Here is a really touching story about Elvis' generosity
Elvis's Legacy of Generosity - He Gave of Himself
As the January 8th anniversary of the birth of Elvis Presley approaches, we think back on the legacy of giving he left behind. There is much documentation of his generous donations to the many charities and organizations that he helped over the years. However, what many may not know is that there are hundreds of stories of his quiet gestures of reaching out to those he saw hurting and in need, without the fanfare of the media or ever expecting more than a smile in return. We share a few of those stories here.
In 1960, Rusty was a five-year-old who was hospitalized and suffering from polio when he met Elvis, who, having broken his finger playing football, waited his turn to see the doctor at a Memphis clinic. In the waiting room Elvis became acquainted with Rusty's family and paid a visit to Rusty's room to cheer him up. Later, he sent a personal note to Rusty reporting on the progress of his broken finger and wishing the youngster well. Rusty died as a teenager, but his mother still cherishes the letter and the memory of the time Elvis took to spend with her son.
Tony was ten years old and receiving cancer treatments in Memphis, having to travel back and forth to his home in Florida, when Elvis heard about him. Elvis mailed him letters and pictures, but what Tony's mother remembers about the days before her son lost his battle with the disease were the phone calls he received from Elvis and how they brightened his day.
There was also the little Indian girl whose family was in a car accident on the way to Elvis's Russwood Park concert in Memphis. Elvis visited her in the hospital and gave her the encouragement she needed to get well.
There is the story of Karen, the little girl with cerebral palsy who became a fan through her nurse, Lena Canada. Karen and Elvis were pen pals until her death at the age of ten in 1963. Ms. Canada was moved to write a book about Karen and Elvis's friendship. The book inspired the 1980 movie "Touched By Love" in which actress Diane Lane played Karen and Deborah Raffin played Lena.
Two penniless girls, Elvis fans from England who were in the USA, had a family crisis when their father died unexpectedly. Elvis heard about the tragedy and quietly arranged for the funeral and transportation to England and back. Later, when they attempted to make a payment on the debt to Elvis, he was overcome with emotion saying that no one had ever tried to pay him back and refused their money, telling them the attempt was more than enough.
Today, many people from around the world from all walks of life can tell a story of how, in some way on some day of depression or pain, Elvis Presley was able to lift them up and to ease their need, whether it be through his recordings or films or seeing him in concert, from meeting him or from receiving financial assistance.
The difference with today's celebrities is that Elvis didn't do anything charitable just to get some attention/to get in the spotlights. Elvis was no Pharisee! Like Jesus has said "when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing".. Thank you for the meaningful story you're not getting enough replies for.
all the goons I left behind,
memories still linger..
Thank you for posting this, this is great...the world needs more people like Elvis
I've heard some of those stories. Too bad we can't all do the same.
What I have, I try to share. It's the least any of us can do.
Thanks for reminding us all.
"I have learned never to ridicule any man's opinion, however strange it may seem."
I don't think Jesus would want us to give away everything. It's just that if you do feel like giving away something, don't do it just to get the attention - and Elvis knew that. He was an honest guy.
all the goons I left behind,
memories still linger..
Thanks for those wonderful stories Ian. Here is another story from a US newspaper back in 1973.
ELVIS DONATES TO BOYS CAMP
NEW ORLEANS (AP) - A $1,000 donation from singer Elvis Presley will help open a camp for needy boys.
State Police volunteers' operate the camp, located at Holden, about 150 miles northwest of here. Monday night burglars looted the camp of supplies which had been donated for six sessions scheduled to start July 15.
Col. Tom Parker, Presley's manager, said in a statement telephoned here from Mobile Wednesday: "Elvis called me after reading about the thieves in the newspaper. He told me to check into this and send them a check and that's what I'm doing."
Parker said Presley helps support boys' camps in other states.
A state police spokesman said progress on the 1973 camp had shut down because of the theft.
"His donation will put us back where we were," he said. "It came as a complete surprise and we think it's just great."
The camp, supported largely by donations provides weeklong outings for 40 children in each session. It also has weekend camping for inner-city youths.
Rita
There are probably countless stories such as this, where he knew he could help- so he did.
Great stories, thanks. One particular story comes to mind. Elvis had read the Memphis paper, ( I believe this was in the late sixties ) and was extremley saddened to read that an elderly crippled African-American woman was in bad need of a wheelchair. He and Priscilla purchased her a gold plated wheelchair. They then went and personally delivered the wheelchair to the lady, which was brought into the house by Sonny West. Elvis picks up the elderly woman, and with tears streaming down his face, places her into her new wheelchair! Needless to say, there wasn't a dry eye in the place. That was Elvis Presley folks!
He was a wonderful human being.
ELVIS THE KING - TODAY TOMORROW & FOREVER
Thanks for posting.
Wow! No celebrity today would do that. I have never seen a superstar of his caliber care so much about people.
"When I was a child, ladies and gentlemen, I was a dreamer. I read comic books, and I was a hero in the movie. So every dream that I ever dreamed has come true a hundred times. I learned very early in life that without a song, the day would never end; without a song, a man ain't got a friend; without a song, the road would never bend; without a song. So I keep singing a song." - Elvis Presley
Thank's alot for the really nice responses everyone!!! There has never been anyone more giving than Elvis that's for sure!!!
I recall in 75 or 76 Jerry Lewis was doing his telethon and Elvis was in the hospital and he called in to donate $5,000 to MDA. He just wanted to help. I think Frank Sinatra announced the donation and he then told Elvis to get well. Anyone else recall this?
There was Elvis' generous monetary donation to the Actors Guild, which was accepted by Barbara Stanwick. Not quite sure what that organization does, I think it helps to provide medical attention to those actors who are out of work or struggling to stay in the industry. At the time, Elvis' donation was the largest single donation made by anyone. While actors claim to take care of their own, apparently that stops at the checkbook. My apologies if my cattiness offends, just a little angry at the way some folks in Hollywood treated Elvis.
Just pretend, I'm holding you, and whispering things soft and low.
And think of me, how it's gonna be and just pretend I didn't go
These stories keep me going and give me hope remembering there was someone like Elvis on this earth.
These are wonderful stories. Thanks so much for sharing these. Through all of Elvis' faults (we're all human and please don't look in my closet), this is who he really was.
These are great.
thank you for starting this thread.
Before Anybody Did Anything, Elvis Did Everything
That's is the true, He is wonderful man, that have big heart, we forget things about him and that MM give ther time to help few people..Originally Posted by Gerianne
that's I have to said.
Tom
Take a look at you and me,,Are we too blind to see, Do we Simply turn our heads and look the other way.....(Line From "in The Ghetto")
Had to be a party-pooper here, but what are the sources for these stories? Fan magazines? Where did you get this information please?
Getlo - cute'n'cuddly
Well for one Getlo, the announcement on the Jerry Lewis telethon and I'm sure if you dig enough you will find more proof of the other stories.
There shouldn't be any doubt in anyone's mind that Elvis was a caring giving person and that his good qualities far outweighed his faults....we should all be able to say the same about ourselves.
Diane
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