Problem: Article: Most of us don't have constant access to the homeless community. There might be the same person we drive by or pass on the street, but other than that, it's totally random. So be ready to help by keeping a food kit in your car (or mom's!). A gallon-sized resealable bag (or two) with non-perishable items is a great way to always be ready. As for non-perishable items, think the basics. Granola bars, canned fruit or vegetables, peanut butter, maybe a candy bar -- pretty much anything you can open and eat (that can't get smushed, like potato chips). Don't forget pet food! It's estimated that around 10% of homeless people have pets to keep them company. That's 1 out of every 10! Pet food can be just as useful -- if their pets aren't fed, that's one more thing they have to worry about. You know how practically every checkout line nowadays has row upon row of gift cards readily available to inspire that impulse buy? Instead of needlessly spending money, spend it for a good cause! Having a gift card or two is super easy to carry around. Now where to? Keep it simple, like Starbucks, McDonald's, Walmart, or Target. Even $5 would be an amazing gesture. Gift cards are much easier to carry around wherever you go! As you've probably noticed, homeless people often go around collecting cans and bottles. We all have recyclables that we could donate to someone who actually needs the change, so keep yours! And hey, it saves you a trip! That's win win. That's by winning. If there's not one going on at your school or work, find out about what's happening in your community. Some organizations practically have food drives that run all year long. Check your newspaper, local schools, and other news outlets. If you can't find a food drive in your area, there are plenty of other ways to donate food! Contact your local shelters, churches, and coalitions to ask what they need. This is especially useful around the holidays. You've heard it before and we'll say it again: when you give money, who knows what it could be used for? Some organizations say that giving cash keeps them on the street, so they don't go searching for assistance at shelters and coalitions. But do feel free to donate cash to nonprofits and other similar organizations that assist the homeless. When you help the helpers, your dollar can reach maximum efficiency. They know exactly what to do with it!
Summary: Keep a food kit in your car. Have a few gift cards on hand. Keep your recyclables. Donate to a food drive. In general, don't give cash.

Problem: Article: It's not just a cliche--being yourself is likely one of the most crucial steps to attracting your crush. After all, you don't want your crush to fall for a fake version of yourself and if they are not interested in you, you'll know right from the get-go that this isn't the person for you and not to waste your time. For example, if you prefer reading and watching movies over going to your high school football games, don't pretend that you're a huge sports fan. You want your crush to like you for you, not the person you're pretending to be. Perhaps the biggest difference between being a senior and a freshman is that everything in the school is new for freshmen. After a few years, most students develop more confidence and ease and this comes naturally with age. However, if you want to attract a senior, you will have to project that same sort of laidback confidence. Be aware of your body language. Everyone picks up on body cues subconsciously so communicate confidence with good posture, direct eye contact, and an easygoing smile. If you are feeling uncomfortable or insecure, fake it til you make it. Laugh and smile a lot and try to keep things in stride. For example, if someone insults you while you are talking to your crush, make a lighthearted joke about it rather than getting upset or depressed. People are interested in dating those with the same maturity level and so, as you get to know your crush, aim to match their maturity level. Depending on your individual personalities, this may not require all that much effort on your part. Girls also tend to mature more quickly than boys so if you are a freshman girl interested in a senior guy, you may find your levels of maturity are actually similar. If that isn't the case, practice maturity by being organized, disciplined, and rational in your decision making. Of course, there's only so much you can do as maturity comes with age, but consciously working towards being mature rather than childlike will definitely make you stand out from other freshmen. Not only will learning about healthy relationships help you know what to expect, but it will also make you more confident and self-assured. After all, if you are trying to attract a senior, you should know the fundamentals of healthy relationships instead of always looking to them for guidance as this will create an unequal power dynamic. Finally, understanding and practicing healthy relationship skills will set you up for safe and fulfilling relationships down the road. Good communication and mutual respect are perhaps the two most crucial aspects of any healthy relationship. When talking to your crush, be honest about yourself and practice good listening skills. Also be sure to respect them by being considerate of their time and feelings (and make sure they are reciprocating!). You'll know if you are in a healthy relationship if you feel good about yourself and energized when spending time with that person. Unhealthy relationships tend to be emotionally unfulfilling, draining, and negative so make sure to watch for how you feel when spending time with your crush as that will clue you into whether the relationship is actually healthy or not.
Summary:
Be yourself. Be confident and laidback. Be mature. Learn healthy relationship skills.