I remember being a little boy and looking forward to being an adult, that magical day when I could magically buy beautiful things (for some reason I visualized these Chinese lion statues) without having to ask for permission.

Now I’m an adult, and I still get a thrill at being able to buy whatever I want at the grocery.

But I wasn’t always able to buy whatever I wanted at the grocery.

Even 7 years ago, at the age of 37, my debit card was getting rejected in line at the grocery, and even if it wasn’t, there was always the tightening in my chest at the threat of it.

That’s the American dream—grow up poor, get a good education, make a success of yourself. In historical context, that’s a radical dream.

But many of us don’t get that good education, or enjoy safe streets. Many of us don’t have the money to buy a coffee.

The holidays are coming up—once again I’m collecting local donations from restaurants, $50 gift certificates, for single parents and others who might need a break and might enjoy a special fun lunch or dinner taking their children out to a nice restaurant without having to cook or do the dishes. The Kitchen has already given five $50 donations. In the past, many other local restaurants have been generous. If you’d like to give, please comment below.

As they say in Buddhism, “generosity is the virtue which produces peace.”

But even more importantly, vote for and support those who support safe streets, investment in commonwealth and education, and higher taxes on the very rich and corporations—let’s give the next generations a path forward. When we all win, we all win.