Hi Neighbour! Every living human being can experience a bright future though present circumstances may indicate otherwise. No one was born to suffer or to be a pauper.

Heard a motivator on television the other morning reminding viewers, "We are not here for our own gain but to make others happy."

Do you know what Bill Gates did to secure a bright future? He figured out a way to make people happy. I am happily sitting right here typing this article on my personal computer. When Usain Bolt does his 100m flash right before our eyes, aren't we happy?

However, we need not be geniuses like Bill and Bolt to figure out ways to make others happy. It simply begins with a desire to satisfy the needs of others. Isn't it funny that no matter how talented we are, we really cannot satisfy our own needs? We were not made to serve ourselves; we were made to serve others.

Despite her past and present circumstances, Miss M is a happy giver, sees a bright future. As a tertiary student some years ago, she had to foot her own tuition costs and most times she was as broke as a 'church mouse'.

Determined to make it to certification, she had to count on the benevolence of others. Neighbours came to her aid. Some gave this, some gave that. She got all her textbooks, even though the prices were out of her reach. There was always a good neighbour turning up to render assistance, often in the nick of time. Miss M recognised that without the help of her neighbours she could have fallen by the wayside. From this she has learnt a lesson for life: No man is an island.

This fulfilled giver is encouraging everyone to see the process of receiving and giving as important to our existence as inhaling and exhaling. Persons who are always receiving and refuse to give may soon find their lives choked with unhappiness, discontent and disappointments.

Before closing off this section, let me draw my neighbours' attention to an urgent matter. Portia from St Catherine happened upon a family in her parish, whose life is sheer misery. Mother and daughter are blind. The daughter has three small children with nothing offer them. The usual story: Fathers are missing in action, after 'action'.

Portia, who has her own financial limitations, is trying her best but she needs help! As you throw away your leftovers before going to bed tonight, remember these unfortunate neighbours who may be kept awake tonight by hunger.

Thanks to these neighbours who have dipped in their pockets to help their neighbours over the past week:

1. Our corporate neighbour, John R. Wong Supermarket, New Kingston, for its generous contribution to our effort at helping others

2. Erica, St Andrew, for connecting with Isolyn, St Elizabeth, who is in need of clothing for her five daughters.

3. Pansy, for donation of clothing in response to a young woman's plea for help.

4. Naomi, Clarendon, for offering women's and children's clothing to a few needy neighbours.

5. Ms Harrison, who has offered a job as a live-in helper to a neighbour who badly needed one.

6. Mr Barnes, St Andrew, who is offering a bed base to a neighbour in need.

7. Marion, Manchester, who is donating clothing for a baby girl.

8. Ms Vickers, Westmoreland, for her donation of blankets and diapers to a needy mother who just had a baby.

9. Lloyd, St James, for his willingness to assist Sonia and Henrietta, whose families are in need of a bed and clothing.

10. Kerine, St Andrew, for connecting with Sonia in Clarendon who was in need of a crib for her infant.

11. Jackie, St Andrew, for donating clothing to Sonia, Clarendon, for her 13- and 14-year-old sons.

Hello Mi Neighbour is written by Silton Townsend, better known as 'Maas Gussie', was a lead actor in the local comedy 'Lime Tree Lane'.