What overwhelmed me the most was how little effort and time out of my day was necessary to help out.  It was so easy, more people should do this.  For 2.5 hours out of my evening, I helped feed people who don’t always have a meal coming to them.  Each of the men there were pretty grateful.  Not that any one person did so much, but it meant something to them that someone would head down and help out.  The guys working there and the regular volunteers were pretty cool, most of them had come from the streets and through the Mission, have made it to better places.  It really was a nice thing to be a part of.  I might go back and do this one again.

Again again, please continue to donate!  We still have more to go before we reach our goal!  PLEASE HELP!

Thank you and be well,

Jess Lemmon

Buuttt…. I’ve passed $400, so that means another day of volunteering, here’s what I’ve signed up for:

Teen Outreach @ Aviva

This organization is actually kind of similar to where my mom works.  It’ll be interesting and neat being a part of that.

Even more interesting, my efforts have inspired some volunteering amongst my friends.  A friend and I will signed up to volunteer for that Adventures w/ Apes program that I posted a few posts ago.

This has all been going along quite wonderfully.  I really am excited about all the efforts and support that has been put in.  I know I touched on this last post, but I’m a little overwhelmed with how good and right this feels for me.  I’ve always wanted to help the people – as broad and granola as that sounds – and now I am.  It’s truly rewarding.

Upwards and whatnot… had an interesting kindness act today.  On my way home from work – oh and for those of you on the east coast, we finally caught up to you… today was a scorcher, so hot! compared to our past weeks of overcast and mild weather – but anyway, on the way home from work at the 101 off ramp there was a guy with his “homeless please help” sign.  Instead of reaching for money, I often look to see if I have any food that I’m not going eat – usually a bag of chips or something.  This time, I had a 1.5 liter bottle of water left over from hiking this past weekend, so especially on this sweltering day of heat, I figured he could use the hydration.  He was grateful, we talked about the heat for a moment, and then I saw the car behind me collecting change to give this guy.  Who knows, but I’d like to think that my handout prompted others.  A little bit of see kindness, do kindness.  It made me feel good.

I added a new page to the blog… Info on Haiti.  Check it out – it’s a bunch of articles I’ve come across about Haiti.  It’ll give a little bit of insight as to the current situation going on there and really shows how much help they need.  It’s going to be a while before Haiti is back on its feet and the goal is this time around they’re able to maintain self-sufficiency.  It’s truly a vibrant and valuable culture and it’d seem tragic for it to wash away due to greed and apathy.

Thank you so much all my friends and family.  Please keep donating and please pass this along to others who may be interested in helping.

Thank you and take care!

Jess Lemmon

By the by… here’s a graphic Ali made to campaign for more donations, please feel free to pass this around too!

It’s been a VERY successful week.  Last Thursday alone, you guys sent in $145.  I have since broken the $300 mark, and as promised I will be volunteering for three days at a local organization.  Here are the ones I’ve signed up for…

Meal Service @ L.A. Mission

Franklin Canyon Park Conservation

Lifting Spirits @ Women’s Village

I’m pretty excited about these and actually think I might keep up with it even after this project is over.  I didn’t realize how easy it is to just go in and give a few hours of your time to help out.  This whole experience has been very rewarding and kind of opening up a part of me that’s always been there but not as active.  I normally hate asking even friends for money they owe me, but with such an important cause to me – as some of you have experienced already – there is no shyness in my approach to raising funds for this event in Leogane.   Overall, I’m feeling more comfortable and excited getting involved with fundraising and other meaningful causes.  More and more, I’m seeing my future involving helping others in some way.

And on to kind acts…

Last Friday, as I was walking along Ventura Blvd towards Sepulveda, I had finished my drink and looked for a trash can.  My mind was blown that I had not passed a single curbside trash bin during the 0.8 mile stroll (we’re in LA so forget the idea of there being recycling bins).  I don’t know, I just feel used to there being a bin or something every block or so.  There was one trash can on the sidewalk across the street, but as you can imagine, there was tons more trash on the ground than the amount making it into that bin.  Well, I found an empty plastic bag, and started picking up some pieces of trash along my way (I did leave anything that looked like it may have given me a disease or something).  And then finally at Ventura/Sepulveda, at the bus stops, there were trash bins and in the bag went.  If only California and its cities weren’t so broke right now… it might be worthwhile to write to someone official to look into one or two more trash cans.  There’s also an empty lot along that walk that I’ve always wanted to see turned into a park.  Maybe that’s a project for the future!

