B
Years ago, my wife and I volunteered at a homeless shelter in downtown Los Angeles, US, preparing meals for thousands of people. I got to talk with one of them in line, Albert. He said he liked my socks. “Want to see mine?” he asked, lifting his leg. He was barefoot (赤脚的). He said he had been meaning to buy a pair but he hadn’t got around to it. I felt a sinking feeling in my stomach.
The next day, after work I stopped at Ross and filled up my car with socks. That next morning, I drove over to Santa Monica’s Palisades Park, which is a common place for homeless people.
I took one of the bags from my car. It was still dark out. I headed for a group of three men, standing around a tree, probably using it as a windbreaker. As I walked toward them, one of them watched me, perhaps questioning my motives. “I thought you all might need some fresh new socks,” I said, handing him a pair. He looked confused at first but took them and said, “Thank you.” I gave him two more pairs for his friends.
I moved on. An hour later, I had given out all the socks. Most people were sleeping, and I felt like Santa. I knew that when they woke up they would find a very meaningful present.
That was nine years ago. Every week I’ll hand out as many socks as I can. If I’m on vacation or on a business trip for more than a week, I bring a bag of socks with me and hand them out to the homeless on the streets in other states and countries.
It’s extremely satisfying to do “under the radar” things to help make some people’s lives a little bit easier. Part of me hopes to see Albert out there one of these days, but even if I don’t, I’d like to think one of the pairs will find him.
24. What caused the author to hand out socks to the homeless?
A. A homeless shelter’s request. B. His wife’s volunteer work.
C. His talk with Albert. D. A festival’s arrival.
25. How did the homeless man in the park react to the author’s help?
A. He wondered about the reason behind it. B. He expected to get more socks.
C. He refused to accept it. D. He was afraid of it.
26. What does the underlined phrase “under the radar” in the last paragraph probably mean?
A. Common. B. Surprising. C. Undiscovered. D. Unbelievable.
27. What could be the best title for the text?
A. Spreading presents on trips B. Looking for Albert all over the world
C. Giving the homeless a lifetime surprise D. Helping the homeless in an unexpected way
