This month GOOD is challenging people to give away $30 in the most “creative and inspiring way” one can think of.  Turns out, according to a study by the Women’s Philanthropy Institute, “the Americans who give away the biggest proportion of their own income are women who make $23,509 or less a year.”  Huh.  So, in other words, we don’t have to make a lot to make a difference.

 

I quickly knew how I was going to give away my $30.  I will readily admit it’s not creative or inspiring, but it’s something I have been procrastinating.  This challenge gave me the proper motivation.

I bought a twenty-four pack of Clif Bars. 

And here’s why:  They’re delicious.  They’re substantial.  They’re easy to give out while driving.

I’m not someone who gives money to people on the street.  However, I have given out items: food to someone who says they’re hungry or an umbrella to a guy on a rainy day.  But that’s when I have something readily available, which isn’t often.  Now I do.  Twenty-four bars to be exact.  (I’ve already alerted the Mister to this plan so he doesn’t get in the car and say, “Ooh!  Clif bars!”)

So now whenever I see someone with a sign saying they’re hungry, I’ll give them a Clif bar.  It isn’t much.  But it’s something.

Update:  Day 1 of Clif Bar Giveaway was a big failure.  One guy was too far away and by the time I got up to him the flow of traffic was moving too fast.  I wanted to give him a Clif bar, but I also didn’t want to throw it at his head as I drove past.  I maybe could’ve gotten one to the second guy I saw except I wasn’t in position to read his sign, so as far as I know he needed a ride across town, not a snack.