On Saturday I had a nice little exchange of kindness.  At the cashier paying for breakfast, we chatted up the lady at the cashier and you could tell she was having a rough day.  She seemed relieved to be able to complain about it and just chat for a few minutes about nothing in particular.  She said we were nice and gave us coupons as we left.  While I don’t think this particular conversation brightened up or changed her day much, there really was a change in her demeanor as we left.  As if we just gave here a little escape, or moment of relief or relaxation.  It’s funny that just being friendly really does affect others.

Check out these photos – an ongoing series published in the LA Times.

Haiti Earthquake Disaster Photos

It starts with the most recent events, like children back in schools that are reopening, mass funerals, but there’s still fights over food distribution as you’ll see.  It’s so easy to remove ourselves from it all, especially in our information ADD type culture.  This earthquake happened seven months ago and which with today’s current event and information turnover, makes it so old and long ago.  I can only imagine how the disaster has left most people’s minds or just through being so removed just don’t think of all the work that still needs to be done.  Haiti is going to be critically wounded for a while now; it was already in such bad shape before the earthquake.  And unfortunately government corruption is only delaying the process (see article). 

Sending aid isn’t quite cutting it, unfortunately, and while most of the change that the Haitians need is way beyond our control…. I’m thrilled that I can do at least my part to directly affect the lives of a community.  I can only imagine how humbling it will be to hold someone’s hand who’s been through this, sees things we don’t even dream of, and lives with it everyday.

Please, please, please, please… help us give these people just one day of happiness, good food, and good music and dancing – an escape from the daily horrors that is their life. 

My heart is reaching out to you to help out.  I can’t tell you how appreciative I am of your support.  And seriously… every little bit helps.

Be well friends… til next time!

Jess Lemmon

But we still really need your help!  Please donate for the community event!

Remember, as little as $10 makes a big difference.  If just 200 people gave $10 each, we’d reach our goal!  And time is running out!

Check out this recent LA Times article about a Haitian mother who visits her children she had to send to an orphanage while they rebuilt their life in the city.  It shows how much sadness yet how much hope is there.

It’s been a busy week, but not too busy for random acts of kindness!  Monday was a lovely day, I brought my friends to check out this neat spot we found in Malibu Creek State Park.  It was really great, we got to swim around in this rock pool and go cliff jumping, a wonderful way to spend a day off work.  They were so happy I brought them there.

Tuesday, the stand out act was that I saw a man carrying a large box into his apartment and knew he’d have to go through a few doors to get into the complex.  I was ready to walk on by, thinking he’d be fine, and you know what, I’m sure he would have.  But that’s what random acts of kindness are all about, going out of your way to help someone out.  So yes, I doublebacked and opened the doors for him.

Today, I have begun writing thank you letters to all those who have so kindly donated so far.  So please look at for those and please continue to follow along. We still need your support!

Today’s local volunteer spotlight… Adventures with Apes at the Gibbon Center (in Santa Clarita, CA)!

Thank you again for following along and all your donations.  I can’t wait to see this event take form and lift the spirits of a lot of Haitians in need of some fun!

Take care,

Jess Lemmon

Happy 4th of July!

Hope everyone’s having a happy and delicious freedom day.

So, Wednesday I had an interesting encounter at Hollywood and Highland before my shift at the Egyptian Theatre.  While I was killing some time and reading on one of the benches, a man came up to me with some papers to hand out.  Normally, since this area has tons of people canvassing to promote their business, bar, club, religious ideas, etc, I tend to ignore it and say no thanks.  This guy had something better to offer.  He was selling his poetry.  I sat and talked with him briefly – he and his wife had recently moved from San Francisco to try to find work down here, but weren’t having much luck and were currently homeless living on Skid Row.  So he took to the streets to sell printouts of some of his poetry.  I always find it refreshing when someone who’s begging isn’t just begging, that they still hold that pride and insist on working for it in some way.  Two years ago, I remember having a similar conversation with another man who I encountered in a parking lot – he asked if he could wash my windows for a few dollars, and as we talked, he said that that’s why he’s cleaning random windows; he was going to earn and work whatever money he may get.

So I purchased the poetry from the poetry man (I feel terrible I’ve already forgotten his name) and some of it wasn’t bad.  I liked his first poem about fighting in the Vietnam War; his second was about getting hooked on crack, and the third was about God – I didn’t find this as impactful as the first, however.

