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Roadsides
and Traffic Lights
Parking
Meter Feeding / Coins Attached to Cards
Some areas allow people to feed meters of strangers. For
years we have "fed" parking meters in Cincinnati. We changed
tactics one Fall when Sylvia Stayton was arrested. Perhaps you read
about the "meter feeding granny" in your local paper. We were
not aware that feeding someone else's meter was taboo. The law in Cincinnati
is rather vague. Until it is clarified, we have chosen to attach a coin
to a card that reads, "It's time for some change!" We place
the card between the drivers window and the bottom rubber seal. When
the driver returns, he or she can use the coin for his/her meter or
a phone call. This is a high volume project. A person can place close
to 200 of these an hour in a crowded parking area. To attach the coin
use a rubber cement (smelly and slow) or a roll-off adhesive. Several
types of these are sold in the tape section of most office supply stores.
Unless the weather is remarkably hot, even a quarter will stay attached.
Thief alert: Often young kids or street people will follow and swipe
the cards from cars. Ask them if they need money and how much. Usually
they will ask for a buck or two. Make them a deal — allow these
folks to get a quarter, and you'll give them two dollars.
Summer
Car Washes
This is an effective, practical service. We offer a car wash
every week in the summer. Have a professionally made banner or sign
that says "Totally Free Car Wash!" or "Free - No Kidding
- Car Wash!" Have a few people who are not shy, cheerfully yell
at cars driving by - "Free Car Wash!" Former cheerleaders
are great for this role! This outreach needs a good project manager
to organize volunteers, car flow and ensure a quality job.
Coke
Giveaways
This is a simple one: When the traffic light turns red, ask
drivers, "Would you like diet or regular?" Place a connection
card under the opener on the top. A word of caution: It's easy to
get enthused with this project and forget to adequately scan traffic
when the light changes. NOTE: Do not allow children under 10 to participate
due to safety in traffic.
Winter
Car Washes / Desalting
In the eastern part of the US, roads are de-iced with salt
and sand. Salt corrodes the underside of cars. This is similar to summer
car washes, except the emphasis is on desalting the underside of the
car more than the top. Soap is not necessary. Note: If the weather is
too cold (under 20°) you could do more damage than good. We've frozen
a few doors shut.
Popsicle
Giveaways
Drivers in some areas of town probably won't go for popsicles.
Blue-collar areas and college campus areas are more likely to take one.
We purchased our own ice cream truck complete with the cheesy music.
Trash
Pick Up with "Kindness in Progress" Signs
With a small investment and a little courage you can make
your mark on your city. You will need debris pickup sticks (with a nail
built into the end), five gallon plastic buckets to hold your roadside
trash, and some signs that read, "Kindness in Progress." We
place these signs every fifty feet in a busy street or retail area.
A team of 4-6 can clean the side of a road in less than an hour.
Before cleaning in front of a store, I usually talk with the owner-manager
to explain our project. I give him a connection
card and say, "We are picking up roadside debris along ____
Road. We're doing this to show the merchants here the love of Christ
in a practical way."
To date no one has been less than enthusiastic about our serving.
Towelette
Giveaway on Side of the Road
In the afternoon, when the heat is on, who doesn't need a
little refreshment on the drive home. Instead of giving away a soft
drink, offer them a towelette.
           
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