3 Ways Reddit Can Help Those In Need

Reddit is a miraculous little site that yields the potential to either make or break the Internet but when its users are not spreading memes like a disease, they are caring for people that are truly in need.

So what if you end up actually needing assistance? It’s a good thing that the philanthropic users of Reddit and their lovely alien named Snoo are here to help.

Some Pointers

Let’s be straight about a few things. The people of Reddit typically want to look after those who are already existing members of its online community. Furthermore, they will only provide relief if you can prove that you genuinely need it. That is really sad to say, but we all know that the Internet is full of liars. Consider the last time you received an email from that Nigerian prince. You really should refer to our wide assortment of work concerning internet scams.

All in all, if you are not a Redditor, it would be best to try one of these options:

• Find a friend who is a Redditor who can go speak to the masses on your behalf.
• Include yourself in the community prior to requesting assistance and just wait it out.
• Using a new account, ask for help, provide some proof, and hope for the best.

Also, if you are already a Redditor, do not make a throwaway account for this type of request. This is one situation where Reddit karma pays off. Reddit can be a nice community, but it also isn’t afraid to unleash its cyber-missiles on those who may be even the most innocent of users. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

In MakeUseOf’s past article concerning Reddit - 5 Cool Things You Should Know about Reddit - the sections known among the general community as “subreddits” are lightly touched upon. Below, MakeUseOf provides you with three different subreddits that are good to remember.

r/Assistance

This subreddit is for the general requests and offers on Reddit. Here you can find anything ranging from requests to relieve medical needs all the way to support with housing troubles.

Often, there will be those that cannot assist you financially, but they will provide you with advice that can help you get around any financial woes. Sometimes that is better than anyone sending a few dollars your way. However, since this subreddit is full of people trying to do goodwill unto others, they do not like to be conned, so be prepared with some proof it you really need some help.

Submitting a scan of some medical documents or even a picture of your damaged home should be good enough. Even better, place a handwritten sign featuring your username next to both types of images while creating them.

r/Food_Pantry

No one should have to go hungry, and Reddit makes sure of that with r/Food_Pantry. The formula of this subreddit is quite similar to r/Assistance, but the primary focus is on giving away food.

As the Internet’s soup kitchen, users take on a high responsibility of caring for the public. On this subreddit, you will find generous Redditors openly offering gift cards, pre-bought food items, and whatever else people might lack.

Redditors in need can request help by making a simple post explaining their situation and general location. Those that see the post can offer their assistance by shipping non-perishables or working with local grocery stores that are able to deliver.

r/Random_Acts_of_Pizza

While pizza may not appeal to the lactose intolerant or picky six-year-olds, I think we can all agree that it is a standard food that is cheap, filling, and plentiful. Although it is in the same spirit of r/Food_Pantry, this subreddit is a little bit more lighthearted than its other philanthropic counterparts, and it offers a more open environment for making requests.

Basically, if you are hungry and can’t afford a hot meal, just make a post explaining what’s all going on. Let Reddit do the rest. There is no shame in asking for a pizza here, but it helps if you keep the “pay it forward” mentality.

Pizza donors primarily use two methods to send you pizza. For instance, they may just call it in themselves if they are in your area, or if you are at a distance, they will send you an eGift Card for the pizza place of your choice. Also, if there are any other delivery services in your areas, this Reddit can adjust to whatever your starving palate desires.

Conclusion

To recap, Reddit is a site that is chock-full of generally good folks. Even in the midst of the heavy debates and questionable controversy that may end up on the site, it is quite obvious that those items can be set aside to aid someone. Also, if you want to check out some success stories about how people have helped others, take a gander at r/TodayYouTomorrowMe.

So why don’t you tell us what you think of the helpful sections of Reddit? Have you ever received help from one of the subreddits? Have you ever given help to someone?