The Power of a Small Act of Kindness

Santa Clarita is rich in non-profit organizations. Some support huge efforts in curing Cancer or heart disease and I applaud the important work they do. I am a proud member of Assistance League(R) Santa Clarita because I feel we do thousands of small acts of kindness that touch the lives of our community, which in turn, makes a powerful difference. This is one of those stories.
I received a call from a High School Basketball Coach who knew I was a member of Assistance League. He shared that he had a student on his team who needed our help. The student is being raised by a single Mother. He was a gifted athlete with very poor eyesight. He had one pair of glasses that if broken, his mother would not be able to financially replace. So, during Basketball Practice or during a game, the glasses were safely tucked away in his locker. Blurred vision impacts playing the fast-paced game of Basketball. Afraid to disappoint his teammates, his student tended to pass the ball to a fellow player rather than take the shot himself. This was a concern to the Coach, who watched a very strong player be less than he was capable of.
This student’s needs and our icareforkids program were a perfect match. Usually, our program provides eye exams and glasses for classroom use. Could we provide sport prescription goggles for use on the Basketball Court? The response, “Oh yes we can”! Within a week, an appointment occurred, and the sports goggles were made.
I received another call from a very grateful Coach. I could hear him choke up as he shared what a difference he got to observe. There was a new confidence in his student who was playing to his full potential. No more passing the ball for him, he was charging the ball down the court! Think about the power this small act of kindness made. Perhaps, it even led to a college scholarship!
For more information about Assistance League of Santa Clarita, visit www.assistanceleaguesantaclarita.org, or on Facebook and Instagram.