Do the good you can, when you can

The convenience store where I stop each morning for my daily dose of caffeine is running a promotion. I’m not entirely sure what the purpose is - other than moving more snack cakes - but if the store sells the most Little Debbies, they win $1,000.

Earlier this week, the clerk asked if I wanted to add a snack cake to my purchase. I definitely didn’t need one, but I wanted to help, so I said “sure” and asked her to donate it to someone who might enjoy it. She thanked me and promised she’d find the right person.

Fast forward a few days. I walked in this morning, and her face lit up. She couldn’t wait to tell me about a young autistic boy who often comes in with his mom. 

“He’s non-verbal - or at least I thought he was,” the clerk said. She gave him the snack cake I’d donated. The next day he came back with his mom and said to her, “Thanks for the snack cake. You’re my favorite person.”

She told me she stood there in shock. Those were the first words he’d ever spoken to her. She threw up a fist pump and said it made her whole day.

And honestly? She made mine.

It’s a reminder that making a difference doesn’t always require grand gestures, big checks or heroic efforts. Sometimes it’s just a few extra dollars in your pocket and the willingness to say “sure.” Or, like the clerk, knowing when someone needs a little extra brightness in their day.

And here’s the real truth: we don’t need to wait for a holiday, a season of giving or a special campaign to offer kindness. Every ordinary day gives us a chance to do something small that could mean something big to someone else.

So don’t wait - do the good you can, when you can.