Elizabeth Clay decided to drive her old car back to her hometown. But while she was driving home, she got a flat tire. Unfortunately, there was no spare tire in the trunk（后备箱）.

A couple were driving down the road and stopped to help Clay. The couple picked her up and drove her to a gas station nearby. But when they arrived, they found that the gas station didn’t have the right kind of tire for her car. So the couple invited Clay to go to their home.

The couple called around to look for a suitable tire, but couldn’t find anyone who had one. They finally decided to let her use their car. They gave her the keys and insisted that she take it, saying that they wouldn’t be using it during the holiday anyway.

Clay was surprised. “But I’m going all the way to South Carolina! I’ll be gone for two weeks,” she told them. “We know,” they said. “We’ll be here when you get back. Here’s our number if you need to get in touch with us.”

Clay watched as the couple put her luggage into the car and sent her on her way. Two weeks later, she returned to find her old car cleaned inside and out with three new tires.

“Thank you so much,” she said. “You didn’t need to do this.” The couple said, “It is our pleasure to help others.” Clay realized that it can feel good to help others. She decided to help others like the couple helped her.

Henry is going through a very hard time. His wife has just passed away. He feels that life without her is pointless. For months, Henry sits in his house, doing nothing. His family try to encourage him to do new things and enjoy life, but they’re not successful.

Henry’s neighbor, an old woman named Lisa, sees him from her yard one day. She has not seen him outside in days! She asks him to come closer to the fence(篱笆) next to her house.

“Hello, Henry! Just look at this fence. It is falling apart. You are a strong man. Can you help me fix this fence?” Lisa asks.

Henry is angry inside. He is the one who needs help right now. He thinks the old lady is being kind of rude. But she is too old to fix the fence herself, so he agrees.

Henry works on the fence for days. Lisa brings him lemonade while he works. When he finishes, she thanks him. Henry smiles for the first time in months.

“What a wonderful job! Could you please paint it for me?” Lisa says to him.

Henry cannot believe she is asking for more help. Doesn’t she know how sad he is? But because he respects her, he agrees. He works hard painting the fence in the hot sun, but Lisa’s lemonade and encouragement are helpful. As their neighbors pass by, they all tell Henry what a beautiful job he has done. Henry feels very happy.

Henry no longer feels that life is pointless. He finally realizes that Lisa wasn’t being rude. She knows that staying busy can help us forget our sorrows. He helped her, but she truly saved him.

January: Charity (慈善) Month            Help others by joining in our activities!

Activity A: Collection (收集) of Old Clothes

Activity B: Flag-Selling

Activity C: Visit to Children’s Home

Write an e-mail to Mr. White from January 2 to January 5 if you want to join in Activity B or C. For more information, please call Miss Miller or Mr. Brown at 2569-4268.