If you want to learn more about homelessness in Los Angeles or want to spread your kindness to those who need it here, please check out the Los Angeles Homeless Services Coalition – an organization I worked for briefly.  There are more homeless in Los Angeles than in New York, Chicago, and San Francisco combined.  A good portion of that are adolescents that don’t fit in to the age categories of most shelters.  LAHSC is working to build more adolescent shelters that not only will house and feed them, but counsel them to help find education and work.  Check it out and if you can, they could use your donations as well.

Thursday and Friday – I didn’t find anything out of the ordinary to kind out about.  Of course, carried out my usual ways of holding doors open, smiling to strangers – oh there was one instance I think Thursday morning when walking my dog and saw an older Latina lady – someone who looked like she had worked every single day of her life so I smiled and said good morning, and she responded.  She had a pretty smile.  Who knows, but hopefully that could have lifted up the start of her morning.  It is funny how such a little act could change your day – someone being kind (or rude for that matter) just sets you off in a mood that sticks with you and creates a different approach to the day.

Saturday, (after Spain’s glorious win in the quarter-finals!) I was taking a friend home who asked if I could stop somewhere for him to cash his paychecks, which of course was no bother to me.  Well, turns out it took a lot longer than we expected.  I ended up waiting 2 hours while he opened up a bank account at the bank next door.  Now, of course, impatience sets in, but this is also the kind of person you can’t be mad at – he’s too kind and good of a person himself.  While waiting, I found ways to entertain myself – I played a game on my phone, scanned facebook, bought some bananas at the grocery store next door, walked around a pet store and played with a cute little kitty and had a staring contest with a parrot, and found a really neat soft and fuzzy shrub.  A lady was walking around the parking lot asking people if they would buy hand made dream catchers or donate to… now that I think of it, I can’t remember if it was a specific organization, but it was in support of Native Americans.  Either way, I unfortunately didn’t have any cash on me, so I couldn’t offer anything – it didn’t seem like she was having much luck with anyone else either.

Anyway, my friend finally came back and was profusely apologetic and asked how he could make it up to me.  So, I asked that he donate some money to the people of Leogane and he agreed.

It’s been an interesting experiment, if you will, this random acts of kindness – I’m noticing more of a change in me than others.  It’s just second nature now to go even further that I was before.  I don’t ignore random people as much, I’m more patient, go out of my way to hold doors, smile more, talk with more strangers, and not as cynical about people in general.  I’ve also felt like since starting this I’ve had generally good karma.  I’ve been getting great parking spots, got out of a speeding ticket (phew!), and got an unexpected promotion recently!  Things have been going well.

But PLEASE PLEASE friends, I ask that you take on some acts of kindness as well, and please donate so that this event can happen.  It’s only been six months to the earthquake, and there’s is still so much grief.  Please give the people of Leogane some much needed relief!

PLEASE DONATE AND PASS THIS ON TO YOUR FRIENDS, FAMILIES, COWORKERS.

Thank you! And have a safe holiday weekend!

Jess Lemmon

For anyone that wants to volunteer around Los Angeles but doesn’t have much time to do so, check out this website… L.A. Works.  It’s a database of volunteer opportunities in Los Angeles County – you can volunteer for a few hours, a day, or on a continued basis.  This is where I’ll be finding the local organizations I’ll volunteer with once we reach $100!  I’m leaning towards this one, Toddler Time at L.A. Family Housing.

Yesterday after a doctor’s appointment, I was leaving as I saw a woman with her arm in a sling struggling to look through her purse for her keys.  With kindness in mine, I stopped to help her out.  Held her purse open for her while she found them and walked with her to her car.  While I’m sure she would have gotten to them eventually on her own, I like to show people that others around them are still friendly and do care.  A simple helping hand doesn’t need to be a rarity.

This whole mission has already been affecting me.  Just simple things that I feel that I would normally shrug off or think “I’m not in the mood to help right now” or just that I didn’t want to get involved now motivate me to be that unique moment for someone else.  Or maybe just to bring back general kindness for your fellow human.  I’ve been going out of my way to open doors for people or answer questions, etc.  It is nice; it’s a reminder that this culture isn’t completely shot and there’s a hope.  As Ali’s written in her blog, I just hope that it affects these people too and maybe they’re passing it along.

Thanks friends and hope you are well.

Til next time,

Jess Lemmon

I started receiving donations yesterday!  Thank you all so much for your help; it is IMMENSELY appreciated.  For each donation made, I will give one hug to a Haitian! 

