Accepting help

This is a difficult one, if it's small items , shopping etc given to a friend or relative who you know needs it there shouldn't be a problem. However be careful with larger items especially if they have a sensitive partner, things like your old TV or sofa, some people have excessive pride and will refuse.
I do remember many years ago my Grandparents had a farm with dairy cows and whenever there was a new baby in the village Granny would alway offer the new mum a can of milk each day. It was of course always accepted but it was done in secret, Grandad would not have approved!.

Although I too was brought up always to 'return' help/gifts, I now think there's an element of pride in that attitude and that we are all put here to help each other, which means some give, some receive, and it's good to do both at the right time. Yes the way in which help is offered is important, but refusing on principle seems rather sad, as it can be hurtful and one day you might really need that help.

Thank you all for your contributions. Recently one of my clients, who had been rough sleeping for a very long time, was finally housed. His new home is a tiny one-bedroom bungalow, but of course he had nothing at all in the way of furnishings or household items. In just three days he had received a fridge, kettle, crockery, cutlery, saucepans, an armchair, bed, bedding, curtains, side table (all 2nd hand, but in very good condition) and a brand new microwave. Someone has also offered carpeting for the whole place and another couple wanted to gift him a TV, but he declined politely as he knew he would not be able to afford the Licence fee. The couple with the TV worked out the problem and now two people that they know are paying for the TV Licence between them.

This lovely gentleman has been extremely gracious in receiving the gifts he has been given. He has a deep and genuine thankfulness for the kindliness of people who were strangers to him a few months ago and is not too proud to acknowledge that he is currently needy, nor does he have a sense of entitlement that he 'deserves' the help he's been given; I feel I've learnt a lot from him about how to both give and receive with grace.

If you want to give anonymously, how about the Food Bank?( if you agree with it).