Contribution to a good man's Christmas fund

I received a letter recently from a man I will call Carlos. He's in the middle of trying to buy Christmas gifts for his family and asked for a little extra assistance from me.

He's working, but not at a job that pays what is necessary to make ends meet every month. It seems like a lot of folks have found themselves in a similar situation. They are working hard, but right now they're just not earning what they may have been making a few years ago or at a previous job.

I am sending $200 to Carlos to use toward his Christmas fund this year.

As we celebrate our various holidays this year, remember to be generous with family, friends, neighbors and strangers. If you have a little extra, don't hesitate to share with those who have less than you or who may be struggling.

I continue to encourage your letters and look forward to continuing to respond to as many as I can.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you. I hope to return soon with more updates.

I'm back and ready to give away more free money

I've posted updates very infrequently in 2010 due to the sheer busy pace of life and other distractions. I don't suppose this is the best excuse in the world. But be assured that I am back and hope to update this blog much more often.

Although I haven't updated the blog, that hasn't slowed the pace of my giving. I've received hundreds of emails over this year and have tried to reply to many of them. I continue to share what I can with whomever I can too.

Let's start out today with a bang. Today's letter comes from Dennis, who lives somewhere in Tennessee. He tells me he's behind on car payments. But without a car, he can't look for jobs and go to the interviews he needs to find employment.

I'm sending Dennis $250 to help catch up on those car payments and hopefully get him back on track with his job hunting.

I know times are hard. But we've all got to pull together and help each other out. If you came here in need, know that I'm reading your messages and considering them carefully. In the meantime, no matter how little you have or how difficult things may be, remember that there are others out there struggling too. Perhaps you don't have the money to help them. But there are still ways you can make a difference. Donate clothing or household items to a charity like the Salvation Army or the United Way. Offer to rake leaves or mow the lawn of an elderly neighbor. Surprise a friend and invite them over for dinner with your family tonight.

We're not all rich in terms of dollars. But we're all able to make the world a better place. Think about this as you go about your day today.

Shared money with four folks this month

I've been lazy folks, and I apologize for neglecting all of you these last several weeks. I'm alive and well, hoping for spring to arrive soon so I can plant a vegetable garden. It's one of my hobbies and as March approaches I usually get pretty antsy for the long winter to finally end.

I've sent money to four people so far this month.

- $50 to Carl from Tupelo, MS
- $150 to Luz from Austin, TX
- $50 to Sally from Utah
- $150 to Joseph from Charleston, WV

Each of these folks sent me an email explaining their request for funds. Hopefully this money comes in handy for the bills they're trying to pay and the important goals they hope to achieve through saving money.

As always, I welcome your emails and requests. I read them and try to respond to them when I can.

Stay warm everyone. Spring is almost here. I can feel it!!

$500 to a couple from Phoenix

I've gotten several emails lately asking why I haven't updated this blog or given away any money lately. I figured it's easier to answer all of those questions here, rather than sending out a couple dozen emails saying essentially the same thing.

There are times when I simply don't get around to posting. That doesn't mean that I'm not reading your replies, responding when I can, or giving away money to those who want it and need. It just means that sometimes I'm a little lazy and don't post for a few weeks at a time.

Also, there are some people who write and ask for money, but specifically ask me not to post their details in the blog so that they can remain anonymous. I usually only use first names and your nearest major city (i.e. John Doe from Mayfield, Michigan may actually be called John from Traverse City on this site). But there are times when people ask that I don't even post that much info and I try to respect their request.

Such is the case today. A couple from Arizona will receive $500 to cover part of their house payment this month. Money was tight and they've written 3 times over the last four months requesting a grant of free money. I will refer to them as "a couple from Phoenix" even though they do not live in the city of Phoenix itself.

Nonetheless, I hope this money will go a long way toward helping them out.

As always, I appreciate and welcome your emails and requests, comments and questions. I can't respond to every message I get. But I will do my best to communicate with as many of my friends out there as possible.

And also remember that even though I don't post here every day, I still believe in my mission and still do my best to help those that I can.

Have a wonderful day!