Thirty years ago, Denise Osborne was living in and out of motels, missing her family, and was very lonely. Now, she spends her time showing kindness to those she lovingly refers to as “unhoused outdoor friends.”

“I’ve always felt guilty at the holidays when I’m eating and opening gifts knowing there are so many people out there in the cold without,” says Denise. 

In response to this guilt and the desire to do good to others, Denise has used her small business, Denise’s Real Dill Cannery, as a way to donate to the needy. 

When business is slow, Denise has made extras or donated any unsold items to blessing boxes in the area. Additionally, she has set up tables in areas where the unhoused live and handed out bags of food. 

“I also share prayers with them,” says Denise. “No matter what their circumstances are, they are still just as human as we all are. They need to know they are not forgotten.”

This holiday season, Denise has put together 25 gift bags to hand out on December 9 in Madison amongst her unhoused outdoor friends. Each bag includes a canned ham, dessert, hygiene items, warm clothing, and a few gifts. 

“Everyone deserves to open up a gift and eat a ham at Christmastime,” says Denise, who goes on to explain that kindness can have a ripple effect or goodness. 

This effect, Denise hopes, will help those unhoused outdoor friends feel less lonely. “Suicide is at a high peak during the holidays, and I remember having those thoughts as well back then,” says Denise. “If my kindness can prevent just one suicide, then my cause is well done.”

Perhaps the most admirable things about Denise is that she is determined to make a difference, even if it is on such a small scale.

“It touches my heart that I can help, even just a little bit," she says.

If we all aim to make a small difference like Denise has, perhaps maybe the impact would be greater than what we could ever imagine.