I hear so many people ask the question “Can I really make a difference?” They think because they are just one person, what they do doesn’t matter. This is not true. What they do matters. What we all do matters. It is like a ripple in a pond when you toss in a rock. The one action of the rock hitting the water, causes ripples that expand across the water. One act of kindness can have a ripple effect on the world around you.
I recently read a story about a lady by the name of Mary Stumpp. What she is doing matters, especially to the Indianapolis public schools. A few years ago, Mary learned, from her 8-year-old neighbor, that some of the kids in his school couldn’t afford to go on a field trip. Mary began to think of ways that she could help. She noticed a lot of aluminum cans on the ground and in trash cans and thought these cans could be turned into cash. In 2007, Mary started The Can Lady Project. She is now known around her town as the can lady. Mary has worked with the local schools, businesses and office buildings to help recycle cans and other metals. She has recycle bins set up at several locations. She drives her truck, named Bruce, to collect the items a few days a week. She also picks up any cans or metals that she finds on the streets of her routes. In the first 10 years of The Can Lady Project, Mary raised somewhere between $65,000 and $70,000 for the Indianapolis public schools. The money raised goes toward much needed classroom supplies and educational materials.
Mary is just one person. One person that makes a difference in the lives of others. What she does truly matters. What you do matters! God has a purpose for you. You can make a difference.
Lee Ann Simpson, Administrative Assistant, Asbury Campus
