One Small Act Can Make a Difference
You may not be able to take away someone's burden. But you can help carry it.
Look for someone who needs a little extra support, find one small way to show up and Be That Something.
Be That Something
Share Story
Date
Find Simple Ways to Support Someone
You never know what someone is carrying.
Twenty-five years ago, The Salvation Army saw firsthand how small acts of kindness could help people through an unimaginable time. A hot meal. A place to sit. A listening ear. A prayer. A simple reminder that someone was there.
You do not have to have all the answers. You do not have to solve someone’s problems. You can simply Be That Something.
Here are a few simple ways to support someone who is grieving, overwhelmed, discouraged or going through a hard season.
How to Help Someone Feel Less Alone
Make the Call
Reach out to someone you have not heard from in a while and ask how they are really doing.
Try saying:
“Hey, you’ve been on my mind. How are you really doing? No need to call back right away. I just wanted you to know I’m here.”
Send a Thoughtful Text
A simple “Thinking about you today” can mean more than you realize.
Try saying:
“Thinking about you today. No need to respond. Just wanted you to know I’m in your corner.”
Sit With Them
If someone is going through something difficult, offer your presence instead of trying to find the perfect thing to say. Sit with them over coffee, take a walk together or simply spend some time in the same room.
Listen Without Trying to Fix the Problem
Let someone talk without immediately offering advice, solutions or your own experience. Sometimes being heard is what someone needs most.
Try saying:
“You don’t have to figure this out right now. I’m happy to just listen.”
Practical Ways to Help Someone Who Is Overwhelmed
Bring Dinner
You do not have to cook. Drop off something homemade, order their favorite takeout to their door or bring them a meal you know they will enjoy. The goal is to take one small task off their plate.
Try saying:
“Dinner is on me tonight. What sounds good? I can drop it off or have something delivered.”
Run an Errand
Offer to pick up groceries, prescriptions or other essentials while you are already out.
Try saying:
“I’m heading to the store. What can I pick up for you?”
Offer a Ride
Help someone get to an appointment, work, school or somewhere else they need to be.
Try saying:
“I can take you if you need a ride. What time should I pick you up?”
Take Something Specific Off Their List
Instead of saying, “Let me know if you need anything,” offer to handle something specific.
“I have some time this afternoon. Can I bring groceries, walk the dog or help with something around the house?”
How to Support Someone Going Through a Hard Season
Remember Important Dates
If someone is grieving or facing a difficult anniversary, put the date on your calendar. Reach out when it comes around instead of waiting for them to bring it up.
Try saying:
“I know today might be a hard day. I’m thinking about you, and I’m here if you want company.”
Keep Checking In
Support often fades after the first few weeks, even when someone’s difficult season has not ended. Keep reaching out.
Try saying:
“Just checking in again. How have you been doing lately? I’m still here.”
Send Something Personal
Mail a handwritten note or drop off a favorite snack, book, coffee or small gift that reminds someone you know and care about them.
Offer a Welcome Distraction
Invite someone to take a walk, grab coffee, see a movie or do something they enjoy. Give them an opportunity to step away from whatever feels heavy.
Try saying:
“Want to get out of the house with me for an hour? Coffee is on me.”
Meaningful Ways to Encourage Someone
Tell Them What You See in Them
Name a specific quality you admire rather than offering a general compliment. Maybe they are patient, resilient, generous, dependable, brave or thoughtful.
Try saying:
“I hope you know how much I admire your resilience. I’ve watched you keep showing up even when things have been really hard.”
Or:
“You’re one of the most dependable people I know. I hope you give yourself credit for that.”
Celebrate the Small Wins
Pay attention to progress that might seem insignificant to someone else. Finishing a difficult task, making an appointment, getting through a hard day or taking one step forward can all be worth celebrating.
Try saying:
“I know this might feel small, but I know how hard you’ve been working. I’m really proud of you.”
Show Up for Something That Matters to Them
Go to the game, presentation, performance, appointment or milestone. Sometimes knowing someone will be there makes the moment feel different.
Say Thank You
Tell a teacher, first responder, caregiver, volunteer or someone else who serves how much their work means.
Try saying:
“I don’t know if I tell you this enough, but the way you show up for people makes a difference. I’m really grateful for you.”
Practical Ways to Help Someone in Need
Share what you have.
If you have extra groceries, clothing, school supplies or another item someone needs, offer it instead of letting it sit unused.
Offer to share.
Have extra food after dinner? Make a plate for a neighbor. Made too much coffee? Bring a cup to a coworker. Sometimes sharing what you already have is the easiest way to help.
Cover a small expense.
Pay for someone's coffee, pick up their lunch or cover a small everyday expense when you know they're having a difficult week.
Try saying:
"I've got coffee today. Let me treat you."
Or:
"Lunch is on me. No reason other than I thought it might make your day a little easier."
Help with the thing they've been putting off.
Maybe they need help assembling furniture, moving a box, cleaning up the yard or organizing a room. Offer to do it together.
Try saying:
"You've had a lot going on. Want me to come over Saturday and help you knock that project out?"