by Julio Ibarra

Created on: July 23, 2009   Last Updated: July 24, 2009

Help someone you know, or how about a total stranger, and why not? What about if you are that stranger? Here are a few simple tips for helping those in need during a recession. It is beyond offering gifts of money. That is only a temporary fix. Be a leader.

Some would not consider offering a stranger anything at all, possibly because of our own circumstances. Knocking on your neighbor's door with food in hand would be a simple and grateful thought, or a simple phone call and hearing a concerned voice at the other end would be comforting to them.

Many are in denial when they first lose their jobs, they have not planned for such thing; they find themselves falling into a mound of debt. Then too realize they do not have enough to pay their bills. Advise to be proactive too take advantage of the unemployment services, offering your help even if they say, "no", a few times, in the long run it will benefit all.

Many people were not prepared for such a long economical crisis. Helping one another as a community will reap the benefits not only for one family, but quite a few families. Your area can use a team leader; it can be you!

Sewing, sharing and giving clothing would help, or stopping by the nearest thrift shop would save everyone money. If your friends or neighbors are unemployed assisting them in seeking a job, reviewing their resume. After all, two pairs of eyes are better than one. A little sound advice coming from someone you know; it is better than someone you do not know.

Use your resources from having a garage sale too cutting the lawn and those of your neighbor's. Forming a community food bank, buying food in bulk amounts with a few neighbors would save money during this economical crunch. Farming a parcel or growing small vegetables in a planter, if you have a small apartment. Cut down the cost of food, yes, you say, "it is only a few cents", but in our case every cent counts as a dollar. Visit a food warehouses that the general public can use.

Carpooling; are they going in your direction, take them too the nearest public transportation. Following these simple suggestions will help you help during this crisis, and you will have become a great leader never to be forgotten.

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