Quote:
Originally Posted by leghome
It does feel good to give. I have a friend who has little money and had started to build a layout. I had a lot of extra flex track and sectional track plus several not needed buildings and rolling stock peices. We were in a chat room one night and he was talking about what he wanted to do to his layout. I got his address and sent him all of my spare stuff. When he opened the box his wife bout went nuts cause he spent to much money for RR items they did not need. She sent me a very noice thank you note when she realized what had happened. That really was a great feeling to get the note from her.
Yes, that's exactly what I am talking about.
__________________
Chip
I still think Chip's idea might work. I don't know if it would be allowed on this forum.
The main purpose would be to give your unneeded items to someone of your own choosing who needs what you have, and WITHOUT EXPECTING ANYTHING IN RETURN! The problem is getting these two people together in an atmosphere of trust.
Any program or procedure can always be corrupted or abused by dishonest individuals. It is an unfortunate fact of human nature. At some point, someone is bound to feel that they were taken advantage of. We are a limited group on this forum (large by model railroad forum standards, but limited), and to a degree we could be self-policing.
Perhaps those of us who are in need of an item could post it on a specific topic thread. Anyone who has items they no longer need can check the thread to see if someone needs what they have. Posters seeking items should make sure their e-mail address is in their profile. It would be up to the donor if they want to GIVE the item to someone, as long as it is understood that NOTHING will be received in return. Simply e-mail the person that you have the item and are willing to send it to them. Remember, as a DONOR, you are GIVING the item away for free. If you don't want to GIVE it away, don't respond to the request. The DONOR must always feel comfortable with making the gift.
I truly believe Chip's idea has a great deal of merit. I am sure there are many members on this forum who have experienced the kindness of others, and I am sure those members would like to offer similar kindnesses to others. Sort of a "Pay It Forward" kind of thing. I call it "Pass It On".
Years ago, LONG before the movie "Pay It Forward" was released, I lived 5 miles out of town. During a huge midwestern blizzard, I had to travel 20 miles to attend my Father's funeral. I would not have made it but for the two guys in a Jeep who cleared a path for me into town, even pulling other people out of drifts as they cleared my way. They would not accept anything from me for the favor they did for me! I vowed to help anyone in a similar situation. Living 5 miles from town, it wasn't long before I had the opportunity to help two elderly ladies whose car had quit just up the road from my house. After helping them, they offered to pay me. I explained what had happened to me and I said, "Yes, I will charge you for my help. The charge is to pass along the favor. Help someone else in need and you will have paid me in full." And thus was born my "Pass It On" program. I help you, you help someone else, they help others.
Can we "Pass It On"? I think we could.
Suggestions? Let's not criticize. Let's work on how we can make this program WORK!
Darrell, verbose, but quiet...for now