When you encounter something another has done that has changed America for the good, does it make you want to get off your couch and do something?
I am not just talking of helping when duty calls, such as hurricane relief. What I am speaking of is MUCH simpler than that.
After watching the movie Pay it Forward the other night, I was reminded of a story I heard a few years ago in People magazine. It was about Hal Reichle and his secret society. Hopefully, after reading this, you will want to become a member.
Before I reveal the antics of this secret society, I want to introduce you to Hal Reichle. He was a rambunctious prankster who was unfortunately killed while piloting an OH-58 helicopter during the Desert Storm war. To go along with his continuous pranking he had a great spirit.
Most of his time was spent helping others anonymously. He made a sport out of it.
Just to give an idea of his extensive plans, Hal on one occasion went out into a blizzard at 5 a.m. to shovel a teacher’s driveway so they could make it to school. He was never asked to do this and the teacher had no clue who had done such a special deed.
Just imagine waking up and seeing something so simple being done for you. It makes you all warm inside just thinking about it.
After Hal’s death, a group of people wanted to allow this spirit to live on. There is no roster to the names of these people. In fact, they could be living among you. The Secret Society of Serendipitous Service for Hal (SSSSH) performs anonymous good deeds for anyone: rich or poor, old or young.
The limits of the deeds are completely up to the member. It could be painting a run-down house while the owners are away, paying for the meal of a random person at a restaurant without them knowing, leaving a large tip for a server even if they didn’t do a great job. It can truly be anything.
There are two rules that member have to abide by: 1) You must remain anonymous. 2) You must leave a Reichle card. This is a small paper that tells the person receiving the act about the society and how they can learn more.
Hopefully, at this point I have made you at least somewhat interested. If you want to learn more about SSSSH and read stories from those that have been affected, or you would like to print your own Reichle cards, go to www.hiram.edu/hal.
In all actuality, I would love this simple idea to grow. It gives everyone a chance to be a part of something bigger without being selfish.
Be a member but make sure your actions speak louder than words. SSSSH!

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