cleaned my room daily:
" Dear Guest,
for me has been pleasure to work for you
I wish you have a good travel tomorrow
Thank you for your presents
You a good person
Have a nice day
Your friend
Lislaylin "
Anyways, just trying to say, giving something in person, is truely a much better experience then having a boss tell you, you should give to UW.
Besides, you really never see where that money goes, and you really don't get that sort of "great good feeling" as if you handed charity over yourself !
I don't care about tax deductions. Why should I let other tax payers partially pay for my donations that I want to give from my own heart, anyways ?
