We sometimes think of famous people as being out of touch with everyday life.
Oftentimes, huge amounts of money, fancy homes can make them seem like they have forgotten what life might have been like for them before they became famous.
But, once in a while, someone comes along that breaks that stereotype. They show us that kindness can be found anywhere.
Actress Jennifer Garner has made a name for herself in TV’s “Alias” and in movies like “13 going on 30.” She also is known for her viral videos on TikTok , where she does ‘Pretend Cooking Show’, where she cooks recipes from her favorite chefs.
But recently she has sparked attention for a whole different reason. She’s on a mission to get people to do random acts of kindness to help change the world.
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One of her biggest causes is helping those who live on the streets. Homelessness has been on the rise steadily in America. With inflation increasing day-to-day prices, and housing costs skyrocketing, the streets have sadly seen more and more people living there, with little hope.
Garner wants people to know that there are simple ways to help. In an Instagram reel that has gone viral, she told viewers how a simple Ziplock bag could make a difference.
“Random act of kindness: gather these essentials in a quart sized ziploc bag and keep them in your car to give away when you see someone in need,” she wrote in the post. “A pair of thick socks. Kleenex. Hand wipes. Disposable toothbrushes. Chapstick. A couple of granola bars. I forgot this time, but like to add feminine hygiene products, too. Add $5, $10, $20 and a smile.”
Actress Jennifer Garner hands out much-needed items for the homeless. Garner has gone viral for her simple way to do random acts of kindness for others. Photo from Instagram
Diane O’Connell, a community lawyer for the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, said for those who weren’t able to donate, that there was something even simpler they could do.
If you don’t have money or time, or capacity to donate, I still think it’s nice to be respectful and say hello,” she said.
O’Connell also said that instead of money, gift cards to local restaurants would be equally helpful.
“Simple, cheap foods like bagels and doughnuts aren’t that helpful,” she said. “People who are homeless can usually buy things like that for themselves.” Often what people experiencing homelessness need is a hot meal, she said, because that’s more difficult for them to buy.
For Garner, she said that there was a moment where she recognized not only how important it was to help others, but to inspire her own children to do this as well. She had seen a man who was trying to cross a street, but having trouble. So she stopped to help. That day she was with her three children – Violet, Seraphina and Samuel.
“It wasn’t a huge thing,” Garner said. “But my kids have spoken more about that moment than anything else.”
And, she said, that while talking about kindness is one thing to do – it’s more important to act on those intentions as well.
“I think the most powerful thing to do is to live it,” Garner said. “And live it rippling out from your home, whether that’s a next door neighbor or someone at church, taking them a meal and taking your kids along as you do it.”
For something bigger, like really being involved in an organization, let your kids see it matter to you. That’s the way to teach them.”
The actress has another important goal to help feed hungry children. She created a baby food brand ‘Once Upon a Farm’, which works with the ‘Save the Children’ organization. The goal is to give more than 1 million meals by 2024 to children in need through the ‘A Million Meals’ program.
“Once Upon a Farm is small, but we wanted to really show that we are serious about making this impact and A Million [Meals] is a daunting, audacious goal, but why not? So that’s what we’re going with,” she said.
And for Garner, it all comes down to a simple rule. “Just help in some way. Be your own kind of first responder. It will restore you and your faith in humanity,” she said.
If you would like to make your own Ziploc bag, here are some items you can include:
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Toothpaste
- Hair brushes and toothbrushes
- Soap
- Lotions
- Nail clippers
- Feminine hygiene products
- Reusable containers
You can watch Garner and her random acts of kindness, below.
