A Dollar Bill and a Stamped Envelope

A dollar bill doesn't go too far these days. I can remember growing up that if you earned a dollar as a kid, the choices were endless at the general store.

Our family didn't have much spending money growing up. If we acquired some change, it was spent thoughtfully at Anderson's General Store in King Hill.

Selling pop bottles was the best source of income for us. We would gather as many bottles as we could find and take them down to the store. Chuck Anderson, the store owner would count the bottles and distribute cash to five very excited kids. It was a beneficial transaction for all concerned, because our money went right back into the cash register after we purchased our treasures or treats.

Anderson's General Store was a tourist attraction before the I-84 was built. People would stop to picnic at the nice green park supplied with tables and shade trees. And if you needed gas, Chuck thoughtfully checked your oil and washed your windows!

Sadly, a dollar does not buy much in today's market. Today's modern child isn't too impressed with a quarter or a single dollar. Now a five dollar bill might spark some interest, but it almost takes a twenty dollar bill to achieve the same excitement that we felt as kids with our crisp single dollar bill.

Our children do not need the best things that money can buy, but they do need to learn the true value of a good name and reputation. Or to understand the gift of a kind and generous heart.

So, allow me to clarify meaning of the title for this blog; a dollar bill and a stamped envelope. If schoolchildren can collect pounds of pennies, then surely adults could come together with a dollar each for a cause.

When I was a single mom, we didn't have a lot of money, but the kids and I would put our spare change into a big glass container. The dimes were for spending; the quarters for laundry, the pennies for saving and the nickels were for God. We saved a lot of nickels.

Oh I know that a single dollar will not ease the misery or poverty that we see every day or the aftermath of natural disasters. But $25.00 dollars put together by a group of friends or family would make a difference.

Sometimes we think too big about helping others in need. I always keep in mind the saying, "the slightest deed meets the sorest need."

You can give because you have to or because you feel guilty. But if your heart is in the right place, being generous is as natural as breathing. It doesn't matter if it is a local family in need or people from another country reeling from the aftermath of a natural disaster, our dollar will make a difference to someone.