Today’s kind act… unfortunately, we just found out my dog has a tape worm, poor pup, so I went to the vet today to pick up some medicine.  While a wonderful vet they are, they have a terribly small parking lot in the back, and this one woman was having the absolute worst time ever trying to get out of her space.  Now most of us have been there – the 5 to 15 point turn – and know how frustrating this can be.  Now imagine adding a little chihuaha running around the car and barking while doing it.  Ay dios mio!  I got out of the car to help navigate her way to freedom.  She was so relieved, and having a little dog that likes to run around from window to window myself, I say no worries, I’ve been there!

And for those who were concerned about my dog, don’t worry, she’s gonna make it!

Take care my friends!  Til tomorrow,

Jess Lemmon

So this weekend I kept being on the lookout of things I could do.  It’s actually been a challenge for me to actively seek out random acts of kindess to report back because I honestly I just naturally smile and say hello or engage in friendly conversation to people around me.  I’m always the one to hold the door open or let you go ahead of me in line if you just have one thing kind of deal, etc.  So I’ve been on the lookout for things that can take me above and beyond – going to extra mile and whatnot.

No extra miles occurred this past weekend.  However, Sunday I did do something I don’t normally do.  I’m usually not comfortable with beggers on the curb or highway off-ramp or anyone that comes up to your car window and asks for money or food.  So, last night as I was getting off the 101 I saw a man asking for money, and I figured here we go, why not.  He was very grateful and said “God Bless, may you win the jackpot lottery next weekend.”  I said I hope so too.

As it’s getting closer and closer to August, I’m more and more excited.  I wish I could stay longer than a week in Haiti this time… we’ll see how it goes and maybe I’ll just have to come back again.  For anyone who’s interested in traveling and helping out your fellow man or environment, check out GoAbroad.com.  There’s so many places to go and things to do, and honestly who doesn’t want to travel and see the world???

“That learning with one gets by one’s own observation and experience, is far beyond that which one gets by precept; as the knowledge of a travel exceeds that which is got by reading.” -  Thomas à Kempis

Until later, take care!

Jess Lemmon

So far, today’s act of kindness was making coffee for a coworker who was having a dragging along day.  She’s usually the one to make the much needed afternoon pot of coffee and let everyone know and clean everything up afterwards; it was nice to return the favor today.

Now, I’m off to my volunteer shift at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood, where I’m bound to see fellow humans I can give a helping hand, I’m sure.  For those who are unfamiliar with Los Angeles and Hollywood, there’s usually this perception of glamour and glitz when one thinks of Hollywood.  Trust me… Hollywood Blvd is nothing like this.  My 2-1/2 block trek from the Hollywood & Highland parking garage to the theatre is always interesting, I never know who/what I’m going to encounter.  We’ll see what happens today, I’ll report back tomorrow!

Friends, if I could just leave you with this thought as you prepare for happy hour and the weekend…  If you only have 2 drinks instead of 4 tonight, that’s $10-$15 right there that could go to helping out a struggling community.

Much love my friends. Take Care!

Jess Lemmon

On August 9, I will be traveling to Leogane, Haiti to volunteer with the Colline Foundation. The Colline Foundation was founded in 2009 to “initiate philanthropic endeavors using the school Colline Academie as our base.” Unfortunately, the thriving Colline Academie was destroyed in the Jan 12 earthquake, and since then, founders Jimmy Toussaint and Gary Dargenson have been using the foundation to provide opportunites for those that wish to personally lend a helping hand to Haiti…. Like me!

And like my co-volunteer Ali McEwen. Ali had the brilliant idea of fundraising before our departure. She asked Jimmy Toussaint what she could do and his response was:

“the community in Leogane have been stressed out for a very long time now. The epicenter was closer to them than anyone else in Haiti, but yet they received very little attention after the quake. If we can host a community event, they will be thankful for it. Just something to keep their minds of their daily struggle. This event can have live performances by local musicians, a DJ and food. The cost can be upwards to $2,000. USD. And, it would actually be a big turn out.“

So, along with Ali, I will be performing random acts of kindess each day for the next 30 days, and for each $100 raised, I will volunteer for a day at a local charity or organization. I’m open for suggestions of kind acts and maybe this will inspire kind acts in others.

Please donate and bring some relief and joy to the community of Leogane!

Thank you and take care,

Jess Lemmon