How one woman with a van inspires others through random acts of kindness
[August 8, 2021: KRISTEN ANZUINI]
Life hasn’t always been easy for Sharon Johnson.
“I never thought I would be homeless," Johnson said. "Life happened and I was in an abusive situation and I refused to be abused.”
Even while she was homeless and at her lowest, the Cleveland native always found ways to give back.
"I gave a woman at a public library a fresh flower and a butterfly decal to put on her phone," she said. "I went back the next day and she revealed she was on her way to commit suicide.”
That simple act of kindness not only saved a life but it changed Johnson forever.
"It wasn’t what I gave her, it was the whole idea that I gave it to her," Johnson said "It forever changed my life."
Johnson is no longer homeless but she continues to help others with her organization called 'Never Give Up, Never Quit.'
"We are a charitable organization of random acts of kindness," she said. "We primarily focus on low-income areas and we go and just open up the truck and we give random acts of kindness.”
From the back of her van, Johnson hands out various items like gift cards, journals, t-shirts and purses with the purpose of making someone's day better.
Johnson doesn't stop at just giving away items, she also takes the time to get to know each person who approaches her van.
The organization relies heavily on donations and help from volunteers.
Johnson and her team take her van across the country to different cities in need of some cheering up.
You can volunteer or donate by going to nevergiveupneverquit.org.
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