Weekly roundup: paying it forward

Welcome to another installment of the weekly roundup we all know and love: Friday potluck. Since thousands of people still have no heat, shelter, or hot food, I'm skipping the sarcastic humor. This week's theme is going to be recovery.

Random acts of kindness

Many families and businesses with power ran an extension cords to the street so others could charge cell phones and other devices.


Image source: acts of kindness photos

Pedal power

Volunteers are taking turns pedaling bicycle-driven generators to power water pumps and re-charge cell phones.


Image source

Shelter from the storm

From now until November 7th, Airbnb is waiving booking fees for stays in hurricane affected areas, and is encouraging hosts to reduce their prices for those looking for shelter from the storm.


Quotes of the week:

"You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late."
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted."
~Aesop

What other random acts of kindness have you witnessed or heard of this week?

Thursday thanks

Thank you notes I should have sent last month...

Dear Flight Attendant,
Thank you for being chipper and helpful, even at 5:30 in the morning. Most of us were sleepwalking and grumpy, but your enthusiasm made for a particularly pleasant flight. It was nice to hear announcements that had a little personality and weren't strictly scripted, and we passengers noticed the extra little details you put into making our trip as easy as possible.
Sincerely,
Frequent Flier

Dear Dog-walking Lady,
Thank you for keeping your dog on a leash while you were out for a walk. Your enthusiastic puppy looks like a handful, but with your kind guidance, I am sure he will grow into a fine adult. In the meantime, I am very thankful that you kept him from snapping at my shoelaces!
Sincerely,
Sunday Runner

Dear Grocery Store Baker,
Thank you for taking the time to find out why I was buying my pastries, so that you could tailor the order for me. The birthday recipient appreciated the extra attention to detail, and I appreciated your helpfulness.
Sincerely,
Sweet Tooth

What thank you note do you wish you could send this week?