I agonized over who to give the $100 to.  I didn’t want to give the money to someone who might use it for drugs, alcohol or gambling.  I talked to all my family and friends.  Most of them were in shock when they learned about this beautiful act of kindness bestowed upon me by Andy and Sylvana Siegel.  I initially tried to give the money to a wounded Veteran who recently came back from Iraq and has a young family.  His pride would not allow him to accept charity.  I asked if I could get his family food or toys for his children and he still was firm on, “no”.

I then remembered another young Veteran who came back from Afghanistan 8 months ago.  My friend asked me to help him write a resume and give him pointers on how to answer job interview questions.  He too has a young family.  He has gone on a lot of job interviews but, not been offered a job.  He feels that he has been  discriminated against because he has been told by companies that they don’t like to hire Veterans because they frequently have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.  I used the $100 that Payday gave me to buy him a grocery store gift card.  He was exceptionally appreciative.  He too has a lot of pride but, told me that he is incredibly relieved that his 3 year old daughter won’t have to be hungry for the holidays.

Alyssa B.